BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

kominsky · September 2006

Div is correct on the brochures and I have a couple of them right here. Is this for your car? I have the 2001 Sedan brochure.

abfisch · September 2006

Need help. Have a 04 325ci 5 speed. Start up it coughs before smoothing out. Always starts, but rough. Once warmed up, runs smooth and fun.

Anyone have any ideas, besides switching gas octane and brand. Already did that at BMW dealerships request. Still does it.

Thanks.

abfisch

cdnpinhead · September 2006

What does your mechanic think it is? Most larger places have an independent BMW place (or several).

My experience on these boards, in this price range, is that no one does their own work. They take it in & pay the man.

Well, actually, most of them lease & never even have to pay anyone -- it's all covered by the warranty.

dave330i · September 2006

Tonight on my drive home I saw a really nice Jet Black/Black E36 ///M3 Sedan. It had the Luxury Wheels & Spoiler. Nice car. Did they make the sedan in '98 & '99?

My co-worker has a E36 M3 sedan. I can't remember if it was 98 or 99 though. I vaguely remember him saying it was 99. I'll double check with him.

nyccarguy · September 2006

and I think they only made an E36 M3 sedan in '97 & '98 like then man said before:)

brave1heart · September 2006

Thanks, guys. I should have specified that this is for a non-stock car with a custom differential and we do not know what its final drive is. Thanks for the procedure on the final drive. I think the drive shaft would spin too fast if the car is in gear, though, and we may not be able to measure the individual gear ratios... The final drive should do...

brave1heart · September 2006

Nice video! Spokane looks like a long stretch of private road ;o) Can't say that I've seen trees and equipment immediately off the track before. Why did the car in front of you have its flashers on - is this a safety procedure with that club? I've been in an E30 M3 at Tremblant and the Glen as a passenger - awesome car, nice and nimble and easy to get on a small drift around the sweepers.

fedlawman · September 2006

He is a club driving instructor. They put their flashers on when they are on the track (in their own car).

txbmwfan · September 2006

Consumer Reports states this as a "used car to avoid" for 2004 model year. Yet, CR has no problem with years prior and subsequent. I checked with a reputable independent BMW shop, and they said the exact same parts have been used all of E46 model years and no basis for this.

I have driven for 2.5 years with no problems. My lease expires in 6 months and I was planning to purchase, but CR gave me pause. Should I be concerned?

div2 · September 2006

CR's reliability rankings can often be used to identify a trend over several years, but looking at a single year in isolation is always suspect. I wouldn't worry about it.

txbmwfan · September 2006

Intuitively, that makes sense. Thanks for the input.

natenj1971 · September 2006

A friend has a 2003 xi sedan. The four year service/warrenty is about to expire and she wonders if BMW offers extended warrenty/service programs. Anyone have some info?

Thanks.

kyfdx · September 2006

Maintenance: BMW offers an extension to 6yr/100K for about $1000. It includes everything that the original maintenance plan covers.

Warranty: If she is the original owner of the car, BMW offers the Original Owner Protection Plan.. This extended warranty mimics the CPO warranty that they put on pre-owned cars. Extends the warranty to 6yr/100K with many more exclusions and a $50 deductible. I think the price for a 3-series is somewhere around $2300.

Warning: Dealers may try to mark up these prices for extra profit. If eligible, you can buy them from any dealer.

Recommendation: The maintenance plan is usually a good deal, as it will definitely cover the 60K Inspection II, which is a pretty expensive service. The warranty is fairly pricy, if she is only driving 12K mi./yr, as it will only cover for two more years.

regards,
kyfdx

natenj1971 · September 2006

thanks very much for the detailed response.

txbmwfan · September 2006

Has anyone bought or received a quote for the 6 yr/100,000 mi. BMW Original Owner Protection Plan? My dealer just quoted $2,249 (list price) on my 2004 325i. I've not negotiated with him, but that it makes no economic sense given I drive less than 10K/year.

I checked out WarrantyDirect.com. I can get a bumper-to-bumper warranty for 7 years (starting right now) for around $2,200 or major component coverage for about $1,500. Any experiences with Warranty Direct?

brave1heart · September 2006

Warranty Direct - skip!

txbmwfan · September 2006

Why skip? Did you have a bad experience with Warrany Direct?

msfitnetz · September 2006

Wax,
What area are you looking in? I have noticed since the '07 came out more '03 330xi prices in the 24k to 26k here in DC Metro, a few outside the area. Those are the STARTING prices so still negotiable. I am not sure of all the equipment you are seeking but seems each day more must be turning in as 3 year leases should be ending about now. I am in the market myself deciding what I want to do.
msfitnetz

wax_71 · September 2006

I'm in Chicago suburbs.The prices over by you are really good. What kind of mileage are you looking at for those prices. 30-40k I suppose. The one I looked at is CPO so that's more pricey than if I just got one from private/ regular dealer but I just don't feel confident spending 30k without peace of mind. I good beat the dealer down to 28k for the manual that is pretty loaded.
The '05/'06 G35x prices are dropping here like the 3's are there and so I am in 2 minds. The handling is good (not quite BMW ) but they have alot more power( 280 hp) and Japanese reliability of course How about you? Have you decided?

tcn2k · September 2006

Can anyone point me to site or link that has instructions on how to fix the moon roof shad problem? The plastic clip on my car moonroof shade is broken. I had it fixed years ago when it was under warranty, but not anymore.

ramnathr · September 2006

i am planning to buy a BMW 325i.yesterday i was looking at one . the car seems to be in really good condition .its 22 months old. how much should i pay for that. the seller is the original owner and said he paid like 33K for that and it has 28K miles on it.

Features: A/C: Front, A/C: Rear, Power Locks, Power Steering, Airbag: Driver, Airbag: Passenger, Anti-Lock Brakes, CD Player, Power Windows, Rear Window Defroster, Alloy Wheels, Sunroof/Moonroof

please advice asap
thanks in advance

txbmwfan · September 2006

Get an appraisal from Edmunds TMV appraiser. You'll need the year of the car and options (usually equipped with some combo of automatic tranny, premium package, and leather seats).

sunilb · September 2006

On another board, people are saying that replacing the radiator on an E46 should be done around 70K miles... has anyone else heard this?

I haven't had any problems, but recently had the water pump and serpetine belts replaced (as preventive maintenance). I was hoping that would be the only major maintenance until I get to 90K.

txbmwfan · September 2006

I read in the new Bimmer Magazine (Nov. 06) that in the E46s, "Radiators are early failure items: if you can stomach preventive radiator maintenance replacement, do so every 90K miles."

So, take what you want from this. In any event, it would be at 90K not 70K. I hope that helps.

div2 · September 2006

I'd swap it at 90K- assuming that you are using BMW coolant/distilled water and changing it every three years. Changing out the radiator is a fairly simple DIY job; the radiator and expansion tank can be purchased for under $350 with a CCA discount.

nyccarguy · September 2006

I became a Dad on September 23, 2006 to a beautiful 22" 9lb 4oz baby boy.

sunilb · September 2006

Thanks for the responses!
Barring any unforeseen events, I will wait until 90K (at which time I hope to be more proficient of a DIY-er).

sunilb · September 2006

Congrats, nyccarguy!!

Must be some sleepless, but amazing nights for you!

shipo · September 2006

Congratulations dude! I expect to see a few posts from you over few months with a timestamp of three or four in the morning. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx · September 2006

Congratulations!! Sounds like a future offensive lineman..

Cars will start to mean much less to you now...

div2 · September 2006

Congratulations!

kominsky · September 2006

Congrats!! Hope Mom and junior are doing well!

nyccarguy · September 2006

For your good wishes. It has been an amazing 4 days so far to say the least.

brave1heart · September 2006

Congrats! Exciting times! That's a very tall baby ;o)

brave1heart · September 2006

My indie recommended not replacing the radiator - he told me he is not seeing nearly the same % failures on E46 cars with equivalent mileage as he has seen on E36 cars. We did the water pump at 70-something K miles - it had 1/4 thick corrosion and it would not have lasted much longer. My thermostat was replaced under warranty way back, so I think the cooling system is OK. Flushed the coolant at 4 years (recommended for E46 cars), althugh 3 years would be even better. I asked my indied about the belts too - he said they were all in good shape. Car is garaged at night, that probably makes a difference as a friend of mine who parks his 2001 325ci (same year as my 325i) outside had to replace the belts a couple of years ago.

brave1heart · September 2006

Forgot to mention the car has 103K hard-driven mmiles. No, make that very hard-driven

)

rhmass · September 2006

Hi, Brave, you seem to have a very good and honest indie. As I recalled you live around Boston area, right? Do you mind giving me the indie's name. I live near Boston as well, west of Boston, and have been looking for a good indie for out of warranty work. TIA

susanlittle · September 2006

i have an 02 325xi with 38,000 miles. its been at the dealer 3 times with a low, rumbling vibration noise (after getting up to about 50 mph). they cannot find the source. i was told that they have an 03 model on the lot with 70,000 miles that made the same noise. now they tell me that it is a normal sound. the noise only started after about 28,000 miles. of course the warranty ran out this month! i believe that it has something to do with the all wheel drive. i'm waiting for the specialist from bmw to take a look at it next month. has anyone else had the same experience?

fedlawman · September 2006

Sounds like a differential or driveshaft issue to me.

Your BMW dealer is supposed to employ "BMW Specialists" in the service department, so I'm not sure your dealer giving you the service you need. Any competent mechanic can check your driveline for an out of balance or lubrication issue, which is what I suspect you're experiencing.

If you originally brought it to the dealer with this problem while the car was still under warranty, I would insist they correct it under warranty. If not, I would take my business elsewhere - a proper, independant "BMW Specialist." Check your local BMWCCA Chapter website for references.

johnny420 · September 2006

I finally took my M3 to the track. I thought my 325 was a blast to drive, but the M is a whole new level of nirvana.

Here's 23mb worth of me following another M3 around Spokane Raceway Park for one lap.

Awesome video Brian. The car sounds terrific on the track and the track itself looks like a fast one. Looks like it was a lot of fun.

johnny420 · September 2006

Here's a shot of your car from the last TSX meet we were at:

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

kyfdx · October 2006

Thanks a lot... depression now setting in..

fedlawman · October 2006

Thanks Johhny, that's a good shot of her that I haven't seen before. I've repaired some of the paint chips and I detailed her this summer (after Spokane Raceway Park). We should meet up again soon. Can you send me a hi-rez version (and any others you have)?

Kyfdx, you just need to bite the bullet and get yourself an E30 like I did. All my troubles went away, my grey hairs all turned black, my lower back pain vanished, I lost 15 lbs, grew 1", and my teeth turned pearly white. In my case, I couldn't have come up with a better remedy for mid-life.

johnny420 · October 2006

No problem Brian, I can email a hi res version to you. I can even clone out the rock chips :P I'll get that out in the next day or so. If I remember, that was the best of the shots I got that day, but I'll double check.

Hearing you wind the car out at the track really puts the E30 M3 into perspective for me. She may be a production car, but she's pure race-bred underneath that sweet exterior. Hope you don't mind, but I posted that shot at my flickr site

A meet-up sounds good.

fedlawman · October 2006

Yes Johnny, that would be great. I've filled many of the rock chips, but don't think I'm too anal about them or anything. My E30 is a driver's car, and I drive it the way it was meant to be driven. I expect chips, squeaks, and leaks, and she has them all.

I'm not sure what a "flickr site" is, but if it has photos you've taken, I'm sure it's worth checking out.

Re the M3's voice, yeah, I love it too. I need to find a way to cut down on the wind rumble so it comes through better. Maybe another track junkie can chime in with some suggestions - perhaps some foam taped over my camcorder microphone?

Brian

P.S. Here's a picture of me in front of my new company car. I'm off the street now - flying full-time...

brave1heart · October 2006

Autobahn Automotive in Lexington. Ask for Chip. They are not cheap but do very good work.

brave1heart · October 2006

Cool pics! That makes TWO awesome machines.

I just got back from 3 days at Watkins Glen. My instructor had an E30 325 set up well for the track with some lightening (2,700 lbs), suspension, etc. 190K miles on the stock motor. He was passing nearly all cars in the instructor group, including E30 M3s, just an awesome car. As much as I LOVE my E46, I'd need to take good 300-400 lbs out of it to duplicate that E30 feel at the track and even then... I'd also need a limited-slip. It's always a tradeoff, though - I do like my air conditioner to cool me off while in the pits during the Sumemr and the seat heaters for cold rainy days. And the E46 325i will still turn 2:28 min laps at the Glen on street tires ;o)

fedlawman · October 2006

Thanks Brave! Spokane was the first real track I've ever driven other than Pacific Raceways. It was so much fun spending two days at a new track - now I can't wait to get down to Portland and up to Vancouver. I envy you. Someday, I would love to drive a legendary track like Watkins Glen or Limerock. Someday...

The E46 is a fantastic car, and despite the extra weight, it really does defy the laws of physics. The 3-series has always been about the ideal mix of sport and comfort, and I think the E46 is probably the best 3-series ever in this regard.

There are only 2 reasons why I love my E30 so much. 1, I only drive it on fair weather weekends, and 2, I have a big Volvo with heated leather barcoloungers parked next to it.

bimmerbroad · October 2006

Getting my father in-law's 1988 325is sedan. White with black interior. Anything I need to know? Fun summer car or repair headache?? It has about 100K on it and was kept garaged and used in summer. Any info/help appreciated. First bimmer experience. Thanks everyone!

rhmass · October 2006

Thanks, Brave, for the information.

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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