BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

chashoang

kominsky: Does anyone know where to go to see what service bulletins are in effect (or is it only the dealer that knows?) and what recalls are on certain models?

robs328i

http://www.alldata.com/recalls/index.html

kominsky

The page Rob posted looks like a pretty good starting point, but I don't see a listing for the work I just had done. According to my work order, I had repair work per SIB 34 04 01 performed.

bimmerwaggin

The latest Consumer Reports 3-series review and rating is a very mixed bag. CR editors give the 3-series a very good review, and the owner satisfaction and depreciation ratings are top notch. The 3-series also gets an excellent safety rating.

However, any car that falls 20% below average in owner-reported reliability comes off the CR recommended list. Based on the graph supplied by CR, it looks like the 3-series was about 25% more trouble-prone than average, so it is not recommended for the 2003 model year.

I think I'll keep my bimmer, and take my chances. I blame the whole "recommended" issue on Honda and Toyota, they've got to stop making cars, they're ruining the curve for everyone else!

bmwdoug

I am looking at buying a used 01 530i with sport package, premium package; it has no xenon lights. The car has 20600 miles, it is a CPO from a BMW Dealer. The price is $39,000. For that same price I can get a new 03 330i with sport package, and premium package, and xenon lights. What do you guys think?

cutlr4

Hello, looking to order a 3 Series, does anyone
know when the 2004's 3 series sedans will be available for order. Thanks

mschukar

I've been keeping my mileage on a spreadsheet since the day I picked it up (My name is Murray and I'm an Engineer :-)

The OBC comes out consistently about 1 MPG over the actual amount, so you're not getting as good of mileage as you think.

I also clocked the speedometer with the cruise set as close to 75 mph as I could get it. Using mile markers and my stopwatch, I came up with ~73 mph over 22 miles.

-murray

motokichi

have you ever read european car? it has many articles related to performanc improvements and tuner based euro cars, including the 3 series.

denk

Murray--Thanks for the data point. My obc has been reading about 18.5 mpg for combined city/highway driving which seemed a bit low from what I've seen on this board. That's what triggered my question, so I will start computing the mileage manually to see how it compares.

mschukar

18.5 seems low. My worst mileage was 22.4 mpg and my average is 25.3 in mixed driving, but mostly country roads during 17 mile commute.

See what it is when the weather warms up.

-murray

kdshapiro

According to BMW - "The 3 Series has had a banner year, winning an All-Star award for the eleventh time from Automobile Magazine, for Best Luxury Car Under $40,000, a "10 Best" from Car and Driver Magazine, as well as the thirteenth 10-Best Engine Awards for the 3.0 L engine found in the 330i, and the 3.2 L found in the M3, from Ward's Auto World."

In addition, BMW has announced the availability of a 3-Series security package capable of B4 compliance.

killer3

I just went from a 528i to a 330i for my last lease. Here are some thoughts: you can get a '00 528 for under $30K CPO'd to 100K miles from Mass. dealers. I would do this before buying a new 330i for $39K. (Of course if you are leasing the equations change). While the biggest feature difference to me this winter has been a lack of a heated steering wheel on the 330i (much missed this winter), the cars drive very differently, and you need to decide what type of person you are. The 5-series is very refined while still being sporty, and offers much more solid doors and trunk, and whatnot. The 3-series definately has inferior build quality. More importantly, the 330i will be faster and more youthful, and requires constant attention to the steering input to keep the car going where you want it. The 5-series is a little slower, but soaks up uneven pavement better and drives as though it is reading your mind...you do not have to worry about the steering wheel at all, your hands just automatically adjust the car as if you just needed to think about where you wanted the car to go. The five series is the best car I have ever driven. It is also the easiest car to drive that I have ever owned...if I had a teenage son or daughter I would want them driving this car on friday or saturday night; I would NOT want them driving the 330i (maybe a 325i) and this is from someone who grew up cruising around in my Mom's incredibly powerful Olds Delta 88, so I know what kind of trouble excess power can get a kid into. Just my two cents, I am sure others will offer conflicting opinions.

shipo

Interesting, I went from a 1999 328i 5-Speed PP (no SP) to a 2002 530i 5-Speed PP and SP, and some of your words would match mine exactly, except in reverse. My 530i will absolutely blow the doors off my 328i both in acceleration and handling.

Acceleration: I found that the 1999 528i 5-Speed that I drove was just a little lacking (when compared to my (then) Passat GLX VR6, and especially to the 328i), while the 530i easily out classes the other three cars in this catagory.

Handling: Given that the 330i has the Sport Suspension as standard equipment, I am wondering if some of the difference you are noticing (assuming that your 528i did not have the SP) is not so much E39 vs. E46 as it is SP vs. Non SP.

Your other comments regarding how the two cars are to drive mimic my observations almost exactly.

Best Regards,
Shipo

brave1heart

<<<My 530i will absolutely blow the doors off my 328i both in acceleration and handling.>>> Agreed on the handling part because your 328 did not have the SP but I seriously doubt the 530 will be much faster than your 328 which I had the pleasure to drive as well. I think it may be marginally faster but it won't be anything like blowing its doors off. I challenge you to pull in a better lap than my 325 up at NHIS (going up on May 1) or the autoX (starting on April 17). I am sure the 530 will be a little faster than my 325 in a straight line but it won't be enough to offset the handling advantage that 3-series have due to their lower weight. If you accept the challenge, just sign up for any of these events through http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/

Hope to see you there ;o)

larsun

Hi All:
Has anyone had M Sports Package II for his/her 330ci? I went to bmwusa.com, but they don't have this package for US. On the other hand, this package is offered in Canada and Great Britain as far as I know (from BMW website). Does anyone know how to get M Sports Package II in US?

div2

Hee Hee, Wish I lived closer to Beantown; I'd throw the Club Sport into the fray. FWIW, I think Mrs. Div's 528iA is a dandy commuter and long distance cruiser, but I'll take a 3er over a 5er any day for attacking a twisting two-lane. Well, except for an E28 M5...;)

kdshapiro

It is sharp. The pictures don't do the Imola red justice, and the car is slick.

brave1heart

I would not bet against a light and nimble ti with a Conforti chip and a few other goodies. Esp. one that's been regularly exercised at its own private rally course )

shipo

Hmmm, tempting, however, given my broken leg and the soft tissue damage from my dislocated foot, it is unlikely that I will be in any condition to do any kind of spirited driving of any kind until mid to late summer at the earliest. That said, even if I was in top shape, I am sure that my driving skills are not up to snuff, and that regardless of which car you were driving, you would smoke me royally. ;-) What might be far more interesting would be what kind of lap times you could generate in both cars on the same day on the same course. In fact, that might be worth trying to arrange. ;-)

Regarding performance, I stand behind my words; my 530i will easily leave my former 328i behind in an acceleration contest. Given that the 530i has the same gearing, weighs only about 300 pounds more, has 32 more horsepower (225@5900 vs. 193@5500), and while it has only 8 pound/feet more torque, it comes in at a lower RPM (214@3500 vs. 206@3950), that in and of itself should make the 530i faster, on paper at least. In the real world, my car seems to be A LOT faster, in fact, during a test drive last fall with a service technician (trying to determine if my car needed a software upgrade for the throttle software), he commented, "Wow, this car seems awfully fast for a 530i."

I responded, "I assume that is because this one is a 5-Speed."

He said, "Hmmm, I don't think so, I drive lots of 530s every day, manuals included, and I'm telling you, this one feels like it's in 540 territory." (I assume he was referring to 540iA territory)

Is my car faster than a typical 530i? I don't know, I have never raced one, however, the anecdotal evidence suggests that it might well be. Two things for sure, it's quite a bit faster than both my former 328i, and the 530i 5-Speed that I test drove before ordering mine. Sooner or later (sooner I hope), you'll "Be the judge of that", when we finally get around to our next "comparo". ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

I had a good PT session yesterday, and literally overnight, my range of motion had improved so much that today, I squeezed into a large bedroom slipper and took my 530i for a ride to the office. Wow, when my hand finished its first gear change, it became all tingly, and I swear it had a "Handgasm"! ;-) What a pleasure to drive a real car for a change. Needless to say, I am taking it REAL EASY.

Hmmm, Mrs. Shipo put over 3,000 miles on it in the last eight weeks! I wonder if she has been taking the LOOONG way to work. ;-) No wonder why she keeps threatening to break my other leg when this one is fully healed. ;-)

I will get one more chance to drive it tomorrow, and then I will be out of town until the 17th, so, hopefully I won't regress too much (no PT in Taipei), as I am hoping to start driving it full time when I get back.

Best Regards,
Shipo

bmwdoug

I am looking for a 530i, sport package, premium package, XENON lights, in black with gray interior, would consider black interior, but prefer gray. I am looking for a 2001 or 2002 with low miles. I am ready and able to buy, just need to find the car. Thanks.

nyccarguy

Shipo:

I'm glad your PT is progressing so you can once again drive your car.

It is funny that you say that the mechanic said your 530i felt exceptionally fast for a 530i. My friend had a (bought in late 94) 1995 E36 325is (5 speed, PP, SP...) that he got rid of in 1997. He sold the car back to the BMW dealership. When he went for a ride with the service techs and the used car manager, they both told him that his car seemed exceptionally fast and was faster than the then 328is. They swore his car had been modified, but it wasn't. Stranger things have happened.

riez

bmwdoug... Have you checked out BMW NA's CPO locator on their web site? Nice place to start looking.

brave1heart

<<< What might be far more interesting would be what kind of lap times you could generate in both cars on the same day on the same course. In fact, that might be worth trying to arrange. >>> That would be great. There's another driving school at NHIS in September and autoX events through October. As far as 530 vs. 328, the 530 has a slight power-to-weight ratio advantage (16.7 vs. 16.3) although the torque advantage is not significant. The torque advantage in the 328 gives it a good advantage over the 325 although the HP difference there is not that big...

1violinist

Anyone tested 330i w/performance package? Is it only availabe in Imola Red?
Personally, I like the 6-spd 540i but the new performance package got my attention and made me curious.

Thanks,
Tony

mithiral67

I was wondering if anyone knew where I could find a catalogue online for the 2004 330ci? Autospy has one, but it was in a foreign language and I don't feel like typing the whole thing in to a translator.
Thanks
James

420blackbirds

Hi everyone. I'm needing a car, for which I can pay cash, for basic commuting purposes. I've got a friend whose step-mom has a 1990 325i for sale. It's been in the same family since her mom (that is, the step mom's mother) purchased it in 1990. It's got 215k on it, but only 80k on the rebuilt motor. Looks to be in very good shape, and of course I'll have a mechanic check it out. They are asking $2500.00 for the car. What do you think? How does one allow for the rebuild--does it get credit for having 80k on it or do you plug in the whole 215 when calculating for mileage? Are BMWs fairly reliable? All opinions, comments, etc. are welcome. Thanks!

div2

I think that a 13 year old 3er with 215K on the clock will prove to be a bit fussy for everyday use as a work hack. Make no mistake, an E30 3er is a great car- assuming that you can do some of the maintenance/repair work yourself and that you know where to get OEM parts at a good price. I'm a gearhead, so I'd give it a good hard look-my philosophy is that you can never have too many BMWs in the garage. However, if you are going to have to take it to the shop for every little hiccup the $$$ will add up very fast.

leenelsonmd

seivwrig: I look forward to the car control school this weekend. I made the cut. Now to find out just how bad a driver I am.

brave1: sorry about the ticket. I worry when i drive the wife's car too. with the v1 i just drive according to conditions and find myself looking at the tach mostly -- worry free. when i drive her car i have to monitor the speedometer instead..

leenelsonmd

So my M3 has 8500 miles on it now.

Driving great.

The yellow oil light has been coming on the last 3-4 days intermitently. I checked the oil level and it was on the lower side of the scale but still above the minimum.

So I went to Autozone for some Catrol TWS 10W60. They do not carry it.

I drove over to Advantage BMW downtown and my service advisor (Joe Calebrese) opened his desk and tossed me a quart. He said, "This is all you need and I had some laying around." (They would have added it, but I told him I was happy to add it myself).

So I was walking out with a smile on my face thinking--that is great service. They went the extra mile. I was totally happy.

Then some cheesey (sp?) service advisor in front of Joe raises his eyebrow and says "You sure are lucky that stuff costs $9 a quart." What a poser.

He tarnishes an otherwise perfect exchange between a happy customer and his company.

Some complaints:
1) Does he think the monetary value of the free quart affected how much I appreciated it?

2) Does he think that I do not know how much performance synthetic motor oil costs?

3) I drive a BMW...does he think that I really care whether it is worth $3 or $9 matters when it comes to such a necessary component for the car?

4) He knew my car was 4 months old -- does he not think that on principle alone had he been my service advisor I would not have checked the car in for service and had the oil topped off for free?

The bottom line: I was still totally happy that Advantage provided the top notch service. (I had planned on paying for the oil anyway).

I am sure we all have similar stories. Sorry it was not more interesting.

chile96

About a week away from purchasing a new 325i sp, auto, leather, etc and naturally want to negotiate the best deal. On an MSRP of $33500 (invoice 30800), what deal should I be happy with? Are there any caveats I should be aware of before I sign (any dealers in the area w/ a bad reputation?) Am leaning towards using Advantage BMW but will go where the best price is. Thanks for any replies!

1violinist

You should start negotiating from invoice price. I guess $31,500 would be a good deal, depending on the market in Houston. E-mail your offer to different dealers in your area and see their responses. (follow the Rizzo method: http://www.bimmerfest.com/faq/rizzo.html )

After you get a great price, in order for the deal to be great in total you should:

1- Get your own financing before going to the dealer
2- Turn down all the extras that the dealer offers you at the business office, such as extended warranties, paint protection, alarms, etc. Usually you don't need these items, and even if you do it would be much cheaper to buy them yourself on the internet.

Good luck!
Tony

dusterbuster

kdshapiro,

did you see the 330i with ZHP at a local dealer? just curious as to whether the dealers are starting to get these in. would love to go see one in person.

kdshapiro

I saw it on the road, at night. It was impossible to miss. I would think that they will be hard to find for the next couple of months.

mschukar

I took my '02 325i in today for scheduled maintenance. I took possession of the car one year ago tomorrow. They changed the oil free of charge, but, to my surprise, the service indicator was not reset (there's about 2500 miles left on the service indicator).

I did not notice before I left the dealer and have not called them yet. I'm wondering what will happen when the indicator hits zero? Will they change the oil again or just do the other items on the scheduled maintenance that weren't done today?

Has anyone else experienced this with their dealer?

-murray

eyc1

I went to a dealer in Maryland over the weekend to purchase a 2003 325xi. While search the car inventory I noticed that a majority of the new stock had leatherette interior instead of leather. When asking the dealer about this I was told only 10% of the new sales requested leather.
The dealer also mentioned that the leatherette was more durable.
I myself would like to order the leather but would like to hear from someone. Is there a big difference in the look and feel? Also is the resale value for leather purchase worth the $1400 I will have to spend?

Another question I was told that buying the sports package on a 325xi defeats the purpose of AWD performance and that the tires wear fast and are expensive.

What is a good deal in Maryland for a 325xi?
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package
Leather Seats

beware_phog

"When asking the dealer about this I was told only 10% of the new sales requested leather."

I find that hard to believe. Did you walk through the lot and find cars without the premium package? Every PP has leather. Unless the car is special order, every "basic" BMW that comes in has the PP.

I wouldn't spend the kind of money you are spending on the car if it didn't have leather.

To find a good deal, simply use the edumunds TMV calculator.

nyccarguy

eyc1: Many here on the board have opted for the Leatherette in their BMW. It is nice (nicer than leather on other makes) and durable. On the other hand, if you buy and don't lease, many buyers of european marquees expect that their cars will have leather and you may have a bit of trouble when it comes time to get rid of the car 3, 4, or 5 years down the road. Also, as far as living in Maryland, I don't think you'll need the xi. While you had a bad winter this year (we all have on the east coast), think about all the winters where the temperature barely falls below freezing in the Mid-Atlantic states. The xi SP comes with all season tires (as opposed to Z rated performance tires with the RWD SP equipped cars). As I see you haven't listed Steptronic as one of your options, so you'd have a much better time driving a 325i on the 350 days a years that it doesn't snow in Maryland. Just think about it:)

I saw a beautiful White 325Ci coupe parked on the street this weekend. It had SP and a 5 speed manual with a beige interior (personally I like black better, but that's personal taste). I did notice that it did not have the PP as there was no Myrtle Wood trim. The silver interior trim looks great with a black interior, but didn't fit right with the beige interior.

I saw a Z4 (at a dealer) I really like it. Gorgeous car. Eons ahead of the Z3 as far as looks go (I didn't get to drive it). However I would definitely have a hard time justifying the purchase of it. For a few thousand dollars less (a lot lower if you factor in ED), I'd definitely take a 330Ci. If I wanted to save up for a little while longer or stretch my budget a little bit, I'd go for an M3 Coupe.

bmw323is

When my car was one year old and had it's first oil change, they did reset the service indicator (mileage=5,155 - didn't drive it much during first winter). However, at the second oil change (shortly after it's second anniversary), I requested that they NOT reset the indicator. Therefore I was able to get a third LOF (10 months later) within the first three years of ownership. Otherwise, only 2 oil changes are available in free maintenance period. This wouldn't work for high mileage drivers.

I actually drove 18,924 miles on the service indicator and still had 500 miles left to go when I received the last LOF. One benefit of driving at high elevation is fantastic gas mileage - I routinely get 28 mpg, or more, with a lot of stop and go freeway driving. The drawback is a 3-4% loss of HP with each 1,000 feet of elevation

ultrarunner

I am very pleased with the black leatherette in my 2002 Sport Wagon equipped with the premium package. Everyone who has seen my car, both here and in Europe, has said they really liked my "leather" interior. Who am I to correct them???

From what I have seen, the leatherette really does hold up better in the 325 as compared to leather. (It has also been very easy to care for and keep clean.)

pab5

Where is the oil filter located in the 330ci?

shipo

The oil filter on all current BMW I6 engines (and probably the V8s as well) is located in front of the engine, accessable from under the hood (no crawling underneath). BMW uses a "Cartridge" type of filter (as opposed to the "Spin-On" variety), and you will need something like a 38mm socket to open the canister that holds the cartridge. When you close the canister, if I remember correctly, you must torque the cap to 18.5 lb-ft of torque.

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Shipo

Crevels

Hello all. Been following this group for over a year (thanks Shipo for great stories, sorry about the leg..Brave for great technical info, I'll get snow tires in the fall..and the rest, very civilized and informative group).

I was going to get a 325Ci last fall, but saved my pennies (couple nickels too) and instead found a 2002 330Ci CPO that I am now the proud owner of (beaming smile).

So, my first newbie BMW question. My car was so new that the airbag sticker was still on the dash above the glove box. I peeled it off, but there is a sticky residue left behind. I tried the elbow grease and windex method, and it helped, but didn't completely remove it. Any suggestions? I don't want to put anything that might negatively react and cause damage.

Other than that, loving the car. 300 miles in 3 days, and enjoying every minute.

Crevels
2002 CPO 330Ci
5-sp/SP/PP/Xenon/Heated Seats

mschukar

I spoke with the service manager at my dealer regarding the service indicator. They changed the oil in my 325i after one year but did not perform the other maintenance items or reset the service indicator.

When the service indicator reaches 0 (~2500 today) they will change the oil again and perform the other maintenance items. I would have rather had the oil changed in the first 2500

This seems strange to me since they will likely perform four oil changes on my car, only 2 inspections. Is an oil change that much less expensive than a service inspection and an additional service trip?

-murray

robs328i

the leatherette looks 'rubbery' to me...that's the only way I can describe it. It has all kinds of 'folds' and has this rubbery look and feel. And, IMO, it is not as comfortable.
OTOH, leather is a [non-permissible content removed] to maintain, but if you do, it is no less durable and can stay very nice for a very long time and it just gets more comfortable as time goes on. But you'll have to clean and condition it 3-4 times a year.
I doubt the leatherette hurts resale much, however, it would narrow down prospective buyers a little considering there are a lot of buyers looking for leather only.
Personally, I do not consider resale and I like leather, so maybe my opinion isn't best for you.

memphis10

New 325i with SP, Moonroof, 5 speed manual
Used 330i 2002, 15000 miles with Moonroof, Automatic
Looking for a car that is quick but priced around 32000. All opinions will be appreciated.

leenelsonmd

It is tough to get a good deal in Houston on a bimmer. Advantage and Momentum are the same company. I was not impressed with either of these two dealers.

I highly rec going up to BMW north. It is a quick drive if you take the Hardy toll road and exit 1960 (take a left on 1960) then take a right at I45 and the dealership is a hundred yards from the corner of 1960 and I45 on the right.

Re deals: If you are looking at a brand new 2003 3 series about the best you will do is 500-600 dollars off MSRP (in Houston). I bought my M3 at BMW North for MSRP and did not look outside of town because I assumed that I would not get a discount on an M car anywhere. To save more than $500 you will have to look at some other dealers around the state -- probably. Keep us posted on your progress.

BMW North was great though. They will treat you with respect and courtesy. At Momentum they act like they are doing you a favor by selling the car. Advantage downtown is better than Momentum, but BMW North has much better customer service than either of these two.

Email me if you want some more detailed info:
leenelsonmd@yahoo.com.

shipo

Given that I have taken my airbag stickers off on the day of delivery for both of my cars, I have never had the "...sticky residue left behind.", however, I remember a few folks here who had the same problem a few years ago. If memory serves, I think that they used a soft cloth (like an old TEE shirt) and wetted it (the cloth, not the trim with the residue) with "Goo Gone", and rubbed off the sticky stuff. Once all of the residue was removed, they wiped the area down with a damp soapy sponge followed by a damp sponge (no soap).

I hope this helps.

Best Regards,
Shipo

bmw323is

I recently had my Inspection 1. It was basically another oil change. Yes they inspect belts, hoses, etc., but all they really did was an oil/filter change. Oh, and they did a brake inspection, but didn't even remove the wheels.

shipo

This morning on the way into the "Office" here in Taipei (it is 11:44 AM on Wednesday morning here), I saw a brand new BMW 318i with a "2.0" tag on the left side of the rear trunk lid. Hmmm, I never knew that BMW used separate engine identifiers on cars that have a different size engine than the model identifier would otherwise indicate (ie. 318i = 1.8 Liter mill).

Not that it is terribly relevant, but I also saw an older (E34) 520i with a "V6" tag on the front fender. NOT!

Best Regards,
Shipo