BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

soverypoornow

For my 2002 330i, I just replaced my original Contis with Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3. Love them. They're a little pricey, but not as bad as some, look cool, quiet as can be and stick like glue. Problem is they're tough to find right now. Got mine from TireRack.

sopecreek

New 3.0 litre engine unveiled...

"The engine's performance is increased by 12 percent while fuel consumption will drop by 12 percent, says BMW."

http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_cod- e=carnews&loc_code=index&content_code=01213389

erickpl

In my case, they were beginning to make a popping noise when I started raising or lowering the windows. After reading on here, I knew what it was and took it in.

It was actually after 50,000 miles (50,100) and the dealer was VERY accomodating and took care of it as a warranty item.

-Paul

vimaln

Richmond, Virginia
BMW 2004 325i
Manual Transmission(5 speed)
Electric Red/Sand leather interior
Premium package
Heated seats
$32,200

The car is not in the dealers lot, and he told it has to be custom ordered from Germany taking 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Is this a good deal.

Please let me know. Thanks in advance.

sunilb

sounds similar to what we heard before, but good to see in writing. Though the fact that they didn't mention any torque numbers leads me to believe that it may stay constant.

confused2

I configured a car on the BMWUSA site that include the Perf Package as well as steptronic automatic and premium package - site gave me a price including all 3 options. Same for Edmunds. However, on CarsDirect.com site, I was told that neither the automatic or premium packages were available with the Perf Package. Does anyone know which is correct? One of the things I like about the Perf Package is the sportier look provided by the aerodynamic package that is included in the Perf package. Anyone know if there is anyway to order this separately? Thanks.

307web

It may mean the dealers in your area do not ever keep vehicles with that combination of options in stock even though "technically" that combination is available.

white6

Automatic is definitely available... in fact, that's all my dealer stocks ; ). Not sure, but I thought the premium package was not available with performance package. I believe I read that this is changing for 2005 models though; premium available with ZHP; moonroof standard on ALL 3-series (except convertible, of course).

jimmymack1

I'm taking the bait for the 325i with automatic ,prem pk.,titanium silver,if i am offered the 1200 incentive. has anyone had luck on this in the philly area, del. jer., mr., area.

pat

Jimmymack1, also go to BMW 3-Series: Prices Paid & Buying Experience. Use the Search This Discussion feature on the page bar to look for those locations. I'll bet you find some good info there.

Good luck!

jazevedo

Per the 3-series manual, you can't order the premium package with performance package...but you can order an automatic and it is listed as an option on carsdirect.com near the top. As for the premium package, I think the performance package has same adjustable seats, you just have to order the moonroof and leather individually. I think you're out of luck if you want the other things such as wood trim....

mitchs3

Does anyone know a good detail shop in the Baltimore area for my 330i? I dont trust my dealer as I have heard stories about other people who have had the dealer do their cars to find them with swirls etc. Took my wife's 03 Honda Odyssey to Wax to the Max seemed to do descent work but I am looking for a perfectionist.

jimmymack1

thank you , i'm aflected with half-timers.i only remember what to do half the time.
jim

pat

Didn't meant to tell you that you had done the wrong thing, just giving you another resource.

Hope it goes well!

gloves

I don't know what your problem is with the regulators, but I have a 2000 328i. Within the first year one broke. The dealer said that one of the vendors who provided them that year delivered poor ones, and I could expect them all to break. The next year the second one went. The 4 year warranty expired a few months ago, and now the third one broke. The dealer is treating it as a warranty item, as well it should be. I had to go to the service manager, and am pissed off that BMW knows there's a problem, and I had to go to the manager to have it taken care of.

Good luck,

Ira

ek01

I have a 2002 330i with premium package. Occassionally, the indicator light comes that a taillight is out. However, the warning light does not always come on. Furthermore, if I turn the headlights on and then turn it off, the warning light turns off. Any thoughts on the problem? Thanks in advance.

jb_shin

Try removing the bulb and cleaning up the contacts (bulb and the bulb holder)

shipo

The only squawks that I had on my 1999 328i were two burned out taillights. Interestingly enough, they were both intermittent problems (initially at least) like you are having. I simply went down to my local auto parts store and bought two new ones when the first one burned out (they came in 2-Packs which was fortunate because the second one burned out a couple of months later) and popped it in.

Best Regards,
Shipo

div2

I had a similar problem with my wife's E39. As jb_shin mentioned, the bulb/socket may be dirty. However, the bulb may also be on the verge of failure. In my case, I went to Autozone and bought Sylvania-Osram replacement bulbs as well as a couple of packets of Bulb Grease. I cleaned the bulb sockets with Wurth Electrical Contact Cleaner, applied a thin coating of the Bulb Grease to the bases of the bulbs, and buttoned everything back up. End of problem.

maxhonda99

http://www.thecarconnection.com

has pics of the new 3-series. The pics show a slightly disguished 3er. Looks like it's not as banglized as the 5-series or 7-series and that's great news!!!

gloves

Just to update my last message. Today, the dealer replaced the broken regulator, as well as the only other one that hasn't broken, yet - at no cost.

Ira

m4d_cow

i heard BMW extended their incentive offer up to august 31st, is it true?

i got my grey green 330i, w/ premium and sport pkg, xenon lights for about $400 over invoice (that is invoice-incentive+400) which includes all fees.
i followed kyfdx's advice and acted as if i wanted a silver at first but might take the grey-green if they give me their best offer, and thats the deal i got
the words "having a real hard time getting the grey green off the lot" slipped from the sales managers mouth and that gave me a chance to make better bargains

kyfdx

This may be the first time in history that someone took my advice and it turned out well.. Congratulations on your new car.

regards,
kyfdx

ponytrekker

I LOVE gray-green, which is my second favorite color next to Saab Green Silver. They didn't have any when I bought mine so I settled for Steel Blue.

kyfdx

But, steel blue cars are faster.. of course.

regards,
kyfdx

div2

The 3er is Munich's bread and butter car. If BMW were to screw up the 3 and alienate those buyers they could well end up being a subsidiary of Toyota. Maybe the new 3er will retain the cockpit style dash design. The featureless dashboards of the 5er and 7er could be mistaken for a Buick design.

kyfdx

I'm betting on the "new" dash design.. The Z4 has it, the 5-series has it, and the new 1-series has it.. I personally don't like it, but it wouldn't make me decide on the car either way.

regards,
kyfdx

tcn2k

Can anyone tell me which oil extractor is the best and where can i get one?

Also need to know where i can get the following:
1) oil filter for an 2001 325i
2) oil (please recommend a grade as well).
3) steering wheel oil
4) the micro filter.
5) air filter (how long is the recommended before changing)?
6) the 25mm socket to open the oil filter.
7) how to reset the oil interval.
8) The recommended cooling flush isn't it 4 years?

erickpl

I use the larger MityVac extractor that holds up to 15 quarts (I think). The 3er holds 7.9 quarts of oil (325xi).

1) Get the filters from a BMW dealer. They have the gaskets you need too. I bought several at once.
2) Mobil 1 - 0 or 5W40 weight - pure synthetic
3) Dunno - Dealer again probably
4) Dealer - $25 or so I think
5) K&N or dealer - check your service interval stuff in your manual
6) it's a 36MM socket - got mine at autozone - you can search on e46 oil change on the web and get detailed instructions.
7) See post #24796 for steps on this.
8) Probably a big interval like that, but once every couple of years or so, using BMW fluid only! Better safe than sorry.

You may want to consider a brake line flush at 2 years. If you get the right kind of oil extractor, you can get a brake flush adapter and use it for that too.

-Paul

riez

tcn2k... Most of the info you want is located right in your owner's manual. Crack it open and study it carefully. It will tell you things like recommended oil weight, coolant flush intervals, etc.

Believe BMW recommends brake fluid change every 2 years (based purely on time, regardless of miles) and coolant change every 3 years. And an oil change at least once annually (for those who drive very little). Plus O2 sensor at 100K.

brave1heart

Can anyone tell me which oil extractor is the best and where can i get one? Mityvac

Also need to know where i can get the following:
1) oil filter for an 2001 325i - dealer
2) oil (please recommend a grade as well). what erickpl said, although I'd go with a weight of 5 instead of 0. div2 can answer that better.
3) steering wheel oil - what for?!? Do change the differential and transmission fluid with Red line, though - huge improvement in shifting!!
4) the micro filter. - Pacific BMW wholesale department
5) air filter (how long is the recommended before changing)? K&N - better performance and it lasts forever. Needs cleaning (very easy!) every 10K miles only
6) the 25mm socket to open the oil filter. - you need a 36 mm, ideally 6-point. It is toqued to 25 Nm, maybe that's why you got confused. I got mine at Sears (~$6) but it's a 12-point. Get the 6-point socket if you can find it.
7) how to reset the oil interval. - what erickpl said
8) The recommended cooling flush isn't it 4 years? Coolant is 4 on the E46, brake fluid 2.

penn5

today i just purchased a new 04 330i w/pp,sp,auto,xenons. i found it in the color i've been searching for: steel blue (sand). it's a gorgeous car and i've learned so much about it by reading this forum. i do have 2 questions though:

1 - i have a valentine1 r/d that i hooked up to it today. in my old car, the r/d would turn off when i turned off the ignition. but in the bmw, the power stays on even after removing the key and leaving the car. so if i forget to turn off the r/d, my batery's going to drain? i don't think i can remember to turn off the r/d everytime i leave the car.

2 - do any of you have the optional sirius or xm satellite radio installed? i purchased this option but have to go back to get it installed because the sirius units were not in stock. my question is do you know where the antenna is located? i'm hoping it's not some ugly antenna that doesn't look to be an integral part of the car.

penn5

blueguydotcom

Some forums have tips for hardwiring the V1 to your car's sunroof power - that way power will cut to it after the car is off.

bruce330i

I've got the same question as penn5 - just ordered the Sirius radio and wondering if anyone knows how the antenna looks or where it's located. Any info is appreciated!

kyfdx

Nope..you should be fine.. I think those are 17 X 7 wheels on the 330Xi. Naturally, they won't have the grip of the fat ones you have now, but normal and emergency handling should be similar.

The only thing to remember is... The tires that are on those wheels are all-season tires, not winter tires. They will be immensely better than the sport tires for winter driving, but not anywhere close to winter tires. If they are in decent shape, I'd give them a try first, but you may need to buy winter tires. Those 17 X 7 take 205/50-17s which are relatively cheap.

regards,
kyfdx

erickpl

I believe is integrated into the fin that is on the back of the roof.

-Paul

jamesspot

Thanks, kyfdx.

I haven't had separate Winter wheels since growing up in Ohio with studded snow tires on a '73 Chevy Nova. Back then, you had the snow tires remounted on your same rims every Fall and then off again in the Spring. Living in Southern MD, we get an occasional snow that would put a car on summer tires at risk.

I'll check how the tread on these all-season tires looks when they arrive and then see how they do in the first snow this winter. I do like the 330xi style 98 wheel. Something a bit different from the type 135 monsters for the winter.

Jim

m4d_cow

yep a far as i know its the same one as that ugly thingy on the back of the roof

tcn2k

For the 36mm 6 point, where can i get that? I only found a 36mm 12 point at sears.

reellaw

I have a '94 325 with 40,000 miles on it. Got new tires, in really good conditin but things are beginning to wear--had leak in the coolant system that brought me back to BMW twice--Low beam lights are now out--
Couple of questions: Should I always bring the car back to BMW (I am not in warranty any more)? There is someone in NYC that specializes in BMW's--do these kind of places use BMW products for the lights? How can I be assured that these places are using the products required? Are low beam outage a big deal ?(meaning an expensive fix).

erickpl

Try Auto Zone, Pep Boys, NAPA, or some other car parts place. You MAY need a 3/8 to 1/2" adapter if you have only one kind of socket set. Take it with you and make sure it fits BEFORE you go home.

-Paul

creakid1

"The 330i ZHP car is set up for 18" staggered tires. Will the 17 x 7" tires provide "twitchy" handling with the performance package suspension, due to toe-in and camber changes compared to a standard 330i/xi?"

Like the '99 323i sport package, the 325ci coupe, which has sport suspension std., runs on the same 16" high-performance tires. & ZHP's suspension set up isn't that much sportier... Twitchy, no, but these 17" all seasons, which are also std on the 330i w/ std sport suspension, sure make it less sporty.

I believe when combining the 17"s w/ the long-spring non-sport suspension such as the std 330 convertible or the early '01 330i sedan, then occasional twitchiness can happen.

m4d_cow

can anyone tell me where i can get film cover for my car's windows?
im looking for v-kool or something at the same level, but i couldnt spot any stores selling it in WA area...

rhmass

One of our BMWs is a '94 325I. Over the 10 years' ownership, we did have a few items replaced including the radiator. We just had the muffler replaced for the first time yesterday that cost us $465 with BMW parts. For a muffler that lasted 10 years, it is pretty good, I'll say. I may need to replace the battery before the winter, another part over the 10 years' mark. So my advice is to have your BMW serviced by an independent BMW tech using BMW parts, if you know of one. Otherwise using dealer's service department will do. While some complain about the high cost of BMW services, I think they are worth it considering the long life of their parts. Our experiences with the four BMWs have been consistent in this regard.

tcn2k

Went to sears, autozone, checkers, pep and even home depot, no luck in finding it. anyone can help? only found 12 points. need 6 point.

shipo

To find a 6 point 36mm socket, I suspect you may have to shop for a different type of tool. Mine is by SK (nothing exciting about that), however, it is for a 1/2" impact wrench. As such, it is WAY heavier duty, and as it turns out, heavier in weight as well. Talk about killing a fly with a sledge hammer, but it works quite well.

Best Regards,
Shipo

brave1heart

The 12-point is OK - I have that one myself. I would most definitely want a 6-point for high-torque bolts but the oil filter's only needs 25 Nm and a 12-point will do fine. If you must have a 12-point, though, try www.thetoolwarehouse.net

kominsky

I've also been using a Craftsman 12-pt for 3 years with no problems. I did a quick excite search for "36mm 6 point socket" and got lots of hits. I didn't go to any of them, but I'm seeing the word "impact" in many of the descriptions. I would guess you'd pay 2X or 3X for an impact socket and it's really not necessary.

shipo

"I would guess you'd pay 2X or 3X for an impact socket and it's really not necessary."

Like I said, "Talk about killing a fly with a sledge hammer..." ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

erickpl

especially since the cover is plastic...

-Paul