BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

Mr_Shiftright

Great old car. About the only really bad thing that I remember was an infrequent tendency of this engine to crack the cylinder head if it is allowed to overheat. So don't do that. The car shouldn't be a headache at all. Just take 'er in Spring and Fall and give Dieter or Hans $500 bucks each time and have them do all the maintenance items and look-overs. This car wants and needs $100 a month maintenance---if you aren't spending that (on average) you are being mean to your 325is. This might include oil, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, tune ups, battery & light checks, belts and hoses, tire rotations, chassis inspection and "nut and bolt", brake pad and rotor inspection, auto trans or manual trans flush if miles require (I don't think the valves are adjustable on this engine, but you should check on that), new wiper blades once a year, AC recharge, check for drips, leaks...you get the idea....preventative rather than reactive work.

div2

In addition to what Mr. Shiftright noted, the timing belt needs to be changed at least every 60K; replace the tensioner and water pump while you areat it. And the valves do require checking and adjustment at the Inspection II service(check your owners handbook for details). Finally, join the BMW Car Club of America-you'll get decent parts and/or labor discounts at many dealers, independents, and accessory shops.

sunilb

Just in case you decide you don't want this car (and if you are located on the west coast)... let me know as I've been on the lookout for an E30 with low miles and in good shape.

leohpole

Hi all,

ok, I'm accelerating up to about 55-60 and at the same time the road veers slowly to the right and I get this soft but rapid shuddering in the front. Would this just be wheel allignment or something more serious? I'm going to take it in for a wheel alignment but waht else should i get them to check for? thanks in advance, L

kominsky

That is exactly what my car was doing when it needed the control-arm/tie-rod replaced. I didn't notice it in ~real~ corners, just gentle bends in the road at highway speeds. I had mine replaced at a dealership (lack of good indies in my area) but it wasn't cheap... ~$800. Others had both sides done for that much at an independant shop.

msfitnetz

Not yet, Everytime I think I do I rethink my finances. Which I think s a good thing. I am now considering about an 01 to 03 xi versions ( of course I prefer an 330 but will consider a 325 for budgeting). I found good ranges of vehicles from 15k to 20k, many have extended 100k warranties . These are private sellers. I really like the bimmers and haven't had interest in driving anything else. Very few just don't have that appearance I prefer and performance is awesome, of course the main concern is maintenace. But from veiwing here it may not be too bad if like anything you stay on it and plan.

fedlawman

I'll second the comments made by Mr. Shiftright and Div2.

I'll add rear shock tower mounts and suspension bits (tie-rod ends, bushings, sway bar end-links, etc.) At 100K, the driveshaft and differential should be fine, but I'd check the guibo for cracks/wear.

Congrats on a great (and increasingly hard to find) car - you'll love it!

Mr_Shiftright

oh yes you want to avoid BMW driveshaft problems at any cost...most 80s models do not have replaceable u-joints, so if you drop the shaft and damage it, you are in for a shock on replacement costs (unless you can find the friendly wrecker who has a driveshaft that isn't all frozen up).

venture

It looks like Edmunds has removed the Read Only from this general discussion.

All we have to do is to direct someone who comes here asking a question about something that is in a specific thread to go there to have their question answered. Not too much to ask!

Thanks

arkansasdon

Can someone tell me how to reset the average fuel consumption on my 2003 3-series? Thanks in advance.

kominsky

When the display is showing the average mpg, push AND HOLD the OBC button on the turn signal stalk. The display will reset in a second or two.

butmywife1

Hi Folks,
Haven't been on for awhile but have been checking in now and again. My '02 325xi, according to the guy that just rotated my tires, has broken half shafts. He said this means that the protecting apparata that surround the front axles where they connect to the wheel are broken. I couldn't get a good answer out of him regarding how serious this is and how soon I should get it taken care of. Anybody know anything about this?

Thanks,
ButMyWife

Mr_Shiftright

Oh he must mean the rubber bellows that keeps dirt out of the axle constant velocity (CV) joints.

Yep, if the bellows are split, you should attend to this as soon as possible especially if wet weather is coming your way.

butmywife1

Thanks for your quick reply. I'll call the Dealer tomorrow and get it taken care of.

bslate

Hi all-

I am hoping someone in the forum can help... I have a 1994 BMW 318ic automatic with 236,000 miles on it. I've taken incredible care of the car, but the coolant valve that leads into the engine has corroded and is not fixable. My mechanic says that since only the 318's were made this way, the car would need a new cylinder head to the tune of $2000+.

I've since told him no, and had the car towed (it is not driveable) and am storing it for the winter till I can figure out what to do. :sick: (I'm now enjoying my new Infiniti I35 daily driver). However, I love the BMW and dont want to get rid of it. I've put alot of money into it. Plus, with so many miles, its worth more to me to keep it than trying to sell it.

I feel (as does my mechanic) that it is better to put a used engine in the car since once repaired it will become my weekend/fun car. Even an engine with 100,000 miles would be ok with me. My question is: Where to look for such an item? I know my mechanic could find one, but I am trying to do some research on my own to see what is out there and get some idea of price. Are there any good websites for used BMW engines?

Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

Mr_Shiftright

Here are some ideas:

http://www.bmrparts.com/

http://www.bmwworld.com/parts/parts_used.htm

If you buy a used engine, it should have been run and tested and tagged with appropriate oil pressure and compression numbers. And it should have a warranty.

This will cost you a lot of money however, more than a new head would and probaby more than the entire car is worth, so think it over carefully and then go for it once you've penciled in all the #s.

leohpole

Good day all, i've just replaced the tie rods and controls arms for my 97 318is, but the steering still seems a little stiff and makes a sqeeking noise. any ideas greatly welcomed and thanks in advance. L

Mr_Shiftright

We presume the car was then properly aligned after your repairs?

leohpole

yes, alignment was done and she drives straight.

bmwlov3r

Hello all! I'm getting 4 new tires put on my '03 330i/sp/pp. I decided to go with Michelin Pilot Sports (225/40ZR18 F and 255/35ZR18 R) because of all the rave reviews I have read about them. Anyway my question is should I get an alignment done to the car after installing the new shoes? Thanks in advance!

Mr_Shiftright

I would have the alignment checked, sure, especially if it's been a year or more since the last align.

nyccarguy

This month's AUTOMOBILE has a great article about the MB 190E 2.3-126 Valve and the E30 M3.

hoodoomusic

did u ever get an answer about Warranty Direct? I'm thinking about purchasing coverage from them.

txbmwfan

I did not receive an answer to my post. However, I checked with my independent repair shop, Better Business Bureau, and did some research. All of it was very positive. Perhaps the naysayer had a bad experience that is not representative. I just purchased my 325i at lease end and plan to buy from warranty direct. BMW's warranty is overpriced for a 2 yr/60K mile extension. And doesn't make sense for me given I drive only 10K mi/year.

pat

Check the Extended Warranties discussion. I believe there has been lots of conversation about Warranty Direct over there.

You can go to the Search This Discussion box on the page bar to easily find the posts about it.

txbmwfan

Thank you.

sunilb

So, I've had to top up the oil in my '01 E46 [now at 71K miles and change] roughly 3 times in the past 3000 miles or so.

No oil stains on the ground, or other noticeable leaks.

Also, just checked the overflow coolant and it seemed low... is this in any way related?

59K miles - Service II
60K miles - Water pump, thermostat replaced (preventive maint)
66K - changed oil and filter
69K - top up oil
70K - top up oil
71K - top up oil

Any thoughts/ideas??

msandalis

I have a '03 330i and have a similar issue, but no idea why. I may try and change my filter to a BMW original-type but unsure if that will help.
Let me know what you come up with.

sunilb

Well... no oil leak found by my indy mechanic and the coolant was fine too. They did a bunch of tests and inspected it on the lift.

I went ahead and had them do an oil change (it was coming up soon anyhow), and they told me to monitor the issue and if it recurs to bring it back to them.

They did find two leaks on my power steering hoses... not an inexpensive fix, either

nyccarguy

Lookin in the ROUNDEL classifieds tonight, I found 2 really nice E36 M3 sedans for sale. One was Black/Grey with a 5 speed and 83K miles for $15,000. The other one is White/Black with a 5-speed and 13K miles for $30,000.

13K miles on a 9 year old car is scary. M3s are built to be driven, not garage queens. The owner also mentions in his ad that the car is detailed regularly (including underbelly) and won 2nd place in the tri-marque concours in 2005. How regularly do you need to detail a car that is only driven a little over 1400 miles per year? There's probably more wax than paint on the car. I'd also like to see the car that beat it out in whatever concours competition that it took 2nd place in.

venture

I saw that too and wondered the same thing. How could anyone have a car like that and just let it sit?

Even with my plain old E46 I find reasons to go somewhere. :P

mikev727

Hello all,

I recently came across a 1992 or 1995 (not sure only caught the phone number in passing) 325i. What problems would I need to be aware of before buying this car? It has 119k miles on it currently.

Thank you

kominsky

I would post this over in "BMW 3 Series Sedans 2005 and earlier" for more 'traffic'. Probably the #1 response you'll hear is to check and make sure all maintenance records are in order. BMW's will run a long time if properly maintained but can be very problem prone (expensive!) if not.

sharn1

Help!
My carpets on rear driver's side is sopping wet. Can't figure out where the leak is coming from and I know nothing about cars (a true girly girl). I have already had silicone placed around the antenna as there was rainwater leaking onto my leather seats. I checked the car out for any damage online and it was all clear. Please tell me I don't need to go on Prozac and its just a seal problem....please!

kyfdx

90% chance that it has something to do with the sunroof drainage system being clogged...

kschultz71

Mike,
The best advise you can get about purchasing ANY BMW is DON'T DO IT! Any time I see a BMW on the street I look at the driver's forehead for the big red "S" - for Sucker! BMW has one of the slickest marketing departments ever assembled and has much of the car buying world believing it is a world class car. But- do your research and you will soon learn that a BMW is an average car, at best in Overall quality, Initial quality, fit and finish, quality of features and accessories, and a below average rating in comfort.
But, the biggest knock is the cost- one of the priciest and most unreliable cars made in the world today.
Also, most auto journalists are awe-struck by BMW- even when faced with the ugly facts they will find a way to make the car sound like a winner.
By the way- a Saturn Vue- blows the 3 series away- (except the M3)- compare prices

There are plenty of other cars that offer greater performance,, quality and reliability at alot less cost. Do some reasearch- they are not hard to find

fedlawman

You just joined Edmunds today and already you're off to quite an exciting start!

No offense, but if you really prefer to drive a Saturn over a BMW, you don't belong in this forum.

May I suggest the, "Best car for driving grandma to the library" forum, or perhaps the, "Cars for people who don't know about cars" forum?

Enjoy your Saturn. :P

shipo

Oh wait, that was sucker. Nah, troll works better. See ya.

sharn1

thank you so much!

varnik

When one has a Saturn in Vue or on Uranus, maybe the owner's all Pluto - like this guy.

If you want reliability, buy a Honda. Second to that brand in number owned, I've owned two BMWs, an '01 325 sedan, and still own a '99 M3 convertible. Contrary to your babble, I've had 6 years of trouble free and the most exciting miles one can have on four rubber tires.

Go start a forum for sky is falling and all BMW's suck trolls.

Anybody wanna buy an Odyssey with 80K miles? I'm thinking BMW Touring.

varnik

That all being said, advice for Mike is to do some homework.

There are web sites with forums specific to your year and model and you'll find volumes of info there. If it's a manual, all the better. BMW automatics are good for about 80K miles

The water pump and radiators are susceptible on modern BMWs.

Take the car to an independent european mechanic. Find a local BMW club and you might get someone in the know to help you or at least recommend a good mechanic for eval.

Older BMWS, and I guess often modern ones too can require a lot of maintenance, so have money set aside for repairs.

Odds are very good you'll fall in love with the car.

Unlike many brands BMW has a lot of aftermarket options for performance and asthetic upgrades.

I say go for it!

Varnik
Chicago

skyclad

1. 95 325i 112k miles, green with tan leather, automatic 8k

2. 95 525i there are 2 of these. one is white with 124k miles and one is black with 160k miles. The black one looks better because its black but has some slight body damage on the hood. also 8k each

3. 97 740 il. I believe this one has 90k miles. I cant remember. This one is gold. The leather in this one is in much better condition than the aforementioned cars. this one is 13k.

All of these are being sold by a bmw mechanic. He sells bmw exclusively.

so far economy wise I like the green 3series.
for looks I like the black 525
and for condition I like the 740.

I have never owned a BMW before but I have owned a lexus so I am not new to the luxury car market. I own a saturn now and I gotta say I would much rather drive a BMW.

skyclad

In light of my impending bmw purchase, I have some questions that may seem silly to most of you.
1. Where are the power lock switches? I looked in 4 bmws and couldnt find a single one. I found the power window switches but the lock stumped me. This is not normal as I am the car freak of the family.
2. I noticed in all of the cars that there was a switch to turn it from automatic to manual. Then someone told me it wasnt good for the car to do that.
3. I heard that if you use synthetic oil you can go for a long time without having to change the oil but the mechanic selling the cars said i have to change the oil every 2k miles and then 3k later change oil and filter. That is way more maintenance than my lexus required.
4. Do older BMWs have lock issues? It seems like 3 of the bmws did have some issues. Being that I couldnt find the switch I dont know what to think.

If there is a particular website someone can direct me to to answer these questions that would be great.

Cant wait to buy my BMW

kominsky

1) Not sure what year or model you were looking at, but in the e46's it (only one button) sits in the center near the window switches, right next to the hazard-lights switch.

2) Don't know

3) BMW recommends ~15K miles between changes. I, and many others on this forum, change at ~7.5K. 2-3K miles seems like it would be overkill.

4) What kind of issues? I have ~114K miles on my car and no problem with locks.

adeberti

I'm looking at CPO 330i ZHP with 20.5k miles with red ext and black leather int: would the ipod connection be stnadard?(i think the car was produced in the spring/summer of 04)

The dealer said the can go below $31K? could I offer $30K or $29.5K?

thanks

kyfdx

I'm positive there wasn't any standard Ipod connection in the '04 model year..

I'll let others comment on the price.. Or you can post a detailed description here:

Real-World Trade-In Values

akv25

Kominsky:

I am concerned about the oil change frequency of 15k miles and would like to do it earlier too. Which oil and filter do you use? I would imagine that changing oil would not do anything to the service meter reading but wanted to check.

Thanks in advance

tnguyen74

I just purchased a 2003 325i. This is my first BMW and I had several questions:

- Where is the battery located?
- Do most of you do oil changes at the dealer, independent shop, or change it yourself?
- How long does the timing chain last?
- One of the 17' Wheels has some minor scuff and scrapes on the outer part of the rim, besides anyone know of a repair solution?

shipo

Okay, I have a few answers: ;-)

- The battery is located in the trunk, IIRC, behind the right rear tire.
- Most folks have their oil changed at the dealership, at least during the warranty period. If your car is a CPO unit, I would recommend the same. Errr, that said, some folks opt for an interim oil change (at the ~7,500 mile mark), and those changes are less likely to have been done by the dealer. Personally, I change my own. I bought an oil extractor which makes the job VERY easy. Open the hood, suck the oil out via the dipstick, open the filter housing, suck the oil out of that too, pop in a new filter, pre-fill the filter housing with oil, put the top back on, fill the engine with oil, put the dipstick back in and you're set. I'm thinking a typical oil change has taken me about fifteen minutes.
- The timing chain will most likely last longer than you'll own the car (or possibly even the car itself).
- I've never had it done, however, I've "heard" that some folks have found shops that specialize in reconditioning wheels after a minor (or even not so minor) encounter with a curb or other road hazard. Usually the report that they are happy with the results. I suggest using your favorite search engine to track these folks down.

Best Regards,
Shipo

adeberti

Just purchased last friday night 2004 330i ZHP CPO 6spd with 20.5K miles. I'm very pleased with the car performance and the looks (imola red and black leather with dark carbon interior).
The car is rated at 235hp put it's seems a lot stronger: what do you guys suggest are the real numbers? 250hp?
the handling is just...speechless