BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

roadburner

My dealer won't part with the one they have and I can't find it anywhere else.

Yes, that's a very cool poster. You might want to check eBay or put a "Wanted" ad in the Roundel classifieds.

breakneckz

I'm buying this car, with 37,000 miles, for $20K....has 7 months of CPO and free maintenance remaining.....first question:

1. This a good deal?
2. I've been reading blogs/forums all day, what kind of reliability issues are "normal" or are they mostly specific to individuals?
3. What are maintenance fees REALLY like?
4. Can I purchase an extended warranty from BMW BEYOND the CPO terms??

Thanks guys...glad I found you.....

here's the car:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?rdpage=thumb&car_id=230417779&dealer_id=57- 4493&car_year=2002&model=330CI&num_records=25&systime=1194744720795&make2=&start- _year=2001&keywordsfyc=&engine=&keywordsrep=&certified=&body_code=2&fuel=&only_p- rice=1&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang- =&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_styl- e=COUPE&drive=&isDWSI=false&isDWSI=false&default_sort=priceASC&max_mileage=&styl- e_flag=2&useNewVDPContact=1&useNewVDPContact=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=07080&- advanced=y&only_photo=1&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=&max_price=30000&cardi- st=34

kodawg9

alright, so i test drove, for the first time, a BMW. it was a '97 328i auto. but i have some questions about the car.

the gas pedal seemed a little heavy. i was expecting it to be light. cause for concern? i mean, is it suppose to be that way? ive been driving a dogde durango and i thought that was suppose to be heavy.

also, the lights inside the car. they only turn on if you turn the engine on?

can someone help me please. thanks

roadburner

1. This a good deal?

I'd check KBB.com and the TMV calculator at Edmunds.

2. I've been reading blogs/forums all day, what kind of reliability issues are "normal" or are they mostly specific to individuals?

In my experience, the common problems for 3ers of that vintage are not that numerous. The water pump and radiator can be expected to need replacement at 60K-100K intervals. The power window regulators can be failure prone, but replacement is fairly simple- a DIY if you have a few tools. Otherwise, the E46 platform has proven to be very durable.

3. What are maintenance fees REALLY like?

In most cases, the best way to keep maintenance costs reasonable is to find a GOOD independent BMW tech; you will save 25%-50% on service compared to the dealer. I also advise joining the BMW Car Club of America, since many independents and dealers offer 10%-20% discounts on parts and/or labor. All modern BMWs use a Service Interval Indicator to inform the driver when routine maintenance is required. On a 2002 330i an oil change will be called for at 15,000 mile intervals. A minor service(Inspection I) will come up at 30,000 miles and a major (Inspection II) service at 60,000 miles. I perform an "extra" oil change at 7,500 miles in my driveway. An oil change using synthetic oil will cost $60-$100, an Inspection I $150-$300, and an Inspection II $450-$800. Coolant must be changed every three years-using BMW Coolant ONLY, while the DOT4 brake fluid should get flushed every two years. In the newer cars I change the so-called "Lifetime" ATF fluid and final drive oil every 100,000 miles. Note that my mileage and cost numbers are approximate. For example, if you change the oil yourself using a BMW filter and Mobil 1 0W-40 or BMW 5W-30 synthetic the cost will be under $45. On the other hand, my local BMW dealer charges very reasonable rates for some of the services that I don't have the time and/or desire to perform. The dealer only charged me $110 to change the ATF AND the synthetic final drive oil on my wife's 5er, and they changed the coolant and the brake fluid on my 3er for just $143. Your car uses a more exotic ATF, so expect to pay $250-$450 more for the ATF service.

4. Can I purchase an extended warranty from BMW BEYOND the CPO terms??

No, and you shouldn't need to. At 36,000 miles that BMW is barely broken-in. If it makes you feel better, stick $1500-$2000 in a money market account and use it for any unforeseen expenses. You'll almost certainly come out ahead...
It's a gorgeous car, by the way...

breakneckz

ROADBURNER,

I JUST now read your response, but THANK YOU!!!!
You went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!!!

Ive had the car for two weeks now-LOVE IT!!!
But tonight, my windshield washer fluid reservoir light came on....problem is, i filled it on tuesday night, its thursday night now!!!!!
ANY IDEA!?

roadburner

I JUST now read your response, but THANK YOU!!!!
You went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!!!

Glad to help.

But tonight, my windshield washer fluid reservoir light came on....problem is, i filled it on tuesday night, its thursday night now!!!!!
ANY IDEA!?

To simplify things, I'll be referring to the parts in this diagram.

First off, is the fluid level actually low? If not, then the level sensor is bad(part #8).
If the reservoir is almost empty, the likely culprits are the reservoir itself(part #1) and the washer pump(s)(part #4 and part #6). If you car doesn't have headlamp washers then only part #6 will be present(and the reservoir will have a different BMW part number: 61667007970). I suspect the pump is your problem, only because they seem to fail more frequently than the reservoir. Any of the repairs are easy DIY projects.

breakneckz

Roadburner,

You are GOOD!!! I thought it was the tank, because I noticed a leak after filling the tank late last night and noticing the fluid leaking...took it to dealer today and they replaced the pump....charged my $50 deductible-CPO---next time I'll wait for a response from you!!!!
THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Have a GREAT weekend!!!

roadburner

took it to dealer today and they replaced the pump....charged my $50 deductible-CPO---next time I'll wait for a response from you!!!!

Yes, even with the CPO warranty it's sometimes cheaper and easier to replace a part yourself. That was the case with my wife's 528i. The trunk lock actuator died. The part cost @$40 and took me 10 minutes to install. In any event, you still got it fixed for not too many extra $$$.

THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Have a GREAT weekend!!!

You too! Enjoy your sweet ride...

sunilb

So, I'm contemplating picking up an E30 (specifically a 318is)... anyone have any experiences with these? Anything I should look out for?

The two current contenders are:

a) body has 200K on it and the motor has 160K but seems to be in very good shape and well taken care of
b) car has 120K but the car was in an accident (all repair work done and still has a clean title).

Both cars have power steering leaks, with the owner of "b" saying that the steering rack might need to be replaced because of this. Both are priced about the same.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

roadburner

So, I'm contemplating picking up an E30 (specifically a 318is)... anyone have any experiences with these? Anything I should look out for?

Great cars. A LOT of BMW for the money. The M42 engine had a problem with what BMW calls the "profile gasket" , but any cars that suffered from than problem should have had the gasket replaced with the upgraded part years ago. The E30 318is didn't come with a lot of electronic gadgets, which is a plus when you are dealing with a 16-17 year old car. Most all parts are still available from BMW and there is a lot of aftermarket support as well.

Both cars have power steering leaks, with the owner of "b" saying that the steering rack might need to be replaced because of this.

I'd be more surprised if they didn't leak a bit; BMW P/S leaks are often due to bad hoses or connectors, which can be custom made locally at any shop that sell parts for and/or services hydraulic equipment. Several Roundel advertisers rebuild racks if you wind up needing one.

In any case, the best advice I can give is to have both cars inspected by a good BMW tech who knows E30s. My gut reaction is to go with the 200K car, but I still think they both need to be checked out in order to make an informed decision.

It's funny that you brought up the E30; some poor sod up the road from me has a 1991 318i four door that he has spent a ton of money(rebuilt engine, clutch, radiator, and so on) on and now wants to get out of. The guy isn't mechanically inclined, didn't have it checked out, and wouldn't take any advice. The body has a few dents and the red paint is faded. I think I can get it for under $1500. I just might have found my new track rat...

fedlawman

Good advice from Roadburner.

I have nothing to add except...you didn't mention what model years the cars you're looking at are from.

A pre-1991 318i has the older M10 engine. The M42 engine offered in MY1991 gave the 318i performance that rivals the E30 325i - definitely the vintage you want.

sunilb

good points, roadburner... will keep them in mind (as an aside-- I spoke to a local indy mechanic and he indicated that a new steering rack will be $700 plus labor!)

I am looking at the 1991 version of these cars (I'm not sure I can bring myself to buying a car without at least one air bag).

roadburner

(as an aside-- I spoke to a local indy mechanic and he indicated that a new steering rack will be $700 plus labor!)

FYI, Pelican Parts sells a rebuilt E30 steering rack for $430.50 and Bavarian Autosport has a rebuilt unit for $400.00+core.

sjthomas

Hello,
Supposedly I have a garage door opener and I do see a sticker in my trunk that it is pre-wired for this. I am not sure exactly how to use this option as I moved into a home with garage.

Do I need to put extra parts so that I can use this option?

Thanks,
Steve.

shipo

Yes, you need to buy what is referred to as a UGO (Universal Garage Opener).

Click on my user id and send me an E-Mail and I'll send you all of the particulars.

Best Regards,
Shipo

pat

Why not post the details here for everyone?

shipo

Q: Why not post the details here for everyone?

A: Because I don't know how to post PDFs here in the TownHall.

As for the "meat and taters" of what I had to say:

BMW sells four different transmitters for the E46 3-Series, the "Lighting Package", the "Universal Transceiver" for cars with a sunroof, the "Universal Transceiver" for cars with no sunroof, and the "Universal Transceiver" for Convertibles. As BMW had stopped shipping cars without a sunroof to the U.S. by 2003 I assume you don't have one of those models. Said another way, my bet is that you're looking for the 82111470125 flavor of the UGO which is available from the following two BMW dealerships that I know to sell accessories online (there may be others I just don't know about them):
http://www.circlebmw.com
http://www.pacificbmw.com

Best Regards,
Shipo

gordonwd

I picked up one for my '04 on eBay and it was a pretty easy self-installation. The wiring connectors are tucked right up in where you install it, so you can have it operational pretty quickly.

roadburner

Here's a good write-up of an UGDO DIY installation.

pat

Because I don't know how to post PDFs here in the TownHall.

Yeah, you're not the only one. I think that is a "feature" on the horizon, at least I hope so.

breakneckz

WEIRD QUESTION.....does ANYONE know HOW or WHERE, I can obtain a 2002 3-series coupe brochure??????

Thanks

roadburner

Try www.AutoLit.com. You can sometimes find them on eBay as well.

kominsky

Doh! I've got a 2000, 2001, and 2004. If you weren't being so fussy, I could hook you up! :P

breakneckz

LOL...appreciate it much!!!!
How much do you want for 2001??

breakneckz

THANKS AS ALWAYS!!!!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you AND yours!!!

breakneckz

Don't mean to sound like Jerry Seinfeld, but, WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH THE WIND NOISE/WHISTLING...i hear near the top of my driver side door??
Do I bother taking it to the dealer, or is it part and parcel of the E46???

Thanks Guys.....

shipo

Have the door seals looked at, my E46 was so quiet that when I first got it, I had a difficult time hearing the engine well enough to get my shifts right.

Best Regards,
Shipo

breakneckz

THAT quiet, huh? must've been nice...thanks fo rthe heads up...gonna get it checked out friday......and by the door seals, you mean that fuzzy trim inside the metalic trim along windows, right??

shipo

Actually I mean all of the seals, window, window frame and door edge.

Let us know how you make out.

Best Regards,
Shipo

dariom

I recently purchased a 2004 330ci w/ sports pkge. I've noticed that when shifting from Park to Drive, there is a delay is the car going into drive. The delay is def a bit longer in cold weather if the car hasn't been started for a while. But I noticed this even in October when the weather was still warm enough in the mornings. The car is under factory warranty, and I was going to drop it off at BMW to have them check it over. What should I be concerned with?

Thanks.

gordonwd

Agree with others that the E46 does not have an inherent wind noise problem and should be very quiet at cruising speeds. You probably have some sort of seal leak going.

roadburner

What should I be concerned with?

It sounds like it could be a problem with the ATF level.

kominsky

email your address to tlko(at)comcast(dot)net and I'll send it out asap...

"How much do you want for 2001??"

In the spirit of the holidays, absolutely nothing... I actually have three or four of the 2001 brochures sitting around since that's the car I bought. I'll try to pick a nice one for you!

breakneckz

wow!!
EXTREMELY NICE OF YOU!!!!!

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!!!

breakneckz

Thanks....

I'm REALLY sensitive to ANY kind of noise in my cars...but I'm going to dealer next Friday.....

socalsabo

I had same problem AT only 28,000 MILES!!! - What do you know about a class action law suit??? Where do I "sign up" ????

donutello

First off, is the fluid level actually low? If not, then the level sensor is bad(part #8).
If the reservoir is almost empty, the likely culprits are the reservoir itself(part #1) and the washer pump(s)(part #4 and part #6). If you car doesn't have headlamp washers then only part #6 will be present(and the reservoir will have a different BMW part number: 61667007970). I suspect the pump is your problem, only because they seem to fail more frequently than the reservoir. Any of the repairs are easy DIY projects.

I'm having the exact problem as breakneckz. Thanks for your reply to him. I had assumed it was the reservoir but after reading your post I'm beginning to think it's the pump because the fluid appears to drain down to the level of the intake. I know you mentioned it's an easy DIY project and I'd like to try replacing it myself. Before I pull it all apart, do you know if I will require any special tools to do this? Any other tips or advice?

Thanks.

roadburner

Before I pull it all apart, do you know if I will require any special tools to do this? Any other tips or advice?

The pump is usually a press fit into the rubber grommet which is in turn pressed into the reservoir. The pump pulls straight up; it should be easy to see how to disconnect and reconnect any hose(s) as well as the electrical connector.

breakneckz

Did you ever get the angel eye lights??
i have an 02 330 ci and want to add angel eye lights....but there are SOOO many out there!
If you did add them, what brand, from where, how much and how do you like them?

Thanks!!

breakneckz

Alright...does ANYONE have any experience with the OEM Corona ring, better known as angel eye headlights that are now standard but werenot available on pre-2005 i believe 3-series coupes??

I wanna buy and install them but there are SOOO many different brands and types out there...just looking for some help from someone who's dealt with this before...THANKS!!!!

gordonwd

This forum is not that great for asking about add-on parts like this. Try E46fanatics or bimmerfest and you'll get a lot of responses. FWIW, I just got an email ad from Bavarian Autosport, and they've got a nice-looking kit on sale for only $135 right now.

breakneckz

Thanks, I appreciate that!

I actually ordered Predator Chronium ones from ModBargains.com--they came with a free remote kit.

Those other forums, are decent...I stumbled across them a couple weeks ago....

Again, THANKS!

hoodoomusic

I have a 2000 BMW 323i with the premium HK sound system. The speaker cover on my passenger door has been cracked by someones foot. I cannot find a replacement cover anywhere!!! Any suggestion???

Thanks in advance!!!

-slim-

fedlawman

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AM33&mospid=47718&btnr=65_0467&hg=- - 65&fg=20

hgeyer

Thanks. I have the same problem and was too lazy to post a question or do a search.

If I may cross-post another question (I tried BMW maintenance with no luck): I'm about to do a brake fluid flush. The last time I did it, I found that I didn't have the right size wrench for the bleed valve. I used a box wrench, but it was a pain. I'd like to buy a new wrench in advance, but can't get to the valve to size it up. Does anyone know the size? It's a 2002 E46 330i.

fedlawman

I've found articles that say 7mm and some that say 9mm. My E30 and my Volvo (both Ate calipers) use 7mm.

hoodoomusic

wow!!!! i owe u bigtime!!! thanx man!!!

hgeyer

Thanks. The Bently manual has torc specs for 7mm, 9mm and 11mm. Oh well.

I just ordered a speaker cover from BavAuto for $9.55. They need 2 weeks to order it, but the price isn't bad.

fedlawman

You're welcome, although I don't deserve all the thanks. If you own an out-of-warranty BMW, you need to know about RealOEM.com...

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

fedlawman

Sorry I couldn't come closer for you. I've never owned or worked on an E46 so I just don't know which size wrench you need for sure.

Whenever I'm in your shoes and don't know exactly what I need (like when working on my V70, which has no Bentley manual), I just go to my local Harbor Freight Tools and buy a whole set. You can buy an entire set of metric wrenches (made in China, no doubt) for $7.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94518

Here's a good one - Bavarian Autosport sells a 17mm hex driver socket (for your transmission drain plug) for $25. Sears has them for about $20. I bought a set of 9 metric hex drive sockets for $13...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93193

And no, I don't work for Harbor Freight Tools - I'm just a novice shadetree mechanic that appreciates cheap tools.