BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

jasond

I have a 2003 BMW xi. This morning I drove 10 miles up a fairly steep mountain road. After I had reached my destination and turned off the ignition and got out of the car, I heard a whirring sound from the engine. It sounded as if the engine were still running. I opened the hood. A fan in a vertical structure behind the front grilles was still rotating at high speed. I'm pretty ignorant about the engine and I don't know what this is. I turned on the ignition and then turned it off and the fan went off. The problem did not recur on my return trip. No warning lights had gone on and there was no evidence of over heating on the gauge. Could anyone here tell me what they think this phenomenon is? I assume that I should take the car to the dealer to have it checked. I have done only about 3,000 miles. I'll appreciate any opinions. Thanks, Jason

jerryand

A cooling fan for the A/C, its normal for it to be running when the car is off.

alibajalajaula

I got myself a 330i ZHP recently. I am close to 4000 miles and I love it all over. I went for the imola red, heated seats, moonroof, xenon, 6 speed, and black leather instead of alcantara. This is a very personal choice. You need to compare both and decide if the $1450 leather option is worth. From recent reviews I've read, alcantara is the fabric that car designers in Europe are raving about. I saw it and didn't like it. Besides, leather will help resale value down the road, IMHO.
The aerodynamic package, the M details (steering wheel, alloy wheels, stick) are very well executed. You are getting top notch performance with this baby. The six-speed shifting is truly exciting. On the down side, the low aspect ratio tires (front 225/40/ZR18, rear 255/35ZR18) and wheels are more vulnerable to road hazards (potholes, and bumps). I have memorized the location of tyhe potholes on my way to work. Besides, its got these foglights that assist me when I venture into a new area to avoid hitting anything. Replacing rear tires can be close to $500 (pair), and $400 for fronts. (average 15-20K miles) But, that comes with the territory of performance cars. About winter tires, the Z rated tires are only good for summer. You will need winter shoes. Some people get a set of 17" wheels with the tires, but that is also a personal decision. The satellite radio you can have without trashing it(dealer offered it to me but I declined). I didn't ask about the blue tooth. Not sure. Do not take the BMW Assist or you'll end up with a sharkfin antenna (a.k.a. wort) on your roof. Don't know what you meant with engine noise, but it is a deep growl that's music to my ears. It is meant to be that way. Right now, I knock on wood, haven't been to the shop. Based on general 330 reliability I try to think the benefits outweigh the risks. I try not to worry and enjoy my life and when I punch this sucker down the freeway at 4 am at 130...

thomaspeterdub

Further earlier message, took my 330Ci to the dealer on Friday. Received more than the usual attention. Bottom line, they refined the idle speed and fine-tuned it. It vibrates less; is better than before, but not perfect. I will live with it.

As to the stalling, that problem has apparently been resolved. I should add that the dealer indicated that BMWNA is aware of a stalling issue on 330's and they reccomend increasing the RPM as a remedy. This dealership knows noting about an oxygen sensor problem and they certainly do not suggest using medium grade gasoline.

good luck.

truenorth1681

Brought my car for oil change. When I went back to get my car my rear bumper has dent & scratches. After all the hell I went through they finally had it repaired and according to the service advisor it will be upto standards of BMW-NA. Now you can see smudges all over the black liner & you can see the bumper has been painted over & its a bit darker now. Should I talk to the service manager? I'm afraid that they will tell me everything is ok. I don't have enough time to waste. But I'm pissed big time. Any advice?

bmw323is

Get it fixed now by the dealer or you will never be able to have it done later. Whoever did the body work and painting should guarantee that it is up to specs.

jasond

"A cooling fan for the A/C, its normal for it to be running when the car is off."

Jerry, thanks for replying. I'm interested to know whether this is a common phenomenon with BMW. I have never encountered an Air-conditioning cooling fan that continues to run after switching off the ignition in any other vehicle. Also, does the fan turn off automatically after a preset time? I am somewhat compulsive about checking the vehicle after parking it. If, however, one were not careful, could the fan continue running long enough to drain the battery? Thanks, Jason

meineauto

Well, you guessed wrong. First, I didn't lock it with the keyfob. Secondly, I didn't have passengers inside the car and if I did, I wouldn't lock them inside if I weren't in the car. Thirdly, I always use the central lock button once I'm in and the doors are closed. But you are right, that shouldn't happen if I use the central lock button. So BMW, what's the @#$%^&* problem???????

kdshapiro

"I have never encountered an Air-conditioning cooling fan that continues to run after switching off the ignition in any other vehicle."

I have been in cars where the A/C fan continues to run after the ignition is off. I have not seen this behavior on my BMW. However, yours is newer and if BMW changed the programming and it runs to cool off the radiator after the ignition is shut off, it shouldn't run for more than a few minutes.

buckwalter1

I bought a 1989 325ix and with a set of steel rims and Blizzak snow & ice tires it goes very well in snow and ice. A set of mounted tires on rims from Tire Rack cost me less than $500. several years ago. It is the final solution for my steep driveway in central Pennsylvania. The only drawback is deep snow, it will not plow through snow much above 12 inches. I am sure the 325xi w/a set of snow/ice tires will do as well. Just do not use the snow & ice tires in the summer.

newbuyer30

Thanks for your inputs. Glad to hear your situation was resolved to a more acceptable level.

I took my car to the dealership on 6/8 for the stalling and the vibration problems. Well, they said after "extensively" driving the car, they couldn't re-create the stalling so they did nothing about it. That's pretty funny because it stalled 3 times in a period of a month, and I guess they thought they could re-create the problem in a half-hour drive. They also did nothing about the vibration since the vibration during their drive was acceptable. (They might not have experienced the rough vibration since it randomly comes-and-goes). They just told me if it stalls again, bring it in again...

That's interesting about the dealership stating not to use medium grade gas. I talked to two different dealerships and both okayed regular/medium gas. The lead mechanic at one dealership said it was okay to use regular grade gas especially in the wintertime since the gas is richer in oxygen in the wintertime. At the other dealership, a service mechanic told me to try lowering to the medium grade to resolve my stalling issue. I don’t know whom to believe anymore.

thomaspeterdub

Newbuyer30......Have more news for you. My vibration problem is really not any better.
I wrote to BMWNA out of sheer anger - we should not have to put up with a stalling vehicle or excessive vibration. I know something is wrong and I want it fixed. Frankly, I am ready to sell the damn thing because it bothers, butthen this car will be the last in a long line of BMW purchases.
Yesterday I received a call from BMWNA in response to my letter. Apparently and by coincidence, BMWNA received notification from Germanyof the problems you and I are experiencing. It isn't just you and me. They also were informed how to fix it! It requires some changes in the engine management system (DEM, I believe) software. They have to take the DEM out of the car and send it to BMWNA for reprogramming. They promised that this will fix the problem. It seems to make sense.
I am now waiting for BMWNA to call back and then my car will go in one last time. It sounds that this may finally resolve the problem. I hope it does; then maybe I can finally enjoy the car. Otherwise, when the new Lexus 430 is out, I am going Japanese with all my cars.
I suggest you contact BMWNA and I will try to post a note when this saga is hopefully resolved. Let me know how you make out.

kyfdx

elevatorguy

I am looking at a used (1993) 318i for my wife. It has high mileage (150k) but was well taken care of. It's a 5-speed. I would like to know if these were/are reliable vehicles and what to look for before buying? What are some of the weak points of the car? Are these interference engines? I know they use timing chains, not belts, but how often should these chains be replaced? Anything special that I should take a close look because of know failures? Anything in particular that is very expensive to fix that I should look at also to make sure it's not going to need replacing soon? Any comments and opinions ae welcome and appreciated.

Thanks,
Todd

kingk

Has anyone experienced a very unpleasant odor from the air vent? I got my new 330XI a month ago. I thought it was new car thing at first but it wasn’t. The funny part is that bad smell goes away if A/C is on. The warmer the weather is, the worse the smell gets... Since this car had been on the lot for several months before I got it, maybe some sort of fungus grows in the ventilation? Well, your 2 cents will be appreciated.

bmw323is

I have this odor once in a while and it is associated with stale air in the vetalation and a/c system. I have heard of some folks using an amonia or bleach rinse in the filtration system. I have found a trick that seems to work for me. When I use the a/c, I turn it off a couple of minutes before I turn the car off to allow the system to flush some clean air through it before it sits for a while.

bdevil81

I had the same concern with my 2002 325i, so I had the oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs after the first indicated change at almost 17k highway miles.

For what it is worth, the lab results indicated the oil was worn out and they recommended a shorter interval. Since then, I have changed out at my own expense every 7.5k or so. The lab results have been much better, but still indicate that the oil didn't have much more useful life.

After 43k miles the car has been trouble free and a joy to drive.

salesproxx

After 6 days my car was towed in- the top would get stuck 1/2 way up, It took The Dealership, 2 visits and 3 weeks to fix.
Now I've owned the car 6 weeks and have developed "That Transmission Thing", it wont go into Drive in the morning. I am now told its a softwear upgrade, no longer are they changing the "Tranny". That appointment is tommarrow morning.
Yesterday, my son got out of the passenger side and we couldnt close his door-It wouldnt close-I had to slam it really hard. And the windows squeak like crazy when they go up or down. Has anyone had anything nearly this bad? What a shame, I would love to have fun with this car!

gordonwd

Actually, I've noticed more trouble closing the door on my 325i than any of my recent cars. It's not enough to be worth complaining about (yet), but I have noticed it. I hate to make this comparison, but I almost wonder if it's similar to closing the door on an old VW beetle; those cars were so airtight that if you closed the door with the windows up all the way around, the air pressure inside the car would prevent the door closing solidly unless you gave it a hard slam. This is almost what it feels like on the 325: there's a bit of resistance on that last half-inch of closure.

Anyone else noticed this?

newbuyer30

thomaspeterdub

Definitely, please let me know what happened with your car and the reprogramming of the DME. My car is still vibrating. And yesterday, it was at a point I thought it was going to stall out. Being my first BMW, I can't tell what's a normal vibration and what's an excessive vibration. I used to have a Geo Prism and when it was new, you could barely tell if the car was running at idle. But with a much stronger engine on the 330, maybe the vibration I see is normal???

Good luck. Hope they fix your problem.

kyfdx

The coupes.. and the Z4.. and maybe the 3-series convertibles (not sure about them) actually drop the window about a 1/4 inch as you shut the door, then raise the window back up.. just for that reason. I test drove a Z4 last year, and did a double take. Had to ask the salesman if it really happened....

regards,
kyfdx

thomaspeterdub

The car was returned yesterday. BMW picked it up and returned to me at my office. It is now fixed!

Stalling and excessive vibration is not normal for your car. I am reasonably certain that you have exactly the same problem that I experienced. The shop foreman told me that the "fix" from BMWNA stated that the problems exhibited by our cars occurred on many 330's produced after March 2003.

I do not yet have my paperwork with the work order- it will be mailed to me - but you should communicate with the service manager at your dealership. Suggest to him that your car is one of the ones that would qualify for just-released fix (stalling & vibration)....they re- program the DME, which they remove from the car and FEDEX it to BMWNA. It takes about three to four days. If he is not aware of it just yet, suggest you call BMWNA directly.

I am certain that your problem will be resolved with this fix. Good luck and let me know how you make out.

moon

Hi recently my 2000 323i make high speed noise from rear axle.
 I stop by dealer and ask tech to drive above 70 mph.Unfortunatly
 they refused,is there any way that tech can drive my car above 65mph???

newbuyer30

thomaspeterdub

Hey! That's great! Glad to see that they finally fixed it. It's kind of strange, though, to why they gave you such a hard time fixing the problem when they already knew about it.

I'll try giving my dealership a call (and BMWNA, if need be).

Thanks for your help and I'll let you know of the status.

newbuyer30

I just spoke to the service manager at the dealership. He said that the DME fix only applied to 330s with the sports package (which I don't have). Do you have the sports package on yours?

He told me to bring the car in again to see if they could duplicate the problems (stalling and vibrating). So, it seems that I'm back to sqare one... This blows!

kyfdx

What would the sport package have to do with an idle vibration or the DME? The sport package is only tires/wheels and seats on a 330. I could be wrong (and often am), but that sounds like he's blowing smoke up your butt.

regards,
kyfdx

newbuyer30

You're right--that doesn't make sense. I thought the service manager said the sports package. But maybe he said the Performance Package (w/ the 235 HP engine).

thomaspeterdub, do you have the Performance Package?

Thanks.

thomaspeterdub

It does not make sense, but anything is possible.

I have the sport package on the standard 330 Ci. My suggestion is to communicate with BMWNA and see if they can help. I would not give up because you simply should not experience the symptoms you describe.

Persistence is the key even though one should not have to go through this exercise on a new car.

Good luck.

newbuyer30

Just got off the phone with a rep. from BMWNA and she confirmed that the only reported stalling/idle problems are with the 330s that have the sports package. She also confirmed BMW's policy that the mechanics have to experience the stalling/rough idling before they can work on it.

I love the car, but I'm beginning to wonder if I made a mistake getting this car instead of the Acura TL...

Stay tuned.

kyfdx

Unreal...

johnbeach1

This happens periodically with 325's. It the seal around the door. It is starting to loosen on you and will eventually fall off. I had both sides replaced twice. Friend had his done on both sides also.

eyes

im driving a 04 3 series. when i bought my car the dealer told me that i should change the engine oil at 7500 miles, but i read in some forum that oil change should be 15000 miles. im little bit confuse. any help or suggestion is appreciated.i need answer ASAP cos my car is in 7200 miles. tnx.

erickpl

change it out. It won't hurt to change it at 7500. With 70,000 on my car, I've decided to switch to Mobil-1 and change it every 7500 miles. This help avoid having the oil light come on and gives me peace of mind.

-Paul

bmwgjs

I have a 2000 BMW 323i with 86K miles on it. My reverse gear no long works when I put it in gear. Does anyone else have a similar experience?

Thanks…….

jccai1

Hi! My 2002 300Ci with Steptronic has developed an annoying problem within the past 6 months. When in "D", the transmission frequently fails to downshift to 1st when the car comes to a complete stop. So I often end up starting in 2nd unintentionally, which robs acceleration when I need it (like trying to make a left on a busy 6-lane street). It doesn't have this problem in "S" mode, nor does it have any trouble going into 1st in "M" mode. So it does not seem like a mechanical failure.

I know the tranny is "adaptive", while I'm not the most aggressive driver, I have a pretty heavy right foot. This problem occurs even if I floor the gas from a standing still. I'm the only driver of the car. I tried the other key in an attempt to reset the transmission programming, but it didn't help. So this doesn't have anything to do with my driving style.

Of course, the dealer claims they couldn't reproduce the problem and there were no error codes.

Has anyone else experienced similar problems? Thanks!

bmw323is

I don't have the Step, but I thought that I read that it always starts in 2nd gear, unless in the sport mode. You might want to check your owner's manual to deterimine if the car is automatically set up that way.

gvyt

Eyes,

Your car has a computer that monitors your driving styles and lets you know when the car needs service. When you first start the car watch the dash. You'll see the miles-to-service and type of service needed.

When you do get it serviced, if it's new, maintenance is included. So the dealer will do this one for free! When you get past 3/36 or 4/50, take it to a reputable shop (AAA approved) and have them use Mobil-1 or BWM synthetic (Castrol makes it I think) and a good filter.

I've used Mobil-1 and good filters in a '91 Grand Prix for 13 years following a 2 years or 12k miles. It's running stong at 160,000 miles.

gvyt

This just started. When rolling, city or hwy, the vibration smooths out. There is an occasionaly noise, usually when cold. Like a credit card on a fan.

I've also lost some coolant level lately. Not sure if it's connected.

gvyt

I had the Michelins. The rear axle went at about 32k and I replaced all four at 45k. Went to Kumo. For the price of four I would've gotten just two Michelins. So far, so good. 10k on them and no problems.

westmorland

Has anyone out there tried to touch up scratches in the sport wheels ? Does BMW or someone else sell the paint ? How did it work out

Thanks,

Westmorland

topboy323

I drove a Miata for 3 years and my 323iC for 3 months and rocks always hit that winshield. There are 2 tiny cracks in it already??

topboy323

It did have its Check 1 and new brakes and tires and fluid changes. I bought my 1998 323iC Convt. 5 months ago and I LOVE IT!! I have always wanted a BMW and I have always owned a Convt. I searched and searched for months paid cash. Titanium Silver with light gray leather and Black top. It Turns so many heads!! It has all the options except Fog Lights?? It's wired for them so I will put them in. My question is someone tell me if I keep up my maintenance per BMW that I shouldn't have any major problems. So far it's speeding tickets...ooops!!

topboy323

I wish there was a way in my 323iC to control the Sub Woofer on its own. I notice when I speed up or the top is down the difference in sound. My tweeter HK the larger one on my passenger side is blown and it is so annoying. Is there a way to buy the speaker I need besides the Dealer ship? I think someone must have slammed the door and the speaker hit there knee. I am ready to take it out with a spoon!!
There is just too much power to those tweeters. Any suggestions? My friend has a Land Rover and HK system sounds amazing compared to mine.

topboy323

One of the features that I love is the window drop and re seal. I noticed if you have some squeaks or top noises a little black magic or leather protector stops them right away.

topboy323

When its hot only after driving it for a while or using the 3rd gear option to utilize it's upshifts, is when I notice it the most. I do notice is searching for a gear in OD once in a while. after 55 mph take it out of 3rd sports option to OD I can't believe the car down shifts at 120 ZOOOM.... Still amazed by the power not sure how fast I have had it I don't look at the dash much after 140....

topboy323

People buy BMWs for a variety of reasons. BMWs carry an obvious panache that tells the world that you have, indeed, arrived. Driving a BMW also tells the world that you are a person who is young at heart, someone who may want to change their own gears from time to time; unlike, say, a stuffy owner of a Mercedes-Benz, Lexus or Cadillac. Lastly, BMWs politely tell people that you like to drive, and to please move out of that left lane so you can pass, thank you.

The 3-Series models are uniformly fun to drive due to their wonderful chassis, excellent steering and top-notch suspensions.
But, if you are a person who enjoys driving, the 3-Series is a nice alternative to muscle car machismo.

topboy323

I Can help the squeak I always owned convertibles use a little Black magic or Arrmoral on the rubber any place it squeaks on the convt top or windows. It will protect it make it last longer and stop the squeek on contact... I am so sorry about the other problems I have a manual top and love it!!! My mom can put it down herself on seconds... Never open the trunk and the Convt. lid at the same time!!!! fyi...

erickpl

I wouldn't worry about going to a dealer for a new speaker. There are a LOT of excellent aftermarket speakers that will work well in a BMW. I have wanted to put MB Quart speakers in my 325xi for a while - I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

MB Quarts offer a GREAT sound and should fit with no problems, whether it is the tweet, mid, or bass speakers you are wanting to replace.

-Paul

kominsky

topboy - I would imagine, since so many people replace the HK system with aftermarket parts, finding the speakers used (ebay?) wouldn't be too difficult. Otherwise, the dealership may be your only choice.

erickpl - I contacted MB Quart a couple of years ago about replacement speakers. Unless they've added something, using their speakers would require an aftermarket amp as well. Something about some feedback system the HK system uses that makes it incompatable with most other speakers.

dag

I am considering purchasing a 2002 325i with 54,000 miles and when I test drove it the triangle with a ! and circle around it lit up Orange after about 10 minutes. Does anyone know what this means? The car was very low on gas (12 miles to go), possible reason??

Also, is premium gas required or can you get away with regular?