BMW 3-Series: FAQ

skobola

The difference between the car with alarm and without is that the alarm gives the audio warning/chirping upon engagement and, of course, when someone sets it on it engages the syren and lights, and provides a motion sensor, which will also trigger the audio and light show. However, the non-alarmed car comes with the same security except the above, and it can be programmed to have the same clown nose and turn signals blinking as a car with alarm engaged. Therefore I did not take it, as I believe that it is enough for thieves to see that it is a BMW (they are known not to be easy prays), and the clown nose blinking (which I hope they will recognize as the alarm being armed). However, we should all also know that if they really want your car, it will be gone, with or without alarm! Good luck...

cpo_bmw2002

I got a certified 2002 BMW couple of weeks back. When I took the car out in the morning the engine stalled after the car moved about 100 feet or so. I had to start the engine again. This occured 4 times so far. This happens when I take the car out in the morning . by the way I live in NJ. Outside temparature must have been in 50's when I started the car. Anyone has any ideas on why this must be happening.

lou72

JUST BOUGHT A NEW 2003 330I. AT TIMES I HEAR A CLICKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT OR MINOR BUMPS. I THINK THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE FRONT SEAT BELT ADJUSTERS OR AROUND THAT AREA. THE NOISE COMES FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE. I AM REALLY FRUSTRATED. DOES ANYONE ELSE HEAR THIS NOISE. PLEASE ADVISE.

lilipeutia

I'm going to be buying a 325xi wagon soon. I have a very large black dog who loves going with me on car rides. I am pleased that I can get leatherette on the BMW (better than cloth or leather for a big, messy dog, I expect) but I'm wondering about car colors. Obviously on hot days (I'm in Massachusetts) I can't leave the dog in the car with the windows cracked but I expect that car color would play a part when temperatures were marginally warm. I've asked opinions of some knowledgeable car people and been told that: (1) the exterior color matters (i.e., get white or silver) but the interior color doesn't matter (i.e., that I can get black leatherette without any cost in heat), and that (2) the interior color matters (i.e., get beige) but the exterior doesn't matter. To play it safest, I guess I could get a white car with beige interior but that wouldn't be my choice otherwise. What do people think?

motenor1

car color vs heat...check this link

http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/oct98/904941057.Ph.r.html

lawdawgfl

I am purchasing a 2001 325ci with only 15,000 miles, from a good friend who bought a 540. I was going to purchase an alarm from BMW. Instead when I read the other post I have decided to get the car programmed to have the red light flash and the turn signals come on when locked. Question is how do I get the car programmed, or can I do it? Thanks for any help.

skobola

You will have to take it to the BMW service. I have programmed mine for free, as I leased a new car, but I believe that they will charge you for any additional programming, about $40-80, depending on the dealer/service. The dealer should have the list of all options that are programmable, which also includes the blinking of turn signals and clown nose when locked, so the car will appear as it has the alarm installed. However, the siren is not included, and if you want it, you will have to buy the alarm...

erickpl

Like skobola said, the dealer will have to program it. If you are not wanting to pay to have the dealer install it, you can get the alarm and install it yourself if you want. The E46 is prewired for almost everything. You can get it from several BMW dealers who have websites, like Cutter, Pacific, etc. If you are a member of BMWCCA, you also get a discount.

Once you do have it installed, you can take it to the dealer like skobola says and have it programmed.

-Paul

lawdawgfl

What is so special about BMW oil, it is a super secret blend? When the warranty is up could you put Mobil 1 synthetic in? I am thinking about purchasing a 325ci from a friend with 15,000 miles. I figure I would ease into the BMW experience, see how it goes and then purchase a new 330 in a few years. I am getting the 325 for 25k, it is a 2001. Thanks for the help.

kominsky

BMW oil is rebadged Castrol. Many(!) BMW owners use Mobil 1.

kominsky

"BMW oil is rebadged Castrol." Sounds like that may have been over-simplified. Check out div2's response in the 3-series board.

dave_in_ct

I picked up my '04 325xiT yesterday. I notice that when I turn the engine off and don't lock the car, the orange light indicator next to "P" on the automatic gearshift lever stays on awhile. While I haven't stood there waiting to see how long it actually stays lit, I'm guessing about 15 minutes or so. If I lock the car, the light goes out immediately. Is this normal? Just want to make sure I don't end up with a dead battery some morning. Thanks.

xspeedy

It is normal. My loaner does the same thing.

dave_in_ct

Thanks, xspeedy. Enjoy the holidays.

nhlarry

I'd seen a previous post about someone inquiring about having a radar detector hard wired. I'm having a mental block about turning mine off (wired to the lighter), so it stays on while the engine is off. I'm worried about running down the battery. Any takers?
Thanks,
Larry

nhlarry

Michael, thanks so much for the info. While I'm not sure yet that I'll want to "mess" with this installation, I'm glad to know it can be done. Last night (for the third time) I left the darn thing on all night. Forgot to turn it off. I really have to get this done!
Thanks again,
Larry

flyf1sh

can someone give me a realistic life expectancy on the tires on the sp for the 04 325i's

kyfdx

When I took the summer tires off to put the winter tires on, they had 8300 miles. My tire guy estimates 30K for the fronts, and about 20k-25K for the rears.. The variance for the rears is because the right one is wearing faster. BMW recommends NOT rotating them, but the tire guy says if I rotate them, I may squeeze 30K out of the set. Since I use the same wheels for my winter tires, I'm thinking that I will run them from March through November this year, which will take me to about 22K. Then, Spring '05, put on a new set when I take the winter tires off again.

I'd probably try to get more out of them, if I had dedicated winter wheels, and the swap was simpler. Or, if they weren't the relatively crappy OEM tires. I don't hear of many people going past 30K, even rotating, and usually the rears are gone by 25K for sure.

regards,
kyfdx

gordonwd

What does it cost you to have a set of tires remounted & balanced twice a year? Seems like a set of cheap "winter wheels" would pay for themselves fairly quickly, unless you just like having the high-class wheels year round :-).

kyfdx

I got the sport package partly for the looks. I couldn't bear going down to 16" wheels for 3 months each year. Also, I just got the car on 12/20/03, so I didn't have a lot of time to mull things over. Now, that I've looked around, I could have gotten replica 17" wheels for about $550. My tire guy only charged $40 to mount and balance the winter tires. Since I bought from him, I'm assuming he'll charge the same amount to swap them back out (I think $40 is pretty cheap for that).
Now, for the cost part.. Lets assume I got cheap wheels for $200. I still have to have them mounted the first time. We drive the car about 1500 miles per month. No personal experience, but most people tell me my winter tires will only last about three winters at 4500 miles per winter before they lose effectiveness. The summer performance tires on the car will probably only last two years at 14,500 miles per year for the other nine months.

So, its not really saving $80 per year on the swap out... Its more like $50/yr taking into account having to get new tires. I'd break even on cheap wheels in about 4 years, and probably never on replica alloys. I haven't kept a car longer than 3.5 years, since the early '90s. Didn't plan it that way, it just seems to happen. I'm hoping to have this one about five years.

Did I say that I can't really bear to take off the 17" alloys? That is the real reason. Also, my tire guy is only two miles from the house, and will give me a ride home, so the hassle part of it is nil.

regards,
kyfdx

cody22

Just picked up a Certified Pre-Owned 2003 325i (12k miles). Being very new to this car, I noted that when I initially power up the car, the yellow "Service Engine Soon - EML indicator" lights up, then goes off after about 5 seconds.

Is this normal? or do I need to take this back to the BMW center for a check up?

Thanks in advance.

cody22

My 325 didn't come with an installed Alarm System. What do these typically cost to have installed?

Thanks

kominsky

If you have ANY mechanical abilities, I would recommend installing the alarm yourself. You can buy it from pacificbmw.com, circlebmw.com, or any of numerous online discount parts/accessorie houses or around $220. The install, using simple tools, takes under an hour. Once installed, you'll have to take it to dealership to have it actuated, though. They shouldn't charge you more than $50 to do it (mine cost $30).

The install instructions are available online. Take a look to see if it's something you'd want to tackle on your own.
  http://www.circlebmw.com/service/access/9416520.htm

cody22

Thank you Kominsky !

cody22

The owners manual for my 2003 325i states Premium Unleaded fuel. The Car Salesman told me that he uses Regular Unleaded in his 540i.

I usually purchase Chevron gas - which has treated my previous BMW great. What type of gas do you all use for the 3 series?

Thanks in advance.

kyfdx

The manual says premium. Do you really want to tell someone that is thinking about paying $20K or more for your used car, that you cheaped out on gas? The 325i needs every bit of power it can make. I only use Shell, unless I happen to be traveling where it isn't available.

regards,
kyfdx

cody22

Thanks for the info kyfdx ... Let me ask the obvious, why just Shell ?? Is it really that much different than Chevron Premium ?

kyfdx

The only big companies that are widely available (IOW, on my way to work) are Shell and BP. I doubt one is any better than the other... or better than Chevron. I happen to use Shell, because I use their Mastercard and get a 5% rebate on gasoline purchases and 1% on everything else. I've been using Shell pretty much exclusively (I'm not anal about it, though) for about 20 years, and have never had a fuel related problem. I'm sure all the national brands are fine.

regards,
kyfdx

cody22

Thanks KYFDX . that makes sense. I'm in the same boat - Chevron is on my way to/from work. But I'll keep any eye out for Shell prices as well. Out here in CA, Premium sells well over $2.10/gallon .. at least. It's expected to spike to $2.50 this summer. ... youch.

gordonwd

How do the headlight washers on the 325i work? On my Audi A4, they operate any time the headlights are on and I hold the windshield washers on for more than a couple of seconds. The BMW owner manual seems to imply that they operate "periodically" or something like that. What does that mean?

erickpl

on my 325xi, they work about every 3-4 times I pull back on my washer handle.

Not quite the way I'd wish (wish there was a separate function for it), but they do work well.

-Paul

sjmurray3

Visited a dealer today who had two CPO cars that he bought at an out-of-state auction? Is this legit? I thought CPO cars were ones turned in from lease to the original dealer etc... I would think an auctioned car would be trouble and impossible to trace even through carfax? Any comments?

kominsky

I'm not sure exactly what the rules are but I don't think it has to be a lease turn-in. I think there's just a milage limit and the vehicle must pass a thorough inspection.

motenor1

page 78 of the manual for 04 325i states the same as what erickpl said... pull windshield wiper lever towards you (position 1) and it will operate.

sjmurray3

Would you consider leasing a 2003 CPO? And what would a good money factor be?

kyfdx

Almost all used BMWs come through the auction. The chances of a dealer having a car on the lot that he took in on trade, or that was turned in to his dealership is minimal. That is also how BMW distributes their factory official cars and lease returns that aren't kept by the receiving dealer. There should be no stigma attached to an auction car. It is just an efficient means of distribution.

As far as Carfax.. every time a car goes through the auction, it shows up on Carfax.. It is the direct transfers from dealer to wholesaler to wholesaler to dealer, that don't show up.

Look at it this way.. If a dealer only has trade-ins on his lot, he had to take whatever comes his way. If he goes to the auction, he can pick the cream of the crop, with the best options and colors.

For a car to be CPO, it just has to qualify as far as age and miles, and be brought up to CPO standards, and have the fee paid to BMWNA for the CPO warranty.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

Usually the leasing incentives on CPO are restricted to 3-4 year old cars.. Usually to get rid of the glut coming off lease. Money factors are pretty good right now on '04s.. You could check, but I think you'll find you can lease a new one cheaper than an '03.

regards,
kyfdx

houle1

Hi group,

I own a 325i 2001 and orderd my new 330ci last month.

Is there a place I can go to see where my car is in the production line?

Thanks
Robert

Can also email me at docupro@sympatico.ca

diestelmeier

Houle1 -- you can go to the Owner's Circle feature on the BMW USA site and find out where your car is in production and transit. The address is:

http://www.bmwusa.com/ownerscircle/

We're in the same boat -- I ordered my 330 Ci last month too, and mine is now produced and awaiting transport.

My question is this -- can anyone give me an idea of how long it will take for the car to arrive now that it's been produced? Thanks in advance -- Mark

gordonwd

The "Owner's Circle" is a couple of days at least behind. Mine is still showing "waiting for transport" when I know that it is actually on its way. Your dealer can get you at least the name of the ship it's on. Then go to the Wallenius web site at www.wlna.com. Click on "Schedules" in the upper right, then do a Search by Vessel with your ship's name. From there you can see exactly where it's been, where it is, and when it will arrive at your port!

Mine shipped from Bremerhaven on the 29th and will be in NYC on April 10 with two stops along the way (Belgium & England).

hpmctorque

Can someone explain the difference between a 325, 325E, and 325ES for the '87 model year? Also, what is the horsepower and torque (and rpm) for these? And, finally, what's the displacement, ~2500 or ~2700 cc?

Thanks in advance.

kyfdx

The "e" is the designation for the engine type. I think, and someone correct me, if I'm wrong.. that they dropped the "e" from the trunk insignia in '87, so they all just say "325". So, I don't think there is any difference between 325 and 325e for that year. The "s" denotes a two-door.

I think they went back to the "325i" in '88. And quit using that "e" engine (high torque, low rev), that was not so popular.

Displacement: I'm not sure.. this is all from memory, as a friend of mine bought an '87 325 new.

regards,
kyfdx

frankw3

I've got a 2001 330 convertible and need to replace the tires. I've got Continental 225/4517's and 245/4017's on now. I've been looking into Goodyear Eagle F1's, Bridgestone Potenzas, Toyos, Michelin Pilot Sports, and Pirelli Pzero Neros. What's best for general driving, handling and wear?

kyfdx

What is most important to you? Ride, noise, longevity? Or maximum handling? I'm assuming summer tires? Or all-seasons?

regards,
kyfdx

frankw3

I have snows for the winter so I'm more concerned with spring through fall handling and feel. I hadn't really thought that tires would make much noise.

kyfdx

I have the same set-up as you on my 325i. Staggered M68 wheels. I have Michelin Pilot Sports, and I like them a lot.

That said, the new Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 seems to be the new favorite for overall performance and ride quality.

If you follow any of the other 3-series forums, the favorite tire seems to be the Potenza S-03s.. especially for maximum handling. They say the Eagle F1 GS-D3 is almost as good and cheaper also.

As far as noise, avoid the Yokohamas.. Many people say the get very noisy after about 7K miles.

I haven't really narrowed it down, have I?

If it were I, I would get the new Michelin PS2, if cost is not a big factor. They still seem to have good ratings for ride and wear, as well as being a top handler. I have my regular Pilot Sports because they came on the wheels I bought. (off a 330i convertible, by coincidence).

regards,
kyfdx

dan4

All
Just bought a 325xi. its leased so i have to watch the bottom line but i was surprised that it does not have a standard equipment alarm. is it expensive for after market?

erickpl

are not standard on the 325's. Sorry bout that.

You can add one and install it yourself, but you have to take it to the dealer to activate it. Check the various online dealers and they have good rates.

Probably the best thing you can do is activate the clown nose under the mirror. It can be programmed to blink when you lock the doors. This can be configured by the dealer without the alarm being installed. The antitheft ignition will keep your BMW where you left it (short of it being towed).

If somebody wants you car or what is in it bad enough, they're gonna get it, regardless of whether or not the alarm is going off.

I work at Edwards Air Force Base and we get sonic booms all the time. The alarms always get ignored.

Here's my advice:
Get the clown nose activated. this will deter most.
Keep valuables hidden in the trunk.

We have XM installed, but it is hidden from view in the ashtray and the antenna comes off and is in the trunk when we park in less-than-ideal locations.

-Paul

isung

Does getting the clown nose activated by the dealer cost anything?

Thanks.

erickpl

do it as part of your delivery. If you wait a bit and do it later, it MIGHT ... depends on your relationship with your dealer.

If it is used, you'll probably have to pay.

-Paul