BMW 3-Series: FAQ

vimaln

I placed an order for a new 325i

Any idea what tires they put on.
Bridgestone, michelin...?
Which one is good?

erickpl

are the most likely choices. Some people have gotten Michelins.

The Eagles on my 325xi were nice and lastest over 50,000 miles.

-Paul

erinx5

Hi Everyone!
Could anyone tell me how the BMW 325xi compares to the 325ci in the winter. I am concerned about the rear-wheel-drive factor on the coupe. If both vehicles had snow tires, which would be the best bet?

Thanks
~Erin

jccai1

I had to replace the rear tires on my 330Ci at 12k miles, so I had to get two Continental ContiSportContacts to match the OEM front. This year I had to replace all four. After much research on TireRack, I decided to go with Pirelli PZero Nero M+S, high performance all season, because I'm tired of the short tread life of the Conti's. But the Pirelli's were on back order for the rear tire size. I couldn't wait that long. I thought that the Michelin Pilot Sports were too expensive, considering that they have similar tread life. So I ended up buying 4 ContiSportContact's again. Not the best choice, but they are ok for the price. I also read good things about Bridgestone Potenza RE750; people tend to think it's a better alternative to Michelin Pilot Sport.

gordonwd

I don't have either model, but I would definitely bet that a 325xi would be better than a 325ci if both are wearing full snow tires all the way around. That said, based on my recent experience with an Audi A4 Quattro, in many places the AWD car with standard all-season tires might be usable year-round, whereas the RWD car might have to switch to snows during the winter. For sure if you have a RWD with the Sport Pkg you would have to switch in the winter.

This is all highly dependent on where you live, of course. I live in the Detroit area, but even here our past few winters have been mild enough that there have only been a couple of days each winter where driving with performance tires would have been really difficult.

flyf1sh

I just had an encounter with a bird that decided my hood was the perfect place for him to do his business. I have tried to remove it but there is still a noticeable mark that remains. Is there a wax out there that someone swears by? Any other recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

tku

My 1987 bmw 325 was rained on while the sun roof was left open one srotmy night a few weeks ago. The car is still running ok except I could not turn off the windhield wiper. The way to turn off the wiper is to unplug the wiper motor fuse from the fuse box in the hood. Is there a simple solution to this electrical problem?

rascale

I would suggest visiting carcareonline.com and do a bit of research on how to take care of the damage. Personally, I like to use P21S products. They have a prewax conditioner and wax that I like that may work for you; however, you may have to use a 3M brand polish for this job.

div2

There is a wiper/washer relay located in the fuse box that looks like this:
http://img.eautopartscatalog.com/live/P708021151.JPG Replace yours with a known good unit to see if that solves the problem. New ones cost less than $45; I believe that the BMW part number is: 61311368199. I hope this helps.

rhmass

I recently had the muffler replaced with the original part on our '94 325i. At the time I asked the mechanic to also locate a battery for replacement since it, just like the muffler, has been in service for 10 years. He insisted that it wasn't necessary since it started the car without any hint of problem. I believe in preventive maintenance, but he seems to feel it is money wasted to replace the battery working satisfactorily. Do you think a BMW battery, while excellent as an original part, can last over 10 years? We had the battery replace on our '98 318ti last winter. What are your thoughts? I do add distilled water when needed.

kyfdx

Unless you like to be towed, I think your idea is better than that of your mechanic.

regards,
kyfdx

rhmass

Thanks, that's what I thought also.
It seems somewhat difficult to find a battery with ventilation tube built in as required by the BMW battery. I called NTB sand Sears without luck. Sure hate to go to the BMW dealer for the replacement. Will try the dealer for the Interstate battery.

div2

Your battery probably has a year or two of life left. That's little comfort should it go Tango Uniform on a cold rainy night. Both my ti(10/95 build) and my 5er(5/96 build) have their original batteries, but I check and top up their water level every six months. On the ti Register we're having a contest to see how long an OEM battery will last; it's down to me and one other guy... If I were you I'd load test your OEM battery-if it passes then I'd swap in a new one around November. The battery you want is the Interstate MTP-91. The suggested price is $95.95. Not only is it less expensive that the BMW part, but many people have found that BMW replacement batteries tend to fail much earlier than the original units.

rhmass

Thanks for the information, particularly on the model number of the Interstate replacement. I presume this one comes with the ventilation tube as required for the trunk-mount battery. Thanks again for your help.

div2

Well, verify the number with the retailer to make sure it hasn't been superceded. The retailer should provide a vent kit that allows you to plumb the battery into the factory system.

beemer1

Hi everyone,
I purchased a 2003 BMW 325i last year and really like the car with one exception. I have noticed the past couple of months that when I get to around 1/4 tank of gas and try starting the car, it shakes uncontrollably and won't stop. A few months ago when this happened I had it towed in to the dealership and they told me nothing was wrong with it and just told me to always use premium gas and to never let it get to 1/4 tank to prevent this problem. I just wanted to see if anyone else had a similar problem or if it was just my car. I always put Chevron regular unleaded gas and sometimes I put premium gas. I'm now afraid to ever let my car get to 1/4 tank because of this problem. I never had this problem last year so why would it be happening now? Please advise. Thanks!

kyfdx

Your owner's manual says to use premium.. Try that for a few months, then report back...

regards,
kyfdx

beemer1

Thanks kyfdx. I took my car in the day I had posted the message and my dealership found a problem with the gas gauge and service light indicator. They fixed both of those problems and I was told to only use premium gas from now on.

Regards,
SM

bmwtom

Would like to add chrome drip moulding around side windows on an '04 325i sedan. This is the moulding that comes standard on the 330. Anyone tried this? Dealer here in NC quoted ~ $400 for parts only. Not sure if this is worth the $ and trouble, but like the trim. Any thoughts?

mhkimmins

I am a proud owner of a 2003 325i (stock with sport package)and am considering a series of Dinan upgrades. Alternatively I am considering getting an M3, and my question is whether it makes more financial and performance sense to put in a number of BMW approved upgrades or trade in the 325i toward a stock M3. If this is the wrong place for this question I apologize.

kyfdx

My opinion: Trade it for an '01-'03 M3, or a new 330i with performance package..

 

You'll be many dollars ahead... Dinan mods will do nothing for resale, so even if it is more expensive on the front end to trade, you'll at least get some of that money back at trade-in time...

 

Better check on your insurance rates first, though...

 

regards,

kyfdx

mitra

Hi,

 

Could somebody tell me how I could find the mobile/cell phone number associated with the BMW Assist installed on my 325xiT car?

erickpl

Call BMW Assist? They may have a caller ID type setup and could tell you the number. Our OnStar can do that.

 

-Paul

gordonwd

Call BMW Assist? They may have a caller ID type setup and could tell you the number. Our OnStar can do that.

 

I think this is something that you are not supposed to know. Word has it that if you know the cell phone number of your car, someone can call you -- and you can answer -- even though you don't really have a paid cellphone service. Unlike OnStar's satellite, BMW Assist is delivered using standard cellphone technology (Verizon, I believe), but the number is supposed to be "private" so that only BMW Assist can call you. But some people have been able to discover their number and can receive calls (you can't initiate a call except to BMW Assist).

 

Of course, this only works for the initial year of free service or if you buy the Assist service (and why anyone would pay for something like this is beyond me).

mitra

I am sure that if I ask BMW Assist, they are not going to tell me. Does anybody know of any indirect way of finding this (the mobile phone number used by BMW Assist)?

 

I am very curious to know. Thanks in advance.

bmaxw

I have a 92 325i with 150k miles on it. A friend and I were having a discussion about how many miles I can put on her till its all said and done. He suggested that with the proper maintenance,it would be possible to have her for another 150k miles. Is this true? What is the life expectancy for this model and year with the proper care?

kyfdx

Hard to say... what kind of shape is it in now?

Also, if you want to spend the money, you can drive almost anything indefinitely.. Bodies on modern cars don't rust much anymore.. So, unless an accident takes the car out, theoretically 300K is possible..

But, it took you 13 years to get this far... So, by the time you hit 225K, your car will be 20 years old.. that is when parts will be hard to find, or cost more than you want to spend..

I think, even a well-maintained car, that you are motivated to keep, will make you want to sell it somewhere between 200K-250K..

Just random musings....

mysticbimmer

Hey all, I'm looking to sell my 16" factory wheels and tires on my 2004 325ci. The rims are in excellent condition (no scratches,pitting,dents). The tires are Pirelli P6 and has approx.18,600 miles. Does anyone know how much I can sell them for? I checked e-bay but I can't find these for sale. Thanks for your imput.

dl7265

Umm, this may not be the appropriate place, but what style wheels are those ?

DL

d_windex02

what is the easiest way to jack my 1994 325is?

div2

Use a hydraulic floor jack lifting on one of the four round "hockey pucks" located under the rocker panels.

cargal2

Hmm... I wonder if I could swap my 17in rims and tires for 16 inch for my 2004 AWD wagon. Like everything, save for the stupid tires and rims which make me nervous in the obstacle course of potholes throughout the Northeast... $200 bucks for a tire that needs to be replaced with sidewall bubbles???

bp0121

Toinght is the night I wanted to change the clock in my 2005 325i to reflect the new time tomorrow. Since I just bought the car and can't remember how to change the clock, I went to the owners CD provided at delivery. It says on the CD that I need to go to the onboard computer first. I didn't buy an on-board computer. Can anyone tell me how to adjust the clock without reading the huge manual? Help and thanks!

kyfdx

Well... I have the onboard computer.... but..

Isn't your clock only on the radio? Go to the radio manual, or the section of the owner's manual relating to the radio... It shouldn't be that hard (but, I wouldn't bet on it).

erickpl

Right knob on instrument cluster. Twist right to go forward. Twist left to go backward.

-Paul

superdog

I see on the site it says.. prewired.. and has locks/remote entry.. is that the alarm? If not, how much does getting the bmw alarm added cost? Is it worth getting on a leased car?

Thanks..

kyfdx

It doesn't have an alarm... it is extra.. But, it has an ignition interlock.. No one can start the car without the key... The only way to steal it, is with a tow truck.

I personally wouldn't pay extra for the alarm at all, but definitely not if you are leasing.... Unless you or your neighbor is going to stay up all night, then run out and confront the guy breaking into your car, once you hear the alarm go off.

superdog

to kyfdx and AND everyone else who cared to share.. a few weeks ago I knew nothing about cars.. 3 weeks later and thousands of messages later.. I got a great deal on a 330i.. better than what my "in the know" friends got.. Just wanted to say thanks again. .. .

amt7565

Conrats super- you Dog!

Do you mind sharing the details of your deal? Which State are you in?

AMT-

superdog

570/month lease.. everything rolled in (bankfee/tax) due depost,1st month and dmv
$35,320
330i
sport package
xeon
heated seats
leather
Auto
-mats thrown in

Karen_S

Congrats on your great deal!

Please be sure to post this over in BMW 3-series Prices Paid.

rhody_88

My CA told me that I may need to add one quart of oil during the break-in period. The car comes equipped with an extra quart of oil. However, I didn't find anything in the literature. Would someone kindly explain? Thank you.

div2

Some BMWs use some oil during the break-in period but never use oil again. Other BMWs use oil from Day One and never stop. I have one of each. Just check your dipstick every 300 miles or so. Just park the car on level ground and wait five minutes or so to allow the oil to drain back into the crankcase. Don't add any oil until the oil level drops to the lower mark on the dipstick.

rhody_88

Thank you for your response, div2.

dathomas

We recently purchased a red 325ci for a summer car. It is our first BMW and we are very excited. It didn't come with an owners manual so we are flying blind on some things. Is there anywhere to obtain a manual? Also, the radio did not work due to the battery being disconnected. It has "CODE" on the display. I took it to a Canadian dealership across the river from us and they were not able to unlock the code. Is there any way to unlock the code without taking it into a dealer? Thanks

div2

Go to the BMW NA website and join the "Owners Circle". You can often download a manual from there. Conversely, you can obtain a manual from a BMW dealer. A good mail order dealer is The BMW Store:1.800.543.1649. As for the radio, any dealer should be able to obtain the code; depending on the year of your car they will either need the VIN of the car or the SN of the radio. Some independent BMW shops have good relations with the local dealer and can obtain the info for you-my indie shop has obtained a couple of codes for me.

dathomas

Thanks for the info. The Owner Circle only has manuals back to 2000, but the dealer I contacted told me they could order one. The cost of pulling the radio and getting the code from BMW is approx $45 and should take about 30-45 minutes. I have two buttons I don't know what they do. The first is on the dash, just to the left of the emergency flasher button. I it doesn't seem to work anything. The other is on the console, right side, just in front of the passenger side window buttons. Any help? Thanks again!

sbergoon

Has anyone had problems with the radiator neck failing resulting in radiator replacement? My car is a 1995 325i with 87000 miles.

div2

The plastic radiators often fail at mileages in excess of 60k. The oem rediator is cheap enough but you can also replace it with an all metal unit. See: www.zionsvilleautosport.com

jp007

I am able to open all windows with the remote control; however, it doesn't seemed that I can close the windows with the remote control. I've tried pressing and holding the lock button but it doesn't do anything. I've been reading this forum and came upon a reply msg stating that you cannot close windows with the remote. Is it true that you can only open the window with the remote?