Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

roadburner

So even $26k is a lot to pay, but not completely unreasonable if you can't live without it.

I'm fortunate in that I don't need to buy a car- so I can afford to wait.

28firefighter

I asked about that, and supposedly they did it. Since the place its at now is one guy and he fit me in on an emergency basis, I still haven't heard back. I'll call him tomorrow afternoon if I don't hear anything.

I thought it seemed like an air leak too, and they said "nope no way." Given that I don't have the space or ability to properly test it, I have to test it. All mechanics I've taken it too came highly recommended, so we'll see. Last stop is the dealer, but I REALLY don't want to take it there.

roadburner

Has anyone swapped in a known good ECU?

28firefighter

I didn't hear anything yesterday, so I'll check-in with them on my break this afternoon. He is a one man show and was booked up solid, so I'm not sure if he's had a chance to look at it.

I left it there because it was undriveable in its current state. I'll post if/when I hear anything.

stickguy

almost sounds like some of the fuel pump symptoms that generated the recall. I know most were on the turbo, but some NA engines without the HP pump got recalled too.

although it seems odd that only 5 of 6 cylinders would be showing a problem? Very strange.

28firefighter

I agree. I watched them shift the coils at the previous shop, and the coil issue didn't move with it. So it can't be that.

I also don't think that my car was part of that recall for the fuel pump. It is really weird though, because everything was fine and then I was at a stop light and the thing just started misfiring.

qbrozen

I just don't see how even a cracked head is going to cause 5 out of 6 bad cylinders. And what they heck could go wrong with a "block" to cause that? Nothing I can think of.

So this is electrical, air, and/or fuel delivery problem.

Can you just swap an ECU on that car? I know you can't on a newer volvo, for instance. At least not easily. Requires reprogramming.

28firefighter

I'm not 100% sure, but I think they need reprogramming on the e46. Mechanic was able to put the car in the garage tonight, but didn't have a chance to start diagnosing it yet. I'm hoping we know whats wrong before the weekend, but I'm not optimistic. The local BMW dealer told me 4-7 days before having a resolution if I dropped it off today because they are so booked up.

I want my car back, and hopefully repaired for the long term. As much as I'm annoyed by this, I STILL love the way it drives. In the mean time, I can't wait until I have a house and garage where I can start learning to work on the car myself.

mark156

28firefighter, how many miles on the BMW?

Mark156

28firefighter

I bought it with 79,100 miles and there are now 81,600 miles on it.

guss

Did you buy it from a dealer? Do you think they knew about when they sold it to you?

2500 miles seems awful quick for something like that to pop up without the previous owner knowing something. I am not a big one for lawsuits, but maybe a quick call to the dealer to see if they can help you out with either a repair at reduced labor cost or by kicking in some cash.

28firefighter

Okay well, we have good news and bad news.

The good news, the BMW stays and the fix is relatively common. The better news is that had this part gone any longer being driven on, especially with the cold weather now here in the northeast, it would have thrown a rod through my engine. The best news, is that I don't need a new block at this juncture.

The bad news is that it'll run me about $900 to fix. The M54 engine and several others that BMW uses, has a Crank Case Valve (CCV/aka Oil Separator). The original design of these was faulty, and in cold weather climates, water could get into the CCV, then freezing at cold temperatures and cause it to fail. When the CCV fails, it generally can cause a huge vacuum leak in the system that would not show up without proper tools to test it. That vacuum leak, is what is causing the misfires and also lean mixture codes. The part he is replacing it with, has better insulation and is also replaced with a new dipstick tube to prevent condensation from getting into the pump. A known failure point, but not something easy to diagnose on a preventative basis, and BMW never issued a campaign on it.

@guss, given that this only really surfaced because of the drop in temperatures up here, I'm not sure I even can blame the dealer for this. Since BMW never issued a campaign they would have had no reason to check this during the pre-sale process since it is not a part that fails based on wear and tear. It was a part that was replaced as it failed only.

Can't wait to get it back!

tifighter

Congrats; $900 doesn't really seem too bad at all given all the possibilities...

akangl

I guess I should have known that the Honda dealer would do something stupid. We knew the other day that we were putting our name on a unit already coming in and that was fine. They had the color combo I wanted already pending. Salesguy said we'd figure out price and all that when we came in to do put the deposit on it, which he had told us to wait because he wanted to be sure the car was indeed coming. Got a rude awakening today when we were told the price would be full sticker, no discount, um, ok, I don't play that game. My last Pilot I paid invoice for, I mentioned that and was told, well, that was a different dealer and a different time. That's when I exit stage left and say bye bye Honda.

On to what should have probably been my first choice and a vehicle I know I can get for $500 over invoice which is pretty fair in ak. Its comfortable, drives nice, and is quieter then the Pilot. Didn't order it today, I wanted to but hubby said no, he wanted to go home, his back was killing him. So I'll head back in a week or so and take care of it.

After this is over I never want to buy another car......well not for a long time at least.

mark156

What IS the car you thought should have been your first choice?

Can you try another Honda dealer? It's not like the Pilot is changing... it's been out a couple of years now. That dealer is playing games with you.

My California dealer most likely would not have given me a discount on the brand new 2010 Land Rover LR-4 in 2009... but, my Tennessee did and it was the only LR-4 they had on the lot. They were just starting to be shipped so supply was limited.

I tried to buy a couple of Mercedes in California but my Tennessee dealer beat them every time! I don't even try to buy in California on brands that we have in Tennessee.

Mark156

akangl

Can you try another Honda dealer? It's not like the Pilot is changing... it's been out a couple of years now. That dealer is playing games with you.

Sadly there is only one other Honda dealer in the state and they are worse then the one I was dealing with. I was kind of irritated because we purchased the Civic from this Honda dealer 2 years ago and have had all oil changes and everything done on both the Civic and the Pilot at their service dept.

I'll post what the car is when I get the order in and its confirmed. They told me plan on 45-60 days order time, so that's not too bad. I'll give a hint, its a brand new redesign of a model that's been popular since 1993. I've owned 2 of them and loved both.

kyfdx

Not that I'm a mechanic by any means, but the oil separator is a well-known problem with E46 and E39 models...

So, if you haven't been.. I'd suggest taking your car to a shop that specializes in BMWs... and, if you have been, I'd find a new one..

corvette

You're getting an Exploder, er, Explorer? The new one looks nice, but the visibility has to be terrible with those huge pillars.

akangl

You're getting an Exploder, er, Explorer?

Nope, I've owned 4 of them and nobody could pay me enough to own another. I've had at least one of each generation, 1993, 1994, 1997, and 2004. Don't have anything nice to say about any of them.

fintail

Grand Cherokee?

New version looks pretty nice.

akangl

Grand Cherokee?

New version looks pretty nice.

That would be the one. The '11 is pretty impressive, I took it out with stock summer tires on icy nasty roads and could not break it loose. The driving position was better then the Pilot (although I would have gone with the Pilot because its a Honda) and it had more power.

Even with it being a very popular new model here in Alaska and not many to choose from I can still get the price I want. No BS, no games. I've purchased 4 vehicles from the dealership I'll be ordering it from and know the GM pretty well.

The whole deal with the Honda dealer really soured me on Honda. They think their product is so great that they can get full price, maybe from someone else, but not from me.

28firefighter

Kyfdx -

It was only at this third shop, where it is being worked on now, that is the best BMW mechanic in the area who successfully diagnosed the oil separator. The other places I had previously taken the car claimed to be BMW mechanics, but clearly didn't have a clue - lesson learned.

I spoke to the BMW dealer to get a second quote on the oil separator replacement, and they wanted $2000 + tax. Their labor rate is insanely high. I should also note, that that $900 quote includes tax and a new DISA Valve if its part of the 20% he's seen that needs that replaced when the oil separator goes. If there is no bad DISA valve, it'll be around $675.

I'm fine now - I'm confident in the person repairing it, and am looking forward to getting it back with an updated insulated part so this thing doesn't go again. No one but this guy will touch my car again.

fintail

Looks like it has a nice interior too, far improved in looks inside and out from the previous rental-grade model. I think they'll be selling a lot of those.

akangl

Looks like it has a nice interior too, far improved in looks inside and out from the previous rental-grade model. I think they'll be selling a lot of those.

Agreed. They made it to compete in the luxury market and I think it has a chance. Even the Larado is nice, we drove one with leather, very nice leather, everything felt tight and well made. The car handled really nice, wasn't anything I could pick apart with it. The backup camera is really well done too, light years ahead of the one in the Honda. The Pilot's backup camera was more of a "why bother?" I would have still bought the Honda if not for the games, I am just not in the mood for games.

The thing that I noticed the most was how quiet it was, even at 80 mph, just no road noise. Course I'm used to driving either the Civic or the F-250, neither of which are quiet.

stickguy

might want to stick with the PU. If you are cruising at 80 and not noticing, you won't have a license for long anyway!

which model are you getting>? And which engine, V6 or V8?

akangl

might want to stick with the PU. If you are cruising at 80 and not noticing, you won't have a license for long anyway!

which model are you getting>? And which engine, V6 or V8?

Meh, I do 80 in the F-250, have to set the cruise in that beast when the roads are good. Put bad roads in front of me and I'm a grandma with the truck.

As to what model, V6 or V8, I have no idea yet. What I want and what I'll end up getting are probably 2 different things. What I want is an Overland with a V8, quadra-drive II, and quadra-lift, plus the advance warning and adaptive cruise. What I'll get will probably be a lot less then that, lol. A whole lot less, lol.

mark156

The new Grand Cherokee's are NICE! I've had two Jeep Grand Cherokee's.... a '96 and '99. Nice vehicles even though both had to be towed-in under warranty.

My brother and his wife have two '08 Liberty's and both have been very good.

Drive safe!
Mark156

akangl

The new Grand Cherokee's are NICE! I've had two Jeep Grand Cherokee's.... a '96 and '99. Nice vehicles even though both had to be towed-in under warranty.

I had a 94 and a 98, both were excellent vehicles and I wasn't easy on either of them. We hit some pretty cool trails on the weekends. Both of them I purchased used at fairly high miles. Even in the worst conditions they were never anything but safe and secure.

mark156

What was disappointing with the '99 JGC, was that the air conditioning was not near as powerful as the '96. It just couldn't keep the inside cool in the hot summer California desert. All of the other vehicles at the time did fine. The dealer said everything was normal. The '96 was black and the '99 was medium gray, so you would think the air wouldn't be such an issue. The Dana axle had to be rebuilt twice (under warranty) on the '99 as it made a loud whining noise. The cam shaft sensor went out causing it to be towed.

I would think that the new Jeep will have rear air vents. I sure do like the new design/style.

Mark

akangl

I would think that the new Jeep will have rear air vents. I sure do like the new design/style.


I think it does. Honestly I didn't look. I rarely use A/C in the summer here, I prefer the sunroof open. More important to me is a good heater. I'll take that over a good A/C anyday!

I've decided on a color, but nothing else. I'm torn on V6 vs V8, still doing some reading on that. I will occationally need to tow with it, nothing big, but still want to know it will be able to handle 5000 lbs on a 700 mile round trip.

On another note, I took the F-250 to a transmission shop after nearly wrecking it last night when the transmission wouldn't go into a gear in a very bad spot on the road. Turns out it has a bad 3rd gear synchro and needs a rebuild. The truck is going to have to deal with it for a little while since I can't have it down for a week to fix it. The mechanic told me if I baby it, I might buy some more time. I also called my mechanic to see what he can fix it for since the transmission shop quoted me $1500. I can't say as I didn't see that one coming, but hey, I got the truck cheap enough so its no a huge deal. Kind of expect at least one big repair when you buy a 15 year old truck with 178k on it. :sick:

mark156

Akangl, sorry to hear about the transmission.

I'm completely the opposite on interior climate... no heat needed, but I need plenty of AIR! I like the ice cold air conditioning blowing right on my face! Just about the only heat I use, unless it's below freezing... is the seat heater, that's all I need.

My '96 JGC was a 6 cylinder and the '99 was a V-8. I could tell a major difference and wouldn't get a 6. When the '96 was loaded with five people, it just didn't have any 'ummmth'. The V-8 made such a difference.

Also, with the V-8, you might could get a decent TT to pull behind the Jeep.

Mark

roadburner

Some additional detective work has revealed some interesting information. The car has a lower(higher numerically) rear axle ratio 4:10- stock is 3:64. It also has the European headers and cats. The engine has to be making close to 350 bhp. My mole at the dealership confirms that the current owner is a perfectionist and that the car is in excellent shape.
Methinks I'm going to offer $25,000 and stand pat. The "typical" BMW buyer will be turned off by the lack of options and leather- as well as the performance mods, and it would probably be a bit tough car to finance, considering the age and the price. When it was on eBay it didn't even bring $25K...

tjc78

With that kind of power and 4.10 gears it must be a beast off the line.

roadburner

Yeah, although you'd probably have to shift out of first gear before you get through the intersection... :P

mark156

Roadburner?

Any news yet on the BMW? Did you try and make an offer? Details needed!!

Mark156

roadburner

Details needed!!

I don't like to buy cars sight unseen(I made an exception with the 1975 '02), so last weekend my wife and I drove up to Chicago as a charity we work with was having a briefing on current projects on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. On Thursday I called my salesperson and told him I'd like to test drive the car early Saturday afternoon. Well, the briefing ends and I buzz the salesperson to tell him I'm on my way- and he tells me a guy called Friday and bought the car over the phone. Just my luck. I'm naming the bloody Mazdaspeed "Albatross", since it looks like I'm stuck with it for the foreseeable future... :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

mark156

Wow, sorry to hear the BMW sold but things happen for a reason (they say). :sick:

You'll find a better one I'm sure! :shades:

Mark

guss

I know it is tacky, but did you ask what it sold for? I would have been curious for future reference.

roadburner

Wow, sorry to hear the BMW sold but things happen for a reason (they say).

I really do believe that. When I bought my beloved 318ti -fifteen years ago as of this Friday- everything fell into place- and to date it's proven to be the best car I've ever owned.

roadburner

I know it is tacky, but did you ask what it sold for?

That's a good idea, but the thought didn't even occur to me...

grandtotal

That's a good idea, but the thought didn't even occur to me...

It's not too late.

qbrozen

had a thought ... "hey, maybe I could rent a dreamcar."

So I did a search and this is the first place that came up.

Check out those prices, though. That's pretty crazy.

fezo

So, grabbing the Ferrari for the weekend?

qbrozen

At the cost of a mortgage payment? hmmmm.... no.

Heck, I bought a nice '85 MR2 AND modified it for that price.

guss

If you can play the part, walk into the Ferrari dealer with your Sunday best on and go for a test drive. Should cost zero, unless you fall in love.

qbrozen

Don't I have to have a blind angry veteran with me to do that?

michaellno

... as it applies to her vehicles.

You all know the story of the ION that, on two occasions, simply quit running. I've been driving it for 7 months now and have had zero problems.

This morning, she gets a flat on the MINI. Since she goes to work at 5:30 in the morning, it's dark out and she can't tell it's flat. So, she starts driving to work. About halfway there, she's getting a shuddering from the steering wheel and the car is pulling. She pulls over and calls us. I take her to work, call AAA and wait with the car. When there is enough light, I can tell that the left rear is shredded on the sidewall and there is a large screw embedded in the tread.

Car is flat-bedded to the local tire dealer, where I'll find out how much a new Continental tire is.

Sheesh.

michaellno

The tire dealer just called. Apparently, there are no Continental tires of that model and size available locally.

Two options available:

1) Put on a Dunlop tire of the same size - $129 plus mounting
2) Call a national distributor about the Conti and wait 4-5 days for the tire to arrive

The car only has 6K on it, so not sure I want to mix and match tire brands.

tjc78

I wouldn't get a mismatched tire.... maybe the Dealer you bought the car from has the right tire in stock? Even if it is a few bucks more its probably worth it. Do you have NTB near you? They got me my special order Dunlop in two days.

michaellno

maybe the Dealer you bought the car from has the right tire in stock?

They did ... MINI Roadside Assistance took the car from the local tire dealer here in town and delivered it to the MINI dealer in Denver.

New tire, installation and taxes will run around $150.

Daughter wants to know why it's not covered by warranty. :sick:

Now, we just have to figure out a way to get the car back from the dealer.

To my knowledge, no NTB here in Denver. Discount Tire and Big O are the two big chains.