BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

twoof1 · July 2002

BMW has indeed issued a fix for the sticky gas pedal. You do not need to contact BMWNA directly as they have issued a bulletin to all dealers regarding the fix. I am having mine done on Wednesday along with my Inspection I. I called Bill Stewart at BMWNA and he is on vacation until early August but the dealers now have all the information necessary to order the parts and fix it for good free of charge!!
I will post again after I have the new parts installed on Wednesday.

kominsky · July 2002

Universal Garage door Opener

twoof1; thanks. I just hope this fix is more permanent than the "permanent" fix they told me they were doing last summer... :-(

pat · July 2002

yeah? well why isn't it a UGDO?

Happy birthday brave.

dantlo · July 2002

Kominsky

I got my pedal replaced 2 weeks ago, it seems to be working fine in So Ca (90's everyday). I think I was about the first one who posted with this problem last year. Finally over!!

Be sure that they need to order (if not in stock) an adapter plate for the replacement.

Good luck
Dan

stgreen · July 2002

I know there have been postings on seatbelt 'clicking' (which i've got) but wanted to know if anyone has this problem:
 while driving since 4,000 miles my drivers side seatbelt tightens up considerably so that the lap belt portion is REALLY tight. In fact, i have to get some slack and then it creeps and tightens its way back to the uncomfortable zone.

Between that and the constant clicking should i just get in replaced under warranty? they've already greased it up for clicking but it didnt change anything.

Oh and for the record:
1985 - BMW 3.0si (dads old car)
1986 VW Scirroco ("Mars Red" / Orange)
1989 Subaru wagon
1992 (while living in japan) toyota 'sprinter' -
like a camry
1994 saab 900se (8 years)
2002 bmw 330xi

thanks
stg

sbelfon · July 2002

I am reposting this message as my previous post was mired in the car history section above. That or no one wants recognize my question because I've been a fair weather poster. But let it be known I was acitve on the board until I had a baby girl, 8 months old now, and the wife began teasing me for spending so much time here. But now that we're having problems she keeps asking "so what are they saying".

Anyway, I recently noticed a grinding/clunking sound coming from the rear passenger side of my E36 (40K mi.). It seems to be most prevalent when I first start driving and at slow speed. It sounds loke a CV joint problem but I'm hoping I'm wrong.

I've kept current on maintenance (dealer and independant) and would expect that a worn boot would have been picked up at my last inspection, a Type II at the dealership.

Any insight you could offer would be appreciated. And I can keep the wife in her place toboot.

P.S. Happy birthday brave. Saw you over at FAQ's and it was good to "hear" a familiar "voice."

locke2c · July 2002

I saw your first post. I'm more than technical generally but A) haven't owned a bimmer for long and B)could only guess what the noises would be because it doesn't match my profiles for wheel bearings or CV joints. Definitely does not sound like a wheel bearing, those get louder with wheel speed. A CV is a little like you describe actually... do you hear clicking when you turn to the right? That noise may not be as obvious at the rear since they don't steer.

Anyway, I'd get into a dealer. My dealer is awesome though so that's easy for me to say.

-Colin

mr323 · July 2002

Adding a UGO as a project for home sounds like a worthwhile project. Any details on where to purchase, cost, and difficulty of install? I've got a birthday coming up in the fall and it would make a lovely gift.

Thanks and best wishes to all, especially proud new owners!

Ed

visordoc · July 2002

From http://www.circlebmw.com/

Easy install at http://www.bmwnation.com/ARTICLES/diy/bmwut/bmwut.html

Good luck!

kominsky · July 2002

Those are great instructions. I wish I had seen them BEFORE I put mine in since they cover the problem I had locating the proper connector. I sat there trying and retrying that black connector, sure that I had gotten the wrong UGO for my car (step 8 in instructions).

shipo · July 2002

I was able to view your E-Mail, however, the mail server here at Fuji is down right now, and the firewall blocks access to the Yahoo! server, so, I will have to respond to you tonight. By the way, what color of interior do you have in your car. My former 328i had the Sand color, so I also have the head-liner plate in that color as well.

Best Regards,
Shipo

tenet1 · July 2002

Mine is grey to go with my black interior. I could possibly buy the head-liner from the dealer, yes?

johnny330i · July 2002

Would someone post a recent deal they made via ED in SoCal? I am in the process of ordering a '03 Oriental Blue 330i for a late October pickup. I have a pretty good list of dealers and salesman to start from thanks to this board esp. Vkwheels for compiling the list for SoCal. I have enjoyed all the ED reports and will add mine once I finished the trip.

orkwis · July 2002

Maybe someone can clue me in on a question I have regarding tires. Is there any advantage to buying tires with a speed rating above H (i.e., up to 130mph) given that the speed is limited to 128mph for US delivered 3-series cars? Seems to me that higher rated tires are overkill, why spend extra?

lokki · July 2002

How many miles on your E-36? I know that there used to be reports of rear shock mounts wearing out, which would make a clunking noise, but I don't recall anything said about grinding noises, so I didn't comment earlier.

IIRC, changing out the shock mounts isn't supposed to be too big a deal - assuming that to be the problem - and the hot set-up was supposed to be to replace them with the heavier duty shock mounts from a M-3

For what it's worth.

erickpl · July 2002

Okay, so now I know what the UGO is... DUH...

I have the natural brown leather with the light interior. My UGO plate is black. I rather like the look. It goes with the other black in the interior (dash, floor, etc).

-Paul

pap5 · July 2002

What is the adapter place needed for the pedal replacement? Also, when your new pedal was installed, did it just get rid of the sticky/notchy action, or did it smooth things out in general? I have driveability issues (dead spot when applying power after coast, delayed Step kickdown) that may or may not be related to the bad pedal.

Thanks.

mg330ci · July 2002

Congrats on your baby girl (she will always be your baby girl

I am not going to sound very intelligent saying this, but I would:

1. Check closely the suspension, there must be a worn component that probably needs replacement.
2. How about ball bearings?

brave1heart · July 2002

My wife graciously let me wash both cars on my birthday. Luckily, she got me more pleasant presents than that.

orkwis - good question, I'd like to know the answer to that too. I am thinking, you won't necessarily use all 400-watts on your home stereo either but it will sound better at 20 watts, no?!?

bing330i · July 2002

I relayed the offers I got to the board and I think vkwheel's list included mine. Talk to Eddie Yeh at New Century in Alhambra. Tell him Bing referred you so that he knows what number you are looking at. You will not be disappointed :->

dantlo · July 2002

Pap5
I dont really know what the plate does,but make sure they ordered that for you. It needs that to complete the pedal assembly installation.

I had dead spot before also on fwy driving at around 3500rpm. I am not sure if it is related to the pedal. The car just feels a lot smoother now, no more rough(jack rabbit)start. I hope this is the end of this problem.

I live in the L.A area and its been 90's and up everyday. It seems to be working great now.

Dan

mg330ci · July 2002

Congrats on your baby girl (she will always be your baby girl

I am not going to sound very intelligent saying this, but I would:

1. Check closely the suspension, there must be a worn component that probably needs replacement.
2. How about ball bearings?

psoto · July 2002

I've been reading posts on this forum for a few months now and yesterday I picked up my 2002 325i. It took exactly 60 days from the day I put in the order in until pick up day. I based my decision to buy this car (model, options, etc) based on posts from just about everybody on this forum. Thanks all! It has 13 miles now and I know I will be enjoying this car for a long time.

I live in San Diego Country, CA and I looked for the best deal all the way up to Irvine, Riverside, Long Beach and LA areas but the best deal I got was from Harloff BMW, Encinitas, CA. For those in SoCal, the number is (760)753-6301. Ask for Hank Young, or his extension is 103.

orkwis · July 2002

You might be right. Perhaps you need better grade to handle the higher speeds that would make it a better tire at lower speeds, but that's not necessarily true. On the other hand, maybe the better has a detrimental effect on something good at low speeds. The tirerack website didn't really help explain it so I figured you Hall gurus might have a better handle on it. Tires are a long way off for me (I'm at 2800 miles now) but the earlier tire discussions got me thinking about future replacements.
BTW: happy belated birthday. I get to 40 in 3 months, funny that I still think like I did when I was 16!

sjmurray2 · July 2002

Read in the car rags that the new Z4 will have 192 ponies with th 2.5 liter engine, does this apply to the 2003 3 Series?

nyccarguy · July 2002

The 192 hp is the DIN hp (German) rating. US SAE Net hp is still going to be 184.

1pierce · July 2002

HP - My guess is that one of the "upgrades" of the next generation 3-series will be a HP jump to about 200 HP in the base engine. They pretty much need to do this, since your average V-6 Camry has over 200 HP now, and 184 just doesn't "sound" too sporty anymore. This will continue the trend toward "Americanization" of the 3-series, just like what happened to the A4.

orkwis: Speed rating is closely tied to handling characteristics. Most Z-rated tires will never be driven at 150 mph (isn't that the Z-rating?). But, they are typically made of a different rubber compound than lesser rated tires, have a different tread pattern, and have stiffer sidewalls to provide more grip on dry surfaces in fair weather. As such, Z-rated tires typically ride harder, make more noise, and have lower wet/snow grip than H-rated tires (again, because of the rubber compound, sidewall construction, and tread pattern). For most people, I think H-rated tires are fine (I got the base tires on my 325i). For performance oriented drivers, or those that race their cars, Z-rated tires are preferred for added lateral handling, not increased speed.

Is that an antiseptic enough explanation so as to avoid starting the tire flame war again???

1pierce · July 2002

Just a thought, as I followed an Altima into work today:

I am loath to start the G35 discussion again, but...Nissan is making BMW and everybody else look really shameful in the horse power game these days. And they make very nice V-6's, too.

Altima, Maxima, G35,...alot of punch for the buck. I expect Nissan to cut into BMW sales in a big way in the next two years, which should help us see the 200 HP barrier broken in the base 325i.

Just for the record, I am elated that Nissan has raised the HP bar, just like Toyota/Honda raised the reliability bar, and Audi/VW raised the interior style/materials bar. Its really no different than what BMW has done in the handling department. 5 years ago, cars like the G35 and IS300 didn't exist in Japanese design. Its good for all of us consumers.

locke2c · July 2002

pierce,

the camry's v6 is 3.0L. the base 3er has but 2.5L, thus I doubt it's going to get to 200HP very easily-- and even if it did, it would be not-so-useful high rpm power.

so I suspect you're mistaken. I think the big engine needs to move beyond 3.0L (besides the M3) before the standard powerplant is any larger or significantly more powerful than today's 2.5

-Colin

kdshapiro · July 2002

Nissan also has raised the bar on bigger engines and pollution and worse gas mileage just like everybody else. The 3.5L barely if at all beats the 3.0L at the expense of the above. I do a lot of mixed driving and some with a heavy foot (big grin) and I average 24.5-25. The 3.0L is a very well rounded indeed.

Yes Nissan is making everybody look at HP, at the expense of gas mileage and pollution.

msj330 · July 2002

A quick thank you to all on this board for getting me through the 12 weeks from order to delivery of my 330i, pp, sp last Thursday. I thought all of those who whined about the wait were exactly that, whiners... until about week seven when I nearly lost my mind, having read the 3 series brochure 125 times.

As previously posted by another purchaser, when I went to the dealership to pick up my car, my brains nearly spilled out of my head! Comments on the first week... well, most of you already own bimmers so, you know...

The car represents an evolution as my first two cars were also had a straight six:

1972 Datsun 240Z
1974 Datsun 260Z
1986 Honda Accord
1981 Alfa Romeo Spyder (still have it!)
1989 Acura Legend
2000 Toyota 4runner (my wife's)
2002 330i

Thanks again,

msj330

orkwis · July 2002

Fire is antiseptic too...thanks for the info, makes sense, but leaves open the possibility that a lower rated tire could be made that has good lateral stability.

sbelfon · July 2002

Thanks for the heads up on a possible suspension problem to those who wrote. '98E36 w/40,000. I will investigate and get back to the board with results.

In the spirit of sharing, I have Z rated tires and heard some squaking (not here) about tire noise with the higher rated tires but I really do not notice increased noise level. I will say that I feel totally comfortable at 100mph with my tires, Bridestone Potenza S-03 (Pole Positions), and I think some of that has to do with knowing my tires are qualified for the speed. Winter tires is another story in the noise department but for the traction and safety would not go any other way.

seivwrig · July 2002

I have mixed opinions on this HP issue/large engines. I am not a tree hugger but Europeans do tend to be environmental minded. Yes, we Americans buy a large portion of the BMWs out there but we are not the only consumer. This is why BMW/M-B/Audi sell a lot of 4-cyl 1.6L,1.8L, 2.0L and 2.3L as well as diesels. Yes, a Camry V6 3.0L might pump out 200 HP, but is it useable. What is straight line performance going to do for you on a curvy Rocky Mountain road? At 260 H.P., did the G35 blow out the 330i? Especially given that the 330i had to give up 0.5L in engine displacement. After reading these posts, the argument is, are BMWs worth the money? Yes, BMWs have some hefty prices but I believe that I get what I pay for. If I wanted straight up, the best performance for my money. I would buy a Subaru WRX. It's not pretty but it is quick and can handle the twisties. The European in me does not want to see the German marques bend over for American interests. Like I have said before, Lexus, Infiniti and Acura are pretty much American cars. Check the Japanese websites for Honda, Nissan and Toyota are try to look for the some of the U.S. models. I have also posted the fact that you cannot give away a Camry in Europe. I feel the only thing that we should try to get from the German marques is Japanese like reliability.
I think Motor Trend(don't remember) did a excellent comparo with the Lotus Elise. This is not a high HP car but it was made for the track. It has the mannerism of a go kart. I really want to know what do people expect in their BMW.

kdshapiro · July 2002

Very well put. The mentality the more HP is better is just plain off base. I'm okay spending the money on a BMW, because it's smooth as butter, and for what it's worth, I haven't had this type of fuel economy in years. It's nice filling up almost once every two weeks.

That is not to say I wouldn't mind faster bigger stronger engines. But the arguement bigger is better, is not necessarily the fact.

nyccarguy · July 2002

This subject has been beaten to death. Horsepower is just part of the equasion. Sure an Altima has 240 horsepower (mostly for marketing/advertising purposes), and a Camry & Accord both Have 200 horsepower vs 184 for the BMW 325i, but look at how differently the cars are geared, how their respective engine's power is spread out in the powerband, and more importantly how they handle. 16 extra horsepower doesn't mean a whole helluva lot when you're talking about a 3000 lb car (unless you're talking for marketing purposes). Also the Altima/Accord/Camry compete with the 325i. It is kind of like the people who say "I won't drive a four cylinder car because they're slow."

Many here have said that the 330 would be nice to have, but they are still trying to master the 184hp of the 325's I-6.

My Saab's lowly 2.0L Turbocharged 4 banger pumps out a meager 185hp (15 less than your magical 200hp mark). The torque peaks at around 1950RPM and the car gets out of its own way when I need it to.

tcn2k · July 2002

I agree, the more horse doesn't mean it goes faster, it is all how the car can displace all that power to the wheel. I'd put my 325i on a race track any day against an altima, maxima, or camry! I'd bet you my 325 that it will keep up with the pack or even surpass them.
I'd pay for bmw's reputation of an ultimate driving machine, and i do it again never thinking twice about those other wanna be's.

jmess · July 2002

Is a limited slip differential available with a 3 outside of the M cars? I have noticed traction control being marketed in place of L/S by an increasing number of car mfgs; a poor substitute in IMHO. If L/S isn't available when did BMW stop offering limited slip in the 3?

kdshapiro · July 2002

I'm sure there is an interesting reason why there LSD isn't available as an option. Could it be that it really doesn't provide any measurable increase in overall performance? In spite of what claims to the contrary might be.

vkwheels · July 2002

A guy at work bought his at Alexander BMW in Bell. I'd never even heard of them. They're in a REALLY bad area & send a flatbed truck to his house (approx 50 miles south) to pick up his car for a service. No lie. It's because people don't want to drive there. He said he shopped around everywhere and got the best deal from them on a used car, apparently they're quite a big dealership, also he did everything sight unseen to the point of signing papers & sending a check via Fedex & having the car delivered.

burrsr · July 2002

I, too, am curious as to the LSD evolution. I know, for example, that our 2001 Z3 does, in fact, have a LSD as standard equipment as well as standard DSC. I wonder if there's a specific reason for having on the Z3 and not the (non-M) 3-series...usually it's a relatively low-cost feature that generally improves handling characteristics, so why no LSD on the 3? Was it ever available on previous-generation 3's (which may explain why it's there for the Z3, since it was based on the previous-previous-generation 3's chassis)?

shipo · July 2002

The folks over at Dinan will sell you a 3.15 LSD for about $1,500 (plus labor) for most (if not all) E46 sedans and coupes (ie. non-RagTops).

See their product offering list at http://www.dinanbmw.com

Best Regards,
Shipo

1pierce · July 2002

First the points I agree with:

1. A BMW is a good value. Not only because of handling and performance (since that is of subjective importance to each individual), but because of the amount of performance, luxury, and technology (which can't be understated: DSC, brake assist, steptronic, all those air bags, suspension and steering design, etc.). When you think that you can get all that, plus prestige, for under $30,000 without having to buy a 4-cyl (or turbo-charged) car, now, that's a good value. When you look at the technology of an Acura TL, or the performance of a Passat V6, they really don't compare, and IMO are not better values.

2. Nissan engines utilize larger displacement, and are slightly less efficient in delivering HP.

3. Camrys and the other cars we are discussing don't handle or feel like a BMW, and are therefore less fun to drive fast.

4. Europeans have different needs, desires, terrain, incomes, and driving styles than Americans. If I had to pay $4.00/gallon for gas, drive on those skinny city streets, and make my living in their marginal economies, I'd drive a 1.8L manual as well.

4. We don't necessarily need BMWs to be more Americanized (except for that interior storage issue, come on!). That's what Audi is for.

What I don't agree with:

1. In most cases, more horsepower IS better. Just like more wattage in stereo equipment, or having more money. The only relative penalties are in fuel economy (minor in the case of BMWs I6's) and insurance costs. I wager nobody on this Board who has a 325i would refuse a straight up trade for an equally equipped 330i of the same model year. "Ah,...no thank you, I am afraid of that extra power at low RPM..."??? Get outa here!

2. Nissans and other performance oriented Japanese cars make very good use of the extra HP. Especially in RWD models. In Nissans (and I know, I have one) as well as Acuras, Toyotas and Hondas, that power is usually available in low RPM situations (where most Americans drive, most of the time).

3. BMWs are becoming more Americanized, like it or not. Check the differences between the last two generations and the E46, and the demise of the 318i in America. This is a reality. You can sit on the beach and command the tide not to come in, but you're still going to be all wet.

4. I predict (note: "predict", not guarantee) that the next generation (note: not the 2003) 3-series will have a base I6 engine of 200 HP (probably a 2.8L), and the upgrade model will have 250 HP (who know what displacement). It will be slightly larger and heavier, and will have better cup holders (for what they're worth). And BMW will sell even more of them worldwide (which, last time I checked includes America), just like they sell more E46s than the last generation.

nyccarguy · July 2002

I'll try to answer your question, so please correct me if I'm wrong.

Your Z3 is equipped with a Limited Slip Differential due to the fact that the engine (I-6) puts more power than the chassis can cope with. The underpinnings of your Z3 are based on the E30 3 series.

The E46 does not "need" LSD due to the fact that the platform was developed in conjunction with the more powerful I-6 engines in mind.

I hope that helps you out.

pap5 · July 2002

Thanks. I hope I can post an experience similar to yours soon.

locke2c · July 2002

I presume that certain 3ers don't come with an LSD because they are not needed to sell the vehicle. With traction control, the vehicles can get by in rain, sleet and snow although engaging the brakes is NOT the same as limiting wheelspin at the carrier.

Anyway, I see the Z3 as something obviously sporting. Some people do buy Z3s just for daily use, but they as a whole expect more sporting performance than a 3 series and lighting up that inside tire exiting a corner just isn't all that sporting.

And I've driven a 330 with DSC-- the hand of God isn't very subtle with the traction control IMO. I had a lot more fun just switching it off and didn't spin the tires much and NEVER got out of shape.

-Colin

gotenks243 · July 2002

"Nissan also has raised the bar on bigger engines and pollution and worse gas mileage just like everybody else. The 3.5L barely if at all beats the 3.0L at the expense of the above. I do a lot of mixed driving and some with a heavy foot (big grin) and I average 24.5-25. The 3.0L is a very well rounded indeed.

Yes Nissan is making everybody look at HP, at the expense of gas mileage and pollution. "

For what it's worth, the 3.5 liter 260hp V6 G35 gets better EPA fuel economy with a slushbox than the 3.0 liter 215hp I6 IS300 does with either a slushbox or a manual. And the IS300 even weighs less. Displacement and weight are not the end alls when it comes to fuel economy.

Sure the G35 doesn't get the epa mileage of the 3 series, but it's not like it's some 16/20 mpg car with smog coming out of the tail pipe. It's not the scourge of the earth or anything. Yes it could have less hp and better fuel efficiency if tuned right, but that sort of thing isn't going to happen as long as gas is cheap in America and the CAFE standards are low.

Mike

kominsky · July 2002

"I really want to know what do people expect in their BMW."

good handling... check.
telepathic steering... roger.
reasonable comfort... got it.
enough power... yep.
light weight... uh-oh, this one appears to be a problem. a 3000lb 330Ci would be nice. "Build it and they will come."

huntzinger · July 2002

Just a few quick ones...

Speed ratings on tires also have a lot to do with the tire's heat dissipation properties. To be able to avoid overheating @ speed is typically a "Sports car" type of requirement, so sidewall stiffness and traction tend to follow from there. You also tend to end up with a compound that's lousy at cold (read: Winter) temperatures.

On HP, I'd have to say "more is better" like Vic Elford would have said about the Porsche 917-30-001 (IIRC, he told the engineers that he wanted enough power to break the wheels loose at 200mph+ on the Mulsanne Straightway. They gave him 1,200HP), but within the real world, its only within the context of equal cost, equal reliability, equal MPG, equal this, equal that, and the one that I'm going to emphasize, namely equal vehicle weight distribution. It doesn't really do you all that much good to add +50HP if it also makes the car nose-heavy and thus, poorer handling and slower through the corners. In any event, its not like most USA drivers have sufficient driving skills to handle the amount of horsepower & performance that even a mere 325i delivers. But we do like to drag race, so we feel we have to have that straight line power.

-hh

leenelsonmd · July 2002

A 3.0 liter 330 with 260HP (maybe utilizing valvetronic) and weighing only 3000lbs would be a dream.

I have to say that HP is not everything, but it is something. Additional HP means smoother and more effortless acceleration at any level whether you intend to go 0-60 in 6 seconds or 12. I am in the market for a new BMW, but I am seriously considering waiting another year since the 2003 is virtually unchanged. There is nothing wrong with the current 330, but the car does not exist in a vacuum. The entire market segment has shifted with the '03 model year and BMW cannot ignore this (and I am sure that they have not). Look at what happened to the 318--for those who own one, it may still bring satisfaction, but no owner of an E46 330 would be able to stand that car for more than about 10 minutes.

Does anyone speculate about a mid year change?

Will the 330 ever get a 6speed manual? The G35 raises the bar -- the coupe will have 275HP and a 6 speed.

What will 2004 hold?

Should I wait or should I just pull the trigger and get an '03 330? All opinions welcome.

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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