BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

lear6t · July 2005

Hello everyone. I am trying to find out what fault code 1188 is for my 1999 BMW 323.

many thanks.

dboy62 · July 2005

My assumption was correct. I now have to replace my transmission. Estimated at $4600. Contacted BMWNA and they are supposed to get back with me today with an answer whether they will pay 50% or not. I sure hope they do, because $4600 is too much for my budget.

sofakingcool · July 2005

In response to:

"Also, when I remove my foot from the gas pedal but do not apply the brake, instead of coasting like my other BMW and every other automatic transmission car I have driven, there is a moderate but noticeable pull, similar to what would occur if I lightly applied the brakes."

In an MSN report I watched just two days ago, they reported that the new BMW 3 series has new braking technology. If you remove your foot quickly from the gas, the car will prepare itself for an application of the brakes because it anticipates you stopping quickly. In that event, the car will actually move the brake pads closer than normal in anticipation of a quick stop which will in turn reduce stoppping time. That might be why you are experiencing the pull that you described. Maybe you are taking your foot off the gas quickly, and the brake pads are getting a little too close. Your brand new BMW might have to get used to your driving style. You could probably find the video report I watched on MSN Videos if you are that ambitious. Anyways hope that helps.

mikeo325i · July 2005

Hi,

I took delivery of 06 325I a few days ago. I have the exact same problem. It's a little annoying, but hopefully I'll get used to it. It actually feels like I'm driving a standard shift and like I'm in 2nd or 3rd gear and where when I take my foot off the gas, the fact that the car is in a low gear causes it to pull. I suspect this is the result of having a 6 speed auto. trans.

I also have an issue with brake pull when I start from a stand still. Sometimes, maybe 1 out of 5 times, when I start from a stand still, the brakes seem to be sticking. It feels like the "Hill Assist" is kicking in or something. Have you noticed anything like this? Also, I am sometimes coming to a rough stop. Anotherwords, there's an abnormal backwards jerk when the car comes to a full stop. I thought this is what "Soft Stop" was supposed to ensure did not happen. At any rate this does not seem normal for any sort of braking system, computerized or not. Have you noticed anything like this as well?

Thanks!
-Mike

odessit · July 2005

Mike,
I had the same thing with breaks. The breaks are very grabby. Or I should say “were” very grabby about first 900 miles. The break in period for breaks I think is specified as 250 miles, but in reality it took on my car much longer distance. Now I have almost 3000 miles already and breaks are much softer than at the beginning. When I start from a stand still breaks do not stick most of the time and stopping became much smoother. But still, I must say that it is not smooth compare to other cars. Just few days ago drove G35 – amazingly smooth breaks and Lexus IS300, also very smooth breaks. So I guess this is the fact that breaks on 325/330 are kind of grabby. Give it some time and you will notice change in breaks behavior. But it still will not be really smooth like other cars. I think this behavior is by design.
mike

davidd3 · July 2005

I was sensitive to this "grabby brakes" issue, having read previous remarks posted in this forum. But when my wife and I test drove the 325 and the 330 a couple of weeks ago, we judged the brakes to be excellent. We didn't notice a downshift-like slowdown. We didn't notice any resistance to acceleration from a standstill. It could be that the brakes in these tester cars had already been broken in. I didn't notice how many miles the cars had. In the context of telling the salesperson that we liked the brakes, I mentioned I had heard of complaints about "grabby brakes." He told me that he was not aware of any issue with the brakes. So I wonder if some cars may be in need of minor tweaking of the braking system by the service department, while most cars are OK to begin with.

ru777 · July 2005

Hi,
I have a 2005 3-series sedan and expecting twins -would you know if there is enough room to fit 2 baby seats in the back seat with one in the center and side plus for another rear-seat passenger ?

Also, is there enough trunk space for a double-stroller + baby bag ?

Any experiences of the challenges of managing 2 babies in a 3-series is much appreciated !

Thanks,
Ru777

davidd3 · July 2005

Congratulations! Time to think about a family oriented vehicle such as a minivan or SUV. Rear seat passenger and trunk space is rather tight in the 2005 3-Series Sedan. With 2 car seats properly/safely installed, I doubt you'll be able to fit a 3rd passenger in the back, at least not comfortably. And you'll find that you'll be wanting to put even more stuff in the trunk than what you listed.

odessit · July 2005

Ru777,
I think davidd3 is right. With two kids its kind of a tight in 325. I recently tried to put single stroller into the trunk of my 06 325, someone asked here similar question if it will fit. And it was really tight fit. I am not sure it is even possible to squeeze there double stroller. My other car is Honda Odyssey and I have only one kid. I think it is a wise thing to do to get a bigger car for kids.
mike

davidd3 · July 2005

Mike,

Great minds think alike. My family's other car is also a Honda Odyssey (2004 EX with leather and DVD). We refer to it as "the whale" because it is so huge. I have 3 kids! Ever since 1997, I have had both a sports sedan and a minivan. It was the third child in 1997 that put me over the top. Now they are all out of car seats. A minivan is nice in order to separate (captain's chairs in the middle and a third row of seating) and entertain (DVD) the combatants. My kids are fairly well behaved, but I don't think that we'd get very far if my kids could get their hands (and feet) on each other, sitting shoulder to shoulder in the rear of a sedan.

David

odessit · July 2005

It is even worse when they get their feet not on each other but on the back of your driver’s seat:) Then you never know what was that – road bump or something else. And when you say “Stop it!!” they don’t hear it:)

davidd3 · July 2005

Yeah, and how about those occassional flying objects that no one threw?

div2 · July 2005

Thank goodness my wife and I only wanted one kid; only one of our cars has four doors-never mind a sliding one.

travigne · July 2005

can anyone help me with some information on how reliable is the 318 ia 2001, is the car trouble free or not?

ru777 · July 2005

Thank you for the well wishes and the useful comments. I think I shall start looking around for a used Honda Pilots...

Regards,
Ru777

zshell · July 2005

MY BMW dealership tells me that even after my warranty expires, they will not charge me for fixing this particular problem. My dealership is nice, unfortunately they are unable to address this issue, as the manufacturer has apparently not been able to resolve it either. This week I will be taking it back for the 11th time.

gordonwd · July 2005

My 325i's clutch has developed a slight engagement chatter at only the 13K mile mark. I've tried to convince myself otherwise, or that I just wasn't doing something right, but now I've got to admit that the problem is there (and has been for a while). So far it's not that serious and doesn't seem to be getting any worse, but I'm wondering if there are any known issues with E46 clutches.

And to head off any comments about "knowing how to drive a stick", I've been driving manuals more or less exclusively for over 40 years and have not had a problem like this before. My previous car was an A4 with 50K+ miles, and the original clutch was working as smoothly as when new.

bgalexander · July 2005

I purchased a 2001 325ci 6 weeks ago and I loved it up until last week. On the highway in 100 degree weather, all of a sudden the car started to rattle and after I got it off on an exit ramp, it shut itself down. I had it towed to a service shop and found out that the cause of this was apparently that my coolant bottle "split" and this caused all the coolant to leak out, which caused numerous other problems and I now need an entire new engine. I looked up recalls and found that the 2001 325 series had a recall with a cooling fan. Is it likely that this could be connected, and if yes, do I have any recourse if the previous owner never had this addressed?

keycard · July 2005

I have a BMW 328i-99 , which has around 120K miles on it..runs great, expect for some weird noise by the front tire when rolling . Independent Mech says that it is the front wheel bearings...He wanted around $200 to replace one side.

Is that approximate the right price?

The only other problem I ever had (Knock on wood) is a malfunction fuel pump that of course happend just at 53K (ARRRR!!!)--\\

KC

nbb · July 2005

I have the same car. The fan problem was only cars with manual transmissions, and I believe it was solved starting with 4/01 Production, so check the date on your car. I remember there were some intermittent problems with the replacements, too. Your dealer should be able to run your VIN number and see if the recall was done. I would be surprised if it was not. BTW, if your car was late in the model year, it may still be under warranty.

jrct9454 · July 2005

The fan problem was indeed a separate issue, and has nothing to do with yours.

BMW has had many problems historically with the plastic parts in the cooling systems. This sounds like another example. Bad news if you don't have a warranty, I'm afraid/

gordonwd · July 2005

Sounds like a serious problem. And there were no warning lights that came on before this happened? Seems like the temperature guage would have gone into the red and I think there's also a red warning light that comes on if the engine is seriously overheating. If these warning systems failed, you might want to mention that also.

div2 · July 2005

Sorry, but it sounds like you were not monitoring your gauges. You then compounded the problem by driving the car until the engine seized. The M52 is a durable engine, but no motor can withstand that level of abuse. In contrast, the PO of my wife's 528i overheated the engine at @25000 miles-due to a faulty thermostat-but she switched it off as soon as the needle entered the red zone. The thermostat/housing and the water pump were replaced and now at 124000 miles the engine is still going strong. Just pay the man and file this experience under "Life Lessons Learned."

bm3tuner · July 2005

lev_kuznetsov you are an idiot you obviously dont know anything about bmw's and you just mad yourself look like an idiot there are 3 or more available transmissions in any bmw you buy a GETRAG a GM sourced and a ZF learn your bimmers before you start talking trash.

kyfdx · July 2005

Nice first post!!

Responding to a 4-year-old message... :surprise:

jlbeemer · July 2005

My reverse gear stopped working last week at 70K miles on my 2000 BMW 323i. (Occasionally it reverses slowly.) I recently had the Inspection II which didn't detect anything. Dealer quoted me ridiculous price of $4400 for a rebuilt trans, since they don't repair them. I took my car to a reputable trans shop who said there's a known defect with a valve part in the trans.--quote is under $1,000. I will definitely file the complaint w/my BMW on the consumeraffairs.com website & nhtsa.

div2 · July 2005

LOL!!! Let's do the Time Warp again... :confuse:

efmort · July 2005

I just bought a used 02 330CIC w/22k miles. Does anyone else think that these trans are soft even when you shift manually? Maybe I am use to the old V-8 with shift kits. It just seems that for a sports sedan, the tranny should shift harder. Can I even put a shift kit into this car??

tiki2 · July 2005

:confuse: I bougjt a beatuful 325is '87 and have had very little problems with it but I purchased a fuel filter when I first purchased the car along with the air,oil ect.Everything has been replaced except the fuel filter and i do not where to find it to replace it..I recently had a problem with my engine that cleared up so I am thinking the fuel filter requires changing..Any one know where i can find the filter on the car to replace it ?

I also have a few more questions about this car but will post them in time.This question is most inportant i think.

Thanks to all who can help.

div2 · July 2005

Congratulations.The E30 325is is a fantastic car. A good how-to on the fuel filter can be found here. It's a good idea to cahnge all the lubricants and fluids when you buy a used car so that you'll have a baseline to calculate future maintenance requirements. It's especially important to change the brake fluid and coolant on a regular basis. On an E30 the brake fluid needs to be changed every year using a DOT 4 fluid ONLY. Castrol LMA is good, as is ATE Super Blue. Coolant must be changed every two years, and I only recommend BMW coolant. You should also join the BMW Car Club; many dealers, independents, and part suppliers offer club members significant discounts. I'd also advise buying the Bentley service manual for future DIY service . Let me know if I can be of further help.

tiki2 · July 2005

thanks so much for the link I did not know that there would be so many helpful sites pretaining to my car..The manual is on order thru ebay I am hoping that it can explain a few thinbgs to me about the car also if not then I guess I will ask here !!! It was good advice as to the coolant and break fluid I did not even think to change that. would that be the reason I have a coolant light on in the car on the systems check panal ??I thought it was because my air conditioner needs serving.

harleybiker · July 2005

I also have a 2006 325i. Sorry I can't help you with the transmission slipping problem, but with just over 1,000 miles, mine does not slip. As far as the coasting down feeling you detect, mine does the same, in contrast to my last two (03 & 04) Bmw's. I believe that the new 6 speed transmission is set up this way, and also to shift down as you slow down and not free wheel as in the past. Personally, I like the way it works now. It acts more like a stick shift when you let off on the gas.

My brakes were a little grabby initially, but smoothed out as I approached 900 miles.

patscar2 · August 2005

HELP!!! I too am having the same reverse problem. Did anyone get any help from BMW! My car is a 2000 323i with only 32000 miles... Also can you tell me how to contact BMWNA! Thanks for a reply

jeffhou · August 2005

I have had persistent issues with handling on my 2003 33Oi - the car does not pull or drift and the steering wheel is perfectly centered. It has been realigned at least 10 times in the past 2 1/2 years...hoping to find a problem. But, the car always seems to be in or close to spec. I have Goodyear Eagle tires that I'm told could well be my problem - original tires since I got the car. The problem is that the car does not have much stability on the highway...and there just isn't much feeling of control. I only have about 18,000 miles. I live in Houston and both dealers and NTB has done the alignements...but to no avail. Has anyone had this issue? Has anyone needed to replace the steering rack - another possibility I'm told. I am about to trade out of this....if I can't get it fixed to my satisfaction very soon.

Please help...anyone!

Thanks!!

shipo · August 2005

What's your tire pressure for all four tires?

jeffhou · August 2005

I run about 32 in front; 35 in the rear. What would be your recommendation, Shipo?

jrct9454 · August 2005

If directional stability is your problem, you need to find a tech who is willing to go beyond the specs and actually help solve your difficulty.

Here's how: if the caster on this car is adjustable, you'd want to try adding a little caster to both sides equally, and see if that helps. It might be "out of spec", but it also might make you a happy driver. This would make initial turn-in a little slower, but if you're not a weekend track-type, I doubt that will bother you.

Our C240 had a persistent pull to the right [not tire related] that couldn't be completely cured by a conventional alignment. The tech at MB Sacramento hit on the idea of very slightly cranking in a bit more caster on the side that was pulling - bingo, problem solved.

More caster generally makes the car resist changes in direction; less caster makes it want to change direction more quickly. See if you can find a BMW tech who is willing to think outside the box.

jeffhou · August 2005

Thanks for taking the time to reply, jrct9454. I appreciate it.

Unfortunately, the car has virtually no adjustments for caster...which is exactly what I think I need. There is only slight adjustment for camber - about .3 degrees available by popping out a factory pin in the engine compartment at the top of the strut tower and moving the strut toward or away from the engine to adjust the camber - this is actually a factory recognized adjustment.

I believe my problem is in the rack actually but was not successful in getting the service advisors, manager or the factory rep to agree to swap it out. And - I don't care to pay for that on my own. I'd rather bite the big one and just start over with another car - it has taken way too much of my time already.

If you have any other ideas, I'm all ears!

Thanks again!

Jeff

dboy62 · August 2005

See it seems like there should be a recall on the Y2K bmw 323i transmissions. 32000 miles?! Try your nearest dealer and see if there might be a warranty. If it isn't you can try a transmission shop or go through the dealer like I am and have the whole transmission replaced. Right now the BMW 323i transmissions are on backorder here in the states(coincidence?!). I am waiting for mine to arrive from Germany, and its very frustrating not being able to drive my bmw. BMWNA Consumer relations can be reached at 1-800-831-1117. The best you will get is a percentage discount unless you are under warranty, thats from my experience and from others I heard from. Don't forget to file a complaint at consumeraffairs.com and at nhtsa.com. Maybe one day there will be a recall and some of us can get some money back (hey, you can only dream).

Also, check out a few replies to this orginal posting. One suggests to take it to a transmission shop and it will save you thousands. I should have gone this route but its too late, I am already committed to the new transmission, at least it will be under warranty for 2 yrs or 24000 miles, and I only trust in the BMW repair shop for my service. I had too many incidents with other repair shops. I am the type that would pay more for quality and if the problem occurs again I can blow it up in their face.

Good luck to whichever route you choose.

holeinone · August 2005

Hello. Being fed up with dealers over charging, I had my oil and filter change done at a local Good Year shop. But they don't know how to reset the "Service Engine Soon" light.

First it's a bit annoying. Second, my DMV inspection is due this month and I heard I won't pass the inspection with that indicator light on.

I know I can buy a reset tool for $140. Is there any cheaper solution? Anyone living in NJ has the reset tool that I can "rent"?

kominsky · August 2005

The service computer can be reset fairly easily using the ignition key and the reset button on the instrument panel. Unfortunately, I don't remember how to do it off the top of my head. Fortunately, if you search this board, I'm 95% sure the info has been posted here already.

div2 · August 2005

Sorry to be slow in getting back to you-I've been on vacation. Anyway, the coolant light in the Check Control panel refers to the coolant level in the expansion tank(the plastic bottle with the radiator cap). If the coolant level is correct, than your sensor is bad. An easy fix, though-simply unscrew it from the expansion tank and replace it with a new one.
I also forgot a very important maintenance issue for your car. It has a timing belt and it must be changed at least every 60000 miles. It's a good idea to change the belt tensioner and water pump while you are at it. If the belt breaks the valves will hit the pistons-which will mean very expensive repairs.

holeinone · August 2005

Thanks Kiminsky. I've found the post by brave1heart in Message 24796 in the 2005 and Earlier Forum - about holding down the "trip reset" button while turning the ignition to position 1. I saw the "test" menu, then "reset", then flashing "reset". I let go of the button, and then press it and release it one more time. It apparently reset something because as I carry out the same procedure, the "reset" menu item won't show up any more, just the the "Oil Service 15529 mile". Yep, that's the odometer reading when I had the oil changed by the dealer.

The problem is, the "Service Engine Soon" indicator light is still on

holeinone · August 2005

Just want to report that the "Service Engine Soon" indicator has gone away

Evidently, it takes a little bit of time since reset to have the indicator light extinquished. I'm happy. Thank you Kiminsky, brave1heart, and the forum!!! :shades:

canada3 · August 2005

Hello everyone,

As it seems common, Ive a reverse gear problem on my BMW 323i-2000,
and getting mixed messages from different BMW dealerships.

Some think its minor and some major Transmission problem.
Ive also contacted BMW Canada to complain and, they seem
to be aware of the problem. They suggest I go to Dealership
gor service and let the manager contact them.

I am a bit worried, and can any one of you let me know how
you resolved this reverse gear problem. Money wise and
also the procedures. Did BMW pay part of the cost?

Thanks in Advance!

Regards,
From Canada

tiki2 · August 2005

I have a problem with my car running.It just quits at any peticular moment no indication what so ever.This has happenned befor and so I changed the fuel filter thinking that would be the reason...This is an '87 and the filter from the looks of it had never been chaged according to the person who changed it and by the color of the fuel and all the sediment in the filter itself!!.Can anyone give me a headsup as to what I need to look at now.It runs great otherwise although the power I expected this car to have is below my expectations but given the age of the engine and the milage which the odometer stopped at 151K 2 years ago It still runs great.Anyone with any suggestions would be greatly appreciated I am mechanically inclined as well as my boyfriend but as he says we are not BMW mechics but it looks as though I will be getting a crash course if I continue to keep this car...

tiki2 · August 2005

Can anyone tell me how to find parts for this car without spending a fortune they are just things like the center cap for the wheel a new seal for the trunk and back window and a switch for the sunroof nothing that would cause the car to perform better just look better shes a beauty 325is 1987 one ding in the front fender just behind the wheelwell caused from hurricane Dennis tearing someones roof off I also have a missing mudflap.Ebay has helped with things for the engine but am having problems with the cosmetic parts.Thanks

kyfdx · August 2005

Google for some other BMW or bimmer forums..

Edmunds is great.. but, if you need detailed information on an old car, you have to find where those people are hanging out..

You also might consider joining the BMWCCA.. They have local chapters, and many of the members have E30 model 3-series, such as yours...

regards,
kyfdx

div2 · August 2005

I agree with kyfdx. Join BMW CCA, many dealers offer parts at 20-25 percent off of list price. Try the BMW Store in Cincinnati-800.543.1649. As for your stalling problem, the first thing I would check would be the main relay and the fuel pump relay; replace them with known good ones. I'd also check the coil wire as well as the distibutor cap and rotor. While you are at it, clean all of the ground points in the engine compartment. It's also possible that your Motronic box-AKA the ECU or "Brain" has a faulty circuit board. That was the source of a intermittent stalling problem I had with my 1987 535is. Luckily, there is an excellent company named Programa which can repair your Motronic box or exchange it for a reconditioned unit. They do good work. Still, check the simple stuff first...

jphill9123 · August 2005

Hi guys

I have a 1997 328i with a stock radio/cd player. well, everything worked fine...then one day i started the car and the radio stopped working. not the cd player, am/fm or tape player. instead it just says "PHONE" where the frequency number of the radio station usually appears. i turned the radio off and on again. it still said "PHONE." I also pressed all the buttons, and that didn't help. I'm sure i hit a wrong button by accident that is causing all of this. anybody have any ideas?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

John Phillips

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

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