BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

andynn002 · September 2008

Thanks Bris..I will look into this...

roadburner · October 2008

Other than this stuff, everything is cool. I know this isn't the right forum, but did anyone go to Watkins Glen?

I was supposed to instruct for 2-3 days, but I wound up not being able to go. GRRR...
At the very least I'll make either the St. Louis or Buckeye fall schools.

circlew · October 2008

Clean it thoroughly with soapy water, mix in a little baking soda and then rinse repeatedly with hot water water and towel dry. Then, spray it down with Febreze. Also, keep the trunk open for a while while it drys and airs. Be careful that the light does not stay on. If so, hope you can pop down the rear seats and then just leave the windows open for a couple of days.

The Febreze should help counteract the odor.

Regards,
OW

superdog · October 2008

anyone else have this problem? had to get it brought in after a complete shutdown on the highway. They said it was a high pressure fuel pump problem and its getting replaced. this sucks.. 8800 miles and we have a problem already! wtf!

sd

ponytrekker · October 2008

Search the internet. Major malfunction as well as recall.

docgary · October 2008

I'm buying a 2006 325i, 28k? miles - CPO from new jersey BMW dealer.
Car drove quite well - tight, firm suspension, good pick up decent acceleration.

I've had 2 BMWs - 1994 325i and 1997 540i.
Both were my first BMWs and first new sports cars - and I fell in love!
Over the last 14 years I've had the pleasure to garage a number of fine cars -
1998 Porsche Carerra, MB SL 500, CLK 320,Jag VDP, Inf M35x -
The point of listing these is to point out the fact that I'm going back to my roots -
There's something unique about BMWs - and no other car comes close to that
combined marraige of suspension, acceleration and steering.

Having stated this, is there anything inherent in this particular year (2006) and model(325i) to be aware of?
From my recent demos, I hadnt really found a MAJOR increase in performance between the 330i and 325i...is this projection on my part ( Im looking to save every dollar i can) or is the 325i a decent ride?
This 57 year old body doesnt need the off the line mach speed but I dont want to be bored either! (I've got my motorcycle for the speed and a lexus for the comfort)
I need a nice everyday transport with a bit of fun ...

Will the 325i meet my rather conservative needs?

2006 325i, cold weather and premium package
Silver and black interior (big plus!)
under 30 k miles,
body and interior -excellent cond -garaged and well maintained
ride very good -tight, no overdamping, good steering response

OTD $25,000 ( inc tax)
3.9% x 60 m, CPO with maintainance package (2012 and 70k more milage

All feedback appreciated.

Docgary

superdog · October 2008

I was so happy they fixed the problem in 24 hrs(replaced fuel pump and so other stuff associated)... went in to pickup my car and headed home, on the entry of the highway... when the car went above 50-55 the engine malfunction light went back on and car started to lose power. this is total [non-permissible content removed]!! Did they
a)misdiagnose the problem..
b) not fix it and said they did or
c)is the car a lemon??

I got a bmw so I didn't have to go in and out of the shop... this sucks!

cdnpinhead · October 2008

"I got a bmw so I didn't have to go in and out of the shop. . ."

Well, that's certainly a contrarian point of view. Most people appear to acquire (the majority lease) a BMW for the driving experience, not for the reliability. If you thought that by spending this much money, you were going to get a stone-reliable piece of equipment, I'd suggest doing more research on the 'net next time, prior to the acquisition. Happiness = reality - expectations. Your expectations were clearly too high.

Good luck. Hope you (eventually) get it fixed. When they're running, they're great.

davidd3 · October 2008

I got a bmw so I didn't have to go in and out of the shop... this sucks!

It does suck, but you'd better get used to it. The only thing that kept me under the allowed mileage on the lease was all the days my 2006 330i sedan was off the road due to spending time in the shop.

BMWs are not Hondas when it comes to reliability. In addition to a BMW, I currently have two Hondas in my family. Our 2+ year old Accord has never needed a repair. Our 2 year old Pilot once had a problem with the keyless remote device, but that's been it.

I've owned a bunch of Japanese cars - Honda, Acura, Infiniti. My 330i needed more repairs than all the Japanese cars I have had combined.

circlew · October 2008

My '06 330xi had one problem with a sensor at 5K miles and since then perfect at 42K. One flat that cost me $250 because of the RFT but the car drove for 100 miles on zero pressure so I never got stuck with this car.

Not to bad.

Regards,
OW

davidd3 · October 2008

My '06 330xi had one problem with a sensor at 5K miles and since then perfect at 42K.

Not bad at all, I'd say. Question is whether I was unlucky or you are lucky. Hard to say what's the norm.

I'm nevertheless on my second BMW now, a 2008 328i coupe. Only 2,000 miles and I think the engine has the same lifters problem I experienced with my 330i. Only heard that sickening ticking noise once so far, hoping against hope not to never hear it again. Other than that, I've noticed some empty deliveries of seatbelts. Here we go again . . .

roadburner · October 2008

I'm the original owner of a 1995 3er with over 113K on the clock. It also serves as one of my track rats and the only non-scheduled maintenance it has needed has been a couple of recalls/TSBs under warranty, a thermostat, a couple of drive belt idler pullies, one set of pads/rotors, and a timing chain tensioner(which I replaced in @20 minutes only as a precaution).
My wife's 2004 X3 has 70K on it and the only non-scheduled repairs have been a passenger seat SRS sensor under warranty and a set of pads and rotors at @60K.

xeye · October 2008

I have a 2007 335xi with a little over 13,000 miles. I had one of the front wheel bearings replaced about half the mileage ago. It was such a non-trivial event that I don't even remember which wheel. Granted, I was out of town for the week and it was ready when I returned.

I also had an oil cooler installed ($1,800 job) for free as the dealer (and BMW techs) couldn't explain why my car didn't come with the cooler just because it didn't have 18" wheels.

I love driving my car. Loving the actual car is weird.

I had some minor, but expensive, body work recently done at the dealer's body shop in Ashland, MA. Since it was partly an insurance repair from a flying rock ding, I was given a Lexus IS 250 AWD. While not bad, it is clearly no comparison to the 335xi. Or probably any BMW, for that matter. The shop did a fantastic job. I was really pleasantly surprised.

By the way, the Lexus rental from Enterprise came with the 6-speed slushbox and paddle shifters. For anyone considering this combo in a Bimmer, GO FOR THE MANUAL TRANNY. While fun for the first 2 minutes, it gets old quickly. And the paddles turn with the wheel, so when you start off and need to shift to 2nd, your reaction will be "where the &%^$^ are the paddles?"

The only thing I'd want more in my Bimmer is to have 300 ft-lbs of torque from 1 RPM on the tachometer, not 1500. I want to leave the line like I was hooked to a giant slingshot. Since that's not likely to happen, and more than a bit wacky, I'll remain very happy with my '07 335xi, especially since the weather is already turning chilly, and the Almanac is predicting a nasty cold snowy winter.

I can't wait for the first time I fire up the rump-roasters!

xeye

zekeman1 · October 2008

also had an oil cooler installed ($1,800 job) for free as the dealer (and BMW techs) couldn't explain why my car didn't come with the cooler just because it didn't have 18" wheels.

Curious, what was the reason for the oil cooler install which you got for NC - did you order it on the car and it wasn't installed? What do 18" wheels have to do with it?
Z

cdnpinhead · October 2008

Sports package came with 18" wheels and an oil cooler, among many other things. No sports package, no oil cooler & many questions regarding oil temp & engine longevity.

No dipstick, either, but at least the oil level sensors didn't work (at first -- haven't heard of "issues" lately).

Oh, and then there are those wonderful run-flats.

ilovebeemers · October 2008

Hi,
I have a 2003 330XI and am planning an oil change.
Please let me know the following:
1. Is Mobil 1 0W-40 is a good oil for me?
2. How much of oil do I need to purchase for 1 oil change
3. I bought the MANN oil filter from germanfilters.com. is that ok to use?
Thank you in advance

shipo · October 2008

1) Mobil 1 0W-40 and Castrol Syntec 0W-30 are both certified for use in your car; use either with confidence.
2) You'll need seven quarts for the oil change and it's usually a good idea to purchase an extra quart for make-up oil.
3) Yes the Mann filter is just fine.

Best regards,
Shipo

zekeman1 · October 2008

Interesting, wonder where those specs are laid out on the BMW website? I have the sports package but 17" wheels (the 18" on the SP are only if you've ordered them which is an add'l charge)...so I suppose I don't have no oil cooler?
Z

shipo · October 2008

I don't believe that any "xi" models get the oil cooler as they don't get the true Sport Package. Said another way, the only way to order the real Sport Package on this car is to order a RWD 335i SP, and with the exception of the early 335i SP models, all of these come with an oil cooler.

Best regards,
Shipo

cdnpinhead · October 2008

I don't think it's like that anymore (oil coolers only on SP), and in any event BMW isn't going to publicize much of anything to do with the presence or absence of an oil cooler on the website. It's been yet another PR disaster (well, only to those who care/know, who are definitely in the minority of BMW drivers), much like the other 3 items I mentioned in my previous post.

There are those who post here who can tell you where to look for the oil cooler. I'm not among them, and wouldn't have been in any event (even if I could have looked past the RFTs, dipstick/oil sensor malfunction, and much higher lease rates), since I was interested only in the naturally-aspirated engine.

I'm sure you'll enjoy your car, but take really good care of the oil -- most who care change at 7.5K intervals and otherwise follow the pre-"free" maintenance schedule.

ilovebeemers · October 2008

Shipo,
Thank you very much.

I went to bavarian autosport website http://www.bavauto.com and they say "you will need 8 quarts". I was not sure if that is accurate. I will buy 8 quarts and use 7 as per your suggestion.
Also, do you think it is a must to change the brake fluid in the 2 year intervals. and when do I "need" to change the manual transmission oil?

Appreciate your help!

shipo · October 2008

Regarding your oil capacity, I believe that it's listed at something like 6.9 in your Owner's Manual, however, when I put 6.9 in my BMWs, they're always a hair short on the dipstick.

Regarding the tranny oil, if you don't track your car, then it should last for an easy 100,000 miles.

Best regards
Shipo

roadburner · October 2008

Also, do you think it is a must to change the brake fluid in the 2 year intervals

You should change it every two years at the very least. I usually change it every year on my wife's car. My track rats get fresh DOT4 fluid every six months.

and when do I "need" to change the manual transmission oil?

On this question I'll have to differ with my friend shipo; if I was planning to hang on to the car for 10+ years then I'd change the transmission oil(AT or manual), the final drive(front and rear diffs) oil, and the transfer case oil every 50K. That's the schedule I'm following on my wife's 2004 X3, as I intend for it to last long enough to see my now 13 year old through college. I change the transmission and final drive oil on my 1995 3er every 30K, again because it sees the track from time to time. That said, if you are going to flip the car in 2-4 years I'd just follow BMW's maintenance schedule.

xeye · October 2008

Shipo is right in this regard, but I put it in a way to the service director at my dealer that he really couldn't deny. I did get the Sport package because I wanted the seats. I believe the engine is the same twin turbo as the 335i, but because BMW doesn't think anyone will track a 335xi, they don't think you need an oil cooler, especially if you don't order the 18" performance tire/wheel combo.

I said this was a load of hooey, and asked him to check with his technical experts at BMW. If the engine has the same power, it's not about whether the car can handle the speed and cornering - it's about whether the engine can cool itself under stress. He could not find anyone who could explain why the 335xi should not have the cooler if the RWD version came stock with the cooler. After a few months and some gentle reminders (and a change in service directors), I asked about the status. To my amazement, the new service director was aware of my inquiry and said that they would honor the installation of the oil cooler.

When I picked up the car, the lead mechanic said that the engine design is different in the 335xi and handles the heat in a different way. Whether this is true or not, I now had the oil cooler installed. Evidently, the "different design" is still built to accept the oil cooler at the right front corner of the engine compartment. If you look into the front of the wheel well, you should find the cooler radiator fins if there is an oil cooler installed.

My oil temp has never bumped the 250 degree mark even under reasonable stress. It's never seen the track either, and likely never will.

I figure I've extended the life of the car and possibly even enhanced the resale value.

I also see a thread regarding the quantity of oil to use. Is it reasonable to measure the amount that drains and simply put back the same amount? I know a reputable BMW shop that told me they use this practice, but there's at least one obvious flaw in this logic. We've had a dipstick-equipped 318ti serviced there for years with never an issue, but I'm less confident with the 335xi because of uncertainty in the amount of oil actually required.

xeye

birdrules · October 2008

The free maintenance on my '05 325i is expiring at the end of Oct with approx 40k miles. The dealer is offering full maintenance upgrade (6 yrs/100,000 mi) for $1695. Is this a good deal, given the anticipated maintenance needs? Are there other maintenance options available? Thanks for sharing your experiences.

kyfdx · October 2008

Looks like you only drive 10K mi.//yr.. The upgrade will only be good for 2 more years.. That's only 20K more miles.. Maybe an oil service and the Inspection II, plus brakes if needed...

You aren't likely to come out ahead at that rate...

Also, that doesn't extend the warranty....

regards,
kyfdx

birdrules · October 2008

Actually, I got the car in Jan 08 with 23k miles, so drive about 20k mi/yr. In the next 2 yrs or at 80k miles, does this change your recommendation...? thanks.

stephend · October 2008

I recently bought a 2008 328xi. I have about 2000 mile on it. As I drive the car it would ping a little. Not extensively but sometime you would hear a slight ping every 30-60 seconds and than it would go away than it would come back. Is there any adjustments to correct this or is this just normal and I am making a big ado about nothing. Otherwise I love the car.

thanks

Mr_Shiftright · October 2008

Are you quite sure this is pinging you are hearing? Pinging would occur under some kind of engine load, like going up a hill in a high gear.

If indeed it is pinging, and not lifter noise, and if indeed it happens under light load, that's a serious problem. Prolonged pinging for more than a second or two is very dangerous for an engine. Pinging is your internal engine parts rattling around under stress. Not good unless it is very brief, and only under heavy engine load.

Have it looked at right away if you aren't sure what you are hearing.

kyfdx · October 2008

Well.. that certainly changes the calculation..

I'm still not sure I'd recommend it. But, you have to decide. Once you are out of warranty, will you be taking it to the dealer for repairs? Or, will you look for an independent? If you are going to the dealer for all service, then it might pay off. Going from 60K to 80K is just one more oil service on the schedule, though ($125?).

That's a big chunk of change to put upfront... to not gain any sort of warranty coverage. I'd be inclined to leave it in the bank and draw it down, as needed.

regards,
kyfdx

kapitanraider · October 2008

Im looking to buy a used BMW(first car) but i have concerns about the reliability, life and cost of maintanence and repairs. Im looking at the following(all have clean autocheck):

2000 BMW 328i - 95k miles
2001 BMW 325i - 134k miles
1999 BMW 328i - 140k miles

looking at between 7k to 9.5k for these.im a college student in Orlando, Fl.
and i will atleast on a vehicle another 3 years/30miles.

1). At this mileage is it even a wise idea to buy one of these?
2). when do the major things get replaced by on average in the 3 series? In other words, is buying the BMW around 95 - 100k better than one at 133. From what i have read, most problems that need costly replacements happen around 95 - 110k. So is better to go with something with more miles?
3). im willing to pay premium fuel, and do maintainence, but i dont have money for repairs or replacements of major parts. at this mileage/age what issues should i look out for? if i take it to a good mechanic and have them check it out, will he be able to accurately tell me when the different parts are gonna need to be replaced/die or will it happen randomly.
4) i heard that the transmission gets shot up on these cars at 100k. how do i check , to see the car im gonna buy doesnt have that happen.
3) is it better to actually buy a 1997 or 1994 at half the price at around 160k, knowing that probably all major things would have been replaced hence the car will atleast give life for another 25k/3years? are the 3 series <1999 more reliable.

I have talked to BMW owners. and i always get mixed answers. all love their cars, but some have no issues and others have problems all the times. How do i make sure that i buy a car that is in the former group. Anyhelp will be greatly appreciated... I have tried my best to read and get educated. but i feel that i need someones real ADVICE!

lehrer1 · October 2008

I have 06 325i BMW bought in the middle of 2005. How many years the battery should last? I have only 4000 miles.
Best regards, Lehrer

shipo · October 2008

I'd say that you're about due for a new battery. That said, if you pull the caps off of the cells and top them off with distilled water, you might be able to milk a little more time out of it.

Best regards,
Shipo

Mr_Shiftright · October 2008

I don't think a high miles 3 series is a good choice for anyone on a budget. If you have access to funds whenever you need them, or you can do a lot of your own repair work, that's another story. But if being blind-sided now and then in the course of the next few years by $1,000 --$1,500 repair bills in addition to the usual maintenance will really hit you in the gut, then I'd either shy away from these types of high mileage cars or try to finance one still in warranty or under extended warranty. These mileages are right at the point where cooling system and suspension issues and electrical glitches abound on these cars.

It sounds like your desire exceeds your finances at this point, which is okay, as you can get yourself the car of your dreams once you're making a good living.

I see your point about buying a beater BMW for cheap as an alternative, but this is also risky and you don't get any status points.

So I'd say unless you can spend $150 a month on average over three years to keep a high miles BMW in tip-top shape, then don't do it.

kominsky · October 2008

I just replaced the original battery in my 140K mile '01 330Ci about a month ago. My car batteries usually last a long time... I think it's because living where I live, and working where I work, a short drive for me is about 5 miles and my normal daily commute is 40+ miles each way. My battery is constantly being fully charged.

Based on your mileage, it sounds like the opposite is true for you... short or infrequent drives. I would do as Shipo states if you can de-cap your battery (are they sealed?). Might not hurt to throw it on a charger also to see if it still takes a charge.

lehrer1 · October 2008

Thank you, Shipo.
I went today to the bmw service for oil change and asked them to check my battery. They said that the battery is OK. I finished my 3d year in BMW and had no problems, but RFT was a bad decision. RFT is OK for densly populated western Europe but what about US South-West?
Best regards, Lehrer

lehrer1 · October 2008

Thank you for your message, Kominsky.
Your battery life is impressive.
Best regards, Lehrer

odie6l · October 2008

I'm thinking about helping out my 16 yr old niece with her first car. She just turned 16 and was able to get her license on the first try (very happy). My brother and SIL are divorced so they split the time with her. I told them about a car my coworker has and is thinking about selling. She has a 1992 BMW 318i 5spd sedan. car has about 150k on it and only has 3 issues (which I don't think are biggies). #1 - A/C needs either recharged or new motor, #2 - Rear DS window does not work, only clicks, & #3 - Power moon roof does not work. I'm thinking the 2 windows also might only be motors. Other than that the car runs unbelievable. It's Hunter Green with Beige Leather. My co-worker only wants $1200 because of the 3 issues. Does this sound like a good deal for a 1st car for a 16 yr old.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

P.S. - My SIL think my niece should have an AT instead.

Mr_Shiftright · October 2008

Yeah those are big issues and $$$ to fix. That's why the car is cheap. I don't see how a 16 year old can afford to drive and maintain this car unless the parents are ready to dig deep for stuff. If the kid is really hot for it, he/she can live without the sun roof and the AC and just fix the window, that would save a lot of money. If the AC compressor is bad, it may have seized and contaminated the entire system and this could cost well over $1000 to repair. If the sunroof cable system is screwed up, you have to replace that and drop the entire headliner as well, not so cheap a repair. A window motor and repair shouldn't be more than a couple hundred dollars.

I'd say worst case scenario to fix all three items about $2,000 bucks. Best case scenario with all the luck in the world $750.

Also there normal high-miles BMW maintenance to consider...unless the teenager is doing DIY a lot and is motivated to seek out bargain parts, (as some folks on this board do so successfully) you have to figure $100/$150 a month to keep this car safe and reliable. You could spend less but you'll just be deferring the inevitable.

If the parents think a BMW is a good car for the kid, then I'd pick a lower miles 325--I think it's a much better car.

Visiting Host

odie6l · October 2008

Thanks Shifty,
I was talking with my brother and he thinks the 5 spd is okay, but is concerned with it being RWD. Him and I would be the one to fix all the window issues so those are not a biggy. we are just going to keep looking at other vehicles also. my niece does have $3500 saved up, but that is also to cover insurance and all the little things. She followed my example and has been putting $$$ away since she turned 13 to get ready for a car.

Odie
Odie's Carspace

Mr_Shiftright · October 2008

You could end up being married to this car if she has to depend on you to save her from large repair bills---think about THAT! :P

BMW people keep telling me to give the old 318s another chance and I go drive one yet again, and I keep coming up with the same conclusion--this was not one of BMWs better efforts.

I think a young woman in that somewhat fledging financial state needs a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.

paule · October 2008

Hey guys, been awhile since I've been on here. The wife's '05 325xi is coming up on it's 4 year birthday hence the warranty will be up in a couple of weeks. I'm wondering what the opinion of the board is on whether I should look at paying for an extended warranty. I have not researched prices yet so I'm being lazy by asking first.
Important notes:
1.) Dealer is 3 1/2 hours away (yes, I live in a beautiful part of the country but no close BMW dealers). Needless to say it's a big pain to get down there to have it fixed.
2.) I am mechanically literate. I have gone as far as changing a head gasket on an inline 6 Grand Cherokee but I have no experience working on BMWs (other than swapping out snow tires twice a year).
3.) I could probably find a decent independent dealer in town.
4.) I typically would have to take a day off of work to get the car down to a BMW dealer.
5.) The car has had a few minor issues (squeaking belts - replaced under warranty; noisy HVAC fan blower - replaced under warranty; front brakes at 30,000 - rear still good at 35,000; torn front axle CV joint boot at 30,000 - replaced under warranty; rearview mirror cover came off and would not stay on - replaced under warranty). Really minor issues but the BMW dealer has come up stellar with fixing these under warranty.
6.) Wife drives less than 10,000 miles per year. Car is babied pretty much.
7.) I see a lot of snow. Run Blizzaks during the winter.
8.) I plan on servicing the car myself (oil changes, brakes, etc.).

Any known big problems on the '05's? My thought is that it is the last year of that style and most if not all of the bugs have been worked out.
Thanks in advance!
Paul

cdnpinhead · October 2008

Where do you go for service? Grand Junction? Albuquerque?

trone76 · October 2008

would love to hear anyones opinion/experience:

I purchased a brand new 2008 3.28i approx. 3 weeks ago. A week after the purchase, I started hearing constant/annoying rattle somewhere around ac fan unit or the radio. It is getting more annoying everyday and really dissapointing when you buy a brand new beamer with 10 miles on it.

My question is: how likely is it that the dealer can fix it w/out making it worse? If they can't fix is, is there anything that I can do?

Thanks all for your time!

roadburner · October 2008

The E46 3ers tend to be very reliable if maintained properly. I wouldn't bother with an extended warranty, and I'm putting my money where my mouth is by considering a 2003 330xi for a work beater... :surprise:

paule · November 2008

Where do you go for service? Grand Junction? Albuquerque?

Albuquerque. Sandia BMW who I have been very happy with in regards to their service department. I bought the car in Phoenix due to a much better price.

paule · November 2008

I had a squeak in the HVAC blower which I knew was the bearing. I mentioned it to my dealer thinking they would blow me off but they repaced the blower fan assembly and it has been perfectly quiet ever since.
I would bring it up to the dealer.

quattroporte12 · November 2008

Hey guys i really need some advice on what to do about the trim in my car.
I have an 06 330i, its got the dark wood and im not a fan of that with the grey. I wanted to switch it out with the aluminum trim, and ive seen a couple of forum sites where they give u pics and diy directions etc, but do you think this is a good idea? Or will it just create rattles i dont want to mess up the car. Would the dealer do a better job than i would, or do you know roughly how much it would cost to have that installed? (I know the trim itself is around 600-700 dollars)
i dont know how to handle swapping it out
Thanks so much for your help!

hpowders · November 2008

Hello.

I took delivery of a 328i today. When I unlock the door(s), I notice a high-pitched noise coming from somewhere under the hood. When I get into the vehicle and shut the door, I cannot hear it. When I go back outside the car, I hear it. The engine is off the whole time. When I lock the door)s), the noise goes away after about 30 seconds and I hear a gentle "click." Could this be coming from the engine immobilizer or alarm system?

Anybody else experience this? One guy I talked to suggested it could be the fuel injectors, but the engine is "off" when I hear it.

Grateful for any input. Thank you!

vwarren1 · November 2008

Does the 2000 323i engine have a 150,000 factory warranty like I've read about for the 2001 model?

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

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