BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

Mr_Shiftright · February 2009

Well if there's good feedback online for Monroe, that's compelling evidence. I've never used them on a BMW.

roadburner · February 2009

Well if there's good feedback online for Monroe, that's compelling evidence. I've never used them on a BMW.

Me either; the one the E39 guys use is the "Sensa-Trac". Another good shock is the Sachs Super Touring.

Mr_Shiftright · February 2009

I'm just wondering if they can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'?

I agree with you about Bilsteins---I never regretted paying a bit extra for them.

pylt1 · February 2009

:lemon:

For many of you on the board with a long history of tail light problems, be sure to save your receipts.

:lemon:

This was on another board, but it looks like you can get your money back once the recall starts. Better is the fact that BMW might actually stop having us fix our own cars with parts from Radio Shack . . . . Geesh, have they no shame?

It's time to stop with the "homemade" fixes. This is a serious safety defect and BMW knows it. The post below is a cross post--read and heed:

Just a quick update on this problem. Among my circle of friends we have five post-update E46 sedans. Four of them have had tail light, turn signal, brake light failures all caused by BMW's screw up when they updated the tail lights: not enough grounding wire(s). See the BMW service bulletin SI B 63 03 06 on this at the link below:

http://www.bmwtis.com/tsb/bulletins/...p/B630306g.htm

Since the ne'er-do-wells at "Screw The Damn Customer" BMW HQ Customer Service (what an oxymoron) have never heard of Ralph Nader, we're giving 'em a little help. The nice folks over in Washington D.C. have these things called Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and EVERYONE selling cars here has to meet them for ten years after a car or truck is built. That means if our lights have design defects (they do), BMW is under potentially criminal liability to fix the things with a safety recall at NO cost.

BMW's service bulletins basically say, "Only fix the cars under warranty; screw everyone else for whatever you can get away with so you can buy a bigger boat." WRONG ANSWER BMW!

The ball is in motion on this; more later. For now, BE SURE TO SAVE ALL YOUR RECEIPTS IF YOU HAD YOUR STEALER RAPE YOU FOR $400 (per side) TO FIX BMW'S LIGHTING SCREW UP.

I expect to see something in a few weeks so hang in there.
:lemon:

jscholder · February 2009

O.K., normally you would be correct...however I recently found an oil change special from advance auto with 5 quarts of synthetic oil at 24.99 and an oil filter included, and they let me change out a filter that would fit the BMW. It was a great deal. The 740i takes around 7 quarts. I was exagerating alittle, but I was close.

jscholder · February 2009

Sorry to disagree with you on this one, but if you want to take true ownership in your car and enjoy learning to do things yourself, a great start is learning to do your own oil change. They can look at all the other things when something serious breaks down, (which inevitably happens enough to keep up with an overview of leaks, belt wear, etc). Buy yourself a container that catches the oil and you can take it to your nearby autoparts store and empty it free. More importantly, many of the repair shops today will find something to recommend that you need to have done when you give it to them for an oil change. They will try to "sell" you something that isn't needed, but might be needed if you don't have it done. I like having control over what gets done if I can.

jscholder · February 2009

Has everyone forgot that there are ramps that can be purchased and the car can be driven up these ramps so that you can get under the front to change the oil? I know that it takes me about 20 minutes to do everything and I feel real good about not giving someone $75-$90.

jscholder · February 2009

Hey guy, why not do all of us with 01 330 ci's a favor and document with pictures your experience and then we can use you as the expert. I'm sure you're going to have alot of fun and learn alot. I changed the window regulator on my passenger rear door for the 740i 2001 and I thought it was a nightmare until I finally finished it, and I'm glad I tried it.

ursamajor · February 2009

Engine turned off seconds after starting and driving 200m; restarted immediately; however, the resting idle was elevated at about 1500 RPM, vs. 700 normally. Opened hood after three miles at 80mph and idle speed was indeed high and noisy. Turned off engine, took two seconds for engine to "shut down." Problem didn't occur after restarting after one hour meal break. Has anyone else experienced this? One week after 1st service, including "30-point" inspection!

ursamajor · February 2009

jscholder · February 2009

All this talk about oil changes and no one can take alittle time to answer my question re: the location of the fuse for the remote trunk release on a 2001 330 ci?
Excuse me for being impatient, but I know someone out there has the ability to answer this one. I would be glad to return the favor someday and pay it forward.

jscholder · February 2009

You truly are a blessed man and must pray alot, because I have owned 2- 740i's, 1-330i and 1-330ci and all have been 2001 except for the 2003 330i. All have required alot more than routine maintenance, and the 740i's especially have problems with radiators, pressure hoses, and oil leaks. That's not counting the lousy coffee cup holders, and front grills that loosen up. For what they cost new, I would be very pissed if I paid that kind of money and experienced the mickey mouse stuff they do to their customers. I bought used and enjoy the smooth powerful ride and great handling of the cars and so put up with it. They also do give you a sense of being "special" to be a BMW owner, wouldn't you agree?

jscholder · February 2009

Speaking of SWAPS: Wouldn't it be great to be able to trade diffferent BMW's with others and be able to experience other models without actually having to purchase them? We all must get the itch to try something else, but know the cost to sell one to get another is too expensive. I've often thought that it could be feasible and if thought through possible to come up with a system that gives individuals a place to do this. Any thoughts on this?

Mr_Shiftright · February 2009

that advice could work for many people and I certainly don't discourage it. But since I have a good relationship with my repair shop, when I take it in for an oil change, we both get to look around under there, discuss what we see, check over everything---I would not change this experience for crawling under a car with ramps, trying to check various driveline fluids while on a tilt, or trying to replace a loose clamp or seal.

DIY oil change is just a complete nuisance to me. I'd rather spend the time and effort fixing something that translates into real dollars (like when I replaced some bulbs in my dashboard--that saves a lot of labor).

But you are right, if you aren't careful or don't know your shop, you can get oversold during oil changes.

blueguydotcom · February 2009

agreed. The amount of time it will take me to get an oil change v. do it myself = loss proposition. If it's really saving me $20-30 (parts not included), then it's a no brainer to have someone else do the work. If the savings is 100s, that's a different story.

kominsky · February 2009

Hahaha! Me, an expert at anything mechanical? My friends and family are going to get a kick out of that one!

I won't be doing the swap until later Spring sometime, but maybe I'll give documenting it a shot. I would make a video, but when things start going badly, I tend to curse and throw things...

shipo · February 2009

"O.K., normally you would be correct...however I recently found an oil change special from advance auto with 5 quarts of synthetic oil at 24.99 and an oil filter included, and they let me change out a filter that would fit the BMW. It was a great deal."

I'm thinking you missed the point (a couple of points actually):

1) As far a I know, every BMW sold in the United States since the dawn of the E46 has required at the very least 6.5 quarts of oil (my 1999 328i and my 2002 530i both took 7 quarts to bring the level up to the upper hash mark on the dip stick).

2) I'm finding it extremely difficult to believe that Advance Auto is selling oil that meets the required BMW LongLife-01 oil specification for less than $5.00 per quart. FWIW, just because an oil is "synthetic" in no way means that it is acceptable to use in a late model BMW (or Audi, or VW, or Mercedes-Benz... you get the idea).

The fact of the matter is, that now, here in 2009, it will be the rare situation indeed where someone can buy the proper oil and filter for a late model BMW for much under $60.00.

Best regards,
Shipo

kenneth813 · February 2009

My car 1995 318TI is over 120,000 miles, should I use Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-40, Mobil 1 Extended Performance or just Mobil 1 0W-40?

roadburner · February 2009

I'd run either 0W-40 or 5W-40 Turbo Diesel Truck. Either one will work fine. If you live in a warmer climate 15W-50 is a good choice- especially if your car sees the track on a frequent basis. I have 115K on my one-owner 1995 318ti and I used 15W-50 until the 0W-40 became available.

kenneth813 · March 2009

Can I use any brand name oil filter for my BMW? I search the internet and found a lot of the filter with different brand name which fit in my car. I always buy the filter from the dealer, I am wondering if it is safe to use it. Or if anyone has any suggestion. Thanks.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2009

I prefer German filters for German cars myself. You never know exactly what you're getting at a chain store. I like the dealer for filters and gaskets, because you know they are going to fit properly.

roadburner · March 2009

I checked out the STP filter for the engine in my wife's X3; it cost $10.50 and was made in Malaysia. My BMW dealer sells the German OEM filter for $8.50. Just for the record, BMWs don't tolerate cutting corners with dodgy aftermarket parts.

grantchstr · March 2009

At 42,000 miles my dealer changed only the front pads (@ 2mm) but not the rear pads (@ 4mm). No new rotors which they reckoned were 20.6mm fore and aft.
BMW also replaced the Brake Pad Wear Sensor - which to me indicates that the wear was below minimum and the sensor should have warned of a brake job?

Now on other cars I have always been told that pads and rotors have to be changed in tandem or you dont get a perfect fit - ie scoring on the rotors will screw up the new pads.

Whats the minimun thickness for rotors? And if the fronts were changed at 2mmm surely 4mm for the rears is so close that they should have also been done at the same time? Whats the new thickness on pads? :mad:

shipo · March 2009

A couple of points:

1) While I don't know the exact thickness of the friction material for new pads, my bet is that they're roughly 12mm.

2) The brake pad wear sensor will correctly indicate a brake job is needed if (and only if) the pads on that wheel (only 1 wheel per axle gets a sensor) is straight and true. As one or more sets of pads on both of my BMWs have worn in such a way as to cause the caliper to tilt and the brake pads to wear at an angle (as viewed from top to bottom), it is very possible to have either the inner or the outer edge of the metal brake pad backing plate come into contact with the rotor well before the wear sensor indicates the brakes are needing to be done.

3) Technically speaking, if a rotor isn't down to minimum specs (the minimum thickness is physically stamped on the rotor itself), it doesn't need to be changed. I change my rotors at every brake job, many folks don't; personal choice.

Best regards,
Shipo

jscholder · March 2009

As a poor person,I always love to communicate with the rich folks that seem to think that $50.00 is no big deal when saving money on repairs. I guess when you're making $100.00 or more an hour, and so smart that you can change out entire engines, why bother, huh? And while you're at it, why not everyone know how silly it is to worry about such a trivial thing.

What's truly amazing is how excited everyone got about the subject of an oil change, but couldn't dig into the wealth of their knowledge to answer a simple question that might truly be of worth to someone. You're attitudes are no better than of those who have forgotten what the true worth of a dollar is anymore--let's just talk millions and billions. Your disregard for the new guy on the block is no different than the elitists shunning the average "joe" out there. So, to shipo and Mr. Shiftright and the others in your click group; why not get back to trying to help someone in between your impressive comments and opinions of how much this or that costs?

Mr_Shiftright · March 2009

If having the oil changed in a shop doesn't apply to you, well fine---we aren't saying you should have the same values and habits we do.

For me personally, the $50 extra I spend once every 5,000 to have a trusted mechanic go over the car with me on a lift is well worth it. And he recycles for me.

No muss, no fuss.

I'm sorry but I'm having a hard time equating a desperate poverty level with BMWs. Something doesn't compute with that. This IS the BMW topic, right?

Really now, if you can't spend $50 on a BMW, the car is doomed, don't you think?

I LOVE to stretch a buck. But not in that particular way. For you, this might be your method of doing so. And we'd be glad to help you with that. Me, I go to Costco and save $50 that way on food. So much easier than laying on my back in a cold driveway.

roadburner · March 2009

On a street-driven 3 or 5 Series BMW you can usually get away with changing the rotors at every other pad change. That said, my wife's X3 needed pads and rotors at all four corners at 60,000 miles- and the pad wear sensor never illuminated.

shipo · March 2009

"As a poor person,I always love to communicate with the rich folks that seem to think that $50.00 is no big deal when saving money on repairs."

Rule #1: If you're poor, you shouldn't be driving a BMW. While they aren't necessarily all that much more expensive than other marques to own and operate (on a per mile basis), they do demand periodic maintenance with quality products, and if you cannot afford that maintenance, buy a Chevy or a Toyota or something else of that ilk.

"I guess when you're making $100.00 or more an hour, and so smart that you can change out entire engines, why bother, huh?"

No comment on how much I make (or don't make as the case may be), however, by not maintaining a car in a manner prescribed by the manufacturer, you are most certainly more likely to be required to change out an entire engine compared to folks who do follow the OEM maintenance schedule. It sounds like you're the one with money to burn. Oh, wait! You're poor right?

"And while you're at it, why not everyone know how silly it is to worry about such a trivial thing."

Worrying about proper maintenance is "trivial"? You heard it first here folks.

"What's truly amazing is how excited everyone got about the subject of an oil change, but couldn't dig into the wealth of their knowledge to answer a simple question that might truly be of worth to someone."

Can't help you on where the fuse is located, I'm not rich enough to own a convertible BMW. That said, you're the one that stated that you could do an oil change for $35 on a BMW, a claim that is, at the very least, HIGHLY suspect.

"You're attitudes are no better than of those who have forgotten what the true worth of a dollar is anymore--let's just talk millions and billions."

Do tell. It seems that you're the one who has forgotten the true value of money as you can afford to improperly maintain your cars and then put new engines in when they fail due to your negligence.

"Your disregard for the new guy on the block is no different than the elitists shunning the average "joe" out there."

There was no disregard or disrespect intended, more likely we were being kind as we were trying to save you from yourself.

So, to shipo and Mr. Shiftright and the others in your click group; why not get back to trying to help someone in between your impressive comments and opinions of how much this or that costs?

I'm more than happy to help. Advice: Spend the necessary dollars to buy the proper oil and filters for your car, that way you won't need to buy new engines for them when they prematurely fail. As for the fuse, sorry, I still don't know where it is.

Best regards,
Shipo

uncleto · March 2009

I was ready to go to BJ's to buy some stuff when suddenly after starting the car i notice that the engine starts failing and the engine died done.the car is been idle for only couple of days but the temp. here in NY is below freezing we just a had a storm Monday. to make it short, i thought it was the battery. it cant be cause its new. i tried to start again and let the engine idle, warm up i was ready to proceed when the Service Engine, lights when on! it got me worry so i tried moving the car back n forth on the driveway until i decided not to proceed to BJ'S. im gonna try again tomorrow, maybe the temp. here had someting to do with. hopefully the engine will try to start smoothly and no Service Engine Lights on. otherwise dont know what to do. any advice will be much appreciated.many thanks in advance!

ursamajor · March 2009

I had my 2008 335xi also die after starting and driving about 200meters. I also had an unusually high idle (1500 rpms vs. normal 700), but there was no correlation between the idle speed and the throttle control--in other words, the car drove normally, but the idle was too high. This occurred only during one evening, mild weather, car had been parked all day--8hours. The dealer ran a diagnostic and determined that the battery was only 60% charged, and this caused the computers which control the engine to malfunction, causing it to die, and the idle control to be out of whack. It was stated that the 3-series has a very large battery and the vehicle operation consumes a great deal of power. My driving for the first year of my lease has been almost purely commuting, 15 miles per day, with no high-performance. They suggested that I take an occasional long trip or drive the car faster! They even said that many other similar models experienced the same problem because the battery was poorly engineered, but not defective--the demand is simply abnormally high. If true, this is more than disappointing; it's either a recall or concern about this happening repeatedly with normal city driving 95% of the time. Any others experience this with a late-model 3 series? Dealer re-charged battery, provided a nice loaner vehicle, but I don't want that hassle again.

uncleto · March 2009

Its 2001xi wagon,has 63000mls. since i bought my Suzuki Xl7 this car has been mostly a standby car, maybe driven once a week. just did somework last summer cost me a lot mostly maintenace and Inspction II. thats were they had to replce the rear springs, both of them. i just hope its nothing seruis like the fuel pump. im gonna use tommorow afternoon. hope it will run smoothly. battery was repl. too. let you know tomorrow.

michele16 · March 2009

I have a 2005 325ci with 46,000 miles. My warranty period ends at 50,000 or in May of 2009. I absolutely love my car and plan on keeping for at least another 2-3 years. I am wondering if I should buy warranties for either a maintenance or a mechanical breakdown or both. I am the second owner and have owned the car for 2 years with no problems except for a coolant lea which was fixed under warranty.. My bmw dealer has quoted me $1695 for a 2yr maintenance warranty and $2500 for a 2 year mechanical breakdown. Are these type of warranties worth investing in. If so, what is a good purchase price on either warranty. Thank you :-)

jscholder · March 2009

Seems like I touched a real sensitive nerve here. It also seems that Mr. Shipo should be a lobbyist for the BMW dealers out there with his claims that they are the best place to do work on your car, and all parts should be original BMW parts.

I have been screwed so many times by BMW dealers that if I was a prostitute I could be a billionaire by now. The worst part is, the dealers treat me with the same haughty attitude that Mr. Shipo does because I don't have a new car that's under warranty.

Mr. Shipo's advice is no different than the advice financial wizards, stock analysts, and stockbrokers have been giving their clients regarding stocks and the stock market being sound....BMW has perpetuated the myth so long that you actually believe that they are not that more expensive to operate than other marques,(whatever that means).

As for being poor: I have spent $2500 in the past year on my 740i, and none of it was spent at the dealer or it would be double that amount...and for your information none of the repairs was related to poor maintenance practices or oil and filter changes. I drive a 2001 bought with 62,000 miles on it in Oct. '05 and that was the only way I could get into "your class of driving enthusiasts". Buying a new BMW, and spending the kind of money that is required, is "in my opinion" not getting the best value for your purchase. I have plenty of examples to back that up. Buying used at 1/4 of the original sales price because someone rich wanted to dispose of their old junk makes more sense to me. Paying for the eventual repairs and maintenance is much cheaper than losing 3/4 of the value of a new car in just 4 years. Finding a competent, reliable repair shop that treats you like a valued customer is much more preferable than being abused by a BMW dealer---unless of course you bought the car new from them and do not argue over paying excessive and outrageous costs for repairs and parts.

All automobile manufacturers want you to deal exclusively with their shops and order only their parts. That's where they make most of their profits.

The "trivial thing" I was referring to was your reference to; how trivial it is to subject yourself to doing an oil change when it only saves you $50.00.

At 139,000 miles I have had no engine problems, unless you count blown radiator hoses, power steering leaks, coolant leaks, water pump leaks, valve cover leaks, broken thermostat assembly, vacum valves, and window regulator failures.

And finally, you could have just sucked it up and said you didn't know the answer to my initial question regarding the trunk latch issue instead of attacking my credibility over the cost of an oil change. Man...you guys need to lighten up alittle.

shipo · March 2009

It also seems that Mr. Shipo should be a lobbyist for the BMW dealers out there with his claims that they are the best place to do work on your car, and all parts should be original BMW parts.

Please point me to even one instance where I recommended BMW service or BMW only parts? Please understand that recommending oil the meets or exceeds the BMW LL-01 oil specification in no way means BMW oil. The difference here is that there are a number of oil providers that sell oil that meet the spec but have no relationship with BMW. FWIW, the two most popular here in the States are Mobil 1 0W-40 and Castrol Syntec 0W-30.

I have been screwed so many times by BMW dealers that if I was a prostitute I could be a billionaire by now. The worst part is, the dealers treat me with the same haughty attitude that Mr. Shipo does because I don't have a new car that's under warranty.

How is it my fault that you allowed yourself to be repeatedly screwed by BMW dealers? All I have done is recommend good sound advice with regard to your comments about your failure to properly maintain your cars.

Mr. Shipo's advice is no different than the advice financial wizards, stock analysts, and stockbrokers have been giving their clients regarding stocks and the stock market being sound....BMW has perpetuated the myth so long that you actually believe that they are not that more expensive to operate than other marques,(whatever that means).

Now you're getting personal and I must take exception to your comments. If you cannot accept that the things you've posted are patently incorrect, and that others have attempted help you out by pointing out where you are incorrect, that's one thing, but to launch a personl attack? Sorry dude, you lost me.

And finally, you could have just sucked it up and said you didn't know the answer to my initial question regarding the trunk latch issue instead of attacking my credibility over the cost of an oil change. Man...you guys need to lighten up alittle.

Regarding your initial question, I didn't respond to it because I didn't have an answer to it. Had you let it go at that, there wouldn't have been an issue, however, you then followed up that post with a worthless boasting comment about $90 being a bad price for an oil change and that you can do it for $35 (something that I've shown is pretty much impossible). Lest you forget what you wrote, let me refresh your memory: http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.eea1744/4150

Mr_Shiftright · March 2009

Oh well you're changing the argument. You bought a 7 series. You should have done research on that model and that might have warned you that this is not a 3 series car.

Anyone buying a 7 series, new or used, had better be very well to do. It's an extremely expensive car to maintain, whether you go to a dealer or not. Some independent BMW shops won't even work on 7 series cars.

roadburner · March 2009

I wouldn't buy an extended warranty for your car. If you have an honest dealer or independent shop there is no way you will spend $1695 for scheduled maintenance over two years- ditto for $2500 worth of repairs.

brenda14 · March 2009

I have a 2006 325 xi. I purchased it in Aug 0f 06 and now have 49, 238 miles on it. As you can tell I do a lot of driving. I have AWD and it handles nicely in the snow, ice, rain--I am in the N with plenty of snow. My question is also about Maint --quote $1695 and ESC $2975. I have not had any problems with the car. I am wondering will things go as well in the future and can my local mechanic do the maintenance and repairs, or should I purchase the ESC or Maint. I am not good with cars at all and need dependability. Thanks for your help.

berny1 · March 2009

Hi everyone!

I have a 2005 330i with a performance pkg and 40K miles on it. I have not had any major problems with the car and would like to keep it for at least another 2-3 yrs. My warranty expires this May and I've been looking into getting an extended warranty.

BMW extended warranty for 2 yrs is ~ 2600 and for 4 is ~3500, can anyone comment on were to get a better deal?, is this price negotiable?, is it a must getting the extended warranty?

Thanks :confuse:

roadburner · March 2009

I have a 2005 330i with a performance pkg and 40K miles on it. I have not had any major problems with the car and would like to keep it for at least another 2-3 yrs. My warranty expires this May and I've been looking into getting an extended warranty.

Stick your money in a CD or Money Market account and self-insure it. There's almost no way an E46 will need $3500 worth of repairs over the next 4 years/60,000 miles.

blueguydotcom · March 2009

Agreed. And love that ZHP. I miss mine dearly.

roadburner · March 2009

And love that ZHP. I miss mine dearly.

I keep hoping a nice low mileage ZHP sedan will turn up in my area. If it does the Mazdaspeed is history...

uncleto · March 2009

Does anybody have a picture of where's to connect the code reader under the dash? im not sure what it looks like. thanks!

roadburner · March 2009

It should be located in the left under-dash area:

The port should look something like this.

uncleto · March 2009

Just got hold of the OBDII scan tool to check whats the prob. with my 325xi wagon. It reads, P1345 misfire cylinder 2 with fuel cut-off. does anybody knows if this is a serious one that need immediate action? can i still use the car for now? any imputs will much be appreciated. many thanks!

uncleto · March 2009

many thanks! I was able to locate and performed the task. just need to know if the code P1345 or misfire cylinder 2 with fuel cut-off, will cost me an arm and a leg!

Thanks again.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2009

Well it means you have a 5 cylinder car most or all of the time. This could be a spark plug defect, or wiring, or ignition coil that is causing that cylinder to misfire. The computer, sensing this, shuts off fuel to that injector.

Also one always has to be suspicious of bad valve lifters on 3-series, but you didn't specify year. If the car runs rough and then runs better when warmed up, I'd look more closely for a bad lifter as well as the usual ignition component failures that I mentioned.

uncleto · March 2009

Itsa 2001 325xi wagon with 63000mls.did some major work last year incl. spark plug and fuel filter change. now the car is mostly driven may be once a week. last week after the storm that hit NY i decided to use on thursday, when suddenly the car just died after i started it. the second try the car did start and drove it with the Service Engine Soon lit. i thought its bec. its cold and needs to be wrmed up. everynow and then, i try to just start the car without moving so it wont be idle.i hope its just a bad gas that precipitated this issue. Thanks again.

roadburner · March 2009

If you are starting the car and running it without driving it I'd suspect that you have a fouled plug. Try driving the car for 20-50 miles, clear the code, and see if the CEL returns.

uncleto · March 2009

Yes, i will do that today. im going for a dental appointment. wish me luck! ill let you know . will keep in touch. thanks.

srs_49 · March 2009

I would pull the plug on the affected cylinder (#2?) and see what it looks like.

Is it fouled? Is it wet with oil or gas?

It's also possible you have a bad plug wire.

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

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