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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

30250 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 11:51 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 2071 of 3026

#20697 of 30250 visionxp by jpnwdc

Nov 04, 2002 (8:37 pm)

visionxp - it's been a while, so I'll tell you what I remember.
 
I bought the car (from a BMW dealer) with only 19,000 miles on it. It was a 5-speed, 4 door. I don't remember what I paid. It was 8 years ago.
 
The biggest repair was the complete replacement of the transmission not too long after I bought it. It would slip out of 1st gear on takeoff. It was replaced under warranty.
 
Over the next year and a half, there were just a lot of small problems - both electrical and with the body hardware. Like I said before, the interior door panels started coming apart, the drivers door handle came apart, electrical glitches with the on-board computer, the front windshield defrost never worked effectively, drivers heated seat failed, etc. I'm sure there is more that I've forgotten.
 
The car never left me stranded, but when the warranty expired I traded it. It was fun to drive. Probably more fun than my 2002 325i.
 
I would get a later model year if I were you. 1992 was the first year for that body style. Also, I believe BMW did something in 1994 (or so) that increased the torque rating on the 325i's engine. You might want to do some research and get one with the improved motor.
 
Good luck.

#20698 of 30250 3M Mask by bmw323is

Nov 04, 2002 (10:47 pm)

Andrew001 - I paid about $200 for my mask installed at a window tinting place. I found prices from $150 to over $400 (at the dealer). I believe $200 - $250 was about average. It also depends on whether you do more than just the hood. Many people also do the mirror backs and some do a piece under each door handle so womens nails don't scratch the paint. Some will cover the plastic bumper and front end.
 
My best advice is to get some references if you are picky. I wasn't satisfied with my first installation, so I made them redo it. I'm not completely happy with the second one either. On dark cars with the oddly shaped BMW E46 hood, it is difficult to get a perfect installation.

#20700 of 30250 Extended Warranty by spinellim

Nov 05, 2002 (7:57 am)

Can you purchase an extended warranty on a two year old 323? I love my car as much as the day I bought it and it is now paid off! I just want to insure myself against major $$$ issues that may arise from the car.
 
thanks

#20701 of 30250 spinellim - by brave1heart

Nov 05, 2002 (10:47 am)

My understanding is that you can do this for as long as your current warranty has not expired. Check with your dealer, though.

#20702 of 30250 2003 BMW 330ci ride opinions by mikekabrisky1

Nov 05, 2002 (3:01 pm)

How many of you have driven a new BMW 330ci and an Infiniti G35 Coupe? How do you compare them. I drove a G35 yesterday for the first time and it was awesome!! I drove my friend's 2002 330ci, but not the 2003 330ci. I have to give the G35 coupe the nod based on my test with the 2002 330ci. It corners like i've never seen before.

#20703 of 30250 mikekabrisky1 - by brave1heart

Nov 05, 2002 (3:54 pm)

You may find this discussion interesting -

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15128

I saw the G35 coupe at the auto show this weekend. I had high expectations and I was let down. I think the car looks much better on pictures than it does in reality. The rear bumper is extremely bulky; the headlights are too fashionable for my taste; the dual exhaust is much too big and approaches grapefruit launcher territory; the interior is OK IMO but it looks much too techno for my taste with all that excessive brushed aluminum. Everything else about the car seems great - fresh new styling, pretty clean lines; great handling, braking, and acceleration. The car is a huge bargain for the money but it still has to prove itself in the market. Infiniti has done a great job here and it will probably take some of BMW's market share. Competition is all good news for consumers!

#20704 of 30250 Woohoo by dave330i

Nov 05, 2002 (4:26 pm)

The shop's done putting new tires on my car. Can't wait to pick it up, and give it a spin.

#20705 of 30250 dave330i - by brave1heart

Nov 05, 2002 (5:00 pm)

Don't forget the break-in period of ~ 500 miles.

#20706 of 30250 bimmer by visionxp

Nov 05, 2002 (6:58 pm)

"2002 330ci, but not the 2003 330ci."
 
if im not mistaken i dont think they changed anything for 2003. so it should be pretty much the same as the one your friend has(depending on the options).

Messages Page 2071 of 3026

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