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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 2422 of 3026

#24204 of 30250 rpadilla by div2

Sep 03, 2003 (10:25 pm)

As you've discovered, there are a lot of clueless idiots who pass on third-hand misinformation about BMW reliability and service costs. Most of these morons haven't even sat in a BMW. In actuality, the only BMWs that tend to bruise your wallet as they age are the 7ers, 8ers, and neglected M cars. Aside from scheduled service, my 82K mile 1995 3er has only needed replacement of the front brake pads and the serpentine belts. It still has the original battery. We took it on vacation this summer, driving it for hours on end at 85 mph(4250 rpm)in 95+ degree temperatures. In 1500 miles it used less than 1/4 qt. of Mobil 1 15W-50 and averaged 31 mpg. I drove a 1987 535is to 140000+ miles and all it required was a water pump, fan clutch, clutch slave hose, and rear shocks. I sold it in 1992 and it's now on it's fourth owner; at 300000 miles it finally needed a head gasket.

#24205 of 30250 help by someday

Sep 03, 2003 (10:50 pm)

I have decided on a 2004 325 Cc (considered the 330 Ci heavily but felt the 325 was enough power for me although after test driving the 330 my resolve was shaken a little.)
 
These are the options I am considering:
 
leather (although wavering due to the past discussions on the 'ette. Would have to get leather if I got the gray interior)
 
Titanium Silver
automatic
moonroof
sports package
xenon
 
The invoice price for these options is 33,800.
Has anyone had any experience on how much above invoice for the 2004 models are going for? Also is there any other options that are a must have?
 
Also the sports package comes with the 17X8 alloy wheels with performance tires. I would prefer the 16X7 five spoke allow wheels with all season tires (last longer). Is this a difficult switch? and would I lose out by making this switch?
 
I live in the SF bay area and any recommendations for the best dealerships would also be appreciated.
 
Sorry for rambling but ready to buy my dream car and worried about making any mistakes.
 
Thanks for any feed back.

#24207 of 30250 bmw owner and many friends who own by blueguydotcom

Sep 04, 2003 (12:13 am)

I own a 3 series (which needs servicing already for a broken seat and a cruddy transmission) and I have many friends and family who are current and past owners. All the past owners parted ways with their bimmers for the same reason: super high cost of repairs. Current owners outside of warranty have been hit with $4k bills for a tranny (540ia), $250 for a battery at the dealer (M3), etc. They swear by their cars but also swear at them when things break. CR and others confirm it too - BMWs are not reliable vis-a-vis japanese luxury cars like Infiniti and Lexus and anybody who is honest will atest to the general high cost of post-warranty ownership. Yes we all can point to anecdotes but in the end the data speaks more loudly than the guy with a 3 series that's been driven 700,050 miles with the same oil, blah, blah, blah.

#24211 of 30250 rpadilla and others by tcn2k

Sep 04, 2003 (7:40 am)

Well, got my new tires put on. Along with that, two rims of mine are now scratched really badly. This is a second time Big-O mess up, i do not recommend them as a install dealer. Although tireracks.com works like a charm. Anyone know any tire place that can fix scratched rims?

#24212 of 30250 door trim - 2000 323ci by brentcho

Sep 04, 2003 (9:47 am)

This should be a recall...The service advisor agreed w/ me...The interior door trim has drooped off for the second time since buying the car in 1999. Both sides came off in the summer of 2001. The dealor replaced them (mileage: 23,000ish). The rubbery felt finsihed trim cames off of the door trim again 2 weeks ago(dealer quote, parts & labor: $700ish). They cannot replace just the part that comes off but the whole door trim. Current mileage: 57,000ish. I took the car in......The same dealer that replaced them said that they could not replace them again under warrenty........called them back and talked to the same service advisor. He promised to call me back.......it's been 3 business days.......no call.......I would appriciate any advise on this matter..................thanks.......

Messages Page 2422 of 3026

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