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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
#24723 of 30250 andergtr by div2
Nov 02, 2003 (10:37 pm)
<total bill was $1400. i just about had a heart attack>Sorry, but that's what can happen when you use the dealer for routine service-especially without a CCA discount. As I've said before: Find a GOOD independent BMW tech. Here's why:
My local shop recently performed an Insp. II on my wife's 528i. In addition to the scheduled service the shop replaced the front pads, the fuel filter(another "lifetime" component-yeah, right), and a tie rod. They also had the sled aligned. All parts used were OEM and all lubricants used were Mobil 1.
Cost:$440
As for tires? Two words: Tire Rack. I haven't bought a set of tires locally since 1994. They drop ship the tires to my shop where they are installed at a nominal cost.
You can get excellent parts and service at reasonable prices if you do a little research. It's worth the trouble.
#24724 of 30250 PROTUBERANCE by motenor1
Nov 03, 2003 (12:55 am)
The protuberance on the 04 3s is for sirius satellite radio.i test drove 03 325i last weekend and i am not impressed with the steering. it is quite stiff. i would think it will be power steering. the sales guy explained that it was due to variable power steering which i did not quite understand. what is it by the way?
#24725 of 30250 Bluetooth question by jfedor1
Nov 03, 2003 (9:49 am)
I have a question about the new universal bluetooth BMW offers for 03'. Has anybody used it? and does anybody know if it can be added to my 01' 325i?Thank you
Josh
#24726 of 30250 div2, i didn't do the tires at the dealer... by andergtr
Nov 03, 2003 (9:56 am)
i got the local place, just tires, to match the tire rack price.as far as the dealer...i'm going to find an indy mechanic pretty soon, because i'm about 5K miles from being out of warranty.
#24728 of 30250 bluetooh in 325ci by chosen12b
Nov 03, 2003 (2:15 pm)
We are reveiving our new 04 BMW 325ci in mid january and we would like to get a bluetooh system installed. can we get it for this car through the manufactuer?#24729 of 30250 Can BMW Assist track a stolen car? by trmichaels
Nov 03, 2003 (4:39 pm)
Just curious..... didn't see any mention of this feature in the Assist literature, but it would be a nice plus. Might steer me towards actually paying for the service when the free year runs out.And to answer an earlier question, I think the shark fin on the roof of the 04s might also be for BMW Assist and/or GPS navigation.
#24730 of 30250 montenor1.. by kennynmd
Nov 03, 2003 (11:06 pm)
I believe the variable power steering is that when you are going over a certain mph, the steereing gets stiffer. If I'm wrong, anyone please correct me.#24731 of 30250 Extended warranty? by lawdawgfl
Nov 04, 2003 (3:55 am)
How dependable will a 3 series be? Can the car go for 150k miles like a Toyota or a Honda? Can an extended warranty be purchased for the 3? I was able to buy a warranty that took my Nissan Xterra to 100k miles and was suppose to be as good as the factory warranty, it would be nice if the BMW was the same way. Thanks for the help.
#24732 of 30250 lawdawgfl, my understanding is... by andergtr
Nov 04, 2003 (6:09 am)
that BMW's are not as robust in the reliability department compared to toyotas and hondas. that doesn't mean the car is unreliable, but certainly BMW's require significantly more maintenance and upkeep. the servicing is significantly more expensive, as well.having said that, many cars can easily make it to 150k miles these days if you are willing to follow scheduled maintenance and not skimp out on things that need to be replaced.
you can purchase an extended warranty, though i'm not sure how far BMW or the warranter will go out.
the thing that i've noticed in terms of reliability figures with BMW through publications like consumer reports is that most of the problems are electrical. the drivetrain and powertrain seem to be non-issues, but little things like indicator lights and power gadgets seem to have issues.
if you are looking for honda-like reliability and durability (and worry-free maintenance), you probably won't find it in a BMW. having said that, no honda or toyota drives like a BMW, either!
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