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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier
29983 messages, Last post on Sep 06, 2008 at 9:04 PM
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alright, so i test drove, for the first time, a BMW. it was a '97 328i auto. but i have some questions about the car. the gas pedal seemed a little heavy. i was expecting it to be light. cause for concern? i mean, is it suppose to be that way? ive been driving a dogde durango and i thought that was suppose to be heavy. also, the lights inside the car. they only turn on if you turn the engine on? can someone help me please. thanks |
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I'm buying this car, with 37,000 miles, for $20K....has 7 months of CPO and free maintenance remaining.....first question: 1. This a good deal? 2. I've been reading blogs/forums all day, what kind of reliability issues are "normal" or are they mostly specific to individuals? 3. What are maintenance fees REALLY like? 4. Can I purchase an extended warranty from BMW BEYOND the CPO terms?? Thanks guys...glad I found you..... here's the car: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?rdpage=thumb&car_id=230417779&dealer_id=57- 4493&car_year=2002&model=330CI&num_records=25&systime=1194744720795&make2=&start- _year=2001&keywordsfyc=&engine=&keywordsrep=&certified=&body_code=2&fuel=&only_p- rice=1&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=100&marketZipError=false&search_lang- =&make=BMW&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_styl- e=COUPE&drive=&isDWSI=false&isDWSI=false&default_sort=priceASC&max_mileage=&styl- e_flag=2&useNewVDPContact=1&useNewVDPContact=1&sort_type=priceASC&address=07080&- advanced=y&only_photo=1&end_year=2006&doors=&transmission=&max_price=30000&cardi- st=34
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Replying to: breakneckz (Nov 10, 2007 11:33 pm) I'd check KBB.com and the TMV calculator at Edmunds. 2. I've been reading blogs/forums all day, what kind of reliability issues are "normal" or are they mostly specific to individuals? In my experience, the common problems for 3ers of that vintage are not that numerous. The water pump and radiator can be expected to need replacement at 60K-100K intervals. The power window regulators can be failure prone, but replacement is fairly simple- a DIY if you have a few tools. Otherwise, the E46 platform has proven to be very durable. 3. What are maintenance fees REALLY like? In most cases, the best way to keep maintenance costs reasonable is to find a GOOD independent BMW tech; you will save 25%-50% on service compared to the dealer. I also advise joining the BMW Car Club of America, since many independents and dealers offer 10%-20% discounts on parts and/or labor. All modern BMWs use a Service Interval Indicator to inform the driver when routine maintenance is required. On a 2002 330i an oil change will be called for at 15,000 mile intervals. A minor service(Inspection I) will come up at 30,000 miles and a major (Inspection II) service at 60,000 miles. I perform an "extra" oil change at 7,500 miles in my driveway. An oil change using synthetic oil will cost $60-$100, an Inspection I $150-$300, and an Inspection II $450-$800. Coolant must be changed every three years-using BMW Coolant ONLY, while the DOT4 brake fluid should get flushed every two years. In the newer cars I change the so-called "Lifetime" ATF fluid and final drive oil every 100,000 miles. Note that my mileage and cost numbers are approximate. For example, if you change the oil yourself using a BMW filter and Mobil 1 0W-40 or BMW 5W-30 synthetic the cost will be under $45. On the other hand, my local BMW dealer charges very reasonable rates for some of the services that I don't have the time and/or desire to perform. The dealer only charged me $110 to change the ATF AND the synthetic final drive oil on my wife's 5er, and they changed the coolant and the brake fluid on my 3er for just $143. Your car uses a more exotic ATF, so expect to pay $250-$450 more for the ATF service. 4. Can I purchase an extended warranty from BMW BEYOND the CPO terms?? No, and you shouldn't need to. At 36,000 miles that BMW is barely broken-in. If it makes you feel better, stick $1500-$2000 in a money market account and use it for any unforeseen expenses. You'll almost certainly come out ahead... It's a gorgeous car, by the way... 
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Replying to: roadburner (Nov 11, 2007 8:42 pm) I JUST now read your response, but THANK YOU!!!! You went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!!! Ive had the car for two weeks now-LOVE IT!!! But tonight, my windshield washer fluid reservoir light came on....problem is, i filled it on tuesday night, its thursday night now!!!!! ANY IDEA!? |
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Replying to: breakneckz (Nov 29, 2007 10:02 pm) You went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!!! Glad to help. But tonight, my windshield washer fluid reservoir light came on....problem is, i filled it on tuesday night, its thursday night now!!!!! ANY IDEA!? To simplify things, I'll be referring to the parts in this diagram. First off, is the fluid level actually low? If not, then the level sensor is bad(part #8). If the reservoir is almost empty, the likely culprits are the reservoir itself(part #1) and the washer pump(s)(part #4 and part #6). If you car doesn't have headlamp washers then only part #6 will be present(and the reservoir will have a different BMW part number: 61667007970). I suspect the pump is your problem, only because they seem to fail more frequently than the reservoir. Any of the repairs are easy DIY projects. |
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Replying to: roadburner (Nov 30, 2007 9:53 am) You are GOOD!!! I thought it was the tank, because I noticed a leak after filling the tank late last night and noticing the fluid leaking...took it to dealer today and they replaced the pump....charged my $50 deductible-CPO---next time I'll wait for a response from you!!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!! Have a GREAT weekend!!!
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Replying to: breakneckz (Nov 30, 2007 2:07 pm) Yes, even with the CPO warranty it's sometimes cheaper and easier to replace a part yourself. That was the case with my wife's 528i. The trunk lock actuator died. The part cost  $40 and took me 10 minutes to install. In any event, you still got it fixed for not too many extra $$$. THANKS AGAIN!!!! Have a GREAT weekend!!! You too! Enjoy your sweet ride...
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So, I'm contemplating picking up an E30 (specifically a 318is)... anyone have any experiences with these? Anything I should look out for? The two current contenders are: a) body has 200K on it and the motor has 160K but seems to be in very good shape and well taken care of b) car has 120K but the car was in an accident (all repair work done and still has a clean title). Both cars have power steering leaks, with the owner of "b" saying that the steering rack might need to be replaced because of this. Both are priced about the same. Any thoughts? Thanks! |
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Replying to: sunilb (Dec 05, 2007 10:31 am) Great cars. A LOT of BMW for the money. The M42 engine had a problem with what BMW calls the "profile gasket" , but any cars that suffered from than problem should have had the gasket replaced with the upgraded part years ago. The E30 318is didn't come with a lot of electronic gadgets, which is a plus when you are dealing with a 16-17 year old car. Most all parts are still available from BMW and there is a lot of aftermarket support as well. Both cars have power steering leaks, with the owner of "b" saying that the steering rack might need to be replaced because of this. I'd be more surprised if they didn't leak a bit; BMW P/S leaks are often due to bad hoses or connectors, which can be custom made locally at any shop that sell parts for and/or services hydraulic equipment. Several Roundel advertisers rebuild racks if you wind up needing one. In any case, the best advice I can give is to have both cars inspected by a good BMW tech who knows E30s. My gut reaction is to go with the 200K car, but I still think they both need to be checked out in order to make an informed decision. It's funny that you brought up the E30; some poor sod up the road from me has a 1991 318i four door that he has spent a ton of money(rebuilt engine, clutch, radiator, and so on) on and now wants to get out of. The guy isn't mechanically inclined, didn't have it checked out, and wouldn't take any advice. The body has a few dents and the red paint is faded. I think I can get it for under $1500. I just might have found my new track rat...
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Replying to: sunilb (Dec 05, 2007 10:31 am) I have nothing to add except...you didn't mention what model years the cars you're looking at are from. A pre-1991 318i has the older M10 engine. The M42 engine offered in MY1991 gave the 318i performance that rivals the E30 325i - definitely the vintage you want.
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