Ask the Car People.SM


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 3014 of 3026

#30128 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [jtueller] by roadburner

Apr 05, 2009 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: jtueller (Apr 05, 2009 8:50 am)
I'd be tempted to go with the 2000 328i assuming that you can have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a good BMW tech-and it sounds like you already have one. The only problem is the automatic; it may go 200K with no problems and it might go tomorrow. The only decent repair is with a BMW remanufactured unit, and they aren't cheap. I wouldn't pay extra for AWD- just get a set of winter tires and wheels from Tire Rack and you'll get around just fine. That's what I do, and like you I have a serious 4X4 when things get really treacherous.

#30129 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [roadburner] by jtueller

Apr 05, 2009 (9:22 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Apr 05, 2009 7:55 pm)
Appreciate the feedback, I'm thinking the same. Guess I'm just rolling the dice on the automatic, but at the price I'm getting it even a $3000 repair is putting me in the same range of most similar year models I'm looking at. Perhaps I'll start socking away a few hundred a month just in case! The current owner was saying something about some of the transmissions on this year being built by one manufacturer, and the rest by an other. Does this ring a bell for anyone. And if so does one tend to fail more than the other. Figure I could dig into it and find out which I had by the VIN. Always better to see a major repair coming at you when possible!

#30130 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [jtueller] by roadburner

Apr 06, 2009 (7:52 am)

Replying to: jtueller (Apr 05, 2009 9:22 pm)
The transmission should be the GM A5S 360R, and a BMW Remanufactured unit will run $3600-$4000 plus installation. I changed the fluid in my wife's 528i at 100K and the tranny is still going strong with its third owner. Some techs say leave the ATF alone if the ATF has over 65K on it, but I guess I dodged the bullet. In any event, I change the ATF every 50K in my wife's X3, and I'd suggest that you follow that regimen if you do wind up having to replace your autobox.

#30131 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [roadburner] by jtueller

Apr 06, 2009 (8:02 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Apr 06, 2009 7:52 am)
Interesting, so since it's at 90k don't mess with the ATF fluid, but if I have to change it out then make sure every 50 I change. Got it! Here's hoping the transmission isn't a problem (crossing fingers, knocking on wood, and many other cliches)

#30132 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [jtueller] by roadburner

Apr 06, 2009 (8:39 am)

Replying to: jtueller (Apr 06, 2009 8:02 am)
Interesting, so since it's at 90k don't mess with the ATF fluid, but if I have to change it out then make sure every 50 I change. Got it!
 
Like I said, I changed it at 100K in my wife's car with no ill effects. I forgot to mention that BMW also recommends a 100K change. Confused yet? Anyway, I strongly advise joining the BMW Car Club of America. Among other things, you get a great monthly magazine and many dealers and shops offer significant discounts on parts and/or labor.

#30133 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [jtueller] by ladymagician

Apr 26, 2009 (9:01 pm)

Replying to: jtueller (Apr 05, 2009 8:50 am)
I recommend you stay away from Option A, the 2000 328i sedan. Consumer Reports says it is one of the worst cars to own, and I have to agree, having had one for six years. I replaced all kinds of major parts and didn't see an end. I finally traded it in for a 2005 330i.
 
Some times Consumer Reports actually does get it right. I am not convinced they know their new cars, being a major fan of the Ultimate Driving Machine, but they like my 2005, and I love it.
 
Happy twisties. And don't forget about your local chapter of the BMW CCA.

#30134 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [jtueller] by fezgin

Apr 28, 2009 (9:53 pm)

Replying to: jtueller (Apr 05, 2009 8:50 am)
I would try to find out whats the transmission manufacturer/model is . Make sure transmission is NOT 5HP19 by ZF. This transmission has a design flaw; the drum breaks as early as 35k miles with no sign of failure in advance. Hundreds of people have complains about it (including myself), there is a suit going on against bmw. There is even a website (noreverse.org) dedicated for it...! Hope its not too late for you.

#30135 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [fezgin] by lucky1man

Apr 28, 2009 (10:48 pm)

Replying to: fezgin (Apr 28, 2009 9:53 pm)
Thanks: Good Info; I will research see if I can find out what tranny I have.
(anyone have suggestions how to do this?)
 
My car is at the dealer now and will have info on what they diagnose Wed nite.
 
Will post my info Wed nite:
 
Thanks again for your helpful input..

#30136 of 30250 Re: Newbie! [lucky1man] by fezgin

Apr 29, 2009 (1:02 am)

Replying to: lucky1man (Apr 28, 2009 10:48 pm)
Dealer should be able to tell you from the VIN. Also look at the website I mentioned above...

#30137 of 30250 Thinking about a 3-series by sebring95

May 01, 2009 (9:02 am)

Hi all, been thinking about picking up a used 3-series for my commute. I'm driving 60 miles of twisty/hilly state routes in my Tundra, and while it has advantages (avoiding large road kill, visability, possibly surviving a head-on with a semi.....) it's not the most fun vehicle for this commute. I'd like to run go with an AWD (gets nasty in winter and will run snow tires too) and a six-speed manual unless there's a major reason to avoid those models. I'm looking at '04-'05 models as I prefer that bodystyle to the newer ones. I want something reliable since it's over an hour to the nearest dealer and there's no BMW mechanics around either. So what's the safer choice for this generation? I'm not as concerned about performance, so if the 2.5L is more reliable (an efficient) I can go that route. And suggestions would be appreciated.

Messages Page 3014 of 3026

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement