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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

5349 messages,  Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 123 of 535

#1221 of 5349 Possible BMW buyer by ally

Aug 19, 2004 (5:10 pm)

I have the opportunity to purchase a 1991 BMW 325i convertible with 97000 miles on it. Since I am currenly an owner of a bottom line Ford, I am a bit apprehensive to buy a car with so many miles on it. If it breaks down it will be a struggle to pay for repairs due to my low income. I haven't been able to find any reports on it in consumer guides so am turning to current owners who know more than I do. Should I buy it or not?

#1222 of 5349 ally by div2

Aug 19, 2004 (7:18 pm)

The 1984-1991 BMW Three Series cars have proven to be reliable and durable. However, they do require regular maintenance. A good independent BMW specialist will charge around $150-$200 for an Inspection I(15000 mile service) and $350-$400 for an Inspection II(30000 miles). Figure $50-$75 every 7500 miles for an oil change using synthetic oil and factory filters. Brake fluid needs to be changed on an annual basis, coolant semi-annually. If you would really have to struggle to afford the maintenance costs I'd suggest you pass on the car. A neglected BMW will wind up costing you a lot more money in the long run.

#1223 of 5349 Re: ally [div2] by ally

Aug 19, 2004 (7:39 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Aug 19, 2004 7:18 pm)
Thanks for the advice, I hate to think about passing it up but I may just have to do that seeing how many miles are on it and I am not sure if the previous owner has kept up everything that you suggested.

#1224 of 5349 Re: 330 Ci vibration at idle... [newbuyer30] by newbuyer30

Aug 26, 2004 (5:52 am)

Replying to: newbuyer30 (Jul 07, 2004 11:56 am)
Well, here's the follow-up on the stalling in the 330.
 
After a lot of persistence with BMWNA, they sent a field engineer to my dealer's location. He took the DME out and FEDEX'ed it to NJ to be re-programmed (just like they did for thomaspeterdub). I just got the car back a couple of days ago. So far, I don't notice a difference, but I HOPE it's now fixed and won't stall anymore. We'll see in the next few weeks...
 
And for anyone else who is having this problem with their 330, my car is a 330 w/ the premium package and cold weather package. It does not have the sports package that BMWNA had originally claimed that the stalling only affected. After all, it really doesn't make sense that a different suspension and different tires (on the sports package) would affect the engine stalling.
 
I'm happy that BMWNA is taking corrective action and I hope my problem is now fixed.
 
Good luck to all.

#1225 of 5349 1994 BMW 325i Convertible by mattchalmers

Aug 26, 2004 (12:01 pm)

I am looking into buying this car with 102,000 miles. Carfax shows 1 owner and no problems. Any advice? Dealer is asking $9,500. According to Edmunds, that is a pretty good price. Your input would be appreciated.

#1226 of 5349 mattchalmers by div2

Aug 26, 2004 (12:48 pm)

As always, I'd want to see a full service history and I would also want the car to be thoroughly checked by a good BMW tech. I have run several BMWs past 100000 miles and they have proven to be very reliable. That said, an abused or poorly maintained car will be a money pit.

#1227 of 5349 Re: ally [ally] by bomaster

Aug 26, 2004 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: ally (Aug 19, 2004 7:39 pm)
I just purchased a new 2004 330i with ZHP. Prior to that, I had been driving a 1984 318i, which I took better-than-average care of, but definitely was not obsessive/compulsive about it. My 318i has 161K miles on it now, and still runs very well. Plan on replacing parts every so often (my alternator on the 318i went out the day before I purchased my 330i!), but you know, you really can't go wrong. And a BMW is so fun to own, plus no one will ever look at it and ask you what make it is. Can't say that about Honda or Toyota!

#1228 of 5349 Question about Xenons by bomaster

Aug 26, 2004 (1:09 pm)

I just purchased a new 2004 330i with ZHP and love it. But it seems to me the Xenon headlights are out of adjustment. They're very bright, but the light beam is primarily on the roadway. I sometimes have to scrunch down in the seat to see where I'm going. I have also noticed a fair amount of "headlight bounce" when I drive, which is pretty distracting. One dealer told me this was a common complaint from drivers that haven't had Xenon before, until they get used to it. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm having it checked out tomorrow, but I'd like to have a little info to arm myself with prior, just in case the service center starts blowing smoke. Thanks!

#1229 of 5349 Re: Question about Xenons [bomaster] by kyfdx HOST

Aug 26, 2004 (1:15 pm)

Replying to: bomaster (Aug 26, 2004 1:09 pm)
I hate to agree with the dealer, but.....
 
It does take some getting used to... The cutoff for the beam is so black and white (sorry), that everything is exaggerated.. The best thing about the BMW is the bounce is quick, since the suspension controls it so well... I had the same issues when we got ours, but have since adjusted, and I don't even get to drive it all that much.
 
regards,
kyfdx

#1230 of 5349 Re: Question about Xenons [kyfdx] by bomaster

Aug 26, 2004 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: kyfdx (Aug 26, 2004 1:15 pm)
OK, thanks. If that's the way it is, then fine. I suppose it's like trying caviar or pate for the first time... it's an acquired taste. Thanks for your quick reply.

Messages Page 123 of 535

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