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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 191 of 536

#1898 of 5349 devenj by div2

May 21, 2005 (10:19 pm)

"BMW's 3-series are so full of problems"
You can say that again; my 1995 E36 has 96000 miles on it and sees the track or an auto-x course 2-3 times per year. Unscheduled maintenance has consisted of one set of front pads, a timing chain tensioner, and new serpentine belts and idler pulleys(the tensioner and belts were replaced as a precaution and the cost was under $125). Maintenance and repair costs(including three sets of 225/50-ZR16 tires) averages about $35/month. I just don't know why I've driven BMWs for 22 years; they're just so unreliable. Case in point-my wife's 121000 mile 1997 528iA. It still uses no oil and returns 27 mpg at an average speed of 80 mph. In the past three years all it has needed is regular maintenance, a windshield washer pump($31), a fuel filler door hinge($13), $20 worth of bulbs and a new set of pads($150). BTW, today we took it on a 220 mile interstate jaunt. It's still tight and rattle free; probably more so than many domestic sedans with 1200 miles.

#1899 of 5349 1996 Convertible top questions by barneyea

May 22, 2005 (8:57 am)

My daughter just purchased a 3 series convertible and the power top does not work. The previous owner said they were expensive to fix and he just opened it manually.
 
Where can I get a schemation for the top and other information?
 
Where would you start looking?

#1900 of 5349 Gas Milage on 325 XiT by armand

May 22, 2005 (10:08 am)

I have a new '05 325 XiT with under 1000 miles on it and so far the gas mileage has been very poor even recognizing it is still breaking in. Mixed suburban and open road (about 40/60) is giving me about 17 mpg. I assume it will get better but how much? My '04 Acura TL that weighs about the same gets (and did even when breaking in) about 5 mpg better.

#1901 of 5349 Problems with clearcoat by jimm718

May 23, 2005 (5:03 am)

I have a silver 1999 323i. There is about a 6"x 9" patch on the left rear quarter, behind the wheel, where the clearcoat has peeled away. The underlying paint is fine, it's just the clearcoat.
 
Anyone else experience this problem?
 
Also, I have about 93,000 miles on the car. I love it but I'm worried about future maintenance. What kind of things should I be worrying about, other than the usual - brakes and tires?

#1902 of 5349 Re: thx [lenunbiased] stinky ac issue by kasperghost

May 24, 2005 (11:49 am)

Replying to: lenunbiased (May 19, 2005 4:07 pm)
Mold- When you turn off the A/C, the temp. difference w/ the outside causes condensation in the ventilation system kindof like a soda (beer- sorry) on a hot day. Cure might be as easy as spraying disinfectant (mold killer) in the vents- slim chance. I have seen it work though. Long term cure is turning off AC 2-3 minutes before you get to point b. You will feel a rush of humid air that is condensing after a minute or two that would of been the air freshener you currently enjoy.

#1903 of 5349 Re: 325xi Shifting [jaj] by bmwphd

May 24, 2005 (12:44 pm)

Replying to: jaj (Mar 23, 2005 8:28 pm)
Hi Jaj,
 
I have also experienced problems with the 5-speed on a 325i; the worst thump occurs if I disengage the clutch slowly when shifting out of 1st gear. From the messages posted on this forum we are not the only ones. Apparently BMW of NA has issued a service bulletin; I am trying to find it. I think the service shop has to install a rubber dampener somewhere on the driveline. I'll take my car to the dealership to have them look at it.
 
Let me know if you find anything in the meantime.
 
Iulian

#1904 of 5349 Re: Crooked drivers seat/gas pedal adjustment in 330xi? [jntownes] by r_l_edison

May 26, 2005 (11:54 am)

Replying to: jntownes (Mar 04, 2005 12:43 pm)
Did you ask the dealership about it? I was awaiting a response from the Service Manager and never got one. I've continued to fidget with the adjustments on mine since then with the hopes that the seat will eventually "break-in" to a comfortable position with time...it's gotten slightly better, but a simple move over to the passenger seat makes it very obvious that the driver's seat cushion just doesn't tilt down as much at the front edge, and isn't centered squarely behind the steering wheel...very disappointing since this severely limits the enjoyment of what is suppose to be a "driver's" car Instead of looking forward to driving my 330xi, I instead look for any excuse to take my Boxster instead, which has a fantastic driving position and ergonomics.

#1905 of 5349 Re: 325xi Shifting [bmwphd] by jaj

May 26, 2005 (8:28 pm)

Replying to: bmwphd (May 24, 2005 12:44 pm)
I took mine into the dealership and they said they updated some software. I thought I noticed some improvement immediately thereafter but I'm not at all certain about that now. In any case I'm still not very satisfied with the shifting action. I never would have guessed this was any kind of software issue. Please update with any info re service bulletin or any other suggestions. Thanks.
 
-JAJ

#1906 of 5349 2001 325i by navyguy1990

May 26, 2005 (8:38 pm)

I'm looking at a 2001 325i with sports package, leather, karman-harmon stereo, with 33,000 for $18,500. Having researched this site, I realize this is a good price, but I'm interested in reliability and performance inputs from a current owner or previous owner. I've previously owned 2000 Mercedes ML320, and I swore off all German automobile. I absolutely fell in love with the tight drive.
Appreciate any input.
Navyguy

#1907 of 5349 Re: Reliability Concern [davidd3] by ponytrekker

May 27, 2005 (2:47 am)

Replying to: davidd3 (May 17, 2005 10:04 am)
The German cars handle better. The Japanese are more reliable. I am 2 years into a 3 year lease of a 325. The car has been to the dealer roughly a dozen times, mostly for minor issues, including state inspections and scheduled maintenance (brakes, oil changes), but for at least one major one (ignition coils). Other issues I have had are transmission software update, brake light harness, thermostat. But the total cost has been $74 for two state inspections. Everything else: free.
 
Driving a leased car out of warranty totally defeats the purpose, especially where one out-of-warranty problem can be a fortune. My suggestion is to either buy a BMW with an extended warranty or to lease the Infiniti.

Messages Page 191 of 536

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