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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

4450 messages,  Last post on Dec 05, 2009 at 12:23 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan


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#2531 of 4450
Re: Servicing '03 330ci?/Snow shoes [shipo] by kyfdx HOST
Dec 01, 2005 (7:40 pm)
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Replying to: shipo (Dec 01, 2005 5:29 am)

One caveat about 16" wheels on a 330i... Most won't fit over the brakes.. Tirerack used to have one brand of aftermarket 16" wheel that fit, but they were out of them, last I checked...
 
If you go with 17 X 7, you can go with 205/50-17... which is the stock size on a non-sport package 330i, or, if you have 17 X 7.5 or 17 X 8 wheels, you can fit 225/45-17..
 
I've ordered 205/50-17 for my 330... hopefully, they'll be here soon, as we had snowflakes today...
 
regards,
kyfdx
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#2532 of 4450
Re: Cylinder head cracked [shipo] by div2
Dec 01, 2005 (8:39 pm)
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Replying to: shipo (Dec 01, 2005 10:40 am)

The M30 "Big" sixes used from 1968 to the mid 90s would usually crack or blow a head gasket if they were overheated more than once. The thermal reactors used in the 70's would also hasten the demise of the aluminum head. That said,I know the PO of my wife's 528iA pegged the temp gauge at about 25K when the thermostat stuck shut. At 128K the car is still going strong. While I suppose anything is possible, BMW head gasket failures on newer Bimmers are almost unheard of- unless the car has been run VERY hot. Period.
#2533 of 4450
'03 330ci Snow shoes [kyfdx] by jedi1977
Dec 01, 2005 (9:51 pm)
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Replying to: kyfdx (Dec 01, 2005 7:40 pm)

I have the sport package and just order the 205/55 R16s Blizzaks with the recommended italia alloy rims that were recommended by tire rack...hopefully they'll fit...and get here soon...we had snowflakes today too!!
 
Quick question, would either of you consider going with an all season high performance tire mounted on the 18" rims instead of switching between the Michelin Pilot Sports and the Blizzaks? For the winter. I know that Blizzaks would work best, but thought I would throw it out there.
 
On a separate note, any of you suggest the extended warranty?
 
Shipo - Thanks for your continued help...and you too kyfdx!
#2534 of 4450
What to expect from '01 330Ci? by chef_jmr
Dec 01, 2005 (11:03 pm)
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I've done some searching to find out what I should expect in maintenance/problems on a 2001 330Ci with 70,000 miles...
 
Quick background: I've been looking at Porsche 911s but, since I haven't got to that point financially and need a second car now, I've decided to purchase my close friend's Bimmer for $15,000 (I think it's a great deal). It has a "Limited Sports Package" which looks like a bunch of extra fairings and stiffer suspension... Auto tranny.
 
What are your thoughts regarding the mileage/dependability factor? Price? What's up with that package? Has anyone heard of it?
 
I drive mostly around the city, but like a tight ride. I appreciate any comments!
 
Cheers,
Jeff
#2535 of 4450
Re: Servicing '03 330ci?/Snow shoes [kyfdx] by abfisch
Dec 02, 2005 (5:32 am)
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Replying to: kyfdx (Dec 01, 2005 7:40 pm)

kyfdx:
 
Please let us know how the car performs in the snow with the change in tire size and winter tires. I am still debating this issue as our BMW is a third car.
 
Thanks.
 
abfisch
#2536 of 4450
Re: What to expect from '01 330Ci? [chef_jmr] by abfisch
Dec 02, 2005 (5:34 am)
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Replying to: chef_jmr (Dec 01, 2005 11:03 pm)

Sounds like an excellent price. I would still research the VIN. Are the tires in decent shape??
 
abfisch
#2537 of 4450
Re: What to expect from '01 330Ci? [chef_jmr] by kominsky
Dec 02, 2005 (9:58 am)
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Replying to: chef_jmr (Dec 01, 2005 11:03 pm)

I have an '01 330Ci with ~90K miles. It was in the shop yesterday to have a control-arm/tie-rod replaced (shot bushings). While it's a pretty big chunk of change, it's the first time I have put money into the car, not counting maintenance and wear items.
 
I would verify with your friend (or better yet, service records) that all scheduled service has been done. In addition, if the tranny and diff oils haven't been changed, replacing them with some good synthetic (red line, mobile 1) would not be a bad idea.
 
FWIW, my normal driving is 80% highway and 20% farm/country roads and almost no city driving. The extra stress of stop and go type driving could adversly affect reliability.
 
Good luck!
#2538 of 4450
Re: What to expect from '01 330Ci? [abfisch] by chef_jmr
Dec 02, 2005 (10:21 am)
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Replying to: abfisch (Dec 02, 2005 5:34 am)

The VIN should be clear since I've known the owner longer than he's owned the car... I am going to run a CARFAX (I have a subscription) to check on recalls.
 
As for the tires, I am assuming that if they have not been replaced in the last 30k miles, it'll be a cost I can absorb.
 
The control arms sound sketchy... I read your posts on the cost, and I don't like the sounds of it. He just had a major service completed a month ago, and I know he followed the service schedule of BMW. But he's no car-guy, hence the price, and don't expect that he ever went beyond the usual scheduled items...
 
I will consider taking care of the tranny and diff fluids if there is no record of that being taken care of, also...
 
Thanks for the replies. I think this is a great deal. I just don't want to pick up this car, and sink too much money into it (the same money I've been putting aside for my Porsche). While I could have waited another half-year and picked up a used '05 911, the need is now, and the decision has been made.
#2539 of 4450
Re: What to expect from '01 330Ci? [chef_jmr] by bdr127
Dec 02, 2005 (10:39 am)
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Replying to: chef_jmr (Dec 02, 2005 10:21 am)

The VIN should be clear since I've known the owner longer than he's owned the car... I am going to run a CARFAX (I have a subscription) to check on recalls.
 
Try calling your local BMW Center and asking them to look up the VIN in their system to see if there are any outstanding recalls... I'd personally trust their system more than CarFax.
#2540 of 4450
Re: What to expect from '01 330Ci? [bdr127] by chef_jmr
Dec 02, 2005 (10:50 am)
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Replying to: bdr127 (Dec 02, 2005 10:39 am)

Good advice. This control arm issue is new to me. How does someone know the control arms need replacing? Shocks, brakes, tires, I can deal with, but control arms? Shouldn't bushings last? Can't we replace the bushings with polyurethane or something that last longer than rubber?

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