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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

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

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 272 of 536

#2703 of 5349 Comprehensive list of items at 60k by choco325

Mar 17, 2006 (12:53 pm)

Im not sure about 60k but when you get close to 70k or so make sure that you check your water pump bearing play. I have had three BMWs (1984 318i, 1991 325, and currently own a 1994 325is with 92,000 miles.) I generally replace most parts myself because I used to be a mechanic. Each of my cars required by 85,000-90,000 a water pump, radiator,thermostat,belt and sometimes idler pulley.I had usually had replaced the rotors and brakes by then. But if the water pump bearing has ANY PLAY IT WILL SHATTER THE FAN BLADES. IF THIS HAPPENS AND THE ONLY THING DAMAGED IS THE FAN YOU ARE VERY LUCKY. GET THE WATER PUMP CHANGED !!!! This is a problem all three series I have had experienced. Bimmer Magazine had an article on the matter in a June 2004 issue, because of the high revs these engines achieve it can be disasterous in certain circumstances damaging the hood, radiator,mass air sensor housings ect.Other than that the only other thing that I replaced by the same mileage was the exhaust because I live in philly & I believe the snow & salt damage them. I usually replace these items with after market high performance parts (except the fuel or water pumps I get from the dealers) Other than that these are the best performing cars I have ever driven.....I would always get another.

#2704 of 5349 2006 325i Transmission Slipping by njwolf1

Mar 17, 2006 (8:29 pm)

I am on the market to buy either a 325i or a 330i. As I was testing the acceleration of a BMW dealer's 2006 325i demo, the car's transmission consistently slipped at 4500 rpm. As the sales person could not explain why this brand new car with 9 miles on the odometer was experiencing the transmission problems, he posed the question to his manager. The manager explained that the car had not been prepped yet. He explained that the manufacturer ships the cars this way to prevent dock workers at the ports from racing the cars. This explanation seems awfully odd. Does anyone have a similar experience or can someone validate this explanation?

#2705 of 5349 Re: 2006 325i Transmission Slipping [njwolf1] by bdr127

Mar 18, 2006 (8:05 am)

Replying to: njwolf1 (Mar 17, 2006 8:29 pm)
The manager explained that the car had not been prepped yet. He explained that the manufacturer ships the cars this way to prevent dock workers at the ports from racing the cars. This explanation seems awfully odd. Does anyone have a similar experience or can someone validate this explanation?
 
If the car had, in fact, not yet been PDI'd (Pre-Delivery Inspection) then the manager was correct that it would definitely not run to full potential. Whether the car really had/hadn't gotten PDI'd is the next question... Sounds like perhaps it hadn't, though.
 
Not only does the engine not run at full capacity, but Bluetooth/BMW Assist and other accessory-type things do not work. They also ship with blocks inside the suspension so the cars are firmed up and don't bounce around during the voyage. BMWs need more before they're ready to drive than just taking out the plastic seat covers and filling them with gas.

#2706 of 5349 Z3 COUPE REPAIR COSTS by rex01z3coupe

Mar 18, 2006 (10:54 am)

I have a 2001 Z3 Coupe with 61K just went through inspection II at the dealership. There were a number of things wrong, Coolant leaking hose, P/S Hose leaking, belts cracked, passenger window regulator going out, windshield washer pump bad, breaks front & rear recommend replace pads, roters, sensors...all for the grand total of $3500.00! This just seems crazy all of these things are wrong. I paid the barest minimum $750.00 to get out of the dealership. I would like a second opinion. Where should I take my car in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area to keep from getting rooked out in the auto repair world?

#2707 of 5349 1999 318ti Sport by fwalsh

Mar 18, 2006 (1:18 pm)

I own a 1999 318ti Sport, 60K miles. Love the car but not the maintenance. I am currently having an engine symptom for the second time. The problem is a knocking noise coming from the engine. If it is the same problem again, it is a rod bearing problem. Does anyone know of any Technical Service Bulletins or any other semi-admission of a problem by BMW of this defect within the 318 series.

#2708 of 5349 Re: Sidewall Damage [shipo] by kurtamaxxxguy

Mar 18, 2006 (5:28 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Mar 08, 2006 8:06 am)
That big glass opening isn't much help in S.Calif either, for when we get rainstorms, there is so much spray and fog from other vehicles (many driving over the speed limit, especially Merceders and Bimmers!) that it's impossible to see potholes which erupt in the roads during these times.
 
Do those lo-profile tires make __that__ much difference in everyday handling and driving pleasure to justify replacing them _and_ the wheel because of these unseen hazards?
 
BTW, our company prez owns the V-10 Bimmer and races on weekends. He can __afford_ those lo_pros!

#2709 of 5349 Re: Comprehensive list of items at 60k [choco325] by sunilb

Mar 18, 2006 (5:47 pm)

Replying to: choco325 (Mar 17, 2006 12:53 pm)
Thanks... but wouldn't replacing the water pump also catch this "bearing play"? Or is this something I should bring up with the mechanic?
 
Thanks.

#2710 of 5349 Re: 1999 318ti Sport [fwalsh] by div2

Mar 18, 2006 (11:18 pm)

Replying to: fwalsh (Mar 18, 2006 1:18 pm)
The M42/M44 engines aren't known to suffer from the problem you describe. The M42 in my one owner Club Sport has 102K on the clock and and has spent most of its service life above 3000 rpm. As far as repairs go, I've only replaced two serpentine belts, two idler pulleys, and a timing chain tensioner. My maintenance and repair costs costs-including three sets of tires- have averaged less than $450 per year.

#2711 of 5349 Re: BMW Reliability [div2] by potemkin

Mar 19, 2006 (11:30 am)

Replying to: div2 (Mar 15, 2006 8:56 pm)
My experiences with a 318ti...
 
I own a 1995 318ti - Cheapo Base Model - Hellrot. I drove it daily from August 1995 to January 2005.
 
I've had a battery explode once while starting the car (I blamed the battery; the guy at Autozone blamed the car; status: unresolved). I had to replace the thermostat at about 105k miles. The ignition switch failed at about 85k miles.
 
I've replaced (list based on memory):
The 'shocks' on the rear hatch (worn out - 100k)
O2 sensor (precaution - 100k)
Belt (precaution - 60k)
Tires (normal wear - various)
Windshield washer sprayers (clogged - 105k)
Wiper blades (normal wear - various)
Exterior bulbs (burned out - various)
Steel Wheels (w/ some cool Borbets from the Tirerack - 100k) - Link
Serpentine belt (precaution - 100k)
Front plate - Link
Thermostat (failed)
Ignition switch (failed)
Batteries (36k - died; 45k - exploded; 95k - died)
 
All-in-all, the most reliable car I've ever owned.

#2712 of 5349 Re: 2006 325i Transmission Slipping [bdr127] by njwolf

Mar 19, 2006 (2:22 pm)

Replying to: bdr127 (Mar 18, 2006 8:05 am)
Thanks bdr127

Messages Page 272 of 536

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