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Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair
3958 messages, Last post on Aug 26, 2008 at 12:35 PM
You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: sunilb (Nov 24, 2007 7:31 pm) Thanks! just curious... where do you account for changes to the cooling system, suspension, etc.? Do you consider these "scheduled" or "non-scheduled"? On a E36 or E46 # Series I would definitely replace the water pump and radiator prior to their normal failure point. For some reason, the cooling systems of 1994-1999 four cylinders are remarkably robust. As I mentioned above, I've only replaced the thermostat. In my experience, the sixes usually need a radiator prior to 100K and often a water pump as well. This has been true since 1983 and the introduction of the E28 533i. However, I hesitate to make any predictions concerning the N54 twin turbo, as it uses an electric water pump- thereby eliminating the thermostat. The new pump may last the life of the car or it may die at 100K. The radiator is still likely to need replacement around 100K. Fortunately BMW replacement units are relatively inexpensive. As for the suspension, I've found that most all cars -not just BMWs- will need some amount of suspension work as they near 120K. Just look at it as an opportunity to upgrade your existing set up. Dinan, Turner, TC Kline, and UUC Motorwerks all offer a wide selection of suspension packages as well as individual parts- all at various price points. For example, UUC has a nice spring and damper package for just $700. I'll be the first to admit that BMWs will tend to need a bit more TLC than the average Honda or Toyota, but in most cases any additional expense and hassle can be minimized by knowing what parts to buy, where to buy them, and where to have the work performed. |
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Hi. I have a 2000 328Ci w/ 86K miles on it. The left back window and interior power lock button do not work, meaning nothing happens when I press on them. I'm thinking (hoping) this could be a fuse. Does anyone know if these two things could be connected?? Also, I've noticed a creaking coming from the back left side. I've read through some posts and a lot of people are saying it could be the 40/60 rear seats not locked in correctly, but this problem seems to cause creaking on the right hand side. I mainly notice the creaking when coming to stops. I'm thinking the second possibility could be the struts or maybe the shocks? But it's only when stopping and at slow speeds that I notice the creaking. Lastly, does anyone know of a good BMW tech in Greensboro, NC? Thanks in advance.
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Replying to: angecs29 (Nov 27, 2007 6:50 am) |
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Any opinions on the reputation, durability of a 1996 BMW 318iC 5 speed, 99K miles, very good records and history, clean car?
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 28, 2007 9:55 am) I've heard that the convertible top can have problems, but I've never looked into it since drop tops don't interest me. As far as the rest of the car, the drivetrain is just about bulletproof. The only things that seem to wear are the serpentine belt tensioner and idler pullies, which are inexpensive and easily replaced. The only suspension parts that may need replacement are the rear shock mounts(replace them with the heavy duty units UUC Motorwerks sells), tie rod ends, and lower control arm bushings.
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Replying to: roadburner (Nov 28, 2007 10:27 am) Yep, I know about the control arm bushings.
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Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Nov 28, 2007 10:35 am) It has a timing chain. The only US BMW engines fitted with timing belts were the M20 six cylinders, which were found in the E28 528e, the E30 325e/i/is, and the 1989-1990 E34 525i(the changeover to the twin cam M50 took place during June 1990). The M40 single cam four also used a timing belt, but it was never officially imported to the US. The engine in "your" 318i is a M44. |
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| I've had a problem with my 325 its reverted back to military time so I reset it but each time I turn off and then restart the car it reverts back to military time again. | |
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hello my ac is leaking (its not leaking water) white air its like smog truh my vents with out having the ac on thankx
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Replying to: bosshoss2 (Oct 06, 2007 3:09 pm) Hope you have already found the problem if not hope this helps. jimmyt4 |
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