Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair
4608 messages, Last post on Mar 20, 2010 at 5:08 AM
You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
|
Replying to: shipo (Oct 16, 2008 2:55 am) I went today to the bmw service for oil change and asked them to check my battery. They said that the battery is OK. I finished my 3d year in BMW and had no problems, but RFT was a bad decision. RFT is OK for densly populated western Europe but what about US South-West? Best regards, Lehrer |
|
|
Replying to: kominsky (Oct 16, 2008 1:41 pm) Your battery life is impressive. Best regards, Lehrer |
|
|
I'm thinking about helping out my 16 yr old niece with her first car. She just turned 16 and was able to get her license on the first try (very happy). My brother and SIL are divorced so they split the time with her. I told them about a car my coworker has and is thinking about selling. She has a 1992 BMW 318i 5spd sedan. car has about 150k on it and only has 3 issues (which I don't think are biggies). #1 - A/C needs either recharged or new motor, #2 - Rear DS window does not work, only clicks, & #3 - Power moon roof does not work. I'm thinking the 2 windows also might only be motors. Other than that the car runs unbelievable. It's Hunter Green with Beige Leather. My co-worker only wants $1200 because of the 3 issues. Does this sound like a good deal for a 1st car for a 16 yr old. Odie Odie's Carspace P.S. - My SIL think my niece should have an AT instead.
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: odie6l (Oct 18, 2008 1:21 pm) I'd say worst case scenario to fix all three items about $2,000 bucks. Best case scenario with all the luck in the world $750. Also there normal high-miles BMW maintenance to consider...unless the teenager is doing DIY a lot and is motivated to seek out bargain parts, (as some folks on this board do so successfully) you have to figure $100/$150 a month to keep this car safe and reliable. You could spend less but you'll just be deferring the inevitable. If the parents think a BMW is a good car for the kid, then I'd pick a lower miles 325--I think it's a much better car. Visiting Host
|
|
|
Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Oct 19, 2008 6:11 am) I was talking with my brother and he thinks the 5 spd is okay, but is concerned with it being RWD. Him and I would be the one to fix all the window issues so those are not a biggy. we are just going to keep looking at other vehicles also. my niece does have $3500 saved up, but that is also to cover insurance and all the little things. She followed my example and has been putting $$$ away since she turned 13 to get ready for a car. Odie Odie's Carspace
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: odie6l (Oct 19, 2008 12:09 pm)  BMW people keep telling me to give the old 318s another chance and I go drive one yet again, and I keep coming up with the same conclusion--this was not one of BMWs better efforts. I think a young woman in that somewhat fledging financial state needs a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. |
|
|
Hey guys, been awhile since I've been on here. The wife's '05 325xi is coming up on it's 4 year birthday hence the warranty will be up in a couple of weeks. I'm wondering what the opinion of the board is on whether I should look at paying for an extended warranty. I have not researched prices yet so I'm being lazy by asking first. Important notes: 1.) Dealer is 3 1/2 hours away (yes, I live in a beautiful part of the country but no close BMW dealers). Needless to say it's a big pain to get down there to have it fixed. 2.) I am mechanically literate. I have gone as far as changing a head gasket on an inline 6 Grand Cherokee but I have no experience working on BMWs (other than swapping out snow tires twice a year). 3.) I could probably find a decent independent dealer in town. 4.) I typically would have to take a day off of work to get the car down to a BMW dealer. 5.) The car has had a few minor issues (squeaking belts - replaced under warranty; noisy HVAC fan blower - replaced under warranty; front brakes at 30,000 - rear still good at 35,000; torn front axle CV joint boot at 30,000 - replaced under warranty; rearview mirror cover came off and would not stay on - replaced under warranty). Really minor issues but the BMW dealer has come up stellar with fixing these under warranty. 6.) Wife drives less than 10,000 miles per year. Car is babied pretty much. 7.) I see a lot of snow. Run Blizzaks during the winter. 8.) I plan on servicing the car myself (oil changes, brakes, etc.). Any known big problems on the '05's? My thought is that it is the last year of that style and most if not all of the bugs have been worked out. Thanks in advance! Paul
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: paule (Oct 28, 2008 8:11 pm)
|
|
|
would love to hear anyones opinion/experience: I purchased a brand new 2008 3.28i approx. 3 weeks ago. A week after the purchase, I started hearing constant/annoying rattle somewhere around ac fan unit or the radio. It is getting more annoying everyday and really dissapointing when you buy a brand new beamer with 10 miles on it. My question is: how likely is it that the dealer can fix it w/out making it worse? If they can't fix is, is there anything that I can do? Thanks all for your time!
|
|
|
|
|
Replying to: paule (Oct 28, 2008 8:11 pm) 
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2011 BMW 3 Series
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
