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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

4441 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 1:04 PM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan


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#4059 of 4441
xi in So. Cal. by ursamajor
Dec 24, 2008 (9:14 pm)
Reply
I know, there are none here; I ordered it. I wanted a certain set of equipment and color, and then thought about:
 
Greater safety in wet weather
I drive to the Sierra to ski every year
 
I value safety and absolutely the best traction on other than dry surfaces, and if I form the perception that it prevents one accident during a three-year lease, I can justify it. Any marginal decrease in performance (speed and acceleration) is for me, miniscule. And I really think it handles better than RWD on for example, hard cornering on uneven roads where loss of traction won't occur as readily with power distributed to all wheels. And I felt if I had the xi, it would encourage me to ski more often, as I'm a workaholic.
 
Best Holiday wishes to you, too!
#4060 of 4441
Oil separator issue by jetzzs
Dec 29, 2008 (3:09 pm)
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I am very disappointed with the quality of the mechanical components of my 2001 330i. Twice we have replaced the oil pan because the screw sheared off and now the oil separator has malfunctioned. It is out of warranty.
 
I called BMWNA and they said they could not help me and that "problems like this stop here" meaning they would not do anything. Does anyone know if there is anything else I can do? I appreciate any and all suggestions. Thanks so much!
#4061 of 4441
2001 oil pan problem by ursamajor
Dec 29, 2008 (3:51 pm)
Reply
My experience with BMWs is limited. However, I have always owned or leased autos no longer than the full warranty period. I detest the time and aggravation which inevitably arises during an out-of-warranty period. And experienced drivers have warned me NEVER own or lease a German high-performance vehicle for longer than the warranty period. Years ago, I had a Mercedes, and was just starting a business, and believe me, the costs were breaking me! Sorry; good luck.
#4062 of 4441
Re: Oil separator issue [jetzzs] by roadburner
Dec 29, 2008 (9:17 pm)
Reply

Replying to: jetzzs (Dec 29, 2008 3:09 pm)

I am very disappointed with the quality of the mechanical components of my 2001 330i. Twice we have replaced the oil pan because the screw sheared off and now the oil separator has malfunctioned. It is out of warranty.
  
I called BMWNA and they said they could not help me and that "problems like this stop here" meaning they would not do anything. Does anyone know if there is anything else I can do? I appreciate any and all suggestions.

 
If the screw you are referring to is the drain plug, it means that some ham-fisted idiot is tightening it excessively. I've never stripped a drain plug on a BMW in 25 years of ownership. Find a good independent shop that specializes in BMWs. If you aren't a member of BMW CCA, join it. Many dealers and shops give discounts of up to 20% on parts and/or labor.
#4063 of 4441
Re: 2001 oil pan problem [ursamajor] by roadburner
Dec 29, 2008 (9:21 pm)
Reply

Replying to: ursamajor (Dec 29, 2008 3:51 pm)

Based on my own ownership experiences(nine BMWs since 1983- I currently run three) I have found that BMWs are not terribly expensive to own. My 1995 Club Sport has only needed a thermostat, two belts and idler pullies(replaced as a precaution), and one set of pads and rotors in over 113,000 miles(not to mention numerous HPDEs and autocrosses). My wife's 2004 X3 has nearly 75,000 miles on the clock and it has only needed pads and rotors and a passenger seat SRS sensor(replaced under warranty). The Club Sport's running costs average $50/month, and that number includes three sets of W or Z rated summer/track tires. The X3's costs average $70/month.
In contrast, I recently decided to try something different and bought a Mazdaspeed 3. It needed a new front strut and a turbocharger before it hit 26,000 miles. I have well and truly learned my lesson; I will never stray from the Munich fold again...
#4064 of 4441
Update: oil separator issue by jetzzs
Dec 30, 2008 (7:59 am)
Reply
I so much appreciate all the comments and suggestions!
 
Surprise! BMW customer service called back and said a field rep would look into the oil separator issue. That doesn't guarantee anything but it is more than I expected.
 
The rep said we could wait until the field rep has looked into it to settle up the bill. The car will be done today and we don't need it for a few day so I say wait. I think we will have a much better chance of getting a credit on the bill if we don't pay for it until the rep has evaluated the situation.
 
Does anyone have suggestions on the best way to deal with BMW in this circumstance? Thanks so much for any input!
 
Have a great New Year! Cheers!!
#4065 of 4441
Re: 2001 oil pan problem [ursamajor] by jimbres
Dec 30, 2008 (8:22 am)
Reply

Replying to: ursamajor (Dec 29, 2008 3:51 pm)

And experienced drivers have warned me NEVER own or lease a German high-performance vehicle for longer than the warranty period.
 
Well, I have some relevant experience: my 330i, purchased new in June, 2001, has been out of warranty since June, 2005. During the past 3 1/2 years, I've spent a total of $1200 on repairs. That works out to less than $30 per month. If you can find something comparable that I could buy or lease for that amount, then I'd agree with your statement.
 
Now if you had said that one should not keep an Audi beyond the expiration of its warranty, then you'd probably get no argument from me.
 
Not all German cars are created equal.
#4066 of 4441
Recommendation for repairs by msyman
Dec 30, 2008 (1:36 pm)
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Hi. I am in New Orleans and my 325 is out of warranty. Can anyone recommend a garage who does good work at a decent price? Thanks.
#4067 of 4441
Re: Recommendation for repairs [msyman] by venture
Dec 30, 2008 (8:07 pm)
Reply

Replying to: msyman (Dec 30, 2008 1:36 pm)

Search at www.bimrs.org
 
They list 2 in your area.
#4068 of 4441
Another Update: oil separator issue [jetzzs] by jetzzs
Jan 02, 2009 (6:48 am)
Reply

Replying to: jetzzs (Dec 30, 2008 7:59 am)

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. The field rep looked into the problem and the BMW dealership called and said that BMW would pay for all but $500. My husband then authorized the repair right away. That is a savings of $900. It seems like this confirms that they know they have an engineering issue with the oil separator. (We have a 2001 330i with about 100k and we just paid it off and got the title in the mail two weeks ago).
 
Thanks for all the posts and have a great New Year!

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