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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

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

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

    
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Messages Page 408 of 536

#4062 of 5349 Re: Oil separator issue [jetzzs] by roadburner

Dec 29, 2008 (10:17 pm)

Replying to: jetzzs (Dec 29, 2008 4:09 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 5349 Re: 2001 oil pan problem [ursamajor] by roadburner

Dec 29, 2008 (10:21 pm)

Replying to: ursamajor (Dec 29, 2008 4:51 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 5349 Update: oil separator issue by jetzzs

Dec 30, 2008 (8:59 am)

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 5349 Re: 2001 oil pan problem [ursamajor] by jimbres

Dec 30, 2008 (9:22 am)

Replying to: ursamajor (Dec 29, 2008 4:51 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 5349 Recommendation for repairs by msyman

Dec 30, 2008 (2:36 pm)

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 5349 Re: Recommendation for repairs [msyman] by venture

Dec 30, 2008 (9:07 pm)

Replying to: msyman (Dec 30, 2008 2:36 pm)
Search at www.bimrs.org
 
They list 2 in your area.

#4068 of 5349 Another Update: oil separator issue [jetzzs] by jetzzs

Jan 02, 2009 (7:48 am)

Replying to: jetzzs (Dec 30, 2008 8:59 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!

#4069 of 5349 Re: Another Update: oil separator issue [jetzzs] by roadburner

Jan 02, 2009 (8:06 am)

Replying to: jetzzs (Jan 02, 2009 7:48 am)
Sometimes a manufacturer will pick up all or part of some repair costs for loyal customers as well. The oil separator is not a chronic problem but they do fail on older cars at a higher rate. The part itself isn't that expensive, but it is a bit labor-intensive to install.

#4070 of 5349 water on caroet driver side by uncleto

Jan 04, 2009 (2:20 pm)

need help on finding why the carpet is wet on the driver side mostly after rain. check all the seals on the window and the door, looks fine to me. had suspicion but not sure about it im not losing coolant so i dont think its coming from there. hope anybody out their who had similar prob. will be able to help me. its a 2001 32ix wagon and 60000 miles on it. any imputs will be much appreciated!

#4071 of 5349 Re: water on caroet driver side [uncleto] by jetzzs

Jan 04, 2009 (3:02 pm)

Replying to: uncleto (Jan 04, 2009 2:20 pm)
Do you have a sun roof? If so, it could be caused by a plugged drain hole for the sun roof. Good luck!

Messages Page 408 of 536

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