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BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

4451 messages,  Last post on Dec 07, 2009 at 9:32 AM

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#4237 of 4451 Re: 2005 325ci or 2004 325ci [donga] by roadburner Apr 05, 2009 (7:08 pm)
Replying to: donga (Apr 05, 2009 11:59 am) The E46 3 Series has proven to be durable and reliable. The six cylinders need a water pump at 60K intervals but other than that there really aren't any major problems. The difference between the CR 2004 and 2005 reliability numbers is just statistical noise. I also recommend that you have the car inspected by a good BMW tech. The E46 3er is a great car, and there are enough of them around that you can afford to be selective. As for maintenance and repair, here's a brief overview:    On an E46 some services are determined by time, some by mileage, and some by the on-board Service Interval(SI) system(which calculates service based on driving conditions). The time based services are: Brake Fluid(every 2 years) and Coolant(every 3 years) The mileage based services are: Spark Plugs, ATF, and Oxygen Sensors(every 100K miles for all three). The SI system has 3 levels of service: Oil Service, Inspection I, and Inspection II. An Oil Service is called for at 15K intervals(or every year, whichever comes first). It is just an oil change. It costs $80-$125 The Inspection I rolls up at 30K; it is an oil change, a cabin air filter change, and a comprehensive inspection of the car. Figure $250-$300 Inspection II occurs around 60K and is essentially an Inspection I + an engine air filter change. Costs average $400-$500     If you are planning on flipping the car in a couple of years I'd just follow the BMW schedule. However if you're going to hang on to it for a while I'd advise changing the transmission fluid(slushbox OR manual) every 60K at least. Ditto for the final drive oil. If you take your 3er to the track I'd reduce those mileage intervals by 50%. I change the engine oil on my 3er at 7.5K intervals due to the fact that it sees the track every so often and my wife's X3 chews up its oil in less than 9K miles(based on used oil analysis). Some people go 15K without any problem but I'm not one of them.   As for an extendeed warranty, I just don't think it's worth it. Stick whatever you were going to pay for it in a money market account and just self insure.
#4238 of 4451 driver side door panel by uncleto Apr 09, 2009 (6:44 am)
I have a 2001 3251x wagon w/ 6000mls on it. im planning to open the door panel and check the vapor barrier. do i need to be concern on the side airbag. ive seen some photos on some bimmers being taken apart the door panel but not sure if they mention about taking off the battery or thse are older models. needs some advice before i venture on this. any inputs will be appreciated. Replies to this message: roadburner (Apr 09, 2009 1:28 pm)
#4239 of 4451 Re: driver side door panel [uncleto] by roadburner Apr 09, 2009 (1:28 pm)
Replying to: uncleto (Apr 09, 2009 6:44 am) The airbag stays on the door. Just use common sense and work around it.
#4240 of 4451 Re: 2002 BMW 3 Series Electrical Problems - Radio On / Off [raphaelhom] by rob140 Apr 15, 2009 (5:22 pm)
Replying to: raphaelhom (Sep 07, 2007 12:56 am) our 2002 does same thing. Did you ever find out the problem?   thanks,   Rob
#4241 of 4451 BMW parts by gdude Apr 20, 2009 (7:20 pm)
Hi,   Can any of you guys recommend an internet site that I can purchase parts for my BMW e46 body? I'm actually looking for a radiator assembly and an auxilliary fan.   Thanks much Replies to this message: srs_49 (Apr 21, 2009 4:26 am) hoodoomusic (Apr 21, 2009 12:12 pm) gdude (Apr 21, 2009 7:20 pm) srs_49 (Apr 24, 2009 1:56 am)
#4242 of 4451 Re: BMW parts [gdude] by srs_49 Apr 21, 2009 (4:26 am)
Replying to: gdude (Apr 20, 2009 7:20 pm) Bavarian Auto Parts
#4243 of 4451 Re: BMW parts [gdude] by hoodoomusic Apr 21, 2009 (12:12 pm)
Replying to: gdude (Apr 20, 2009 7:20 pm) I've always favored www.pelicanparts.com
#4244 of 4451 Re: BMW parts [gdude] by gdude Apr 21, 2009 (7:20 pm)
Replying to: gdude (Apr 20, 2009 7:20 pm) Thanks for the replies. Do you guys have any feedbacks on the quality of their services? Replies to this message: srs_49 (Apr 24, 2009 1:56 am)
#4245 of 4451 Mystery Noise by jaj Apr 23, 2009 (7:56 pm)
I'd appreciate any suggestions here please:   2004 325 xi, manual trans, with a low frequency rumbling noise that I hear at idle. At times it seems to be transmitted from front to back along the driver's side under the cabin. Dealer checked it out, replaced two pulleys and belts, but no effect. Noise stops the instant the engine is turned off, but does not change with increased revs. On occasion the car will go a while without making the noise.   Thanks in advance for any ideas.   -jaj
#4246 of 4451 Re: BMW parts [gdude] by srs_49 Apr 24, 2009 (1:56 am)
Replying to: gdude (Apr 21, 2009 7:20 pm) I've never had any problems with Bavarian. I needed a plastic insert for the door - where the door handle sits for my '87 E30, and they had that part. Also bought rear shocks, the mounting plates, and other hardware from them.   I've heard Pelican is good also - just have never used them personally.   If I need something that's not really BMW specific, I've been using Rock Auto a lot.

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