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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 518 of 536

#5164 of 5349 Re: Tire Pressure Monitor Kit? [ilovebeemers] by bimmer4lyfe

Dec 20, 2011 (5:34 am)

Replying to: ilovebeemers (Sep 07, 2011 11:04 am)
Permanent solution - after numerous attempts over 50K miles and 4 years to remove/reset the TPMS fault light in my 2003 330XI - was from an independent mechanic who has worked only on BMWs for over 30 years. Remove the dash panel, place a piece of thin black silicone rubber over the area of the fault light, and replace the dash. Ahhhhh! That light might be illuminated back there, but I can't see it. It's been back there for 3 years and 24 thousand miles... no problems. Checking your tire pressure by sight and gauge on a regular basis is easy. IMO, a very useless feature coupled to the ABS. I asked him first if he could remove the bulb or circuit, but a lot of the fault lights/circuits are all connected like old Christmas tree lights.

#5165 of 5349 Re: iPod Issue [jaj] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 20, 2011 (11:45 am)

Replying to: jaj (Nov 12, 2011 9:39 am)
If it were my car and I were guessing (I have a BMW made MINI) I'd try the fuse for the Aux. Power, if you have such a fuse on your list.

#5166 of 5349 Studded Rear Ties ON 3281 by puffin1

Dec 26, 2011 (3:05 pm)

Any one on here doing it?
  TY Puffin

#5167 of 5349 Re: iPod Issue [Mr_Shiftright] by puffin1

Dec 26, 2011 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 20, 2011 11:45 am)
Made in England though.I mean you havs a six speed getrag, not a cvt.Why won't a BMW dealer work on a Mini es pecially if there isn't a dealer in your state?Would you drive the Mini in the snow with front studded tires?
  TY Puffin

#5168 of 5349 Re: iPod Issue [puffin1] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 27, 2011 (7:57 am)

Replying to: puffin1 (Dec 26, 2011 3:14 pm)
BMW dealers often work on MINIs here in the States, as long as they have factory authority and the proper tools and training.
 
Sure, I'd drive a MINI in the snow with snow tires---the problem would be more about ground clearance, but I'd expect it would be pretty good in the snow. Driving in snow is 50% driver ability anyway.
 
For a BMW I'd recommend snow tires on all four wheels, and dedicated snows at that.

#5169 of 5349 Airbag Sensor in Passenger Seat Disables airbags? by rfl

Dec 27, 2011 (8:13 am)

One of BMW's more inane "big brother" features is disabling the airbags when there is no human being sitting in the passenger seat. When my wife uses a cushion in the passenger seat(for a hip ailment) on long rides- the "airbag disabled light" comes on indicating no airbags on the passenger side.. This is a serious design flaw that needs to be corrected. We paid for and expect working airbags irrespective of the fact that a cushion is used on top of the seat cushion. The weight is there so this should NOT be an issue. The dealer handed it off to BMW siting a "liability issue" and BMW handed it right back to the dealer who cannot/will not offer a fix. Chat rooms are filled with "fixes" that seem to involve the installation of a resistor/diode system inline with the sensor plug...something I don't want to mess with. Anyone got any great ideas?

#5170 of 5349 Re: iPod Issue [Mr_Shiftright] by runningdoc

Dec 27, 2011 (8:28 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 27, 2011 7:57 am)
I have a 335i w/snows all the way around on dedicated rims. works good in snow & gives u flexibility to install when u need.

#5171 of 5349 Re: Airbag Sensor in Passenger Seat Disables airbags? [rfl] by shipo

Dec 27, 2011 (8:38 am)

Replying to: rfl (Dec 27, 2011 8:13 am)
Keep in mind that ALL manufacturers are now required by law to depower or disable the airbags on the passenger side when the system is not able to detect an adult sitting in the seat; this has nothing to do with a design flaw.

#5172 of 5349 Maintenance Extension on '08 328xi by xeye

Dec 27, 2011 (8:56 am)

My wife's 328xi has about 40,000 miles on the odometer. The 4 year 50,000 no-charge warranty is due to expire in August 2012. My dealer originally wanted to charge $2,495 for the 6 year 100,000 mile extension, and has agreed to lower it to $1,895 if I buy it before year-end. He claims that BMW would charge $1,700 for front & rear brakes and suggests that the reduced charge is a good deal. My local indie shop quoted ~$1,200 for the brake job including all parts & labor.
 
I've just seen a message referencing an Atlanta shop where the quote seemed to be $945. Compared to that, it seems that my "trusted" dealer is trying to screw me over.
 
The finance weasel also wanted to charge me $4,290 for the mechanical warranty extension for the same extended period.
 
What do you think of the offer, and what is a reasonable amount to pay, assuming any amount is worth it?
 
We have about 18 months until the car is paid off, so we will be keeping it for another 2-3 years, at least.
 
Thanks for your input.

#5173 of 5349 Re: Airbag Sensor in Passenger Seat Disables airbags? [shipo] by rfl

Dec 28, 2011 (5:29 am)

Replying to: shipo (Dec 27, 2011 8:38 am)
Hi Shipo... always appreciate your knowlable comments. For the life of me I cannot fathom the rational for this "mandate". I could understand a reason for mandating that the airbags remain operative...but INoperative? It makes no sense, My old Miata had a switch to turn off the front seat airbags if, for example, you were carrying a child (or a dog) in the front seat...but that was a two seater! Perhaps if your could point out a reason for this non-sensicle rule, I'd understand it. In the meantime, my dealer has pledged a follow through to find a way to end-run this sensor with BMW's coopeation. I am told that this is a constant complaint. I have also contacted the NHTSA who's engineers also cannot explain the mandate!

Messages Page 518 of 536

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