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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 77 of 535

#760 of 5349 fuzzalee by div2

Jul 29, 2003 (8:10 pm)

Find a repair shop that can spell "OBDII". ALL 1996-on passenger vehicles are required-by Federal law-to use a standardized diagnostic protocol known a OBDII. While BMW uses proprietary diagnostic tools for some systems such as the SRS and IHKA module, they cannot "lock out" an OBDII compliant diagnostic machine. Thus, an AutoZone store can-and will-be able to read any fault codes set by the on-board diagnostics. Even better, they will do it for free. If your independent shop can't figure out how to diagnose a car fitted with OBD II they are DANGEROUSLY incompetent. What shop(s) do the local CCA members use? You might also want to look into a Peake R5/FCX: http://peakeresearch.com/code_tool.htm It's only $150, and it will allow you to reset your SI lights AND diagnose any CEL. I have one for my E39 and E36/5; it is an extremely useful tool. That said, I want to repeat: Ditch the brain-dead morons who claim that they are "locked out" and FIND A COMPETENT INDEPENDENT BMW TECH!!!

#761 of 5349 fuzzalee, no need to buy the tool by texan5

Jul 30, 2003 (7:15 am)

Autozone will read the OBDII codes for free.

#762 of 5349 windows and leaks by beyleaf

Jul 30, 2003 (10:17 pm)

Hi
I'm new to this. I own a 1999 323i and in the past year I've had to replace 2 window regulators. And one of them is going out again. I've been told it's a very common thing for a BMW. Which really makes me want to get rid of it. Because it is not cheap to keep replacing. And on top of that the door leaks water in when it rains, so I have a huge puddle on the floor board. I just got that repaired hopefully.
If it not one thing its another, it starts to come apart. When it rains it pours.

#763 of 5349 beyleaf by div2

Jul 31, 2003 (1:21 pm)

Find a new shop; I've NEVER replaced a regulator in any of the five late model BMWs I've owned, never mind replacing them on a yearly basis. Whoever told you the problem is common is misinformed at best, and a drooling idiot at worst. I know that the E39 5er regulators sometimes fail, but usually it's after five years or so. Also, sometimes the plastic clips that secure the window to the regulator will break or come loose, but again the problem usually only affects older cars. At any rate, replacing the clips is a cheap(under$20) and easy(under one hour)DIY job. As is often the case, I think the car is being blamed for the incompetence of the shop performing the so-called repairs. There is NO WAY the car should be eating regulators on an annual basis, period. Your shop is either using substandard parts or installing them incorrectly-possibly both. As for the door leak, it's very likely that the bozos who muffed the regulator install also failed to reassemble the door properly. Rain water can easily find its way into the interior if the plastic moisture barrier on the door is removed and/or reinstalled improperly. Here's a hint: ask some local CCA members about the shops they patronize.

#764 of 5349 Window Regulators by bmw323is

Jul 31, 2003 (3:50 pm)

This is a common problem on the E46. I've had two go bad and my coworker has had three (the dealer replced the fourth one for her because she put up a stink about making three trips and she wasn't going to do it again). We each use different BMW dealers and they have both told us it was a common problem. It doesn't "eat" regulators. None of the same regulators have been replaced twice. It would seem that some of the OEM ones must be faulty. I don't know the price of the repair because in our cases all work was under warranty.

#765 of 5349 window regulators by bmwguru

Jul 31, 2003 (4:57 pm)

I work in a dealership and sell a lot of regulators. They are a common replacement item. The E46 has had problems with the regulators,vapor seals and door seals among other things. It isn't a problem with the installers, it is poor quality parts. Now that BMW has become a "volume" car maker, quality of parts have gone down. I can say this because I've been selling parts for close to 15 years. Div, you've been lucky not to have this problem. Maybe it's because you are more aware of it than others.

#767 of 5349 2004 330ci by jchacko5

Jul 31, 2003 (9:25 pm)

i posted a message earlier concerning noise/vibration. i took it to the dealer and after driving around with a service rep and leaving it there for 2 hrs i have been told that i hav e a "unbalanced drive shaft". awaiting new drive drive shaft as i write this. since this is a new car barely 2 weeks old i am highly disappointed. i have had this problem from day 1.

#768 of 5349 2003 window regulators by 955i

Jul 31, 2003 (11:45 pm)

BMWguru, are the window regulators in the 2003 models the same as in previous years? Or have they been redesigned?

#769 of 5349 jchacko5 by asleepy

Aug 01, 2003 (11:00 am)

i read your previous post and it sounds very similar to my car. my 2003 325i MT, at 1000 miles, developed a faint grinding sensation coming from the left front wheel and also a ticking sensation coming through the floorboard. both of these happen during slow speeds. i took it to the dealer and drove in the car with the master mechanic but he said couldn't detect anything. is what i described what you experienced as well?

Messages Page 77 of 535

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