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BMW 3-Series: FAQ

389 messages,  Last post on Mar 04, 2008 at 7:59 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Coupe, Convertible, Sedan

Messages Page 35 of 40

#332 of 389 Re: body color [jimbo409] by div2

Jul 13, 2006 (6:20 pm)

Replying to: jimbo409 (Jul 13, 2006 1:45 pm)
Question is the bottom of my car is not painted the color of the rest of the car It is a flat color and I have seen some 95 that are painted to match the body color. Why is this?
 
Most all 1992-1995 3ers had gray bumpers and rockers-except M3s of course. Those that have body color rockers and bumpers have either been repainted or fitted with BMW's M-Technic side skirts. Later 3ers were all fitted with those skirts from the factory.

#333 of 389 Re: 325i Timing belt or Timing chain? [bmw_123] by div2

Jul 13, 2006 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: bmw_123 (Jul 12, 2006 10:45 pm)
it would help a lot if you can give me some idea as to what should be the symptoms that are needed to be watched which can indicate that the timing chain should be replaced.
 
You'll get a loud growling noise on start up. I wouldn't sweat it; the chain will likely last for another 120K miles.

#334 of 389 Re: 325i Timing belt or Timing chain? [div2] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Oct 28, 2006 (10:48 am)

Replying to: div2 (Jul 13, 2006 6:26 pm)
You'd only need to worry if it got radically loose. Then it could start damaging things inside the timing case cover--but by that time you'd be stuffing cotton in your ears.
 
I have seen loose chains break tensioners and actually jam the engine, without themselves breaking.
 
If it were my car, I'd say I'd start to worry if the noise DID NOT go away substantially after the engine was thoroughly warmed up and in use during the day.

#335 of 389 selling price for 325i by ggs2

Nov 13, 2006 (6:49 pm)

i am currently trying to sell a 2003 325i. orient blue with beige leatherette,at, ac,pw,pl,coldweather package,premium package,moonroof,garage kept,non-smoker,cpo warranty,52,800 miles. i am now asking $23,000. is this a fair price? car is in very good condition.

#336 of 389 Re: selling price for 325i [ggs2] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 14, 2006 (9:56 am)

Replying to: ggs2 (Nov 13, 2006 6:49 pm)
Try Edmunds True Market Value software, which has a "Used Car Appraiser" component:
 
Edmunds' Appraiser

#337 of 389 325i 87K miles "Service engine soon" by bmw_123

Dec 07, 2006 (10:40 am)

Hello, I have a 325i sedan with around 87K miles on it, it was working great till about 3-4 days back when i started seeing "Service Engine Soon" alert. I did Oil change (Mobil 1, synthetic), transmission fluid change and air filter change (and few other maintenances) only 2-3 months back.
 
I thought that this could be due to poor quality gas or i must have left the gas tank cap not properly closed, but later on i saw that it was properly closed and i even filled in best quality Shell gas.
 
Please help me get some idea as to what could be the reason why this is happening, Even with the warning light I had to drive to work today (The light came back after 5-10 minutes of driving). I hope im not doing too much damage to my bimmer.
 
Thanks!
Sam.

#338 of 389 Re: 325i 87K miles "Service engine soon" [bmw_123] by div2

Dec 07, 2006 (11:01 am)

Replying to: bmw_123 (Dec 07, 2006 10:40 am)
Please help me get some idea as to what could be the reason why this is happening
 
Relax! If the car is running fine it is very unlikely that you will harm it by driving it. Any Autozone will read the fault codes for free.

#339 of 389 Re: 325i 87K miles "Service engine soon" [bmw_123] by shipo

Dec 07, 2006 (11:02 am)

Replying to: bmw_123 (Dec 07, 2006 10:40 am)
The problem could be any one of dozens (or even hundreds). Your best bet is to get your car to either a dealership or to an independent mechanic so that the error codes can be read. Said codes will be the starting point that MUST be explored before you (or your mechanic) can properly diagnose the problem.
 
As far as damage is concerned, I wouldn't worry too much about it, just get your car in for service ASAP. In the end it will probably be a sensor or some such that needs to be replaced.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#340 of 389 Re: 325i 87K miles "Service engine soon" [shipo] by bmw_123

Dec 07, 2006 (12:48 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Dec 07, 2006 11:02 am)
Thanks guys! i will go to autozone and have them read the code, lets see what it turns out to be..

#341 of 389 Re: 325i 87K miles "Service engine soon" [shipo] by bmw_123

Dec 10, 2006 (10:38 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Dec 07, 2006 11:02 am)
The code reader, read it to be crankshaft position sensor, since the car was working fine, and i assumed that a failed sensor should not cause any major problem so i will have it fixed as soon as i get a chance.. But i have started to see the startup problems, where the car would not start easily, i need to press on to the gas padel for some time and then only im able to change the gear to drive otherwise the rpm needle just dies down. Im not very sure if the sensor and this problem have something to do with each other. In any case i will take it to the auto shop tomorrow.

Messages Page 35 of 40

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