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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 7 of 40

#54 of 389 Thinking by kdshapiro

Apr 17, 2002 (5:59 pm)

It's really hard to predict whether a car will be a good car ot not. How long do you want to own it? 3, 5, 7, 10 years or longer. Consumer Reports rates reliability. Whether you take any stock in them or not, at least they've made an attempt to codify reliability. Other than anecdotally I don't know anywhere else that has this information.
 
Having owned two cars for over 10 years, I can say as they get older you have to dump money into them. Luxury performance cars optioned out will always require work, IMO, regardless of the manufacturer. Will the auto-tranny hold up? Same goes for sunroof, elctric heated mirrors, power seats, heated seats, cd player, computer chips, power door locks, HID headlights and engine all hold up?
 
MY RWD 1984 Toyota Celica 5 speed with almost no power options, held up for 12 years with normal things breaking, like water pump, radiator, etc. But then there was nothing to go wrong in the car. My 1990 Ford Taurus toward the end required a lot of work, new radiator, several water pumps, several thermostats, alternator, and major work on the CV joints. But the engine and tranny held up. Same for the power seats, power locks, electric mirrors, air conditioner, and power windows.
 
Whether or not a BMW will hold up is a crap-shoot. Not that BMW produces clunkers, but there are a lot of electrical things and a high-performance engine and tranny that needs tender loving care and lots of service if you drive the car like most people will drive it. And even if the company produces good cars, you may get a clunker. Also a hard-driven car will almost certainly go through brakes and tires sooner than a car that's driven less hard.
 
Good luck with your decision. Sorry I don't have any hard and fast facts, but I leased my BMW 330i for the first time with the expectation of trying it out and see how it goes.
 
edit - It was worth every penny.
 
Ken

#55 of 389 E46 Euro. License Plates by purehtwo

Apr 25, 2002 (3:22 pm)

I will be receiving my new BMW pretty soon, and
would like to get a European License Plate
for the front.
Does anyone have suggestions on how and whereabout I can obtain the plate?
 
Thanking you in advance for your knowledge.

#56 of 389 Euro Plates by nbb

Apr 30, 2002 (12:37 pm)

I'm sure there are plenty of them on e-bay.

#57 of 389 BMW vs. Saab by likalar

Apr 30, 2002 (10:02 pm)

Last year I sold my 328Coupe, which I loved, because I needed a fairly large wagon. After 6 months of owning a Saab 9-5 SE luxo wagon, it's in the paper For Sale. Great car, but front-end heavy in the corners and brakes like it's on skates. The 323/325 wagon is a bit small for me, but after that Coupe, I think it's the only wagon that will make me happy in the handling dept.... I've taken some bad hits in car depreciation this last year, (ok, I deserved it!) so a used one is what I'm searching for. Wish me luck!
Larry in SF

#58 of 389 323i manual trans by amaxi

May 02, 2002 (2:01 pm)

I bought my 2000 4dr used ("program car") about a year ago. From day one (not from the test drive, unfortunately), I was shocked by the racket coming from the rear axle during shifting, especially into first and second. Trips to a couple of dealers and an independent shop were no help--I was told that nothing was wrong. I've owned several other makes with manual and never heard such noise. The only way to minimize this is to shift very, very deliberately, which takes the fun out of driving.
Any input will be appreciated.

#59 of 389 sport suspension by charlie59

May 12, 2002 (5:35 pm)

My 2002 325i does not have the sport suspension on it. Can the BMW dealership install this? Does the sport suspension improve the handling alot?

#60 of 389 charlie59 by div2

May 12, 2002 (6:52 pm)

Unless you've had considerable driver training, you probably cannot exploit one third of your 3er's handling capability. Use your money to attend several BMW CCA driving schools and autocrosses. Hone your driving skills first- THEN start modifying your car. In any case, the cost to retrofit a new BMW Sport suspension will likely not be cost effective. Either find a take-off from someone who has upgraded their Sport 3er or buy a quality aftermarket kit from Bilstein, Dinan, Eibach, H&R, or Korman.

#61 of 389 brakes on a 323i by annabgood

May 13, 2002 (4:49 pm)

is it true that rotors have to be replaced everytime the brakes need replacement? my 2001 323i (42k miles) is at the dealer's and i was told that i will soon need front brakes and new rotors. please advise. thanks.

#62 of 389 rotors by jsh139

May 14, 2002 (11:00 am)

It depends. BMW does not recommend resurfacing the stock rotors on their cars. So, if your rotors are warped or pitted they will need replacing. For inspection II 38,000 miles, my car needed (among other things) all four rotors replaced. It all depends on your driving style, really.
 
-Josh

#63 of 389 Any info for 2003 3 series? by lphantom7

May 16, 2002 (10:10 pm)

Does anyone know if the 3 series will get a redesign for the 2003 model year? I keep on hearing the 5 will be redesign but nothing on the 3.

Messages Page 7 of 40

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