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BMW X3

4185 messages,  Last post on Apr 15, 2013 at 1:30 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW X3, SUV

Messages Page 211 of 419

#2098 of 4185 window rattling by babydoc

Aug 05, 2005 (8:52 pm)

Does anyone else have a problem with their 2004 BMW X3 windows rattling? I took it to the dealer, and was told that BMW was working on it, and for now, I am stuck with the annoying rattling. If the windows are rolled down half-way, the rattling stops.
Also- dumb question- but do I really need premium gas for this car? The pinging sound is there no matter what grade of gas I use. Any input would be appreciated.

#2099 of 4185 Re: window rattling [babydoc] by kdshapiro

Aug 06, 2005 (6:47 am)

Replying to: babydoc (Aug 05, 2005 8:52 pm)
As far as the gas goes, I've never heard a BMW knocking as they have knock-sensors to change the timing should knock occur. As far as the grade of gas, I would follow the manufacturers recommendation.
 
Do you buy gas from one of the national manufacturers: Exxon/Mobil..etc? Are you putting a no-name brand into the gas tank?

#2100 of 4185 Re: window rattling [babydoc] by yankeeclipper

Aug 06, 2005 (9:09 am)

Replying to: babydoc (Aug 05, 2005 8:52 pm)
I have my X3 about a year. When I got it it creaked and rattled. The fix was some type of lubricant on all the weather seals. It worked. However both my front door weather seals started to wear as a result. I had one replaced but the wear problem came back. I don't know if the wear is related to whatever they put on the weather strip. But I am not impressed with the body of this vehicle. For what they charge it is totally unacceptable!

#2101 of 4185 Re: window rattling [babydoc] by sponge_worthy

Aug 06, 2005 (11:00 am)

Replying to: babydoc (Aug 05, 2005 8:52 pm)
I wonder if the rattling is somehow temperature related - metal/rubber expansion at the in the heat. I found the my previous car '01 Saab 9-3 was much noisier on hot days. Do you notice if its better/worse on hot or cold days?

#2102 of 4185 Knocking engines and rattling windows by babydoc

Aug 06, 2005 (7:52 pm)

I mostly purchase gas from Phillips, as it is the closest. I will try some of the other name brands and see if there's a difference. If not, sounds like I need to call the BMW service centers.
The rattling doesn't seem to be heat-related.
When I took it in for the problem, I was told that BMW was going to have to replace all the window seals- so far, nothing, and it's driving me nuts. I'll have to try and write BMW to see if what recourse I have. It's ridiculous to buy a car of this price and reputation and have to be barraged constantly with the rattling. Of course, when I test drove the car, they'd sealed it up well, so there was no rattling. Now they can't repeat the sealing process for whatever reason.
I do love the looks of the car and the zippiness, but I'd think that I shouldn't have to put up all these noises.
So if anyone out there is looking for a 2004 X3- check the windows!

#2103 of 4185 Re: Serious brake problem [stone3] by kdshapiro

Aug 07, 2005 (8:11 pm)

I wonder if it is possible for a total vacuum loss on the system? Brakes are mechanical (until I guess drive-by-wire-brake becomes standard). With two cylinders and multiple lines I would think the odds of both cylinders failing at the same time are astronomical. Even with a loss of vacuum one can stop the vehicle if the brakes are pressed hard enough or use the emergency brake.
 
I don't know enough about how brakes are engineered with respect to the boost. We all know after the engine is shut off and the brakes are pumped 5 or 6 times there is no boost left. Maybe someone could comment.
 
FYI - This link has a drawing of the master cylinder.
 
http://www.chris-longhurst.com/carbibles/brake_bible.html

#2104 of 4185 kdshapiro by div2

Aug 07, 2005 (9:02 pm)

It sure sounds like driver error to me, especially the part about "only" going five miles per hour. Heck, at that speed you can almost stop the car by dragging your foot. How much do you want to bet that the brake system checks out fine?

#2105 of 4185 .. by kyfdx HOST

Aug 08, 2005 (8:41 am)

99.9% of these cases are driver error...
 
However, if the engine died, it would sure feel like the brakes had failed, without any power assist..
 
Without that qualifier... I'd say the percentage increases to 99.99%..
 
regards,
kyfdx

#2106 of 4185 Gas and an update on Gas Mileage by markcincinnati

Aug 08, 2005 (8:58 am)

The BMW engine (either one) requires premium gas. It is MORE expensive to use lower grade gas, since it is typical that more gas is used to keep the power up. This engine(s) has a high compression ratio. Use a minimum of 91.
 
Also use a top tier gas and you will notice an improvement after perhaps a half a dozen tankfuls.
 
"TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is a recently established new standard for gasoline performance. Four of the world's top automakers, BMW, General Motors, Honda, and Toyota recognize that the current EPA minimum detergent requirements do not go far enough to ensure optimal engine performance."
 
Top Tier Gas Home Page
 
Over the weekend, another 600 miles -- purchased 3 tankfuls (never allowed the car to get to 1/2 full, always refilled above 1/2 tank that is, arrived home with almost a full tank.) Reset the mileage computer each time. Highest just under 26, lowest about 23.5. My QND average would be 24.5 for the whole weekend.
 
Yesterday: 90+ degrees. Speed average 73. Speed peak 88, speed "normal" about 80, 2 people, luggage, 2 shelties (Sammy and Sophie) A/C set to 67, sunroof closed but inner light shield open (HOT DAY!).
 
We are pleased with the milage -- been using about 2/3 toptier gas -- car passed 5,000 miles last week.

#2107 of 4185 Anyone have window noise problem or switch problem with 05 model 3.0? by yetialan

Aug 09, 2005 (8:46 pm)

Anyone have window noise problem or switch problem with 05 model 3.0?
 
Looking to lease an x3 3.0 for wife. Picking it up 9/1/05 should I not get it? Are there many problems with the car from your exp.?
 
Thanks

Messages Page 211 of 419

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