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2009 BMW 3-Series

278 messages,  Last post on Nov 04, 2010 at 12:41 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, BMW, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 16 of 29

#144 of 278 Re: A positive experience replacing 335i fuel pump! [cdnpinhead] by roadburner

Nov 23, 2008 (7:32 pm)

Replying to: cdnpinhead (Nov 23, 2008 5:53 pm)
I went with an appliance recently (Honda/Acura TSX), but was very pleased to see how the owners manual went into great detail to help the owner do basic tasks (oil & filter changes, bulbs, etc.) -- they're not in the "take it to the dealer for everything" mode, which BMW seems to embrace wholeheartedly. I'm moved to question which one is the appliance, really?
 
Sad to say, my Mazdaspeed's manual doesn't provide much more-if any-DIY info than the manual for my wife's X3. In comparison, the manuals for my 1975 2002 and my old 1972 Bavaria provide instructions for changing the engine oil, transmission oil, final drive oil, and the coolant(including bleeding the cooling system. There are also directions for checking the clutch plate wear and adjusting the handbrake- although the manual does recommend that an authorized BMW dealer re-pack and adjust the front wheel bearings! I suspect that over 90% of current BMW owner/operators-driver is much to generous a term-would pee their pants at the thought of merely checking the coolant.

#145 of 278 Re: A positive experience replacing 335i fuel pump! [roadburner] by fedlawman

Nov 23, 2008 (8:53 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Nov 23, 2008 7:32 pm)
All you have to do is read any "problems" thread here at Edmonds.com to see how ignorant most people are today about cars.
 
The forums are filled with threads with testimonials like, "I bought a used 7 year-old (insert model here) with 106,000 miles 4 months ago, and the automatic transmission just starting making a funny noise whenever I drive over a manhole cover. I went to the dealer and they told me I need a new transmission for $5000. I'm never buying another (insert brand here) ever again."
 
Then all the lemmings show up and start talking about the class action lawsuit they're going to pursue because (insert brand here) knowingly uses inferior components and won't stand behind their product.
 
Sheesh!

#146 of 278 Re: A positive experience replacing 335i fuel pump! [fedlawman] by roadburner

Nov 23, 2008 (9:17 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Nov 23, 2008 8:53 pm)
All you have to do is read any "problems" thread here at Edmonds.com to see how ignorant most people are today about cars.
  
The forums are filled with threads with testimonials like, "I bought a used 7 year-old (insert model here) with 106,000 miles 4 months ago, and the automatic transmission just starting making a funny noise whenever I drive over a manhole cover. I went to the dealer and they told me I need a new transmission for $5000. I'm never buying another (insert brand here) ever again."
 
And Heaven forbid if any of these fools even crack their owners manual or take resposibility for their moronic actions...

#147 of 278 On a lighter note... by roadburner

Nov 23, 2008 (9:27 pm)

Here's a cool video from BMW touting some of the "BMW Performance" parts that are now available. The pricing isn't all that competative but some of the items are very cool- such as the "racing" seats and the steering wheel equipped with shift lights and other digital readouts. Of course, by the time I equipped a 135i with all the parts I wanted(including an LSD) the price tag would be such that for the same money I could buy a nice E30 M3 for track days, an E39 540i with MT for a commuter, and an early M Roadster just for doing smoky donuts and burnouts...

#148 of 278 Urrr... by carnaught

Nov 24, 2008 (10:33 am)

I'll be happy to discuss the 2009 3 Series when you decide to do so.

#149 of 278 Re: Urrr... [carnaught] by fedlawman

Nov 24, 2008 (3:45 pm)

Replying to: carnaught (Nov 24, 2008 10:33 am)
The video linked above features a nice 3-series with factory performance parts installed.
 
Here's a topic - the pros and cons of factory performance parts vs. Dinan. Discuss.

#150 of 278 Re: Urrr... [fedlawman] by carnaught

Nov 24, 2008 (4:09 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Nov 24, 2008 3:45 pm)
Being a carlover but not a gearhead, I confess that I am personally ignorant about and have never experienced any Dinan modifications. Please feel free to open discussion and educate me (us) on them as they relate to the '09 3 series.

#151 of 278 to mod or not to mod under warrentee by jmaroun

Nov 24, 2008 (5:54 pm)

I'd be very careful to mod a car that's still under warrentee. Especially a BMW.
I was considering removing/modifying the CDV valve for example..but
have decided against it. First to second gear engagement was less
seemless before they changed the fuel pump. I thought it was the CDV but after BMW changed the faulty fuel pump.. now, first gear gives
far more roll for relaxed (under 3.5krpm) shifts. The result is a smoother
shift from 1st to 2nd. I'm soooo glad they replaced that faulty fuel pump under warrentee!! I wonder if they would have had I modified the CDV.
 
Joseph
San Diego

#152 of 278 Re: to mod or not to mod under warrentee [jmaroun] by carnaught

Nov 24, 2008 (6:42 pm)

Replying to: jmaroun (Nov 24, 2008 5:54 pm)
Joseph, good point. I would hate to void a warranty. I'd be hesitant to have any German car not in warranty.

#153 of 278 Re: to mod or not to mod under warrentee [carnaught] by roadburner

Nov 24, 2008 (8:24 pm)

Replying to: carnaught (Nov 24, 2008 6:42 pm)
I'd be hesitant to have any German car not in warranty.
 
Not me; here's a summary of the service/repair experiences of my 1995 3 Series and my wife's 2004 X3 2.5:
The 3er sees my independent shop for the Inspection II(30K) service. I perform the Oil Services and Inspection I services myself. The coolant changes and the brake fluid flushes are done at either the dealer or the independent shop. As for repairs? Not many. I've replaced a couple of serpentine belt idler pullies and a brake light switch. I also spent 15 minutes and $44 replacing the timing chain tensioner as a precaution. It got a full set of pads and rotors at 103K, and a new thermostat at 104K. My average monthly expense? $50. I should also mention that the above maintenance figure includes 3 sets of Z rated rubber, as the car also serves as one of my track rats.
 
The X3 has been serviced exclusively at the dealer(aside from my DIY oil changes). The monthly costs are higher($65/month) because of several services that were required during the past 18 months. I fitted four new P Zero Nero all season tires, changed the ATF and transfer case fluid(not required but vital for long term reliability), fitted new pads and rotors all around, and had the Inspection II and brake fluid flush performed. I also spent $55 to repair a wheel that my wife had gently curbed. Based on our annual mileage, the truck won't need any of those items again(save the brake flush and tires) for at least another 5 years. I do change the oil at 7.5K myself using an OEM filter and Mobil 1 0W-40; the 15K factory interval is a bit too long in my experience.
Oh yeah, I also run a 1975 2002A...

Messages Page 16 of 29

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