There is bimmerfest and bimmerforums also. Both have dedicated E90 boards. But yeah, I don't think anything out there is quite like BITOG.
Test-drove 2 BMWs . . .
- Thread starter Benzadmiral
- Start date
- Status
Could you use an extractor for the oil change then add the amount removed? Or would the extractor reach the bottom of the oil pan? I drove bimmers in the 80's. Always fun to drive. I had a good independent mechanic.
The problem is they don't have a dipstick so there's nowhere to put the extractor tube. I haven't read of a work-around yet that extracts all the oil.
I'm curious, does the 3 series come with the run-flat (or run-on-flat) tires? I detested those for the god-awful ride on rough pavement but since getting rid of them I have to carry a kit with some goo and an inflator in the trunk.
No spare and no dipstick, ah progress...
I'm sure you won't have my problems but among many other things my 128 has needed an a/c condenser and new lifters. Either would have been horrifically expensive had I actually had to pay for them, thank goodness for the warranty.
No spare and no dipstick, ah progress...
I'm sure you won't have my problems but among many other things my 128 has needed an a/c condenser and new lifters. Either would have been horrifically expensive had I actually had to pay for them, thank goodness for the warranty.
I think the E9x generation did come with Run flats from the factory...
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: 97tbird
I think the E9x generation did come with Run flats from the factory...
Yes, a girl I know who dumped her Accord for a newer 3-series and it came with run-flats as well. She's dumping them in the spring when she takes her snows off.
I think the E9x generation did come with Run flats from the factory...
Yes, a girl I know who dumped her Accord for a newer 3-series and it came with run-flats as well. She's dumping them in the spring when she takes her snows off.
EDGE is a well-respected BMW shop here in the Bay Area, and they've put together a list of trouble areas to watch out for.
As some have said, they are manageable but will require some DIY-ing if you want to keep costs under control as they age.
2006-2011 3-series: http://edgemotorworks.com/wordpress/e90-93-2005-2012-3-series-including-m/
E60 5-series: http://edgemotorworks.com/wordpress/checklists/5-series/e60-5-series-2003-including-m-edition/
As some have said, they are manageable but will require some DIY-ing if you want to keep costs under control as they age.
2006-2011 3-series: http://edgemotorworks.com/wordpress/e90-93-2005-2012-3-series-including-m/
E60 5-series: http://edgemotorworks.com/wordpress/checklists/5-series/e60-5-series-2003-including-m-edition/
Critic, thanks for the links. The car I'm looking at is young enough, at 31K miles and with the warranties, that I might not have to worry about anything major for a while.
However, my research on BMW forums tells me that the A/C in the 3-series, and maybe other BMW models, is weak and problematic. Well over half the posters indicate that "BMW AC s*cks." Whether that's because these posters bought black/black cars in AZ or TX, don't use sunshades, and park their cars in the sun, then expect ice-cold AC immediately; or because the systems are actually weak, I don't know. But it's a MAJOR concern for me. It's chilly here now, so it'd be hard for me to check the effectiveness of the climate control.
No, you don't buy a BMW for the AC. But if I'm not going to be comfortable in a car for 10 months of the year, I'm not gonna buy that car.
But I do like the "driving a strongbox down the street" feel of the beast.
However, my research on BMW forums tells me that the A/C in the 3-series, and maybe other BMW models, is weak and problematic. Well over half the posters indicate that "BMW AC s*cks." Whether that's because these posters bought black/black cars in AZ or TX, don't use sunshades, and park their cars in the sun, then expect ice-cold AC immediately; or because the systems are actually weak, I don't know. But it's a MAJOR concern for me. It's chilly here now, so it'd be hard for me to check the effectiveness of the climate control.
No, you don't buy a BMW for the AC. But if I'm not going to be comfortable in a car for 10 months of the year, I'm not gonna buy that car.
But I do like the "driving a strongbox down the street" feel of the beast.
Originally Posted By: hillclimber
I'm curious, does the 3 series come with the run-flat (or run-on-flat) tires? I detested those for the god-awful ride on rough pavement but since getting rid of them I have to carry a kit with some goo and an inflator in the trunk.
No spare and no dipstick, ah progress...
From what I've read, the run-flats came with the sport models for sure. I don't think this car has 'em; if the ride they give is that rough, I'd have noticed on my test drive (I'm very sensitive to ride quality).
No spare? Gack.
I'm curious, does the 3 series come with the run-flat (or run-on-flat) tires? I detested those for the god-awful ride on rough pavement but since getting rid of them I have to carry a kit with some goo and an inflator in the trunk.
No spare and no dipstick, ah progress...
From what I've read, the run-flats came with the sport models for sure. I don't think this car has 'em; if the ride they give is that rough, I'd have noticed on my test drive (I'm very sensitive to ride quality).
No spare? Gack.
The 2009 328i comes with RFT standard. So, either the previous owner has replaced them with non-RFT (as most people do), or you just didn't notice the harshness since these are not exactly low profile tires to begin with (205/55/16).
The OEM tire was either Continental Pro Contact SSR or Bridgestone Turanza EL42 RFT.
The OEM tire was either Continental Pro Contact SSR or Bridgestone Turanza EL42 RFT.
Originally Posted By: Benzadmiral
Critic, thanks for the links. The car I'm looking at is young enough, at 31K miles and with the warranties, that I might not have to worry about anything major for a while.
However, my research on BMW forums tells me that the A/C in the 3-series, and maybe other BMW models, is weak and problematic. Well over half the posters indicate that "BMW AC s*cks." Whether that's because these posters bought black/black cars in AZ or TX, don't use sunshades, and park their cars in the sun, then expect ice-cold AC immediately; or because the systems are actually weak, I don't know. But it's a MAJOR concern for me. It's chilly here now, so it'd be hard for me to check the effectiveness of the climate control.
No, you don't buy a BMW for the AC. But if I'm not going to be comfortable in a car for 10 months of the year, I'm not gonna buy that car.
But I do like the "driving a strongbox down the street" feel of the beast.
The A/C in my wifes BMW 2008 X3 is the worst of the four cars we own. It has been back to the dealer. It was recharged and a couple of seals replaced and was told it working normal. It still is not great. My wife does not like it to cold, but I dont think I could live with it and I am in NJ where it it only gets truely hot 3-4 months a year. Our car is grey. I would wait for a nice 100 degree day and test drive it and see if it is ok for you. Nothing worse than buying a luxury car and your sweating alot.
A bigger issue is if you drive it for alot of short trips the lifters begin to tick. I think BMW has a new head design to fix. Unfortunately we are out of warranty.
Google N52 engine ticking
Critic, thanks for the links. The car I'm looking at is young enough, at 31K miles and with the warranties, that I might not have to worry about anything major for a while.
However, my research on BMW forums tells me that the A/C in the 3-series, and maybe other BMW models, is weak and problematic. Well over half the posters indicate that "BMW AC s*cks." Whether that's because these posters bought black/black cars in AZ or TX, don't use sunshades, and park their cars in the sun, then expect ice-cold AC immediately; or because the systems are actually weak, I don't know. But it's a MAJOR concern for me. It's chilly here now, so it'd be hard for me to check the effectiveness of the climate control.
No, you don't buy a BMW for the AC. But if I'm not going to be comfortable in a car for 10 months of the year, I'm not gonna buy that car.
But I do like the "driving a strongbox down the street" feel of the beast.
The A/C in my wifes BMW 2008 X3 is the worst of the four cars we own. It has been back to the dealer. It was recharged and a couple of seals replaced and was told it working normal. It still is not great. My wife does not like it to cold, but I dont think I could live with it and I am in NJ where it it only gets truely hot 3-4 months a year. Our car is grey. I would wait for a nice 100 degree day and test drive it and see if it is ok for you. Nothing worse than buying a luxury car and your sweating alot.
A bigger issue is if you drive it for alot of short trips the lifters begin to tick. I think BMW has a new head design to fix. Unfortunately we are out of warranty.
Google N52 engine ticking
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: Benzadmiral
my research on BMW forums tells me that the A/C in the 3-series, and maybe other BMW models, is weak and problematic. Well over half the posters indicate that "BMW AC s*cks." Whether that's because these posters bought black/black cars in AZ or TX, don't use sunshades, and park their cars in the sun, then expect ice-cold AC immediately; or because the systems are actually weak, I don't know. But it's a MAJOR concern for me. It's chilly here now, so it'd be hard for me to check the effectiveness of the climate control.
In my case, I'm not saying the the A/C was weak or problematic, I'm saying that one day it was clearly blowing warm-ish and got worse over the course of a week. When I took it in the first thing the service adviser said was "gosh, I hope it's not the condenser, that's like a twelve hour job".
my research on BMW forums tells me that the A/C in the 3-series, and maybe other BMW models, is weak and problematic. Well over half the posters indicate that "BMW AC s*cks." Whether that's because these posters bought black/black cars in AZ or TX, don't use sunshades, and park their cars in the sun, then expect ice-cold AC immediately; or because the systems are actually weak, I don't know. But it's a MAJOR concern for me. It's chilly here now, so it'd be hard for me to check the effectiveness of the climate control.
In my case, I'm not saying the the A/C was weak or problematic, I'm saying that one day it was clearly blowing warm-ish and got worse over the course of a week. When I took it in the first thing the service adviser said was "gosh, I hope it's not the condenser, that's like a twelve hour job".
Last edited:
Good cars but I'd just lease it. 3 series leases are cheap right now.
Ask for maintenance records to see if it was serviced, at 31k miles I'd expect to see a couple oil changes at least.
Ask for maintenance records to see if it was serviced, at 31k miles I'd expect to see a couple oil changes at least.
- Status
