1992 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: sweendogy [fedlawman]

  Written by: nyccarguy on Mar 29, 2012 9:26:24 PM

  Thanks fedlawman! I cannot wait to make it through break in. I'm so ready to drop the hammer & see what it's made of;) I'll take some interior shots tomorrow. The difference between the BMW & others in the class is the fact that I've wanted a BMW of my own for a long time now. Growing up in the 1980's, I never thought much of the E30's 3 box styling. ... Read More

• new vs. used, financing vs. cash

  Written by: nyccarguy on Feb 9, 2012 11:34:00 AM

  I didn't mean to throw up a topic & start an argument between 2 posters. Especially q who is our resident auction maven & 135i driver and flightnurse who tracks his ZHP on a regular basis & found an awesome E90 low optioned 328i w/ SP & stick. "Can't we all just get along?" Like I stated, I've only bought (or leased) new cars since the glorious day I got my ... Read More

• Re: "My" 2012 BMW 328i [qbrozen]

  Written by: nyccarguy on Feb 8, 2012 12:17:58 PM

  I've only owned new my entire driving life from 2 weeks after I got my license in 1992. I'm not going to be in the market for another car for a while. A 3 year old 2013 X3 or 328i w/ X drive off lease with a little more than 45K on the clock for $25 - $28K represents a fantastic value compared to their respective almost $50 something thousand dollar ... Read More

• Re: spy shots of 2012 TL [plekto]

  Written by: shipo on Sep 29, 2010 3:23:50 AM

  The problem is that, in this era of airbags, anti-crush passenger zones, and gizmo packed cars, I seriously doubt any company could build your "real sport sedan" for an affordable price. FWIW #1, the 2011 328i weighs in at 3,362 pounds, only 165 pounds more than my 1999 328i. Not too shabby. FWIW #2, the last time a 3-Series sedan with an I6 engine weighed 3,000 or less was 1991 (although ... Read More

Pontiac G8 vs BMW 3-Series vs Lexus IS 350

• Re: Thoughts from a 3-series driver [steveinvt]

  Written by: roadburner on Mar 14, 2009 8:56:19 AM

  I am hesitant to buy a BMW because service costs out of warranty can be insane. The two main groups that perpetuate the "BMWs cost a bazillion dollars to fix" myth are: 1. Shady BMW dealers who are trying to scare customers into a new or CPO car. 2. Envious fools with a "sour grapes" mentality. Speaking of fools, on one of the Mazdaspeed boards(where opposable thumbs are a rarity) some ... Read More

BMW Bids Bangle Begone

• BMW Bigs Bangle Begone

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Feb 3, 2009 4:53:15 PM

  Well it's official. Chris Bangle, head of design at BMW since 1992, and the man who singlehandedly stirred up a hornet's nest of criticism with his 2001 designs, is leaving the German automaker. The article says this is strictly voluntary. What do you think?

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Re: Maintenance questions [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: roadburner on Jan 31, 2009 12:05:21 PM

  I'd just add that the E46-like virtually all BMWs since 1992-has a buffered temperature gauge, so it doesn't start to move off center until the motor is getting very hot. Once that gauge moves off center-never mind 3/4-switch off immediately.

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Thinking about it.

  Written by: odie6l on Oct 18, 2008 1:21:13 PM

  I'm thinking about helping out my 16 yr old niece with her first car. She just turned 16 and was able to get her license on the first try (very happy). My brother and SIL are divorced so they split the time with her. I told them about a car my coworker has and is thinking about selling. She has a 1992 BMW 318i 5spd sedan. car has about 150k on ... Read More

Car Service History

• Re: Car Service History [kyfdx]

  Written by: roadburner on Jul 27, 2008 6:20:25 PM

  I used to drop in my local BMW dealer and check out any car that I was interested in... No more. When I bought my 1988 M6 back in 1992 the selling dealer provided a 2 inch thick file of service receipts. The previous owner was a real piece of work. He brought the car back to the dealer because a piece of trim popped off the seat hinge- the fix ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• 1992 BMW 325IS Coupe Door Question

  Written by: 92bmw325is on May 1, 2008 1:14:58 PM

  I'm wanting to replace the left door. If the make and model is the same, would the year matter? Example: Would a 1994 BMW 325IS Coupe left door fit on a 1992 BMW 325IS? Would a 328i or 325i model left door fit on the 92 BMW 325IS.

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• LS400 / Q45

  Written by: habitat1 on Jan 9, 2008 3:54:46 PM

  Back when the Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45 first came out, I was working for a Fortune 500 company and every other VP and SVP started looking at them. Some of it was the better price/value they offered, but at least as much of it was the fear of expensive repairs and maintenace headaches. Lexus gave very good luxury- albeit in a boring to drive chassis - with Toyota like dependability. ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: E36 3 Series Engine Swap [bslate]

  Written by: roadburner on Jan 8, 2008 11:59:02 AM

  I am fine with this but I am wondering if there are any negative points or concerns that I should be aware of. Will this cause issues with the existing tranny/electronics etc? The 4 to 6 is a pretty common swap, and it's not that difficult either. However, I would NOT use a 1988 vintage engine, as that will prove to be a much more complicated project. You want an engine ... Read More

Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans

• Re: CTS [circlew]

  Written by: sevenfeet0 on Nov 28, 2007 11:04:55 AM

  I would disagree. Cadillac was world class for much of its early life and certainly through the hey day years of the 20's and 30's where it was one of the marques you hired a custom coachbuilder to make you a unique vehicle. V12 and V16 engines were available. The 40's and 50's were highlighted by new and increasingly radical styling along with the first OHV engines. The long decline in ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Real World MPG

• Re: The gas gauge drops to 0 suddenly, but I really have gas! [absolutic]

  Written by: roadburner on Dec 4, 2007 11:27:02 AM

  What could be the problem? The E36(1992-1999) 3 Series cars had a similar issue. In that case the problem was caused by corrosion deposits on the fuel sending unit contacts within the gas tank. BMW cured the problem by introducing a replacement unit fitted with gold contacts that do not corrode. I solved the problem on my 1995 and 1998 3ers by using only Top Tier gasolines- which contain detergent properties ... Read More

Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans

• 3-Series seats

  Written by: drtravel on Nov 20, 2007 10:36:04 AM

  Last year I took the wife over to BMW for a test ride. She's only 4'-9 3/4" tall which is petite. Anyhow, she couldn't raise the seat high enough on either the 5-series or 3-series to see over the hood. She really felt uncomfortable so those vehicles were out. Fit me just fine but somehow she doesn't want me to buy a car she can't also drive! We had this same ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2006

• Re: 2006 330i [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: roadburner on Aug 15, 2007 6:00:27 PM

  or if your timing belt breaks and smashes into the valves... BMW NA hasn't offered a car with a timing belt since 1992. Even so, it's not like it's an unpredictable occurence- just change it at the interval specified in the manual.

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Time a Changing [andres3]

  Written by: habitat1 on May 4, 2007 2:30:26 PM

  "Well, I think I will, because if I ever win this State lottery, a Porsche dealer will see me within the next week." That's what I thought about 15 years ago. But fortunately, I neither wasted my money on lottery tickets, nor on buying and trading ELLPS's every 3-4 years. I'm NOT suggesting to anyone that they run to the Porsche dealership and cross shop a 911 with a 335i or ... Read More

BMW 3-Series: FAQ

• Re: body color [jimbo409]

  Written by: div2 on Jul 13, 2006 6:20:44 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. ... Read More

BMW 335i 2007+

• Re: MPG Question for any 335 owners... [dhanley]

  Written by: circlew on Feb 10, 2007 6:26:16 AM

  DH, never drove one, but here is info on the CA company who built the T-Zero which toasts some of the best sports cars of today. "Look Ma, No More Foreign Oil!" AC Propulsion is a California corporation founded by Alan Cocconi in 1992 to develop, manufacture, and license technology for electric propulsion. Cocconi envisioned a new type of vehicle that is efficient but powerful, zero-emission but fun to drive, petroleum-free ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• First time BMW buyer needs advice

  Written by: mikev727 on Jan 24, 2007 12:30:56 PM

  Hello all, I recently came across a 1992 or 1995 (not sure only caught the phone number in passing) 325i. What problems would I need to be aware of before buying this car? It has 119k miles on it currently. Thank you

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Slow?

  Written by: plekto on Nov 28, 2006 4:39:08 PM

  1987 Porsche 928 S4 5.5 1992 Porsche 968 5.9 2001 Porsche Boxster S 5.6 1994 Toyota Supra Turbo 5.3 2004 Mazda RX-8 5.8 1982 Lamborghini Countach S 5.7 2000 Jaguar XKR 5.6 2006 Honda S2000 5.5 1986 Ferrari Testarossa 5.3 1970 Ferrari 330 GTS 6.9 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 5.7 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z 5.8 1987 Buick Regal GNX 4.7(just to prove old doesn't mean slow) 1995 BMW M3 6.2 1998 BMW ... Read More

• Re: Latest info about 2007 Acura TL [blueguydotcom]

  Written by: merc1 on Aug 8, 2006 11:59:58 PM

  I think the car you're wanting from BMW is a 130i Sedan or 130i Coupe. You might get such a car in 2008 when BMW finishes the rollout of the 1-Series bodystyles. That is about as close to the 1992 3-Series as you're going to get nowadays. M

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1995 318ic convertible Should I buy [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: div2 on Jul 9, 2006 9:07:15 AM

  You might want to check when the timing belt is due on that car. I think it's at 60K?? The M42 engine has a timing chain. As a matter of fact all BMW four cylinders sold in the US used timing chains. The only US-spec BMW engine that used a belt-the M20 "small" six-was replaced by the M50 in 1991/1992.

BMW 3-Series 2006

• Re: On Performance [shipo]

  Written by: div2 on Mar 30, 2006 1:22:58 PM

  I'm trying to think... When in 3-Series history was it the quickest car from zero to sixty in its class? BMWs have never been about the best "numbers". Rather, it's the fact that BMW combines great performance and comfort in one package. The truth is, BMWs weren't really known for being all that quick until the E36 M3 came along in 1994. From 1992-1995 I ran a chipped and desmogged E24 ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• BMW in the winter

  Written by: mg330ci on Dec 6, 2002 12:13:13 PM

  I had to made this Salomonic decision: A. Sell my worthless but faithful 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS 5-speed with 170000 miles and buy winter tires for the Bimmer (for the same price). Drive with snow tires for 4 months, knowing that I would only need them for about 12 days of those 120 (of course, your snow-meter/situation will vary). or B. Keep the Bimmer on summer tires, keep the Eclipse and ... Read More

• visionxp

  Written by: jpnwdc on Nov 4, 2002 7:37:34 PM

  visionxp - it's been a while, so I'll tell you what I remember. I bought the car (from a BMW dealer) with only 19,000 miles on it. It was a 5-speed, 4 door. I don't remember what I paid. It was 8 years ago. The biggest repair was the complete replacement of the transmission not too long after I bought it. It would slip out of 1st gear on takeoff. It ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Objective decision

  Written by: upandown on Jun 23, 2005 7:26:46 PM

  Hi people. I've been reading these threads for a while and decided to weigh in with a question: I drive 20k miles a year in Northern California and want a 3-series sedan with a manual transmission. Which makes more economic sense when considering resale three or four years down the road...a new 325 w/premium and sport at (U tell me a good price number---15-hundred over?) Or a late model 325 or ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 1992 325iC Check Engine Light [grega53]

  Written by: kyfdx on May 21, 2005 1:26:16 PM

  Find another car... Your friend was right.. $9K is way too much for an E30 convertible.. If you really want a BMW convertible, move on up to an E36 '95-'96 vert.. For somewhere between $9500-$12K, you should be able to find a decent one.. Or at least in better shape than that '93. While I love the E30 coupes, the verts were not so good... You'll be much better off in ... Read More

• 1992 325iC Check Engine Light

  Written by: grega53 on May 21, 2005 1:22:23 PM

  I'm looking to buy an absolutely beautiful 1992 325i Convertible as a third car to supplement the family when my daughter starts work. This car has 95,000 miles on it, but runs great. A friend, who is a big BMW fan, drove it and says it's great, but too expensive ($9,000). That aside, when I went to drive it for the second time,the dealer told me the Check Engine light was ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Hello:

  Written by: jrosasmc on May 5, 2005 11:12:24 AM

  I've noticed through my many years of observing and driving BMW 3-Series cars that on the 1992-99 generation (E36), the front windows on the coupes and convertibles move down about 1/4 of an inch when the doors are opened. This happens only when the windows are in the fully closed position. Notice it? I've seen the same feature on the Porsche Boxster before. Now, do the 1999-05 (E46) coupes and convertibles ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• FOCL

  Written by: leenelsonmd on Aug 10, 2002 8:18:28 AM

  mg330ci: A very useful link. One of the most useful I have seen lately. seivwrig: As far as affording the M3 goes, it depends on perspective. I do not know how everyone else deals with this. I do not want to get a car that makes everyone think that I am some kind of financial lunatic. What sortof minimal family income do most people think is necessary to get say a ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2006

• no title

  Written by: jrosasmc on Dec 5, 2004 3:28:38 PM

  So when the E90 is introduced to the U.S. in the fall of 2005 we will get the sedan first, if I'm assuming correctly? I remember when the E36 and E46 were launched in America (1992 and 1999, respectively) and the sedans were introduced before the coupes. Now, if the pattern at BMW continues will the E46 convertible go on with the older style for 2006 as the E90 comes on ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• CORRECT FUSE?

  Written by: doccarroll on Jul 26, 2002 9:23:50 PM

  I JUST PURCHASED A 1992 318i CONVERT. WITH 56,000 MILES. IT HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TEMP, GAS, TACK., POWER WINDOWS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED THE FUSE THAT WAS BLOWN AND ALL THE ABOVE WORKED FINE FOR A COUPLE OF TRIPS, THE THE FUSE WENT. THEY HAD A 7.5A FUSE. IS THIS THE RIGHT FUSE? CAN A BAD SI BOARD CAUSE THIS FUSE TO BLOW? I'M SET TO BRING IT INTO ... Read More

• Seatbelt concerns...

  Written by: stgreen on Jul 22, 2002 6:26:23 PM

  I know there have been postings on seatbelt 'clicking' (which i've got) but wanted to know if anyone has this problem: • while driving since 4,000 miles my drivers side seatbelt tightens up considerably so that the lap belt portion is REALLY tight. In fact, i have to get some slack and then it creeps and tightens its way back to the uncomfortable zone. Between that and the constant clicking should ... Read More

• Showing my youthful age...

  Written by: nyccarguy on Jul 18, 2002 10:57:27 AM

  But many of you already know how young (and impressionable;) I am. Here goes: My first car (also my first new car) was a 1992 Chevrolet Beretta GT. White/Grey w/ white mesh style wheels (think 530i SP wheels, but white). I won't bore you with all of the details about electrical problems (Power windows & Rear defogger wouldn't work silmultaneously), AC problems (O rings, EVapoator Core), faulty dimmer switch, 3 exhaust ... Read More

• Auto.........Biography

  Written by: twoof1 on Jul 18, 2002 7:17:40 AM

  First let me preface this list with 3 comments 1. I'm really not THAT old (41) 2. I drive a ton of miles and beat up cars pretty fast. 3. This list is for my wife (of 17 years) and me. 1961 Chevy Nova II wagon (inline 6) 1976 Plymouth Arrow Coupe 1982 Mazda 626 Coupe 1984 Honda Civic 1988 Ford Escort GT 1990 Honda CRX SI (pocket rocket) 1992 Honda ... Read More

• My list...

  Written by: div2 on Jul 17, 2002 9:08:26 PM

  In order of purchase: 1974 Monte Carlo-bought new. Added: 3.42 gears, Edelbrock Performer Intake, recalibrated(by me)Q-Jet carb, Crane Hi-Torque Cam, Blackjack headers, CBQ Turbo Mufflers, Mallory Unilite/MSD-5A ignition, B&M Transpak Shift kit, Monroe Gas Magnum shocks, 15X7 Cragar SS wheels, Michelin X tires. At full throttle the sled would chirp the tires on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts. 1969 Datsun SPl-311 roadster-bought used in 1977. Intended to restore it and never ... Read More

• My List

  Written by: rshaw11 on Jul 17, 2002 2:23:23 PM

  It's interesting to read about the buying history of everyone. I wouldn't repeat some of my choices and often owned more than one at a time, but I know a lot more now, have different needs and, fortunetly, more money to spend. My list in the order purchased 1958 Austin Healy 1963 Ford 1969 Ford 1972 Chevrolet 1977 Pontiac Bonneville 1982 Plymouth Colt 1983 Toyota Celica 1985 Chrysler LaBaron 1988 Colt ... Read More

• Chronology of Cars

  Written by: burrsr on Jul 17, 2002 6:41:28 AM

  OK, I'll play too. Although rather limited due to age, here's a brief recap of my auto ownership experience: 1986.5 Mazda B2000 Pick-up manual - cheap college transportation. 1990 Honda Accord EX manual - upgrade thru graduate school, and a heck of a car from the day when Accords were less "appliancy". 1995 Acura Integra GS-R manual - the "starter" BMW and my first new car. An unbelievable amount of fun, ... Read More

• Z4 & Growing Designs

  Written by: nyccarguy on Jul 5, 2002 8:09:19 AM

  Maybe I'm showing my (young) age here, but I like what I see in the photos of the new Z4. The front looks aggressive and (looking at the glass as half full) the rear to me resembles the back end of a Ferrari 550 Maranello (before the flaming starts, I said resembles:) IMHO. The car is going to look great when we see it in person. When is it coming stateside? ... Read More

• 2001 Steering Adjustment

  Written by: xiane on Feb 17, 2004 10:06:24 PM

  I had a 1992 325 (and loved it) and would like to get another BMW. I am looking to get a certified car, as miles on a BMW don't worry me much. Here's a question, I've seen a pretty nice deal on a 2001 330i but I have heard a lot about overly assisted steering on the 01s. Is there a way to adjust the steering so it more of the ... Read More

• stick shifts

  Written by: nyccarguy on May 23, 2002 7:27:19 AM

  seivwrig: I'm honored that you put me in the same category as dave330i, but I think brave1heart & shipo would definitely go in that category as well. Great (and hilarious) assesment of our board members here:) I've only been driving for 10 years (Got my permit April 3, 1992 & my license August 31, 1992). Every car I've owned or leased has been an automatic. The Prelude I just bought is ... Read More

• Changing Over Time

  Written by: riez on Jan 24, 2004 1:39:02 PM

  kdshapiro... Rising prices and falling reliability was primarily in reference to European marques like BMW, MB, Audi, and Jaguar. The initial onslaught of Acura, Lexus and Infiniti from about 1986-1992 forced these marques to hold down prices and improve quality. They did this for about 6 years or so. But then they decided to be at the leading edge of all things electronic, gizmos, and gadgets. BMW 8 Series led the ... Read More

• 325i_driver

  Written by: pat on Oct 26, 2003 6:16:39 AM

  While you wait to hear from others, there is some information you might find helpful at this link: 1992 BMW 3 Series - 4 Dr 325i Sedan. Good luck!

• riez

  Written by: div2 on Sep 20, 2003 8:22:09 AM

  I think a lot of people don't realize that you can pick up a very nice used BMW for less than $35K. When I bought my 1988 M6 in the summer of 1992 a lot of my co-workers assumed that it was new and that I had paid over $70K for it(the actual price was $25K). These opinions are beginning to change in my part of the country, due in large ... Read More

• rpadilla

  Written by: div2 on Sep 3, 2003 10:25:06 PM

  As you've discovered, there are a lot of clueless idiots who pass on third-hand misinformation about BMW reliability and service costs. Most of these morons haven't even sat in a BMW. In actuality, the only BMWs that tend to bruise your wallet as they age are the 7ers, 8ers, and neglected M cars. Aside from scheduled service, my 82K mile 1995 3er has only needed replacement of the front brake pads ... Read More

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• 3 Series

  Written by: riez on Jun 7, 2003 2:05:32 PM

  indiana97... If you like introduction and production data, check out Jeremy Walton's book, BMW 3 Series Enthusiast's Companion (Bentley Publishers, 2001). Per it, the first 3 Series (E21) was "announced in the first week of July 1975 to the German press and European LHD markets, the 3 Series was also sold in RHD...in Britain in Autumn, 1975.... On sale in US starting November 1976 [320i MY 1977]." The E30 3 Series ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• BMWs

  Written by: sirtiger on Apr 30, 2003 5:11:37 PM

  I was considering buying a TL-S and a few other makes. Though it has a lot of hp, there was a lack of excitement inside & out. Then I remember driving my uncle's brand new 1992 535i in Hawaii. There is no car like it in terms of sportiness and refinement. I went to visit him last year and his car has 8K miles on it (no place to build high ... Read More

BMW 3-Series: FAQ

• ladolceboy

  Written by: div2 on Jun 24, 2002 5:42:30 PM

  The 1992-1993 3ers had quite a few teething problems. Also, prior to 1994 the 1.8 engine had a problem with failures of what BMW calls the "profile gasket". I would want a qualified BMW tech go over the car with a fine-toothed comb. I would also want a full service history showing that oil, coolant, and brake fluid were changed at the specified intervals. If I couldn't afford a 1994-up, I ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• My car history

  Written by: sambm on Jul 19, 2002 6:59:05 AM

  1979 Toyota Cressida 4sp yes! 4sp 1980 Honda Accord 5sp 1982 Audi s200 turbo charge auto 1987 Honda Prelude 5sp 1988 Honda CRX si 5sp 1992 Mazda MPV (Ex wife's) 1998 Nissan Pathfinder Auto 1999 Nissan Altima 5sp 2002 BMW 325xi 5sp

• I'll add in as well....

  Written by: billiam70 on Jul 17, 2002 2:22:54 PM

  1987: 78 Olds Delta 88 - Hand me down from Dad. Was baby blue with baby blue interior and vinyl roof. Constantly having mechanical problems. Best was when I had no reverse for 3 months! 1988: 84 Ford Mustang - not bad, I enjoyed driving it but by 60,000 miles fuel injection system was shot 1990: 88 Ford Mustang - 4 cyl POS Hated driving that car, even though it was ... Read More

• Since I started this:

  Written by: 1pierce on Jul 17, 2002 2:06:44 PM

  My list/succession: 1976 Pontiac Catalina - Dad's car, drove it in high school. Learned to drive on this boat. So big, they gave me two back-ups on the 3-point turn on my driver's test! Great back seat, though, if you know what I mean. 1979 RX7 - Got it used in college. Charcoal gray, w/gray cloth seats. Manual transmission. Still the most fun car I ever had. VERY small and reliable. ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• oasis2

  Written by: div2 on Mar 26, 2002 7:57:28 PM

  The 2.5 inline six in the 3er uses a timing chain which should last the life of the engine. 1992-1993 3ers had more than a few teething problems- rattles, squeaks, vinyl door panel "bubbling"-and as a result these cars are not highly prized. I know of several BMW dealers who are reluctant to accept them as trades. That said, the basic running gear tends to be quite reliable. On this car ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Edward5555

  Written by: shipo on Oct 11, 2001 10:14:44 AM

  Hmmmm, a year or so before I met my wife, I found myself renting a spare room (on the request of a common friend) to a young lady who was a professional stripper/dominatrix (I did not find out about that until after she moved in). As it turn out, she LOVED BMWs, in fact, she owned (paid cash for it) a brand new 1992 BMW 325ic. Funny thing though, she never ... Read More

• Jbreez and Jeffc...

  Written by: burrsr on Aug 16, 2001 8:10:25 AM

  ...ought to get together, as fate put your posts in perfect chronological order. :) Seriously, I would guess the 2000 328i to be several thousand $$$ beyond the price range jbreez quoted, but it'd be a helluva car. Certified pre-owned is a good move. The warranty that goes along with it is, as I understand it, quite an incentive and should put to rest any uneasiness about reliability issues. As for ... Read More

• 325ia?

  Written by: puzur on Jul 24, 2001 7:23:54 PM

  A seller is claiming that a 1992 BMW "325ia" has 24 valves, as compared to the standard 325i with 16. He is asking a premium. Does this make any sense?

• Clear up time.....

  Written by: gurumike on Jul 3, 2001 3:52:19 PM

  burrsr - Saloon is English for sedan. Coupe in English is coupe with a "grave" (it think that's right?!) on the e, so we pronounce it "coo-pay". This whole "iS" badging system takes a little understanding. The badge originated in around 1989 in Europe when BMW introduced the then brand new 1.8 DOHC 16 valve engine. It was only available in the two door car, the 318iS. The sedan soldiered on ... Read More

• tcn2k

  Written by: div2 on May 2, 2001 9:16:00 PM

  All US BMW engines use timing chains. The last US model to use a belt was the E30 325i back in 1991(1992 for drop tops)

• gtbroker #742

  Written by: hopper1 on Feb 14, 2001 1:49:57 PM

  We are getting ready to order a new 3 series. Last BMW was a 1992 325i 5 speed. We want a ix because we live in mid west. If we go with 330xi any comments regarding going with 5 speed as auto. Loved the 5 speed in our 1992 but many talk about tiring of the shifting. I've had SUB's currently a Lexus RX300. Have gotten spoiled with the auto but ... Read More

• jeniharris

  Written by: div2 on Jan 4, 2001 11:51:55 AM

  The self-proclaimed experts who talk about high BMW service costs usually haven't even SAT in a BMW. They've likely obtained the information from their cousin's girlfriend's stepsister's paper carrier. My 1995 3er just received the minor Inspection I service as well as new front pads. My local independent BMW specialist charged all of $150. The more extensive Inspection II will cost about $600 from a dealer and $350-$400 from a good ... Read More