1994 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions

BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: Automatic on 2008 335I decreases dealer invoice by $1210 [liche90]

  Written by: sammybmw on Oct 26, 2008 5:51:34 PM

  Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised. BMW is getting away from the lease business where they leased their cars like banks did with mortgages. Now they ended up with a glut of cars which are worth far less than they took in lease payments. So to get away from this subprime market, they will have to offer rebates and low financing like the rest. They also plan to build and distribute less ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Advice for buying used 99 - 01 BMW 3 series

  Written by: kapitanraider on Oct 10, 2008 5:42:43 PM

  Im looking to buy a used BMW(first car) but i have concerns about the reliability, life and cost of maintanence and repairs. Im looking at the following(all have clean autocheck): 2000 BMW 328i - 95k miles 2001 BMW 325i - 134k miles 1999 BMW 328i - 140k miles looking at between 7k to 9.5k for these.im a college student in Orlando, Fl. and i will atleast on a vehicle another 3 ... Read More

Buying a Used 3-Series

• Re: 325ci 2006 [nh07fan]

  Written by: docgary on Oct 3, 2008 10:04:01 PM

  Sounds like a great deal! What part of the country do you live? Out here in the northeast (New Jersey), a 2006 325i CPO with under 20k mileage will never sell south of 25K - trust me - i've been searching for 6 weeks!! I've owned 2 BMWs -1994 325i and 1997 540i - at 10,000 miles, the car hasnt even been broken in!! I have found a 06 325i (would ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• 2006 325i - known problems for year/model?

  Written by: docgary on Oct 3, 2008 2:31:32 PM

  I'm buying a 2006 325i, 28k? miles - CPO from new jersey BMW dealer. Car drove quite well - tight, firm suspension, good pick up decent acceleration. I've had 2 BMWs - 1994 325i and 1997 540i. Both were my first BMWs and first new sports cars - and I fell in love! Over the last 14 years I've had the pleasure to garage a number of fine cars - 1998 ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• 2006 3 series...any differences?

  Written by: docgary on Sep 23, 2008 12:53:27 PM

  I'm looking to purchase a 2006 CPO 3 series in New Jersey. I would appreciate outlining the differences between riding characteristics of the 325 and 330, rear wheel and all wheel. Is there an appreciative power sag with the 325? Is the 'x" a bit flat off the line and around corners? Is the all wheel a MUST in snow or is the rear wheel fine with good tires? I've owned ... Read More

• Re: 1994 bmw 325is [tafagan]

  Written by: qbrozen on Jun 3, 2008 9:46:03 AM

  4735k new engine ????? Translation please! Lesseee... that could be A. Car has 4.735 MILLION miles ... but has a new engine B. Has 4.735 MILLION miles on the "new engine" C. Someone spent $4735 on the engine D. Has 4735 miles on the new engine I'm sure I could come up with more if I thought about it. If the answer is B, C, or D, then the question is: ... Read More

• Re: 1994 bmw 325is [tafagan]

  Written by: roadburner on Jun 2, 2008 8:13:46 PM

  Well, if you don't have it inspected by a good BMW tech you are just asking for trouble.

• Re: 1994 bmw 325is [roadburner]

  Written by: tafagan on Jun 2, 2008 6:20:03 PM

  i mean ive been looking for awhile now. i just havent been able to find one with low miles. with a good price. plus im commuting to college so i need a car that has the low miles and pretty good mpg

• Re: 1994 bmw 325is [tafagan]

  Written by: roadburner on Jun 2, 2008 6:02:37 PM

  I'd still want it checked out by a good BMW tech. If the car passes muster I'd say $5K-$6K would be a decent enough price. The E35 BMWs aren't exactly rare, so I'd wait for a good one rather than jumping on the first car you look at.

• 1994 bmw 325is

  Written by: tafagan on Jun 2, 2008 5:49:25 PM

  Hello iam planing on buying a 1994 325is for 6,000 and i wanted to know if it was a good deal. 4735k new engine new clucth bavarain header bavarain chip bavarain High-Performance Ignition Coil Set set of 6 bavarain dip dish rims with a winter set i mean everything is pretty much rebuilt or new. and the color is in pretty mint condition, so is inside of the car. so i ... 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.

• Re: Keeping a BMW 3 past 100k, or for over 10 years [sunilb]

  Written by: roadburner on Nov 24, 2007 9:14:38 PM

  roadburner-- great notes! Thanks! just curious... where do you account for changes to the cooling system, suspension, etc.? Do you consider these "scheduled" or "non-scheduled"? On a E36 or E46 # Series I would definitely replace the water pump and radiator prior to their normal failure point. For some reason, the cooling systems of 1994-1999 four cylinders are remarkably robust. As I mentioned above, I've only replaced the thermostat. In my ... Read More

• Keeping a BMW 3 past 100k, or for over 10 years

  Written by: rjorge3 on Nov 23, 2007 11:22:40 PM

  Hi there, I want the input from anyone of you guys that has kept their bimmer for well over 5 years (10 preferably) or has over 100k miles. If you were the owner of an Audi A4, please provide me with your experience vs the BMW. My current lease (2005 A4) expires on April 08 and I want to lease my next car with the intention of perhaps keeping it for ... Read More

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Stop Bellyaching on Pricing [louiswei]

  Written by: habitat1 on Nov 16, 2007 2:44:11 PM

  I am pretty sure that back in 1987 the 325i was the top of the line 3-series. Today's top of the line 3-series is the 335i and it starts at $39,000 so the increase in percentage is 38.3%. Although still much lower than the Accord and Corolla but is not as ridiculously low as the 14.9% that you have provided. I tried my best to compare apples to apples in configuration. ... Read More

BMW 335i vs Infiniti G37

• Re: 335i vs G37 [viral]

  Written by: habitat1 on Oct 14, 2007 4:49:53 AM

  Not one of my facts has been disputed by a single person on here. The only issue anyone is taking with my posts are my claims that you pay more just for the nameplate. Understand that I don't have a dog in this hunt. Never owned a BMW. Never owned an Infiniti. And I'll further qualify my position further by saying that the last time I test drove and compared the ... Read More

BMW 335i 2007+

• Re: Interesting Myth [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: circlew on Aug 14, 2007 10:40:26 AM

  The driver's name is Patrick Snyers from Belgium. I believe he won the 1994 European Rally Championship in an Escort Cosworth...we can see why these guys are so good...he makes a BMW sing, too! Regards, OW

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

• Re: ELLPS Perceived Quality Rating - Poll [habitat1]

  Written by: circlew on May 1, 2007 9:01:31 AM

  I can't believe you asked a card carrying UAW member that question?? It was a reality test! 1. 2003 Lincoln LS 2. 1988 Lincoln MVII LSC 3. BMW 330 XI HUGE GAP 4. 1994 Chevy Suburban 5. 1997 Pontiac GP GTP 6. 1977 Pontiac GP 7. 1968 Dodge Dart GT 8. 1966 Pontiac LeMans I rated the 330 lower than Lincoln because of the wiring harness repair at 5K miles. Other ... Read More

• Re: Midsized ELLPS [blueguydotcom]

  Written by: allargon on Mar 19, 2007 5:32:47 PM

  It was a Bimmer salesguy that told me that. I kind of took it with a grain of salt for obvious reasons. He was right about the A4's back seat being small. Actually, the front seat of the A4 is the only car I've ever sat in that made me feel fat! I'm glad that the A4 isn't a glorified Jetta. I will definitely withdraw the inference I made. The Germans ... Read More

• Re: 3 series size [kdshapiro]

  Written by: 1487 on Mar 13, 2007 12:57:12 PM

  The car suffered some type of engine failure that had it in the shop for 5 weeks. The repair would've cost $4300 if the car wasnt under warranty. Of course they gave it 4/5 stars and said it was great anyway. I doubt that would've been the case if it wasnt a 3 series. Its just one more example that build and material quality have nothing to do with reliability. Automobile ... Read More

Pontiac G8 vs BMW 3-Series vs Lexus IS 350

• Re: Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans With and Without Luxury Badges [r [circlew]

  Written by: rockylee on Feb 24, 2007 11:10:17 PM

  I've driven BMW's in the past and yes they are nice cars. Obviously your cash flow is much better than mine so yeah if you can afford Ferrari's and Bentley's you have reached the top. ;) Congrats..... :) My point in this comparo is to show us poor folks the G8 is a great ELLPS alternative without the badge but with a lot of goods. The Bimmer, is yes faster and ... Read More

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

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Used Engine for 1994 318ic

  Written by: bslate on Nov 21, 2006 1:52:23 PM

  Hi all- I am hoping someone in the forum can help... I have a 1994 BMW 318ic automatic with 236,000 miles on it. I've taken incredible care of the car, but the coolant valve that leads into the engine has corroded and is not fixable. My mechanic says that since only the 318's were made this way, the car would need a new cylinder head to the tune of $2000+. I've ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Charging system problems? [caracraig]

  Written by: div2 on Sep 19, 2006 10:31:59 AM

  I have a 1994 BMW 325i. Recently I have put about $3000 in it and it hasn't fixed the problems. Which is why I advise owners of older BMWs to find a good independent tech who KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS BMWS!!! First time, as I was driving I noticed the lights dimming, the radio was going in and out and then after a couple of miles and going up a hill the ... Read More

• Charging system problems?

  Written by: caracraig on Sep 19, 2006 9:47:07 AM

  I have a 1994 BMW 325i. Recently I have put about $3000 in it and it hasn't fixed the problems. First time, as I was driving I noticed the lights dimming, the radio was going in and out and then after a couple of miles and going up a hill the transmission light, ABS, air bag, Traction Control lights came on as well as the gauges going crazy. I pulled over ... Read More

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: It's not about tracking... [kernick]

  Written by: kdshapiro on Sep 10, 2006 8:59:40 AM

  "me: Years ago I had my eye on the Dodge Stealth. I believ in 1994 they were getting 320hp and good torque from a 3L twin-turbo. I'm not trying to bust on BMW, but is this some sort of tech. progress I should be impressed with? I believe the near Nissan GT-R with twin-turbo (of their VQ??) is going to be 450-500hp." Those engines today, built as is years ago, could ... Read More

• Re: It's not about tracking... [blueguydotcom]

  Written by: kernick on Sep 10, 2006 8:03:43 AM

  blue: Did you read up on how and why BMW designed the engine with two turbos? The car's got 300 ft-lbs of torque at 1400 rpm. me: Years ago I had my eye on the Dodge Stealth. I believ in 1994 they were getting 320hp and good torque from a 3L twin-turbo. I'm not trying to bust on BMW, but is this some sort of tech. progress I should be impressed ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• E36 Brake light recall fix

  Written by: vortex1 on Jul 2, 2006 10:30:30 AM

  My 1994 BMW 325i brake lights are stuck on and I saw on ConsumerGuide.com that this was a recall issue. My vehicle has 170,000 and I am not the original owner so I am sure the recall fix will not apply to me. Any clue what the recall fix was so I can do it myself?

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• brave1heart

  Written by: div2 on Dec 14, 2002 6:17:55 AM

  Well, I shouldn't admit this, but West Coast CCA member Dan Tackett and I competed in the 1994 O'fest autocross. I drove my chipped-M6 with euro exhaust(no cat) and he drove a Jag XJ6 he rented from Hertz. He equaled my fastest time :P Luckily, the guys in my class were worse than me, so I won first place in Touring Sports Class A while Dan took home the Gold in ... Read More

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 Maintenance and Repair

• Comprehensive list of items at 60k

  Written by: choco325 on Mar 17, 2006 11:53:46 AM

  Im not sure about 60k but when you get close to 70k or so make sure that you check your water pump bearing play. I have had three BMWs (1984 318i, 1991 325, and currently own a 1994 325is with 92,000 miles.) I generally replace most parts myself because I used to be a mechanic. Each of my cars required by 85,000-90,000 a water pump, radiator,thermostat,belt and sometimes idler pulley.I had ... Read More

• Re: 94 325ic review(5speed) [russ10]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Feb 16, 2006 8:47:50 AM

  Go to edmunds.com Go to "used cars" Go to "appraise" Go to 1994 also here's the link to '94 info: http://www.edmunds.com/used/1994/bmw/3series/108/options.html

• want to buy 1994 316 ia, any known problems???

  Written by: hellerup on Oct 23, 2005 8:27:08 AM

  I'm about to purchase a 1994 316 ia but I have my doubts as it looks in great condition but I've heard of problems with the coolant system on older BMWs... Would greatly appreciate any advice or known problems with this model...

• stalling

  Written by: hodgie on Oct 17, 2005 10:14:25 AM

  Hi, I've just bought a 1994, 3 series bmw. Sometimes when the car is stationary with the engine running the revs drop down really low until the car is about to stall, the engine then revs itself up to about 1.5 revs. It repeats this over and over again. Does anybody know what this is and how it can be fixed? It is happening about 80% of the time now when ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• 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 2006

• Thanks Ivan :

  Written by: fla528 on Jun 29, 2005 5:58:48 PM

  Appreciate the reply! as to the comment about my wife getting a mini-van:: over my dead body..! Also, I do not know anyone who has a BMW and drives a minivan ( kinda like oil and water ). Actually my second car is a 2000 LX470..wich pulls my boat and hauls my scuba gear.. But back on track here.. I have had 6 BMWs since 1984 and I will never get ... Read More

BMW 3-Series: FAQ

• a used BMW 325i

  Written by: tjmalek on Jun 22, 2005 11:37:17 PM

  I'm looking at buying a 1994 BMW 325i. I've never owned a BMW before or had any experience with them. I wanted to hear from a seasoned BMW owner if it really does cost that much more to maintain one? And if so, Is it worth it?

BMW 3-Series 2006

• Re: when will it arrive(mevande) [mevande]

  Written by: blueguydotcom on Apr 6, 2005 11:46:30 PM

  however the RL has something called "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™") . I drove one and this car is fast, has lots of toys (almost too many) and get an awesome skidpad rating of .87! i believe you that it's fun and many are hoping the AWD system will trickle down to Acura's midsize and compact sedans. The RL, unfortunately, is more of a competitor with the likes of the A6 ... Read More

• Re: when will it arrive(mevande) [blueguydotcom]

  Written by: mevande on Apr 6, 2005 11:31:56 PM

  Agreed re: As for the TL, it appeals to different buyers (FWD) and is not in any way faster than a 330i. "", however the RL has something called "Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™ (SH-AWD™") . I drove one and this car is fast, has lots of toys (almost too many) and get an awesome skidpad rating of .87! Dive one just for fun and you will see what I mean. Car ... Read More

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

• 2006 750i style

  Written by: mevande on Mar 30, 2005 10:29:07 PM

  I think BMW made the 7 series bearable again! It looks closer to the 1995-2001 series than the 2004-2005 "mutants". BMW got an earful from the automotive press, customers ect. I was at the dealer various times in the 2 years after the 745i intro, and they always had a huge demand for pre-owned 2001's for the styling on the newer 745i's was in total, not a favorite. I think the ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• 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

• 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

• JingleJill et al.

  Written by: eos on Jul 17, 2002 4:02:19 PM

  My vote would be Orient Blue -- it's a bit less common than black, and may show swirl marks, etc. a it less (anyway, my wife wanted it, so she got it). It's a beautiful color, IMHO. The last few posts make me feel a little less old, but ... 1955 Chevy BelAir (saved for me by my Dad, and totaled by me sophomore year of college). 1962 Renault Dauphine (summer ... Read More

• chronology

  Written by: erickpl on Jul 17, 2002 7:58:55 AM

  Okay, here goes... 1985 - parents 1985 Mazda 626 - totalled in a car wreck - my fault - manual 1986 - bought 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo - banana yellow with black tint and a 4' antenna. Looked like a dang bumble bee! - swivel seats in front - auto - relatively few problems (mainly electrical because somebody crossed jump start cables) 350 V8 that would about die when the gas ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• shipo and silvernubira

  Written by: dunworth on Sep 1, 2004 5:50:04 AM

  shipo: You are absolutely correct. It was a typo, my brother's silver coupe is a 2003 325ci not a 328ci. Actually, dealer service on the car has been good. The dealership is very patient, but the fact still remains that the car is horribly unreliable. silvernubira: Thanks for sharing your experiences. My brother is not happy with his car as his problem always seems to happen on the highway, and he ... Read More

• 1994 BMW 325i Convertible

  Written by: mattchalmers on Aug 26, 2004 12:01:05 PM

  I am looking into buying this car with 102,000 miles. Carfax shows 1 owner and no problems. Any advice? Dealer is asking $9,500. According to Edmunds, that is a pretty good price. Your input would be appreciated.

BMW 3-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Decisions

  Written by: reellaw on Mar 25, 2004 2:19:49 PM

  Reellaw here--Now that Spring is kind of coming to NYC I am back in the car market on the 3-series. This is the debate. I have a 325 1994 automatic with only 37,000 miles. I love the BMW. I am thinking of buyingor leasing a 325 or 330. I mostly use the car around the City and weekend trips. The questions: I am thinking of premium package, sunroof, leather, automatic, heated ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• andergtr

  Written by: div2 on Nov 2, 2003 9:37:24 PM

  <total bill was $1400. i just about had a heart attack> Sorry, but that's what can happen when you use the dealer for routine service-especially without a CCA discount. As I've said before: Find a GOOD independent BMW tech. Here's why: My local shop recently performed an Insp. II on my wife's 528i. In addition to the scheduled service the shop replaced the front pads, the fuel filter(another "lifetime" component-yeah, right), ... Read More

• Sports Package a Must

  Written by: memphis10 on Oct 20, 2003 2:33:57 PM

  especially for you because you are moving from a 88 325. I think the 325 with SP will be close to the feel of your old car. I feel that BMW has softened the suspension in order to have a broader audience. When I test drove a 2003 325, it was not close to the 1994 325 I was used to.

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

• mjvchicago

  Written by: div2 on Apr 24, 2003 9:35:56 PM

  Ignore the advice of the Geo-driving "expert". The E30(1984-1991 Three Series) is still held in high regard by thousands of BMW enthusiasts. The best bang for the buck would be a 325is; the only real down side is that the M20 "small six" engine has a timing belt which must be changed every 60K miles. I'd avoid the '84-'85 318i as well as the 325e. The 1991 318is is a sweet ... Read More

• JAY108 is correct on the 318i - However

  Written by: dan_bmw on Apr 17, 2003 12:01:53 AM

  Regardless of the previous trolling antics, I have to agree with JAY108 on the head gasket problem. I bought a new 1994 318i for about $25K. This was my first "luxury" car and my first BMW. After he got over my jeans and T- shirt, the dealer treated me like I was the most important person on earth. Two weeks later at the car wash, my distributer flooded and the car ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• "good info"

  Written by: div2 on Jan 2, 2003 9:37:10 AM

  Yes, http://www.bmwlemon.com/ is a terrific site-if you are a psychology student looking for case studies on psychosis, paranoia, and multiple personalities. It's composed almost entirely of unsubstantiated stories- several of which are posted anonymously. Here are a few examples of the "horror stories":   "1976 2002"- this genius is upset that an eight year old '02 is not as reliable as a new Acura. It had a squeaky heater fan and ... Read More

BMW 3-Series: FAQ

• BMW 325 CONVERTIBLE (JAPAN)

  Written by: phillky on Jul 16, 2002 6:16:00 AM

  Well I have decided on getting a BMW 325 Convertible 1994 Model with Japaneses specs, are there any backdraws for this model or the country of manufacture another thing is does it leak air from the outside at high speeds coz here in the gulf the heat is like HELL !!

• 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 Radio security code

• why there is a beep while entering the security code

  Written by: hotsoups on Oct 11, 2002 2:21:51 PM

  I tried to enter the security code into my 1994 BMW 325i, but I was unsuccessful. While I tried to enter the numbers it beeps. According to the manual it says to stop right away and then enter the code again. Again it beeps. Has anyone had this problem before? Andy

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• pseudonym1

  Written by: div2 on Mar 31, 2002 8:37:08 PM

  The 1991 318i is a spunky well-balanced sedan. By 1991 the E30 platform had been in production for eight years so all the bugs were worked out. The 1.8 M42 engine is a robust unit that will go over 175,000 miles with proper care. The pre-1994 engines did have a problem with the "profile gasket" which deteriorates and leaks coolant- and requires removal of the cylinder head to replace. Any 1991 ... Read More

• Shipo- re: cylinder liners...

  Written by: rjg96 on Mar 29, 2002 8:14:58 PM

  The first BMW V8s-- introduced in 1994 and designated M60 and available in 3.0 and 4.0 displacements were aluminum block V8s whose cylinder walls were impregnated with a compound called Nikasil. I believe this is some combination of Nickel and silicon. It was discovered some years later (possibly in 1997 or 98) that Nikasil was breaking down when the engine was run w/ high sulfur fuel found in the US. Engines ... Read More

• Badger11

  Written by: badger11 on Jan 6, 2002 2:56:44 PM

  I need your help. I bought a 1994 325 in May. 2 months ago it would not start. A specialty BMW garage (not a dealer) said "the spark plugs were flooded" and wondered if the car had received the BMW factory replacement chip. I did not know. They replaced the plugs with "hotter running plugs and hoped that would solve the problem as the factory-paid program has expired". The problem has ... Read More

• Thinking about a 3 series

  Written by: talman on Oct 25, 2001 8:26:00 PM

  Hello: I'm seriously thinking about purchasing a 1994-1995 325i when my current lease is up. I've never owned a BMW, but am really taken by the design and styling. I've found a particular model which has 78,000 miles on it and I'm guessing I can get it for 15K or so. My questions: Is 75K high for a BMW? Granted, I know it depends on the care etc., but the owner ... Read More

BMW 3-Series: FAQ

• rhmass

  Written by: div2 on Jul 17, 2001 8:25:17 PM

  Does that mechanic even know how to spell BMW??? ;) The water pump is a really easy job; you don't even have to pull the radiator. See for yourself: http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/uberjeph/tech_procedures/h2o_pump/h2opump.htm The DOHC four cylinders up through about mid 1994 had a profile gasket that could leak like you described, but not the sixes. It could also be the thermostat housing. If yours is plastic it may have cracked. Metal replacements are ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Congrats to all new BMW owners!

  Written by: alpine325i on Jul 6, 2001 7:47:53 PM

  Congrats to all of the people who have just received their new cars! I'm a proud owner of a 325i sedan. I've had my car for 5 months and have had no problems so far. I'm always amazed at the high level of precision this fine automobile has compared to the average car. For instance, I have a 1994 Ford Taurus wagon that I use for Home Depot trips. The Taurus ... Read More

• JRCT.... good points... (semi - off topic)

  Written by: errickson on Jun 27, 2001 9:31:04 AM

  ....especially about the Honda. As much as I am in total bliss with my new 325 sitting in the garage, I must say that the 1994 Honda Accord EX that I sold earlier this year was the BEST car I have ever owned. In the SEVEN years I had it: NOT ONE SINGLE PROBLEM WITH ANYTHING!!!!!!!!!! Not even a stupid light bulb went out! I changed the oil every 3K, and ... Read More

• Xenon headlights

  Written by: hmark on Jun 1, 2001 7:30:56 PM

  I just bought a 1994 325 (first BMW) and am curious if xenon headlights can be retrofitted -- and what would be involved in doing that. Thanks.

• kids

  Written by: mfeldman on May 25, 2001 2:29:13 PM

  I have a 4yr and 4mo old. Only the big sister has ridden in the 330. She really likes it and thinks the silver color is cool. She notices other silver cars and that they are similar. We haven't got into the finer points that distinguish a bmw. She cautions me to be careful and not go to fast, but enjoys it when i do. She likes climbing into the front ... Read More

• Shiko 4755/330i "lemon"

  Written by: bavarian on Feb 12, 2001 6:47:24 PM

  Shiko- I believe the gist of your post #728 to mean that because in 40,000 miles you have had three problems with your 98 BMW, you would warn others (and yourself) away from buying another BMW car. Is that right? Yikes! If you have time stick your head out the window and look at all those BMWs driving around-they are not all in a repair shop. Then look through ALL the ... Read More

• 325i vs.325 xi

  Written by: mvitou on Jan 7, 2001 5:46:22 PM

  I drove BMW's in the 70's and 80's. My last BMW was a 1984 318.I loved all my BMW's but had never been happy with the way the BMW's handled in the snow and ice, so I finally bought a front wheel drive Japanese car in 1994. Of course, after you have a BMW, you always yearn for another. When I found out about the 3 series AWD, I was thrilled. ... Read More