2003 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions

BMW 3-Series Tires and Wheels

Re: Time to replace Tires... [JingleJill] and...SHIPO

Written by: gogonow on Jun 28, 2008 03:51 PM

Hi! Was really educated by the folks on this site. THANKS! Like JingleJill...have a 2003 BMW 330ci (sports package with 17 ZR) and...in south Texas....Austin.....between this website and tirerack.com....did TONS of reading and research....settled on the GENERAL Exclaim UHP....380/91W/AA/A ratings.....got them for $80 each.....plus a a $50 dollar ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series Real World MPG

BMW E46 Real World Mileage listings - please add

Written by: nopcbs on Jun 14, 2008 06:24 AM

2003 330i zhp 6-speed Suburbanish-city driving: 19 mpg Highway @ 65 mph on cruise: 34-35 mpg Both on premium; regular does not seem to make much difference. The city number is a little disappointing as my wife's RX330 does 17-18 mpg and it is a big lump. Sure hope they start doing hybrids or importing manual shift diesels. Read More...

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

Lower Control Arm

Written by: memphis10 on May 21, 2008 07:52 AM

I own a 2003 BMW 325i. Took the car to the dealer for the 60,000 miles service. Dealer says that the front Lower Control Arm and bushings are worn out and needs to be replaced. Quoted me $1200. Was thinking of going to an independent mechanic. Any recommendation on a mechanic in Fairfield County Connecticut / Westchester County NY? is $1200 reasonable for this repair? Read More...

Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i

Re: Article Comments - 2002 BMW M3 vs. 2008 BMW 135i vs. 2008 BMW 335i [KarenS]

Written by: rmrc on Apr 29, 2008 00:28 PM

I’ve had two 2003 E46 M3s and now currently have an E90 335i 6MT Sport. All three cars were (335i still is) subjected to multiple BMWCCA driving schools and daily driven. While I haven’t driven the 135i I agree with your conclusions between the M3 and 335i. The M3 is the more focused of the two with a suspension which works well for the occasional track day but rides ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

Re: Maintenance Program [canman1971]

Written by: etomori on Apr 13, 2008 10:33 PM

Check out TwinKidneyGrill.com. This is the Georgia BMW dealer which gives the best prices on factory maintenance programs and extended factory warranty, if you qualify for it. The extended factory warranty (100,000 miles or 6-years from in-service date-original purchase) can be bought by any owner. It was $995 for this owner of a used 2003 330i ZHP from a non-BMW ... Read More...

Re: 2003 BMW 325i Battery Drain [lasvegas325]

Written by: killorhome on Mar 15, 2008 10:28 AM

I have a 2001 325 & while long term storage, battery ran down quickly (3wks) but my car didn't have full alarm. I ended up paying for new battery. Read More...

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

Re: Audi A3 or IS 250? [sjaieve]

Written by: shipo on Mar 12, 2008 00:52 PM

I think that you are entirely too caught up in straight line acceleration, and if that's your only yardstick, go buy a WRX and be done with it. There are plenty of people who would consider the x28i over the x35i, and for many reason, me included. When I leased my 2002 530i I made the conscious decision NOT to get a 540i (or an M5 for that matter). Why? Because the 530i ... Read More...

Re: Audi A3 or IS 250? [sjaieve]

Written by: billyperks2 on Mar 12, 2008 09:16 AM

I am not taking sides here with the BMW fans because my next car will possibly be a GS 350.I just wanted to share this experience with you in regards to horsepower, I had a 2003 Acura TL Type S which boast 260 hp.My friend has a older 528I that has 198 hp and everytime we race he was down on my tail.You would think that a 260 hp would blow the doors off 198 hp bimmer.My point ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series AWD - Pros and Cons

Re: further thoughts [bruceomega]

Written by: shipo on Jan 18, 2008 08:09 AM

There is zero doubt that an AWD car with all-season tires will accelerate and/or climb better than a RWD car with winter rubber. That said, describing the driving experience of a winter tire shod RWD BMW as "nerve wracking" compared to that of an all-season shod AWD BMW is disingenuous at best. The truth is that once you're going, the properly set up RWD car will ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

First Post in the forum and introduction

Written by: ultimgrocgettr on Jan 05, 2008 03:41 PM

I have been rreading these forums for awhile and I would like to introduce myself. I have an alpine white 2003 BMW 325xiT that I purchased two years ago at 24,000 miles. It is my first BMW and I have really enjoyed the car. I now am at 52,000 miles and am about 2400 miles away from inspection II. So far I have only had to replace brakes, and tires. The only out of ordinary ... Read More...