BMW 3 Series

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Q: How do you take the roof down on a bmw 3 series convertible 2004?
My boyfriend just got a bmw 3 series convertible 2004 reg as a company car. It didn’t come with a manual and we cant figure out how to take the roof down. Please help.
Does the car need to be switched off?

A: i have a 2003 3 series convertible.

idk what the 1st guy to comment is talking about LOL

i just push and hold a button and it goes down.

the button is located right under the cig lighter
closesst to the drive and above the shifter

Q: What are the differences between the different bmw 3 series?
Im 19 looking to buy a car and im looking at the 1992-1998 generation of the bmw 3 series but there are so many i was just wondering the differences

A: The “i” stands for injected, and they are all inline 6 cylinder engines, not V6s. BMW no longer uses any 4 cylinder engines in USA. So stick with 323 and up (6 cylinders).
Here is a list of the letters, not all apply to 3-series.
The system of letters is as follows:

* d = diesel
* i = fuel-injected
* x = all wheel drive (xDrive)
* L = long wheel base
* C = coupe (no longer used)
* T = touring (wagon/estate)
* t = hatchback
* g = biogas
* s = sport package (Sports seats in the front, spoiler on the rear, improved gearbox, custom rims)
* si= sports injection (the new range of x5, x3 and z4 engines)
* e = eta (essentially “economy” in English)
* es = eta sport

Q: Is a BMW 3 series a good first car for a new driver and what are insurance rates like?
I am 16 years old, and will be getting my license in September. My uncles and my dad want to get me a 2001 BMW 3 series ( probably a 328i). My mom disagrees and says I should get a 1996 civic. I prefer the 3 series. She says maintainence and insurance will be sky high… I just want something nice.

I am a safe driver and straight A student… I hope that would help with rates.

A: There are several ways that you can consider.Call your local agent or do the online quote yourself.Take which way,it depends on your time and knowledge.

Q: Can i change my 2002 BMW 3 series convertible, roof from manual to electric?
I bought a 3 series BMW convertible. I wanted one with an electric roof. But I got me deal, I couldn’t let pass.There’s one downside to this,the roof is manual. Can i change it to electric?
Thank you for your response.

A: Yes, but for the price of $1000-2500.

Q: Why is the compact version of bmw 3 series much more cheaper than the normal 3 series ?
On a search on mobile.de for bmw 3 series up to 2004, 90% of the returns are compact versions. What makes these cars cheaper than the normal versions ?
If I would have known I would not have asked the question … right ?

A: ^^^He said it all, they are underpowered too. Never buy a 323i, that thing is a MESS. They also use hubcaps on the 323i lol.

Q: Is the BMW 3 Series really unreliable and expensive to maintain?What would you like to ask?
It seems there are lots of dissatisfied BMW 3 series owners (going by comments on various consumer reviews). Is there any statistic showing the ratio of dissatisfied versus satisfied owners in the USA? My thinking is that consumers with horrific experiences are twice more likely to vent their frustrations via various feedback/review systems than satisfied customers echoing their positive experiences via the same medium. I’m interested in buying a 2002-06 BMW 325 or 330.

A: They are some of the most reliable German cars.
But they are just average.
Not as good as Japanese cars.
Better than some American cars and better than British cars/Italian cars.
As good as Korean cars and some American cars.

Q: What is the life span of a BMW 3 series transmission?
The transmission on my 2002 honda civic with 90k miles blew out despite getting the fluid replaced every 30k miles..
If i buy a bmw 3 series how many miles does the transmission last as in general its life span?
hopefully more then 90k!! No more hondas for me!

A: Well my 1989 E30 325ix has +200K miles on the engine (the odometer broke a year ago, I don’t know how many miles). Its on the Orginal Automatic trans, which is a 4 speed.

The straight 6 2.5L engine in my car has been around forever, and is bullet proof. I’ve seen them easily make 300,000 miles, and have no doubt mine will as well. It still rev’s easily and if you floor the trans and hit that kick down button, it has no problem getting close to redline.

But, the gasket that seals the trans, has started to drip, and I have to check it to make sure it its full for a road trip, but I just drove my car across the country and there is no problems with the engine or the trans. The suspension and the all-wheel drive need parts replaced, but there all OEM and 200K miles, you would think a shock might need to be replaced……..

Of course, most cars will last a long time as long as they are maintained properly. If some one rode the clutch or floored it everyday, you might see some issues.

But for the most part BMW’s are over engineered. Honda makes some nice cars, but if you enjoy to drive your car, you’ll probably like driving a BMW over all the other brands…. There just amazing….

BMW still uses the same Engine in my car in the new ones, its that well engineered, and it easily can take a turbo or a supercharger even in the old form…..

The transmissions, BMW seems to have excellent trans, and if you get one, I’d recommend a stick shift, all thought the Auto’s are very nice, I just enjoy have more control and stick shift gives that to you.

I’ve driven Mercedes, Nissan, Ford, Chevy, Pontiac , Honda, Toyota, Scion and BMW. Out of all of those Mercedes and BMW are my favorite, and out those, the BMW is my favorite for looks and driving, the Mercedes is just plain comfortable, and a good cruiser.

The rest just didn’t have the same feel of the German rides. The Germans do it best IMO. There’s just an higher price tag, but in the long run these cars last for ever, and are fun to drive while they age.

Q: Is the BMW 3 Series really unreliable and expensive to maintain?
It seems there are lots of dissatisfied BMW 3 series owners (going by comments on various consumer reviews). Is there any statistic showing the ratio of dissatisfied versus satisfied owners in the USA? My thinking is that consumers with horrific experiences are twice more likely to vent their frustrations via various feedback/review systems than satisfied customers echoing their positive experiences via the same medium. I’m interested in buying a 2002-06 BMW 325 or 330.

A: Hi AyD

In my honest opinion, the 3 series is neither unreliable or expensive to maintain.

Firstly, maintenance if anything has got less expensive as labour times for servicing have been cut and the introduction of CBS (Conditioned based servicing) which involves only replcing parts when they really need replacing.
This however has generated some unhappiness with customers as it then means slightly more visits to the dealer ie Sparkplug service one month/ Oil and filter the following month / Brake fluid two months after etc etc.

With regard to reliability, I am not saying the 3 is flawless however all models in every brand has problems. Some vehicle manufacturers are better than others at keeping things quiet if you know what I mean.

The 3 Series was recently (November 10th 2008) voted most reliable car in the UK which for the first time put it ahead of all Japenese models. I am not aware of any fundemental differences between the US 3 series and the UK 3 series. Have a read………

http://www.vcars.co.uk/news/bmw/3-series/bmw-3-series-the-most-reliable-car-in-the-uk-1796.html

One thing of note is that BMW are selling more and more every year. A percentage of those will have problems, the more they sell then the more that have problems is always likely to increase.

If I could afford it right now a 3 would be my first purchase.

Hope I helped, Happy New Year,
Pyth

A: I suggest you go for a 330. BMW’s aren’t expensive to maintain, if you’re talking about the regularly scheduled maintenance. However, should you ever need to have it repaired, things get really pricey.

Q: How long and how much to install a starter in a 1997 BMW 3 series?
How long and how much to install a starter in a 1997 BMW 3 series. Mechanic says 4-5 hours on youtube it looked an hour. 2 at the most.

A: It takes a couple hours and it is a bitch to get it out and the new one back in. Make sure you bench test the new one before you install it. Its nicer to find out its a dud on the bench then after two+ hrs gettng it installed.

Q: What parts frequently break on a BMW 3 series?
Besides regular maintenance like brakes and oil, what parts on BMW 3 series sedans (E46 so 1999 to 2006) frequently go bad? Thanks.

A: my husband has a 3 series and he had problems with the window motor. airbag sensors, electrical problems. like the other person said it is expensive to get work done on a bmw. where i live we have a garage that only works on bmw and mercedes. if it wasn’t for that we would have to drive 30 miles to the dealer for repairs. not many places here to get work done. sometimes i wish he never bought that car, but he like it.

Q: How to get OEM factory radio out of 1992 BMW 3 series 4 door sedan?
I am having trouble getting out my factory radio out of 1992 BMW 3 series 4 door sedan Euro Spec, I can’t figure out how to pull it out and replace it with a Kenwood X7091. Need step by step instructions?

A: On either side of the radio there is a small flap that opens up. You can use anything with a point to do this. You will see a small slot to put a small pointed object into an open the flap outward. Once the flaps are open insert an allen key(cant remember the exact size but its fairly small) into the exposed holes on either side and uscrew the lock screws. The radio will slide right out.

Q: Is a BMW 3 series or 1 series better for a first car. Or is the lexus is a better first car?
Is a BMW 3 series or 1 series better for a first car. Or is the lexus is a better first car? Or is there a better car similar to these ones?

A: No question a BMW 3 series is a better car than a 1 series, which is why it’s also more expensive than a 1 series…..

I personally like the Lexus IS.

Q: How much difference is there in driving performance & comfort between Ford Ka and BMW 316i 3 series?
I am upgrading from a Ford Ka (1.3l) to a BMW 3 series (1.6l)

I was wondering how much difference i would find for any of the following..

1. Comfort
2. Driving handling
3. Power
4. Top speeds
5. Acceleration

Thanks!

A: As others have already said, the 316 is in a different league.

The Ford Ka is technically slower although being smaller and less refined may well feel faster. It will also be a bit more fun to drive. The Ka handles like a roller skate and even with the lack of power compared to the BMW would probably be faster on a twisty road.
The 316 is a heavy car with a small engine and I personally wouldn’t buy one.
I’d run a Ka until I have saved up enough cash to buy a 325/328/330.
The 316 will however feel like a limo compared to a Ka. Smooth, comfortable and quiet.

Oh and I agree with JG until he said the Ka would cost more to run. I can’t over emphasise how wrong this is. Fords are a lot more reliable than they used to be and BMW’s aren’t as reliable as people would have you believe. To be honest neither are bad in terms of reliability but for routine servicing any BMW, even a 316, is going to be far more expensive than a Ka. Tyres will be more expensive, insurance will be more expensive and it will get worse MPG.

I can’t get over how silly anyone who thinks a BMW of any sort will be cheaper to run than a Ka is!
I got rid of a BMW and bought a Ford Focus two years ago and for my wife’s birthday this year I had saved enough on running costs to buy her diamonds. I think that says it all.

Q: I am thinking about buying a bmw 3 series?
I am thinking about buying a bmw 3 series? Is it a good buy? Is it better to lease than to buy the bmw 3 series? Is it good on gas? How much does the maintance costs?

A: First of all, BMWs do not have V6 engines. They are inline 6. My M3 gets at least 25 mpg on a regular basis, unless I drive it hard for a whole tank of gas. I have hit close to 30 on long interstate drives. Not by the computer, but actually dividing the miles by the gallons on the pump.
You will love a 3 series. Maintenance is free for 4 years or 50K miles. I buy my cars, if you think you’re going to keep it a lease is more in the long run. Lease = rent.
Also BMW service is top notch. I just replaced my battery today, warranty long over, they replaced it for free and did full electrical check. Turns out it was just a bad battery.

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