advice for my BMW

[sambb]

My gorgeous 335i coupe has only 40,000 miles. I love it. It runs out of warranty in november.
It hasnt had any serious mechanical problems, but in the electrical system, small things go wrong. They are fixed under warranty.
Something has been happening every 2-3 mos, requiring a day in the shop.
The "small" cost of these things would be alot if i didnt have the warranty...
Is it time to sell... while warranty is active?

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by sambb

My gorgeous 335i coupe has only 40,000 miles. I love it. It runs out of warranty in november.
It hasnt had any serious mechanical problems, but in the electrical system, small things go wrong. They are fixed under warranty.
Something has been happening every 2-3 mos, requiring a day in the shop.
The "small" cost of these things would be alot if i didnt have the warranty...
Is it time to sell... while warranty is active?

Either sell it or buy the extended warranty which will give you two more years or 100,000 miles.

[ParisDakarBmw]

I see this from personal experiance. I've had Land Rovers, Volvo's, Bmw's, and there is one thing they share. When they Sh*t the bed, they cost some serious money to repair. If your handy with small repairs, you can even it out a little when it's time to pay the piper. It's those big repairs that really sink the ship.

Out of all the high end brands, I would rather have a BMW without a warranty. Jaguar, Mercedes, Land Rover, SAAB, Audi, and Volvo seem to have issues that come out after 100k.

When you own it from new, it's more likely to be taken care of for it's elder years. I'd just maintain it every time something small happens, and it won't turn into a nightmare.

Pay it off, and take care of it until it dies!

[andrew79]

keep it... i have e90 myself and it was out of warranty since 2008... nothing came out of my pocket yet since then... make sure you identified that small thing fixed under warranty (persistent effort will make bmw fix the root cause) and be happy...

[Ed Rooney]

I think fixing stuff would probably be less than a car payment.

[JUSTROLEXES]

I would keep it but take it to the shop and tell them about the problems even if they no longer are there...let them run a diagnose on it and and take it from there...also buying an extended warranty from them might be a good idea as well...

[rpryan55]

The 335i Coupe is one of the sharpest looking cars on the planet, IMHO. I'm with Bruno - either sell it (and get another one!) or buy the extended warranty. You cannot go wrong either way.

[AK40DJ50]

I have had a 2002 330ci coupe for almost 9 years and it still is reliable and fun to drive. I am glad I kept it.

[mfer]

Ask how much for extended service and warranty. My 530 has both and I'm loving it. It save me a 1500 transmission problem and my brakes are going to be worked on soon. Between those two things my warranty almost paid for itself there.

[rpryan55]

Originally Posted by mfer

Ask how much for extended service and warranty. My 530 has both and I'm loving it. It save me a 1500 transmission problem and my brakes are going to be worked on soon. Between those two things my warranty almost paid for itself there.

Warranty covers brakes on a BMW? That's sure worth the price!

[Porsche]

My 12 month old 530iT is getting a new engine installed as I type. Costs approx $25,000.

Wife drove through some water (aout 6-8 inches deep). Water has entered the engine, suspected throught he air intake behind front left headlight. "Hydrolock", result = bent conrod on no. 5 cyclinder and who knows what else.

Does anyone know where I can get a snorkel for a 5 Series Touring???

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Porsche

My 12 month old 530iT is getting a new engine installed as I type. Costs approx $25,000.

Wife drove through some water (aout 6-8 inches deep). Water has entered the engine, suspected throught he air intake behind front left headlight. "Hydrolock", result = bent conrod on no. 5 cyclinder and who knows what else.

Does anyone know where I can get a snorkel for a 5 Series Touring???

Ouch...That's gota hurt!!! Bad luck there John......
Is warranty covering anything on it??

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Ouch...That's gota hurt!!! Bad luck there John......
Is warranty covering anything on it??

Thanks Rob. Costs were touch-and-go for a week;

BMW saying NOT a "warranty issue"
Insurers saying it was a "mechanical fault"

Then I raised my voice a little. Insurers have agreed to pay, although last Friday they were on the cusp of writing off the whole car (new cost $130K!!!). BMW said that until the new engine goes in, they can't run the full diagnostics, so there may be more work needed. I asked insurers to guarantee a follow up claim if more work needed. So it was a bit like having them sign an open-ended check to BMW!!!

Other issue was, there was only 1 (ONE) new engine in the whole of Australia, in Melbourne! They had an X5 in for the same repair (he admitted to driving through a small creek). If he got engine before me, a long wait for a ship from Germany (too heavy to air freight). I made some noise and my insurers had a chck to BMW by end of last week.

[Dr.Brian]

I'm a big believer in the 7/100k warranty. I have picked one up on the last 3 cars, all have paid for themselves, and than some! Once they're out of warranty, I'm ready to move on anyway. If you like the car, get the warranty. If not, 2011 here you come! Give Benz a spin. You might like the new designs.

[sleddog]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Thanks Rob. Costs were touch-and-go for a week;

BMW saying NOT a "warranty issue"
Insurers saying it was a "mechanical fault"

Then I raised my voice a little. Insurers have agreed to pay, although last Friday they were on the cusp of writing off the whole car (new cost $130K!!!). BMW said that until the new engine goes in, they can't run the full diagnostics, so there may be more work needed. I asked insurers to guarantee a follow up claim if more work needed. So it was a bit like having them sign an open-ended check to BMW!!!

Other issue was, there was only 1 (ONE) new engine in the whole of Australia, in Melbourne! They had an X5 in for the same repair (he admitted to driving through a small creek). If he got engine before me, a long wait for a ship from Germany (too heavy to air freight). I made some noise and my insurers had a chck to BMW by end of last week.

Wow..Quite the story!! Insurers and Car Dealers are always like that though......
I imagine that air intake sits quite low to the ground to....BM should maybe rethink that!!!
Was this just on a street in Sydney after a heavy rain??
I bet the wife felt bad...
Glad things are working in your favour though..God knows we pay enough to have these things insured and running!!

[NYC6]

Just bought a new 2010 135i. Same powertrain as the 335i and shares many other parts. Plan on keeping it after the warranty so I'll likely get the ex warranty. Im curious, if you dont mind. What kind of electrical issues did you have?

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by sleddog1000

Wow..Quite the story!! Insurers and Car Dealers are always like that though......
I imagine that air intake sits quite low to the ground to....BM should maybe rethink that!!!
Was this just on a street in Sydney after a heavy rain??
I bet the wife felt bad...
Glad things are working in your favour though..God knows we pay enough to have these things insured and running!!

Thanks Rob

- air intake about mid-way behind front left headlight. I too thought it was low until I inspected first-hand. Headlight is in-line with top of bonet, so air-intake is about as high as it can be. If it was back against the firewall, they could get it higher, but it would be sucking dirty hot air back there, not the cool clean stuff at the front!

- yes, Liz is beating herself up about it. She has naggged me ever since I sold her Lexus (which she loved) and replaced with the BMW (which she hates). I tease her that she intentionally drowned it like a bastard red-headed child (Liz is a redhead!).

- yes, suburban street in Alexandria, inner city area of Sydney. Appears to have been a mini flash-flood just as she drove into the street.

- ha ha, whilst I was typing this, BMW just called and said car would be ready by Friday!!! They are getting their head mechanic to take it home overnight and make sure it's all OK!

[dsio]

Having four BMWs all out of warranty, I've never had any big issues. The dealer will destroy you, that's his job, but qualified indy shops, good maintenance, and common sense will make them last forever.

e90fanatics is a massive wealth of knowledge and will keep the thing running well into the future.

As a point of comparison. VANOS partial failure on my E46 was quoted at $4500 to fix by the dealer to replace the unit, the indy shop fixed it for $60 parts (two O-rings), $90 labor. Power window regulators were quoted at $700, DIY'ed it for $50 thanks to ebay.

The engines and transmissions in BMWs are among the best on earth as long as maintained, and electrical issues are only expensive if you don't educate yourself online, and beg the dealer to rob you.

[TheDude]

My 2006 530i Sport is 5 years old now (and free and clear!)


It has 40K miles on it, and I have yet to come out of pocket on a repair. It has been a marvelous car since day one. I plan to keep it until it dies.


FWIW, you -can- brow-beat some dealers into covering things out of warranty if it's especially odd or egregious.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by dsio

Having four BMWs all out of warranty, I've never had any big issues. The dealer will destroy you, that's his job, but qualified indy shops, good maintenance, and common sense will make them last forever.

e90fanatics is a massive wealth of knowledge and will keep the thing running well into the future.

As a point of comparison. VANOS partial failure on my E46 was quoted at $4500 to fix by the dealer to replace the unit, the indy shop fixed it for $60 parts (two O-rings), $90 labor. Power window regulators were quoted at $700, DIY'ed it for $50 thanks to ebay.

The engines and transmissions in BMWs are among the best on earth as long as maintained, and electrical issues are only expensive if you don't educate yourself online, and beg the dealer to rob you.

That's a good perspective and good advice.

[Jackxv]

Originally Posted by TheDude

My 2006 530i Sport is 5 years old now (and free and clear!)


It has 40K miles on it, and I have yet to come out of pocket on a repair. It has been a marvelous car since day one. I plan to keep it until it dies.


FWIW, you -can- brow-beat some dealers into covering things out of warranty if it's especially odd or egregious.

Offcourse !!!

6 cylinder German cars will do at least 300000 kilometers, esscpecially with the US speed.
In Germany those cars can run 200 km per hour for a long time on the autobahn. Service is the most important.
Change oil and other fluids and other parts on time, especially the distribution belts.
Can't believe <100000 km cars having big problems if proper taken care of.

About the water : things happen.


Jack


Jack

[Captainz]

If you are going to keep it, BUY THE WARRANTY. Look online for a BMW warranty.

The minute my factory warranty ran out (within 1000miles) a transmission computer failed (5000 US dollars)..<--2006 Audi.

These cars are computerized, I have a feeling dealerships manipulate the computers to produce faults... EXTRA REVENUES.

Protect yourself..

Al

[dsio]

Originally Posted by Jackxv

Offcourse !!!

6 cylinder German cars will do at least 300000 kilometers, esscpecially with the US speed.
In Germany those cars can run 200 km per hour for a long time on the autobahn. Service is the most important.
Change oil and other fluids and other parts on time, especially the distribution belts.
Can't believe <100000 km cars having big problems if proper taken care of.

About the water : things happen.


Jack


Jack

Think the two things overlooked the most are oil and gas. So many owners don't change their oil frequently enough, or use the wrong oil, and many more use cheap gas in their cars thinking they're going to save a buck. 87 octane in a BMW makes mechanics sad.

[blackmsport]

Originally Posted by sambb

My gorgeous 335i coupe has only 40,000 miles. I love it. It runs out of warranty in november.
It hasnt had any serious mechanical problems, but in the electrical system, small things go wrong. They are fixed under warranty.
Something has been happening every 2-3 mos, requiring a day in the shop.
The "small" cost of these things would be alot if i didnt have the warranty...
Is it time to sell... while warranty is active?

Trade down to a non turbo 3 series

335i has lots of issues (check with bimmerfest) it's an awesome car to drive but the 3 litre engine and turbo seem to have issues

is there 323i in your country (2.5L engine) apparently that the most reliable one and well rounded performance 3 series

[NYC6]

Originally Posted by blackmsport

Trade down to a non turbo 3 series

335i has lots of issues (check with bimmerfest) it's an awesome car to drive but the 3 litre engine and turbo seem to have issues

is there 323i in your country (2.5L engine) apparently that the most reliable one and well rounded performance 3 series

I just bought a new 2010 135i. Prior to buying I've been researching the 135/335 cars on BMW forums. The only issue that seems to pop up alot is the HPFP's(fuel pumps) which seem to have been figured out at this time. Different units are now used.

The engine in these cars(N54) has just been voted "Engine of the Year" 4 years in a row! The engines and turbos are pieces of mechanical genius. Powerful, reliable, trouble free and very good economy.

[blackmsport]

Originally Posted by NYC6

I just bought a new 2010 135i. Prior to buying I've been researching the 135/335 cars on BMW forums. The only issue that seems to pop up alot is the HPFP's(fuel pumps) which seem to have been figured out at this time. Different units are now used.

The engine in these cars(N54) has just been voted "Engine of the Year" 4 years in a row! The engines and turbos are pieces of mechanical genius. Powerful, reliable, trouble free and very good economy.

agree they sorted out the fuel pump post 2009 model

electronics is still a bit dodgy and VANOS sensors tend to fail (twice in my car)... and I know several BM owners have this issue as well

I love BM just that BM cut corners when they build E90 (compared to reliable E46)

[larrysb]

Thou shalt not own thy European Luxury Car with complications beyond thy warranty period.

So sayeth the lord.

[scoobydoo]

I say keep it. I have worked on an e46 and E90 and it was not too bad for the small stuff. . . and I consider myself mechanically challenged. Check the various BMW websites for repair information and take your time doing them.

[vh_bu98]

I have a little over 80k miles on my e46 and I just had to replace the water pump. It's a good thing that I have the extended warranty on that car.