BMW 3 Series Questions & Answers

I think you need to check it out with a mechanic. Could be anything from suspensions to interior.

Thank you RW1891. That covers quite a wide field. The car still has 6 months left on the factory warranty and is due for its next service with the dealer in May. I previously sent an email to the dealer's service manager describing all the issues but so far have not received a response.

If you hear it from the wheel well then it's most likely your control arms but a car with such low km should not have that problem. If you can't hear it on the outside then I would not worry. But it wouldn't hurt to get someone to look at it but that'll cost you $$ especially if you don't have a warranty. If it's something major, sell the car before it becomes more noticable. These newer BMW cars are literally money pits as they age. The older ones 2004 and before are bulletproof. Based on my experience driving all kinds of bmws/German cars. Too many sensors in these cars. A s class has 120 modules so imagine the pain it is to fix these. I've charged people thousands for these type of repairs. Computers take more time to fix especially if you need a 25,000 dollar scanner just to find out the problem but that doesn't always work

Hi Jez P, these are wonderful cars to drive. The steering feedback and the road grip of these are awesome. Some of those do suffer from coil pack issues, and injector issues. But my understanding is those are not common and rather common problem is their plastic water pumps rear with time. Check the car with a good independent bmw mechanic. That is worthy. Not buying the car because of fear of these issues at least in my view is like dumping a Victoria’s Secret model because she caught a common cold - happens sometimes, but nothing to split hair upon.

Hi Kaylee, My current 320D replaced my 2002 318i which had 210,000 kms on the clock. It was an ex-diplomatic car which had about 35,000kms on it. My daughter drove it for a couple of years and we sold it to a friend last year who is very happy with it. Our first BMW was a 1986 525e which was still going strong with over 340,000klms last we heard(about a year ago). The bottom line in my opinion and experience is that the mechanicals in BMWs are so good that they will go forever (!) provided they are serviced meticulously. Things like seals, gaskets and suspension rubber boots will of course wear out/perish and can be expensive to replace. Only real problem we had was with the 525e which like your 320i had the top end replaced at about 180,000klms. In summary unless your 320i has very good service credentials at such a high mileage, I would be wary, as repairs might bring tears to her eyes. The engine is not the only costly thing; think shock absorbers, transmission, ball joints, engine cooling system, electricals etc.

Ask your BMW dealer

$56 500, can find all car valuations on redbook.

https://www.redbook.com.au/cars/details/2004-bmw-318i-executive-e46-auto-my04/SPOT-ITM-209213/

It is chain. No timing belt there.

If its brand new, then go for it. Just make sure that you ask for the full specification to make sure exactly which options the car has.
If its used, make sure that that it has a precise service history with no skipped or overdue servicing. Check the 'service requirements' with the I-drive controller to make sure things like brake pads, filters etc aren't nearly due for replacement. Diesel servicing prices are a little more expensive than petrol.
If you have the VIN number, use one of the free BMW VIN decoder websites to check out exact build date,where it was built and the full detailed specifications.

Thank you so much

Pay and Get it checked thoroughly over by a BMW specialist before you buy. I didn't and a $8000 car cost me another $8000 to make it reliable. ( It costs to look good ) ha ha.

Sorry I dont have any knowledge on this

If it's new why aren't you taking the car back to the dealer?
If you're already not getting any satisfaction there I would call BMW Australia and make the problem as public as you can on social media.
Creaking on undulating surfaces sounds like a chassis/suspension problem - maybe a suspension mounting or joint that isn't properly seated or tightened, or perhaps a faulty Macpherson strut. You could get a workshop to check it out but this shouldn't be your problem - it's has to be a warranty issue.

I am taking the car back to the dealer, who believes the creaking noise is coming from the door seals, that some coating on the rubber seals was removed in the pre-delivery process. The reason for my question was to determine how prevalent is this issue with other owners.

I am sorry I cant help you with this model mine is a older model.

I can't speak for the 2007 model but my 2003 model 325ti airbags worked fine when the person I sold it to had an accident. I would be contacting insurance companies to ask whether they had any data to suggest the effectiveness of '07 3 series airbags was problematic.

I now have a 2007 320i and have not heard anything about faulty airbags. There was a safety recall last year on a huge variety of different vehicle makes and models, but this one was not on the list.

Sorry, I cant help with that model.I have a M3 1994
My only comments would be, BMW parts and (probably) labour charges are horrible.Buy low klm cars only and get it checked by an independent.

Keep Googling for reviews on your model .Good Luck

Excellent model. I have the 2litre diesel and it's been great. Watch out for small leaks such as oil filter cap gasket and housing. Just stupid small design flaws that lets BMW down. If you're thinking nav unit and bluetooth remember to consider models with iDRIVE business pack built in as it is very expensive to add aftermarket later. Fuel consumption 5.4litres/100km with diesel and expect about 8.2litres/100km with petrol model. If you can handle a little idle diesel noise consider the diesel model 320D. It's more powerful, quiet above 1200 rpm and solid road handling.

I personally would not have another BMW in my yard.
Multiple injuries for road accident including broken neck in 2 places. I bought a BMW for the safety factor. 10 airbags not one deployed.
I contacted BMW Australia who told me and I quote "That's what your insurance company for". No apologies and never had the decency to write my name on the reply.

Wow., I was going to buy it for the safety too. Now you leave me stranded, for the right reason.

If you are trying to expand the luggage area by lowering the rear seats, you may not be able to do so.

I ran into the same problem on my 320i which I purchased second hand and discovered that rear seats that are able to be lowered are an optional extra that the purchaser had to select at the time of purchase.

Couldn't believe it wasn't a standard feature - fair rip off.

If installed the release levers are accessed via the boot under the parcel shelf, hard to believe that would be an option.

None, be smart get a toyota or commodore, unless you have plenty of money to repair the German cars

I'd just make sure you get an independent mechanical check before purchasing. See if they've got full service history and have the transmission checked out.

I would not buy another BMW, not to scare u I had my 2013 328i within 9 months I had battery replace, modling came off, windows. Instrument and steering wheel rattles like hell.

I would not buy one either . Its trouble trouble trouble endless and expensive troubles . imagine at 60,000 to 70,000 my diff died on the car .Have you ever heard of a diff busting at that early age not even in the cheapest car on the market . I am afraid to drive it interstate because its unpredictable

145k is not much, if you service the car at independent mechanics it will cost you less. If its fuel efficient I'll keep it if not that means engine is wearing out. But again if car is over 15 years then its trouble. Yours is 8 years only.

I got my 2000 323Ci at 200000km. At 240000km after 2 years, it is still a very dependable car. It had been well maintained by previous owners. I service car regularly and keep everything in tip top condition. It doesn't burn a drop of oil between changes. Does 8l/100km average.
I do most of the work myself. It needed a new DISA valve - $250 from clickable. Replaced windscreen cowl due to degradation - $200. Replaced power steering pump due to broken shaft with used but upgraded one - $100. Replaced worn out steering rack with lightly used good one - 150$. Replaced cracked valve cover genuine + gaskets - $500. Replaced leaking oil pan gasket(diy hard) - $50. Refreshed vanos rattle rings and seals with upgraded ones - $200. Full service kit from clickable (oil, spark plugs, cabin, fuel and oil filters) - $270. Regular oil kit every 7000km - $135 at clickable.
After all above maintenance work, and being able to work on above myself I have to say I have saved a lot of money. Some of them are not easy, such as oil pan gasket for sure. However if you are not technically inclined, I cannot recommend this car unless previous owner had already taken care of above areas.