3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
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I just got my Bimmer a few months ago, a Boston green '96 318i :!!!! I took the car with 120,000 kms on the clock. Up to 90,000 kms it has had meticulous service history and since then, nothing, according to the books. The car came with service lights reset but that could have been dealer just juicing it up for sale, dunno.
Straight up I did an oil change (to Mobil 1 synthethic) with a plan to do a major service at little bit past 130,000. Well 130,000 mark is nearing and I'm just wondering what I should do for the major service? What service is typically done on a car like this and what does it include?
Obviously there is oil and filter change, but what else? Air filter, fuel filter, micro filter, coolant, brake fluid? I don't want to go over the top with everything but just want to treat my Bimmer like it deserves to be treated. I'll speak to a dealer on what service to do as well but any input is appreciated, of course.
That brings me to my next question... should I get a mechanic to service it or do it myself? I could do all the grease monkey work, except for any electronic tuning they do. I'm tempted to let a mechanic service it. It costs more but I'll get service lights reset and an entry in the service book thereby maintaining excellent book history. But what is the actual value of having spotless service books for a car like this (in terms of resale value)? Is it worth it? What do you think I should do?
Ok. Take a breather... onto the next topic:
I want to get remote locking for my car. I spoke to a dealer about this and they say that the car probably already has factory remote locking and an alarm but I just wasn't supplied the remote when I got the car. Some of the evidence supporting this:
- Central locking on the car (4 doors and boot). Car can be locked, with a key only from the outside (not by pressing the button inside door). Is this characteristic of a factory set up?
- Blinking, red, "anti theft" light on the stereo (BMW factory 6 CD stacker btw) when car is locked.
- The other day, while I was sleeping, the car alarm allegedly went off for 15 mins, according to my neighbour.
- This car came with full factory options... alloys (good ones), tinted windows, leather trim, stacker so I'd be surprised if the owner didn't opt for remote locking too.
However, despite my best efforts, I can't locate the siren to confirm there is a factory alarm in there. So anyway, does anyone know where the sirens are placed on Bimmers typically? Also did Australian early '96 318i come with central locking (not remote) as standard? I definitely will get remote locking and probably an alarm too (likely from Bav Auto) and just want to know what I actually need. Any help is appreciated.
Anyway that's enough for tonight. Bimmer is dirty and tomorrow will be a major wash and wax session so hopefully you'll get some pics as it is a stunning car, everyone agrees.
However, despite my best efforts, I can't locate the siren to confirm there is a factory alarm in there. So anyway, does anyone know where the sirens are placed on Bimmers typically? Also did Australian early '96 318i come with central locking (not remote) as standard? I definitely will get remote locking and probably an alarm too (likely from Bav Auto) and just want to know what I actually need. Any help is appreciated.
I don't know about Australia, but my siren is located right behind the headlights on the passenger's side of the car. The sticker says "made in Taiwan".
__________________ 1995 325I, window tint, K&N, debaffled airbox, BMW #104 wheels, Nighthawk low beams, smoked side markers, smoked corners, smoked taillights, M3 stlye heated mirrors, various interior bits, Bosal cat-back.
Do a quick search, and I am pretty sure it is in the FAQ section, for Inspection I and II. Print out or write down all of the items from those two and then start checking out the items. That will give you a good idea of what you need to do to the car.
Originally posted by thekid@Apr 2 2005, 07:12 AM Do a quick search, and I am pretty sure it is in the FAQ section, for Inspection I and II. Print out or write down all of the items from those two and then start checking out the items. That will give you a good idea of what you need to do to the car.
Cool. What a great post that was you found. I think I'll go for Inspection 2 and decide if the cost of having a mechanic do it is worth it or not when I know how much $$ it is.
Any ideas on the central locking issue? Maybe I should ring Bav Auto?
I just had a ring around a few service centers and they all seem to quote $400-$500 for Inspection 2 (including all parts). Hmmmm that seems like awful lot of money just to get an entry in a service book.
Originally posted by '89 635 csi@Apr 2 2005, 06:27 AM Welcome!
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My car has 210,000 miles on it. It runs so good, there is nothing wrong with it at all. No fluids leek from the car at all what so ever. I had the 200,000 mile maintenance thing at about 206,000 miles. I believe every fluid in the car wash flushed and all new fluid was put in. I didn't do this at the dealership, but I had it done at this place called JUST BMW, and they do very good work on my car and others. So in my opionon, I would say just pay to have it done and you will be very happy. Like I said I just had a lot done to my car, and with all the miles it has it runs so good, I can't even explain it. So just thought I would share. Happy Bimmering............
$400-$500 sounds about right. With my 318i, I took it to a very meticulous place and I got the service done for ~$550; but they did a few extra things as well. Topped off/flushed fluids, replaced wiper blades, spark plugs, bad gaskets, the werks. I'd get it done - you'd be surprised how much better yuour car runs with this done.
Now... how much would that cost for an m3? I don't know maybe... oh $900 because it's an m... anyone have info on that? Sorry I didn't mean to hijack.
Originally posted by thekid@Apr 1 2005, 12:12 PM Do a quick search, and I am pretty sure it is in the FAQ section, for Inspection I and II. Print out or write down all of the items from those two and then start checking out the items. That will give you a good idea of what you need to do to the car.
This link is awesome, many thanks to me as well, I've had my car for about a month, it is my first car, and I didn't know where to begin as well, I've just been fixing major mechanical problems since I've gotten it (the bill is about 1000 total, but I'm chipping away bit by bit) thanx very much for this good info!
__________________ <img src='http://img183.echo.cx/img183/2546/gtsig8cm.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
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<span style='color:blue'>Founding Member of the Fixed majority of my car's problems with superglue club.</span>
1995 Artikgrau Metallic 325is
Current Mods: Sylvania Silverstar (9006ST) Headlights
Originally posted by Phrozen+Apr 3 2005, 12:36 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Phrozen @ Apr 3 2005, 12:36 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-thekid@Apr 1 2005, 12:12 PM Do a quick search, and I am pretty sure it is in the FAQ section, for Inspection I and II. Print out or write down all of the items from those two and then start checking out the items. That will give you a good idea of what you need to do to the car.
This link is awesome, many thanks to me as well, I've had my car for about a month, it is my first car, and I didn't know where to begin as well, I've just been fixing major mechanical problems since I've gotten it (the bill is about 1000 total, but I'm chipping away bit by bit) thanx very much for this good info!
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Spend the money and do what you gotta do to keep ure Bimmer running strong...
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:!!!! I took the car with 120,000 kms on the clock. Up to 90,000 kms it has had meticulous service history and since then, nothing, according to the books. The car came with service lights reset but that could have been dealer just juicing it up for sale, dunno.
-SOLD..
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