[blue328coupe]

Whats up?
Just purchased my first BMW yesterday. 2000 E46 328ci M/T, and I have to admit, I love it!
So here she is. Named her Madelaine.

Man, is she a blast to drive!

Gave up my Camry for her.

You'll be missed Lexi.


Anyway, I was wondering if there is anything I should be aware of thats not listed in the owner's manual. Like do you really not need to change the oil for 12,000 miles? Are BMW's in general prone to any specific problems that might not be listed as a recall? So far its a very solid car.

 

[witeshark]

Do you have the service history? Oil changes need to be done at normal intervals. That 12,000 mile crap is just BS.

 

[blue328coupe]

Yes I have them. Got a full carfax, all the maintainance records, and everything before I bought it. It's clean. The salesman is the one that told me that. But thats good to know. Although I am under a 5 year warranty that includes road side assistance, I can not do any of my own work. But I am mechanically inclined, so if there are any issues that I should be aware of, please feel free to inform me.

 

[darkhorse737]

=)

Welcome to the Werkz !:rule

 

[drz]

Welcome

Definitely be sure to change you oil around 6000 - 7500 miles. Stick around tehse boards and you'll pick up a lot of good tips :rule

 

[BimmerE39]

Welcome to the Werkz and congratulations on your new Bimmer. I'd look at bushings (particularly the subframe bushings) and thrust bushing in the front control arms. Those are troubled spots on the E46 but overall the rest of the car is really solid. If you don't hear/feel anything bad then you're all set.

 

[blue328coupe]

Well I appreciate the advice. If the bushings are the only troubled spot on an e46, then I should be alright. Its a great car. One owner, non smoker, all highway miles, any service/maintainance was done at a licensed BMW shop, so everything should be alright.
As a random question however, what do repairs like replacing the clutch cost at a BMW shop? Mine is still very good, but when it does need replacing, I'd like to have an estimate

 

[BMD325CI]

Well I appreciate the advice. If the bushings are the only troubled spot on an e46, then I should be alright. Its a great car. One owner, non smoker, all highway miles, any service/maintainance was done at a licensed BMW shop, so everything should be alright.
As a random question however, what do repairs like replacing the clutch cost at a BMW shop? Mine is still very good, but when it does need replacing, I'd like to have an estimate

Good Luck and enjoy your new right.

I did enjoy on mine for four months until it stalled two day ago. I took in for a tune up and the next day I had the tranny went bad the next day.
Tranny run when it cold and not shift when it hot.