evan9381 Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 anything i should look out for on these? i vaguely recall something about one of the suspension parts failing early (like 50k miles early). was that something on these years? anything else to look out for? im really wanting to find a MT AWD model, but it looks like theyre few and far between, most being autos. i'd probably also spring for something like a 330ci. thanks in advance Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ansonivan Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 They're great cars, just be sure to buy the right one, you could easily buy someones neglected beater which will immediately need $2000 in parts. All of the work on them is diy friendly assuming you have some level of mechanical aptitude. Bimmerforums.com has a ton of good info and articles if you're willing to wade through the fanboi bullshit. common wear items: - The front control arms and bushings do go soft fairly early - complete cooling system - thermostat, water pump, expansion tank and radiator - ccv/oil separator system - blower motor final stage resistor - window regulators Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Bruh Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 we have a very very clean 330ci right now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 Thermostat/Water Pump Rear Springs Front Control Arm Bushings/Ball Joints/Inner Tie Rods - You replace the control arm if the ball joint goes bad. Valve Cover Gasket Secondary Air Injection System Issues Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWW$HEEET Posted January 6, 2010 Report Share Posted January 6, 2010 rear subframe i believe. e46M3s are affordable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan9381 Posted January 7, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 (edited) we have a very very clean 330ci right now. autotragic + vert = 2 things i want the complete opposite of. thanks though. Edited January 7, 2010 by evan9381 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Hal Posted January 7, 2010 Report Share Posted January 7, 2010 They're great cars, just be sure to buy the right one, you could easily buy someones neglected beater which will immediately need $2000 in parts. All of the work on them is diy friendly assuming you have some level of mechanical aptitude. Bimmerforums.com has a ton of good info and articles if you're willing to wade through the fanboi bullshit. common wear items: - The front control arms and bushings do go soft fairly early - complete cooling system - thermostat, water pump, expansion tank and radiator - ccv/oil separator system - blower motor final stage resistor - window regulators This. I absolutely loved my '02 330i. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evan9381 Posted January 14, 2010 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 so those who commented, how long would you think the average life is on the above mentioned parts? i found an 01 330ci with <67k miles. if none of those things have been replaced, how soon do you think it would be before i can expect to start having to fix/replace these things? and im waiting for the seller to email me back now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey Posted January 14, 2010 Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 I would start setting away money for the cooling system parts right away. Control arms can vary a lot by how the car was driven. The blower resistor is a cheap fix anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmw330is Posted January 14, 2010 Report Share Posted January 14, 2010 crankcase vent problems control arm carrier bushings cam sensors electric t stat oil filter housing gasket final stage resistor coolant reservoir all in all, theyre great cars. They have their issues but none should stop you from buying one. Also change your oil AT LEAST every 7500mi. Dont believe the 15k lie. At 67k, you should check the rear springs if they havent been replaced, odds are theyre broken. The carrier bushings are donezo if they havent been been replaced. Maybe some others but they should be apparent. edit, and check the battery. replace if its original. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FST94TSI Posted January 17, 2010 Report Share Posted January 17, 2010 you should really consider going to autoassets in powell. Talk to Matt. They have one of the best bmw techs around working there. Most of their cars, especially bmw's are very well serviced before and after sale. I took my bmw's there for years and always received top notch service and products at a lower rate than the stealership. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossle Posted January 17, 2010 Report Share Posted January 17, 2010 If none of the suspension stuff has been replaced yet, it is all possible, if not expected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmw330is Posted January 18, 2010 Report Share Posted January 18, 2010 you should really consider going to autoassets in powell. Talk to Matt. They have one of the best bmw techs around working there. Most of their cars, especially bmw's are very well serviced before and after sale. I took my bmw's there for years and always received top notch service and products at a lower rate than the stealership. from what ive heard about them, they used to be a good shop. As far as current state, Ive seen a couple p-cars fucked up by them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Posted January 18, 2010 Report Share Posted January 18, 2010 you should really consider going to autoassets in powell. Talk to Matt. They have one of the best bmw techs around working there. Most of their cars, especially bmw's are very well serviced before and after sale. I took my bmw's there for years and always received top notch service and products at a lower rate than the stealership. from what ive heard about them, they used to be a good shop. As far as current state, Ive seen a couple p-cars fucked up by them. I was not happy with my experiences at AutoAssets, and have a LOT of friends with VAG cars have bad experiences there as well. From my experiences, and those of friends, they try to squeeze every last penny out of you and seem like they couldn't care less if you would be a repeat customer. GIAC lost my business because of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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