Edmunds Answers questions

What BMW 318i wheels are compatible for replacements?

bramja — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:31:09 GMT

I have a 94 BMW 318i convertible that currently has 15" wheels with 5 lug configuration. The rims are shot and I need to replace them. What are my options? Anyone know?

New BMW, low oil indicator

nitpicky — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:10:50 GMT

2008 BMW 335xi "low oil indicator" after only 6k miles. Is this normal? I added a quart and the indicator went off.

Does anyone know how the BMW European Delivery option works?

acor — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 15:13:11 GMT

I'm thinking of a new car next year. Maybe I could combine it with a vacation. Anyone gone to Germany to get a new BMW at the factory? Do I have to buy a top of the line BMW to use the European delivery option?

I'm trying to see if my BMW 3-Series qualifies as a 'lemon' under the Lemon Law.

slidingtool — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 23:26:51 GMT

Where's the best place to start? The dealer has been giving me a hard time about it saying that my claim is baseless. I have every record from the service (over 20 visits in 2 years) and countless hours of my time.

ticking tappet noise from engine disapears when warm have had it before and had to replace engine big ends gone ??

birdcbr — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:56:43 GMT

I have an engine noise from my 3 series E46 i have had this noise before and had to replace the engine because the big ends enventually went. This noise disappears when the engine is warm. Theory is the oil may ne too thick or and oilway blaoked, can you advise?

I have a 2000 328CI BMW with 86000 mi. How difficult will it be to sell? It's still being financed

dede43 — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:03:39 GMT

The car is in clean condition. I still have 8,000 miles or 7 months for the warranty. It's still being Financed through Capital One. I owe $6, 000 on it and I would like to sell it for $11, 500. No wrecks or anything I've taking good care of it.

Are they RFT?

oldnewbie — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 23:10:33 GMT

My dealership replaced the tires on the 325i 2006 I purchased in Oct.07 because of noise problems. All 4 tires were replaced at no charge. I have read somewhat about these Potenza 225/45R17 tires and see the reference to RFT. No where on the tire can I see mention of RFT. I think the ones replaced were RFT. If there is no indication of RFT. this means they are not, correct? Bear with me I am a real newbie.

I am considering purchasing a used BMW 325i.

hputsche — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 13:35:57 GMT

I have never owned a BMW and wonder what to expect in terms of maintenance, or things to watch out for.

330i serpentine belt diagram

airmedic911 — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 12:20:09 GMT

I broke the serpentine belt on my 330i. Can't for the life of me find a diagram for belt routing. Thanks
RJ

BMW328xi Dealer lease demo w 3680 mi for same price as new car lease from another dealer. What dicount $ is fair?

julesrac — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 09:18:51 GMT

Dealer is leasing Demo with 3680 miles asking same amount that I can get a new car with 12 miles on it. They want $5,208.00 at signing which includes 2,495.00 cash plus $249.00 doc fees. I do not want to pay the cash and doc fees, is that a fair offer?

I have a 2002 325ix with poor am reception. the dealer said replace rear window $1,000.00. any suggestions?

cjblatch — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:10:40 GMT

i have a 2002 325 ix with poor am radio reception. the dealer said to replace the rear window for $1,000.00. Any help at a cheaper price?

Is there a diffence between a 1995 BMW 325 manual transmission and a 1995 BMW M3 manual transmisson for swapping

lordfarquaad — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 10:14:45 GMT

My son is putting together the parts for swapping his 95 automatic transmission in an M3 with a manual transmission. I see a good price on a 95 manual transmission from a 325 near where I live and I wanted to know if the M3 and the 325 use the same transmission. I realize there are quite a few other parts that are necessary for the full swap. thanks

BMW 3-Series---What is a good year BMW 328i or 328xi to buy certified preowned?

dhumpty — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 01:06:12 GMT

I've heard that BMW is the best car for so long and I've always liked it. In a way, I'd like to purchase a new one, but then again, is the latest model necessarily the best?
Would I save a few dollars by starting my BMW experience with a preowned OR would I really miss out on spectacular new stuff?
Is there a particular year within the past four years that anybody thinks the 328 (sedan) stood out from other years?

I need a passcode for my BMW 3 Series radio can you help me? I already have the serial # if it will help.

hopehunter — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:48:57 GMT

It's for a 1998 BMW 323i Convertible E36.

I have a 1996 328i BMW. There is a whistling sound coming form the windshield at speeds 40mph over any suggestion

kelleyjean — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:46:11 GMT

we have noticed the seal around the windshield is a lttle worn and have duct taped it still whistles

I have a BMW 318i. Got a tune up done but it is still running sluggish what could be wrong? check engine light on.

boricuamami198 — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 11:44:24 GMT

I had a tune up done to my car. Spark plugs wires the whole deal. It was puttering so i thought that would make it better. Not it didn't help the problem as a matter of fact it made it worse. WHat could be wrong with my car. I am so fed up i want to kick it. Please help me. I took it in for emmisions and MIL COMMAND failed. Please help anyone help......Please...:(

I have an 07 BMW 335 automatic, when slowing to about 5mph and then resume back to normal speed, it jerks, lunges forward

2007335 — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 22:49:28 GMT

When I am slowing down in my 335 automatic to an "almost" complete stop and the resume normal speed, when applying normal gas pedal pressure, the car sometime lunges forward. If you had a cup of coffee or soda, you would be wearing most of it. It is very annoying and the dealership says this is normal, the computer says all specs are set ok...!

Is this a good lease deal on a BMW 328xi?

pamela12 — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 21:57:32 GMT

this is my first time dealing with bmw, and all the hidden costs and extras have me thrown. i live in ny and i am curious to know if the deal i am receiving is good, i am interested in the 328xi, prem package, cold weather, automatic, and navigation 15k per yr,. the original price i was quoted was 42,550, but since i am leasing we have been primarily discussing payments so my final numbers were 463 a month, with 5000 down and that would include: bank fee 625, registration + license 100, security 500, doc fee 45, tire recycle 12.50, and including my taxes in that money upfront, plus about 2000 towards cap reduction. my money factor number is .00195. i am supposed to go meet with him tomorrow is this a good deal? thank you very much...

Has anyone had problems with their power window switches in BMW 325 ci?

lmass1951 — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 16:22:42 GMT

Two of the switches broke. The windows can only go down if I put the convertible top down. And will only close if I put it up.

Heater/blower fan on my 2001 BMW 330I intermittently blows high regardless of the number of bars selected. Advice?

bcmartin — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 23:13:49 GMT

I have a climate-control system on my '01 330I. The heater/blower fan works well for the first 15 or so min. after starting the car from a cold state, but then blows at its highest setting regardless of the number of bars on the fan control whether selected manually or automatically by the Climate-control system. The number of bars doesn't change, but the blower motor blows hard as though the highest setting were selected. The fan returns to normal intensity (reflecting the number of bars selected) after a couple of minutes, and repeats that cycle randomly thereafter.

Any ideas?

What is dry rot? I've a BMW 325ci, 4 years with 16K miles on it in NYC. Dealership said I need to change tires.

waimt — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:14:51 GMT

What is dry rot?

I 've a BMW 325ci, 4 years with 16K miles on it (bought it brand new_ - I live in NYC, went for my last service checkup under 4 years warranty - dealership said I need to change all tires since I have dry rot on it... but engines and everything else is fine.

BMW 328i replacing RTFs - where are you going to place your spare tire? Is it not more dangerous driving without a spare tire?

chingoy — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:05:19 GMT

driving a 2007 BMW 328i sedan, still don't know if what to do in replacing the rft tire to a gft. what's going to happen if you don't have a spare tire? isn't it more dangerous than using an rft?

The turn signal on my BMW 325xi doesn't work and the bulb is not burnt out. Any ideas?

mybmw2 — Mon, 05 May 2008 23:51:18 GMT

The turn signal and rear brake light on my 2002 BMW 325xi does not work and the bulb is not burnt out. Initially, the light was burning out frequently, now the bulb is fine but the turn signal and brake light don't work. I know someone else with a 2003 325xi with the same problem but after messing around with the wires, it started working. I don't want to pay big bucks for an electric system analysis if someone else has had the same problem and knows the answer. I'm wondering if it is a defect with the model since I know someone else with the same unsolved issue.

I have a 07 BMW 335i coupe with RFTs. RFTs expose wheels to wheel eating curbs. Can you recommend nonRFT tire?

larryblackwell — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:54:12 GMT

Would like to buy nonRFTs that provide sidewall protection for wheels on 335 BMW coupe.

1987 BMW 325 E30 tach and mpg gauge stopped working.

upbeamer — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:07:41 GMT

They both worked until last Fall though the mpg indicator would spike then return to normal. Tach always worked. Then one day they didn't. Checked fuses - they appear okay. Any suggestions? I'm lost. Thanks - Denis

I need to know the following I have a 1999 BMW 323i four door sedan codes...p0303, p0170, p1250 and p1250

bigmike707 — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 21:30:21 GMT

the codes are: p0303,p0170,p1250 and p1250 these codes are manufacture codes.

Where can I purchase springs for 1991 BMW series 318i

worrallice2 — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:59:37 GMT

Need to fix rear suspension-need to know where we can acquire rear springs for 1991 series 318i. Mechanic is having trouble loctating/acquiring springs to repair vehichle.

I am having a sluggish throttle response problem with a 2004 BMW 318i SE. Any theories?

billy6475 — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:09:13 GMT

it had been running fine i have tried replacing plugs and plug leads and all filters there is also a warning light on for emissions but when i re-set this it stays off until i go on a long journey for example if i drive continious on the motorway for 80 miles or so

Sluggish throttle on BMW 318i 2004

billy6475 — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:48:33 GMT

i did a code diagnostic and no faults are showing up but car is very sluggish at low revs any ideas

Where can I get a downloadable copy of my owners manual for my 1997 BMW 328i? Thanks!

brushes5 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:27:04 GMT

when i purchased my used car it did not come with an owners manual and i need to understand some of the functions of my car.

Where can you tie down a canoe on a BMW 325i?

rhomberg — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:31:40 GMT

I have a 2001 BMW 325i 4 door. I can put a canoe on the roof but where am I going to tie it down front and back? The toe hooks are both on the left side and you need to have it tied down on both sides. I did see a 325i with one on going the other way down the interstate so I know it can be done. Anybody know??

What does the light signify that's showing up on my BMW 3 Series dashboard by the rear driver side?

sddeb — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 20:30:52 GMT

When I turned on the car this afternoon, the picture of the car on the dashboard remained lit, along with a picture of a rear light. But I checked my lights and they all work.
Any ideas? Thanks.

BMW 335i. Is it hard to find these models with few options?

chagrincar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:59:51 GMT

Like the 335i, but too expensive with many options.

Need alternator belt and mechanic makes me replace the tensioners on my 330i BMW. Cost =$600.00. Is this normal? HELP

kwiles — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:03:38 GMT

I need a new alternator belt (milage 52000) and the mechanic said that the tensioners on my 330i BMW are wound so tight its impossible to get them wound that tight once they put on the belt. Therefore, they will need to be replaced. The total cost is $600.00. Has anyone else experienced this? Do the tensioners REALLY need to be replaced?? That seems really expensive ??
Help :)

I have just purchased a BMW 318ti but it has no handbook. What does the switch S E M do to transmission?

veldy — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:23:39 GMT

I have just purchased a 1998 318ti with no handbook. The switch by the transmission with S E & M on it. What does it do? presume it change the settings in the transmission but if the M is for tiptronic how do you use it?

At what RPM does the turbo kick in on the BMW 335i?

bobothedude — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:15:52 GMT

at what RPM does the turbo kick in on the BMW 335i

What is a good replacement tire for the BMW 2006 330I sports series, without the run flats?

silvercruiser — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 21:16:20 GMT

My BMW run flats are in need of replacement and am thinking of going with go flat tires. Has anyone tried this and does it hurt warranty coverage?

Why does the steering feel like manual steering on my 2007 BMW 335i?

trumpetman — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 02:46:03 GMT

I just bought a beautiful 2007, low miles BMW with premium & sport package with 18inch run-flat tires. Though the steering is precise it feels like manuel steering & not easy like my honda or 2007 escalade. Is it the tires or can it be adjusted or something is wrong??

BMW 335xi demo lease. Good or bad?

adny007 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:59:56 GMT

I need to figure out if this demo lease quote I got is any good.
Car man I need your help big time.

This is the car info.
335xi Cp USD 42,600.00
Color A35 Monaco Blue Metallic 475.00
Upholstery LCD3 Saddle Brown Dakota Leather N/C
Options ZPP Premium Package 2,550.00
319 Universal Garage Door Opener N/C
430 Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors N/C
431 Auto-dimming rearview mirror N/C
488 Lumbar support N/C
4NA Digital compass mirror N/C
639 BMW Assist N/C
ZSP Sport Package 400.00
2KG 17" Light-alloy wheels V-Spoke (style 188) ... N/C
481 Sport seats N/C
203 All-wheel-drive N/C
205 STEPTRONIC automatic transmission 1,275.00
2XA Sports leather steering wheel with paddle shift... 100.00
322 Comfort Access system 500.00
494 Heated front seats 500.00
507 Park Distance Control (rear only) 350.00
609 Navigation system 2,100.00
620 Voice activation N/C
6FL iPod and USB adapter 400.00
6UH Real Time Traffic Information N/C
Net Total 51,250.00
Destination Charge 775.00
Gas Guzzler Tax N/C
Total Suggested Price 52,025.00

Lease price is 650 at 36 months with 1200 miles a year

Payment Details
Term: 36
Base Payment: 650.28
Total Payment: 650.28
Purchase Option: 28,191.85
MSRP: 52,025.00
Est. Miles Per Year: 12,000
Disposition Fee: 350.00

Money Due at Inception
1st Month Payment: 650.28
Security Deposit: 0.00
Acq Fee (Upfront): 625.00
Fees & Ins: (Upfront) 105.00
Upfront Taxes: 2,085.65
Cap Reduction (Cash): 0.00
Total Out of Pocket 3,465.93
Customer Rebates: 0.00
Total Initial Charges: 3,465.93

Excess Mileage Charge: 0.20

2004 BMW 330ci performance package stopping problem with ABS.

shobeam — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:55:50 GMT

in a panic stop at speed of less then thirty five mph it felt like the anti lock may have not worked ...do anti lock brakes still pulse? has there been any talk of this issue etc.??

I have just put new batteries in the key of my BMW 318ti. How do you reproram the key?

veldy — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:29:08 GMT

I have just put new batteries in my BMW 318ti. How do you re program the key?

Warning sign on dashboard. BMW 325.

tlw6 — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:21:06 GMT

A quick question: 2003 bmw 325, a yellow sign appears under the temperature meter. It is a small circle with three dots on each side. What is it? I can't locate the manual to look it up. Thanks.

I have a 2006 325i BMW with run flat tires. They are noisy and ride rough. Are there better RFTs than the Bridgestone?

zcieri — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 19:59:42 GMT

I have a 2006 325 i bmw. It came standard with run flat tires. Bridgestone is the make of the tire. After 20,000 miles I had to buy a set of four new bridgestones for my car. They ride very rough, and are very noisy. Are there a better choice of tire for me. Maybe a different brand and style.I love my car but hate the tires, please help....

I bought a 1987 ci325 BMW and forgot to ask how to put it into reverse. Oops. I need to know this info please.

cryweg — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:21:01 GMT

Some one said you have to push down on the stick shift but this does not work.

My 2002 BMW 325i idles loud and runs rough when the engine is cold.

mfrye13 — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:38:05 GMT

I have noticed lately... when I first start my car when the engine is cold, it idles a little loud and runs a little rough. I have no warning lights on and no error codes. Any idea what could cause this and what I should do?

Need help choosing BMW CPO model!

pinktrees — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:31:49 GMT

Hoping you Bimmer aficionados can help me as my head is swimming! I want to spend about $25K on a used 3-series. I have a Lexus IS 350 now, and while it has 300+ hp, it is more "sedan" than "sport". I want fast & fun, like a Mini but with more refined materials, you know? SO...2006 330i or 2007 328i, both sedans. Seems $25K won't cut it for the coupe. Would SO appreciate your input!

Is a new transfer case normal at 115,000 miles for a BMW 325 xiT?

pguzy — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:14:47 GMT

i have a 2003 325 xit wagon. I have only done service at one dealer and at 115,000 miles they have told me that i need a new transfer case ( for $3,000). I had a 100,000 mile warranty. is it normal for the transfer case to go at this millage? could it be defective? could it have not been serviced properly? how can I find out? could it be a CV joint?

thank you

Why won't my 2003 BMW 325i shift into gear after starting up but will when off?. Perhaps water damage?

emilyosays — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:16:12 GMT

i drove through some water the other day then when i started it up the next day i couldn't put it in gear. when the car is off i can shift with clutch in or out, but while running it refuses. what could this mean?

How do I reach the battery behind the instrument panel of a 1987 BMW 325. If I have to remove the panel--how?

upbeamer — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:23:05 GMT

I have been told there is a double A ni-cad battery behind the instrument panel that powers the mileage gauge as well as the tac on my 87 325. How do I reach it and if I have to remove the panel how do I go about that? Thanks
Denis

My 92 BMW 325i 5 speed with 180,000 miles slips out of 1st gear every now and then. Why?

gwwarren — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:28:21 GMT

180,00 miles. 6 cylinder, never replaced transmission, it slips out of 1st gear about twice per week, I drive 20 miles per day in bumper to bumper traffic. any suggestion will be appreciated