Edmunds Answers questions

how can I move elec seats in car after elec failure, it a bmw x5

kim31 — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 09:19:30 GMT

We just bought a flood damaged x5, it needs a few bits of work but mainly electrical. I need to move the front seats in order to get to the bolts but they wont move, any ideas? also the passenger door lock wont budge and as the door is closed I need to get it unlocked, oh yeah and have also tried both methods of getting fuel cover open but nothing happening! help, please!!

How does the BMw x5 perform on the beach? Can it be used on the beach?

tonyiamhe — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:17:39 GMT

I am thinking about the x5 but we do go on to the beach during the summers and was wondering if it can handle the beach?

Import of BMW 645ci from Europe and M6 of American specs?

bil_max — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:37:29 GMT

i want to import bmw 645ci from europe and m6 of american specs to middle east (dubai) so will there be any problem regarding the air conditioning and cooling if so do let me know how to solve it and what would be the expense

I have a 89 735il. I changed the thermostat & water pump now it overheats all the time. Is this a pressure system

putitallin1 — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:12:29 GMT

when I rev the engine to 3-4000 rpm sometime the gage comes back down
how do I get pressure in the system?

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?

Car that can last one million miles?

stephenabelson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:25:39 GMT

Hello,

I am curious to get your opinion on a subject. Considering the terrible economy that we are in today at this time, and even if we do get out of it, it still doesn't make sense to buy a new car every 3-5 years, I am considering either keeping my car, a 1995 BMW 525i with 134,000 miles on it, or buying a new car, but keeping it until I reach One Million Miles. I have narrowed down my choices and options to a select few cars based on reliability, fun factor, what cars I like (obviously), and what cars I think might have a shot at getting to that one million mark. All used cars I would consider would have less than 30,000 miles, well documented cars, one owner, no accidents obviously. Some of the others are brand new. I don't consider anything but whether or not I like the car, reliability issues, and whether or not I consider it a viable candidate. Size is not an issue, nor is price at this point. I realize the cars I have listed below are varied prices, sizes and utility. That is the point, to get to find the "perfect" car. The only thing I care about is automatic transmission, and four doors. I won't consider convertibles, SUV's, or coupes. The cars I am considering are:

My current car, 1995 BMW 525i, automatic, 134,000 miles, runs great. problem areas: some rust, could use a new paint job, maybe a tune up soon. I love my car, so it would be something I would enjoy driving that long, I think, but I'm not certain it is a viable candidate. I would also consider a 1995 BMW 525i with less mileage, less issues than mine currently has.

2009-2010 Volvo S80

1998-2000 Lexus LS400

1998-2001 Lexus GS300

1998-2010 Volvo V70 -non turbo wagon

2009-2010 BMW 335i -four door, automatic, with or without all wheel drive, (still up in air)

2010 BMW 525i with our without all wheel drive, (still up in air)

2010 Ford Taurus

2010 Toyota Camry

2010 Toyota Corolla

2006-2008 Acura TL, (don't like the new styling)

2009-2010 Infiniti G35 or G37, with or without all wheel drive (still up in air)

2008 Audi A4 Quattro

Besides my 95 BMW, I am not certain that I would consider anything that old because I don't have any experience with it. Although, I can be convinced if there is a good argument for something that I have not considered, so please feel free to add another option in my mind that you think might have the possibility of reaching this goal.

Any feedback you can give to me would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,

Steve

Is the 35i or 50i bmwx6 series going to have sunroofs that slided back?

myerjoy — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 19:15:21 GMT

35i or 50i going to have sunroofs that slided back

Do BMW convertibles come with either front wheel drive or all terain drive?

jebweb — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:27:47 GMT

Do BMW convertibles come with either front wheel drive or all terain drive?

i have a bmwx3 and running it on reg gas, it doesnt seem to be a problem-thoughts?

puppyhead — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 12:37:06 GMT

i have an bmw x3 and looking for a crossover
any recommendations?
if i were to be "green" where what would you recommend?

Anybody else with power steering loss on their BMW Z4 while driving

arcardinal1 — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 19:35:05 GMT

I have a 03 BMW Z4, with only 40K miles. The power steering works when I start up the car, but sometimes, during most drives, the power steering will just stop working and the idiot light comes on. If I pull over, turn it off and back on, it works again for a minute or a day. I can go around the block and it will go off, or I can drive 50 miles and it will not happen. It always works when I first turn it on. The dealer claims the steering column has to be replaced, at the low price of $3000. I bought an extended warranty that, guess what?, excludes the column.
Hopefully, my problem is not unique but Murphy's Law does follow me around. Is there any chance the diagnoses given to me by Bemmer incorrect? Any second opinion for a low cost fix would be greatly appreciated.

BMW X3 2.5i sport when driving the steering tends to suddenly pull to one side and then back again any ideas? many thx

chompy — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 14:03:40 GMT

2000 3 2.5i sport 18" alloys with low profiles 94.000

I blew the woofer in my 2001 BMW Z3 - whats the best option to replace it?

javajam66 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:55:18 GMT

Hi - I have a 2001 BMW Z3 2.5 Roadster convertible. Recently I blew out the woofer that sits between the seats - since its so small I was told it couldn't be replaced with a regular one from Best Buy. And that to replace it would mean basically taking the car apart, seat removal etc. - sounded like too much taking apart of the car to be any good for it. The other option posed by this gentleman I spoke with was to put a box in the trunk and basically run the speaker from there. I don't know what the best option is - I'm probably going to trade the car in within the next year and don't want to devalue it by doing something like that as well as losing precious trunk space. But on the other hand I dont want the car to be taken apart so comprehensively just to replace this woofer. Any counsel you could provide would be soooooooooooo much appreciated. Sincerely, J Brown

Is it best to take BMW's to the dealership for paint work?

lizh1 — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:19:51 GMT

i have a major scratch on the trunk- my mechanic gave me a great estimate- he specializes in german cars and does both body work as well as engine repairs. I trust him and think he always does a great job. However my friends are telling me I need to take it to the dealership so they can be sure to use BMW paint- and if I don't it will lost re-sale value. I know dealerships are a rip off - but I also know sometimes you do get what you pay for. Thoughts?

What is Edmunds relationship with BMW?

cjtuok — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:08:31 GMT

I thought I contacted BMW about my problem and get a response from Edmunds???

What do these numbers mean on my BMW rims?

missrhe — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:12:34 GMT

71/20X17, RS723, IS 41 and 1094373. need more info on these rims! I know its the rim size and stuff...but how do i find out what kind of BMW they fit and stuff? Thanks

Storing BMW Z4 for the winter.

slim11 — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:37:45 GMT

When storing my BMW Z4 for the winter months what tire pressure should I have in the tires? Thank you

Steering trouble with 2004 BMW Z4.

colleenk — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:08:30 GMT

The steering is jurky. It first started happening about 1 1/2 years ago usually when it was hot outside. Now it happens more often than not. While driving down the road the steering wheel feels like there is a dead spot. It is hard to keep the car going straight. No indicator lights are on. The car had been looked at three times and they say nothing is wrong under the car. Is there something else that you've heard of about the z4 that might help my machanic?

I want to buy a preowned car from a BMW dealer offered at $28,000. I live in NY and have credit score of 735. Interest rate?

amukhi — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:26:59 GMT

Purchasing a preowned BMW convertible

I have poor credit, somewhere between 550-600. I'm looking to finance a 2001 BMW priced at $12k. Will I get approved?

los3403 — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:18:50 GMT

Currently I am not working, however I do have a good amount of savings and am planning on putting down at least 1k. I have also been living in my residence for over three years.

Just bought a pre-owned 2006 BMW X5. I didn't get a password from the dealer to pair my cell phone. Any ideas?

crista — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 01:11:01 GMT

I have a Sprint Blackberry. I haven't gotten a manual yet either (it's coming).

How much does the BMW M5 engine weigh?

traffic_tom — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:49:20 GMT

How much does the BMW S85B50 V-10 engine from the current M5 weigh?

2003 BMW X5 jet black, 65k. The paint on the inside edges of the doors, hood and rear hatch is fading to the primer.

peddler4 — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:55:22 GMT

i bought this vehicle new, never had any paint work done.

Is BMW planning to offer their diesel engine on their 3 or 5 series sports wagons ?

elliswyatt — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:20:55 GMT

Question about diesel engine availability in BMW spotrswagons?

I have a 2005 BMW X3. Given normal wear and tear on paved roads, what mileage should I expect from a set of tires?

sparks37 — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:19:58 GMT

I have a 2005 BMW X3. Given normal wear & tear on paved roads, what mileage should I expect from a set of tires? The car is never taken off-road. Typical mileage is about 7,500 per annum.

Hello, I bought a used 2007 BMW last year and am thinking about buying a new one. What factors should I consider?

tjack2 — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:32:01 GMT

Hello,

I bought a used 2007 BMW last year that had about 16k miles. It was stock and did not have any package. The car now has about 33k miles and I have been debate on trading it in and getting a brand new one, perhaps leasing this time. I done some initially reason and found that I am upside on the video and my car loan is more than the car is worth.

I need some advice about what things I need to consider and research if I want to trade my current BMW in for a new one. I had a brief discussion with a BMW salesman and they gave me the impression that I could walk out of their dealership with my dream BMW in a matter of seconds. I know this is not the case and there are some games involved in how they determine trade in value etc....

Thanks for the advice.

I'm in the Dominican Republic and my car is an 2003 BMW X5 4.4i. Need a good supplier to buy some parts. Recommendations?

jencarnacion — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:58:04 GMT

Good parts supplier?

Where to find a BMW X3 Bluetooth pairing code?

ddwzf — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:42:20 GMT

Just bought a 08 used X3, the car has Bluetooth connection. the Phone & bluetooth manual says the pairing code is available from the "onboarding literature". I have the owner's manual but have no idea what the "onboarding literature" is. Anybody here has any idea on how I can get the pairing code?

Thanks!

Does a 2008 BMW x5 leak dust?

aussie_rob — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:38:40 GMT

I'm thinking of getting an E70 X5 diesel but I cannot find any road tests or reports on whether they leak dust on unsealed roads.

I read a recent review on the E70 (2007+) which suggested that dust leaks through the seals in the rear spit door. I'm guessing the pressure from incoming air through the aircon system (as you suggest) will keep the dust to an absolute minimum. I'm being cautious about spending $100k on a vehicle that might disappoint me. This would be my 5th Bimmer but they've all been sedans and not taken off road. The reviewer suggested the previous model E54 (2002+)didn't have this problem.

I really appreciate your interest. cheers Rob

Where can I find a booster and a master cylinder for a 1974 BMW 2002 and other new or used parts ?

rotaryfeen — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 04:51:30 GMT

Where can I find a brake booster and master cylinder for a 1974 BMW 2002 and or other new or used parts?

2003 BMW Z4 has a creaking sound in the electric power steering when I turn the wheel very slowly. Any ideas?

borntodrive1 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:54:57 GMT

The car did this intermittently 6-8 months ago, then stopped. Now it's back again, and more frequent. It's kind of a groaning sound, and I can feel a very slight resistance when it does it while turning the wheel slowly. Is this a common problem; an urgent situation? If it's complex, how much to repair?

BMW Z4 steering column replacement? EPS light on.

sonnyr — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:03:14 GMT

I have a 2003 Z4 2.5 and I just had the same thing happen to me. The EPS light came on and now the dealership wants $3,300 to replace the steering column.

'07 BMW 335ci with 20k miles vs. a '06 BMW 550 with 40k? If similar in price, which is the better way to go, more fun to drive, etc.?

kevin111 — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:29:18 GMT

Just looking at the moment, and might be willing to wait to buy. Was considering a year old 335 coupe and a 2 year old 550i sedan. Which car is more fun to drive? I am a single guy in the Los Angeles area, so the extra size of the 550i is not a big factor for me.

- I have found the two cars to be similiar in price. Is there a reason to go with the 550i over the 335i coupe?

Between a 1995 BMW 325i with 90k or a 1994 525i with 108k; which is a better option for dependability and reliability? Thanks.

stefeni — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 13:38:20 GMT

Both Carfax reports are clean/nothing negative and both original owners.

What's the difference between the BMW 328I convertible and the M3?

scheppelem — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:37:36 GMT

What is the difference between the M3 and the 328i convertible? Other than the horsepower they look the same.

I'm looking to buy my first BMW. Any suggestions?

faganjr — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:15:07 GMT

I'm looking to buy my first BMW. Any suggestions? I'm looking at used.

I saw a 7 series 2002 with 96,000 miles. Good buy for $16,000?

The car is super clean and is at a good dealership? How many miles is too much for a BMW?

Would 3 series be a better choice? What should I look out for? I looked at the reviews for Benz and they don't seem that they reliable. So that's why I decided on BMW.

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.

Can some one tell me how to buy extended warranty? for 2004 X5 6c

makbar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 23:45:56 GMT

I have a 2004 X5 all WD i need to buy extended warranty, please tell what options i have and how much to pay?
thanks

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.

My lease is up soon on my BMW X5 and want to know how much negotiating room there is on the buyout price

mchagnon — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:31:22 GMT

My lease is up soon on my BMW X5 and want to know how much negotiating room there is on the buyout price

Should I buy a 2001 BMW X5, mileage 71000? I am concerned about reliability and cost of repairs.

kallen85 — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:42:16 GMT

Looking for advice as to what type of repairs to expect and whether it will be a money pit.

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?

How to replace side lAMP for 2003 bmw 530

diver49 — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:11:07 GMT

How do you replace the side lamp for a 2003 Bmw 530?

BMW DASH LIGHTS

patty_cakes85 — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:59:52 GMT

I have heard that its possible to repair the dash lights on many late model bmw's without. the red lights in the dash and center display have some pixels that are dim but some are also fine. anyone have suggestions for repairs without replacement???? i would definitely appreciate the help

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?