20 Months Later... BMW 330i review

[PDenbigh]

Check the sig - 1992 Ranger with 250k

I did pop an engine in the F150 at 150k, so that's a -1 I guess. I did drive that engine at >4k much more often than <4k :-).

[BLINGMW]

ok ok enough, this is a thread about a specific, properly engineered, German car. Not ugly, soulless, POS American cars that WE ALL KNOW are unreliable as hell.

FWIW, we've got the 330's weaker broker, the 325, and haven't had any real problems with it in the almost 6 mo we've owned it. Now keeping all the little orange warning lights off is a different challenge.... the low oil level come on if oil is a drop under completely full, our coolant reservoir has a crack somewhere up high so I am reminded to add water by the low coolant light, and sometimes the car thinks there's something wrong with the right front blinker, so that is highlighted until you use it, it flashes fast for a few seconds then goes to normal and the light goes off. :dunno: It always runs great, and the orange lights don't bother it, so I don't care.

John's description pretty much fits ours, though we get a little bit better fuel economy. Sounds like highway is about the same, ~32ish, but we don't have much trouble getting 25 in town. The Mini only got a touch better than that, so I can't complain. To ME, the car has plenty of power, though I'd probably pass on a drag race with John.

[Maengelito]

Looks like it also needs a new camshaft position sensor (not sure which one yet, maybe both), and an extra ground wire on each of the taillight housings.

need a garage?

[JohnC]

and sometimes the car thinks there's something wrong with the right front blinker, so that is highlighted until you use it, it flashes fast for a few seconds then goes to normal and the light goes off.

I had the same issue - solved it by bending the contacts in the bulb housing so they gripped the bulb more firmly. I also added some dielectric grease.

I think the same thing is happening with my taillights. I checked the harness, and it's in great shape, so I'm not going to do any re-wiring just yet.

[JohnC]

Looks like it also needs a new camshaft position sensor (not sure which one yet, maybe both), and an extra ground wire on each of the taillight housings.

need a garage?

Eventually, yes.

The reason I'm on the lookout for a camshaft position sensor code is because the car actually stalled out while idling. Granted, this happened once, on a fairly steep slope in a very wavy parking lot, and I haven't been able to make it happen again. If I can get a good code, I'll start really digging. If not, I'm not worried about it.

[JohnC]

Finally had a dead-in-the-water, non-start situation with the BMW. Background info - since taking the new job in September, I've been walking/biking to work and I haven't driven the car except for a couple of times on weekends. Towards the end of October, it was having some trouble starting, and eventually became stranded in my driveway.

The engine was turning over but not firing. The battery and alternator were fine (and had been replaced last year). I replaced the fuel filter and spark plugs to no effect (both were overdue anyway). I checked all the relevant fuses and relays. The fuel pump was getting power and was running. However, after finally putting a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail, it was clear that the fuel pressure during starting was too low (~18 psi). I replaced the fuel pump this afternoon and after a little priming, she fired up.

Anyhow - I'm glad to have not been stranded, and pleased at how easy the work was (relative to some of my other automotive experiences). I'll be replacing a front tie rod and getting some new rear tires mounted, then probably putting the car up for sale after the new year. It needs to be out on the roads, not rotting in my driveway. Anyone interested?

[D_Eclipse9916]

Automatic? Price? miles? My mom is looking for a car and she has ended up loving my bmw.

[JohnC]

Automatic? Price? miles? My mom is looking for a car and she has ended up loving my bmw.

6-speed manual, ~97k, and I don't know.