The Official BMW 3-Series Discussion Thread
04-25-2012, 10:25 AM
#4642
My first Avatar....
= you.
04-25-2012, 06:23 PM
#4643
Senior Moderator
Mark (nokiaman) said the same thing about them but I just want a nice car that all I have do do is put gas in it and change the oil for a year before replacing shit 
And the IS seems to be worth at least trying out.
Other options for $8-10k?
Don't think I want a S2k. Need a four season car.
And the IS seems to be worth at least trying out.
Other options for $8-10k?
Don't think I want a S2k. Need a four season car.
Your VW is that car already.
Super fun "cheap" cars arent suppose to be reliable.
Could always find a nice E46 328i/330i, those are vastly more reliable than the E36. Has aged very well also. Be faster than a IS300 thats for sure.
04-25-2012, 06:38 PM
#4644
Suzuka Master
06-05-2012, 02:35 PM
#4646
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
Do you put that plate on just for pics?
06-05-2012, 02:42 PM
#4648
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
06-15-2012, 11:41 AM
#4649
Fahrvergnügen'd
After all my bitching, I think I'm going to keep it for the time being.
Getting DSIIs tomorrow to replace the very worn out Contour reps which should help the appearance. Needs a new accessory belt and probably a new A/C condenser in the fall. Plus I somehow broke the 328i airdam so I'm getting a M3 replica replacement from Turner motorsports and will get it painted with some M3 side mirrors too.
Has anyone ever done a partial repaint of a door before or should I just have the whole thing done? It's got a bubble of surface rust that I think needs to be fixed before it actually destroys the door. Oh, and rear brakes ...
It starts every day, gets 30mpg on the highway, and is now completely reliable. I'm just hoping another $1500-2000 into it and I'll be GTG for a couple of years at 8-10k a year.
I've put so much money into this car since I bought it LOL ...
Getting DSIIs tomorrow to replace the very worn out Contour reps which should help the appearance. Needs a new accessory belt and probably a new A/C condenser in the fall. Plus I somehow broke the 328i airdam so I'm getting a M3 replica replacement from Turner motorsports and will get it painted with some M3 side mirrors too.
Has anyone ever done a partial repaint of a door before or should I just have the whole thing done? It's got a bubble of surface rust that I think needs to be fixed before it actually destroys the door. Oh, and rear brakes ...
It starts every day, gets 30mpg on the highway, and is now completely reliable. I'm just hoping another $1500-2000 into it and I'll be GTG for a couple of years at 8-10k a year.
I've put so much money into this car since I bought it LOL ...
06-15-2012, 01:45 PM
#4650
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
You still have it!? Wow. Thought you sold it already.
06-30-2012, 07:20 PM
#4653
Drifting
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Stockton, California
Age: 33
Posts: 3,301
Likes: 0
Received 22 Likes
on
11 Posts
Well, the 330xi suffered from what the mechanic called "catastrophic engine failure". I was told to contact my insurance so Monday morning ought to be fun. If the car is a loss then I'll be in the market for a 2009-2010 BMW 335i Xdrive coupe. Anything wrong with those cars?
07-02-2012, 09:59 AM
#4656
The Box
07-03-2012, 04:49 PM
#4657
Fahrvergnügen'd
Going to order some parts and get some estimates next week:
M3 front air dam, new passenger door (rust), looking at a Shark chip (20hp), and then paint on the air dam, door, rear bumper, and M3 mirrors. That plus a new A/C compressor and rear bearings.
Just have too much money in the car to give up on it considering the overall condition.
Probably $2k for all of it. Will take pictures of the before and after, of course.
M3 front air dam, new passenger door (rust), looking at a Shark chip (20hp), and then paint on the air dam, door, rear bumper, and M3 mirrors. That plus a new A/C compressor and rear bearings.
Just have too much money in the car to give up on it considering the overall condition.
Probably $2k for all of it. Will take pictures of the before and after, of course.
07-03-2012, 04:52 PM
#4658
Moderator
Going to order some parts and get some estimates next week:
M3 front air dam, new passenger door (rust), looking at a Shark chip (20hp), and then paint on the air dam, door, rear bumper, and M3 mirrors. That plus a new A/C compressor and rear bearings.
Just have too much money in the car to give up on it considering the overall condition.
Probably $2k for all of it. Will take pictures of the before and after, of course.
M3 front air dam, new passenger door (rust), looking at a Shark chip (20hp), and then paint on the air dam, door, rear bumper, and M3 mirrors. That plus a new A/C compressor and rear bearings.
Just have too much money in the car to give up on it considering the overall condition.
Probably $2k for all of it. Will take pictures of the before and after, of course.
07-03-2012, 06:04 PM
#4659
Fahrvergnügen'd
I got some DS2s about two weeks ago that need to be redone too. I hope that they won't be more than $75-80 a wheel to refinish.
That will be my Fall project.
If anyone happens to see a used Conforti/Shark for a E36 328i/s let me know. Don't want to buy something new that was developed 13 years ago
That will be my Fall project.
If anyone happens to see a used Conforti/Shark for a E36 328i/s let me know. Don't want to buy something new that was developed 13 years ago
07-04-2012, 08:37 AM
#4660
Fahrvergnügen'd
Apparently, you can't buy a Shark second-hand. Once it's flashed to a car, it's bound to the ECM. Which is good to know.
It's about $350 for a new one and reviews are mixed. Some say with a CAI/CBE and a Shark you could see +20hp. My car could probably use new properly gapped plugs for a start. Would probably be good to do a dyno at some point to see where the ol' jalopy is on power too.
It's about $350 for a new one and reviews are mixed. Some say with a CAI/CBE and a Shark you could see +20hp. My car could probably use new properly gapped plugs for a start. Would probably be good to do a dyno at some point to see where the ol' jalopy is on power too.
07-04-2012, 09:01 AM
#4661
Fahrvergnügen'd
Though damn, it looks like putting M3 cams in the M52 with a M50 manifold, properly tuned software, a CAI & CBE (I already have), and underdrive pulleys will put you in the 205whp/200lb-ft range or a peak gain of 40 lb/ft and 45whp at 6000rpm.
Horsepower-wise, that's stock M3 territory.
Hmm ... So tempting. Cams probably won't be outrageous used but probably 6-8 hours of labor ($500-700). That would certainly make the car a lot more fun
Horsepower-wise, that's stock M3 territory.
Hmm ... So tempting. Cams probably won't be outrageous used but probably 6-8 hours of labor ($500-700). That would certainly make the car a lot more fun
07-12-2012, 11:11 PM
#4662
Fahrvergnügen'd
And interesting second bout (Top Gear was the "first" of recent contests) between the 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth and the E30 M3
Autoblog Link w/video
Autoblog Link w/video
07-17-2012, 04:06 PM
#4666
Fahrvergnügen'd
$1100 later 
Rear bearings, swaybar endlinks, new parking brake ... But hey, the car doesn't sound like a big pile of assholes when I'm driving now. Just need to get the A/C compressor done and I think that's it for a while for mechanicals
No way I can sell this car now ... I have half as much in it as I paid for it.
Rear bearings, swaybar endlinks, new parking brake ... But hey, the car doesn't sound like a big pile of assholes when I'm driving now. Just need to get the A/C compressor done and I think that's it for a while for mechanicals
No way I can sell this car now ... I have half as much in it as I paid for it.
07-17-2012, 05:53 PM
#4667
אני עומד עם ישראל
^ you got it for life my man...
07-23-2012, 09:24 PM
#4669
Turd Polisher
iTrader: (1)
After doing some research on Bimmerpost and E90fantatics, I think the 335i will be my next car. It meets all the criteria I want ..my only gripe is it doesn't have LSD like the M3 .. but the thought of the JB4 kit makes it a tempting buy.
@335i owners: How's the reliability? I've heard about the fuel pump failures, but aren't these covered for 120k mi warranty? For those who have your car tuned, has that effected your long term reliability?
Other than that, it seems like a pretty rock solid car and I'll be ready to purchase in less than 6 months. What are your thoughts on a 2nd warranty? I can perform most of the maintenance myself, however the electronics, software updates, and major engine repairs would be pretty daunting.
I'd prefer the sedan over the coupe .. I don't know what it is about fast 4dr BMWs ..
@335i owners: How's the reliability? I've heard about the fuel pump failures, but aren't these covered for 120k mi warranty? For those who have your car tuned, has that effected your long term reliability?
Other than that, it seems like a pretty rock solid car and I'll be ready to purchase in less than 6 months. What are your thoughts on a 2nd warranty? I can perform most of the maintenance myself, however the electronics, software updates, and major engine repairs would be pretty daunting.
I'd prefer the sedan over the coupe .. I don't know what it is about fast 4dr BMWs ..
07-25-2012, 05:51 AM
#4670
Burning Brakes
Getting ready to order all the parts to perform my Inspection II service on the M3. It's an expense no doubt, but I just love the car!
07-25-2012, 11:56 PM
#4671
Suzuka Master
08-20-2012, 11:50 AM
#4672
Administrator Alumnus
Called for my first "out of maintenance" work, an oil change. Quoted $189.95.
Are you kidding me. I was prepared for $150, worst case. I need to find an independent shop.
Are you kidding me. I was prepared for $150, worst case. I need to find an independent shop.
08-20-2012, 12:29 PM
#4673
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,431
Received 1,485 Likes
on
1,049 Posts
WTF!? Does it use liquid gold for oil or something?
08-20-2012, 12:32 PM
#4674
Moderator
08-20-2012, 12:35 PM
#4675
Your Friendly Canadian
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Age: 31
Posts: 17,431
Received 1,485 Likes
on
1,049 Posts
But... why? Just 'cause?
08-20-2012, 12:35 PM
#4676
When my 335i reached 5k-mile mark, I wanted to do an oil change. Called to ask about the oil change, and the dealer said that I didn't need one, but if I insisted, it would be $170+ because it's not a scheduled oil change. I said "thank you", and from then on, I started doing the "in between" oil changes myself. Oil change in this car is much easier (and less messy) than in the Hondas that I've owned.
08-20-2012, 12:42 PM
#4677
08-20-2012, 12:43 PM
#4678
אני עומד עם ישראל
very simple
08-20-2012, 12:58 PM
#4680
Moderator