Tuesday, September 27, 2011

How do I find engine model no for my BMW 318?

Help! My BMW needs a new engine as a piston apparently punched through the base of the engine. I've been looking around for a second-hand one but am getting confused by engine model nos. My car is a V reg (1999) 318i SE E36 saloon shape. I can't work out if my engine is M44 or M43 (or something else!). Also would a different engine model fit /work anyway?|||The engine is an M43 (based on the info supplied). Enter the last 7 digits of your VIN number on www.realoem.com and it will give the engine number of the car.





Any E36 engine will fit your car (even the M3 and M3 Evo's) but you will need to make a number of additional alterations, depending on the engine, including (but not limited to): -





Gearbox


Prop-shaft


Differential





There are three BMW magazines in the uk that advertise BMW specialists or have a directory in the back, Total BMW, Performance BMW and BMW Car. Give a few a call and see what they've done.





Thornley Motorsport and Bexley Motorworks are featured regularly, as is CA Automotive.





I hope this helps,





Andy

Will a Harmon kardon amplifier from a 2001 BMW 330ci work with the system of a 2001 BMW 325i?

The Harmon Kardon amplifier in my 2001 BMW 325i shorted out and I don't want to spend the $1,000 at the dealer to replace it. I found a used Harmon Kardon amplifier from a 2001 BMW 330ci but am not sure it will work with my system. Any thoughts?|||The amplifier should be the same or similar. As far as connectivity there should be no issues, an amp is an amp. (You can hook up any amp to a deck and speakers). One issue could be though if the amp is the same size physically and it won't fit in the basket that BMW provided. (Could have changed from one year to the next, doubtful though) I am sure you can get around that easily enough by placing it elsewhere.





Depending how much you are spending, you might look into just buying an after market amp to save money and perhaps make your car sound better. Amplifiers today are more efficient and better sounding in general than ones made 7 or 8 years ago (obviously comparing the same quality amps). You can go to Best Buy or Circuit City and get some advice about what to install in your car. You can also go to a local audio shop, but check around for reputation first. (CC and BB have good return policies and can handle a simple amp install). The other thing I was thinking if BMW is going to install it they will charge mega bucks($90 an hour), so for $100 at Best Buy or Circuit City they will install an amp unless you know someone personally that will do a reliable job cheaper. Just my thoughts, I am sure others will also have some good ideas too.|||i dont think so..........

How long does it take to to receive ur BMW X5 after u order it?

How long does it take to to receive ur bmw after u order it?|||it normally takes 4-6 weeks to get those in ,but they been running ahead of time on them,and can usually get them in 3-4 weeks ,good luck with it.|||it should,i hope you enjoy it,those are nice cars,good luck.

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How can I get the radio code for my BMW without having to pay the dealers?

I replaced my battery without knowing that it'll reset the radio. I don't have the manual or anything that came along with the car, but I do have the registration papers for the car. I tried bringing it to a BMW dealership but they're charging me $150 for the code. Thanks in advance for helping out.





-Kevin|||pull the radio go to the dealer with the serial number and your license and registration and they will run in through the computer and retrieve it for you. N/C|||Check inside the glove compartment - sometimes people stick the code number in there (particularly if the number was on a gummed label - don't know if BMW does it like that).|||Try another dealer. $150 is absurd. I've gotten radio codes twice and not been charged for it. One our 318 they did have to pull the radio out to get the code. Took a mechanic about 5 minutes. I was prepared to hand over $50 but they didn't charge me.





You could also try at the parts counter. Be prepared to pull the radio and carry it back there. Most older BMWs need a special 5-sided screwdriver to remove the security screws holding the radio in. Be sure you take proof of ownership with you.





Be sure to write down that code!|||Resetting radio after power is removed or display shows "CODE"


• If the correct code is not entered in the three successive tries, the radio will not accept entry until the radio has been ON for one hour. IMPORTANT: When entering 5-digit code number, be sure to complete sequence number of that 5-digit code. For example: Code No. sequence is 12345 and you mistakenly enter 125 instead of 123, continue the code number sequence of 45 to complete that entry. The radio will not operate and "CODE" will reappear in the display. Re-enter the correct number sequence of 12345 and operation of the radio will continue. NOTE: If an audible beep is heard while entering the 5-digit code, STOP immediately. Begin entering the code again, starting with the first number of the 5-digit code.


• Another solution from Steven V. The local BMW dealer told me that if I turn the ignition key to the number two position and leave all the dash lights on then disconnect the battery for fifteen minutes to a half hour. The system will re-program itself when the battery is connected. It does not say that in the manual or CD rom but it apparently worked fine. Of course the radio had to be recoded again.|||search on google. What year model type of radio head standard?|||that $150 may be the cost of removing the radio to see the serial number.


if you take it out yourself and bring it to the dealer i'm sure they'll tell you free of charge.

How much do BMW repairs usually cost, and how long do they last, how reliable are they?

I am looking at getting a 2000 323i BMW and was wondering how much the repairs would be, also how many miles would it last. i need a car that would last at least another 4 years will minimal repair costs.|||I agree with snoiwe on all of these problems and would like to add that there are a few more things you need to worry about on the newer models mostly electrical in nature. The consumer database shows many owners reporting probelms with the central computer module which is alays needing upgrades or replacement. This module controls just about everything electrical in the vehicle and when it fails, good bye transportation. Interestingly, statistically speaking, the 1999 models and older where more reliable than the newer models today. The most reliable were the 1980-1988 models but I doubt you want to go that old.





However, I would like to point out that the reason BMW swtiched to the Hydramatic transmssions from GM was because they were 100% reliable whereas the trans they used before were alwasy breaking down. As you can see, Wetsombereo does not know whay he/she is talking about- ZF is made by ZF Friedrichshafen AG, a German company which has had many problems. BMW has had no problems with the GM transmission.





I would advise you to avoid this vehicle and go with something more reliable. The 2003 Lexus IS300 is a great soild car. It drives excellent and is of course very reliable. Its about the same size. The only downside is some find the styling to be 'boy racer' compared to more classy models.





Good Luck|||I like the E46 body style. But unfortunately, the 1999/2000 model year cars are bad.





Automatic transmissions for many E46 models (not just 99/2000) have been known to fail due to a defective component inside their ZF5HP19 steptronic transmissions. (see photos: http://www.noreverse.org/docs/trannyauto… ). When this happens, owners will completely lose their reverse gear. BMW will only help if you write in (and FEDEX in a GOOD letter), and even so, they usually only pay 50% - so you're still stuck with paying some $3k. That happened to me 3 years ago, when the car had just 100k miles.





Here's the link:


http://www.noreverse.org/





1999/2000 cars also suffer from a serious defect in the rear subframe. The sheet metal where the subframe mounts on to will fatigue over time causing the whole subframe mount to rip out from the car body itself! I'm currently suffering from this issue now and actually am going to the dealer who arranged a rep from BMW USA to look at it tomorrow. This repair will cost $4k - $7k depending how severe the damage is.





Here're some links:


http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/det…





BMW service bulletin here: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.…





An internet forum where close to 200 members have the same problem. http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.…





My advice, E46 cars are nice, but the early cars all have serious defects. Go for only 2001 or newer cars. Also, be aware that ALL E46 cars suffer from front strut tower "mushrooming" problem, where the 3 strut bolts start pointing AWAY from each other instead of straight up as the whole tower structure weakens and bulge up over time. If a strut tower bar or at least a set of strut tower reinforcement plates (such as this one http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/det… ) was installed beforehand, it will solve this problem.





While this may cause minor alignment problems, it could also be the beginning of structural cracks in the corner support near the strut tower.





See this photo: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/att…





and this post:


http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/sho…


Major repairs:


Transmission failed at 100k. $3k partial payment.





Front control arm (pair) @ around 125k miles. (BMW quote $2,000 - I bought an upgraded part from bavauto.com, spent an afternoon with a buddy - total cost: $400 plus a 6-pack). The ball joint was the culprit. But BMWs do not have replaceable ball joints, so you need to change out the whole control arm and bushings.





Sensor failed, tripped the check engine light @ around 90k miles - $180





Rear shock mount torn. I changed out the whole set of rear shocks. $230. BMW will probably charge $800





Thermostat failed, expansion tank cracked. $250





ABS/DSC controller malfunction. BMW says the part ALONE is $1k. (happening now)... probably will look at replacing it with a cheaper used part. So now I have NO ABS or DSC.





I change my own oil, oil/air/cabin/fuel filters, spark plugs, belts, brakes, battery, all fluids (tranny,diff, brake, power steering, coolant)... if I didn't, I'm sure I'd be a lot poorer with BMW labor rates going at $110/hr.|||the maintance on it will cost you a bit but the car will last a very long time if you treat it right. with proper care and maintance you should have a problem getting 150+ miles out of it without issue...|||If you have to ask, you can't afford it!





Keep in mind an oil change is a lot more than what you'd expect.|||They are very dependable and you can usually get 2-300000 miles out of them but when they start to have problems get rid of it because it will cost you a ridiculous amount of money to keep it going.Parts are very expensive and only a small handful of repair shops will touch it and the ones that will are usually very expensive.If the cars has decent miles on it it will definitely last 4 years or more before you have to put much money into it besides your normal maintenance.But just like anything it depends on how its cared for.GOOD LUCK!|||you know what BMW stands for?





Bring Money With!





having said that, i own 2 and will never part with them|||BMW repairs are not any more expensive than fixing a Honda. Honda labor and parts are as expensive if not more. The motor in the car you are looking at is solid. Its been pretty much the same motor in the 3 series for years. The transmission IS a ZF....so its made by GM, BUT this isn't a bad thing. The ZF trannies are capable of taking more abuse. BMW put ZF trannies in the 5 Series in 1992 and it was definately better than the old Gertag units.





I have owned 7 BMW's now, 4 out of the 7 went over 300,000 miles. I would call that long lasting.





Also, out of the 7 I have owned, the only car that ever left me stranded was because of a head gasket, and thats a pretty normal problem to have after 250,000 miles, so I would call that reliable.





If you are buying a 323i, don't buy one with more than 100k on it, and it will last much longer than 4 years. (and still be worth something afterwards too which we can't say for some of our asian car maker friends. Resale kicks *** on BMWs)





Snowie has some great info up there for you...he knows his stuff.


Snowie: The ABS/DSC box can be fixed by a Bosch certified tech. (the hard part is finding one) Its also not just a problem on the 3's. The E39 5's had this same problem. I got mine from a wrecker here in Portland for $600. I am sure the sale could be duplicated for the same price. PM me if you want the phone number.|||yes the car will last another 4 years no problem, but NOT with minimal repair costs.





I have a 2002 BMW 325i that i purchased used 2 years ago with 59k miles on it. today the car has 96k miles on it. during the 2 years and 37k miles I have put about $4,000 in maintainence. That's just normal wear and tear (brakes, oil changes, a tune up, etc.)





if you have to question whether you can afford the repairs or not, then the car is not for you. BMW's cost a lot to maintain and it takes a different type of person to appreciate the car and fork over the money to fix it, without getting upset.





I'm very passionate about my BMW and will not drive anything but a BMW, and I dont mind forking over my money to keep it running like the day it was first sold :)|||BMWs are very lousy. 1st off GM has a contract with the 3 series. Automatic 3 series are using GM based automatic transmissions. Anything for BMW to cutback and gain more on profits. BMW failed years ago in aviation and decided to move into the automobile industry. Bad mistake they should give it all up.|||1) $29.00 2) 6months - 8 yrs 3) very

What is the best way for me to purchase bmw parts here in america?

I own a american spec. BMW 325i 2002, but I want to purchase the parts cheaper than what the auto shops are charging.|||FWIW, in order to preserve brand ideals, dealerships are made to sell high. It's not unusual - many high end brands distinguish their clientele using price mechanisms. GOOD for BMW - and car enthusiasts - that their cars can perform better than garden variety brands. BAD, because money does not guarantee a better driver - and these cars are not meant for fuddy duddies.





ANYWAY the answer is, look for niche workshops, run by ex-dealership mechanics. You should be able to find a fair price from these guys. Also, because their reputation depends on their overall quality of service, they should do what it takes to maintain their reputation.





For bargain basement prices - there are 2 choices - at one's own risk. Online stores (ebay) and salvage yards.





Hope this helps.|||go to a junk yard that has bmw parts|||I used to have a '99 BMW 328, and the only way I knew to get part installed was to actually go to a dealership. If I went somewhere else they could never guarantee their work. To just get the parts I used either the dealership or online websites such as ebay. I would recommend asking around at some BMW forums. Try Bimmerforums.com|||Best way would be the dealer, even though it is expensive, it is better than taking the risk of buying parts online or going to a salvage yard. Infact, for a car that nice and new, don't even consider going to a salvage yard.|||Junk yard, eBay, Craigslist, or just online, or at some shops|||When I had my 2 BMWs in the US, I used Bavarian Autosport a lot. They sell some OEM stuff, and some aftermarket, so you can choose which you want a lot of the time. They know BMWs too. I'm in Germany now and I can find lots of local parts pretty cheap, except for the Euro exchange rate!

How to remove tire pressure light from 2007 329i bmw?

Just had new tires and rims placed on 2007 329i BMW. Can't get tire pressure light to go off. How do you reset it?|||328i?





if it doesn't have nav, use the "scroll" button on the turn signal stalk down to "reset" select that with the "bc" button on the end of the same stalk. You may have to drive a couple hundred feet before it goes off.





If not, check the tire pressure, if that's good, then whomever replaced the tires didn't put the sensors in.|||There is no reset that's going to work if what I think is going on is happening. . Your tires may not be equal in total rolling radius making the car think you have low tires. To fix this you need some pretty fancy computer work done.

How can I get the radio code for my BMW without having to pay the dealers?

I replaced my battery without knowing that it'll reset the radio. I don't have the manual or anything that came along with the car, but I do have the registration papers for the car. I tried bringing it to a BMW dealership but they're charging me $150 for the code. Thanks in advance for helping out.





-Kevin|||write down the vin numbers and call the customer service number for BMW/USA. Or visit www.bmwusa.com

How do I get a sunroof on a 525i BMW to close?

I have a 1990 525i BMW. I have been having trouble with the power windows, but they do open and close. The sunroof on the other hand, does not. I hadn't had problems with it in the past, but I opened it and it will not close. I was told there is a manual way to close it where the switch is. Can someone give me a clue on what to do, and If I can close the sunroof manually?|||Remove the sliding roof motor cover (where the switch is as you have mentioned). Look at the round area where the motor inserts into and you will find a small hole where an allen wrench can be used to turn the gears and either open or close the sunroof glass. The original tool pack that comes with the car has this wrench. If not available


then just get something that can turn the gearing (it can be stiff, but try to turn it first one way then the other if it does not move the first time). Professional mechanics use a ratchet wrench with a 1/4 drive socket with allen end.

What do I need to engine swap a BMW m3 e36 engine and put a BMW s65 v8.?

I was planning on getting a s65 BMW engine and take out the straight 6. What am I going to have to change. And is it possible to put a s65 engine in a BMW m3 e36.|||you can, that would be an interesting swap. I mean I've seen a E46 M3 with a V10 S85 in the hood





be warned that the weight distribution will not be good. car will sort of gain weight in the front. you will need a different transmission as well. It will be expensive.|||what i know that any engine could be put in any car! how...idon't!

Is my 1972 BMW old enough to have the black and yellow license plate?

My 1972 BMW has a blue license plate and I'm just wondering if it's old enough to have a black and yellow license plate.|||Stick with blue. f I remember correcly, around 1972, there were yellow/blue.





Do an online search of retro BMW color photos, go on eBay even, look in FLICKR!





Do a Yahoo! Search! ^|||My boyfriend said yeah it should be. He was born in 78...he's smart! (:

Where can I find cheap car insurance for my BMW 7 Series car?

Hi. I just bought a BMW 135i Convertible. Where can I find cheap car insurance for this car? I've checked the major ones like Geico but the quotes they list out are pretty expensive in my opinion.|||HUGE difference between a 7 series and a 1 series. Why didn't you just spend a couple thousand more and get the 3 series? The 3 series always gets great reviews. The 7 series has had mechanical problems for years.





Anyway, how do you buy a BMW and go cheap on insurance? They aren't cheap cars. USAA has the best rates and service, period. If you can't get it (it's an exclusive company) then I would check out Progressive. Shop around. Most places will give you free quotes.|||There is no magic site that has "cheap" auto insurance. simply do what we all have to do. Get several quotes and choose the best one for you.

How do you silence the Keyless Entry for 1998 BMW 740 iL?

I just bought a '98 BMW 740 iL and I am wondering if it's possible to silence the keyless entry. Every time I lock/unlock the car, it has a pretty obnoxious sound. Any help would be much appreciated.|||If it has a BMW alarm and remote, you can usually turn on / turn off the "chirp" by holding down both buttons on the remote at the same time for a couple of seconds. Do this close to the car.|||I don't think you can without damaging it or voiding the warranty. We had an x5 that luckily, it just stopped on its own.|||I have a '00 740i E38 and I believe there are options for your keyless entry. But I believe they have to be programmed at the dealer. Not sure if the Honk...Honk... can be turned off but I would assume with so many options available this could be done.





A great wealth of knowledge can be found on the E38.org website. Including forums for this type of vehicle and possibly posting a question like this some of the more expierenced and knowledgeable individuals can provide a better answer.|||Programmed at dealer. They typically charge 1/2 to 1 hour labor for this.

Is it possible to purchase a BMW keyless entry/start system?

My friend has a BMW M5, banging car... It's keyless system is unlike any other I've ever seen. You just keep the key in tour pocket the whole time. You walk up to the car, and touch the handle and it unlucks, sit down and press the start button. I want to purchase this system and put it in another car, but IDK if BMW sells this product. It pretty cool if you havent seen it, and it can be quite usefull too.|||Sorry this system is called Comfort Access and yes it is amazing, however BMW will not sell it nor can you find a system as unique as BMW's. There are however imitations out there that aren't quite up to par.|||Other vehicles offer the same type of system including the Corvette.





There are several aftermarket systems on the market, including but not limited to KeeLoq by Microchip, HITAG by Philips, and AVR411 by Atmel.

What are some typical job interview questions at BMW Manufacturing ?

The job is an entry level engineering and operations management position. First is a phone interview with a panel of hiring managers. Then an on-site interview. The interview is supposed to be technical and behavioral, anybody know what they look for at BMW factory in SC?|||Why do you want to work at BMW?


What do you know about structural design of BMW product?|||Apply online for 500 BMW jobs in Greer, SC at www.mau.com/bmwjobs.

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How do I reset the brake sensor warning light on a BMW 728?

Last weekend my husband replaced the rear pads and sensor on a mates BMW 728 and the warning light is still on. How can we reset it without having to go to BMW and paying their prices?|||it can be done with a long flat blade screwdriver. Grip the screwdriver handle firmly, next with the engine running and the light on take the screwdriver and shove it into the light. You will hear a popping sound as the light goes out. If other warning lamps illuminate, do the same for them untilthere are no more left. Hope this helps! thnx|||Are you talking about the ABS warning light? Did he do the work because the ABS light was on?Suggest to your husband to re-check the wiring and connection. If I'm not mistaken BMW 728 has four sensors, one in each wheel. Did he replace them all or just the one he suspected was malfunctioning. BTW if the ABS system is working properly, the ABS light will reset automatically.|||Once any of the lights come on, the only way to get them off it to take the car to a garage and they will plug it into a diagnostic computer, that will be able to tell you if there is still a problem, and the computer will be able to turn the light off for you. should cost æ‹¢30.


Hope this helps


Andy

What are the cons of buying an E34 BMW towards buying an E36?

Im looking for my first car and i definitly want to buy a BMW. The only problem i have is that i do not know which one i want. I can find tons of e34s with 140000 plus miles but the e36s are very hard to find with under 140000 miles. Ive been watching videos from auto cross and street racing for both and they seem to be similar, is there any con of getting the bigger sedan than the coupe thanks|||Firstly buying a bmw with 140000 mile on the clock need not be a problem providing it has full service history i used to work on a e34 520 with 540000 miles on the clock. Secondly if your looking for a e36 far different from a e34 smaller better handling but not quite as comfortable beware of 2.3 and 2.8 models as they suffered liner problems causing high oil consumption a well known problem which was rectified by bmw by taking the old engine out and replacing it under warranty but be aware there were lots that got away as bmw never notified customers only looked into it when customer mentioned high oil consumption. Hope this helps you

What exactly is covered in bmw warranties?

I just bought this 2005 BMW 330ci with the zhp package 5 days ago, while i was driving today i heard this noise coming from my engine underneath the valve cover. This car still has the factory 4 year 50k mile warranty and its also a certified pre owned bmw so basically i have a warranty until jan 28th 2011 or 100k miles. Now is every component in the engine covered in this warranty?|||Often dealers like to say something like "this is normal with this type of engine" so that they won't have to do the work. But if the noise is noticeable with the hood closed or sounds very abnormal, then you have every right to get it fixed. The warranty fully covers any problems with the engine short of neglect and user error.





I have heard of rare cases where ZHP owners had problems with the camshafts. They are unique to the car ZHP package and are what give the car it's extra 10 horsepower over the normal BMW 3-series.





But as a whole, the car is regarded as one of the best handling and performing 3-series ever, short of the M3 line. Congrats on the new car.|||yes everything should be covered, especially since you still have the original warranty. I asked the dealer because i'm interested in buying the same car.


p.s how much did you pay? how much mileage?

How can i start my bmw when the alarm keeps going off?

I just had an engine replaced in my 1995 bmw 740il, and every time we stick the key in and try to turn it on, the alarm system goes off. is there like buttons on the key that i should push or something? where could i get this info because the bmw dealer in my state will not release that info because they feel they would "lose business" without me bringing it in i.e. tow it in|||I assume you are saying that the engine does not start or crank and that when you try to do so, the alarm goes off...


Did the replacement engine come with its own DME (engine computer)


and EWS (anti-theft) module? If it did and you are using the key for the removed engine then it will not work for the key has a different rolling code. The key for the new DME/EWS set must be very near where you insert the old key to start the motor for its code to be read. Or if you only put in one of them like the DME, then it will not work with the other EWS (or vice versa).


The DME/EWS/key should all match up otherwise it is a no go.


And even if it did match, sometimes the DME and EWS needs to be


synchronized, and for this you need BMW's programming equipment.


There are no ifs and buts about this.|||Turn key on, turn off valet switch.|||Take it back to the people who put the engine in have them tow it and pay the bill. Don't get yourself all worked up over this its not your problem.

Is there a way to put the power window back up on my 1986 BMW 528e without paying a mechanic?

I have a 1986 BMW 528e. Both power windows in the back were lowered all the way down and one came back up half way but the other is barely visible, meaning it's still almost all the way lowered. Is there a way to put both back up without paying a mechanic?|||since both rear windows quit I would check to see that a wire didn't fall off your master window switch in the drivers door.|||Nope.. the door panel will need to come off and unless you can take it apart then take it to the mechanic.|||It991 gave you the quick answer to that, and he's correct..





Unless you are able to remove your door panels and have someone assist you in getting the window up, it can be a bit difficult. This is especially true if you have gear traction motors, they tend to lock in position when they are not powered.





Once you get them up, you will probably have to have something prop the window mechanism to keep it in place until you find out why the windows are not operating properly..|||yeah im pretty sure a mechanic doesnt need any special tools if thats what you mean by can you do it, but knowledge is the best tool so if you dont know how you dont know how





best takin it to a mechnic so you dont mess anything else up