I have a 99 528i with only 52,000 miles. Since I purchased it second hand, it's always shifted "hard." Last week I finally decided to take it to the local transmission shop. They called later in the day and told me the problem was a "rubber donut" and referenced the center bering. The cost...

OK, I have a 318TI - I love it. It's 10 years old, maybe time to update. Will I be purchasing a new 1 Series hatchback? No. Why not? Because whoever makes the calls on what comes to North America has decided that a market that has shown the desire for a performance hatchback (see also Audi A3,...

Hi, a mate of mine has an X reg 320 and we cannot shift the front ABS caliper pistons back into their shell to allow fitting of new pads. Do we need a special tool, like the one I have for GM, that twists the piston whilst squeezing it back in? Any help greatlfully received - his wife wants to...

Are current BMW's only designed for 5 years of operation as a BMW mechanic stated?

I have a 2002 325i and I guess it is just getting to that point where repairs are going to dog me. I recently posted about my oil light issue, thanks for all the responses but I also have two other issues. I think my battery is getting towards the end and that;s an easy fix, just drop a new...

The following is from a complaint I just register with the BBB. If you've had similar problems please contact me... I purchased a Jaguar XKR from CARMAX's Davie Store on 5/19/07. At which time I noticed several problems with the car that needed to be fixed. I reported the issues and left the car...

I have a 99' 528i. That recently the engine died on. All 4 cylinders are filled with Oil. The Shop indicates that I need a new motor in it, I was wondering if these are good quotes for a normal replacement: Engine 1 53,000 Mi $6000 - Motor $2000 - Labor Total Est: $8000

My BMW 530i is fitted with the original standard alloys which have now become badly ingrained with brake dust etc which will not come off with brush, sponge, power water jet etc. I purchased some CarPlan 'Wonderwheels' and read the instructions which say (amongst other things): "This product...

I recently purchased my first BMW -- a 1994 352i. I think it's a great car. However, I notice that the owner's manual indicates that I should fill my tank with high-octane ("premium" here in the United States) gasoline. I've never before used premium gas, figuring that it was not necessary and...

I've got coolant coming out my exhaust...from what I've read, its alot of work to tear down the engine to the point where you can examine the head gasket to know if that is the problem. Can anyone estimate how many hours a mechanic should take to do this? And if its not the gasket, has any of the...

Hi - hope someone can help with this. I'm new to this group so apologies if this has come up before, but I couldn't find the same problem described. I have a 520i (P reg UK) and last night as I was driving home, I noticed the temp gauge go into the red zone (where the red light came on, which is...

I am storing my 330i for the winter and need some advice. It is stored in an indoor heated parking lot. I have performance Continental tires installed. The dealership said that i should inflate the tires to 43PSI, and I should run the car for half hour once a month or so, and drive it around in...

I've got a '99 528it wagon. Bought it used nearly 2 years ago, with the BMW certified warranty, which expires at the end of 2005. It now has 55K miles on the clock. Here's my quandary. Since owning the car, I've had to bring it in to the local dealer at least five times. (This contrasts with...

I am planning to buy 2005 M3 soon. I had 2001 330 ci for 4 years and I was very satisfied with the performance, but the lease has ended and I had to return it. They say once you own a Bimmer you'll be a Bimmer owner forever, so I am planning to get this car now with all the extras that are...

Hello. I bought my very first car, a BMW 6 Convertible. I love it. Now, I've gotten about 3000 miles on it, and from what I've been reading, I should change the oil in my car every 3000 miles. The car manual says nothing about it. And there's also an Oil sensor with iDrive that tells me if the...

It seems like every year someone posts a message asking about how to make their 2WD car make it through the snows of winter, how much snow tires help, and the discussion veers to the supposed benefits of AWD vs. 2WD (front or rear) in such conditions. (Somebody trying to justify their purchase of...

Need to get the front struts replaced in my 97 328i. How much does this mess up wheel alignment - particularily Castor and Camber, since they are not adjustable once the struts are mounted? I've been getting absolutely "perfect" tire wear across the front - sure would like to keep it that...

I heard that they are going to do a 7 Series makeover, possibly smoothing out some of the Bangleness. Does anyone know when this is going to happen? Any pics yet?

I recently purchased a 2005 BMW 330i with performance package and absolutely love driving it. Unfortunately, I've been alarmed by the poor gas mileage thus far (3 tanks worth): 14 city/24 highway. Has anyone had this experience with their 330i with performance package? The brochures say it...

Q#1: What's the reason BMW oil filters (E36 anyway) have no metal case? (Perhaps to be "earth friendly" (ie, slightly less landfill mass)? Q#2: is BMW the only mfg that does this? Thanks in advance. -Ted