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dizzy
Guest
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 Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 5:33 am Post subject:
Small bitch about my 323 |
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Took my car in for "inspection 2", plus to have the thermostat
replaced (second one to fail in only 55k miles). Can you guys make a
thermostat that works, BMW?
They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times. I guess the
strut front suspension isn't very rugged, but sheesh, a $900 repair
job after only 55k miles, and the way I baby that car? I always avoid
potholes, man-holes, etc...
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GRL
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 6:06 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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OK, I'll give you the reply I always get when I bitch and moan about BMW
reliability (vs. Japanese cars).
BMW's are complex masterworks of Germanic engineering/art that require
careful maintenance and you should feel honored that you are allowed to own
one instead of just a car.
This is in contrast to simple devices like, say, Honda S2000's or Subaru
Sti's or Toyota MR2's or Acura NSX's that never seem to break because they
do not have the benefit of precision German engineering.
Tough it out, I say...and quit your whining.
- GRL
"dizzy" <dizzy@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:2ores0tesamjb07soa01htevun6gvd86tv@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
Took my car in for "inspection 2", plus to have the thermostat
replaced (second one to fail in only 55k miles). Can you guys make a
thermostat that works, BMW?
They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times. I guess the
strut front suspension isn't very rugged, but sheesh, a $900 repair
job after only 55k miles, and the way I baby that car? I always avoid
potholes, man-holes, etc...
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Deep
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:52 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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Oh don't get me wrong, I love the car. But having owned several Japanese
cars before, I can clearly see a difference in overall maintenance costs.
That was my whole point. To me Control Arms and Shocks before 100K seems to
smell of bad design versus performance. How many people do you know who
track their stock 3 Series cars? (apart from the M's) They definetly aren't
marketed that way.
Deep
"Jim Levie" <jim@entrophy-free.net> wrote in message
news:pan.2004.12.21.04.34.46.582768@entrophy-free.net...
| Quote: |
No car is ever going to be "maintenance free". And having owned a Mercedes
and having several acquaintances and relatives with same, my two BMW's
have cost less in repairs and been out of service for less time. And those
folks are typically doing less than 10k mi/year and I do closer to 20k in
the Bimmer.
Control arm bushings at around 60K, shocks at about 80K, rotors at maybe
50-60K is normal wear on a BMW. That's mostly the result of the design
being driven by the desire for performance.
--
The instructions said to use Windows 98 or better, so I installed RedHat.
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Tom Korth
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:52 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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"dizzy" <dizzy@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:2ores0tesamjb07soa01htevun6gvd86tv@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times. I guess the
strut front suspension isn't very rugged, but sheesh, a $900 repair
job after only 55k miles, and the way I baby that car? I always avoid
potholes, man-holes, etc...
|
Had to replace mine at 59,000 ('99 328i) - same price + $$ for 4 wheel
alignment. I wasn't getting a shimmy, but had noticeable uneven wear on the
front tires.
Tom |
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Deep
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:52 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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You know, I was GUNG HO about my BMW when I got it - More so since a family
member works at BMW's head office in Canada and thought I would get a great
car.
Well, I do have a great car. Just a great car that will never be maintenance
free. I've learned that the hard way. I've heard a very similar story to
Audi's as well. The only German Car that I've heard more good then bad about
are Merc's. For my next venture, I'll probably pick that, even though their
styling is very "old-manish" when it comes to the entry level Merc's, or
something along the lines of a 3.2TL or G35.
You basically have to stick it out, or get rid of it. Unfortunately for me,
I've got to stick it out for a couple more years at least with this car as
my wife's car will be due for replacement in a year or so and she won't let
me get away with replacing mine again after just 9 months of ownership.
Deep
"dizzy" <dizzy@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:2ores0tesamjb07soa01htevun6gvd86tv@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
Took my car in for "inspection 2", plus to have the thermostat
replaced (second one to fail in only 55k miles). Can you guys make a
thermostat that works, BMW?
They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times. I guess the
strut front suspension isn't very rugged, but sheesh, a $900 repair
job after only 55k miles, and the way I baby that car? I always avoid
potholes, man-holes, etc...
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Jim Levie
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:53 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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On Mon, 20 Dec 2004 23:10:17 -0500, Deep wrote:
| Quote: | You know, I was GUNG HO about my BMW when I got it - More so since a
family member works at BMW's head office in Canada and thought I would get
a great car.
Well, I do have a great car. Just a great car that will never be
maintenance free. I've learned that the hard way. I've heard a very
similar story to Audi's as well. The only German Car that I've heard more
good then bad about are Merc's. For my next venture, I'll probably pick
that, even though their styling is very "old-manish" when it comes to the
entry level Merc's, or something along the lines of a 3.2TL or G35.
No car is ever going to be "maintenance free". And having owned a Mercedes |
and having several acquaintances and relatives with same, my two BMW's
have cost less in repairs and been out of service for less time. And those
folks are typically doing less than 10k mi/year and I do closer to 20k in
the Bimmer.
Control arm bushings at around 60K, shocks at about 80K, rotors at maybe
50-60K is normal wear on a BMW. That's mostly the result of the design
being driven by the desire for performance.
--
The instructions said to use Windows 98 or better, so I installed RedHat. |
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 9:50 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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In article <IZCdnfNsiqgyPFrcRVn-gw@rogers.com>,
Deep <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | The only German Car that I've heard more good then bad about are Merc's.
For my next venture, I'll probably pick that, even though their styling
is very "old-manish" when it comes to the entry level Merc's, or
something along the lines of a 3.2TL or G35.
|
You need to check the customer satisfaction surveys. M-B are *way* down
the list. Sad, considering their once decent reputation. There are also
reports of rust problems. Near unheard of these days.
--
*Horn broken. - Watch for finger.
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 10:00 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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In article <_8GdnVw4i45sLlrcRVn-iQ@rogers.com>,
Deep <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Oh don't get me wrong, I love the car. But having owned several Japanese
cars before, I can clearly see a difference in overall maintenance
costs. That was my whole point. To me Control Arms and Shocks before
100K seems to smell of bad design versus performance. How many people do
you know who track their stock 3 Series cars? (apart from the M's) They
definetly aren't marketed that way.
|
In the quest for refinement, bushes are made as compliant as possible
while retaining good location. This unfortunately translates into shorter
life.
The design of the suspension is also way more complicated than the most
basic strut type. This is the price you pay for the superb steering
handling ride compromise. You buy a BMW for these things and just accept
that it will cost more in maintenance. If you just want cheap wheels look
elsewhere - but then be prepared for a less rewarding driving experience.
--
*And don't start a sentence with a conjunction *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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Badger
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:09 pm Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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"Dave Plowman (News)" <dave@davenoise.co.uk> wrote in message
news:4d20b4c8eddave@davenoise.co.uk...
| Quote: | In article <_8GdnVw4i45sLlrcRVn-iQ@rogers.com>,
Deep <deep_mehtaHATESSPAM@hotmail.com> wrote:
Oh don't get me wrong, I love the car. But having owned several Japanese
cars before, I can clearly see a difference in overall maintenance
costs. That was my whole point. To me Control Arms and Shocks before
100K seems to smell of bad design versus performance. How many people do
you know who track their stock 3 Series cars? (apart from the M's) They
definetly aren't marketed that way.
In the quest for refinement, bushes are made as compliant as possible
while retaining good location. This unfortunately translates into shorter
life.
The design of the suspension is also way more complicated than the most
basic strut type. This is the price you pay for the superb steering
handling ride compromise. You buy a BMW for these things and just accept
that it will cost more in maintenance. If you just want cheap wheels look
elsewhere - but then be prepared for a less rewarding driving experience.
Dave, remember the Jaguar XJ Series Saloons? A quantum leap forward in NVH |
technology when new in the early 70's, building on the lessons learnt from
the 420G/MkX and only let down by the overly compliant steering rack
mountings removing most of the steering "feel". I wouldn't say personally
that todays cars are all that much more advanced in terms of NVH technology
(and, for that matter, handling/ride compromise), but you do seem to need to
replace the bushings more often nowadays - hardly progress, I'm afraid.
FWIW, my 2001 E46 (330dSE Sport Auto) had it's front arms and bushes
replaced earlier in the year at roughly 46,000 miles.
Badger. |
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Dave Plowman (News)
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:57 pm Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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In article <cq93q2$q8v$1@titan.btinternet.com>,
Badger <brianhattonnospammers@beeeteeeinnit.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Dave, remember the Jaguar XJ Series Saloons? A quantum leap forward in
NVH technology when new in the early 70's, building on the lessons
learnt from the 420G/MkX and only let down by the overly compliant
steering rack mountings removing most of the steering "feel". I
wouldn't say personally that todays cars are all that much more
advanced in terms of NVH technology (and, for that matter,
handling/ride compromise), but you do seem to need to replace the
bushings more often nowadays - hardly progress, I'm afraid.
|
Well, yes, provided you can spare the space that long travel double
wishbone suspension takes up. Unfortunately in the case of the XJ6, you
ended up with a large car with little interior space and a tiny boot. But
a comfortable ride and good handling.
--
*Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? *
Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
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Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 4:14 pm Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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I don't think the suspension is way more complicated - it's very simple
infact - lower control arm with a McPherson strut on top just like
almost every other car. BMW uses a forward balljoint rather than a
bush though. The outer balljoints have always been noted as a "weak"
point on BMWs and the bushes can be replaced with solid ones if you
want a longer life out of them. $900 for repairs sounds rather
excessive & again it's the dealer ripping you off that you should bitch
about not the car. |
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marlin
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 5:48 pm Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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"dizzy" <dizzy@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:2ores0tesamjb07soa01htevun6gvd86tv@4ax.com...
| Quote: | Took my car in for "inspection 2", plus to have the thermostat
replaced (second one to fail in only 55k miles). Can you guys make a
thermostat that works, BMW?
|
Strange, the only one I had that wasn't good was one that the dealer put in
because there was some recall made (no, not part of that whole I-6's
catching fire thing), but the replacement was burred, either way both were
free. How often are you changing your coolant?
| Quote: | They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times.
|
I think they're giving you the business. The shimmy will go away with a tire
balancing. BMWs like to throw tires in and out of balance.
Richard |
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Malt_Hound
Guest
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| Posted:
Tue Dec 21, 2004 11:44 pm Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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dizzy wrote:
| Quote: | Took my car in for "inspection 2", plus to have the thermostat
replaced (second one to fail in only 55k miles). Can you guys make a
thermostat that works, BMW?
|
Since BMW does not make thermostats (they buy them), I would say the
answer is; unequivocally, no!
| Quote: |
They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times. I guess the
strut front suspension isn't very rugged, but sheesh, a $900 repair
job after only 55k miles, and the way I baby that car? I always avoid
potholes, man-holes, etc...
|
The "play" and the shimmy that you noticed may, or may not be related.
The play is either worn ball-joints or rear control arm bushings.
Either way, you do not necessarily need new struts. Of course, since
struts cost a lot of money (with a nice mark-up), the dealer would very
much like to replace those while they have the front end apart.
A BMW suspension is lightyears from asian cars in terms of performance.
Yes, it can be more finicky about things such as transmitting
vibration from out of balance wheels or loose bushings or ball-joints.
But when everything is tight, there is just no comparison.
OTOH, if you want care-free transportation, I would recommend sticking
with any of the big-4 japanese cars (Honda, Nissam, Toyota, Mazda).
--
The Malt Hound
"You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline - it
helps if you have some kind of a football team, or some nuclear weapons,
but at the very least you need a beer."
-Frank Zappa
To reply you must first remove all *spam* |
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Coyoteboy
Guest
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| Posted:
Wed Dec 22, 2004 12:27 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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| Quote: | the list. Sad, considering their once decent reputation. There are also
reports of rust problems. Near unheard of these days.
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Seen a few modern bimmers with rust too - nothing is immune to it in the UK
:-)
J |
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marlin
Guest
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| Posted:
Wed Dec 22, 2004 6:33 am Post subject:
Re: Small bitch about my 323 |
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So here I am thinking, well my 1998 540 has never had a single repair done
to it, then bam, the radiator neck broke. Gosh darn it.
Richard
"dizzy" <dizzy@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:2ores0tesamjb07soa01htevun6gvd86tv@4ax.com...
| Quote: |
Took my car in for "inspection 2", plus to have the thermostat
replaced (second one to fail in only 55k miles). Can you guys make a
thermostat that works, BMW?
They tell me that the lower control arms have too much play as well -
not surprising, I've noticed a bit of a shimmy at times. I guess the
strut front suspension isn't very rugged, but sheesh, a $900 repair
job after only 55k miles, and the way I baby that car? I always avoid
potholes, man-holes, etc...
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