2001 330CI Approaching 100K Miles
- Thread starter TSilver330CI
- Start date
Typically if you're going by the service interval indicator, there will be an inspection around 90k, then an oil service somewhere over 100k.
The fuel filter and spark plugs are 100k parts. I'd replace the plugs and fuel filter. The filter will be a little costly because they have a built in pressure regulator. Also a coolant and brake flush is typically done with inspections, so do it if it hasn't been done recently.
The fuel filter and spark plugs are 100k parts. I'd replace the plugs and fuel filter. The filter will be a little costly because they have a built in pressure regulator. Also a coolant and brake flush is typically done with inspections, so do it if it hasn't been done recently.
I think our inspections are usually around 5-6 hundred, more if it's time for the plugs and fuel filter.
typically 4 hours labor for inspection includes oil/filter, brake fluid, coolant, microfilter (cabin), air filter, and a good all around visual inspection including battery test, reading diagnostic codes, etc. if it's time for the plugs and fuel filter, add an hour labor, and another 150-200 in parts.
typically 4 hours labor for inspection includes oil/filter, brake fluid, coolant, microfilter (cabin), air filter, and a good all around visual inspection including battery test, reading diagnostic codes, etc. if it's time for the plugs and fuel filter, add an hour labor, and another 150-200 in parts.
I highly recommend replacement of the thermostat/housing and water pump. I would also ask for a thorough inspection of the coolant expansion tank. The expansion tank and thermostat housing are plastic; these parts are prone to failure. The water pump is also a common failure point on these cars. These parts sometimes suffer catastrophic failures (such as exploding expansion tanks); do a search and you'll find numerous examples of water pump and expansion tank failures. If you experience a catastrophic failure of the water pump, expansion tank, or thermostat housing, you may not be able to shutoff the engine in time to prevent overheating and head warpage. Do yourself a favor and have these items replaced before they fail.
Tudm is right. But this is not just all of it! If your 330ci is reaching 100K miles you are probably better off selling it / trading it for a decent new mainstream American or Japanese, even better Korean car costing between $20-30000 unless you can get a bumper to bumper coverage for another 50000 miles from BMW. The components in this car are of poor quality, not reliable at all. When I converse with BMW they are politely unhelpful, seem incredulous that people are still driving their BMW at 120000 miles. When you talk with the corporate people, you get the feeling they are viewing you as an oddball, complaining cheapskate who wants to drive the car to 20000 miles! I had no success convincing them that that is precisely why I purchased their car, as they sell their cars on the reputation of their engines. My 330ci stopped cold on highway with no notice at 120000 miles. The problems were many. A coolant reservoir made of plastic had a crack, the water pump was leaking, the engine was irreparably damaged. On the same car I have had alternator replaced twice, Air conditioning replaced once. These are horrendously expensive repairs. Do not expect any help from BMW once your warranty is out. They will tell you that these part failures are expected at that mileage! after weeks of haggling and high level complaining they agreed to cover 50% of the cost of the water pump if replaced at the dealer. In just one month this beast has cost me close to $10000. Please do not buy these car unless you have money to waste ![[nono]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_nono.gif "No No [nono]")
nsmurali said:
Tudm is right. But this is not just all of it! If your 330ci is reaching 100K miles you are probably better off selling it / trading it for a decent new mainstream American or Japanese, even better Korean car costing between $20-30000 unless you can get a bumper to bumper coverage for another 50000 miles from BMW. The components in this car are of poor quality, not reliable at all. When I converse with BMW they are politely unhelpful, seem incredulous that people are still driving their BMW at 120000 miles. When you talk with the corporate people, you get the feeling they are viewing you as an oddball, complaining cheapskate who wants to drive the car to 20000 miles! I had no success convincing them that that is precisely why I purchased their car, as they sell their cars on the reputation of their engines. My 330ci stopped cold on highway with no notice at 120000 miles. The problems were many. A coolant reservoir made of plastic had a crack, the water pump was leaking, the engine was irreparably damaged. On the same car I have had alternator replaced twice, Air conditioning replaced once. These are horrendously expensive repairs. Do not expect any help from BMW once your warranty is out. They will tell you that these part failures are expected at that mileage! after weeks of haggling and high level complaining they agreed to cover 50% of the cost of the water pump if replaced at the dealer. In just one month this beast has cost me close to $10000. Please do not buy these car unless you have money to waste
If your coolant reservoir cracked and leaked why did you not notice and take the time to have it repaired? Same with the water pump, if it was leaking and you were or should have been aware, replace it before running the engine dry. These are not BMW's mistakes and or faults they are yours! I have owned more thaan six BMW's with two exceeding 164k and one that was kept in the family for more than 300k, all properly maintained and no problems. These are highly reliable cars when proerply maintained.
Regarding this statement, "Do not expect any help from BMW once your warranty is out..." can you name me a dealer who will cover parts and labor after the warranty period has expired? Unless it has been a continual on going documented problem with a repair history they are not obligated to cover the repair, just like GM, Ford nor any other brand will.
Hello!
We re talking about BMW- "The ultimate driving machine" costing three times what a Ford or GM does. I am not crazy. I got NO indication that this car was about to fail. Even during regular servicing, unless something like this happens no one would strip the car to look for problems. The coolant reservoir crack was sought out by the mechanic who felt there must be some reason for the engine to overheat. We got no indication on the dashboard that the engine was overheating. When the water pump failed and the dashboard indicator lighted up (after the engine and coolant reservoir were replaced)we did tow the car to the dealership to have it replaced. . My gripe is that you have to deal with substandard parts in an expensive car,when you buy these machines based on persuasive advertising. I like BMW when it works otherwise it might just be "be my woe!"
How many Accord users have these problems at 100000 miles?
We re talking about BMW- "The ultimate driving machine" costing three times what a Ford or GM does. I am not crazy. I got NO indication that this car was about to fail. Even during regular servicing, unless something like this happens no one would strip the car to look for problems. The coolant reservoir crack was sought out by the mechanic who felt there must be some reason for the engine to overheat. We got no indication on the dashboard that the engine was overheating. When the water pump failed and the dashboard indicator lighted up (after the engine and coolant reservoir were replaced)we did tow the car to the dealership to have it replaced. . My gripe is that you have to deal with substandard parts in an expensive car,when you buy these machines based on persuasive advertising. I like BMW when it works otherwise it might just be "be my woe!"
How many Accord users have these problems at 100000 miles?
There is no way in any vehicle I owned that I could loose enough coolant to destroy the engine before I noticed it, granted I am very mechanical and observant, but I really have a problem with, "I got no indication this car was about to fail." Why did the mechanic suspect the coolant reservior instead of a hose, head gasket, water pump? And regarding BMW water pumps it is common knowledge they fail at or about 100k. Sounds like your dealership failed as well, why did they not at your last service (prior to the engine failure), you are approaching 100k we need to service the water pump, hoses, etc.? Also when was the last time you had your coolant serviced and by whom, this recommended every two years?
Actually I had a Honda that at 80k blew a head gasket due to poor machining. And I have a Chev pickup that has cost me more in failures, plastic intake manifold, turn signal/crusie control stalk, etc than any of my BMWs.
REgardless I hope things work out for you and you get many miles of happy service.
Actually I had a Honda that at 80k blew a head gasket due to poor machining. And I have a Chev pickup that has cost me more in failures, plastic intake manifold, turn signal/crusie control stalk, etc than any of my BMWs.
REgardless I hope things work out for you and you get many miles of happy service.
dang all these replies are making me question what I should do here. I was hoping to keep my car and get at least 150K out of it. But now all this maintenance sounds like its going to be hella pricey! Not to mention I'll need a new clutch as well.
Anything else I should do? I don't know if I've ever had the alignment done on this beast. I remember with other car that was a standard thing. I appreciate all the help from everyone. You all are very knowledgable.
Anything else I should do? I don't know if I've ever had the alignment done on this beast. I remember with other car that was a standard thing. I appreciate all the help from everyone. You all are very knowledgable.
Huh? I went more than 165k before I ever needed a clutch, typically they can go as much as 175k. Any car with a clutch needs it serviced by 175k so I am not sure why this makes BMW bad? As far as the water pump and related componets they are not that expesive and if you are a shade tree mechanic they can be done with relative ease. Do not get discouraged, if you tires so no sign of odd wear you do not need an alignment. My 750il went over 150k with no front end alignment and it was fine.
now that i got the car paid off, i sometimes worry about repair costs down the line. but i realize, i shouldn't worry all that much, as worrying will only breed more worries. if it happens, it happens and i should bite the bullet then and not worry about it. easier said than done.
if there's another car you want to get into, then by all means sell. but if you like your car the way it is, drive it till whenever. sure repairs may get costly, but so is financing for a new car.
Mr. NS, i'm sorry to hear about your issues in the past. but i don't know if a blanket statment is the right way to go here. like you said, you dropped good amount of change, so you want your car to last. i hope others, including myself fares better over the years.
and if your car is out of warranty, then you are on your own right? i mean, if it happened to me, i'll bitch about it, but that doesn't make it justifiable.
if there's another car you want to get into, then by all means sell. but if you like your car the way it is, drive it till whenever. sure repairs may get costly, but so is financing for a new car.
Mr. NS, i'm sorry to hear about your issues in the past. but i don't know if a blanket statment is the right way to go here. like you said, you dropped good amount of change, so you want your car to last. i hope others, including myself fares better over the years.
and if your car is out of warranty, then you are on your own right? i mean, if it happened to me, i'll bitch about it, but that doesn't make it justifiable.
Buy a Lexus
At 75,000 my wife's engine went due to oil sludging.
They replaced the block, heads, and all engine accessories and took my word that I changed the oil at least once a year.
The heated seats started to brand the leather after 5 years on the drivers side. My wife uses the heat even in the summer to help her back.
They also replaced the passenger seat because the new drivers seat would have looked odd next to the old pasenger seat.
Toyota/Lexus knows what customer service means.
BMW does not.
At 75,000 my wife's engine went due to oil sludging.
They replaced the block, heads, and all engine accessories and took my word that I changed the oil at least once a year.
The heated seats started to brand the leather after 5 years on the drivers side. My wife uses the heat even in the summer to help her back.
They also replaced the passenger seat because the new drivers seat would have looked odd next to the old pasenger seat.
Toyota/Lexus knows what customer service means.
BMW does not.