2001 330CI Approaching 100K Miles

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Streamwood, IL
#21
Had to chime in, I have a 2003 330i ZHP. Bought the car as CPO with 2,450 miles in early 2004. Just turned 109,000 yesterday and to date have only had 2 problems. Had an internal trans failure at about 80,000 miles that resulted in BMW replacing the clutch and the steering wheel was replaced at about 50,000 miles. The steering wheel on ZHP equipped cars is covered in Alcantera and does not hold up well. They replaced the wheel with the leather covered wheel with tricolored stitching used for M3’s. Never had any front or rear end alignments. Car has the original front breaks and still screams to redline. I love driving this car.

Have every intention of putting another 100,000 miles on the car. Still feels (tight and solid, no squeaks or rattles) and looks like it did the day I picked it up from the dealer. Don’t see any reason why one could not expect to put 150,000 to 200,000 miles one.
 
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Gee
#23
Also regarding the clutch:

This is one item I am very concerned about. I see the posts saying you can get upwards of 170k off one but I'll admit that I did learn to drive stick on my car thus the clutch may have been burned more than normal. It still seems to function properly but I'd rather be proactive about it rather then get stuck somewhere.

Will my clutch just not work one day? What is a good way for me to know when to have it replaced?

Thanks every! I love this forum!
 
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#24
White94RX said:
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.
The brake fluid, coolant, microfilter and air filter are all just being checked or replaced/drained?


I'm going to have an outside mechanic replace the spark plugs and the fuel filter, but want to make sure I know what else to tell him if needed. Unfortunately I don't think he can just check items, so if there's standard things that have to be replaced I just want to have that done.
 
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#25
TSilver, Performance package equipped 330’s come with an Alcantera wrapped steering wheel, great covering but does not wear well (gets matted). So my request to have it replaced was purely cosmetic. This is the same wheel that comes on an M3, the M3 is leather wrapped and I thought that would be the best route. After about 50,000 miles it still looks new. As for your clutch, just keep driving till it goes.
 
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#26
dball can you send a link or a picture.. I'm just curious as to what this looks like so I can envision the wear on it you are talking about.

Should I get the trans fluid flushed?
 
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#29
156k on my 328iS, car runs great, most likely won't sell until i'm at 200k+, at which point i'll probably just source a newer motor and keep the car til it literally rusts to a pile of dust.

much like big D, i don't believe in "lifetime fluids." i replaced my trans and diff fluid last summer. but replacing these fluids isn't nearly as important as brake fluid and coolant.
 

William330

Active Member
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#31
Sweet ride Frolf, I almost bought that exact car, also in black.

We once replaced the engine in a car, and it was never the same. Disconnecting
everything, really makes quite a mess.

When she hits 200,000, give her a kiss goodbye, and let a high school
kid have some fun, and repair bills. :)
 
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#32
Ok well I had the work done. I had it done by an indepedent mechanic. Tell me if I got ripped off because this sure came out to a lot of money.


Spark Plugs were replaced

Fuel Filter was replaced

Coolant

Transmission Fluid


It came out to $507 bucks


Plus he said my rear brake pads needed to be replaced. I had both my brakes (pads and rotors) done at 80K and now I have 103K. Is it really possible they wore so fast?


Thanks for all the input everyone!
 
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Streamwood, IL
#33
23.000 miles for rear pads is low, unless something about your driving habits is contributing. I know the traction control system makes use of the rear brakes so if you see that activate a lot it will have an effect. I’d get a second opinion on the rear brakes.

What you paid was ok (a little high), some places charge a lot more.
 
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#36
bump....


couple of questions

1. How long do brakes typically last? I got mine changed at about 80K

2.) How do youk now when its time for a new clutch before getting stuck somewhere!

3.) How can I tell if my alignment is off? Right now my steering wheel tilts a little to the left and the car goes straight. Does this mean my front or rear alignment is off?
 
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#37
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]
It looks like you all were right.... My engine over heated tonight after the coolant suddenly disappeared...... I have no idea what I should do now.... :(
 


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