2003 325i dies when it's first started - anyone else having problems

[Tupergal]

OK, I must admit I'm a bit disappointed with BMW. I purchased my first ever BMW last October (special ordered it and everything). I had it only 10 months and it was classified a "lemon" so they ordered me a new car. I've had it about 5 weeks and it's doing the same thing the other one did. It's a 2003 325i, automatic. It doesn't do it every day but probably 3 times a week, the first time you start it of the day (regardless of the time of day) it dies. It starts back up immediately and then you are fine, but it shouldn't be doing this. The other car was in the shop 4 times for this a total of 34+ days - the regional guy came twice to look at it and they put over $1500 in replacement parts on it and it still did it. Just wondering if anyone else is having this problem. I've already told them if they can't fix this one correctly, I just want my money back and I'll buy something else. For $32,000+ I should not be dealing with these issues.

Thanks - Rita

 

[PuShAkOv]

Check your battery connectors (in trunk) and any visible battery attachment/wire that you can see (like the small red box under the hood). I had a similar problem with car dying completely several times when starting... and the problem was a badly-connected wire on the battery. After I put the bolt the right side up and actually tightened it... it never happened again. [fake]

 

[yogi799]

If both Bimmers are doing the same thing AND if $1500 worth of replacement parts didn't help, then I'll bet ya it's some one component they overlook on both cars. Faulty computer?

It really could be something simple (sometimes dealers are dumb!), like mentioned above, cable connections... My bimmer was not starting at all and discharging the battery. After tons of sweat and research, I have concluded it's either some serious electrical problem or a bad alternator.... turned out to be a loose battery connection (not the main two cables that screw on the battery, but the additional cable going to the '+' , it only looked to be attached correctly!) Problem solved.

 

[PuShAkOv]

yogi,

My had a loose bat. connection too,.. I bet those "engineers" are beating their heads for not making a better fail-safe connection to the battery.. it must have cost them millions.

 

[yogi799]

and dealers don't care about fixing $1500 in unnecessary parts if the BMW Headquarters are paying for it, ha ha. They make their hourly charge and just get rich off pretending they know what they're doing. Dealer recently changed my oil.... I check it the next day... they poured 1.5 quart TOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!! You'd think the dealer who changes oil 20 times a day would have the exact amount figured out, wouldn't you??????? Same with that dude's problem. They fix and fix and never fix.... but get paid for it and he's still got a problem

 

[joe c]

Sounds like it may be a different problem but, for what it's worth, my 2003 325i with 2K miles on it died last week. the battery was drained so low that it would not even run over 5 mph after a jumpstart. The BMW center repaired it and said it was due to a faulty climate control unit which drains the battery even when the car is off. According to the dealer, there are a whole batch of faulty units out there in 325i's and I don't know why there is not a recall. Anyway, it was replaced and so far is running ok.

Good luck

Joe C

 

[Tom]

Tupergal...I've experienced this same problem on my M3. It happened when I was using 93 Octane, when I switched back to 91 Octane the problem went away.

 

[mallards]

just like Tom ...

i had the same problem when i used a certain brand of 93 ... although my car did not die ... it did idle very rough ...

try checking the battery connection and start using Exxon, Shell, or Chevron 91 octane

Ben

 

[MrElussive]

Amoco (now bp) and Exxon serve the highest quality gas.

 

[PuShAkOv]

In russia 93 is a standard, nothing bellow it is sold.

 

[pydo82]

THe only gas I use is chevron. I hear shell and 76 are pretty good, but I dont know I just got the habit of using chevron with techron premium 91 octane. Haha. Does the techron really help keep your car clean? Does anyone know if there really is a difference between certain gas companies? I definitely stay away from arco, but yeah does anyone have a real preference? and if so why?

 

[Tom]

THe only gas I use is chevron. I hear shell and 76 are pretty good, but I dont know I just got the habit of using chevron with techron premium 91 octane. Haha. Does the techron really help keep your car clean? Does anyone know if there really is a difference between certain gas companies? I definitely stay away from arco, but yeah does anyone have a real preference? and if so why?

Well if Techron doesnt work, they sure market it well.