** common problems? **

[spicyzoomzoom]

hey there, is anyone out here?
my friend is looking at getting a 325ci or 330ci and we already searched, however i failed to find a list of common problems with this car (every car has its 'common' problems)
also, i saw that there is a noticeable difference in accelerating between the 325 and 330. is the 325 underpowered or the 330 generously powered?
any help is greatly appreciated.

christy

 

[deutsch100]

Hi Christy. I do not think the 325 is underpowered, but yep...the 330 def. has more power. I drove both before I got my 330, and an very glad I did so.

Both the 325 and 330 have had quite a few problems with the automatic steptronic transmission. It seems to have really affected the early batch of the 2004s....so far mine has been the best automatic I have ever had. Both models (as with most German cars) have had electrical problems...windows, tilt down passenger mirror, door locks etc.... It is proabably not anymore than other German cars...and def. less than Mercedes and Volkswagen!!!

Hope this helps and Good Luck!!!!

 

[spicyzoomzoom]

thanks. i work in the parts department of an audi vw porsche dealer, so i jknow about all of those.
i should have been more clear tho. he is looking for an 00-02 with a few (up to 30k) miles on it.
i was looking more towards long term problems??? also anything to look for on a used car that someone who knows cars but not that specific line would not know to look for?
thanks again for all your help.

 

[jonnyz16]

I have a 325 w/ sport and premium packages and its great ! However there are times I wish for alittle more power ( 330 ) .. 325 has 184 horsepower and 330, 225 hp. either choice is good . If your friend can afford the 330 then go for it .

 

[codex57]

windows, mirrors, sunroof are all common problems. One of the suspension parts wears pretty early too. Only the early 04 models had Steptronic problems, otherwise no common transmission problems that I heard of.

 

[spicyzoomzoom]

thank you guys so much

 

[cordelli]

330 Convertible since August, 18,000 miles on it, the only problem was a busted cable in the door keeping the handle from opening the door, which they fixed straight away.

 

[eddo]

Bought my 01 325i 2 months ago with 36K. Absolutely love it but has been in the shop for

1)broken headliner - which the dealer had to get a whole sunroof kit and replace the whole sunroof - including the glass.

2)Will be in for both window regulators in the back - which are starting to make noise

3)What appears to be worn control arm bushings - will know thursday - which causes the brake to jerk the steering - see my post on brake jerks steering. I love the handling so much already with worn bushings I wonder what new bushings will feel like!

Don't forget the sucky CD player!!

 

[sweetbimmer2000]

I can't say it's common, but I had to replace my rear shock absorbers with less than 43K on it. I was really depressed and I still don't know how my rear shocks could've been leaking. Anyways, did it myself and saved two hours of labor costs at $87/hr. That is a rip considering it only took me 1, not even. Other than that, my 323CI has been really good to me. It's all about preventative maintenance, but well worth it...

 

[Zchild]

I've got 127,0++ miles all original and have only really had two problems that bothered me to this point. I lost a vacuum line which caused a minor leak and the dreaded control arm bushings. I have had no problems at all other than those stated above. Additionally, I continue to follow the scheduled maintenance for all aspects of my cars life. Happy motoring.

 

[xmas63]

...he is looking for an 00-02 with a few (up to 30k) miles on it.
i was looking more towards long term problems??? also anything to look for on a used car that someone who knows cars but not that specific line would not know to look for?
thanks again for all your help.

Not trying to be facetious, but seeing as it's early 2004, it may be too soon to know about "long term" problems for MY 00-02 cars.

One other thing to keep in mind: The steeing in the 01 cars is a little more power-assisted than the previous and following years. Not a huge deal for most people, but something to be aware of...

 

[spicyzoomzoom]

i hear ya. looking towards problems around 40-50K... anything to check while its still in warranty.

 

[theBMWenthusiast]

WHAT!!! it was the 2004's that had the automatic steptronic problems...not good...seeing that I just got one...good thing its under full warranty