My 330 has hit the 3yrs in service and 40k mark in mileage. From what I understand BMW offers an extended warranty for $2850 with taxes in NY state. They also offer an extended maintenance warranty of $1750 also with taxes in NY state. Furthermore, the rep claims this price is inceasing to 2-2.5k as of June 1st since it is currently underpriced. (I agree since brakes cost $1000, and oil changes $100 and one would probably need brakes twice in 60k miles). I also need new tires as the tires are currently OEM Eagles, they still have enough thread, but 3yrs on them and 25% left on the rears, means it's time for Michelin Pilot exaltos before the winter, costing $800 with installation. Also, the extended warranty does not cover weather stripping, lights or bulbs, and it does not cover the Xenon headlights (the most expensive component), the suspension (for those control arm bushings??), the radio, or the exhaust. It just basically covers the powertrain, and it seems they were nice enough to add in some miscellaneous parts which are not expensive to fix, and ofcourse the climate control unit and wiring harnesses.
The car is remarkably reliable, and in excellent condition. It has never given me a major problem. Also, at the very least, 25k of those 40k miles are pure highway miles. Many done in 500-miles-in-one-day spurts. I have no doubt that car can drive from NY to CA, stopping only for gas along the way. I adore that car, it drives beautifully, and gets 30 mpg cruising at 75mph... It's been an amazing 3yrs.
The issue is that if you start the car on a cold morning, and drive it to a different parking space or for a few minutes at most, the next time you start the car, be it a day later, the engine shakes, vibrates, and idles very rough to the point where the check engine light will come on, if you dare to actually let the engine run when its in such a state. It has done that a few times over the winter, although it generally starts roughly if its sat for a few days in the cold.
Second, between 2nd and 3rd gear if you accelerate pressing the pedal down 70% or all the way, it feels as if the transmission slips into 3rd gear. Usually at 5000-6000+rpm, it jerks noticeably. It has happened in the 4000s as well. Otherwise the transmission is fine.
Third, when turning the steering wheel, it occasionally makes a consistent short-squeak sound, as if something needs to be greased. If its a day when it makes the sound, it is 100% reproducable, its not one of those funny ear incidents. I wonder if it could be a front suspension component.
Lastly, the car is not as quiet inside as one would expect, there is a good amount of wind noise, perhaps the weather stripping needs replacing.
Aside from the above, I cannot compliment the car more. So the question is whether or not it is worth it to put $5,000 into it and keep it for another 3years till it hits 100k, or to sell it now. I don't know how reliable these cars are once they are out of warranty and start to get high mileage on them. It seems to be a toss-up as to whether something breaks or not from my experience on the board. Also the transmission issue is worrysome, I hope it wasn't caused by the occasional 0-80 merge on the highway, in which I have noticed the 2nd to 3rd shift is at 6700rpm, as opposed to ~6500 in every other gear. Maybe the transmission is slipping, is it covered under warranty? I sure hope so.
To keep or not to keep, advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I am unable to choose.
The car is remarkably reliable, and in excellent condition. It has never given me a major problem. Also, at the very least, 25k of those 40k miles are pure highway miles. Many done in 500-miles-in-one-day spurts. I have no doubt that car can drive from NY to CA, stopping only for gas along the way. I adore that car, it drives beautifully, and gets 30 mpg cruising at 75mph... It's been an amazing 3yrs.
The issue is that if you start the car on a cold morning, and drive it to a different parking space or for a few minutes at most, the next time you start the car, be it a day later, the engine shakes, vibrates, and idles very rough to the point where the check engine light will come on, if you dare to actually let the engine run when its in such a state. It has done that a few times over the winter, although it generally starts roughly if its sat for a few days in the cold.
Second, between 2nd and 3rd gear if you accelerate pressing the pedal down 70% or all the way, it feels as if the transmission slips into 3rd gear. Usually at 5000-6000+rpm, it jerks noticeably. It has happened in the 4000s as well. Otherwise the transmission is fine.
Third, when turning the steering wheel, it occasionally makes a consistent short-squeak sound, as if something needs to be greased. If its a day when it makes the sound, it is 100% reproducable, its not one of those funny ear incidents. I wonder if it could be a front suspension component.
Lastly, the car is not as quiet inside as one would expect, there is a good amount of wind noise, perhaps the weather stripping needs replacing.
Aside from the above, I cannot compliment the car more. So the question is whether or not it is worth it to put $5,000 into it and keep it for another 3years till it hits 100k, or to sell it now. I don't know how reliable these cars are once they are out of warranty and start to get high mileage on them. It seems to be a toss-up as to whether something breaks or not from my experience on the board. Also the transmission issue is worrysome, I hope it wasn't caused by the occasional 0-80 merge on the highway, in which I have noticed the 2nd to 3rd shift is at 6700rpm, as opposed to ~6500 in every other gear. Maybe the transmission is slipping, is it covered under warranty? I sure hope so.
To keep or not to keep, advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I am unable to choose.
