BMW 330i: Basic Maintanance

Odd that it has oil level indicator but no TPMS.

How does an oil level indicator work when the engine is running? Wouldn't the fact that the oil is circulating around in the engine make getting a "level" reading impossible? You're probably right about the fuel economy going up with the tire pressure.

How did the ride comfort change when you raised pressure?
Did it feel as if the car had more travel in its suspension and less harshness over large bumps?

The air pressure in the 330i's 18s is very important. A few lbs of pressure is extremely noticeable.
 
I disabled the TPMS on my 330i. No need for it.
 
Lose those runflats edmunds...the car improves markedly.

Kurt, when the tires are inflated to spec they seem to absorb bumps a bit better. It's an improvement. When you're driving an e9x with runflats you know when the tires are getting low immediately...bots dots become jarring, pavement joints upset the car's chassis. In general the ride quality is atrocious and the handling very loose and sloppy.

This is off topic but I could use your advice Blueguy. My brother has a 02 330 coupe with sport package. Very nice car, handles well, looks good, and its pretty solid. He's had a few problems with it but nothing I would call major. I think it has around 50K on it as we speak. I think it was the A/C that failed and something to do with the power drivers seat.
 
Im looking to replace my 03 Acura CL-S for a sporty 4 door. I wanted to stay with Acura. The TL is nice but dynamically it falls a little short. The TSX is great dynamically but I wouldnt have the power of my CL-S. The new SI sedan is nice but I would be lacking the luxury items Im used to in the CL but of course the SI is way more tossable. So it looks like Acura really doesnt have anything that grabs my attention at the moment.
 
Ive had my eye on a certain 2003 330i sedan with the Performance Package a leasing company has here in town. BUT im a bit hesitant on purchasing it because of all the horror stories Ive heard with BMW electronics and the cost of maintaining the car. Not that I cant afford to purchase and own the car, but high priced maintence is something that no one likes.
 
The car is a 2003 330i w/ Performance Pkg. manual of course, and it has all the goodies. Black on Black, w/ 36,xxx miles, all dealer service records and a clean car fax. They are asking $29,900 but I can surely talk them down a bit. Give me some feedback if you will.
 
Patrick

I loved my 03 Performance Package-equipped (ZHP) 330i. It had some electrical, engine and mechanical problems though - the one reason I didn't buy it out of the lease. But my god what a fun car.
 
Looking back, I regret not opting for a 2005 330i ZHP when my lease was up. Many others report zero problems with their 3s. If the car is from BMW and it has a CPO label, I'd say go for it. If not, and you really like the ZHP, see if you can have the car inspected by an independent mechanic.

After riding in a 04 (PP) equipped 330i at Bimmer Fest Ive been wanting one of my own but the unscheduled maintenece rumours have held me back. Ill go look at the car with a friend of mine ( BMW-Audi-Porsche tech) and see what he says. If he says its good then I might spring for it. Thanks for your input.
 
Patrick

Patrick, Edmunds has had a bunch of longterm BMW 3 series. Check their archives for their experiences.

blueguy - what exactly were the electrical, engine and mechanical problems on the 03 w/ZHP? Were they fixed under warranty by the dealer?

I'm the second owner of a '03 zhp car and I love it! Have had no problems whatsoever - it's still in warranty for another 8 mos or 7000 miles. The car is perfect. - also CPO with additional 2 yrs of mx after warranty. Unfortunately, I've got to sell it. It's Imola red and I'm willing to bet you won't find one in better condition. Let me know if any of you might be interested. I hate to sell it, but the situation dictates that it goes.