BMW 3 Series Problems

Graham Smith reviews the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and BMW 3-Series as a used buy.

It's a well recognised fact that we humans don't like change, we prefer to stick with what we know and trust and resist that we aren't so familiar with.  BMW clearly recognised this trait when it updated its very successful 3-Series in 2005 with the new E90 model.While it was clearly a new car with a raft of changes it still ticked all the boxes a 3-Series needed to tick to ensure it would carry on the success that has made the 3-Series the worldwide prestige car benchmark.MODEL WATCH Much had happened in the BMW world since the E90's predecessor, the E46 hit the market in 2000.  Most notably was the arrival of the all-new small 1-Series, which in effect filled the traditional role of the 3-Series as the entry point in the BMW range.With the 1-Series now the entry point the 3-Series was moved upmarket, it was then a stepping stone to bigger things.  Gone from the expanded range of 3-Series models was the 318i, the traditional way into the range. It was replaced with the 320i.The most obvious change from the E46 was the new body, which brought with it the edgy corporate lines that had been introduced on other models like the 5-Series.Run a tape over the car and you would have found it to be larger than its predecessor. It was longer in the wheelbase by 35 mm and a massive 78 mm wider, which translated into more width in the front seat and greater knee-room in the rear.BMW also claimed the boot was much larger, but that was in no small part due to the use of run-flat tyres, which eliminated the need to carry a spare tyre.At launch BMW offered four models: the four-cylinder 320i and its better-equipped 320i Executive sibling, and the six-cylinder 325i and 330i.  A 2.0-litre 16-valve double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine boasting 110 kW and 200 Nm powered the 320i, and there was the choice of a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.For more zip there was the 325i with a 2.5-litre six-cylinder with 160 kW and 250 Nm, and the 330i with a 3.0-litre six with 190 kW and 300 Nm.  The 325i was available with a six-speed sequential-shift auto and six- speed manual, while 330i was only available with the auto.In a sea of front-wheel drive models BMW has steadfastly held back the tide and the E90 retained rear-drive.  As befits a prestige car the E90 came with plenty of fruit.At the lower end the 320i came with climate controlled air, cruise, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, six-speaker CD sound, and 16-inch alloys. Step up to the 320i Executive and you also got fog lamps and leather trim.A move to a six rewarded you with 17-inch alloys, leather, CD- stacker, power driver's seat with memory, and parking sensors.IN THE SHOP BMW parts and servicing don't come cheap if you stick to dealers for your maintenance.  Look around for a BMW service specialist, there are many out there, and you will save heaps on servicing and any parts you might need.The E90 is still in its infancy, with the earliest just coming up five years old and on average with 60,000 km on the odo, so there are very few problems to relate.  All BMW engines use a timing chain instead of a belt, so there's no regular servicing required.ON THE ROAD The real joy of owning a BMW came in the form of the six-cylinder engine.  While the four was adequate, with its smooth driveability and decent fuel economy, there was nothing like a free-revving, silky-smooth BMW straight-six to excite the senses.Coupled with the superbly stable chassis of the E90, with its stiffer body, and rear-wheel drive the 3-Series was a real driver's car.  On the downside, the ride was hard and harsh thanks to the run-flat tyres that BMW used.IN A CRASH BMW claimed the E90 body was 25 per cent stiffer than the E46, a great foundation for building a solid safety package.  Add to that eight airbags and you had plenty of protection when it came to the crunch.Before that the R90 driver had a raft of active safety systems, like ABS anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, traction control, and others to assist in avoiding a crash.AT THE PUMP For economy the 320i would deliver 10.0-11.00 L/100 km around town, and 5.5-6.0 L/100 km on the open road.  A six would get between 11.0 and 13.0 L/100 km around town and around 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.LOOK FORSmart modern style . Roomy interior . Good-sized boot . Smooth, free-revving six . Modest four performance . Great rear-drive handling . Hard ride.THE BOTTOM LINEA well built, solid, comfortable that turns heads, but is also a delight to drive.RATING 80/100

The traditional prestige players are priced beyond the means of most of us -- but the qualitative difference separating the business class and the topline versions of the rest has diminished to the point of non-existence. All right, you'll look better in the car park comparison stakes if you drive the exxier choices listed here, but you're by no means always driving the better car.WAGONSOne's a classy Volkswagen Group sport wagon with a direct injection turbo petrol engine with the option of a cutting-edge transmission. And so's the Audi.The Czech-made Skoda is essentially a bigger in the body, more discreet, better riding and cheaper VW Golf GTI, the car that more than any other blurs the distinction between the prestige pack and the rest.The handling-enhancing electronic diff of the new GTI is on its way to the RS, so while the twin clutch DSG adds $2300, the generous standard kit (including tasty 18s) and skinny options list means there's not a lot more to spend. Rare is the Audi of which that can be said.The output of the front-wheel-drive Avant's turbo four is similar (132kW/320Nm plays Skoda's 147kW/280Nm), limited for its continuously variable transmission. Quattro and the full-fat engine sets you back another $13,000 -- and the premium is already just a bit silly.SEDANSOne's a perfectly balanced, rear-wheel-drive, inline petrol six with great steering and a six-speed ZF automatic. And so's the BMW.All right, we're comparing a big tarted-up Aussie taxi with a thoroughbred mid-size Bavarian sport sedan here, but what of it? Priced $33K south, this Falcon is probably the best-value car in the country on a metal for money basis and that price difference buys a lot of basic unleaded petrol for that 4.0-litre atmo six with its whacking 195kW/391Nm. If there's a quickish car that rides as well as the Falcon, it's known not unto us.As to the Bimmer, well, you'd go there if you could, even if the peerless handling comes at the price of run-flat tyres and an options list to make your eyes bleed.DIESELSOne's a European-built front-wheel-drive with a sophisticated turbodiesel engine and bank-vault build quality. And so's the Volvo. Now the first prestige Euro to be owned by a Chinese company, Volvo did rather well out of its association with Ford (certainly better than Saab did out of GM). But the years of proximity invite comparison.Long the choice of UK sales reps and families, the Mondeo's marriage of the diesel with an auto and capable dynamics give it a comfortable niche position at this level of the market. The Titanium edition gives the long Ford the trim and kit to compare with the premium brigade.Despite its more potent five-cylinder engine and Swedish aura of invulnerability, we just can't see the extra spend in the stolid Volvo.SUVSOne's the best-driving compact SUV and... uh, that's the BMW, actually. We've often said that if BMW made front-wheel-drive family cars they'd handle like Mazdas, so the two brands' respective four-wheel-drives should logically be even closer.Not quite, but not to the extent that the X3 is nigh-on $20K better. The X3's only real advantage in Australia's restricted conditions is its standard six-speed auto. Stop us if you're tired of hearing this, Mazda doesn't yet have a slusher for its diesel.While the Mazda's engine is slightly bigger and more potent than the BMW diesel, it has to haul a nearly two-tonne kerb weight. The X3 is 250kg lighter but, within, it's also the most dated Bimmer.How much is that badge worth, again?

Choosing the right car can open the door to the executive floor, or confirm your corner office and that overdue promotion to the big league. Just as the right suit, tie, shoes or watch send a message to management, so does the right car.Working on the basis that you should always dress for the job you want, not the one you have, there are some impressive buys around in the prestige class. And, better than anything, a smart second-hand purchase is a great way to reward yourself.You still need to think about the obvious stuff -- maintenance and repair costs, insurance, fuel economy and resale value -- but driving a tasty import doesn't have to mean a second mortgage. Buying near-new, with just a couple of years on the clock, can open the doors to some impressive cars.Here are three that tick the boxes for the Carsguide undercover crew:(Search for hundreds more choices)HOT TIPSIf out of warranty use a brand specialist mechanic. If you can find a manual you're sure to save even more. Prestige cars cost to maintain so budget for this.2009 BMW 323iEngine: 2.5-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed autoThirst: 8.8L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSA BMW badge is enough for many people and it needn't break the bank. The upmarket E90-model 3 Series sedan has balanced and subtly arresting style. The 323i (or the E92 325i if you spend $50K) gets a six-cylinder engine and earns more street cred than the four-cylinder 318i and 320i. It's not cheap to own or run, but the 323i still has lots going for it. It has room for four adults, is an exhilarating drive with solid handling, and even the fuel use isn't too bad. A thorough service history is mandatory and new owners are expected to continue this trend.2009 Lexus IS250 PrestigeEngine: 2.5-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 6-speed automaticThirst: 9.7L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSAn underestimated car that's perfect for first-time executive buyers. This particular example is the desirable 2009 upgrade model and gets extra kit such as the heated and cooled front seats and satnav. The IS is similar in size to a 3 Series but more focused on comfort and equipment than performance or rip-roaring cornering. Lexus builds beautiful cars and owners report very good customer service.2009 Mercedes-Benz C280 AvantgardeEngine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl petrolTransmission: 7-speed automaticThirst: 9.4L/100CARSGUIDE SAYSThis C-Class variant is a cut above the 1.8-litre petrol and 2.1-litre diesel models that sold best in 2008-10. Its 3.0 V6 gives punchy performance, at the cost of a greater thirst, as well as a distinctive exhaust note. There is commendable safety and reasonable equipment, although it's not a match for the Lexus.