[David]

Oil changes are at 15K, but I've been changing it at 7500 with 10W-30 Mobil 1 for the Houston heat, you'd should probably use 5W30. You should get a Bentley manual if you do your own repairs. You could get a Peake reset tool to check trouble codes and to reset the computer after oil changes. The dealer will usually reset it for free also. There are a couple of Bimmer forums, including a Pelican one, but they are nowhere near as good as the 911 site. Most people on those boards are talking about wheels and neon light kits.

We drove our 323i to Colorado a couple of years ago and it worked flawlessly with a 0 degree outside temperature. The same can't be said of our old Honda Accord.

We've had a few problems in the last couple of years: rear wheel bearing, clutch, A/C compressor that was causing all coils to misfire (still can't figure that out), window trim molding came loose, front lower control arms (all the joints were loose), and several sets of front brake rotors (buy BMW rotors, they are better and not much more expensive).

Even with these problems we really enjoy the car although the wife is eyeing the new 3 series coming out next year.

If you do your own repair work, join the BMW Club and you'll get a good discount on parts at the dealer.