Did some shopping today

[RANDY P]

My new driver -



Got an offer I couldn't resist - 2000 328CI, cold weather pkg, DSC and bla bla. 42K miles 5 speed. My truck, just now out of warranty is starting to develop ball joint problems, and the fuel pump is whining so it went bye bye this afternoon.

Fun car, largely devoid of personality compared to my SC. Of course, the SC would leave this thing anytime, anywhere.

Now the money question - no owners manual in car. Where can I find the scheduled maintenance and recommendations for oil? Heard stories of 15K oil changes - with like 5w-20 (?) weight oil / synthetic. Think it has DINO 5-20 in it at the moment... Want to get a handle on this.

Anyone know?

thanks

rjp

[azasadny]

Randy,
Nice car! Congratulations on a good find!

[1973911s]

Nice car, I always wanted a 330Ci.

Michael

[}{arlequin]

cool. I always thought that a properly set up, supercharged 330 would kill the new M3, which is too complex and too heavy.

[techweenie]

Pretty car. Hope you have more luck with BMW than I did.

You can find an owners manual on eBay.

[RANDY P]

Thanks! It's a cool driver. Been thinking about coilovers and a few bits and pieces -

But the 911 still comes first

[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.

[Hugh R]

You guys are soooo pcar engrossed, you need to check the BMW side of Pelican!

[RANDY P]

BMW side is quiet - and the other sites like
e46fanatics.com and dtmpower.net is more about the tuner thing.

Wonder if there's BMW sites for dudes approaching middle age fart?

rjp