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2004 BMW 3-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (42%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (6%)

Brakes and Traction Control (3%)

Suspension and Steering (16%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (23%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 751 repairs.

See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 BMW 3-Series.

2004 BMW 3-Series repair cost distribution

$2500+ (3%)

$1000 - $2499 (12%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (35%)

< $100 (33%)

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Chart based on 521 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

See repairs for all BMW 3-Series model years.

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2010
Jul 2008 78000 mi US $30	Broken sunroof

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Sep 2009 - Mar 2010
Oct 2009 55000 mi US $1100	control arm bushing power steering hoses and pump were replaced. Radiator hose, radiator belt and radiator fan were replaced due to some noise and leaks in radiator hose.
Dec 2009 58000 mi US $1200	steering pump fail, power steering hose has leaks. This suck because my 1997 honda accord has about 200k miles and doesn't has any of these problem.

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States Jun 2015 - Jul 2016
Jul 2016 215000 mi US $2400	Both catalytic converters clogged

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Aug 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007 45000 mi	Service light came on. Was told it was caused by a loose gas cap.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Jan 2011 - Apr 2011
Feb 2011 88000 mi US $1000	Previously took to Dealer for oil change. Belts were bad so decided to change water pump as well. Dealer did not replace thermostat. Thermostat failed 1 week after. This repair was to replace thermostat CV joint boot needed replacing, and boot on rack and pinion. Independent shop changed whole axle for half of what the dealer charged me to replace just the rubber boot.

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Sep 2014 - Dec 2014
Dec 2014 79360 mi	Steering pump leaked and replaced. Very slight knock on steering wheel can be felt when idle before replacement.

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BMW 3-Series in Missouri, United States Oct 2014 - Sep 2017
Feb 2015 92000 mi US $1223	Replaced valve cover and gasket for oil leak Car was slipping in first gear for the first min in the morning. Trans fluid and filter were changed

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Nov 2010 - Nov 2011

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Feb 2011 - Mar 2018
Jun 2011 83700 mi C $3500	Starter motor failed and had to be replaced. Repairs were done by a Chrysler dealership - not our normal service shop Air Conditioning condenser leaking - replacement parts and refrigerant required to fix it Fuel pump
Sep 2011 89900 mi C $168	Brake calliper replaced on right front
Oct 2012 101760 mi C $334	Replacement of idler arm & belt
Mar 2013 108500 mi C $10	Power steering pump failed - replaced for third time - under warranty
Jun 2013 108500 mi C $1300	seized caliper on one brake was causing problem Oil seal had to be replaced to repair oil leak
May 2014 124000 mi C $300	Replace front shocks
May 2015 133300 mi C $140	Replace gear shift vinyl cover and cracked mount
Mar 2016 139500 mi C $125	Windshield washer fluid leaking
Dec 2017 147560 mi C $600	Rod was loose and dangerous - failure could cause wheels to move independently if left

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BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States May 2015 - Jul 2015
Jul 2015 81000 mi US $800	replaced both rear springs - broken off near bottom and resting directly on supports

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States May 2008 - Jan 2010
Dec 2008 65000 mi	Replaced alternator pulley and the belt tensioner.
Mar 2009 68000 mi US $100	Replaced center console hazard/lock button.
May 2009 73000 mi	Replaced valve cover seal. Replaced front CV joint boots and axles.
Oct 2009 80000 mi	Checking in. Passenger side rear view mirror needs repair because it doesn't automatically adjust for curb view. There's also a weird squeal in the HVAC system.
Jan 2010 84000 mi	Check engine light came on and indicated a thermostat problem. Need to have car examined by dealer.

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Aug 2006 - Dec 2014
Jul 2006 20460 mi	Replacement of keys, defective.
Aug 2006 21080 mi	Rear linkage clunking noise. Improperly lubed joints. Warranty.
Feb 2007 26660 mi C $150	Install Homelink control in upper roof console
Apr 2007 28520 mi C $400	Replace front rotors and brake pads. Replace exhaust downpipe (defective - warranty) Replace battery (defective - warranty)
May 2007 29140 mi	Realign skid plate - vibrating against exhaust parts. Rear linkage clunking - lubed joints
Sep 2007 31620 mi	Replace defective front resonator (exhaust). Warranty repair.
Oct 2007 32240 mi	Replaced rear sway bar and linkage. Under warranty.
Nov 2007 32860 mi	Exhaust system expanding and vibrating agains heat shield. Repositioned. Warranty repair.
Mar 2008 35340 mi	Repair broken console lid. under Warranty.
Apr 2008 35960 mi C $250	Repair front control arm. 4 wheel aligment done on car.
Nov 2008 41540 mi C $520	Chrome trim arround windows needs to be replaced due to pitting and discolouration. Parts on back order. Chrome trim around windows replaced due to pitting and discolouration. Chrome trim arround windows needs to be replaced due to pitting and discolouration. Parts on back order.
Feb 2009 44640 mi C $500	Failed thermostat. Known BMW design flaw for this part(fails after 4-5 years due to moisture intrusion). Failed thermostat. Known BMW design flaw for this part(fails after 4-5 years due to moisture intrusion).
Mar 2009 44640 mi C $250	Reinstallation of rear mudflaps. The originals from the factory were not mounted properly. Reinstallation of rear mudflaps. The originals from the factory were not mounted properly.
Jun 2009 50840 mi C $300	Replacement of rear taillight assembly and bulbs. Replacement of rear taillight assembly and bulbs.
Sep 2009 54560 mi C $520	Front brakes pads and rotors replaced
Jan 2010 58280 mi C $2400	Replaced front CV boots, cracked. Cleaned and repacked inner and outer CV joints/bearings. Also performed 96km 'Service II' (belts, plugs, fluids, etc) Replaced front CV boots, cracked. Cleaned and repacked inner and outer CV joints/bearings.rnrnAlso performed 96km 'Service II' (belts, plugs, fluids, etc)
Aug 2012 85440 mi C $76	Replaced lower control arm bushings on both front wheels. Turned out to be parts set up for track, sent in error. Ordered correct parts.
Nov 2012 87820 mi C $230	Replaced worn out front lower control arm bushings, both sides of car, this time with the correct OEM parts.
Feb 2013 89580 mi C $60	Leaking gasket. Replaced valve cover gasket and valve cover bolt washers.
Mar 2013 89900 mi C $190	Replaced valve cover gasket, replaced oil housing gasket, replaced vanos oil return line, replaced tensioner pulley and idler pulley, replaced accessory belt and AC belt. Parts cost only - work performed by owner. caliper sticking, removed both front calipers, refurbised calipers, replaced front pads and rotors.
Jul 2013 91140 mi	Real axel seals weeping fluid. Replaced rear axel seals on the differential. Replaced differential fluid and plugs.
Aug 2013 91540 mi C $430	Radiator coolant expansion tank failed. Replaced coolant expansion tank, replaced coolant.
Feb 2014 94440 mi C $224	Replaced car battery.
Mar 2014 94240 mi C $650	lower control arm ball joint failure, drivers side. Replaced both front control arms and ball joints.

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BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Dec 2006 - Jun 2018
Sep 2008 46000 mi	DSC/TCS/ABS activates when not necessary.
Nov 2008 47000 mi	The ABS operating when not necessary - was resolved by replacing the tires, which were worn (it seems the BMW DSC/TCS/ABS system is picky, as the shop foreman had had the same problem with his E39).
Dec 2012 87000 mi US $210	Valve cover gasket replaced
Jun 2014 101000 mi US $260	Misfire no. 5 cylinder. Replaced coil and plug.
Jan 2015 99300 mi US $700	Oil leak - oil pan gasket replaced
Jun 2015 106000 mi US $1050	Oil leak - replace valve cover and gasket Oil leak - reseat oil filter holder
Jul 2017 114000 mi US $35	A/C weak, topped up refrigerant
May 2018 117000 mi US $300	Replace sticky thermostat

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Jun 2012 - May 2017
Dec 2012 73000 mi US $85	Thermostat was stuck open; engine would not come up to full temperature.
Jun 2013 78000 mi US $140	AC was low on pressure. Shop recharged.
Oct 2013 80700 mi US $53	Window regulator on right rear passenger door died. Replaced with new unit. Oil leak from valve cover gasket.
Aug 2014 89100 mi US $700	Leaking coolant reservoir. Replaced radiator, water pump, hoses, coolant tank as recommended at 90k miles. Clunking at low speeds and wandering on the highway. Replaced front control arms, FCA bushings, and sway bar endlinks as recommended at this mileage.
Jun 2015 96000 mi US $800	Car overheating; shop determined low AC charge was responsible. Repair fixed non-functioning AC but did not solve overheating issue. Fixed A/C Overheating while stopped in traffic. Shop determined that auxiliary cooling fan had failed. Replaced fan, but did not resolve issue.
Jul 2015 96200 mi	Overheating caused by bad temp switch. Replaced switch.

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BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Sep 2015 - Jul 2016
Jan 2016 US $150	Oil filter housing was leaking due to degraded seal. Windshield washer pump leaking

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Dec 2008 - Mar 2010
Apr 2008 77000 mi US $160	Control arm bushings worn, replaced.
Jul 2008 77000 mi	Car would not start, fuel pump replaced. Work took place in July 2008.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Jul 2012 - Jul 2022
Aug 2012 96200 mi US $200	Water pump gasket leaking. Replaced water pump
Jan 2016 US $700	radiator leaking. replaced radiator, water pump, and hoses.
May 2016 135000 mi US $1200	Control arm bushing replacement and shock/strut replacement

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Feb 2008 - Mar 2018
Sep 2010 100000 mi	Sub-frame welds were failing on early issue 3 series (2001-2002). TSB was sent out for all e46 style BMWs. Mine was evaluated and given clean bill of health.
Dec 2013 129000 mi US $1000	New shocks, struts, sprongs and both front and rear control arm bushings.

BMW 3-Series in Maryland, United States Aug 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2015 105000 mi US $1300	Thermostat and water pump were replaced Alternator died and needed to be replaced. Sway bar links needed to be replaced.
Sep 2017 127000 mi US $3000	Rear passenger side wheel bearing replaced A/C was leaking from one or maybe both of the service ports. Parts replaced and recharge performed, also dye injected into system to check for future leaks. Lots of cooling components were leaking or about to fail. Replaced a bunch of components. Leak coming from power steering hose. Hose, clamp, and gasket replaced. Rear sway bar end links were completely broken, shop removed what was left of the endlinks and just removed the sway bar completely until I get suspension parts. Was notified that rear shocks totally blown as well as both rear springs both broken (apparently this is a common issue). No repair done yet, ordered parts online and will replace as DIY.
Nov 2017 128000 mi US $850	Replaced rear shocks, springs, and all associated hardware (shock mounts, bolts, reinforcement plates, bump stops, etc...)
Jun 2018 133000 mi US $2250	A/C Evaporator had to be replaced, entire dashboard had to be disassembled for replacement. Additional electrical problem persists, need to replace instrument cluster.

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Feb 2014 - Oct 2015
Sep 2014 105000 mi US $800	Oil filter housing gasket failure Both passenger side window regulators failed within days of each other. These units are chronic problem areas in the e46 3-series BMW. Leaking Schrader valve on A/C system. Dye injected in system and system recharged. Leak was slight. Replacement parts ordered and will be replaced at next visit.
Jan 2015 108300 mi US $100	Rebuilt / overhauled the DISA unit located in the m54b30 engine intake plenum using a kit sold by German Auto Solutions (GAS). The DISA is a common failure item on BMW's I-6 engines in the e39 and e46 chassis.

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Mar 2013 - Apr 2016
Apr 2015 90000 mi US $55	Replaced worn front control arm bushings (FCAB).

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Jul 2010 - Oct 2013
Apr 2011 70260 mi C $300	Check engine light illuminated, car would not idle and ran roughly. Dealer diagnosed lean lean mixture due to cracked intake boot. Replaced part.

BMW 3-Series in Iowa, United States May 2011 - Jun 2018
Dec 2011 98000 mi US $120	1 leaky fuel injector caused poor starting. Replaced and all is well.
Mar 2013 107000 mi US $15	Replaced oil filter housing gasket due to small oil leak.
Nov 2015 131000 mi US $110	Intake cam position sensor went bad. Replaced to resolve SRC codes.
Jan 2017 US $30	Code P0302 with engine stumble. Replaced ignition coil on cylinder 2 with cheap one from Advanced Auto. New coil fixed the problem
Jun 2018 149000 mi US $75	Final Stage Resistor/Switch failed. HVAC fan would not come on. Replaced resistor and everything back to normal.

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States Oct 2014 - Apr 2017
Jun 2015 95000 mi US $100	Tail light warning light illuminated on dash though all lights fully operational. Wiring inspected, plugs/sockets cleaned, no new parts. Repair initially successful but problem recurred within a couple weeks.
Sep 2015 96000 mi US $700	Front passenger window regulator replaced Moonroof sunshade off tracks
Mar 2017 102000 mi US $600	Oil filter housing leak - replaced gasket. Vanos supply hose leak - replaced hose. Cleaned connections at right tail light to fix false warning light.

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Oct 2011 - Jun 2012
Apr 2012 105800 mi US $599	replace water pump & coolant hose flush coolant system
Jun 2012 110000 mi US $773	replace AC compressor (OEM replacement purchased separately online), dryer, alt belt tensioner pulley

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Jun 2010 - Sep 2015
Jul 2010 64000 mi US $50	rough idle w/ AC on; cleaned MAF, disassembled intake and cleaned dirty/stuck idle control valve, DISA valve and throttle body, checked for vacuum leaks and cracked hoses - found none; rough idle has not returned.
Nov 2010 64000 mi US $60	Airbag light (SRS) came on, error code indicated driver's wheel airbag fault, mechanic cleared error and SRS light has not returned - likely spurious sensor electrical fault
Apr 2011 66200 mi US $130	Airbag (SRS) light came on again after being cleared twice before - fault code indicated drivers steering wheel firing Stage 1 fault; replaced steering wheel switch module (slip ring) and switch module to steering wheel airbag wiring harness.
Jun 2011 67000 mi US $70	Drivers side front window regulator broke - repaired by installing new window regulator.
Apr 2015 90200 mi US $95	replaced faulty oil level sensor replaced worn front control arm bushings

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Mar 2018 - Jun 2018
May 2018 156000 mi US $400	The brake pressure sensor had failed, resulting in the ABS and DSC systems being turned off. The sensor was replaced but the new sensor was also faulty.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States - Jan 2011
Jan 2011 62500 mi US $54	Window regulator replaced. Rear driver's side door.

BMW 3-Series in British Columbia, Canada Aug 2007 - Sep 2011
Sep 2007 29140 mi	The starter was failing. It was replaced. I had to make 2 trips b/c they did not fix the problem in the 1st trip. Second trip to have starter repaired after first trip failed.
May 2009 55180 mi C $168	Rear Left indicator/brake light stopped working. The ground connection was burned out. Had to change the connectors & wire a new ground. Known Problem from BMW.
Aug 2009 58900 mi C $500	Engine Light was on for 2974; Oxygen sensor.
Feb 2010 66960 mi C $250	Service Light ON.
Dec 2010 80600 mi C $450	Left front window motor/regulator replaced.
Sep 2011 94860 mi C $600	DISA Valve was broken. They had to install a new DISA valve.

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BMW 3-Series in Indiana, United States Oct 2011 - Dec 2013
Nov 2011 88000 mi US $100	Replaced oil filter housing gasket (leaking). Also did an oil change. Replaced power steering reservoir (dirty filter) and clamps (leaking).
Dec 2011 89000 mi US $900	Replaced struts, shocks and springs. Shocks and struts were completely shot.
Jan 2012 US $225	Replaced rear light wiring harness.
Apr 2012 92700 mi US $200	Swaybar links and tierods. Alignment from local shop.
Jul 2012 96500 mi US $150	Front wheel bearings were worn and needed to be replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Nevada, United States May 2010 - Sep 2013
Sep 2011 102000 mi US $4200	Passenger airbag warning illuminated. Required replacement of airbag sensor in passenger seat. Oil leak noticed from spotting on driveway. Valve cover gasket leaking and replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010 61000 mi US $200	Vacuum tube came loose @ manifold.

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Sep 2013 - Jun 2014
Dec 2013 139000 mi US $65	Valve cover gasket leaking Replaced A/C belt and mechanical tensioner
Jun 2014 140000 mi	A/C blower had intermittent squeak on low settings.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Jan 2013 - Sep 2014
Oct 2013 120500 mi US $750	Oil filter housing gasket Anti roll bar end links torn
Mar 2014 126000 mi US $90	Water heater valve stuck open

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Mar 2012 - Apr 2018
Apr 2012 102700 mi US $2100	front control arm bushings worn was told oil filter gasket was in need of replacement car overheated on highway, coolant reservoir cracked and upper radiator hose blew
Sep 2017 170000 mi US $1100	Fuel sensors Radiator and hoses replaced
Apr 2018 174000 mi US $400	Overflow reservoir bracket and o rings at transmission cooling line were leaking. Replaced

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BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Feb 2009 - Jun 2018
Nov 2010 79000 mi US $2	Driver's sun visor bracket. Bracket became loose over time and visor would unclip when rotating up and down.
Feb 2011 84400 mi US $40	Driver's side tail light bulb carrier. Corroded and melted ground wire contact.
Sep 2011 101000 mi US $200	driver's side and passenger's side window regulators are beginning to fail.
Oct 2011 101000 mi US $115	Auto-dimming rear view mirror repaired by independent party. Mirror lost auto-dimming function and fluid leaked completely out of the mirror. Auto-dimming rear view mirror repaired by independent party. Mirror lost auto-dimming function and fluid leaked completely out of the mirror.
Dec 2011 107000 mi	Battery needed to be replaced.
Feb 2012 112000 mi US $90	Replaced alternator/water pump tensioner and idler pulleys. Pulleys were squeaking at idle.
Aug 2012 125700 mi US $20	Hood switch sensor faulty. Alarm would go off thinking the hood had been opened.
Apr 2013 133200 mi US $600	Original shocks and struts were worn out. Replaced with OEM parts. Replacement cost includes all new hardware associated with install - bolts, nuts, washers, etc.
Jul 2013 139000 mi US $200	Replaced "shark fin" rubber antenna gasket on roof. Was cracking and deteriorated. Replaced leaky valve cover gasket. Strong odor of burnt oil when stopped at a light. Replaced aging CCV (Crank Case Ventilation / PCV) system. Replaced leaking oil filter housing gasket.
Feb 2014 146400 mi US $50	Replaced leaking VANOS oil line
Jun 2014 150000 mi US $30	Headlight lens was faded and hazed due to age. Sanded and polished lens to restore clarity.
Sep 2014 153000 mi US $75	Replaced thermostat due to failed electrical heating element. Replaced thermostat due to failed electrical heating element.
Jan 2015 147500 mi US $300	Replaced low beam xenon headlight bowls. The reflective coating on the original plastic bowls were faded, burnt and cracked. This is a known issue on E46 models with ZKW xenon HID headlights.
Feb 2015 158400 mi US $75	OEM Wahler thermostat developed a slow coolant leak where the electrical connector enters the thermostat body.
May 2015 161700 mi US $50	Front driver's turn signal corner light failed. Replaced with new turn signal assembly, including new bulb and bulb socket.
Sep 2015 166000 mi US $40	Replaced driver's side hood grille.

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Mar 2010 - Jun 2011
Apr 2010 71000 mi US $880	Replaced idler pulleys that mechanic noted were squeaking.

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BMW 3-Series in New Hampshire, United States Mar 2017 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017 138000 mi US $15	Windshield washer pump
May 2018 145000 mi US $85	Both rear coil springs - replaced with new Bilstein

BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States Jun 2017 - Nov 2020
Jun 2017 114000 mi US $1200	Leaking oil pan
Jul 2017 115000 mi US $1200	Heavy steering. Steering rack replaced
Mar 2018 120000 mi US $900	Water pump

BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States Sep 2009 - Sep 2011
Apr 2010 98000 mi US $100	Thumping noise occurring while turning at speeds of 25mph or greater. As time progressed the thumping occurred at slower speeds with minimal need for steering wheel movement to bring on the thumping. Front axles worn...required replacement.
Jun 2010 100000 mi US $100	Washer fluid pump malfunction (leak) Covered under extended warranty
Jun 2011 118000 mi US $100	Valve cover gasket replacement as I was losing small amount of oil over engine block. Tipped-off by burnt smell post-driving.

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BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Jul 2014 - Nov 2018
Mar 2015 187000 mi US $150	Replaced coil packs (connected to spark plugs) and pre-cat oxygen sensors.

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BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Mar 2016 - Sep 2016
Jun 2016 68820 mi C $1600	Leaking power steering rack. Replaced. Ball joints worn. Whole assembly replaced on both sides.

BMW 3-Series in Kansas, United States Apr 2013 - Sep 2015
Jun 2013 57000 mi US $230	Performance. Air filter replaced.
Dec 2013 61000 mi US $350	New thermostat. Car was not heating. Thermostat fixed the problem.
Jul 2015 68200 mi US $2100	Valve cover, brakes and major tune up

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BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States Apr 2012 - Nov 2020
Jun 2012 66000 mi US $1100	4 wheel drive front axles worn, one boot was cracked and leaking
Nov 2014 70000 mi US $10	burning oil, quart every few thousand miles
Mar 2015 76000 mi US $300	spark plugs replaced rear drivers side shock broke after pothole. the shock itself sheared clean through, so no other damage.
Apr 2016 100000 mi	Rear tail light connector burned out - replaced under recall

BMW 3-Series in New Mexico, United States Dec 2011 - Mar 2015
Feb 2012 72000 mi US $800	Replaced front & rear glass. Rear defrost partially dead. Windshield pitted from highway driving plus cracked. Replaced headlight lenses due to pitting. valve cover leak, replaced gasket second time, out of warranty
Jun 2012 74000 mi US $977	replace valve cover plus oil & filters change and replace power steering hose
Jun 2013 87000 mi US $500	replace fuel pump cam sensor code
Sep 2013 88000 mi	Sub woofer amplifier failed, emitting a loud noise. unplugged it, waiting for replacement part to arrive.
Mar 2014 94000 mi US $2000	transmission leak
Jun 2014 97000 mi US $2000	repaired CV boots, replaced thermostat, replaced nav screen, reprogrammed computer
Jan 2015 102200 mi US $3000	oil pan leak, thermostat, coolant tank, power steering hose, intake hose.

BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States Mar 2011 - Mar 2018
Sep 2011 104000 mi US $1200	Broken rear springs, both sides, rear shocks both sides
Jan 2012 145000 mi US $675	Front lower control arms, ball joints and bushings. Sway rod ends.
Mar 2016 179000 mi US $1956	Differential failed
Nov 2016 189000 mi US $150	rusted and corroded rear brake lines
Oct 2017 201000 mi US $390	CCV components replaced due to excessive oil consumption Final Stage resistor replaced

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States Jul 2016 - Jun 2018
Feb 2017 141000 mi US $200	Rough idle due to a leak in the vacuum system. It turned out to be a leaky MAF upper boot and a broken vacuum line from VANO to the CCV unit. Need a smoke machine to find the leak.
Jul 2017 146000 mi US $30	Coolant leaks. Replaced upper radiator hose.
Nov 2017 150000 mi	Secondary Air pump to valve hose replaced
Jan 2018 152000 mi US $50	Window regulator
Jun 2018 158000 mi US $200	Replaced water pump tension pulley and A/C pump tension pulley.

BMW 3-Series in Manitoba, Canada Sep 2008 - Mar 2012
Mar 2010 18600 mi C $1300	Control system for driver's side headlamp needed to be replaced
Jul 2011 26140 mi C $600	Replaced camshaft.

BMW 3-Series in Louisiana, United States Feb 2010 - Oct 2011
Apr 2010 95000 mi	A/C evaporator core developed leak
Aug 2010 102600 mi US $100	Rattling at idle from valve in muffler/tailpipe Steering wheel/chassis vibration under acceleration; attempted to resolve with wheel balance but not resolved.
Nov 2010 107000 mi US $1600	Steering wheel/chassis vibration under acceleration increasingly severe; first att. fix replaced engine mounts, failed to fix; successfully fixed with replacement of front axle half-shafts.
Mar 2011 114000 mi US $350	One side of HID headlamps would not illuminate; problem was failed ballast/xenon control unit on that side. Replaced with OEM part.
Oct 2011 125000 mi	Service engine soon light illuminated on a cold morning, but no driveability symptoms. Check of code revealed too lean condition. Reset code/light and did not reappear in >500 miles of driving.

BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States Nov 2010 - Mar 2018
Apr 2011 90000 mi US $1900	replace all front suspension components,and full alignment.
Jul 2013 135000 mi US $600	new springs,shocks and struts plus alignment. price didnt include parts as i had planned on doing it myself. i had read that the rear springs were prone to breaking on the 330xi and one was broken.
Mar 2014 150000 mi US $230	fuel pump stopped working, replace pump & fuel filter
Jan 2016 119500 mi US $900	Repaired and repainted 6 small areas where rust bubbles had developed. he was able to get to solid metal and prime with an epoxy primer and then repaint.rnI am quite dissapointed in it rusting in just 10 years of use.
May 2016 188700 mi US $1000	replace front axles, engine mounts and transfer case bushing
Dec 2017 211000 mi US $570	replace leaking radiator
Jan 2018 212000 mi US $450	alternator failed/ then starter then alternator again starter Newly installed alternator failed. I wasn't their fault but as a Bosch dealer they have a warrantee program that covers the shops cost and we paid nothing.

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Dec 2006 - Mar 2010
Jan 2007 20000 mi	The amp went out. This is the second time they've replaced the amp.
May 2007 22000 mi	The SES light came on, it ended up being the engine thermometer that went out. Result was a coolant change and a replacement of the part. While there, the car went in for a voluntary oil service which was not covered under maintanence.
Nov 2007 28000 mi	Transmssion delay from reverse to drive when cold started...reflashed with new software like last time...hopefully will work this time, also complimentary oil service.

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BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Dec 2005 - Nov 2007
Oct 2005 10592 mi	Ignition Coils Replaced Warranty/Recall Annual Oil Service
Dec 2006 24120 mi	Self-Dimming Rear-View mirror replaced

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Nov 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011 87000 mi	The rear view mirror's tint was coming off, and needed to be replaced. The front bushings would need to be replaced at some point (they made rattles when you hit bumps in the road).

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BMW 3-Series in California, United States Feb 2011 - Sep 2011
Apr 2011 218000 mi US $1640	Check engine light was for Cracked Intake Hoses & Leak Detection Pump. Power Steering Exchange. Replace oil filter housing. Did Oil Filter change. Replaced Rear window Regulator.
May 2011 218000 mi US $3300	transmission indicator came on. transmission was slipping and went to default mode. Had to tow to shop. Shop determined that transmission had to be replaced. Replaced with a warrantied used transmission.

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Dec 2009 - Sep 2012
May 2010 57520 mi C $100	Replaced front stabilizer links. Warranty paid $139 of $239 total.
Jan 2011 62620 mi C $600	Replaced both front lower control arms and left tie rod Covered under 3rd party warranty (EasyCare) We paid $100 deductible on control arms - would have been $1200 Paid $362 parts & labor for left tie rod
Feb 2012 69520 mi	Burnt smell from under hood. Can't tell if it's burnt oil/fluid or electrical. Has gone away for now but was never fixed. Happed only during cold weather so far.

BMW 3-Series in British Columbia, Canada Apr 2018 - Jan 2021
Nov 2018 109740 mi C $706	Brake pads worn Vanos tubes replaced

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Sep 2012 - May 2022
Nov 2012 73200 mi US $190	Upper belt tensioner making noise - bearing going out. Both tensioners replaced as well as serpentine belt.
Jun 2013 81000 mi US $150	Coolant expansion tank cracked and oil cooler thermostat broke during replacement. Both were replaced as well as a coolant system flush and refill.
Aug 2013 82000 mi US $22	Camshaft Position Sensor error message - intermittent failure. Found a close-out deal (regularly $120 for BMW part) and installed in 20 minutes.
Dec 2013 87000 mi	1) Coolant leak - Haven't yet identified the exact location, but looks like at the connection at the top of the radiator. 2) Oil leak - Looks like a leak at one of the sensors at the front near the coolant thermostat housing.
Feb 2014 87000 mi US $274	Valve cover gasket leak. Oil Filter Housing gasket replacement.
Feb 2015 98000 mi US $60	Check engine light came on. Determined a problem with cylinder 4. Replaced coil pack on #4 and all spark plugs.
Jun 2015 100000 mi US $235	AC stopped blowing cold air. Attempted to add myself, but couldn't get good reading on gauge and didn't fix the problem. Shop evacuated, recharged and added dye. So far, it is still blowing cold air.
Aug 2015 101000 mi	Car began running rough and occasionally would blow a cloud of white smoke from the exhaust indicating the Crank Case Vent valve was getting clogged. It got progressively worse and the Check Engine light came on. Replaced CCV and hoses. $220. Small coolant leak for quite awhile near radiator/hoses/expansion tank. Replaced radiator, expansion tank & auto trans thermostat, upper & lower hose, thermostat & housing, water pump and fan clutch. $480. Identified freon leak at both high and lower pressure valves. Leak if very slow, so will replace valves in the fall after freon leaks down and AC not needed as much.
Sep 2015 102000 mi US $60	Driver's window regulator failed. Ordered part and replaced it.
Oct 2015 102200 mi	The window failed again after 3-4 weeks and was stuck down. I suspect the new Cardone regulator's plastic cable "coupler" failed. A known point of failure and in my opinion a poor design. Redo...
Nov 2015 102600 mi US $80	The Cardone window regulator did fail, although it was in the cable take-up mechanism. I ordered a replacement from RockAuto.com, who will reimburse me when the other is returned. The new one is different and seems to be working fine.
Jun 2016 107000 mi US $75	Driver's side window regulator failure. Vendor agreed to send a different replacement brand after two Cardone regulators failed.
Apr 2017 123000 mi US $30	Known leaks in A/C recharge valves, although very slow. Requires typically one recharge per season.
May 2017 123000 mi US $125	Trying to find slow AC leak. Recharged and added dye.
Aug 2017 128000 mi	Driver's-side window regulator failed (AGAIN). I'm losing track of how many I've had to replace. It hasn't been replaced yet, but will be in the next couple of months.
Mar 2018 135000 mi US $595	The valve cover gasket began leaking (again). The same shop repaired it less than 50K miles ago. The oil had damaged the lower radiator hose, so it was also replaced. The driver's window regulator also went out (AGAIN), so they replaced it with a genuine BMW part. I can only hope it lasts. Car died and couldn't be started. Towed to shop and was told there was no fuel pressure. The fuel pump was replaced.
Oct 2021 141000 mi US $150	Coolant leak - replaced expansion tank
Apr 2022 159000 mi US $250	Yet another expansion tank. It cracked (again) and the usual place and started leaking.

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Jan 2007 - Mar 2013
May 2007 54975 mi	Wheel Speed Sensor replaced
Apr 2009 85000 mi US $54	Bulb Carrier (part)
May 2010 103000 mi US $226	Replace Air Pump Valve Right Headlamp Assembly - bought online and installed myself
Jul 2011 120074 mi US $618	Replace Expansion Tank, Thermostat Assembly, Coolant
Sep 2011 122382 mi US $110	Replace Crank Case Hose (Valve > Dipstick)
Mar 2012 127641 mi US $573	Purchased 3 Ox Sensors online - paid shop to install 2 of them that were hard to access and beyond my skill level. I installed the other one.
Jan 2013 139362 mi US $1205	Oil-leak Gasket and Washer replacements, hoses, belts; oil change.
Feb 2013 139362 mi US $195	Replaced oil filter housing gasket.

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Feb 2013 - Sep 2018
May 2013 91080 mi	Coolant Leak

BMW 3-Series in British Columbia, Canada Jun 2012 - Sep 2017
Nov 2012 65984 mi C $265	oil filter housing gasket,2 ccv hoses,valve cover gasket.
Apr 2014 84700 mi C $500	Fuel pump
Nov 2014 92380 mi C $300	Full CCV replacement.

BMW 3-Series in Kansas, United States Apr 2011 - May 2015
Jun 2011 88000 mi	First issue was an oil leak. Required two trips to fix. Air conditioning repaired. Suspect they simply added R-134 to get it going. Out again, regular more skilled mechanic cannot find leak.
Sep 2011 90000 mi US $400	Leaking coolant. Replaced thermostat and o-ring on temp sensor. Replaced power steering hose.
Jun 2012 99000 mi US $86	Replaced purge control valve after car repeatedly threw codes.
Dec 2013 115000 mi US $500	Fuel pump died.
Oct 2014 122500 mi US $1385	Intake Manifold Adjuster and associated hoses replaced. Oil separator and attaching parts replaced. Also discovered failing water pump which was replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Mar 2011 - Aug 2015
Oct 2011 65000 mi US $1000	Valve cover gasket repair Front control arm bushing repairs
Jan 2012 65200 mi	Tail light defect repair
Jan 2015 69000 mi	Cracked intake boots Cracked/chipped windshield cowl Pulleys were making terrible squealing noise, bearings were shot Spark plugs worn out

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Aug 2010 - Jul 2017
Jul 2014 159300 mi US $8600	Fuel Pump Repair (requires replacement of entire fuel tank on M56 ULEV model $7100 parts $1500 labor
Apr 2016 183500 mi US $37	Coolant Temperature Sending unit leak
Jul 2017 208000 mi US $132	Airbag Fault light on, (Airbag Ignition Circuit Driver Stage 1). Required replacement of Slip Ring Assembly.

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Nov 2009 - Sep 2010
Dec 2009 75000 mi US $167	vacuum leak cracked upper air intake elbow.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Nov 2008 - Oct 2017
Mar 2010 95000 mi US $80	Thermostat was stuck open. Replaced it.
Sep 2011 106000 mi US $110	Wheel bearing started to make some noise.
Aug 2013 118000 mi US $500	Evap pump.
Sep 2013 119000 mi US $1200	Fuel tank leak a couple weeks later. Sealed stainless steel had crack and leaked. Had to replace entire tank & enclosed fuel pump
Feb 2015 127000 mi US $150	Replace three window regulators. Two rears with broken cable guide wheels, passenger front with cable broken.
Dec 2015 133000 mi US $40	RF window regulator replaced.
Feb 2016 133900 mi US $72	Fuel Evap diagnostic module set check engine light. No drivability issue. Replaced DM-TL.
May 2017 144000 mi US $60	Replaced coolant level sensor. Replace cloudy headlight covers.

BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States Jul 2012 - Jan 2013
Oct 2012 119000 mi US $500	Check engine light on, engine starts fine but with a little hesitation.
Jan 2013 124000 mi US $3400	Changed A/C Evaporator, fan and belts with tensioners. Labor is billed at a flat 11hrs. @$110 (on average). Wished I could have done it myself!:-(

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada May 2009 - Dec 2012
Jun 2009 30380 mi	Broken rear spring.
Aug 2010 47120 mi C $50	driver's door exterior window trim

BMW 3-Series in Michigan, United States Jan 2010 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010 82000 mi	Control arm bushing.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Dec 2014 - Aug 2015
Mar 2015 117000 mi US $1200	Passenger-side front window regulator again!

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Apr 2015 - Dec 2016
Apr 2015 167000 mi US $350	Window regulators - replaced rear passenger side for second time in 12 months. replaced driver door regulator, replaced passenger door regulator
Jul 2015 167000 mi US $500	Rear passenger door trim fell apart after door was closed somewhat forcefully - not slammed, just harder than necessary. Door interior trim, locking mechanism, and window regulator detached. Nothing worked on door. Exterior trim on passenger door coming loose
Oct 2015 167000 mi US $200	Coolant reservoir cracked and failed. Thermostat failed. Replaced both.
Mar 2016 167000 mi US $3700	Blower motor failed. Replaced blower motor, etc.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Apr 2007 - Feb 2014
May 2007 49000 mi	CD Player not working, radio/cd console replaced
Apr 2009 93000 mi US $80	CD player replaced in one hour
Jul 2009 102000 mi US $2500	Left window regulator replaced Radiator coolant level sensor replaced
Oct 2009 109000 mi US $415	Remote Door Unlock by key memory inoperative. Door lock cylinder on driver side damaged at same time on 9/25; unable to unlock vehicle. Car towed to BMW of Riverside 0n 9/27. Work order authorized and part ordered 9/28. Repair completed 10/01.
Apr 2010 122000 mi US $1900	Repair of three unreliable window regulators. Front passenger, left and right rear windows.
Nov 2012 148300 mi US $647	Diagnosis of Check Engine Light. MAF sensor replaced. CE Light and trouble codes cleared.

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BMW 3-Series in Quebec, Canada Oct 2012 - Aug 2015
Nov 2012 68635 mi C $975	Rear pads, discs,sensor,calipers, spins, sliders. Rear coil springs
Jan 2013 69233 mi C $299	Check coolant loss Pressure test cooling system Repl expansion tank hose
May 2013 69233 mi C $300	Evac and fill system, check for leaks, put A/C stop,leak and dye
May 2014 77005 mi C $1300	Repair A/C, water pump, coil springs,shocks, belt, stabilizer links, cabin filter,
Dec 2014 81220 mi C $701	A plastic cylinder cracked, leaking coolant. Both pieces had to be replaced.
May 2015 82320 mi	heavy white smoke coming out of the exhaustrnParts: crank vent valve kit, intake boots, valve cover gasket kit, intake manifold gasket kit, ignition coil
Aug 2015 84940 mi	trunk did not open with remote, 4 wires needed replacing. driver's side windshield wiper fluid pump failed

BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States Aug 2009 - Jan 2019
Apr 2011 56000 mi US $300	both rear springs were broke and replaced
Dec 2011 62000 mi US $120	bulb works intermittently. Update: Bulb for front headlight (daytime running light) not working it was a bulb retainer part causing the problem not the bulb. I haven't been able to fix it.
Oct 2012 72200 mi US $100	front control arm bushing tail lights, faulty ground, BMW should recall the cars for this
Dec 2012 73000 mi US $800	one inner and 2 outer tie rods 2 Stabilizer links front outer cv boots
Jul 2013 78500 mi US $400	vanos variable valve system. Replaced the valve cover gasket and spark plugs also.
Dec 2013 83000 mi US $125	caliper sticking, new caliper installed
Feb 2014 84000 mi US $400	lights, and all electrical power drained while driving until it stalled out. Waited an hour and was able to drive to be serviced. Alternator replaced. Lucky I had just installed a battery a month ago.
Oct 2014 90300 mi US $60	Caliper on passenger side. (Driver side stuck last yr.)
Mar 2015 93000 mi US $200	coolant recovery tank and tranmission sensor
Oct 2015 98000 mi	new control arms and stabilizers last ones only lasted 2 yrs.
Dec 2015 98000 mi	window regulator high beam light not working , wire was loose and corroded.
Apr 2017 106000 mi US $165	water pump , second time power steering pump filter and housing.
Nov 2018 120000 mi US $75	gasket to oil filter mount

BMW 3-Series in Minnesota, United States Jul 2011 - Oct 2014
Sep 2011 150000 mi US $780	Fuel pump failed while on a road trip. No dealer in vicinity so repair was done by independent shop.
Oct 2012 171800 mi US $300	Lazy thermostat causing engine to run cold in cold weather. Replaced thermostat. Replaced leaking valve gaskets.

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Jun 2019 - Sep 2019
Sep 2019 173000 mi US $5000	Blown Head gasket

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States Mar 2016 - Mar 2016
Mar 2016 122000 mi US $350	Was trying to open rear left window and was hearing a cracking noise. Motor was replaced.

BMW 3-Series in New Hampshire, United States Aug 2011 - Dec 2011
Oct 2011 151300 mi US $1900	Leaking oil as indicated by oil gauge light coming on (no obvious evidence like oil in driveway.) Was diagnosed as an Oil Pan leak. Dealer replaced but it did not fix the problem as light came back on 4 weeks later. Replaced right front axle as boot had been torn for a while
Dec 2011 153000 mi	Sold car with oil loss problem not fixed.

BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Nov 2008 - Dec 2013
Feb 2009 42780 mi C $1300	Oil leak from power steering pump.
Jun 2011 53940 mi C $5	Tail light assembly ground wire too weak. Wire burnt out at the connector to the harness
Jun 2013 68200 mi C $300	AC was not cooling. They said it needed recharge

BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States Jan 2015 - Mar 2015
Mar 2015 182000 mi US $1200	Broken Axel. Replaced both front axels

BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Feb 2007 - Jan 2012
Apr 2008 62000 mi US $560	Control Arm Bushings Worn. Maintenance indicator 700 miles short of service interval. Oil change and 60K to be completed when indicator comes on.
Jun 2009 80000 mi	Hissing noise when A/C running. Seals replaced and system recharged.
Jan 2012 124000 mi	Slow AC leak, heater fan squeal.

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States Jul 2014 - Jul 2016
Aug 2014 102700 mi US $1000	Oil leak
Dec 2014 106000 mi US $700	Replace brake rotors pads and one caliper from malfunction.
Oct 2015 115200 mi US $200	Exhaust pipe crack
Nov 2015 115900 mi US $500	Replaced faulty front caliper, and pads/rotors on front

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States Dec 2006 - Mar 2014
Sep 2007 23000 mi	Steering wheel radio controls not working.
Oct 2007 24000 mi	Repairs completed
Apr 2009 38000 mi US $350	SEL code called out bad thermostat sensor. Had thermostat, housing and sensor replaced.
Aug 2010 43000 mi US $1000	Rear springs cracked.
Oct 2011 50300 mi US $1135	Front CV axle boots failed
Apr 2012 53200 mi US $800	Lower control arm bushings
Apr 2013 57300 mi US $1200	Replaced leaking valve cover gasket. Replaced right front sway bar link. Replaced transfer case support mount

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BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Apr 2008 - Dec 2016
May 2008 32000 mi	Left exterior mirror would not return to memory position Squeal when started- belt and tensioner replaced.
Mar 2015 77000 mi US $60	HID Igniter
Dec 2015 84000 mi US $82	HID ballast Battery replaced. 13 years old OEM.

BMW 3-Series in Quebec, Canada Sep 2007 - May 2015
Oct 2007 22610 mi C $53	Faulty oil level sensor, Faulty steering angle sensor causing DSC and ABS lights to come on. Squeeling from engine compartment on cold start-rpelaced two tensioners and alternator belt.
May 2008 28381 mi	Replaced leaking rear left shock, Replaced discolored driver side mirror.
Jul 2008 31057 mi C $182	Air bag sensor on. positive battery terminal sensor resistance tto high. Cleaned terminals
Mar 2009 38486 mi C $1120	Air bag light on again. Replaced sensor(cable assy.) at battery terminal. Squeel when engine cold again. Replaced bothe belts, tensioner, and water pump. Also discovered coolanbt expansion tank leaking-replaced. Rusted heat shield rattli
Jun 2009 41373 mi C $56	Noise from front suspension. Replaced stabilizer pins?
Jun 2010 54375 mi C $180	No cold air from AC. Initially dealer said prssure was fine. but still no cold. Dealer topped up and OK.
May 2011 62994 mi C $995	Blown right front shock (bad roads?). Replaced both front shocks.
Jul 2012 74280 mi C $150	Thermostat stuck open. Replaced thermostat
Sep 2012 76880 mi C $150	Replaced driver door lock actuator
Mar 2013 79360 mi C $125	Replaced leaking valve cover gasket
Jul 2013 82240 mi C $350	Reprogrammed ECU to correct stuttering at 2500-3000 RPM
May 2014 89280 mi C $900	Leaking selector shaft seal. Leaking OFHG. Sway bar bushings, CABs
Jun 2014 89900 mi C $600	Battery not charging. Alternator failed.
Feb 2015 94940 mi C $500	No windshield defrost
Apr 2015 96720 mi C $800	Replaced muffler and one tire

BMW 3-Series in Maryland, United States Apr 2022 - Jul 2022
Jul 2022 206000 mi US $300	Replace driveshaft center bearing, rebuild driveshaft U-joints. Replace (weld in) rusted exhaust flange

BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States Nov 2005 - Mar 2010
Jan 2005 13232 mi	ignition coil failed.
Sep 2005 23465 mi	cup holder, front loose.
Oct 2006 38548 mi	Front window regulator replaced. Rear pads and rotors replaced.
Sep 2008 63167 mi US $172	Replaced rear shock mounts. Worn ones were making "thunking' sound from rear when going over bumps. Covered under BMW CPO program. I paid $50, BMW/dealer paid rest. Changed oil and oil filter. Replaced rear shock mounts.
Nov 2008 67000 mi US $55	"Service engine soon" light came on. Problem was engine oil separator. Replaced part and accompanying tubes and hoses. Problem may result due to moisture freezing in the part causing failure. Thermostat failed in the open position. Engine coolant temperature wasn't getting up to normal level. Dealer replaced thermostat with new one, drained old coolant,and added new coolant.

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States Jun 2017 - Dec 2017
Aug 2017 94000 mi US $350	Guibo replace
Nov 2017 99000 mi US $300	vanos oil reservoir replaced

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BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Sep 2013 - Mar 2015
Oct 2014 130000 mi US $80	The window would not go back up. The window regulator had to be changed

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States May 2011 - Mar 2015
Jun 2011 92000 mi	New brakes and rotors and CV joints. All taken care of where purchased at no cost to me.
Sep 2014 140000 mi US $500	Axle, ball joint, control arm

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States Jan 2010 - Oct 2010
Feb 2010 103000 mi US $5	alternator noisy, bad bearings, purchased rebuilt on-line, replaced myself Repaired faulty ground wires on both taillights, common problem for e46 series BMW, parts cost $4.85 online vs reports of dealers charging over $300, repair took about 45 min.

BMW 3-Series in Wisconsin, United States Mar 2017 - Oct 2020
Feb 2018 251000 mi US $40	Front camshaft potion Sensor

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BMW 3-Series in Korea, South Jul 2014 - Oct 2014
Aug 2014 122960 mi	AC compressor

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BMW 3-Series in France Mar 2012 - Aug 2013
Jan 2013	Replace steering rack

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BMW 3-Series in Victoria, Australia Feb 2014 - Apr 2016
Apr 2014 59200 mi A $55	check engine light, only reset it, seems to have fixed the problem

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BMW 3-Series in Ontario, Canada Jun 2015 - Jun 2018
May 2016 33720 mi C $220	Fuel pump

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Apr 2012 - May 2012
May 2012 90000 mi US $250	Door actuator crapped out and needed to be replaced.

BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States Apr 2012 - Jul 2015
Apr 2012 50000 mi US $230	RTABs were replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States Jun 2010 - Jun 2011
Jun 2011 79000 mi US $550	The alternator stopped re-charging the battery, replaced it.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Apr 2010 - Oct 2021
Nov 2011 73000 mi US $30	Relay for driver's window died. Relay replaced.
Jan 2012 75800 mi US $60	Clunk through steering wheel on braking. Diagnosed as excessively worn rear lower control arm bushing on passenger side. Ordered online and replaced.
Feb 2012 78000 mi US $300	AC blowing hot. Added dye to AC system. Diagnosed as AC Evap coil leak. Purchased new part online. Replaced and recharged system.
Jun 2012 86000 mi US $400	Water pump impeller failed. Replaced water pump. Replaced thermostat housing seals. Replaced water pump gasket.
Sep 2012 86000 mi US $65	CEL came on during morning drive into work. Engine was difficult to keep revs in low RPM range. Pulled engine codes. Codes specified misfire in cyl 3. Replaced coil for cyl 3. Test drove car, checked codes.
Apr 2014 104000 mi US $800	Rear Main Seal leaking. Remove and replace.
Aug 2015 125000 mi US $1400	Rear differential leaking from all seals. Complete refurbishment from dealer.
Feb 2020 138 mi US $1500	Replace VANOS timing gear. Known issue with failure.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Jul 2010 - Jun 2018
Sep 2015 96000 mi US $900	Leaking coolant. Replaced lower radiator hose and outlet coolant temp sensor. Engine oil leaking from oil pressure release valve under exhaust manifold on the engine block. Replaced constant pressure valve.
Jul 2016 100300 mi US $1100	Auto-dimming rear view mirror was leaking. Had it replaced.

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States Apr 2016 - Sep 2017
May 2017 115000 mi US $1000	Serpentine belt replaced due to wear Replace SMG O ring which was causing a leak of the fluid Sun roof shade came off its track. Rear hatch exterior open switch was failing and was replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Alberta, Canada Dec 2006 - Jun 2018
Jun 2018 63240 mi	Replacement of various hoses and seals. Replace pads and rotors.

BMW 3-Series in Kansas, United States Sep 2010 - Jun 2018
Nov 2011 91000 mi US $900	Front control arm bushing failed and ball joints had play so entire l & r control arms replaced.
Oct 2013 105300 mi US $1600	Clutch progressively would not disengage. Initially replaced hydraulics myself with no improvement. Shop found lining separated from disk and replaced disk, pressure plate, & throw-out bearing.
Jan 2015 109000 mi US $150	Oil leak due to Constant Pressure Valve o'ring. Replaced valve and o'ring and leak is fixed.
Jun 2015 121000 mi US $50	Replaced lower steering shaft coupler to eliminate excessive play in steering.
Nov 2015 123900 mi US $375	Idler bearing failed. Replaced both tensioners and idler as well as the both drive belts.
Feb 2016 125900 mi US $20	Stuck bypass valve causing drivability issues. Also replaced fuel cap. Valve cleaned for now - will replace if repeats. (Wasn't sure it was the problem but it was).
May 2016 127100 mi US $115	Previous drivablility problem returned. Replaced purge valve with new OEM part (previously had only cleaned it). Throttle position sensor failed causing ECL light and limp mode. Shutdown/restart and occurred again. Read codes, replaced part, OK since.
Jun 2017 135000 mi US $200	Driveshaft center support bearing failed and was replaced. Also replaced worn guibo. Also replaced muffler supports.
Jan 2018 142000 mi US $180	Ignition coil failed. Replaced all coils since appeared to be original.
Apr 2018 144300 mi US $485	Center support bearing failed again and was replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States Aug 2015 - Mar 2018
Apr 2017 108000 mi US $1100	Replaced power steering pump, reservoir, and all hoses. Had a minor leak in a hose and metal pieces in power steering fluid reservoir, so replaced entire power steering system.

BMW 3-Series in Idaho, United States Mar 2009 - Jan 2013
May 2009 14000 mi US $100	Sagging door seals due to defective adhesive. BMW has issued a service bulletin about this Electrochromatic (auto dimming) rear view mirror failed. This has been a common problem with the M3. I sent defective mirror to maker and they replaced it with OEM mirror for $100 with shipping.

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States Jun 2007 - Dec 2015
Jan 2007 26000 mi US $400	Front control arm bushing needed replacement.
Jan 2012 65000 mi US $600	I track this car so you might consider this a consumable but it happens often. Front Control Arm and Rear Trailing Arm bushings needed replacement.
Mar 2015 79000 mi US $400	The sensor developed a slow oil leak. Drove it for almost two years before getting it repaired.

BMW 3-Series in British Columbia, Canada Aug 2016 - Aug 2016
Aug 2016 187240 mi C $65	Interior vent fan stopped working when final stage resistor failed. Final stage resistor replaced with a used replacement

BMW 3-Series in Hawaii, United States Dec 2009 - Jun 2018
Apr 2010 31000 mi US $35	O-ring went back around temperature sensor, replaced sensor.
Sep 2016 58000 mi US $479	Service port leak Clutch pedal bushing
Apr 2017 61000 mi US $500	Rear trailing arm bushings (RTAB) were shot. Replaced with new and limiters.
Oct 2017 63000 mi US $500	Worn diff cover bushing. Required cover replacement. OEM bushings not available separately.
Nov 2017 63400 mi US $450	Clockspring. Did not correct non-functioning cruise and radio controls at steering wheel.
Jun 2018 65000 mi US $25	apparent slow leak. evacuated, recharged.

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BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States Jun 2012 - Oct 2014
Jul 2012 128000 mi US $70	Replaced driver's side headlight bulb
Oct 2012 135000 mi US $60	Throttle Position Sensor replaced. Took less than a minute to replace.
Feb 2013 138000 mi US $42	Bad coil #6
Mar 2014 155000 mi US $140	Idler pulley broke and left me stranded. I replaced both belts and thermostat while I was at it.
Jun 2014 159000 mi US $70	Throttle Position Sensor
Sep 2014 164000 mi US $420	High pressure power steering hose failure. $230 OE replacement + fluid.

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States Aug 2012 - Dec 2015
Apr 2015 74300 mi US $30	check engine light pointing to coolant problem. filled with coolant and will wait to see if it's a thermostat or water pump issue later.

BMW 3-Series in Colorado, United States Aug 2015 - May 2018
Feb 2017 89000 mi US $4	Noise from rear end. Changed rear differential oil, which appears to have alleviated the issue.
Oct 2017 92000 mi US $40	hydraulic pump for SMG transmission failed, car wouldn't shift to start (must be in neutral). problem turned out to be an electrical relay and a blown fuse.
Nov 2017 93000 mi US $480	f&^%ing clip holding a valve cover arm not touched by me during the preceding maintenance randomly came off inside the valve cover and circulated around the cams like a fork in a blender that's turned on, necessitating a g*d&^n tow and big repair bill. so mad. car universe unhappy with me for some reason.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Apr 2010 - Sep 2018
Mar 2018 90000 mi US $600	Ignition coil failure on one cylinder. Replaced all 6.
Aug 2018 92000 mi US $410	Cracked expansion tank

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States May 2011 - Jun 2018
Aug 2011 39800 mi US $1600	The Vanos on this S54 engine had broken hub tabs and the Vanos Solenoid went bad as well. At just 44,000 miles this is ridiculous. Weak design by BMW engineers.
Feb 2012 45000 mi US $1400	Issue with the Double VANOS. Bolts on the exhaust side came loose and the VANOS pistons seized. Has to replace the entire VANOS unit costing $1400 dollars at Dr. Vanos in Austin, TX.
Jul 2013 46200 mi US $400	Needed a new tensioner pulley and belts as the A/C was acting weird.

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Jul 2012 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013 99000 mi US $1645	rear control arm bushings were worn. 4 hours shop labor, only $60 for the part at dealer. Nobody but the dealer would have found this. New rear tires wore out in 5,000 miles. Car handles like new now.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Jul 2011 - Apr 2023
Oct 2012 192800 mi US $1600	Waterpump failing- replaced pump and thermostat Check engine light- diagnosed as failing fuel pump. Replaced fuel pump & filter.
Jan 2014 201700 mi US $300	Oil leaks- tighten bolt, replace crush washer, replace crankcase ventilation valve
Jul 2014 230200 mi US $125	Clutch slave cylinder failed, replaced with new clutch, flex disk, motor & transmission mounts, rear main engine seal, SMG reservoir hose. Rear subframe mount points cracked, required welding and reinforcement. All rubber parts in rear suspension, diff mounts & shocks also replaced as maintenance items. Replaced cooling fan clutch
Nov 2015 260000 mi US $3500	Oil pump chain tensioner bad, rod bearings replaced (bad), VANOS rebuild (noisy) and new cam bolts
Mar 2016 263000 mi US $300	Pre-cat oxygen sensor failure bank 2- replaced both.
May 2016 267000 mi US $260	Front brakes worn, right front caliper sticking. Replaced rotors/pads, cleaned caliper.
Sep 2016 276000 mi US $800	Variable Valve timing (VANOS) electrical problem- replaced solenoid unit
Mar 2017 287000 mi US $550	3 ignition coils failed- replaced all 6
Dec 2017 305000 mi US $250	Alternator became intermittent, replaced with rebuilt unit
Jan 2018 306000 mi US $50	MAF sensor failed, replaced with new one
Mar 2018 312000 mi US $750	Single fuel injector became intermittent. Replaced all 6 due to age.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Apr 2011 - Jan 2013
Jan 2012 US $150	Fixed a broken tab on the moonroof slider
Apr 2012 49000 mi US $250	Replaced the high pressure power steering hose.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States May 2012 - Jun 2022
Aug 2013 64000 mi US $70	Salmon relay went out. SMG kept shifting into neutral. Finally drove it to shop and part was replaced.
Oct 2014 76300 mi US $140	Interior auto-dimming rear view mirror developed bubble inside it. Sent in to radar-mirror.com for repair.
Jan 2015 78300 mi US $3200	SMG issue. Heard grinding sounds on downshifts, car felt like it was slipping and unable to catch 1st gear, car would overheat in traffic and shift into neutral. SMG pump replaced.
May 2015 80000 mi US $280	Noticed an oil leak. Constant Pressure Valve (aka Oil Relief Valve) needed to be replaced.
Mar 2017 90000 mi US $400	Valve cover gasket, fan belt
Jun 2017 90000 mi	Water pump
Mar 2022 112000 mi US $468	Intermittent power draw from transistor

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Oct 2010 - Apr 2012
Sep 2011 81000 mi US $2000	Front right wheel hub assembly replaced. Fuel sender unit replaced. Oil service.

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BMW 3-Series in California, United States May 2007 - Jan 2011
May 2008 44000 mi	Received letter from BMWNA stating Telematics Control Unit (TCU) was possibly faulty. Took to dealer to check function. Also had oil change service performed (under free maintenance). Piece of rubber trim (window seal ?) from driver's side door fell off

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Jun 2016 - Jul 2021
Oct 2016 151000 mi US $500	Replace left rear wheel bearing to eliminate rumbling noise.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Aug 2013 - Dec 2016
Jun 2013 78000 mi US $40	Replaced secondary rubber air intake hose due to crack and not able to pass CA smog.
Oct 2015 87000 mi US $150	Replaced passenger door lock actuator. Solved the inability to unlock passenger door via console button or remote key. Now another problem - inability to lock passenger door via console & remote key.
Dec 2016 88000 mi	Last reported that after replacing the passenger door lock actuator, I still could not lock/unlock via the console button (remote works though). Problem was left as was when I sold the car.

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Jul 2017 - Jun 2018
Nov 2017 106000 mi US $600	Replaced leaking oil filter housing gasket
May 2018 110000 mi US $800	Fuel pump died, leaving the car unable to start.

BMW 3-Series in Michigan, United States Jun 2008 - Aug 2015
Jul 2008 54000 mi	Hesitation at 2700 rpm. completely gone after software update.
Sep 2009 60000 mi US $200	Front lower control arm bushings failed and replaced.
Oct 2010 66300 mi US $10	Broken bracket for volume control inside radio. Owner repair.

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BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States May 2010 - Jun 2018
Jan 2013 32300 mi US $313	replaced leaking valve cover gasket
Feb 2014 50000 mi US $300	replaced oil filter housing gasket
Mar 2014 50000 mi	replaced thermostat and housing
Jul 2017 59000 mi US $700	Leaking water pump seal

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Jun 2014 - Jul 2014
Jun 2014 121000 mi US $300	Temperature sensor needed replacing.

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Mar 2010 - Sep 2011
Oct 2010 65000 mi US $51	Check engine light came on. Scan said O2 sensor bank two sensor 1 was at fault also lean fuel. Turned out to be a hole in intake bellows throttle body to plastic coupling.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States - Sep 2006
Sep 2006 9000 mi	Door Lining needed replacement under warranty. Both driver and passenger required this replacement.

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BMW 3-Series in North Dakota, United States Jan 2009 - Nov 2011
May 2009 38000 mi	idling problem – required re-programming of ECU, a known problem
Nov 2010 58900 mi US $100	The rear hat shelf was vibrating when driving over bumps or with subwoofer operation.
Nov 2011 73000 mi US $13	The ratchet closure for the fuel filler door failed. I purchased a new part for $13 from a dealer and installed it myself. Took less than 5 minutes.

BMW 3-Series in Maine, United States Jan 2009 - Dec 2013
Jun 2009 54000 mi US $145	Radio failed and caused multiple systems in the car to stop working (A/C, turn signals, sunroof)- after some troubleshooting, the radio was found to be the source of the problem.
Oct 2010 67000 mi US $270	Two problems, the radio buttons only allow one entry. CCV (oil separator) failed causing stuttering acceleration. Also found lower intake boot torn. Front control arm bushings wore out, replaced them with new ones.
Aug 2012 95300 mi US $125	Both front brake calipers were sticking which caused rotors to warp. Rebuilt calipers with new seals and had rotors turned.
Jul 2013 108000 mi US $2	Car misfired due to dirty air mass sensor. Removed and cleaned. Replaced. Ops check good.

BMW 3-Series in Alabama, United States Jul 2014 - May 2016
Sep 2014 98000 mi US $735	main light burned out
Sep 2015 102000 mi US $1500	Control arms

BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States Mar 2015 - Feb 2022
Apr 2016 152000 mi US $60	Fuel tank breather valve replace. Check engine code generated
Aug 2016 156000 mi US $100	Vibration when decelerating. Found bad center support bearing on drive shaft. Also broken bolt holding driveshaft together. Replaced a worn shifter bushing while it was apart. Car still shifted fine just sloppy.
May 2017 159000 mi US $400	Found plastic water pipe under the intake leaking. Removed intake and replaced, also replaced a few items as preventative measure; rubber hoses, vacuum lines, crankcase vent valve. Price is parts only. Work performed by me.

BMW 3-Series in Great Britain Dec 2015 - Apr 2018
May 2016 153400 mi	Car had a metallic rattling noise from the trunk area which was getting worse. Ended up stripping the inside of the trunk and found the nut at the top of the suspension support loose. Tightened it up and the rattle is now gone.
Sep 2016 157000 mi £40	Car was pulling to one side when initially applying or releasing the brake, though slowed in a straight line once brakes fully applied. Replaced the front suspension wishbone bush on the passenger side
Oct 2016 158000 mi £200	Vacuum leak from the DISA valve O-ring. Engine management light came on and rough idling. Found by spraying carb cleaner on various parts of the intake. DISA valve also broken internally, so replaced with new part from BM dealer Loss of coolant and coolant level light came on. Losing coolant from the bottom of the expansion tank. Replaced expansion tank and upper and lower radiator hose. On closer inspection, appeared that expansion tank had broken apart inside
Nov 2016 158500 mi £100	Noticed that right rear of the car was lower than usual and other side. Replaced rear suspension coils, which are known to fail. No clear failure of spring, but new springs resolved the height difference
Feb 2017 160000 mi £130	Parking brake was slipping. Needed to replace the brake shoes and also the backing plate, which was worn and no longer holding the shoes properly. Note it's easier to cut off the old plates and weld on the new ones, rather than removing hub
Jul 2017 162000 mi	Airbag recall for both the front drivers and passenger airbags, as part of the wider Takata scandal. Performed by the BMW main dealer at no cost.
Sep 2017 164000 mi £80	Rear bush for the suspension wishbone was damaged. Car was starting to wander a bit on the motorway at higher speeds. Rear bushes were replaced and the problem is resolved - much more stable and better tracking on the motorway, and better feel through the steering. Rust bubbling through the paint on the bottom front edge of a rear wheel arch where a weld seam had split on the inside edge. Scraped off some of the lifting paint, Kurust to neutralise the rust, painted with metal primer and paint, and then protected with two coats of Waxoyl underbody seal.
Nov 2017 165000 mi £130	Rear brake lines were corroded, primarily in the bits inside the wheel arch. The garage was able to clean up and Waxoyl one pipe which wasn't too far gone, but the other needed replacing. The workshop manual recommends dropping the fuel tank, but they were able to route the new brake line without removing anything. I then had the brake fluid replaced at the same time, as it was almost due it anyway.
Jan 2018 165000 mi £282	Car wouldn't start. Tried to jump start, tried the second key and checked the fuses without any success. Replaced the battery, but didn't fix the problem. Found that car would run if I gave it a bump start (ie pushing it up to speed and then bringing the clutch up when the car was in gear). Therefore determined that it was most likely to be the start motor. Took it to the garage an they confirmed the diagnosis and replaced it with a new one (I think it was actually a refurbished one).
Mar 2018 167 mi £100	Rear shocks were found to be significantly degraded - offered no resistance or push back for much of the shocks travel. Replaced the shocks, and also found that the bump stocks had dry rotted and that a number of the washers were rusted and or damaged, so were replaced. Also replaced the shock mounts as a precaution, although the original ones appeared to be fine. Rear trailing arm bushes on rear suspension had been noted as being worn at previous MOT. Driver also noted some movement in the rear, particularly under hard cornering. Upon removal, old bushes were found to have the rubber intact and in okay condition, but the metal casing had corroded to powder. New bushes were installed using a special bushing tool specifically designed for the car.
Apr 2018 167000 mi £150	Car developed a significant exhaust leak. Turned out to be rusted out flanges between the downpipe and centre section, as the flanges are cast iron (the rest of the system is stainless steel), so are notorious for rusting through. Managed to find a specialist exhaust shop which was able to weld in new flanges, otherwise the only other option would have been a whole new exhaust system, which would have been £1,000+

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BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States Nov 2007 - Dec 2011
Dec 2007 49000 mi	Service Engine soon light, diagnosed as faulty Mass Air Flow sensor. To be replaced when part comes in.
Jan 2008 50000 mi	Replaced Mass Air Flow sensor under original factory warranty.
Mar 2008 53000 mi	Engine misfire. Called dealer immediately and set up appt. Towed to dealer. Dealer could not replicate the problem. No charge.
Aug 2008 62000 mi US $50	Rear seat fold-down latch replaced. 60000 mile maintenance also done at this time. Also investigated issues with engine software, not resolved because of 5 day lead time to send ecm to BMW.
May 2009 78000 mi US $700	Replaced front control arms, control arm bushings, sway bar links, and tie rods.

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BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States Nov 2007 - Aug 2010
Mar 2008 26000 mi	Had some "loose trim" replaced - front grille, trunk handle trim, and door seals.
Sep 2009 33000 mi US $125	Replaced rearview mirror, leaked auto-dimming material
Feb 2010 36000 mi US $300	Replace valve cover gaskets. Very minor.
Jun 2010 37000 mi US $75	Side mirror motors malfunctioning. Replaced drivers' side control unit (controls both sides).

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Feb 2013 - Aug 2015
Mar 2013 103000 mi US $500	SRS Airbag control module failed. Had to have it replaced.
Aug 2015 124000 mi US $73	Radiator fluid leak. Transmission cooling hose became detached.

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Mar 2016 - Jun 2022
Mar 2022 118176 mi US $600	Replaced DMTL pump, tank vent valve, exhaust cam sensor

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BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States Feb 2010 - Oct 2017
Nov 2012 99100 mi US $300	Thermostat was failing. Replaced
Oct 2015 127300 mi US $200	Fan/clutch was sounding bad so the service guy advised it be replaced.
May 2017 143000 mi US $2800	o2 sensor, both maf boots. front pads and rotors front end alignment and 2 new tires engine mounts.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Nov 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010 43000 mi US $75	Oil burning smell from car, worse after longer trip. Found oil leaking from valve cover gasket onto exhaust system. Replaced valve cover gasket. Gasket is made of rubber and was hard and brittle at 43k miles! Engine has never been hot. Engine oil leak at oil filter housing base. Replaced o-ring type gasket to repair. O-ring was brittle and hard at 43k miles! Engine has never been overheated. Bearing noise from alternator area of engine. Replaced both idler pulleys in area for very rough inner bearings. Replaced with new pulleys but noise is still there. Will post when car is repaired. Engine service light on with code p2237. Engine has miss at highway speeds under load only. Runs fine at slower speeds and also when wide open. Trying to get appt at bmw dealer. Dealer not so much fun! Interior trim at sides of rear window material is coming loose. Headliner type material. Major labor cost to remove panels and replace material. Will post when repairs are done. 43k miles. No more Beamers for me!!

BMW 3-Series in Alabama, United States May 2007 - Jun 2011
Dec 2007 50000 mi	BMW logo on front of car was chipping and losing paint. Dealer said it happens all the time (all models). Dealer shipped a new one to the house (didnt have any in stock) so I could replace it. No charge.
Mar 2009 69000 mi	Dealer said front sway arm bushings were starting to detererat and recomended replacement. Cost was about $400. Decided not to do its at that time due to no noticable driving diffrence and scheduling conflicts.
Aug 2009 72000 mi US $300	Replaced Control Arm Bushings which had deterioated. Replaced lower left rear window trim peice as rubber gasket was cracking.
Dec 2009 74000 mi US $200	Valve Cover Gasket was leaking oil onto exhust headers causing burning oil smell. Valve Cover Gasket replaced. Additional maintenance performed included Vanos seals replacement, Serpentine and AC belts replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Jan 2011 - Mar 2011
Mar 2011 84000 mi US $1000	Car would not start. I had the car towed to a BMW specialist independent facility where they replaced the starter and replaced the coolant system thermostat housing.

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BMW 3-Series in Michigan, United States Jan 2011 - Jan 2015
Sep 2013 146000 mi	car wouldn't start - replaced battery

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BMW 3-Series in Connecticut, United States Sep 2014 - Feb 2016
Jan 2015 59000 mi US $60	Control arm bushings were causing a vibration through the steering wheel when braking from highway speeds.

BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States Nov 2012 - Aug 2015
Oct 2013 177200 mi US $150	Pain in the butt it's hard to get to I would suggest taking it to a shop to do the starter
Dec 2013 178000 mi US $150	Fuel pump quit super easy install and inexpensive parts on pelican parts.com
Mar 2014 178000 mi US $250	I replace the lower control arms subframe bushings among other bushings
Mar 2015 180000 mi US $150	Fuel filter, lower intake boot and cabin filter

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Mar 2011 - May 2014
Mar 2013 77000 mi	Driver side turn light burned out. This is the first time a turn light has burned out so soon. The mechanic pulled the bulb out and put it back in and then the turn light was working again. Seems like the problem is corrosion.
Jun 2013 79000 mi US $1500	Brought my 325Ci into dealership for Inspection I. Mechanic found problem with hardy disc which had to be replaced.
Nov 2013 83400 mi US $1700	I had to replace the front and rear shock absorbers on my car. The damage was due to road construction by the city.

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BMW 3-Series in New Mexico, United States Jan 2009 - Dec 2010
Jul 2009 53000 mi US $500	New e-box fan. New bolt that attaches trunk to hinge. New glovebox latch. Tightened swaybar bolt.
Sep 2009 53000 mi US $275	Glove box is jammed; cannot open. Dealer replaced latch but problem still not fixed.

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States May 2014 - Sep 2016
Sep 2016 82000 mi	Differential began to whine, over 80mph.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Sep 2011 - Sep 2012
Aug 2012 56900 mi US $600	Alternator died. Replaced with OEM part at non-dealer mechanic.

BMW 3-Series in New York, United States May 2004 - Apr 2016
Sep 2004	Convertible top rattles. Window would not go up.
Feb 2005	Tire pressure monitor continually on. In addition, radio does not display all pixels.
Mar 2005	Convertible rattling. Radio does not display all pixels. Radio replaced
Apr 2005 US $85	Repair stone chip in windshield.
Mar 2006	Trunk stopers replaced
May 2006	Convertible top not working - top drive unit repaired and replaced Gas guage not reading - fuel level sensor replaced.
Oct 2006 45005 mi US $388	Right ront inner roof liner bracket adjusted.
May 2008 55974 mi US $1514	Rear bumper reattached. replace drive belts, alternator tensioner
May 2009 60981 mi US $417	New battery
Nov 2009 66030 mi US $3247	New clutch
Jul 2011 77200 mi US $550	Part of the rubber seal around the convertible top is loose. Told it would cost $1400 to repair. Decided to live with it.
Oct 2012 81000 mi US $825	Replaced BST cable
Nov 2012 81200 mi US $1398	Shift Handle Support Rod Snapped Loose Window Convertible Seal Detached Pinion seal leaking
Apr 2013 82000 mi US $277	Battery replace and check

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BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Jan 2011 - Jun 2018
Jun 2011 53000 mi US $800	ball joint replacement (required new control arm), power steering leak,
Jun 2017 139000 mi US $3500	O2 Sensors failed, resulting in low power output ('limp mode' for engine). Replaced all O2 sensors. Also performed preventative maintence, replacing cooling system, water pump, and radiator.

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Oct 2009 - May 2012
Mar 2010 40000 mi US $50	LCD gear display for SMG gear was missing number segments, unable to distinguish some gears - gauge cluster was replaced.

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BMW 3-Series in California, United States Dec 2016 - Dec 2017
Dec 2017 120000 mi US $1100	Radiator replaced

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BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States Jun 2013 - Apr 2014
Apr 2014 129000 mi US $1075	New control arms needed (both).

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States May 2007 - Mar 2010
Sep 2007 25000 mi	Inside rear view mirror no longer dimmed at night. Emergency flasher switch, and central locking switch failed.
Nov 2009 29000 mi US $950	Bad pressure switches in anti-lock brake system caused yellow brake warning lamp on instrument panel.

BMW 3-Series in Massachusetts, United States Oct 2010 - Jul 2022
Mar 2013 64000 mi US $25	Tear in a rubber intake hose. Replaced hose.
Dec 2013 74000 mi US $170	Replaced both front control arm bushings.
Jan 2014 74300 mi US $260	Replaced both front wheel bearings, dust caps & seals.
Oct 2015 94300 mi US $30	Oil filter house gasket leak.
Jan 2016 96300 mi US $225	Failure of 2 spark plug coil packs.
Jul 2016 99300 mi US $75	Replaced worn out front control arm bushings.
Dec 2016 105000 mi US $1200	Replaced worn out tie rods.
May 2017 114000 mi US $400	Replace leaking Schrader valves in air conditioning system. Recharge system.
Oct 2017 115000 mi US $3000	Replace both rear axles due to corrosion causing faults with traction control system.
Dec 2017 119000 mi US $400	Replaced front struts and top hats.
Apr 2018 120000 mi US $75	Replaced leaking valve cover gasket. Replaced torn intake pipe/boot.
Jun 2018 121000 mi US $200	Replace leaking power steering hoses.

BMW 3-Series in New Jersey, United States Feb 2009 - May 2009
Mar 2009 54000 mi US $250	Replaced valve cover gaskets.

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Jun 2012 - Nov 2014
Aug 2013 47100 mi US $600	Oil leak
Dec 2013 50000 mi US $1200	Oil leak

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BMW 3-Series in Maryland, United States Jun 2017 - Jul 2018
Nov 2017 95000 mi US $375	Starter would engage, motor wouldn't start. Started replaced.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Jun 2013 - Jul 2013
Jul 2013 71000 mi	Gasket valve cover replacement Thermostat replaced

BMW 3-Series in North Carolina, United States Jun 2008 - Nov 2010
Dec 2008 53000 mi US $50	Gasket on oil filter housing leaking.
Mar 2010 59000 mi US $102	Replacement of faulty DISA Valve also referred to as Adjuster unit, for the intake manifold. Fault occurred exactly one month after end of factory warranty. Dealer paid for part. I paid for labor

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Aug 2007 - Dec 2011
Nov 2007 14000 mi	check gas cap light on. gas cap replaced.

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Jan 2012 - Feb 2013
Jun 2012 76000 mi US $925	Fuel pump failure. Even though this is a very easy DIY to replace, the car is my daily driver, so I had it towed to a shop. They gouged me over $1000 to fix a $250 DIY job.

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BMW 3-Series in Indiana, United States Apr 2009 - Jun 2017
Jun 2009 41500 mi	window rattle fixed, adjusted window travel and tightened power window track/mechanism, covered under CPO warranty
Apr 2015 55300 mi US $100	Valve cover gasket had small oil leak, remived & replaced valve cover gasket
Aug 2015 57000 mi US $825	The plastic power steering pump pulley broke and shredded the serpentine belt, rendering the vehicle inoperable (no cooling, power steering, or electricity from the alternator with no serpentine belt), $100

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BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Nov 2017 - Jul 2018
Feb 2018 112000 mi US $30	Wiring insulation in headlight assembly had deteriorated causing a short. Lights failed to come on causing a dash panel caution light to illuminate
Mar 2018 112000 mi US $300	Door latch failed causing door open light to illuminate on dash. Resultant dome light flickering and inability to lock doors due to door open signal to control module
Jul 2018 112000 mi US $150	Airbag Recall

BMW 3-Series in Maryland, United States Dec 2014 - Jan 2016
Sep 2015 133000 mi US $450	Oil pressure light flickers at low rpm and hit engine.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Feb 2009 - Oct 2012
Dec 2010 124000 mi US $1400	Check engine light, rough running intermittent. First trip replaced valve cover gasket, outside air temp sensor, plugs, gaskets. Reset light. After initial repairs, light came on after 2 days. Catalytic converter was indicated, and was replaced. Repair successful.
Apr 2011 126000 mi	Catalytic converter died, resulting in check engine light. No pass smog check.

BMW 3-Series in Florida, United States Apr 2016 - Apr 2017
May 2016 152700 mi US $1000	AC COmpressor out right at the start of summer. Cost $1000 Expansion Tank crack - leaking fluid - cost $500.00. 2nd time in 4 years had to replace expansion tank lower radiator hose leaking fluid

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Mar 2009 - Jul 2009
May 2009 28000 mi US $500	Automatic transmission needed to be reprogramed (per factory TSB) so that slippage would be eliminated when engine/transmisssion was cold.

BMW 3-Series in Texas, United States Sep 2013 - Sep 2014
Sep 2014 119000 mi US $1900	Front stabilizer bar repleaced

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BMW 3-Series in New York, United States Feb 2013 - Jun 2022
Apr 2017 102000 mi US $170	Headlight washer nozzle leaking
Apr 2022 134000 mi US $100	replaced tie rod end

BMW 3-Series in Tennessee, United States May 2008 - May 2012
Jan 2010 US $300	Replaced thermostat.
Dec 2010 62000 mi US $525	Oil level sensor went bad and was successfully replaced. Leaking valve cover gasket successfully replaced.

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BMW 3-Series in Virginia, United States May 2008 - Mar 2010
Jun 2009 30000 mi US $525	Oil line failure, resulting in severe oil leak.

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BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Mar 2007 - Mar 2010
Apr 2007 35000 mi	A ticking was occurring in the engine on hard accelerations - replaced mechanical belt tensioners with hydraulic tensioners. Replaced wood gear shift knob and wood trim on passenger door panel. All of this was covered under the warranty.

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BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Jul 2009 - Mar 2010
Aug 2009 83000 mi	Check engine light went on, problem was corrected just by resetting the light. No real problem with car.

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BMW 3-Series in Illinois, United States Feb 2007 - Feb 2018
Mar 2007 31000 mi	hesitation on moderate throttle acceleration. check engine light triggered. bmw had sent out a bulletin earlier anticipating a related issue relating to the emissions system not reading o2 codes correctly. DME module software reprogrammed and problem reso
Apr 2007 32300 mi	Dealer found leak in low pressure hose in April and recharged system.
Jun 2007 38000 mi	Previous owner tampered with evaporator causing refrigerant leak. Dealer found leak in low pressure hose in April and recharged system. 2 months later AC not functioning because another leak in evaporator. Took 5 days total to find leak, get parts.
Jul 2007 39000 mi	Leaking evaporator caused refrigerant leak. Present from previous owner. Suspicion of tampering by previous owner or other mechanic.
Dec 2007 47000 mi US $40	Replaced leaking valve cover gasket.
Feb 2008 48000 mi US $70	Thermostat malfunction, sticking open and not allowing engine to come up to or stay at operating temperature.
Apr 2008 51000 mi US $15	Air intake tubing developed crack at elbow causing whistling sound under acceleration, decreased power at low-mid RPM.
Jul 2008 57000 mi US $150	Lower control arm bushing replacement and repair of deformed strut tower mount "mushroom" deformity. Lower control arm bushing wear resulted in steering instability, poor handling and tracking. Deformed strut tower mounts resulted in misalignment.
Aug 2008 58000 mi US $1	Window regulator malfunction. Repaired broken plastic clip by replacing with cable tie to reinforce clipped area.
Nov 2008 62000 mi US $800	Oil filter housing assembly was leaking oil. I initially attempted to repair problem by replacing mating gasket, but turns out entire assembly was warped and necessitated replacement. $350 component.
Dec 2008 64000 mi US $95	Previously "budget" window regulator fix on driver's side failed (zip tie fix trick). Replaced window regulator with new one.
May 2009 70000 mi US $105	Left fuel sender malfunction causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings.
Nov 2009 77000 mi US $50	Expansion tank leak causing coolant to leak.
Dec 2009 78000 mi US $170	Fuel gauge giving inaccurate erratic reading as a result of right fuel sender (integrated into fuel pump) faulty. Replaced fuel pump/sender.
Apr 2010 81500 mi US $25	Windshield washer fluid leak through pump motor gasket.
Jun 2010 84000 mi US $380	Starter motor failed
Nov 2011 96000 mi US $100	VANOS seals. Replaced worn out vanos piston ring seals with updated teflon made by Beisan systems. Changed valve cover gasket at same time.
Jul 2013 110300 mi US $10	Vacuum leak DISA valvle gasket seal as well as broken hose running from air intake to fuel filter.
Oct 2013 112300 mi US $10	Leaking windshield washer fluid grommet
Dec 2014 127000 mi US $450	Intermittent misfire. Changed all 4 oxygen sensors.
May 2015 133000 mi US $115	Window regulator.
Dec 2015 142000 mi US $30	Differential oil leak. Removed differential leaking gasket and revealed with RTV permatex gear oil gasket maker.
Jan 2016 129800 mi US $100	Broken window regulator caused malfunctioning window opening mechanism.
Jun 2017 153000 mi US $700	Radio button broke making it impossible to turn on it off the radio. Known common issue afflicting these vehicles where plastic mount for radio knob breaks necessitating radio removal, disassembly and replacement. Power steering pump broke. Replaced power steering pump, all 4 hoses, and reservoir.

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BMW 3-Series in Ohio, United States May 2010 - Aug 2015
Apr 2010 97500 mi US $300	Master cylinder was replaced due to leak.
Jun 2010 102000 mi US $475	Oil filter housing gasket was leaking oil (slow leak). Found earlier during oil change but waited until now to have replaced to not waste oil. Oil was changed as part of repair. CCV (oil separator) was also replaced as preventive maint.
Jun 2012 128000 mi US $450	Car was having problems idling. Did not stall but was idling very rough. Suspected DISA valve and was correct. Car also tripped the SES light (error codes indicated all 4 O2 sensors). I ended up replacing DISA and 2 pre-cat O2 sensors.
Oct 2012 131300 mi US $400	Starter failed
Jul 2013 138200 mi US $350	Front suspension started clunking. Strut tower mounts failed prematurely after 50k miles. Swaybar was also noticed to be rusting around bushings and needs to be replaced.
Aug 2013 137000 mi US $300	Control arms failed and needed replacement. Control arms failed and needed replacement.
Jan 2014 134800 mi US $50	Rear strut mount failed (rubber tore). Was causing clunking and rubber was squeaking.

BMW 3-Series in California, United States Sep 2015 - Mar 2018
Mar 2016 138000 mi US $800	Changed struts, bearings, bump stops, and end links
May 2016 139100 mi US $600	Shocks, sway bar bushings, control arm bushings, steering coupler, front brake pads. Some wear, but not to the level that most people would have replaced the parts.
Sep 2017 150879 mi US $455	Upper an d lower radiator hoses

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BMW 3-Series in New York, United States Aug 2013 - Apr 2019
Feb 2014 94000 mi US $300	Expansion Tank developed a hair-line crack.
Mar 2016 100000 mi US $300	DISA valve
Jul 2017 105000 mi US $600	CV Joints.
Nov 2017 107000 mi US $700	Water pump, pulley, belts
Mar 2018 108000 mi US $200	#5 Cylinder Coil
Jan 2019 110000 mi US $1100	Radiator replacement Brakes and Rotor replacement
Feb 2019 111500 mi US $450	Replace alternator

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BMW 3-Series in California, United States Apr 2012 - Sep 2012
May 2012 76300 mi US $1500	Both starter and alternator were repaired. Pulleys and belt were replaced while they were in there.

BMW 3-Series in Georgia, United States Jul 2011 - Dec 2012
Dec 2012 105000 mi	Replaced a o-ring on the constant pressure valve which leaks oil after some time.

BMW 3-Series in South Carolina, United States Sep 2014 - Feb 2016
Oct 2014 86000 mi US $1500	Bad coil pack, replaced. Broken LCA, LCAs replaced, all rear bushings replaced, subframe reinforced, all rear ball joints replaced, parking brake cable replaced, all brake lines replaced with stainless steel.
Feb 2015 91000 mi US $300	Oil temp gauge was not functioning. Sensor was replaced.
Oct 2015 94200 mi US $300	Power Steering was going in and out with audible whine. Pump, reservoir, and fluid was replaced.

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BMW 3-Series in California, United States Oct 2007 - Dec 2013
Dec 2010 19000 mi US $1000	Squeal on cold start up. Replaced tensioner pulley. Noise when raising passenger window. Replaced window regulator.
Nov 2011 20000 mi US $900	Replaced driver door actuator.

BMW 3-Series in Washington, United States Jul 2009 - Mar 2014
Aug 2009 38400 mi US $80	EML+DSC+Brake light came on while driving on freeway, causing lowered RPM and power loss. Diagnosed via Peak reader to be throttle position sensor error. Swapped sensor with new one ordered online. Cost is parts only, doesn't include labor.
Aug 2010 45000 mi US $110	Yellow SMG light came on, Fault 056, shop suggested replacing SMG relay first. If problem persist, replace SMG Pressure Accumulator.
Jul 2011 50000 mi US $33	Factory Bremi ignition coil #5 failed, causing strong engine vibration and loss of power. Replaced with OEM Bosch unit and everything went back to normal.
Aug 2011 50500 mi US $200	Replaced TPS #1 again, cleared code, EML & limp mode mitigated for now.
Oct 2011 53000 mi US $90	Throttle position sensor #2 broken, car went into limp mode. Replaced sensor and now drives fine.
Oct 2012 60000 mi	replaced camshaft position sensor
Dec 2013 67000 mi US $500	Replaced aging catalytic converter (lack of efficiency) with 2nd hand OEM unit. Wheel bearing was making clicking noise when cornering, replaced both front wheel bearings.

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BMW 3-Series in New Mexico, United States Nov 2008 - Mar 2010
Jan 2009 53000 mi	Replaced entire sunroof mechanism under goodwill.

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BMW in Pennsylvania, United States Dec 2007 - Dec 2012
Aug 2009 88000 mi US $900	Cam Position sensor

BMW 3-Series in Pennsylvania, United States Aug 2007 - Apr 2010
Jan 2010 86000 mi US $550	PCV valve replacement because the engine is consuming more oil than usual

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2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

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2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

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2004 BMW 3-Series 2dr Convertible

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2004 BMW 3-Series 2-door

2003.5 BMW 3-Series

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2003.5 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

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2003.5 BMW 3-Series 2-door

2003.5 BMW 3-Series 2-door

2004 BMW 3-Series Repair Histories