New GTA Member

NOOB328 · 10-21-2014, 10:25 PM

Whats up GTA,

Took ownership of my first German. An 06 323i, and could use some advice from a few of you seasoned vets.

I didn't pay a lot for the car so I know I'm going to have to do some work on it, which is what I wanted so I can learn more about them. First thing I did was drive it right to Bimmex for a tune-up and diagnostic. $900 later I still have work to do. Is this normal for used BMW? Also, there is this faint fuel/oil smell that I can't seem to get rid of. No leaks under the car that I can see.

So far I have:

Changed the Oil and Filter
Changed Spark Plugs (Ignition Coils are on order)
Flush power steering, brake, and coolant.

Next on to do list:

I have a small leak in the shift linkage ( Don't know if this is whats causing the smell)
New battery

Anything else I can/should do as a precaution/preventative step?

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 10:11 AM

For real? no love from the GTA?!

Victor328i · 11-13-2014, 10:21 AM

Guy, did you do the battery reset after you installed the battery?

AdamN52 · 11-13-2014, 10:33 AM

Hey, welcome!

You could check your valve cover gasket for leaks to see if that's where the smell is from. If it's a burning oil smell, that is very likely the cause.

It's common that the oil drips off the gasket onto the exhaust manifold.

How many km on your car?

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor328i

Guy, did you do the battery reset after you installed the battery?

Haven't installed it yet. Waiting for some parts to arrive and will get a load of stuff done at once.

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamN52

Hey, welcome!

You could check your valve cover gasket for leaks to see if that's where the smell is from. If it's a burning oil smell, that is very likely the cause.

It's common that the oil drips off the gasket onto the exhaust manifold.

How many km on your car?

Thanks, I have about 151K on it. I figured it was something with the valve cover gasket. I'm bringing the car in soon so will have them check.

Victor328i · 11-13-2014, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOOB323

Haven't installed it yet. Waiting for some parts to arrive and will get a load of stuff done at once.

Oh ok, make sure you read up on the battery reset, it's pretty important.

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Victor328i

Oh ok, make sure you read up on the battery reset, it's pretty important.

Oh ok. I'm actually thinking about getting it done at Bimmex. They would know how to do this stuff right?

AdamN52 · 11-13-2014, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOOB323

Thanks, I have about 151K on it. I figured it was something with the valve cover gasket. I'm bringing the car in soon so will have them check.

Right on - that's really very common. I replaced mine last winter, and it's already leaking a bit again. I'll have to re-torque the bolts I suppose. The gaskets get really baked and brittle.

I'm around the same mileage as you - I just changed my differential fluids, and in the spring I think I'll do a transmission fluid change. BMW calls these fluids 'lifetime' but people often say that translates to 'good for the duration of the warranty'.

Other than that just fix stuff as it wears out. No sense in throwing money at a car unless it actually requires it, IMO.

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamN52

Right on - that's really very common. I replaced mine last winter, and it's already leaking a bit again. I'll have to re-torque the bolts I suppose. The gaskets get really baked and brittle.

I'm around the same mileage as you - I just changed my differential fluids, and in the spring I think I'll do a transmission fluid change. BMW calls these fluids 'lifetime' but people often say that translates to 'good for the duration of the warranty'.

Other than that just fix stuff as it wears out. No sense in throwing money at a car unless it actually requires it, IMO.

Thanks for the info this helps alot. How much did you pay for the gasket installed?

AdamN52 · 11-13-2014, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOOB323

Thanks for the info this helps alot. How much did you pay for the gasket installed?

No prob!

I did it myself - the part is like $40, the installation cost is brutal though. I think the dealer wanted like $800-900 (!!) if I recall correctly. There's a lot of stuff you have to remove/get out of the way in order to get the valve cover off, so they bill a ton of hours. It took me the better part of an afternoon/evening to do it. It was freezing cold in my garage at that time, so that slowed me down some though. I needed a couple of specific tools to make it easier (1/4" swivel ratchet, E-torx sockets, wobble extensions, etc), but it wasn't all that bad.

I could probably do it again in an hour or two now that I know what I'm doing lol.

Edit: If your mechanic is going to install your coils soon they will have some of the stuff off already, so they might give you a break on the labour - worth asking.

Victor328i · 11-13-2014, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOOB323

Oh ok. I'm actually thinking about getting it done at Bimmex. They would know how to do this stuff right?

Ya, bimmex will do it. I was under the impression you were gonna do it yourself lol.

dassub · 11-13-2014, 12:58 PM

Check if the water pump has gone yet.. it's typical and expected.
Also, at this time I've changed my suspension (Bilstein HD), so you might want to inspect.
(Neither job is cheap!)

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AdamN52

No prob!

I did it myself - the part is like $40, the installation cost is brutal though. I think the dealer wanted like $800-900 (!!) if I recall correctly. There's a lot of stuff you have to remove/get out of the way in order to get the valve cover off, so they bill a ton of hours. It took me the better part of an afternoon/evening to do it. It was freezing cold in my garage at that time, so that slowed me down some though. I needed a couple of specific tools to make it easier (1/4" swivel ratchet, E-torx sockets, wobble extensions, etc), but it wasn't all that bad.

I could probably do it again in an hour or two now that I know what I'm doing lol.

Edit: If your mechanic is going to install your coils soon they will have some of the stuff off already, so they might give you a break on the labour - worth asking.

Yea I will have to since I don't have the required tools. going to order the gaskets and screws now. Thanks again.

NOOB328 · 11-13-2014, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dassub

Check if the water pump has gone yet.. it's typical and expected.
Also, at this time I've changed my suspension (Bilstein HD), so you might want to inspect.
(Neither job is cheap!)

The dealer changed the thermostat, rear shocks, rotors and calipers as they all blew a week after a bought the car. When/if they go again I will get the H&R cupkit to replace the shocks all around and zimmerman rotors. May even do it in the summer regardless.

tcharged · 11-30-2014, 11:44 AM

Why would you get a 323i? Just curious

Civ95 · 12-01-2014, 12:12 PM

Actually, your car's engine should be reliable, at least much more so than the 335i of those years and even than the newer models that experienced widespread bolt break-ups inside the engine.

Others have already stated the more obvious things to look for.

I have an '08 and the only recall I remember was the one concerning the battery cable - seems like nothing but it was a 4-hour job; you should check if your car underwent the repair.

Enjoy!

NOOB328 · 12-01-2014, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcharged

Why would you get a 323i? Just curious

I got a really good deal on it and it included a full powertrain warranty. Whats wrong with the 323?

GrapeBimmer · 12-02-2014, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOOB323

I got a really good deal on it and it included a full powertrain warranty. Whats wrong with the 323?

Nothing's wrong with a 323

but most prefer the 335's and //M's

Note that 'most' of the performance mods are geared towards the models mentioned above. Sayin' that... you have a classic BMW inline 6, a sweet engine

Welcome

SpeeDemoN · 12-02-2014, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcharged

Why would you get a 323i? Just curious

Why does anyone have to justify what vehicle they purchase to you?

OP - Welcome. You'll love the car when it works but your wallet will hate you when it doesn't. Yep, pretty normal.

NOOB328 · 12-02-2014, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrapeBimmer

Nothing's wrong with a 323

but most prefer the 335's and //M's

Note that 'most' of the performance mods are geared towards the models mentioned above. Sayin' that... you have a classic BMW inline 6, a sweet engine

Welcome

Suits me just fine for now. Good starter car. I'm sure somewhere down the road I'll upgrade to 335. First German car for me. I've was driving a Civic then a TSX for the past decade.

NOOB328 · 12-02-2014, 09:14 AM

[QUOTE=
OP - Welcome. You'll love the car when it works but your wallet will hate you when it doesn't. Yep, pretty normal.[/QUOTE]

Ain't that the truth.

10-21-2014, 10:25 PM	#1
NOOB328 Private 7 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 06 323i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	New GTA Member Whats up GTA, Took ownership of my first German. An 06 323i, and could use some advice from a few of you seasoned vets. I didn't pay a lot for the car so I know I'm going to have to do some work on it, which is what I wanted so I can learn more about them. First thing I did was drive it right to Bimmex for a tune-up and diagnostic. $900 later I still have work to do. Is this normal for used BMW? Also, there is this faint fuel/oil smell that I can't seem to get rid of. No leaks under the car that I can see. So far I have: Changed the Oil and Filter Changed Spark Plugs (Ignition Coils are on order) Flush power steering, brake, and coolant. Next on to do list: I have a small leak in the shift linkage ( Don't know if this is whats causing the smell) New battery Anything else I can/should do as a precaution/preventative step?
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11-13-2014, 10:11 AM	#2
NOOB328 Private 7 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 06 323i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	For real? no love from the GTA?!
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11-13-2014, 10:21 AM	#3
Victor328i Second Lieutenant 24 Rep 191 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 328i Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Brampton, ON iTrader: (0)	Guy, did you do the battery reset after you installed the battery?
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11-13-2014, 10:33 AM	#4
AdamN52 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 301 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi (E90) Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Hey, welcome! You could check your valve cover gasket for leaks to see if that's where the smell is from. If it's a burning oil smell, that is very likely the cause. It's common that the oil drips off the gasket onto the exhaust manifold. How many km on your car?
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11-13-2014, 12:58 PM	#13
dassub Captain 63 Rep 965 Posts Drives: '14 328xi sport line Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1) Garage List 1981 Fiat 124 Spider [0.00] 2014 F30 BMW 328xi [0.00] 2006 E90 BMW 325i ( ... [0.00] 1988 Audi 90 Quattr ... [0.00]	Check if the water pump has gone yet.. it's typical and expected. Also, at this time I've changed my suspension (Bilstein HD), so you might want to inspect. (Neither job is cheap!)
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11-30-2014, 11:44 AM	#16
tcharged Banned 27 Rep 299 Posts Drives: bunch of them Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Why would you get a 323i? Just curious
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12-01-2014, 12:12 PM	#17
Civ95 Private 6 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 328xi Touring Join Date: May 2008 Location: Montreal iTrader: (0)	Actually, your car's engine should be reliable, at least much more so than the 335i of those years and even than the newer models that experienced widespread bolt break-ups inside the engine. Others have already stated the more obvious things to look for. I have an '08 and the only recall I remember was the one concerning the battery cable - seems like nothing but it was a 4-hour job; you should check if your car underwent the repair. Enjoy! __________________ current cars: 328xiT, Honda Odyssey '14 past cars: Honda Civic '95, MB E320 '97, VW Passat variant '03
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12-02-2014, 09:14 AM	#22
NOOB328 Private 7 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 06 323i Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE= OP - Welcome. You'll love the car when it works but your wallet will hate you when it doesn't. Yep, pretty normal.[/QUOTE] Ain't that the truth.
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