Well, let me qualify this a little better. What is the best year for
any 3 series for the least problems (as far as complaints on the NHTSA
website) AND owner satisfaction? Also, it needs to be NO older than 15
years old AND have an automatic transmission (because of a disabled

Looking for some local BMW clubs in the South Bay of LA.

Help me!!!! Engine will stall when, putting into any gear, pulling on the
steering wheel, i.e left right, slowing down (once i have got it to move
without stalling) even closing the windows (electric). I have put in a new
fuel pump (right side of fuel tank, no better) where next, ...

The gauge will hover on high, then jump back to normal mid gauge area if I
accelerate. (After full warm up)
It also will spike a bit if I turn on the headlights or give the charging
system a load of sorts.

General car care question: Just how religious do you have to be
concerning minor bug splatters on either the headlight covers or on the
windshield between washes (yes I know paint is a different matter)?
By minor, I mean that usually rain is enough to remove most of the gunk

In addition to the high cost of these lights (had to pay nearly $1500 for
new assembly on one side), it's unbelievable how many times people are
flashing me, thinking I have my high beams on.  I can hardly drive five
miles without SOMEONE flashing me -- either from the opposite ...

Whilst changing the fog lights on my E36 this weekend (thanks for the
tips on this, I will be putting up some photos of how to do it at some
point to help the next guy), anyway, whilst doing that I was poking
about and found this sitting on the inner wing, rattling about.

Obviously the fan engages through centrifugal force but is there a cut
out for temperatures too. I have had mine replaced and now every time
I put my foot down I can hear  the fan whirring away. Is this supposed
to happen when the engine is cold as well as hot?

I f BMW is going to offer a V-8 in the new M3, I wonder if a the 6
cylinder will still be an option.
I prefer the 6. I had a 540i and did not like the features I gave up
(i.e. rack and pinion steering) to drive a big heavy motor down the

I am buying a private sale 330xi, just out of warranty, can I buy an
extended?
One stealer told me they had to buy it, certify it, then sell it back to me!
Bastards!!!

Folks,
Some time ago, I read an articke in Roundel that, I believe, recommended
Interstate batteries as a good aftermarket battery, because of venting,
longevity, and cost (being cheaper than going to a dealer).  I am not

'05 325Ci here.  Was running low on gas today and didn't have time in the
morning to fill up, so I drove all the way to work anyway.  On the way back,
I hit MAJOR traffic (damn Deegan Expwy), and the gas light was on for over
an hour while I was idling and occassionally ...

How can i read the fault codes on my 1998 E36 318iSE without going to a
dealer to get the codes read.
I have tried holding down the trip meter reset button whilst turning the
ignition key to position 1. This says test 1 and produces 6 sets of numbers.

Anyone know when that's happening?  Anyone know when BMW will
discontinue producing M3s with the E46 body?
Thanks.

  A friend of mine owns a BMW (3-Series E46) bought in Germany. The car has
BMW's navigation system. Will it work abroad? He will be visiting Greece.
  Thanks in advance