Just purchased a bmw

[DTK325]

I just purchased a used 2006 bmw 323i being new at euro cars i am not quite sure what i need to do for maintenance and any things i should watch out for?
The car is now on 77k miles and I am wondering whether i should go for a full inspection, but haven't decided on whether i should go BCAA or BMW since their price differ by like 200 bills.
I just want to get to know my car more, if its possible can anyone just throw me some precaution i should watch out for and or any places that would do full inspection along with their price?
Or any BMW mods that are popular on a white 323i? thankss

[bcedhk]

Where did you buy your car from? if it was from outside the BMW dealership, I would suggest you bring it to a dealership or Nixon or CG motorsport to have it checked up.

Like most euro cars, make sure to do the schedule maintenance and checkups or your gonna be paying a even bigger price if something does occur.

Mod wise. The 323i is kinda tricky since most mods (lighting, engine) are mostly for the 328i or 335i. For that clean look go with blacklines, coil over and rims. Performance mods are a waste of money and won't give you any significant gain.

IMO the best mod would be to change your halogen's to xenon. Is an expensive mod, but is worth it!

[DTK325]

Thanks for the fast replyy!!! I bought it from a private seller! and how much do you think is the inspection cost for Nixon or CG motorsports?
yea i would definitely look into changing halogens to xenon! thanks

[bcrdukes]

I don't recall the cost for a PPI but it's in the range of $120 give or take $20 or so.

Take a look at this thread for places you can take your car to.

http://www.revscene.net/forums/66190...bmw-shops.html

[Shamrok]

I would highly recommend CG Motorsports. Our last car was 1999 540i Sport Wagon and they did wonders with that thing + the guys at the shop were always suggesting mods for it so I guess you could ask them for some advice.

[grey ghost]

Bring it to CG Motorsports, and if it's due for a service, maybe get an oil service or inspection 1 done on it. They'll change the oil and filter, and give it an inspection to let you know if anything is wrong. At that mileage, I don't think it's due for the Inspection 2 yet, but I could be wrong..

The E46 is fairly reliable, but they do have some issues. Mostly oil leaks, coolant expansion tank leaks, crankcase vent valve problems, and some suspension bushings tend to wear out at around the mileage on your car. Basically, as long as it's been properly maintained, you should be alright. But that can be said about any car really.

[parm104]

Shouldn't you have done an inspection prior to buying the used car??

You can head out to PG Performance in Surrey. They specialize in German vehicles. They won't rip you off and they're skilled professionals. Only charge you for what you need, and nothing more. See Paul or Tim.

[godwin]

Dont cheap out and just slap on Xenon bulbs in your reflector headlights.. spend the money and convert the whole headlight assembly.

[DTK325]

Thanks for all the comments guy they are really helpful
^godwin: do you know how much that would cost? around?

[DTK325]

I have also booked inspection appointment for CG motorsports next Monday.
Hopefully it would be a good experience !

[325isMSPORT]

BMW mod list = Maintence (cooling, suspension mainly) , driving school , idk anything you want.

[325isMSPORT]

Originally Posted by Mr. Chatterbox

Don't be surprised if they empty your bank account.

+1

[Tapioca]

Don't bother with mods - save your money for maintenance.

The E90 is not as DIY-friendly as the E46. If you don't plan to do any wrenching yourself, I would budget at least $3000 a year for upkeep.

[DTK325]

^Mr. Chatterbox would you be able to give me any other adviicee?? out of all the places i called CG motor was the cheapest with 120 dollar full inspection. cant really find anything else?

[godwin]

$1000+ for OE parts?

Originally Posted by DTK325

Thanks for all the comments guy they are really helpful
^godwin: do you know how much that would cost? around?

[!SG]

2006, e90, you should have the rectangular key no?

if so, you have cbs, condition base service, you can scroll thru with the left stock (turn signal arm)

scroll up and down til you see "service info", press the button at the tip of the arm, should be labelled like "bc" or something.

then it will tell you how much time or how much km til your next service.

should tell you:

oil change
air filter
microfilter
brake fluid flush
spark plugs

from the top of my head, you may also have 2 more "state wide" and "emissions test", those 2 can be reset as they only apply for US/cali

since you hitting 80k, the only thing outside of that would be coolant flush.

[pb.kidz]

all I can say is get new wheels, stock ones are ugly as fck, update the lights to LEDs. and change out the front bulbs to hid
the most expensive maintenance i've incurred so far is replacing the rear breaks ($500~)