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It’s really easy to cook a BMW engine, what with all the plastic parts under the hood. That radiator tube is notorious for breaking. There is an aftermarket metal thermostat housing available for an E46 like yours. Install that and it’s the last time you’ll need to worry about that piece. There are also all-aluminum radiators out there.
It’s really easy to cook a BMW engine, what with all the plastic parts under the hood. That radiator tube is notorious for breaking. There is an aftermarket metal thermostat housing available for an E46 like yours. Install that and it’s the last time you’ll need to worry about that piece. There are also all-aluminum radiators out there.
He’s talking about common failure points, not the term Vintage meaning a really old car. Cooling systems on modern (say early 90s on) cars are critical, because that’s when car manufacturers started putting a lot of plastic into cooling system components to reduce weight and cost. Radiators, expansion tanks, thermostat housings, etc. During the same time engine operating temperatures are rising for a host of reasons such as emissions controls, fuel economy, body design, etc. The result is that today’s engines run really hot, so cooling system upkeep is a must if you want to keep your car running and avoid huge repair bills. For BMW that means coolant changes every two years and prospective replacement of the common failure items.
Every 60K: water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing.
Every 90K: radiator, expansion tank, fan and fan clutch (if so equipped).
Every 120-150K: all coolant and fuel hoses.All the above can be DIY jobs, but you have to know what you’re doing. Buying a Bentley repair manual for your BMW model is a must, along with decent tools and the correct parts and fluids.
He’s talking about common failure points, not the term Vintage meaning a really old car. Cooling systems on modern (say early 90s on) cars are critical, because that’s when car manufacturers started putting a lot of plastic into cooling system components to reduce weight and cost. Radiators, expansion tanks, thermostat housings, etc. During the same time engine operating temperatures are rising for a host of reasons such as emissions controls, fuel economy, body design, etc. The result is that today’s engines run really hot, so cooling system upkeep is a must if you want to keep your car running and avoid huge repair bills. For BMW that means coolant changes every two years and prospective replacement of the common failure items.
Every 60K: water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing.
Every 90K: radiator, expansion tank, fan and fan clutch (if so equipped).
Every 120-150K: all coolant and fuel hoses.All the above can be DIY jobs, but you have to know what you’re doing. Buying a Bentley repair manual for your BMW model is a must, along with decent tools and the correct parts and fluids.
I’ve owned eight BMWs and will tell you that they’re wonderful cars; the ride and drive is superb. On the other hand they are more expensive to maintain because of the design. BMWs (Mercedes, Audi, Porsche) are capable of being driven 100+ mph all day long on the autobahn, provided they are serviced correctly by trained mechanics with the correct parts, fluids and tools. The newer cars are full of expensive electronics. Japanese cars like Toyota and Honda are designed to be worked on with common tools and are very reliable, provided they get serviced decently. If you were serious about a BMW then I’d suggest going the national club website (bmwcca.org) and browse cars for sale there. The cars listed there are far more likely to have been maintained properly.
I’ve owned eight BMWs and will tell you that they’re wonderful cars; the ride and drive is superb. On the other hand they are more expensive to maintain because of the design. BMWs (Mercedes, Audi, Porsche) are capable of being driven 100+ mph all day long on the autobahn, provided they are serviced correctly by trained mechanics with the correct parts, fluids and tools. The newer cars are full of expensive electronics. Japanese cars like Toyota and Honda are designed to be worked on with common tools and are very reliable, provided they get serviced decently. If you were serious about a BMW then I’d suggest going the national club website (bmwcca.org) and browse cars for sale there. The cars listed there are far more likely to have been maintained properly.
I’d walk away from the Z – too risky for my taste. To answer your question though, if you were buying this car you’d do the transaction at seller’s bank that holds the lien (and title). Your check to him goes right into his account, then immediately to lien payoff. Bank clears lien and you get title along with the car, enabling you to go to DMV and title/register in your name. Above advice applies only if you’re buying with your own money; if you need to finance the purchase then you’ll need to follow bank’s instructions.
I’d walk away from the Z – too risky for my taste. To answer your question though, if you were buying this car you’d do the transaction at seller’s bank that holds the lien (and title). Your check to him goes right into his account, then immediately to lien payoff. Bank clears lien and you get title along with the car, enabling you to go to DMV and title/register in your name. Above advice applies only if you’re buying with your own money; if you need to finance the purchase then you’ll need to follow bank’s instructions.
A little more description of what features you’re looking for would be helpful. What size and style car are you looking for? What kind of driving will you be doing? In addition to makes already mentioned, throw Hyundai, Kia and Ford Focus into the mix.
A little more description of what features you’re looking for would be helpful. What size and style car are you looking for? What kind of driving will you be doing? In addition to makes already mentioned, throw Hyundai, Kia and Ford Focus into the mix.
If AC wasn’t working when your wife left the dealership, that was the time when she should have turned around and gone back. I know it would have been major inconvenience for her, but now you’re in dispute with the dealership (you say, they say). Did putting that connector back together fix the no front AC issue? Was a cabin air filter replaced along with the AC inspection? If so that part should be on your invoice.
If AC wasn’t working when your wife left the dealership, that was the time when she should have turned around and gone back. I know it would have been major inconvenience for her, but now you’re in dispute with the dealership (you say, they say). Did putting that connector back together fix the no front AC issue? Was a cabin air filter replaced along with the AC inspection? If so that part should be on your invoice.