Dear All,i am a newbie to this forum.i joined because i would like some advice from you all.any advice, comments and opinions are most welcome!basically, i've spotted a 2004 X3 3.0i that's for sale nearby my house.it's at a used car dealer.i went in to have a look and found that it is in good condition both inside and out.the only blemish being a worn out (disfigured/broken) bmw emblem on the bonnet. not sure how this happened but it looks quite bad.other than the emblem, everything else looks good.one other plus point is that the mileage is quite low.i could not get much info on the car as the salesmen had all left for the day and i spoke to an office administrator who let me look at the car.although everything looks nice on the outside, what i am more concerned about is the engine and parts.for an almost ten year old car, the mileage has not even got past 80K km.can/will dealers tune the odo reading just to make the car more attractive to shoppers? is this easy to do on a bmw?the car has a foldable screen on the dash. i think this is for navigation.is this feature worth-it? or is it just more problems down the road? sure looks cool but i didn't really try it out.can you all please let me know what to look for in a test drive and what to do first IF i buy the car.for example, what to change or service? and any recommended workshop in the kl area?am currently driving an suv but of a korean make, nothing wrong with it but just want to try out something that handles better.the reason for a used x3 is simply due to dollars, this is something i can afford comfortably.i'm also not so clear on whether this is a re-con or local model, how to tell this?i looked at the registration and it had a malay gentlemans name and then in 2009 transferred to a chinese gentleman.but i'm not sure how to interpret the document. any advice here is appreciated as well.sorry for the long post but i am quite nervous about all this.will wait to read your opinions! thank you very much..............
2004 X3 3.0 question
- Thread starter beam2u
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beemerback
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Please introduce yourself in the newbies section and many sifus here will be able to help you on this.
beemerback
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hello beam2u
perhaps i may just feed in some of your questions:-
"the only blemish being a worn out (disfigured/broken) bmw emblem on the bonnet" - not a major matter. Just replace it. Its less than RM100.
"can/will dealers tune the odo reading just to make the car more attractive to shoppers? is this easy to do on a bmw?" - can. with the right equipment you can alter the odometer readings. But at the same token, it can also check if the odometer has been tampered with. But you wont know until you plug in with the scanner.
"the car has a foldable screen on the dash. i think this is for navigation.
is this feature worth-it? or is it just more problems down the road?"- the monitor will show the on board computer readings, temperature, radio etc and navigation if available. Depending on where the car comes from, if it is of Japanese specifications then the navigation function is pointless. If from the UK, I think with the proper DVD you can utilise this feature. Our club vendor can help you on this.
"i'm also not so clear on whether this is a re-con or local model, how to tell this?" - check the VIN. Its the last 7 digits of the car's chassis number....then check through this website http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/ and many of the car's details will be revealed including specs, features installed etc and you can get hold of a copy of the car's registration card and it will tell if it is recon.....kenderaan impot terpakai will be stated
"although everything looks nice on the outside, what i am more concerned about is the engine and parts" - this is the most important part....the engine. you wont know from just the physical checking. Usually its nice and clean at the dealers. You will need a diagnostic tool (scanner). If you are really interested you can request that the car be checked by your appointed workshop dealing with bmws. At least you have a peace of mind.
I think its best to start the engine in the morning and listen for any unsual noise(s), check for leaks etc.
Go for a test drive with someone familiar with bmws. Check the tyres, absorbers and suspension systems. Its pricey for the X series especially the M sports model.
I was interested with the X3 before I bought my X5. I noticed that the X3 does not have a aircon vent for the rear passengers and my family members was not pleased.
Good luck!
"
perhaps i may just feed in some of your questions:-
"the only blemish being a worn out (disfigured/broken) bmw emblem on the bonnet" - not a major matter. Just replace it. Its less than RM100.
"can/will dealers tune the odo reading just to make the car more attractive to shoppers? is this easy to do on a bmw?" - can. with the right equipment you can alter the odometer readings. But at the same token, it can also check if the odometer has been tampered with. But you wont know until you plug in with the scanner.
"the car has a foldable screen on the dash. i think this is for navigation.
is this feature worth-it? or is it just more problems down the road?"- the monitor will show the on board computer readings, temperature, radio etc and navigation if available. Depending on where the car comes from, if it is of Japanese specifications then the navigation function is pointless. If from the UK, I think with the proper DVD you can utilise this feature. Our club vendor can help you on this.
"i'm also not so clear on whether this is a re-con or local model, how to tell this?" - check the VIN. Its the last 7 digits of the car's chassis number....then check through this website http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/ and many of the car's details will be revealed including specs, features installed etc and you can get hold of a copy of the car's registration card and it will tell if it is recon.....kenderaan impot terpakai will be stated
"although everything looks nice on the outside, what i am more concerned about is the engine and parts" - this is the most important part....the engine. you wont know from just the physical checking. Usually its nice and clean at the dealers. You will need a diagnostic tool (scanner). If you are really interested you can request that the car be checked by your appointed workshop dealing with bmws. At least you have a peace of mind.
I think its best to start the engine in the morning and listen for any unsual noise(s), check for leaks etc.
Go for a test drive with someone familiar with bmws. Check the tyres, absorbers and suspension systems. Its pricey for the X series especially the M sports model.
I was interested with the X3 before I bought my X5. I noticed that the X3 does not have a aircon vent for the rear passengers and my family members was not pleased.
Good luck!
"
hello bb, thank you very very much for the reply!
so much of useful info for me in one post.
ok, so :
- the emblem is no big deal
- the odo, well, i'll leave it as it is for now
- will definitely record the vin# and check out the website (wish i had known earlier)
- the car was started the day i visited, as soon as it came alive, the sound was so good (well comparing it to my K-suv)
- no funny sounds or anything out of ordinary from engine bay
- aircon was cold, it was a humid day, just after rain, there was condensation on outer area of aircon vent, but for only one (on the center of dashboard, for passenger), is this normal or indication of issue? the front 2 doors were open, i can understand condensation but why only on one of the blower? should be on all 4 front blowers, right?
- i did have a look at the registration but did not notice "kenderaan import terpakai"
- the car was registered in 2004 but i believe a change of hands took place in 2009
- i really rather not buy a car after 2 owners, just worries me that something not right
- will try to go again and drive it this time
so much of useful info for me in one post.
ok, so :
- the emblem is no big deal
- the odo, well, i'll leave it as it is for now
- will definitely record the vin# and check out the website (wish i had known earlier)
- the car was started the day i visited, as soon as it came alive, the sound was so good (well comparing it to my K-suv)
- no funny sounds or anything out of ordinary from engine bay
- aircon was cold, it was a humid day, just after rain, there was condensation on outer area of aircon vent, but for only one (on the center of dashboard, for passenger), is this normal or indication of issue? the front 2 doors were open, i can understand condensation but why only on one of the blower? should be on all 4 front blowers, right?
- i did have a look at the registration but did not notice "kenderaan import terpakai"
- the car was registered in 2004 but i believe a change of hands took place in 2009
- i really rather not buy a car after 2 owners, just worries me that something not right
- will try to go again and drive it this time
hi guys,
just a quick update:
- had a chance to test drive the car
- it drove really well ( comparing to current K-suv)
- heard some creaks on uneven road, the creaks were at the headliner on both driver and passenger sides, just little creaks, not sure if this is normal with pano roof and the cover.
- on smooth roads it was fine
- Key question: while braking, the steering wheel vibrates, the dealer told me that it was due to the car sitting still for a long period of time. does this make sense and is not a good feeling. i also feel the brakes are not up to par for a bmw, especially after reading all the reviews and how well it's supposed to brake.
- the dealer said that they will get it checked.
other than the few things above, everything else seems fine and i am loving it.
one more thing that i would like to know from those with an x3:
- i can hear the engine purr in the cabin (all the time while driving), is this normal? it's not a bad sound at all, but i just want to know if it's normal.
- sounds so sporty, just purring.........nice
ok that's all for now.
thank you.
just a quick update:
- had a chance to test drive the car
- it drove really well ( comparing to current K-suv)
- heard some creaks on uneven road, the creaks were at the headliner on both driver and passenger sides, just little creaks, not sure if this is normal with pano roof and the cover.
- on smooth roads it was fine
- Key question: while braking, the steering wheel vibrates, the dealer told me that it was due to the car sitting still for a long period of time. does this make sense and is not a good feeling. i also feel the brakes are not up to par for a bmw, especially after reading all the reviews and how well it's supposed to brake.
- the dealer said that they will get it checked.
other than the few things above, everything else seems fine and i am loving it.
one more thing that i would like to know from those with an x3:
- i can hear the engine purr in the cabin (all the time while driving), is this normal? it's not a bad sound at all, but i just want to know if it's normal.
- sounds so sporty, just purring.........nice
ok that's all for now.
thank you.
beemerback
Official Member
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beam2u;816343 said:hi guys,
just a quick update:
- had a chance to test drive the car
- it drove really well ( comparing to current K-suv)
- heard some creaks on uneven road, the creaks were at the headliner on both driver and passenger sides, just little creaks, not sure if this is normal with pano roof and the cover.
- on smooth roads it was fine
- Key question: while braking, the steering wheel vibrates, the dealer told me that it was due to the car sitting still for a long period of time. does this make sense and is not a good feeling. i also feel the brakes are not up to par for a bmw, especially after reading all the reviews and how well it's supposed to brake.
- the dealer said that they will get it checked.
other than the few things above, everything else seems fine and i am loving it.
one more thing that i would like to know from those with an x3:
- i can hear the engine purr in the cabin (all the time while driving), is this normal? it's not a bad sound at all, but i just want to know if it's normal.
- sounds so sporty, just purring.........nice
ok that's all for now.
thank you.
good to hear you like the driving of a bmw...afterall they dont called it a "ultimate driving machine" for nothing....
anyway back to your key question:
just change the discs and the brake pads...when your budget permits change to a set of brembos.....look at the tyres too. you may have to get new rubbers. Over time the discs may have been warped (uneven) and that is why it judders when the brakes are applied and the juddering will tranmit vibration to the steering.
You may want to set aside at least 10k for repairs,replacements and other nitty gritty etc. Check the previous history of the car service records. If it is a local car then request to take key to any bmw authorised dealer (Wearnes Autohaus http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?52172-Wearnes-Autohaus-Company-Profile ) and check its history.
ADVERT: And do sign up as an Official Member...get our club sticker and put it on your windscreen and wear our jacket.. then come TT you will get more info from the gang!:top:
hi beemerback,
thanks for your feedback!
supposedly the shuddering was due to R&D (rust and dust) build-up on the discs.
the dealer had taken the car to a conti car workshop and that is what they told him. the mechanic then drove the car and used the braking system to clean-up the r&d.
the dealer called to let me know the issue and they wanted me to test-drive again.
this time it was totally different, there is still a little shudder(but nothing compared to the other day).
i went to the workshop as well and spoke to the mechanic, he pointed me to the discs and showed some faint dust/rust still visible and said that after a few more km's, it should be fine. the car has been sitting in the dealer lot for almost a year, it seems.
while at the workshop, i opened up the bonnet and found small coolant leak at the top part of radiator, the leak it from wear/tear and is happening at the mouth of a plastic tube, the tube is visible and is shaped quite funnily and very big diameter. the mechanic said it would cost about 200+ to replace. the dealer agreed to pay for it.
other than that everything looks good, the undercarriage is really dry, with no leaks of any sort visible till now.
the dealer had removed the plastic and metal cladding for the undercarriage in preparation for puspakom, i looked at the cladding(they did not wash it) and it was bone dry, quite impressive for a 10 year old car.
so then, i paid the deposit and they should be prepping the car for pick-up probably at the end of this week or early next week.
the tires look ok but like you said, will need replacing in a few months, i asked the dealer to get me a quote and he called his tyre shop contact, said the 18in 235/50 michelins would cost about $775 per piece (anyways that's for later).
the dealer also bought an original bmw logo for the bonnet as a replacement for the original disfigured one.
when they send the car for the radiator hose replacement, i asked them to perform a service as well(i eill bear the cost for this). since the car has been sitting around for awhile, i asked to change engine oil, filter and perform some other maintenance checks. i asked about transmission fluid and the mechanic told me that it's not necessary to change this, that it's lifetime. was quite surprised.
so, currently, will wait for rear windows to be swapped (for puspakom), headliner creak to debug, touch up rims (to hide some curb scrapes) and then the radiator and service. after that should be pick-up.
will keep you guys posted. thanks.
thanks for your feedback!
supposedly the shuddering was due to R&D (rust and dust) build-up on the discs.
the dealer had taken the car to a conti car workshop and that is what they told him. the mechanic then drove the car and used the braking system to clean-up the r&d.
the dealer called to let me know the issue and they wanted me to test-drive again.
this time it was totally different, there is still a little shudder(but nothing compared to the other day).
i went to the workshop as well and spoke to the mechanic, he pointed me to the discs and showed some faint dust/rust still visible and said that after a few more km's, it should be fine. the car has been sitting in the dealer lot for almost a year, it seems.
while at the workshop, i opened up the bonnet and found small coolant leak at the top part of radiator, the leak it from wear/tear and is happening at the mouth of a plastic tube, the tube is visible and is shaped quite funnily and very big diameter. the mechanic said it would cost about 200+ to replace. the dealer agreed to pay for it.
other than that everything looks good, the undercarriage is really dry, with no leaks of any sort visible till now.
the dealer had removed the plastic and metal cladding for the undercarriage in preparation for puspakom, i looked at the cladding(they did not wash it) and it was bone dry, quite impressive for a 10 year old car.
so then, i paid the deposit and they should be prepping the car for pick-up probably at the end of this week or early next week.
the tires look ok but like you said, will need replacing in a few months, i asked the dealer to get me a quote and he called his tyre shop contact, said the 18in 235/50 michelins would cost about $775 per piece (anyways that's for later).
the dealer also bought an original bmw logo for the bonnet as a replacement for the original disfigured one.
when they send the car for the radiator hose replacement, i asked them to perform a service as well(i eill bear the cost for this). since the car has been sitting around for awhile, i asked to change engine oil, filter and perform some other maintenance checks. i asked about transmission fluid and the mechanic told me that it's not necessary to change this, that it's lifetime. was quite surprised.
so, currently, will wait for rear windows to be swapped (for puspakom), headliner creak to debug, touch up rims (to hide some curb scrapes) and then the radiator and service. after that should be pick-up.
will keep you guys posted. thanks.
Hi all,
Picked up the car today.
It's a been good. Haven't explored much of it but so far is nice.
Found out that the drivers side speaker is not working.
Rear reading lamp on one side is not working, probably just the bulb.
The center console comes with the cd changer. I want to remove it and have the space for storage instead. Seems more useful.
Hopefully will get to explore more of the car in the coming days and looking forward to have an enjoyable time in it.
Thank you.
Picked up the car today.
It's a been good. Haven't explored much of it but so far is nice.
Found out that the drivers side speaker is not working.
Rear reading lamp on one side is not working, probably just the bulb.
The center console comes with the cd changer. I want to remove it and have the space for storage instead. Seems more useful.
Hopefully will get to explore more of the car in the coming days and looking forward to have an enjoyable time in it.
Thank you.
anaksarawak
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Congrats bro and welcome to the family of banyak masuk workshop. LoL
Since one of your coolant hose is dead hence the others will die soon. My advice is to get all changed soon including the expansion tank and heat exchangers.
If you enjoy good quality audio, come join us for TT lots of racun awaits you
Since one of your coolant hose is dead hence the others will die soon. My advice is to get all changed soon including the expansion tank and heat exchangers.
If you enjoy good quality audio, come join us for TT lots of racun awaits you
