Overview: Replacing the much-loved BMW 3-series coupe (the 3-series designation applies now only to the sedan), the 4-series has some big wheels to fill.
We are happy to report that it is up to the task. In fact, it’s so good, it made our 10 Best list for 2014. The 4 is livelier than its predecessor, thanks to improved steering, a more responsive suspension, and a lower center of gravity. Fewer doors with more sportiness? We’ll take that trade-off anytime.
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 2-door coupe
BASE PRICE: $46,925
ENGINE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 182 cu in, 2979 cc Power: 300 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1200 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 110.6 in Length: 182.6 in Width: 71.9 in Height: 54.2 in Curb weight (C/D est): 3550 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 4.5-4.8 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.3-13.5 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 23/33 mpg
Search for local BMW Greensboro Dealers in North Carolina
Save yourself a pot of gold by taking your BMW to a local independent BMW repair shop.
Save yourself a pot of gold by taking your BMW to a local independent BMW repair shop.
It can be a wee bit frustrating when your BMW is in need of servicing and you aren’t sure where to take it for quality repairs that won’t cost you a pot of gold.
Taking your BMW to a local independent BMW mechanic, versus the dealer, might just be your lucky charm because it can save you money and enable you to build a relationship with a trained technician working on your vehicle.
Save Some Green
By taking your BMW to an independent repair shop, you won’t have to worry about getting lucky on pricing because costs are generally lower than what the dealer charges.
No, not because of magic or that 4-leaf clover you picked out back, but because OEM parts are not marked up as much and because indy shops have lower hourly rates since overhead is significantly less.
Authentic Service – No Foolishness Here
Independent BMW service Greensboro, NC centers tend to offer a more genuine, personalized service than that of the dealer.
You are likely to be in direct communication with your BMW mechanic each time you come into their shop. This allows you to form a solid relationship with them, instead of talking to a different service advisor each visit about the repair recommendations a different mechanic suggested while working on your BMW.
Finding the right BMW mechanic can be a blessing when your BMW needs servicing. Don’t become bogged down at the dealer and fall victim to the blarney and shenanigans they can play when it comes to cost and personalized service.
So grab a pint, dance the jig and spread some cheer—save yourself that pot of gold by taking your BMW to a local independent BMW repair shop.
So you’ve found your dream BMW. It’s used, and looks like it’s had a few wear and tear repairs over the years, which is normal. Should you purchase it? Not before you obtain a pre-purchase inspection.
Used Car For Sale! Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection First!
It’s necessary to get a pre-purchase inspection done before buying a used BMW because you don’t want to end up with a vehicle full of expensive to remedy mechanical and safety issues that are not evident to the casual eye.
What Is A Pre-Purchase Inspection, Anyway?
A pre-purchase inspection is a detailed report about the cosmetic, mechanical and safety condition of the BMW you are interested in purchasing.
To avoid purchasing a poorly maintained car or succumbing to other buying pitfalls, we always recommends a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic before purchasing a used BMW vehicle. We have saved many buyers from getting into a situation where they have been taken advantage of, and I have made sure their dream vehicle does not turn into a nightmare.
Take your car to a qualified BMW mechanic before buying.
At Eurobahn Motorsports we do Pre Purchase Inspections on used Vehicles every day!
Buying a Used BMW Long Distance or Without a Warranty
If you plan on buying a used BMW long distance (located in another city/state) or without a warranty, it is definitely a MUST that you get a pre-purchase inspection. Major risk is at stake if not.
In fact, we that found that so many clients are buying vehicles long distance these days, so she do a thorough inspection to help buyers make sure they are getting what they’re paying for.
The most common mistake buyers make is not having inspection reports and the title work on the car they are looking to buy reviewed by an expert before they purchase the vehicle. Buyers need someone who knows what to ask on behalf of them, and that’s what we help to do.
Sure anyone can do their homework before they buy a vehicle, which is good and part of the process, but there is so much more to make sure the buyer is protected when spending thousands of dollars on a used vehicle.
The seller should be willing to let you have a pre-purchase inspection done prior to buying it, if not, then that is a red flag and they’re likely hiding something from you about the BMW.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist and Price
Once your potential used BMW is being inspected by a BMW service provider, it’s common for a few minor flaws to show up on the pre-purchase inspection. Finding these minor flaws can actually help in the overall price negotiation process if you do buy the used vehicle.
A thorough inspection should cover over 125 items in the following areas (not limited to):
Overall condition of the BMW
Visual problems with the body and frame
Leaks and broken components
Engine analysis and problems
Road test
The following past problems can be identified by a qualified BMW mechanic while inspecting the vehicle:
Frame damage
Poor repair work
Car previously owned by a smoker
Flood damage
Prices vary from BMW shop to BMW shop and are dependent on how thorough of a pre-purchase inspection you choose for your potential BMW. The more detailed and extensive an inspection, the more it will cost you – but the more it could save you in the long run.
In the end, it is worth the money purchasing a pre-purchase inspection, in the long-run, to avoid costly repair bills that can add up in the future. So buy your used dream BMW with confidence, knowing you’ve taken the appropriate measures and gotten a pre-purchase inspection.
Is that Satan in your hood causing a fire and smoke? No, you're vehicle is probably overheating.
Is that Satan in your hood causing a fire and smoke? No, you’re vehicle is probably overheating.
Your BMW can tell you all sorts of things from when it needs gas, to when it needs to go into the shop. Being proactive about the latter can help you save mucho de dolares down the road.
Here are some scary signs your car may be telling you…in which case you ought to run to your BMW service shop like you’re being chased by brain-eating zombies in a horror flick.
Tires:
Some hair-raising signs your tires are in trouble and you could be in danger include a tread depth below 1/16th of an inch, the appearance of a tread wear indicator bar, presence of cracks and weathered sidewalls and bulges and blisters on tires. Also, if you notice your BMW is vibrating, this too, can be a sign that you need to replace your tires.
If left unattended, bad tires can lead to poor car handling/steering, which can contribute to serious auto accidents and tire blow outs that can leave you on the side of the road. Also, you may be at risk of hydroplaning on wet days due to tread wear-down and your fuel economy will be lowered.
Seized Engine:
Something’s a-brewing in your BMW when you witness light tapping noises or a knocking sound. This can be a sign of a possible seized engine. This sound should spook you enough to head to your mechanic ASAP and have it tested (that is, if you can drive there). The repair for this problem is dependent on what is causing the seize. If you can have the entire engine replaced with all its components, it can be very costly. Avoid this frightful mess by getting your BMW serviced routinely by a qualified BMW mechanic.
Overheated Engine:
Think your engine is possessed by the Devil? Not likely. Some warning signs of an overheated engine includes a temperature gauge in the “red,” putrid smells of burning oil or metal from the radiator, abnormal power and leaks underneath your car.
To remedy this, have your BMW mechanic check for leaky/clogged/collapsed hoses, loose clamps and for a faulty temperature gauge and water pumps, etc. Frequent overheating can cause serious engine damage, but if caught early it’s not too costly of a repair.
Transmission Problems/Failure:
Transmission problems and possible failure may be lurking around the corner in your BMW with certain evil signs. To avoid digging a grave for your transmission, these signs include refusal to go into gear, strange burning smells, clunking/buzzing/humming sounds, gear slippage, dragging clutch, transmission fluid leak, check engine light appearance, shimmying into gear, vehicle jerking in park or neutral, and delay of response when shifting into gear.
If your transmission starts acting up then you are in for a whirlwind of trouble and possible costly repairs. Keep your BMW up-to-date with its routine maintenance to avoid this, and take it to your local BMW shop immediately.
Broken Timing Belt:
Don’t be shocked to the core when your timing belt breaks in your BMW if you avoid the warning signs. These potentially hazardous signs include a shaking vehicle, a hard start, expelling more exhaust than normal, high-pitched noises and vehicle shut off while driving.
A broken timing belt that sidelines you along the freeway can also cause damage to other engine components, which you definitely don’t want.
Change the timing belt in your BMW at the recommended service interval. When you take your BMW to your local BMW service center, your qualified BMW mechanic will inspect the timing belt to make sure there are no cracks, chips or spots, and look at the teeth of the belt.
The way your BMW sounds and smells, to how it performs on the road can be telltale signs that it needs maintenance…but don’t be alarmed about all things that go bump in the night, because not every bone rattling shake or blood curdling squeal means your BMW is about to go belly-up and you need a new plot in the cemetery. It’s just a best practice to be aware of these things and have your BMW routinely serviced to avoid them.
You don’t have to take your BMW to the dealer to maintain your warranty.
Let’s face it, BMW repairs can be expensive and when you buy that new or used BMW from the dealership, you want to make sure your BMW is covered with a vehicle warranty if anything should go wrong and need repairs.
It’s common to hear that once you purchase your BMW with a warranty, scheduled maintenance and repairs need to be completed by the dealership or else it voids the warranty. This is quite the myth and unfortunately, many people believe it to be true.
Your Rights Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act
According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975, vehicle manufacturers can’t tell you, the consumer, where to have your scheduled maintenance and repair work done that is under warranty.
You have the right to have your BMW serviced according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule at any qualified shop, including your local independent BMW repair shop.
Taking your vehicle to your local BMW service center for routine service does NOT void the warranty. You will still be receiving the same top-notch BMW repair service, if not better, than what the dealership provides. You also will still be receiving the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts that the dealership uses, installed by highly specialized BMW technicians. And who knows, you may even save yourself a little bit of money.
Take your BMW to and independent BMW repair shop today!
So it’s time to take your BMW into the shop. You don’t really want to haggle with the dealership’s service department over prices and what actually needs to be serviced today.
Why not turn to an independent BMW repair shop that specializes in BMW service? Whether it’s for a simple oil change or a more complex matter, your neighborhood BMW service center has the skills and tools to keep the life of your BMW running longer.
Here are some tips to help you locate an expert BMW technician at a local BMW repair shop.
North Carolina is home to many qualified local, independent BMW repair shopswith dealer-level expertise. Use the search box and type in your zip code or city/state.
When you go into a BMW repair center look to see if they have BMWs in the parking lot/bays and if they have specialized BMW diagnostic tools.
Check out the shop’s BMW certifications in-shop or online. Also, check for automotive professional associations and any community awards they hold.
Listen to what others are saying about nearby BMW service shops. Ask fellow BMW enthusiasts where they have their BMW repaired.
Friendly and knowledgeable BMW service consultants and technicians that help answer your questions and make arrangements to bring your BMW in for service is a good indicator of a quality shop.
Search for a local, independent BMW Greensboro repair shop with BMW mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.
UPDATE: Yesterday, (July 16, 2014) it was announced that this recall has expanded to all 3 Series cars manufactured between May 1999 and August 2006, not just in the regions originally mentioned below.
Now Hear This! BMW Recall Photo Credit: FaceMePLS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and BMW N.A. will be issuing a limited regional recall of select BMW e46 3 Series vehicles due to defective frontal airbags in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Which BMW models are affected by the recall?
BMW e46 3 Series model year 2001-2005 325i, 325xi and 330xi, and 2001-2006 325Ci and 330Ci, currently registered in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and equipped with Takata-brand airbag inflators.
What causes the defective frontal airbags?
The frontal airbags made by Takata contain a faulty propellant and can deploy irregularly, and/or rupture with metal fragments striking occupants. Some reports speculate that the airbag failure may be linked to high humidity areas/regions.
Are there any known accidents attributed to the defect?
This is a large recall spanning across several automakers: Honda, Mazda, Nissan, Chrysler and Ford, over several months. Currently, there are eight reports of airbags exploding and two associated deaths, none of which were BMW vehicles.
What do I do if my car is one of those affected?
BMW will be notifying all owners affected by the recall in August 2014. The frontal airbags will be inspected and replaced, free of charge.
If your BMW is part of this recall and you have not been notified, call your local, independent to schedule an appointment to have your BMW checked and serviced for the defect.BMW repair shop
You must be logged in to post a comment.