Had to drive the M3 to work today

"E90M3" (e90m3) 02/15/2019 at 08:42 • Filed to: None

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You might be thinking to yourself that my title is sarcastic, sadly it isn’t. Despite the tone of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , I was actually having a pretty good day. That was until the drive after work.

When I started my 3 it was running very rough and when I pulled out of my spot I was not being powered by a silky smooth inline 6, nope, my car decided to engage Volvo mode and run on 5 cylinders. So instead of meeting my friends at the brewery, I headed to BMW. I’m 99% sure it’s a coil; as that’s been the issue the last two times my car has had the CEL on. Not too complex of a job, but I don’t really have a place to work on my car, let alone the tools, and that’s why I make money, so I can pay someone else to work on it.

Up until today, my 3 had been problem free for almost a year. As a result, I almost lost the urge to unnecessarily shop for cars; however, now that this happened, I might have to start browsing again.

EDIT:

Yes, I know my M3 has a V8. I have a 328i I DD, that has an I6. Some reading comprehension goes a long way.

Dru > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 08:50

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That light is the bane of my existence.  Hopefully it’s the coil like you suggested.

DutchieDC2R > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 08:52

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Looking at the posting history of our fellow 3 owners, yours being trouble free for a full year sounds actually quite good. If its only a coil, are you still going to replace the car or fix the coil and keep trucking the 3...?

Nibby > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 08:58

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CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:01

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You need to trade it for something reliable and newer, but still with a manual. Something...Asian perhaps? Korean perhaps?

You dig it out and it's yours

ihm96 > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:03

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Lol some people really give up on cars because of the most basic maintenance

E90M3 > DutchieDC2R 02/15/2019 at 09:27

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I’ve sunk too much money into it at this point to just ditch it, mainly paying it off. I’m looking at keeping it long term, so this was an item that was going to get addressed, eventually. 

E90M3 > Dru 02/15/2019 at 09:28

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It was a one owner 40k mile car when I got it, and I’m pretty sure it had been meticulously maintained. As a result, it’s been pretty good to me, as has my M3. 

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:30

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Limp mode on Valentine's Day

E90M3 > ihm96 02/15/2019 at 09:30

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Nah, just the well if I have to pay for expensive shit, maybe I should drive a more interesting car everyday. Driving the M3 every day is out because I don’t want to put the miles on it because I plan on keeping that car for as long a I can, hoping for at least another 10 years. So yeah, I’m going to shop for an IS-F, realize I don’t want to spend that kind of money and just keep driving my 3. 

E90M3 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/15/2019 at 09:33

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It seems like you really took a nose dive on liking this car. 

E90M3 > Nibby 02/15/2019 at 09:35

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Major first world problem. 

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:35

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Actually, there are somethings I like. Plus, I needed cheap wheels quick and this was listed at 9K brand new, so that was perfect.

This whole past week the Kia has really proven itself to me.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:37

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Mine did the same thing a few months ago. I went ahead and replaced all 6 plugs and coils. I figured if one if bad the rest won’t be far behind. 

E90M3 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/15/2019 at 09:38

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I mean, it’s a cheap economy car, but I thought you actually liked it full on. I understand why you bought it, I just figured that you wouldn’t be trying to either sarcastically or seriously trade it this early into your ownership. 

E90M3 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 02/15/2019 at 09:39

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The first one went at 56k miles, second one at 66k miles, this one at just under 76k miles. I think I’m seeing a trend here. I plan on doing the rest now. 

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 02/15/2019 at 09:44

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RIP

functionoverfashion > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:47

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I know you don’t have space to work on it, but you don’t really need any space to change a coil pack. It’s super easy and I think the only tool you need is to take the plastic cover off (10mm) the valve cover area.

Anyway, nothing wrong with paying someone to do work if you have the money and don’t want to bother - I’m firmly in that camp most of the winter when my icy driveway is my workspace. But I will say that coils are stupidly easy.

Edit to add: I had a similar ‘first world problem’ in that my BMW wagon is full of stuff from coaching and hosting a ski jump competition yesterday, so rather than empty it out last night when I got home exhausted at 10:00 I just took our Volvo wagon today. Can’t be bothered to move a few items? Take different car, lol

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:54

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No, I'm not a fan of the car.  I do want something else, but I also want to be financially smart about it and life in general.  I mean, it's essentially a free car since I get $500 a month in allowance. So I shouldn't really complain

Tapas > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:55

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I know what you mean.

I’m torn between driving a car I love and putting miles on it. Mine is approaching 135k. I need to decide to either drive it everyday and enjoy it with no regrets, or not drive it.

I hate commuting in it and feeling guilty.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 09:58

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What a fine-looking automobile. Washed mine for the first time in a long time yesterday, but it’s going to be nasty here for several days, so she’s tucked in the garage for a while. Looking forward to the next drive! 

E90M3 > Tapas 02/15/2019 at 10:03

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This is exactly why I bought the 328i, so I completely understand your dilemma . You know my solution, which I would recommend to anyone who can afford it.

E90M3 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/15/2019 at 10:04

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I understand that, I kind of want to get something different, but it wouldn’t be wise financially . I really just wish my 3 was paid for so the money I spend paying it off, could be spent maintaining both cars. 

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/15/2019 at 10:06

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Fantastic looking car.

Do you find yourself enjoying it more now that you’re not dailying it? 

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 02/15/2019 at 10:08

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Cold-blooded. 

E90M3 > functionoverfashion 02/15/2019 at 10:10

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It’s more of I don’t have a place to leave it if I mess it up or find another problem.

A lot of people here would disagree, but I really just want it done and don’t want to wait around for parts and it’s easier to get someone else to do it.

First world problems are a real thing. Like I had to re set the time on my Rolex on Monday because I wore my Breitling over the weekend and my Rolex wasn’t wound.

Tapas > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 10:12

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I feel you.

I don’t know where I’m going to live in the coming years. Parking in Toronto is an issue. Even if I save up for another car, I am not sure where I’ll keep it.

I’d buy a Miata as a daily if I could. Or a Nomad if I had the money.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 10:17

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I enjoyed it plenty when I was driving it every day, but it definitely is more like a special experience each time now. I haven’t quite gotten into a regular groove yet, but the plan is to drive it to work a couple times per week, weather permitting (now that it’s nice and clean, I won’t want to take it out until it’s really dried out... ).

I think I’d mentioned that I thought it needed a suspension refresh and was planning to invest some real coin. Turns out, most of what I was feeling was due to a bent rim. Had that repaired, and it feels a lot better. The suspension is still old, so I may still spend the money at some point, but it’s less of an immediate need.

Need to finally get it in for that recall, and needs a couple new tires for my summer set so I’m ready for my spring backroadtrip.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/15/2019 at 10:17

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It may not be the best car (or even remotely close) but for a brand new car with an amazing warranty , less than $6800 USD is incredible

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford 02/15/2019 at 10:19

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9K USD, 11-12 K Canadian, but still! A good deal

E90M3 > Tapas 02/15/2019 at 10:20

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Completely fair. 

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/15/2019 at 10:31

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That’s about how it is for me, it feels a lot more special because I don’t drive it everyday. I also like not having to worry about it sitting outside somewhere, it’s tucked away nicely in its garage.

You did mention that, good it’s less urgent of an issue.

What recall? Wiring or airbag or both? 

BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 10:36

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Oh no, you poor thing.

How ever will you cope?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 10:37

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What’s funny is, my Tacoma is worth more and my M3's paint has far more rock chips, etc. My car should be sitting outside and the truck should be inside, but I don’t see that happening. =) 

Wiring. Airbag’s been done for some time.

E90M3 > BlueMazda2 - Blesses the rains down in Africa, Purveyor of BMW Individual Arctic Metallic, Merci Twingo 02/15/2019 at 10:40

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I’m not sure. Worried about it TBH. 

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 02/15/2019 at 10:53

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Either way under $10k usd is used car money or maybeeee a base Mitsubishi Mirage, but I think we can agree the Forte is less terrible 

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 02/15/2019 at 10:54

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For now! I completely agree with your decision thought!

I figured, but I feel like there are some that haven’t been done. Mine got done over half a year ago, the wiring. Airbag has been over a year. 

functionoverfashion > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 11:16

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Nah, I totally understand just wanting it done.  I was only commenting to say coils are dead simple. But I completely understand! I’ve had my shop rotate tires front to rear simply because I didn’t want to drag out all my stuff in the snow, jack up the car on a slippery driveway, etc. Rotating tires is elementary, but it does require a safe workspace. 

Gerry197 > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 12:00

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You headed to BMW, I’m only assuming you have an extended warranty with them?   

William T > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 14:02

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I'm all for not throwing parts at a problem but on the second coil why didn't you replace the remaining coils?

benjrblant > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 14:18

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IMO, there’s nothing wrong with having the dealer do these repairs. If you’re in a position to do this, why not?

I know you keep meticulous records on this vehicle too, so I’d be curious if you’ve compared your maintenance costs with the cost of financing or leasing a new one with a full warranty. Sometimes older cars are more fun to drive, but I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on new w/ warranty vs your current vehicle. 

E90M3 > William T 02/15/2019 at 14:23

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Second one went in March of last year, had just put tires on the car and I had just quit my job to take another one. Since it’s a non-fatal maintenance item, I figured I’d just run them to failure. 

E90M3 > benjrblant 02/15/2019 at 14:33

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A lot of people on oppo seem to be anti dealer doing anything. They’ve been good to me, so why not. I know it’s a little more expensive, but I trust them over some random third party shop.

I’ve sunk too much money into this car paying it off and maintaining it to seriously think about getting something else. Right now, my cost for everything is $0.55/mile, excluding insurance. Reason is because the M3 is also in there and I’m not sure I would feel comfortable splitting that cost per car accurately; it’s $200 a month for both cars fully covered .

I think as far as a new car with a warranty versus my car, I’m pretty sure that I’m coming out ahead now. I’m getting the remaining 4 spark plugs and coils done and they’re replacing two leaking gaskets. I had the thrust rods replaced last year when I got an alignment . So maintenance hasn’t been 0, but it’s been reasonable . Pretty sure it’s less than the cost of financing a new car with a warranty, or at least one I would want.

The E92 328i seems to be a pretty solid car, apart from some areas, like coils and gaskets. I’m also planning on doing the cooling system at some point, hopefully after the car is paid for. It’s only got 76k on it now, so I think it would be best financially to drive the wheels off of it.

E90M3 > Gerry197 02/15/2019 at 14:36

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Nah, I just don’t know anyone else I trust to work on my cars. 

Gerry197 > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 14:39

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No BMW indy shops in your area? Check yelp for lots of strong scores, I’m sure you will find one.

I would only go to the dealer.......never now that I think of it.  I certainly could not efford my E46 or E90 going to the dealer.  

benjrblant > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 14:48

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Oppo has a lot of DIY spirit, coupled with a fair bit of Anti-Dealership spirit, and seemingly a fair bit of cost-savings spirit. I’m personally a DIY guy but if you can pay a quality tech to do the work for you, I see nothing wrong with that.

I worked a saturday job at a dealer for a few months back in the day. I’ve still got a friend or two that works in the service department there.

Spanfeller is a twat > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 14:56

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It’s not related to your post, but I like the E90 more and more as time passes. I thought it was a wierd design when it was new, but I think it’s turning out to be pretty nice.

Say what you will about Bangle's 7er, but the other cars he made are very pretty.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > benjrblant 02/15/2019 at 15:01

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I use the dealer because I finally bought a decent vehicle, but the guy had no service records, which I used against him for monies. I want to be prepared to sell it if necessary. I don’t want to list a 99k mile Paseo wagon and say, “timing belt was totally done, here’s a receipt that proves that I at the very least bought the belt, which totally implies that it was properly replaced.”

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 16:05

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The full plug and coil kit was only like 200 bucks. Not bad at all. And those rear two coils are actually pretty easy to get too.

Replacing my air filers was almost as much work as replacing the coils and plugs lol. Or at least as many bolts anyway. 

icyhot > Gerry197 02/15/2019 at 17:22

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Depending on the area, BMW or euro specialty shop rates are really close to bmw dealer rates. My dealer charges $135/hr, indy is $100/hr  at the lowest end. 

Simon > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 17:32

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How have you driven it for so long without knowing it's a V8?

E90M3 > Simon 02/15/2019 at 17:34

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0 miles, I own both an E92 328i, which I’m pretty sure has an inline 6, as well as an E90 M3, which has a V8. The gauge cluster posted clearly isn’t from an M car. 

Gerry197 > icyhot 02/15/2019 at 17:41

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Gotcha, in my area (Socal), our Indy shop will get the same job done at about 30% - 50% cheaper than the dealer, while using that same dealership for parts.   

ihm96 > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 18:14

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A whole new set of OEM coils cost 170 ish bucks from FCPeuro and your engine has over 70k. If spending 200$ every 70k is too much for you then you need to drop down to nothing because every car will have costs like that lol. Buying a new car is expensive.

Spending 2-300$ for all new plugs and coils will make the engine feel better and be much cheaper than even a single payment on a new to you ISF

You might as well just sell the 328 and daily the M3 and just maintain it and keep forever. No reason to keep miles off a car just so you have to replace all those parts from old age rather than use

pip bip - choose Corrour > E90M3 02/15/2019 at 19:59

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if it’s coil, just replace the lot

my car smells like crayons > Dru 02/16/2019 at 11:57

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Carly FTW.  

my car smells like crayons > E90M3 02/16/2019 at 11:59

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Did the e92 328i get the temp gauge?  My e91 has a useless mpg gauge in that spot, and I long to swap the cluster out for one from a 335i.

E90M3 > my car smells like crayons 02/16/2019 at 13:01

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Pretty sure all the E92s were equipped with temp gauges.