new owner 2002 330i-question also

[lucydad]

This forum looks like a great place to learn more about my 2002 330i, just bought it with 49K miles on it. Question, as I bought it used from Carmax, and they do not provide previous maintenance records due to their "privacy policy"--is there a way to find out from bmw about the maintenace story on this car?

Also, my research turned up two recalls on the 2002, if fixed is there a way to determine it was done?

So far, I am very pleased with the car, it is beautiful and drives very smooth.

Any recommendations on oil type, gasoline needs, or replacement tires?

cheers to all,

Greg Brown
Sugar Land, TX

 

[codex57]

It may not be out of factory warranty. Take it to a dealer with some "problem" and have them check it out. Ask for their recorded maintenance records and see ask if any recalls were done on the car.

Whenever my car goes in for service, there's a log of stuff that was done to my car at previous dealership visits on the printout I get.

 

[Kirby]

Welcome and congrats!

As far as oil goes, use a synthetic. Either Mobil 1 or Castrol are fine, BMW has used both over the years. It's generally thought that BMW branded oil is really Castrol.

Your car will run best on premium, it will run almost as good on plus, and will not be damaged at all if you use regular, but you may notice lower power and actually get worse gas mileage. The computer compensates for fuel grade.

Tires? Hehe, that's always a great debate. I'll let some others chime in on that one.

 

[lucydad]

thanks

Thanks fellas, your help is appreciated!

Greg Brown
Sugar Land, TX

 

[Wadula]

you might try checkinf the engine bay for oiltags that are usually put there with the last oil change. based on that you can estimate when the last change took place.

 

[///M SPEED]

Congrats and welcome to the board....

Let me guess, Topaz Blue?.....

 

[lucydad]

yes topaz blue--question security system

I have had my 2002 330i sedan for a bit over a week now. Question: how to arm the security system? I have read the manual several times, it is confusing. Press the lock button on the keyfob once, or twice? Seems nothing works.

Is it possible the previous owner had the security system disabled? Or, it may be broken? Is my best action to go visit my local bmw dealer?

Also, any comments on buying an extended warranty, as the one on this car just expired. It has 48K miles, and appears to be in superb condition.

thanks guys and gals!
Greg
Sugar Land, TX

 

[lucydad]

Guys, figured out via reading this board and other sources that the alarm is a dealer installed option on 2002 330i, I don't have it, and don't plan on adding an alarm.

cheers

 

[///M SPEED]

FYI: You may or may not know this bit of info:

lucydad, even though your car does not have the actual alarm system installed you still have the alarm system warning light you can have activated to make it look as if the alarm is installed and active when you lock your car. The bimmer community commonly refers to this warning light as the "Clown Nose". It is the red light that you see on the bottom of your rear-view mirror. This may or may not already be active, but in the case that it is not you can have the dealer activate it.....

Once activated the light will flash once you lock you car giving off the appearance that the alarm is installed and active. Hope this helps a little....