You can probably expect regulators to break down on the E46 too!.

I have a UK spec 2000 year and I've had both front regulators done at the
main dealer. Rip off prices for something that seems more like a design
flaw. Last one cost £180 fitted and it still doesn't sound right. Also
expect to change your brake rotors quite often.

MC



"Bill G" > wrote in message
...
> Hey again,
>
> Thinking of getting a 330ix, or possibly a 530 (wish it came in xi form),
> and was wondering how difficult it is to do your own repairs on a BMW. I
> have a Nissan Maxima that I do all the major work on. I've done the whole
> water pump/timing belt replacement twice (including cam shaft seal
> replacements once), and also replaced my injectors, plus the obvious
> basics
> (brakes, rotors, etc.). I have a Haynes and a Chilton's manual that guide
> me, and would purchase whatever I need for this car (factory manual even).
>
> What kind of repairs can I expect to face down the road? What is BMW
> notorious for on the repairs? The Maximas are guaranteed to have bad
> window
> regulator units and a failed Bose stereo eventually. Plus that damn dim
> clock problem. But, the engine will run forever.
>
> Tell me your successes and horror stories. It probably won't stop me from
> buying a BMW. I miss German engineering too much to be deterred (had an
> Audi and a Porsche in the past, and I miss them).
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill G
>
> P.S. Any owners of the 325xi/330xi, tell me how you like your car after
> having it for a while. The smaller back seat doesn't bother me on a test
> drive, but I'm not the one sitting back there! I'm partial to the 330xi
> since I live in snow country, and this will be a year-round car.
>
>