lady in distress 323i

[jessica999]

I have 99 323ia with 72k miles on it, car is in excellent shape. since Jan I have dumped over 5k in repairs in it with bmw. I think Im being taken for a ride here. Every time I bring it in, have it fixed 2-3 days later I am bringing it back for the same problem but its costing me more money cause they missed something or something else goes wrong, thats related to the initial problem, this last episode which I'm bringing the car back on monday for. Was some pump that had to do with the radiator, had to be replaced, friday the friggin light comes on again and I have to fill up the radiator again. Now the stuff is all over the driveway. They have been trying to get me to buy a new one in the worst way but the car has never given me a problem until January, and its paid for, and in great condition. If you look at the engine you would swear I scrub it. I have never touched it. How do I find out if these guys are screwing with this car? Once I'd overlook but this is the 4th time in 3 months, and every repair has been in the same area under the hood. Help please. any advise would be appreciated.
Jess

 

[Big Daddy]

We need to know what they repaired or replaced each time. Sounds like they are saying you need a radiator, which is not an uncommon repair for your car at this mileage and age. However did they replace it once already? Did they replace a water pump? has the car been overheating? Hoses? Need more specific information.

 

[Kirby]

And is this a BMW dealer, independent BMW specialist, or general car replace shop?

 

[jessica999]

We need to know what they repaired or replaced each time. Sounds like they are saying you need a radiator, which is not an uncommon repair for your car at this mileage and age. However did they replace it once already? Did they replace a water pump? has the car been overheating? Hoses? Need more specific information.

must have explained wrong. first 3 trips in not related to this one but each trip in resulted in a return trip which ended up costing me more than the first trip in.

As for the radiator problem. brought it in on 3/26 because the fluid light came on and when I put antifreeze in it came right out the bottom of the car. I was told the expansion tank (had to find the receipt) needed replacing, they supposidly fixed it. friday leaving work my radiator light comes on again. (low fluid) no overheating I know the warning light at least. I fill it get home 1 1/2 hrs later and its empty again and leaking out bottom somewhere. Now another problem that wasn't there is. Every time I bring the car in for repair to them this happens. I have to bring back tomorrow am think they are screwing with car what do I lWook for. this is my Dealer they have been tryng to get me to buy a new one can't now.

 

[Kirby]

You should be able to easily identify if they really did replace the expansion tank. This is a white plastic tank about the size of a 1/2 gallon milk container attached to the side of the radiator. A new one will be white, an old one will be yellowed from age.

This leak could be a bad hose, or a bad seal on the level switch.

This page shows the diagrams and parts for your radiator area.

Here is one view of the diagram. The expansion tank is on the right, part #5. The level switch is #8. This is the switch that turns on the light on your dashboard: