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Comments
MarkinAtlanta has some great advise on saving $2,500 - I couldn't agree more. Basically, don't get the manual or the leather seats - it's a waste of money. I'd pay money to get the manual. The xenons are great, though - I highly recommend those. Sadly, for a lot of people, they are still just a fashion statement. In reality, I expect these will be standard on the vast majority of cars 5 years from now, as the high-intensity lights illuminate incredibly better than the regular lights. Also, I had the opportunity to compare the HK stereo to the standard stereo and the difference in the sound quality was astounding. It's well worth the money. Happy "boarding" all!
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HoleinOne - Yes, you can haggle but it is very difficult on Euro Delivery. I received 4% off MSRP on my ED. I spoke with 4 other dealerships that would not budge off MSRP, saying something to the tune of "you're already getting a discount with Euro Delivery so we can't give you any more".
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HiC
1) Is there a big performance gain to be noticed in daily driving (i.e. around town) with the 330 vs. the 325?
2) Are there any other reasons besides HP to choose the 330 over the 325?
3) Why are the coupes more expensive and are they worth the extra $$$?
Thanks so much
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The coupe comes with more standard features than the sedan (mostly sport),and it has minor differences is trim. Both me and my wife felt that there was less interior space in the coupe, maybe it was just an illusion but it was a persistent feeling. In addition, the seat belts are WAY back there and you have to really stretch over to reach them. I DO like the sedan much better. Good luck to you, let us know what you chose.
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Are there any other differences that you have noticed between the 325 and 330 sedans, i.e. features, accessories, interior/exterior quality, space?
Thanks!
It seems based on the discussions on this board that most 325s are made in South Africa, while all 330s are made in Germany. That may be something to consider if you want a 100% German car. The dimensions and interior space are identical but again, sedans feel roomier than coupes in either 325 or 330 form.
I'm sure there are other people on the board that know the differences better, let's see if we'll here from someone else on this.
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$100 performance air filter
BMW-approved "chip" software ($400-$600??)
Just a thought. I really can't comment on the Sedan v. Coupe dilemma you're having because I've always thought the 4-door to be much better looking.
V
$1600 drive-off, $499/month (pre-tax)
for 330i, sport, leather, HK Stereo, Xenon.
Does that sound too high? Have you heard/seen better? Thanks again.
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I just bought 99 323i w/ heated leather, and all the other goodies for 25k (it has 36k miles). It is black on black and is in absolutely perfect condition, I am amazed at how "new" it looks. I was just curious if you guys think I did ok on the deal, the only options that I can't find on it are the Xenons and a cd changer (Is the computer an option?). If I got taken, please be gentle because I'm going to have the car for about 5 years hopefully. I also wanted to say how fun these cars are to drive despite the fact that I have the allegedly "underpowered" version. I have always driven japanese vehicles, and the perfect balance and feel of the BMW is beyond comparison; it induces a huge grin every time I get behind the wheel. I am curious if there are any major repairs that I can expect down the road. Consumer reports gave these cars very good ratings, but it is always nice to hear first hand.
Sorry if I sound too disjointed, but I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning!
Thanks,
-Getz
halogen fog lights, on-board computer, 17 inch wheels, chrome and body-color trim, heated dual power mirrors and windshield washer jets, titanium trim on headlight and fog light panels and on front bumper air inlet, 4 spoke leather steering wheel with cruise, audio and phone controls, front center armrest with storage, automatic climate control, cruise control, front and rear map lights, foot well and visor mirror lights, aluminum ringed gauges.
For me, the differences were worthwhile. My sticker was 36,540. I am leasing at $319 a mo for 36 with total front of 3500 plus extra security deposits of 3,150. The sec deps reduce the money factor to the APR equivalent of 2.9%. Saves $50 a month and is fully refundable at the end of the lease. It gives a yield on investment of about 19%
The option packages are configured differently. As of March, the HK stereo, sport suspension and power seats are standard on the 330. I dont know if this is true for the 325.
The 330 is the best deal. The residual is 65%, the money factor is .0021 (equal to 5% APR), the dealer contribution is 4% of MSRP and BMW is contributing also but I dont remember the exact amount. The other models have less favorable residuals and money factors.
The 330i deal comes out with $2500 down plus taxes, fees and title with the monthly pay at $359 on the base 330 which lists at 33,990 plus 645 destination fee.
I got the base plus CD player, metallic paint and auto. The HK stereo, sport suspension and power seats were included for any builds beginning in March '01. My payment would have been $369 but I bought it down to $319 by paying extra refundable security deposits.
This means that I paid $3150 on the front to reduce my payments by $1800 ($50 a month) and I get the $3150 back in the end. So, in effect, I get a return of $1800 on an investment of $3150. If you have the cash, it is better than the stock market has been. It figures out to about 19% per year return on your money.
chose the 330 vs 325 based on driving habits...
would have taken 325 if did 12-15k "around town", but, i do 30k on hwys...wanted the HP, plus other ad-ons nice, esp. w/ the 2001.5 break on option pkgs....visually more distinctive, esp. when going w/ the awd sport/prem/cold weather pkgs.
used "autovantage" on-line to get price...no haggle...straight $1400 over invoice. done deal.
lease was 1st and last payment plus doc. fees.
that was it. again, done deal.
all seemed too easy...have VIN #...matched up to info. provided here...all info matches...right car, right production, right price...all "on time"
so far...so good
drew
first off, even for an identical type of car, a manual equipped car is faster than an automatic model. I've seen the manual be faster by over a second on some cars.
secondly, the bmw's manual transmissions gear ratios are not most optimally geared for cruising. It doesn't like to be in traffic jams and it may provide better off-the-line pull but it will suffer somewhere. 184hp is a 184hp and 215hp is 215 hp. There is a difference; it may not necessarily show up during 0-60 mph.
It may not show up 0-60 mph because of the gearing or whether it's a manual/automatic. The extra horsepower may show up in the mid to top range.
One of the criticism of BMW manual is the sloppy clutch along with the gearing. In the case of the M3's, 2nd gear couldn't cover 60 mph which increased the 0-60mph times.
On most other cars, 2nd gear would cover 60 mph easy. BMW wanted the lower ratios for better acceleration. BMW later changed the gears slightly so that the car would cover 60 mph in second gear to improve the acceleration times.
Why do you think the 1995-1999 240hp BMW M3 was almost as fast as the 321 hp european version of the M3?
It was the gearing and the u.s. m3 didn't like the traffic jams at all. You'd be at 3000 rpms and be going 15 mph in first gear in a traffic jam or in normal city driving. After a while many owners got tired of that. I know a guy who let go of his M3 for that reason among others.
IMO, the BMW is the one with the softer suspension with more body roll. And $35,000+ for just 184hp is just not my cup of tea.
And resale nor the electronics is up to par IMO.
Paying that kind of change for sub-par electronics isn't the smartest thing to do.
As one of my mechanics said, germans are mechanical engineers not electrical engineers.
Look at the dismal performance of the navigations systems of the new s-class mercedes or the M5's. They are cutting out and slow to respond.
Also the comand system to open the doors on the new c-class mercedes had numerous reported glitches as well. Power seats are malfuctioning as well. I think most owners have problems with and and mercedes is still trying for remedy the situation. Look at the MB c-class board on edmunds and see for yourself. All of that has to affect the resale.
J
Just to compare I ordered a new MB c240 a month earlier . Dealerships attention and services seem to be similiar. MSRP car pricing with options are similiar. I do think you get a little more with the MB but thats just me. The BMW dealer did knock off $1000 off right away, very little fuss. The MB dealer was a bit different. I did end up getting the MB for $1000 under MSRP.
The BMW looks like a great and FUN car to drive. Enjoy your BMW's. I have enjoyed all of the comments on this board and it helped me save her a few bucks! Keep up the good work.
See ya ... greg@thedailydonut.com
1) Your dealer is either lying to you or he doesn't know what he's talking about. It's very likely (although I'm not entirely sure) that ALL BMW VIN's have "W" as the first character (country of origin). It may be that the first character designates just that -- where the automobile manufacturer is based. Apparently, all 330's are German-built, but some 325i's come from Rosslyn, S.A. (I don't know about the "ci's").
2) If you're in doubt as to the origin of your vehicle, check to see that the 11th character of your VIN is NOT an "N" -- that is the South African plant's letter designation.
V
PS: I kind of like the Italian spelling of aficionado1. It sounds more unique writing it with one ''F" as in aFordable cars?!?
My husband and I have been shopping for a car since Oct. of last year. We have looked at many great cars. After sitting down and figuring out what the maximum car payment that we are willing to pay we wittled the list of cars down to 2 choices. The first being the BMW 325i with leather, PP, CD and sunroof. The second is (now don't laugh) a Nissan Maxima GLE fully loaded. Now I know most of you probably think that there is no comparrison. Well, I am not comparing the 2 car against each other. I am (trying to) look at them independently. They are both great cars and are going to last a long time.
Now here is where the dilema is. My husbands company allows him to purchase a Nissan through a special purchase plan that will save a lot of money. The difference in cost between paying MSRP and the plan price is $4700. That's a big difference. We started thinking that maybe this was the way to go. Except we can't get over how much fun the BMW was to drive. There is an obvious difference in the price (OTD) when you compare these 2 cars ($8500). My head tells me to go with the Nissan. The monthly payment is great and given the current state of the economy with job cutbacks and all this is probably the wise choice. My heart says go with the BMW, you can afford it so why not. The question is just because I can, does that mean I should?
I realize that I have to make a decision based on what is best for me. Just put yourself in a similar situation and please give me some honest opinions.
Thanks for staying with me. I appreciate any and all advice.
Go with the Bimmer, if you liked it that much better!
drive?
see in your car port?
have your friends/family envy?
(okay, so I'm a bit biased)
It sounds silly, but setting the (35%+!) added expense issue aside, that was similar to how I made my final decision between the BMW 325i and the Audi A4.
My HEAD said to go for the better-valued Audi A4, but my HEART won out with the 325i.
I looked at the Maxima too, but found:
- the interior to be cheap looking and feeling
- it lacking the "sling-shot" feel of the 325i
- everyone's got one
Good luck. Let us know how it goes.
V
btw - If you go for the Beemer, shoot for about $1,400 - $1,600 over Invoice and 5.9% APR thru BMW Financial. They'll bite, especially now.
However, if you decide on the Max, do yourself a favor and drive the Infiniti I30L (not the I30t, that costs about $2k more). It only costs $1,000-$1,500 more than a fully loaded Max GLE through the NVPP (that's what I used to get our I30, and initially we were looking at Max's, too. We got our I30 for right about $27,700). It gives you a lot of little things that the Nissan doesn't (nicer interior, memory seats, rear sunshade, analog clock), and you get a free loaner car at service time, and a 4 year, 60k bumper to bumper warranty. We've been very happy with our I30.
All that said, the I30 is no Bimmer.
I'm not going to reiterate the numerous reasons this board loves BMW for. So the short answer is, if you love driving, get the BMW. If you can't afford it loaded, don't get the leather and get it with manual - it will save you $2,500. And no, we don't want to hear that the Maxima is bigger, and faster, and gazillion dollars cheaper and so much better equipped and bla-bla-bla. Keep these comments in the Nissan dealership, please. No other car in this price range (I got mine nicely equipped for 31.5K) looks, drives, handles, sounds and FEELS like the 3-series. Good luck to you and we hope you do the right thing for yourself.
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PS: We can tell you if you married the right husband if you send us his picture and a copy of his paycheck but then again, that wouldn't matter to you, would it?
This is my first posting, although my fiance and I have been avid readers of all your comments for the past 5 months - thanks for the valuable information!
We're going to put our money down on a 325xi by the end of this week, and want to know what the best price (above invoice/below MSRP) people have been seeing. We're only opting for the automatic (I know, I know... but I might have to spend more time watching kids than the clutch w/in a few years...), CD, computer and metal. paint for options. Any insight on what the XI should go for? We've got an offer for $31,030 --- equals $2000 (=6.89%) above invoice... should we take it?
Thx! (oh, plus $189.50 dealer handling....)
brave1heart: No, I am not a salesperson, sorry to give that impression. Apology excepted. As to whether I married the right man or not. Well, all I can say is that the paychecks are very nice and they afford me the luxury of being a stay at home mom, a nice house, a nice vacation now and then and the opportunity to buy a very nice car. Given that he is letting me choose the car "I" want, I would say that I definately married the right man!!!
Thank again. Kim
Ok I'll go look at the 11th letter when I see my dealer again. Just ordered my car yesterday and it would be here in 2 months!
Thanks
J
Those Formula 1 engines have to be rebuilt after every race. And oftentimes they barely last a single race. Dito for the transmission.
getting 2 miles per gallon is not my idea of a fuel efficient car.