BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

brave1heart · June 2002

http://www.nashuahomesearch.com/communityframe.html

I looked up Nashua and their rates have traditionally been in the 20's, even hitting 30 at some point in the 90's. You should check with a real estate broker, though...

shipo · June 2002

Based upon your comments of yesterday (I think it was only yesterday, so much has happened :-/ (long story)) I called my broker and asked him. He told me that in Windham the rate was $17.25 per thousand of assessed value, and that the assessed value was usually much less than the selling price of the house. So, even at worst (assuming that the assessed value comes in the same as our buying price), we would still be paying considerably less than we are currently paying here in NJ. ;-) I guess that the Windham/Salem area is maybe a little lower than the Nashua area, which is good news for us.

Thanks again for the heads up.

Best Regards,
Shipo

ddblue · June 2002

When I started posing questions to Brave about his tire choice, I didn't know it would foster such great feedback from everyone. Much appreciated.

mg330ci--I definitely don't hammer the car at everylight. In fact, I've never "burned rubber" in my car (okay, once). I have been to six autocross events in the past eight months, so that may be a factor. Plus, I'm a fairly aggressive driver--for fun, not rage--so I take corners pretty hard. The sidewalls are pretty roasted near the arrows (wear indicators?)on all four Contis, but I still can't figure out why there are 15K miles left on the fronts and only 2K on the rears. Da** elusive tire gremlins.

rpope · June 2002

If you are trying to decide between waiting to come here to Germany and buying or buying back at home, trust me Wait. The price is much better here, if you are military or US government employee. I was stunned at the difference between the US BMW price and the BMW Military Sales price here. That's my two cents worth.

JingleJill · June 2002

Thanks for the post. Yes, I've researched the prices through Pentagon Car Sales.

I'm trying to be patient. That is what is hard.

Are you currently in Germany?

(Riez...I'm taking your advice...I'm posting more. ;o)

mg330ci · June 2002

6 autox x 4 runs each total 24 rubber burning starts, which due to the high adrenaline levels, might have passed unnoticed by you.

Also, if you deactivated the traction control during autox (recommended as it would allow you to drive faster once you learn the real limits of the car) you would have been spinning your rears coming out of the turns (6x4x (lets say 5 sharp turns) total 120 rubber burning episodes.

Perhaps this numbers might explain the difference in tire longevity you have experienced.

ddblue · June 2002

I don't know why I didn't even think about those starts and turns. Duh. I definitely shut off the two-stage DSC on each run. I tried very hard not to spin the tires too much, so as not to lose time at the starting gates. But I know that I push it pretty hard coming out of each turn. On my third and final run at the June 2002 autocross event in Maryland, I spun out pretty hard in the last half of the course. At least a 360, which really tore up the rears, I'm sure.

530bmw · June 2002

I think you got a good deal if you did not pay for document processing fees which could be as high as $495 in Virginia, but in Maryland the law only allows them to charge $25. I am not familiar with the $95 fee that you mentioned. Before I went to Passport I had called BMW of Arlington but never went in before. Did you have a bad experience with Passport's service department? I live less than five minutes from Fairfax BMW but I have heard some unpleasant stories about them. I am not sure who has the best service department in the DC area, do you know?

1pierce · June 2002

Its been 5 years since I've driven the GTP. I might have experienced some understeer on that car, I can't really remember it being a problem, though.

The problem with the GTP (and maybe it was the tires), was that breakaway wasn't very progressive. You were at the limit, and the next thing you knew, you were chasing your tail. I've lost my Maxima a couple of times, and had to gather it back in. But, I came real close to seriously wrecking that Grand Prix a few times - too close for comfort. I'm too married-with-children now, for that kind of driving, with just too much to lose.

kyyuan · June 2002

JingleJill and dl7265,

I've just started looking for a 2003 330i. From a recommendation on this board, I called Dave Hill at Mike Pyle's BMW in Tyler. He was very polite and sounded very candid. In fact, he even recommended that I try Autobahn BMW in Fort Worth because I have a concern regarding local service. (you certainly won't get this type of phone service from any Dallas based BMW dealers.)

I'm going to visit Autobahn BMW tomorrow. Nonetheless, if Autobahn doesn't workout, I'll definitely contact Dave again. So, give Dave a shot. His number is 800 306-8891.

Ken

brave1heart · June 2002

My driving habits are very similar to yours, plus we have almost identical cars. My rear Contis were down to the wear bars at 21K. They started aquaplaning like crazy in heavy rain after about 19K and if it wasn't for the DSC I would have probably ended up spinning going in s straight line on the highway. I read that any tires with < 3 mm tread left on them would be very susceptible to aquaplaning, so that's any tire, not just the Contis... The ride with the Sumi's is a lot better even with higher tire pressure. I noticed that with equivalent tire pressure, my car oversteers a lot more now than it used to with the Contis. I've been varying the tire pressure and through trial and error I found out that 38/37 F/R gives my car a slight oversteer, which I like a lot for autoXing. The Sumi's have been a lot more sensitive to tire pressure and the car's handling characteristics change dramatically depending on the psi. It'll be fun to find out more about the tires tomorrow at the autoX.

I was wondering how the classes work in your CCA Chapter. Here in Boston, I am in class ES (S for street tires) which is 60-80 points. The 325 SP is at a disadvantage because at 62 points, it is right at the bottom of the class. The 330 SP is 76 points, i.e. they are both in the same class even with the significant horsepower difference. We get 3-4 runs in the morning and 3-4 runs in the afternoon, so our math will have to be adjusted upward from the 4 runs per event that mg330ci used. I try to get the tires to slip a little off the start to warm them up faster but I do not do the Jack Rabbit starts. The time starts running when you hit the timer about 15 ft after your start and the first turn usually comes up fast, so a tire-burning start would not help you gain much. But there is no question that you eat up the tires pretty fast regardless of your start. My fronts had at least 5-10K left on them when I replaced them. I thought about replacing just the rears but I like to replace the 4 tires at once and I was also anxious to try a different type of tire. The Sumi's are quieter, ride better, are more transient but I do not think their at-the-limit cornering abilities are better than the Contis. I never had complaints about the cornering abilities of the Contis anyhow. I remember C&D tried the SO3's (or was it the SO2's?) last year and although the 325i braked in about 15 ft less from 70 mph with the Bridgestones, the skidpad number of .86 was identical.

rpope · June 2002

Yes I'm in Heidelberg. It's south of Frankfurt.

erickpl · June 2002

OK Y'all, you need to quit talking about Texas...

I lived in DFW for 8.5 years (Grad of UNT).
I frequently travelled to Austin and SA for trips on Lake Travis and toobing trips on the Guadalupe. MANY fond memories. You're makin' me homesick!

To keep it topic related, I-35 would be a nice road to wind up a 3er.

Jingle, did you ever by chance go to SMU?

-Paul

mg330ci · June 2002

Brave, that is very nice that you get 8 runs in a day. That is probably the upper limit out there.

The people in California I read only get 3-4 runs in a day.

Don't know where you live ddblue, just tried to be conservative.

Isn't autoX great!

My self, just bought a used 100KT Yamaha powered go-kart and I'm having the time of my life (although the G's during cornering are so high, that almost cracked a rib last season, perhaps I'm getting old)

john01 · June 2002

You may want to order your car before coming to Germany, if you do end up going that route. It took us 4 months to get our car from order to delivery.

JingleJill · June 2002

Paul...No, I didn't go to SMU.

John...Yeah, that is what I had planned. However, I cannot order a car until I have orders in hand. ;o)

Stacy

john01 · June 2002

Bummer. If you are interested, I have a price list of all 2002 MY BMW for military/diplomatic sales.

dl7265 · June 2002

Sorry i threw in the "yall" for our eastern friends benifit, Shipo, Brave ect.. lol

Far as i know right now there is tons of construction going on and im not sure where a great place to drive is. So far id say Lake Ozarks MO, is my favorite talk about to twisties .... Wow , but beware there are many dangerous intersections also.

Ken: good luck in Ft Worth and let us know how u came out.

Stacy: havent ordered yet, I still have my '99 Sport . im waiting on a good time line i think for a ED its really what i want.

Take care
DL

shipo · June 2002

As I used to live in Atlanta, did a six month project in Dallas, worked with a gentleman from Jackson, MS, and another who grew up on a north Alabama chicken farm, I would have most likely have developed a southern accent even if I hadnt done a stint with Uncle Sams Misguided Children (USMC), where the un-official language is a backwoods Tennessee dialect.

True story: In 1982, I visited some friends in Atlanta so that I could run the Peachtree Road Race that year, and during my trip they set me up on a blind date. Needless to say that I have come to hate blind dates, however, I went along with the program, and much to my delight, she was very petite, very pretty, very very bright, and she drove a 1980 320i. ;-) During dinner, I asked her where she was from. She responded that she was from the Philadelphia area. Damn, I thought to myself, She really sounds like a Yankee.

A couple of days after returning home to Chicago, I gave her a call and I was stunned at how Southern she sounded to me.

Another true story: When I was first transferred from Los Angeles to Atlanta, I had the unmitigated gall to ask my new co-workers Where are you guys going for dinner tonight?

My immediate response from one of my female co-workers was, You guys? You GUYS? You seem like a liberated man to me, how come you are using such a sexist term? You guys is a totally sexist term, you should say yall, and around here it is considered very proper and very un-sexist as well.

Needless to say, to this day, I still employ yall wherever appropriate. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyyuan · June 2002

dl7265:
Thanks.

Well, just got back from Autobahn BMW in Ft. Worth, TX. I gave the ED specialist my wish list of 2003 330i, with PP, SP, Xenon, and fold-down rear. I gave him a price ballpark of ED invoice price plus about $1,500. His response was "that maybe doable," and he'll get back to me next week. Since we don't havce the 2003 pricing yet, he said he'll used the 2002 pricing as baseline and then make any necessary adjustments when 2003 pricing is available.

Any thoughts on the invoice plus $1,500? And, besides the normal options, what other accessories should I ask for (e.g., floor mat and cargo net, if not already included)?

Thanks for everybody's input. Once I get a response from Autobahn, I'll post my overall experience.

Ken

ccotenj · June 2002

yea, i hear you about getting more "mature"...

i've never come as close to wrecking my 3er as i did any of my mustangs... i guess old age catches up to the best of us!

-Chris

obioha1 · June 2002

I was wondering the reliability of the 3 series as I am now really seriously considering one. The smart and economical decision would be for me to just trade in my '99 millenia s for a '02 but after haven driven the 325ci, I am in love as stated in my previous post. Nothing against the 325ci, but after driving a friends 330ci, that's the one i want, but with the SP/PP and xenons it comes to nearly $40K and waaaaaay out of my price range. I recently saw at carmax a '01 330ci with SP/PP with 12K miles for 34,998. Which is the price of a new 325ci with the options that i want. Just wanted some opinions as to what to do and on the long term reliability of the 3 series. My millenia has been perfect for 41,500 miles.

mark325i · June 2002

I've had my 2002 325i since March and since day 1
there has been a slight rattle coming from the
passenger side when I drive down a rough road. I have not yet taken into the dealer because I can't even hear it when the radio is on and I'm afraid of them tearing my car apart and introducing more rattles. Well tonight I figured out it has something to do with the passenger side windows because I rolled them both
down and I don't hear the rattles.
My question is, has anyone experienced the same problem and do you know what the fix is?
I'd love to take it back to the dealer knowing
exactly what they should do.

Thanks,
Mark.

hbeezy · June 2002

Thank you all for help in recommending a southern california dealership. I will follow up on your recommendations and hopefully have a new BMW 325I this weekend. Also, I was quoted $29,900 for a used 2001 325I with premium/sports package and lojackgood deal yes or no. Once again thanks for your help.

visordoc · June 2002

My left front and right rear windows had the same problem. They would squeak/rattle when rolled all the way up and going over bumps.The dealership says the power window regulators have to be readjusted so that the top of the windows are not so fully compressed at the top against the rubber seal.

I haven't had time to bring it in yet. But for now, I've temporarily "fixed" it by lowering the windows just a little so that it doesn't squeak. Hope that helps...

JingleJill · June 2002

Paul...actually I did go to an SMU...St. Mary's University in San Antonio.

John...thanks for the offer...Someone from Pentagon Car Sales e-mailed me the price lists. Would these be the same lists?

Ken...definitely ask for floor mats and why not a window tint? Never hurts to ask.

Stacy

dl7265 · June 2002

Id say especially in Tx thats a great deal. I belive the best current deals are 1500.00 + 200.00 fees so about 1700.00. Maybe you can tell him you could set up several other references if they were willing to match the deal. Since ED Does NOT come out of the dealer allocation its pure profit. Also might try some local credit unions i know mine has some deals with several dealers...

Dale , you allways have the best stories... i was at a former college buddies resturant in the Detroit area once and ordered tea. Well they bring out a steaming kettle, cup soucer ect.. im like whats this ? waiter :hot tea of course, me : no no no Ice Tea :-)

DL

john01 · July 2002

Probably. I got it from the BMW sales guy in Berlin and has the price list for all models.

hgeyer · July 2002

Does anyone know how or where I could get a front license plate holder for European plates. My car is a 2002 330i - post 9/01 non-sport package vehicle. I would like to mount my Germany plate to the front of this car.

I've been working with Bavarian Autosport, but they sold me a part (51 11 8 244 354) that clearly doesn't fit my car (it could fit the '01). This part is screwed onto the front bumper. When I picked up my car in Munich (Euro Delivery), they had a snap-on front holder similar to the US front plate holder, except in Euro dimensions.

Bavarian is still researching the matter, but it's been 6 days and I think that they've given up.

sunnybrook · July 2002

How do you guys think the 2003 Acura 3.2TL Type S stacks up against the 325i specifically? Has anyone out there driven the new Type S or seen it in the showrooms? It's funny, because I've heard the G35 is the bigger competition against BMW but not really heard/seen much along the lines of Acura trying to enter the fray.

ccotenj · July 2002

go to the archives in the sportscars thread, you'll find a VERY lengthy thread about the acura v. the bimmer... (actually the cl v. the bimmer, don't remember too much shouting over the tl)...

it's that the infiniti is the "flavor of the year" to compete against the bimmer... i guess the acura boys ran out of steam...

-Chris

nyccarguy · July 2002

Can anybody advise on a good BMW dealer on Long Island to go to? My girlfriend's father is interested in a BMW 325xiT with a Manual Transmission and a few other options. I know he is going to walk into the wrong "this is the price of the car and that's it" dealership and have a completely sour taste in his mouth regarding BMWs. BTW just to give you a bit of background on his current vehicle: a 1993 AWD Plymouth Voyager with 250,000 miles on the odometer. He's on the 2nd engine, 5th (or 6th) transmission, the front suspension has been replaced as has the rear suspension. Surprisingly there is no rust on the body at all.

He's definitely into European Cars (Loves driving his wife's stick GLX Bug) and would be stretching his budget a little bit. He's a fan of AWD and needs the cargo room provided by the wagon. This guy keeps cars until they die and then keeps 'em running for a few years after that.

I've told him he'd probably be better buying the car in Jersey, but I'd like to see what you guys (I've lived in NY all my life and y'all isn't in my vocabulary:) thought.

JingleJill · July 2002

Sunnybrook,

Funny you ask...

I have owned a 330i and an Acura TL-S. They don't compare. Even the 325 vs TL-S doesn't compare.

Don't get my wrong, the TL-S is a great value and a good car, but it is also FWD and doesn't have a manual transmission. If you truly enjoy the driving experience, there is nothing like a 3-series.

I had my '03 TL-S less than 6 weeks and I sold it. It just wasn't the same driving experience as my 330i.

Since then, I have driven a 325i and I the Acura still lags in the driving "fun".

I read posts where people say a car is just a car. I think I thought the same thing when I got rid of my 330i and went to the Acura (after driving all the competition). However, a car is not just a car. A BMW is truly the ultimate driving machine. It is not a status thing with me. In fact when people asked what I drove, I was usually hesitant and a bit embarrased to admit I had a BMW. Anyway...I realize that I enjoy driving too much settle for a second class machine.

If you are looking for the most bang for the buck, the Acura is a good choice. You really can't beat the amenities for the money. Acura makes a great car.

I've driven the G35 too. Both cars are more roomy than the 3-series, but they sure don't drive like 3.

All that being said, I'm just patiently waiting to place an order for a 325ci.

If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail or a post.

Stacy

nyccarguy · July 2002

How come you're going with the 325 instead of the 330 this time?

sunnybrook · July 2002

I actually just took delivery of my ED 2002 325i from my dealership last week, but my brother just picked up a 2003 TL-S the other day which is why I was asking about it. It's wierd because I just haven't really heard all that much about the TL-S in terms of how it stacked up against the BMW. Guess I'll just have to wait for a visit from him before I can see how they really stack up. I take it that with the Acura's engine can blow away the BMW in the 0-60 right?

tenet1 · July 2002

How much money have you lost in terms of taxes and depreciation by buying and selling so many cars in such a short period of time?? Just curious.

JingleJill · July 2002

nycarguy...Well I narrowed it down to a coupe instead of a sedan. That left me with the 330 or 325. I owned a 330 and loved it. Recently I test drove a 325i and I was impressed with it too. When I configure a 325ci and a 330ci the way I would order, it just isn't worth the $5k. The 325 has plenty of torque to get me up and moving.

All that being said, when it comes time to placing my order, that 330 just might get the better of me. ;o)

Tenet1...All in all, from selling the BMW, buying the Acura, buying the Mazda, and selling the Acura, I've lost $2,600.

On the bright side, at least I know what I want; except for nycarguy brining up the 325 vs 330 issue. ARRGHHHHHHH

;o)

Stacy

1pierce · July 2002

Reliability: An new 3-series will be fine, unless you are buying a problem that somebody unloaded after a year because the dealer just couldn't get it fixed. I've always been a little leery of used cars that are only a year old. Can you imagine the depreciation/financing hit you take on a one year old car, even a Bimmer? That said, maybe it was a repo, or the owner just got in trouble. I don't know anything about your specific car.

Also: I have a '99 Maxima with 40,000 mi on it. Been perfect also. The "smart" trade would have been for a new one: better deal, no dispo. fee, no wear-tear costs, etc. Probably would have saved me about $2,000. And,...I would still be going through life wanting a BMW.

Finally: I've never had a Bimmer before (mine is due in August), but I've accepted the following: Not a chance in hell that my BMW will be as reliable as my Maxima. That's the price we pay for wanting a car, not a transportation appliance like a Camry or Accord.

brave1heart · July 2002

The Sumitomo HTRZ II tires held up pretty well at the autoX this weekend. I started at 41/38 psi F/R but I did not like the way the car handled at all (too much plowing) and I kept dropping a pound or two between runs. I got it down to 36/34 and the handling was much better but I probably should have lowered it even further because the temp was in the mid-80's and the asphalt was very hot from the bright sun. The guy that was running the best times all day in our group was running 35/32 in his 235/40/17 all around Potenza RE730's. My time with the Sumi's was marginally better compared to the Contis' once I got used to them but I am still ~ 2 sec behind the fastest guy in my class (usually a 330ci). I think the Sumi's definitely start squealing and give in before the Contis but they are incredibly transient and communicative. The Contis used to give in abruptly and it was tough to gauge whether they'd give in just a couple of inches or a whole foot. The Sumi's let you know well in advance and they are very predictable in turns. I wish they did all that AND had a higher initial resistance but even so it is easier to drive aggressive with them. I think that once I get used to them better, they will help me improve my time because they are so communicative. Oh, and btw, my car has almost a luxurious ride on the street and I can actually hear other cars' tires instead of mine for the first time when going over concrete. The Sumitomo is a better tire for less money. I am happy with my purchase but I can see how you can get better street tires than that. Just not in the same price range and tread life...

fwiw, the top three guys in my class (pretty much all 3-series) were running The Potenza RE730, Michelin Pilot Sport, and Yokohama AVS Intermediate (amazingly, the last ones are only $60/tire at Discount Tire's clearance sale going on currently).

1pierce · July 2002

For all of us out there who can't afford to step up to the 330i, wouldn't you just once like to see a magazine comparison that includes the 325i vs all of the usual suspects, instead of the the 330i? I admit, I take every magazine review with a grain of salt, since they always include the 330i.

I know why they do it,...why not compare the best, but that is what always causes the $5-7,000 price differential that gets evaluated into the equation. In reality, I don't think most people shop like that. I know that I decide what I can spend, then configure each car to meet that price, then decide which is better or best. That's why I compared a 325i against an A4 3.0 FWD. The MB 240 (while I really like it) didn't even enter the picture, because it couldn't be configured to my taste, and get to my $33,000 threshold. I also ruled out the A4 1.8T, because the BMW obviously is superior (and it should be for $4,000 more).

Personally, I'd love to see if the magazine gurus (who love speed and torque, and test these cars on tracks and at redline) would think that the BMW feel and character evens the scales when the 325i (while the same price) is grossly out-gunned in HP and torque by the TL-Type S, the IS300, and the G35. Given the same comparo, I still chose the 325i, I'd just like to see what the "experts" would do, just for fun.

This has been my personal rant-of-the-day, it was a hard weekend. Anybody else ever ponder this?

kdshapiro · July 2002

People buy the 3 series over other makes do so for the overall performance/quality/fit and finish. The 325 is no slouch. As I've driven both the 330i and the 325i the 325i has plenty of zip for me. I would prefer the 325i over other on-BMW models having more HP unless my requirements dictate(read room and number of seats) that I need a different class of car (read SUV/mini-van).

brave1heart · July 2002

C&D did compare the 325i SP manual to other sports sedan around January 2001. The 325i won hands down - I remember them mentioning something along the lines of "...the car handles back roads like liquid poetry...". In C&D comparos, the best-handling car typically wins, not the fastest car in a straight line. The G35 and Acura TL-S weren't avaialable for comparison back then. The G35 still isn't, not with a manual...

erickpl · July 2002

Howdy y'all!

See my Texas stuff still fits.

I finally got some pictures of my car up.

They are at:

http://community.webshots.com/album/42273624PYEtQe

If that link doesn't work you can search for skimblz user id at Webshots.

-Paul

JingleJill · July 2002

Nice pictures. The combination really looks good.

I'm leaning heavily toward the Oxford Green Metallic. It is between that and the Topaz Blue. I'll be going with leatherette though.

Sharp looking car,

p.s...love the "y'all"

Stacy

erickpl · July 2002

I saw my first G35 in Ontario (at Dave and Buster's) yesterday. I had to go look, much to my wife's regret.

Decent enough lines, but I like the my cars not too edgy (otherwise I'd get a new Caddy

).

I saw the interior and the first thought that came to mind was art deco. It just has that look to me. I know it is in right now, but will it be in several years?

I see cars on the road and I can pretty much figure when they were built. But some cars you can look at and just not know if it was built yesterday or 10 years ago. I really like the timeless looks. Will my 325 look timeless in 5 or 10 years? I sure hope so, but it is really working right now.

-Paul

ddblue · July 2002

Brave--glad to hear you're knocking out those auto-x's. Sweet. I experienced the same issues with my Contis, having to decrease pressure nearly every heat. Also, it's pretty tough to get good feel with the Contis. I had a very hard time sensing when the tires would begin to break loose (which explains a big spinout two autox's ago). Still, I'm going to stay with the Contis for the rears (upgrading to 245s) so that the treadpattern/make are the same. Another question: when did you notice an appreciable difference in throttle response, acceleration in your 325i? I just came back from a road trip from Virginia to Chicago and back last night(1422 miles), and I now have 18K on the car. I just drove it to work this morning, and it is noticeably more responsive and quick. BTW, the car is perfect for these road trips--smooth as buttah and just perfect power. I was able to do the trip in 10 hours and 45 minutes (711 miles, three 15 minute stops, 29.7 mpg).

Pierce1 and Brave--I always wondered why you almost never see the 325 in comparisons, but I do recall the C&D article to which Brave refers, the "liquid poetry" part especially. Most people do shop based on budget first (at least the financially dependent car-shoppers). I see about an equal number of 325s as 330s. Why not equal representation here??

nyccarguy · July 2002

I find your Autocross postings very informative. I find it amazing how a car reacts differently to a 1psi adjustment or a different brand of tires. I also think it is really cool that you are exploring the "limits" of your 325i and improving your skills as an everyday driver.

Shipo: When are you going to bring the 530i to the AutoX?

JingleJill · July 2002

John,

On second thought, could you e-mail me those price lists? I'd appreciate it. My e-mail is suzysparks@aol.com

Thank you,

Stacy

mfeldman · July 2002

A while back there was a dicussion about digital cameras..Now that I'm in the market, I can't find it. I remember Shipo saying goos things about A 2 mp Fuji. Costco has the Fuji 2800 2 mp for $330 and the Nikon 2500 for $300. The Fuji looks more like an SLR. THe nikon looks like a slim box, but it has more zoom. I'm totally ignorant in this dep. Does anyone have quick recommendations? Thanks.

leenelsonmd · July 2002

Just got my V1 last week and was loving it. It has unbelievable sensitivity to police radar and gives dramatic warnings with much more lead time to slow down.

I was curious about something though--coincident with my purchase of the V1, the Houston Police Department have started using a new radar gun that it does not pick up. Just last week some friends of mine and I have noticed these police officers standing outside of a blue patrol car (HPD) with a rifle type weapon with a sight that they look through and aim at your car. It can be in crowd of cars and they seem to pick off the fast car (or whatever car they aim it at). This past weekend I drove by this with my new V1 and not a blip. I circled around to see if he would shoot it at me and again not a blip. What is this? Is it laser radar? I thought about stopping and asking him, but I figured he would write me a ticket for stopping on the highway.

It is so strange that the moment I get this fancy new radar detector, they would start using a more sophisticated radar gun.

It is still a cool toy and like I said, it give me so much better warning than my previous detectors and it still works on 99% of the police radar guns.

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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