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Comments
Indeed, it would be interesting to find out if there is any government mandated standard. I doubt there is.
"Though not enforced, there are quality standards to govern the production of wheels. Some countries though, like Germany and Japan, have government regulations requiring aftermarket wheels to meet certain criteria and ensure proper fit. The United States has taken steps to establish guidelines but it will be some time before they can enact regulation of any kind."
and
"Manufacturing processes and levels of testing are critical to a wheel's structural integrity. International quality standards such as ISO9001, QS9000, TUV of Germany or VIA of Japan, establish important production and quality standards that manufacturers must follow."
So it sounds like if you buy a wheel made in Japan or Germany or one that meets ISO and/or QS standards regardless of country of origin, you should be in decent shape, safety wise.
I am actually shopping for summer wheels. I plan to use the 16" V-spokes currently on the car with winter tires, and buy new 17" type 68's with new summer tires. I really don't want to spend an extra grand to get authentic BMW wheels. What about all the wheels tire rack sells for $150 to $250. Are these all of potentially "inferior qulaity" as well? How does one know? I think the Wheel Exchange was advertising their type 68's as being made in Italy - to premium standards. What does that mean? I guess I'll have to call them, but I don't know if I'll get any kind of straight answer from them. Anyone have specific knowledge?
How often do you check your air pressure in your tires? What air gauge do you recommend?
Karl
Brave; now that you have the house, you'll have to get a ~real~ air compressor. Then, for portability, you'll have to buy a pickup truck and have your wife cart the compressor, and the AC generator you'll need, to all the track events... LOL!
Sounds like a keeper to me... LOL!
soverypoor: I love to hear about the roadtrips. It sounds like the 15 to Vegas was great. I have found that out on the open road like that between 80-100mph is where the BMW really shines. I wish more would write in about their roadtrips--these are what make owning a bimmer so great. I told you about my last trip between Houston/San Antonio/Austin. When I got to Austin to meet my wife I had a cold sweat on my forehead and my heart was pounding. My wife thought that I had been fooling around on her and when she asked all I could say is that I love that car. Driving it hard (but safely) is exhilirating.
Let's hear about more road trips.
BTW: The new 350Z sounds pretty awesome (284HP, 275lb-ft of torque, 6 speed). I can't wait to see it and maybe drive it. I may outpace the M3 with that much torque.
I say, not too bad....
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?s=960c933c049173f673e20bc8c8529208&threadid=25979
My dealer said If I order my 325i, it will arrive somewhere in nov. Affordability is also an issue for me as well as nobody is sure of the job! Do you know how much will one loose if you have to walk away from it?
All:
Another question If you like...what is the difference between the bucket seats and sports seats. Actually I have never been able to understand exactly what bucket seats are in addition to lumber support? Thanks
ButMyWife
I got a letter in the mail today from BMW offering to send me a free BMW blanket for taking a test drive - cool! I'm going to see if I can get a test drive in an M3. If not, I guess I'll settle for a 330i or a 330ci, since that would probably be my next car anyway. Before this BMW I usually kept my cars for 5-7 years. Now I want a new BMW every year. Good luck with keeping the M3 for 6-10 years.
bmw323: I went with
M3 Coupe
Steel gray metallic
PP
HK stereo
Xenons
6sp
Deletion rear spoiler
Addons: Transceiver, Window Tint, Floor mats
There was not supposed to be a wait, and I was told the wait was not longer for an M than for a 3 series, but when it came time to actually put the PO in the computer, the dealership had already sold its M3 allocation through January (Momentum BMW). I could have gone to some of the other dealers in town, but my wife was happy to make me wait so I went ahead and anted up the money.
Does anyone have any details regarding the upcoming BMW 1 Series due out in 2004? Such as what the base engine will be? standard features? will it have BMW style traits for its base price of 25k? And most importantly, is a BMW that costs just 25k really a BMW? or, closer to an Audi or Volkswagen with the blue and white circle? Any info is appreciated..
Jean
1-Series News (3rd July)
New baby BMW for just £15,000 on sale in the UK from Mid 2005.
The new 1-Series should measure in at 4150mm in length & 1700mm wide, 100mm shorter than the current 3-Series Compact.
The two box design with it's engine mounted longitudinally needs a longer bonnet that it's rivals with transverse arrangement.
Thin framed doors give the new 1-Series a "Coupe" like appearance.
Production versions of the 1-Series will flaunt the sharp-edged look similar to the concept CS1 shown at the Geneva Motor show earlier this year.
Up to 5 different variations are planned, 3-door hatchback, a 5-door hatchback & a 2-door coupe.
UK Sales will now be delayed to mid-2005.
A four seater Cabrio & 5-door touring with higher roof, will get approval providing the main stream models are a success.
Engines will start with the 1.6, 1.8 & 2.0 litre petrol & will use BMW's Valvetronic system, later the Direct-Injection system form the V12 760iL may be used.
Two versions of BMW's 2.0 Litre common-rail turbodiesel engines will be alloy blocks with the latest Bosch injection technology.
M2 engine is believed to be a 2.2 or 2.4 Litre with electro-hydraulic valve actuation that allows it to rev to 9000Rpm & should produce 240Bhp. Costing approx £25,000 at today's prices.
The baby BMW is to built at the Regensburg factory.
tomorrow !!!!! closed Holiday
Jean
Jean7of9 - check your email.
bmws are quite reliable when properly maintained, but all mechanical things will wear out.
-Colin
I want some goodies! I want a pen and stuff!
My daughter is taking the defensive driving class in two weeks. As for the performance driving stuff, I'm looking to take it next Spring (Father's day gift).
I've looked at the BMWCCA clubs for Los Angeles and the one out of Fresno. The LA club does quite a few events at Willow Springs, so I'm tempted to join up so I can take my baby out for a spin on the Streets... I think that would probably be a better way to go than to try and organize something myself.
-Paul
-Paul
I'm hoping to get up the PCH some more and maybe get a bit closer to Monterrey and play on Highway 46. When I get back, I'll hopefully have some fun driving stories to tell (won't tell about anything else) and maybe some pictures.
Maybe we should have a 3 Series Road Trip forum?
-Paul
But feel free to share here, as well.
-Paul
karen@edmunds.com
I don't want anyone to think I'm trying to chase this conversation out of this discussion, because I am not at all. Sometimes, though, it is easier for folks to find specific information in specific topics, rather than having to look through almost 20000 (yikes!!) posts here. That is one of the advantages of having an Owners Club.
:-)
I have wondered the smae thing. An ED board would be very informative. Especially since more people ask about it. I have wondered why Bimmerfest or Bimmer.org don't have ED boards. If I can convince my wife to do ED again in 2004, I would like to gain more info from others. I would probably do a drop off In Amsterdam or Antwerp the next time. London just did not, it was easier for me but it took my car longer to get across the pond. I would also carry touch up paint with me.
I live in Colorado, so I suppose I need CWP. I need Xenon and STEPTRONICS.
Do I need both SP and PP or any one of them should be fine? I am really tight in my budget since I started with 325i, then 325xi and came up to 330i.. I need to know where all I can save some bugs.
Please advice. I need to decide on this as soon as possible. Thanks..
Paul, the ED forum is a great idea. My next purchase will definately be ED and it would be very nice to have one source for information!
look at it this way... you wouldn't play football with a "replica" helmet now, would you?
-Chris
-Colin
but as we all know, all cast aluminum isn't created equal...
i'm not saying there aren't good replicas... what i'm saying is that if you think you are getting something "just as good" for 25% of the price, i think you are fooling yourself...
-Chris