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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • andergtrandergtr Member Posts: 101
    off the topic here, but it's good to see another BMW 3-series enthusiast in the financial services sector. i'm sure there are many more of us!
  • wenxin96wenxin96 Member Posts: 6
    Thanks for the insightful replies. I will get used to its steering.
  • vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    Just had my front rotors & pads replaced after service light went on in my car (2002 325i, just over 20K mi.) I also got it detailed. They didn't clean the inside front window very well. I finished it myself but later, in order to bag all 5's on the service guy's performance eval, they offered me another detail. tee-hee!
  • jim1395jim1395 Member Posts: 34
    i purchased a 03 325i 2 months ago and now have about 1500 miles on it. i always thought changing the oil after a break in period was a good thing. now i'm hearing from different sources you really don't have to, because todays engines are better or the oil is better or what ever reason. anyone care to enlighten me.
  • kennynmdkennynmd Member Posts: 424
    told me that the first oil change is at 15k. I think that is way too long even for a break in period. I might do it myself at around 5k.
  • bmw323isbmw323is Member Posts: 410
    There has been much discussion over the years here on oil changes for BMW's with synthetic oil. You will find folks in both the 15,000 mile camp and some that say more often. However, I think the prevailing opinion is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and do 15,000 miles or one year. That is what I follow as well. In fact, my dealer specifically said to wait one year or 15,000 miles for the first oil change.
  • memphis10memphis10 Member Posts: 161
    Need help with 2 things

    1. Where can I buy a decent sun shade for my 325i.

    2. What are the basic cleaning stuff I need to buy.

    Thanks
  • andergtrandergtr Member Posts: 101
    that evaluation is something they take super seriously. i always mention to the service advisor if i'm not happy with the results, BEFORE the eval comes out.

    i don't want to mess with the guy's paycheck or bonus, but i also want to get things done right the first time. this seems like the best way to do it.

    BMW seems to be pretty good, though. toyota, on the other hand, is AWFUL.
  • santacruzsantacruz Member Posts: 5
    What is the difference between a 330i 5M and the 6M version. I see both listed but they appear to be the same vehicle. Can someone explain the difference?
  • somedaysomeday Member Posts: 14
    Hello all,

    I have considered and passed on Mercedes C230K sports sedan, G35 sedan, Acura TSX. Checked into the 530i because of the incentives but there are not many left at the dealers.

    Now down to either a 2003 330i (there are some incentives on these) or a 2004 330 Ci. I must say the new 2004 coupe is a gorgeous car. I definitely love the styling on the coupe over the sedan but the conservative voice in my head keeps saying sedan both from a resale and practicality point of view. The sedan is fine although I am not a big fan of the headlight trim or the black molding around the car. From what I have heard these will not change on the 04 model (if anyone has heard different please let me know)

    The dollar difference is probably around 2-3K because of the dealer incentives on the 2003 330i's.

    I am leaning 60/40 towards the coupe but am having many sleepless nights over this decision.

    I'm sure many people have wrestled with this choice and I would like to know what tipped the scales and if you were happy with your decision.

    thanks,

    future bmw owner
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    The dollar difference is probably around 2-3K because of the dealer incentives on the 2003 330i's.

    Should be a bigger difference than that. Outfitted with the sport, premium and xenons the 2004 ci is 41k, while a 2003 330i with incentives and same options comes out to 37k invoice and thus even if you're bad at negotiating a 36k price. that's a 5k difference.

    I'm sure many people have wrestled with this choice and I would like to know what tipped the scales and if you were happy with your decision.

    I never wrestled with it as the coupe to me is impractical and it didn't offer the performance package.
  • JingleJillJingleJill Member Posts: 120
    Future BMW Owner,

    Go with your first instinct. I had a 2001 330i. It was a great car. I loved the coupe, but thought the sedan would be more practical. Well, needless to say, I know have a 2002 325ci that I adore. I agree, the coupe is great looking. Do I miss the 4-doors or even the engine? Absolutely NOT!!! The coupe is classic and the sedans are everywhere.

    COUPE COUPE COUPE,

    Stacy
  • vkwheelsvkwheels Member Posts: 218
    Yes, I would have said upfront had I noticed it. I don't want to mess with people's earnings & I don't want to make a 2nd trip either. In this case, I received what was a screening call before the actual eval call just to make sure everything was ok. I couldn't take the actual eval call later 'cuz something was going on, and they haven't called back yet. Do dealerships in other parts of the country do this too?

    This was at Shelly BMW in Buena Park, CA. They gave me a free Saturn for the day, since I bought my car there & they had Enterprise Rentals right there on the premises. Ntime time I might take my car to another dealer & just pay for the rental on my own if need be. Nothing to do with the quality of service, just the traffic to get from the dlrship to work was too much.
  • JingleJillJingleJill Member Posts: 120
    The only time I have gotten a call from the dealer after my car was serviced was after BMWNA called to rate the service. In this particular case, I was very unhappy with the service and I let BMWNA know. Obviously it wasn't confidential because the BMW dealership called me to see why I gave them a poor score.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    This was at Shelly BMW in Buena Park, CA. They gave me a free Saturn for the day, since I bought my car there & they had Enterprise Rentals right there on the premises. Ntime time I might take my car to another dealer & just pay for the rental on my own if need be. Nothing to do with the quality of service, just the traffic to get from the dlrship to work was too much.

    There's a local dealer in SD that gives people Corollas! I see their "courtesy" cars all over. I'm always amazed at dealers that hand people cars of a totally different class. Supposedly the dealer I bought from gives people Bimmers. You'd think BMW would just demand that like Infiniti...oh well.
  • asleepyasleepy Member Posts: 70
    My BMW dealer here in the Bay Area has a number of BMW loaners and if they run out of those, they provide the Enterprise rental. Unfortunately, I had the displeasure of driving 3 BMW loaners within the first 4 months of ownership. ;-(
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    I have had my car in for service once. The loaner was a Camry (dealer owns BMW-MB-Toy-Infiniti stores). I guess that I should have been furious and ashamed, but, for some odd reason, I was not.

    Anyway, I had dropped my car off for the clunking steptronic TSB and the SA asked if anything else needed to be addressed. I said the only thing was a minor squeak around the driver door window.

    When I got back (with the Camry that I now should shudder to recall) my car was ready. When I got in, I noticed that the black plastic rocker panel cover appeared wet. I then noticed that whoever lubed the window seal sprayed the lube all over the place -- windows, steering wheel; you get the picture. I went back in to the SA (and the place was closing up for the day) and asked what had happened. He came out and looked and went nuts. They wanted to keep the car, detail it, fill the tank, etc, etc, etc. I was shocked. I was not happy at all, but it also was not another 9/11. I said that I would clean it up myself, but that they should let the mechanic (or whatever) know that there is a better way to lube the door seals without greasing up the entire car.

    To end this drawn out story, I was called several times by the SA and his boss, and each time they offered me stuff. They seemed to be amazed that I was not going postal. I guess that they are used to dealing with people who freak out about everything, like getting a Corolla loaner.

    I figure that life is too short for that crap.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I dislike the stigma that goes with owning a BMW. It worried me before I bought it. Since buying it I've encountered all manner of weirdness. Random people will make snide comments when I park (legally) in a disabled spot. Girls (golddiggers) will approach me and talk to me about my car. People will say things like, "You can pay for lunch, you've got a BMW." Some people have asked to sit in my car. I hear people at parties making comments, etc. I've had people ask me if it's my car when I'm dressed in scrubies and getting gas for the lawn mower or at home depot.

    I love driving my car but hate the baggage that comes with it. Lately if people ask in person what kind of car I own I now say, "Just a car." If pressed, an Accord.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    To end this drawn out story, I was called several times by the SA and his boss, and each time they offered me stuff. They seemed to be amazed that I was not going postal. I guess that they are used to dealing with people who freak out about everything, like getting a Corolla loaner.


    I would never freak out or be rude if presented with a car I dislike (most vehicles) as a loaner. I'd accept it and walk away. It'd be mentioned on my service card, but at no point would anyone there know that I was displeased. The decision to hand me a Civic came from someone with purse-string control, someone above the SA or clerk working service.
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    we are getting in trouble!
  • chile96chile96 Member Posts: 330
    I purchased a new 3er for the fiancee this spring and it needed the steering corrected. No loaners available at the time so was escorted over to Enterprise and given some Geo(don't know which one, don't care). I politely asked if anything else was available. Only other car was a Caddy Deville, not my 1st choice either but definitely better than that golf cart. Enterprise had to call my SA who did approve it but was still shocked that they just "expected" me to be satisfied with some compact/economy car.

    Flash forward 4 mos, purchase a new porsche and it needs service after only 2 wks(that's a whole different story)! No loaners available then either so they call up the local rent-a-car place and they show up with a corolla! I almost laughed. I asked the rental gal if anything else was available and she offers up a tahoe, which I accepted.

    When I'm shopping for a car, one of the first things I ask a dealer is about their service dept since I know that inevitably I'll be there. They ALL say, sure we give out BMW's or porsches but I've yet to receive a comparable loaner and even get nearly laughed at when I ask my SA.

    Funny how things change once you "write the check" and they're no longer trying to kiss your a**

    take care
    fo
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    My dealer gives me 325s to drive. Not that I've need a whole lot of loaners in the last year and a half. The last time the car was in for service was in May and that was for the 15K service. They give an almost broken in loaded 325i (which I did not abuse, although I drove as intended)
  • ponytrekkerponytrekker Member Posts: 310
    I brought my 325i in for the steptronic clunk. I scheduled way in advance. I got an 03 525.
  • reellawreellaw Member Posts: 23
    I am inexperienced in buying/leasing a car-I have a '94
    325 that has 37,000 miles and I am thinking of giving it to my neice as her first car-So I went to BMW Manhattan for some estimates--don't have them yet. But I want 325 automatic with Premium Package or Sport Package (which is better?) and heated seats, leather interior and probably Orient Blue Metallic--anyway what are the kind of numbers I can expect for a lease and does anyone love their dealer in the NY metro area and who are they?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    which I did not abuse, although I drove as intended

    I claim the same thing. Others make remarks about how I shouldn't take it to near redline so often. ;)
  • memphis10memphis10 Member Posts: 161
    I also hate this aspect of owning a BMW. I knew about this before I bought the car and had considered getting the A4 instead because it doesn't draw as much attention. But the BMW was too much to pass up. People make snide remarks about owning an expensive car. Little do they realize that their Ford expedition or Chevy Suburban cost the same or a bit more. Another, thing I hate is people trying to race me at the light.
  • mark_mmark_m Member Posts: 8
    I just received my UGDO transmitter from Circle BMW. Much to my dismay, I discovered the headliner trim panel isn't scored! It is not a big deal to offset the hole between the roof switch cutout from the mic scoring, just thought I'd ping to see if someone else had made the measurements first!

    Two additional questions: Is there a replacement part number for a panel that is scored? Is there a part number for a panel that isn't? (In case I have a mishap removing the plastic, or want to remove UGDO in the future? )

    Thanks.
    -Mark
  • hoopsrefhoopsref Member Posts: 140
    Now I understand what blue & you were talking about. I have heard the comments like, "ooooooh a BMW, I must paying too much for insurance" (I'm an insurance agent). If I had a jumbo suv or the like (which would cost more), I would not hear that! I am a little miffed at this. I hae gone from being excited to show & tell about my new car, to not wanting to be seen driving it around certain people. Is there a BMW support group for us ?...lol Most of these people have several kids, wives that don't work full time or at all, have kids in expensive colleges, travel... (you get the picture). I have one kid in a small state college, graduating in the spring, the wife works and makes good money, I also referee soccer & basketball 3 to 6 days a week 7 or months of the year. I guess I need to carry my above "resume" and statement with and hand them out when I get "the look" or comments.
    Thank you for letting me vent.
  • memphis10memphis10 Member Posts: 161
    The worst remark I got was from my boss when he saw my BMW..... "I must be paying you too much". I also have a list of statements like just a 3 series, not their high end model, bought it at the end of year, severely discounted.
  • ptrekkerptrekker Member Posts: 51
    I am paying $70 a month more than it would cost to lease an Accord. High residuals baby.
  • ksomanksoman Member Posts: 683
    i so identify with your remarks... specially bgdc's about wearing rags and driving an expensive car to home depot or somewhere... and in my case, though i have never really been discriminated in my life... look at this picture... a colored guy, wearing rags stepping out of a jaguar s or a bmw 3 convertible...
    geez, something must be terribly wrong with the world....

    ksso
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I am paying $70 a month more than it would cost to lease an Accord. High residuals baby.


    That cracks me up about the cost. I pay $100 more per month for my BMW than I did for my 19k Jetta. People act like I must be shelling out a gand a month on it. Uh, when you get a money factor of 0.0003 and a residual of 58%, plus 3-4k off msrp, the payments are quite doable.

    A friend just bought a Highlander for 31k and after showing me the car had the nerve to comment, "I didn't pay nearly as much as your fancy car." Huh? What does my car have to do with her purchase?

    People are strange...
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    A friend of mine owns a G35 and I've been with him on a few occasions when cops will stop us in parking lots and such to ask who owns the car or ask us where we're going. I get pissed and want to tell the cop he has no business asking such questions (my bro-in-law is a Public Defender, sister a DA). I can't even begin to imagine what it's like to own a luxury car and constantly have cops harassing him for DWB.
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    Went from a '98 Taurus to an '03 325i and my insurance stayed the same. I was pretty surprised when my agent gave me the quote.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I'm noticing similar comments about my 325xi, and I live in soCal!

    The 3er is actually a very affordable car, at least in 325 form. I paid a LOT more for my Jeep Grand Cherokee, but the perception about the badge is that it is a high price car. It really isn't. My 325xi is my lowest cost to insure, even lower than my Honda Civic Si.

    When people ask me how I can afford it, all I say is, "Have you priced one or seen what the monthly payments and/or insurance cost? It's not what you think." and leave it at that. I don't feel I have to justify a thing to anybody when it comes to things like that.

    If people have issue with what I drive, I would suggest they need to reevaluate their issues and worry more about themselves. Life is too short to worry about the Joneses.

    -Paul
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    Why?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I used to wonder about people getting AWD on Audis and such in So Cal. Then I asked a friend why she bought an A4 Quattro. I felt like slapping my head by the time she finised berating me - she's a hardcore snowboarder who goes three to four times a week. Doh.

    She likes driving fast, loves the snow and wants to get up to Big Bear without owning an SUV.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Yep, I ski. :) I go to Mammoth, Tahoe, etc.

    Also, while I live in soCal, I also live in mountains where we get snow. :) I live at over 4000 feet, and when we get snow, we get the REALLY wet stuff.

    -Paul
  • ksomanksoman Member Posts: 683
    are you the same guy who used to hang out in FMO topic when townhall was brand new years ago? or am i confusing your name with somebody else?

    ksso
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I don't think so... I've only been on Edmunds for about 2 years or so, around the time when I was considering my 325.

    -Paul
  • ksomanksoman Member Posts: 683
    There used to be a topic here called FMO ===> For Men Only... and interestingly a very co-ed vibrant topic that eventually got out of hand and banned and deleted... i think there were 8 or 9 continuations of it...

    ksso
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Nope, that wasn't me...

    -Paul
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 16,373
    Sure there may be a stigma associated with owning a BMW, I don't give a salt who thinks what about what car someone else drives. People who make assumptions on who you are, your financial status...because of the car you drive are probably categorized ignorant at best. Don't worry about what others say, just enjoy your car.

    I used to have a Saab 9-3, and certain people associate Saab with Snob until I politely educated them and mentioned to them that it was $75 - $100 a month cheaper to lease than an Accord or Passat (at the time), was a blast to drive, the hatchback provided me with as much utility as the SUV I had turned in, and it got great gas mileage.

    I do have to admit though I love telling people that I drive a FWD, 4 cyl, Honda. Many people don't even know what a Prelude is (they think of the 80's with the flip up headlights).

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD

  • ksomanksoman Member Posts: 683
    I thought the SH was amazing... for its invoice price...

    sad as it is, more than bmw name raising eyebrows, i often joke with my friends that the true color of racism the world over is "green" haha

    ksso
  • bpraxisbpraxis Member Posts: 292
    Envy is the bane of our civilization, the absolute most destructive emotion. It is so unfortunate that some of you have to spend time explaining how afordable your car is. As we all know it really is no ones business what you drive.

      In the coming years BMW as well as other manufacturers will produce more entry level vehicles at lower prices. Witness the $25,000 Mercedes and the upcoming BMW 1 series. So the public perception will change.

      As one time one had to really be well off to purchase a luxury car. Many years ago people paid cash. Now with the advent of creative financing such as leasing almost anyone can afford a entry level luxury mark.

      Socialism and collectivism is envy in action.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    bpraxis is absolutely right. Envy is another form of insecurity. One of the seven deadly sins as it were. I frankly don't care if people judge me by a possession. I have much bigger things to concern myself with than how people perceive me based on the car I drive or don't drive or the watch I own or don't own etc.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I'm with you; I'm going to buy/drive a car I enjoy. If other people don't like it they can go pound sand. If you are going to agonize and fret over the so-called "BMW Stigma"-as well as the envy and derision of clueless morons-I'd suggest trading the Bimmer for a Kia Rio or Chevy Cavalier-you'll soon find that you've become an object of pity.
  • andergtrandergtr Member Posts: 101
    i've brought my car in regular scheduled maintenance three times now in the past 18 months (i drive 30,000 miles/year), and every time it's been whatever enterprise had.

    i actually couldn't care less what they give me. the first time it was a chevy malibu. the second time it was a chrysler sebring convertible. the third time it was a nissan sentra. the rentals are basically whatever they have in stock at the time.

    it would be nice for BMW to do the infiniti thing--get an infiniti loaner when you bring your infiniti for servicing. then again, this is my first BMW, and so i'm used to having to pay for my own rental, so maybe my expectations are low! :)
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    It seems as if there is a non-standard BMW USA policy regarding BMW loaners. It sounds like all dealerships offer them when you bring your car in for service, it just the caliber of the car. However, I find it hard to believe you bring your 75K 745i in for service and you get a Chevy Malibu. Wife brought her Ford in for service and got a better car then a Malibu. My dealer gives out 5/3 series for loaners.
  • gwunjgwunj Member Posts: 26
    I'm not sure if anyone answered your question. My trim panel was prescored.

    At Circle's website you can search their Auto Accessories by selecting Universal transmitter in the Category box. They had a panel part numbers listed. Or call and ask their parts guys.

    Glenn
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