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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • grios1grios1 Member Posts: 22
    I am planning to purchase a 3 Series about mid-year. What I would like to know is how have others done in the negotiation stage of the purchase. I have heard that BMW's are not negotiable and that they go for the sticker price. I was also told that here in Tx there is a property tax on but I'm not sure if it was with a lease or purchase.
    Can you let me know? Thanks for the help!!
  • rascal8rascal8 Member Posts: 54
    I too plan on a mid year purchase thru the Euro delivery. Surfing these boards the last month or so it appears you should be able to get about $1500 off the MSRP. A lot of quotes you see are off of MSRP rather than "over cost". Apparently, BMW dealers are arrogant (in my experience they are) and claim they do not negotiate over invoice. It also depends on your location. I would suggest trying several dealers. I visited one dealer here for a test drive and to feel out pricing and what I have stated here was confirmed. I have purchased one other BMW (95 318 ti) and I can say these cars are very difficult to get a fair deal on.
  • rascal8rascal8 Member Posts: 54
    I am debating with myself on getting the sport package with either a 325 or 330, coupe or sedan (the wife and I are arguing this one). I have surfed several of the BMW boards and there has been some indication of potential tire damage or rim damage with the 17" wheels. Is there any need for concern about this ? Are there any other considerations ? Indications are the sport seats are great and the handling is better and the ride isn't much rougher with the sport pkg. Thanks !
  • footprintsfootprints Member Posts: 28
    The production date for my 325i order is set for the second week of Jan (Jan 7th). Is there a set time period between production and the actual delivery to the dealership. I know it can vary pending on unforeseen events but if there are no delays what should I expect.
    The salesperson was very adamant that when the vehicle hits his lot I be there to pick it up.
    This makes me wonder if he is warning me not to delay on picking it up. In many of these forums people have had there orders(to spec.'s)sold off by another salesperson.
  • jeniharrisjeniharris Member Posts: 1
    I'm looking to purchase a 3-Series BMW, however, have heard that maintenance & repairs are extremely expensive. Can anyone share their experiences with me. Thanks. Jennifer
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    footprints: I ordered a 330Ci last week and was told that I had a mid-february build date and a late-march delivery. So if that holds true, I would think you'll have a late-february delivery depending where you live.

    rascal8: I was able to get $1,850 off MSRP from a dealer not known for their discounts (S.E.PA). Some of it may have had to do with ordering the last week of the year (even though it doesn't go on their books until it's delivered). The other part was a relatively new salesman trying to build a customer base, I think. As far as the sport package goes, you are correct about the seats, ride, and handling. Wheel damage is a concern for me also since I live in PA farm country (not known for flawless roads). I decided that the other factors outweighed this concern and got the SP.

    good luck.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    The self-proclaimed experts who talk about high BMW service costs usually haven't even SAT in a BMW. They've likely obtained the information from their cousin's girlfriend's stepsister's paper carrier. My 1995 3er just received the minor Inspection I service as well as new front pads. My local independent BMW specialist charged all of $150. The more extensive Inspection II will cost about $600 from a dealer and $350-$400 from a good independent. 1992-1998 cars need this service about every 36,000 miles; 1999-on 3ers extend this interval to 60,000. Is a BMW a bit more expensive to run than a Hontoynissubishi? Sure, but the additional expense is overwhelmingly offset by the vastly superior performance, comfort, and safety of the BMW. And anyway, isn't life just too bloody short to drive a Camry?
  • beetlebug62beetlebug62 Member Posts: 72
    <<#440 of 459  Leasing BMW question by mamamia123  Dec 30, 2000 (01:14 am)

    Hello all, Im looking to lease a 325 sedan. My question is, will I get a better deal if I went and leased a 1999 BMW 323 sedan instead of leasing a 2001 325 sedan? The reason why I might be willing to go with the 1999, is because the body is basically the same, and if I can get a much better deal on the lease because the vehicle is pre-owned with some miles on it, then I'd be willing to go with it. When I say better "deal", I mean since lease terms are basically figured out between the MSRP and the residual value price..I was wondering which car would have a lesser difference between the MSRP and 36 months of ownership (Residual value)...a new 2001 BMW 325 Sedan or a 1999 323 sedan?? Of course, I want the deal that has the least difference between the MSRP and the residual price because that will mean lesser monthly payments/down payment. Any advice/comments regarding this question or leasing a BMW in general would be greatly appreciated. >>

    ...with the least depreciation factored in the lease, then clearly, the 99 323 will be your choice. Cars depreciate faster when new. Of course, ask to see the actual calculations to see the difference. The finance part of the lease payment is also quite crucial, and not something to be taken for granted. Who knows, perhaps the lease factor for the 01 325 will be better?

    Also, I presume the maintenance costs on the 01 will be cheaper, as 3 years/36k miles is included.
  • beetlebug62beetlebug62 Member Posts: 72
    <<#449 of 460  Why leasing? by ycfmw  Jan 03, 2001 (08:21 am)

    I am in DC area. Last week I went to VOB in Rockville and almost signed for a new 325i. The problem was the sales quoted me $520/mo for a 36-mo lease. (window price is $33000). It means I pay 520 * 12 = 6240 a year. or $18720 for 3 years. I don't think the car will depreciate that much in 3 years. Is there any good reason you guys decide to lease a car? Thanks.
    >>

    ...amount. That's the depreciation and finance charge, and possibly also includes your state sales tax. If you want to know your depreciation amount, ask your salesman, what the residual value was, should be in the low 60s percentage, depending upon mileage allowance. I'll guess depreciation was about $12000, and the rest is finance and salestax.

    As for reasons to lease, some do it for business tax reasons. And, some do it for the flexibility. One way to think about it is to compare the cost of a 36 month lease against a 36 month loan. For my $45,570 MSRP 330Xi, I was offered a $677 lease versus a $1376 purchase payment. That's nothing down, 15k miles, 36 months. Imagine taking the difference between the two choices, that is, $1376 - $677 = $699. Take that amount and put it under your pillow, for 36 months, how much have you got? About $25000. What's my residual value plus sales tax? $29200. Okay, I'm $4200 short after 3 years. Now, what if I stick that money in a Christmas passbook account, that pays 5%? I'd have $27100, still not quite enough. Now, what rate of return would I need to make leasing as attractive as purchasing? About 10%. If you think the time value of money to you is worth 10%, then leasing may be for you. If you use that money to pay off 19% credit card debt then by all means lease. You'll save money.
  • lechicalechica Member Posts: 9
    I am in DC area. Last week I went to VOB in Rockville and almost signed for a new 325i. The problem was the sales quoted me $520/mo for a 36-mo lease. (window price is $33000). It means I pay 520 * 12 = 6240 a year. or $18720 for 3 years. I don't think the car will depreciate that much in 3 years. Is there any good reason you guys decide to lease a car? Thanks.

    Did you have to give a down payment to be quoted $520.00 a month to be quoted the above.

    Please advise.

    Thanks
  • louiepklouiepk Member Posts: 3
    stokdgs, I really appreciate your input. I assume from your mention of downshifting that you had the manual transmission, right? I will be getting an automatic, but even so I'm feeling pretty confident that the 325 will be strong enough for most tasks. Interesting enough, though: the 325 has more HP but less torque than the 323.

    323 - hp 170@5500
    torque 181@3500

    325 - hp 184@6000
    torque 175@3500

    Because I don't see myself constantly pushing the 5500 to 6000 rpm zone, I don't really see a huge benefit to the extra 14 hp that the new engine can squeeze out. In fact, with the lower torque, I'm wondering if the average 325 driver will feel less power than the 323.

    Another thing: Apparently the gas mileage for the 330 is even better than the 325.

    325 - 20/29
    330 - 21/30

    Of course, intuition would tell me that a bigger engine given all the same factors would get less gas mileage, so I'm confused on this point. Any clarifications from the car techies would be appreciated. Thanks.
  • holeeholee Member Posts: 1
    I've been looking for the perfect budget GPS for the past couple weeks.
    I have a BMW 328 that I bought last year, and I've been kicking myself for
    not getting a GPS installed at the time.

    I almost settled on the Garmin Streetpilot (perhaps the Streetpilot III
    coming out, which has routing and voice), when I realized that the
    accessories catalogue for the 3 Series mentions a GPS/Nav System you can
    purchase from the dealer.

    The price in the catalogue is $1,500. I'm wondering if this unit is worth
    the money though. Is it comparable to the GPS you'd get pre-installed at
    the factory? On a 328, will the installation be fairly elegant, or will it
    stick out? If anyone has had experience with this, whether it's just
    seeing it in a car, or actually having used it, I'd like to hear about it.

    From what I'm told, this is a different unit then the one I would have
    gotten if I ordered it straight from the dealer, installed at the factory.
  • jrychlickijrychlicki Member Posts: 5
    From what I have read (bimmer.org is extremely helpful) there is a recall on type 44 wheels, which are used on the 2001 sport packages. It is also my understanding the recall pertains to week 38 production dates only. I would not be overly concerned with wheel damage as the problem seems to have been identified, is being addressed with a recall, and seems to only pertain to week 38ers.
  • detroitfeadetroitfea Member Posts: 5
    Was there traction control on the 1995 318i?

    Thanks.
  • jkittermanjkitterman Member Posts: 1
    Hello, I was browsing through doing some research, and decided to post here to get some additional input.

    Anyway: I am considering buying a used '92 BMW 318i 4dr sedan. It has 63k on the odo, and the dealer wants less than $9,000 for it. The exhaust and two power windows were being replaced, as this is being posted. It is a 5-speed manual, like all my other cars have been.

    Thoughts? Is this a good purchase/bad purchase? My last car was '98 VW Wolfsburg; and while some on this board have maintained that the VW is a money pit, in the two years I had it it was trouble free. Are BMW's money pits? I loved the German quality of the VW and am really interested in this "entry-level" BMW.

    Thanks.
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    Independent automotive studies have found that repairs and expenses increase after cars pass the 50,000 mile mark. If you are planning to buy a used car with high mileage, it makes sense to anticipate that you will encounter repairs and increased expenses (I'm not aware of the BMW repair rates on that model but you can probably get that information off the Consumer Reports, Kelley Blue Book or NADA web sites) and that should be factored into the price you pay and into your thinking about the purchase. If you luck out and happen to get a problem free car -- hey, consider yourself fortunate and play Lotto regularly (i.e., you're a lucky man). In anycase, good luck with whatever you decide!
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    Traction control wasn't available on the 3-series till the '96 model-year, and it was only optional. TC became standard on all 3s starting with the '97 models.
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    Well.. Did you drive the 318? I love the driving and looks of the e36, but i might steer clear of that 318 :

    1) The 4 is not really BMW's best motor, at least not this one--read the boards awhile and you will see complaints. The i-6 is a hoot.

    2) It may not be significantly quicker than your jetta--the 4 is a bit small for a e36 sedan, which is not exactly a featherweight vehicle.

    3) This is the first year of the e36, so i'd expect some problems.

    According to edmunds, the dealer retail is fair, or even good. I'd think long and hard, personally, though.

    dave
  • brett911brett911 Member Posts: 2
    If you are interested in leasing any car, maybe even a BMW, and you have a Plam Pilot, you may want to download and install a very cool program called Lease-It. It can be found searching www.shareware.com.

    It is a cool application where you can put in MSRP, Cap Cost, Residual value, Term, Money Factor (and interest rate) and it will figure out your monthly payment including local tax.

    I did not write the software but used it recently to negotiate a new 330i. It would be best to say the dealer wondered what I was doing with my Palm as he read the numbers and I in turn told him what I would pay.

    Either way, it is great software to better understand leasing and its costs. It can even save you more than $1,700 off MSRP (I did slightly better. 330i SP, In-dash CD, Xenon, Sunroof, Leather, Power seats, Metalic Paint).

    Good luck.
  • wkhangwkhang Member Posts: 2
    Friends! I need help here. I live in D.C. area. I am searching to buy 325 4 door automatic 2001. I would like to know what would be fair mark up over invoice. I have been offered by one dealer for $1800 plus invoice (dealer has added $200 advertising fee to the invoice). I also heard priceline.com can be a player. Tell me what is good price to start bid. also any tips regarding optional packages? Which packages and options are recommendable? Thank you.
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    Low-end prices seem to range from $1300 to $2000 over invoice with advertising fees considered acceptable. $1800 over invoice is a fair offer. If you want to try to get them down lower, go for it!

    Packages are very individual choices. I like the premium package. I thought the cold weather package was unneccesary and opted for the heated seats only which many postings have recommended. Some swear by the sports package because of the better seats and tighter suspension, while others say the ride on the sport suspension is too harsh. As many differences as there are people.

    Good luck to you.
  • nubie1nubie1 Member Posts: 3
    i posted this msg in part 2 and lost it so here it goes again...i had a hard time getting this car in reverse. my current german car has its reverse in the same direction (down and to the left) but i never have trouble. is it just me or has anyone else found this prob in the 330? appreciate the help since i am looking to buy one soon. thanks
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    I just drove my '01 325I with SP, PP, 4000 miles and didnt experience any problems with the 17 x 8" wheels and Bridgstone Turanza Z rated 225 x 45 x 17 tires. Unless you have had the lower profile tires before, one might think the steering is "twitchy" or something like that, but it worked just fine for me, and believe me I had alot of seat time driving to Texas from California and back. The tires lower profile gives you more immediate response and this required me to be more aware of that while driving. Regarding wheel damage, I guess if you get close enough to a curb or something, they look more prone to damage because they are right out to the edge of the tire bead. I just be real careful when parking next to objects.. I believe some tire manufacturers sell tires with a thicker bead line just for tires like this, that is supposed to help prevent scratching up your new 17-18-19-20" inch wheels.
    The Sport Pkg only showed up more frequently with the appearance of noise and sometimes a little bump, from concrete, undulating freeways, some of which are in Los Angeles area, on my drive. For the most part, this Pkg added no more noise/discomfort to me, but Im used to more Sport Suspension type arrangements. The Sport Seats are very very good, believe give more support and options of support (10 way adjustable). I ended up not moving my seat much if any at all.
    Was able to drive around 900 miles a day and feel very good at the end of the drive with this pkg.
    Hope this helps !

    DanF
  • mvitoumvitou Member Posts: 1
    I drove BMW's in the 70's and 80's. My last BMW was a 1984 318.I loved all my BMW's but had never been happy with the way the BMW's handled in the snow and ice, so I finally bought a front wheel drive Japanese car in 1994. Of course, after you have a BMW, you always yearn for another. When I found out about the 3 series AWD, I was thrilled. I went to my BMW dealer to ask about it. The salesman seemed to push me towards the 325i because the improvements in traction were so good since 1984, that I would be happy with that. My question is: would anybody out there help me with my decision as to whether I should buy the 325 with or without the AWD? I live in Toledo, Ohio, which does not have the snow like Colorado but, once in a while, have a snow storm or two. Any advice would be appreciated.

    Marie
  • tabbiecattabbiecat Member Posts: 9
    Hello all! I'm new to the board and new to BMWs as well. Was wondering if anyone can pass on some words about their new car buying experience with BMW of Fairfax in Fairfax, Virginia. Went there yesterday, test drove a 325i. No pressure from the salesman. Just want to gather some "intelligence" before continuing the hunt. Thanks much!
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    I had similar questions living in the NYC area. I test drove both cars, read the message board and spoke to my salesman about the various options. I decided on the 325i after hearing: 1)the AWD car doesn't have the same cornering capability as the RWD, although I felt no appreciable difference driving both, 2)the DSC is more than sufficient to deal with mild snow conditions, 3)AWD is still new and could possibly need more repairs and cost more depending on how it fairs over time, 4)it adds $1500-1700 to the price, and 5)if needed, snow tires can be mounted which improve the ride significantly.

    No one I've read on the message boards has criticized AWD and most who have it, especially in snow covered areas, speak highly of it.

    Good luck
  • bacano10bacano10 Member Posts: 3
    I'm moving back to Florida next month and would like to buy a 325 sedan (brand new). I have never owned a BMW. Looking at the invoice price on this side it says that it is 25020 + 1200 for the automatic (my wife requires it) and based on some reading I have done I probably will have to pay about $2000 over invoice bringing the price to about $28,200. My question is: is it possible to find one for this price or do they usually come with so many options already installed that the price jumps well over 30k? Thanks for your input.
  • 75boxer75boxer Member Posts: 3
    The AWD 325 not handling as well as the 325i is news to me. I drove both and could not tell a difference either. BMW specifically made the AWD system a 67%/33% AWD/AWD split so the car would not lose it's AWD feel. I ordered a 325xi because I live in Pittsburgh where the snow coupled with the very hilly terrain makes for a lot of trouble. I have driven both a AWD Lexus AS and Mercedes CLK with traction control. It helps, but does not solve the problem. If I lived in a place similar to Pittsburgh weather, but flat, I probably would have gone without AWD and invested in the sport package and a set of snow tires.

    As far as options, order the car to get what you want. I don't perceive that too many dealers would have ordered their cars without any options. Most people typically want a Cd player, moon roof, metallic paint, etc.. Dealers almost never order stripped, less profit for them! You can receive an order in as little as 6-8 weeks. I am in the middle of a 10 week wait and it is a hard wait, but worth it. Actually, that is a good lead in to my question. My build date is this week (02), is it reasonable to expect delivery by Feb. 12?
  • jjjakejjjake Member Posts: 1
    $1450.00 for the leather. Is it worth it? Seems like a personal preference as the leatherette should hold up equally as well as leather. Any opinions?
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    The awd car is 220 lbs heavier and 17mm(1.1 inches) higher. There are other changes too, such as shorter struts and less travel. And there's still power going to the front wheels.

    Not to say it's *bad* handling by any means, but you have to expect at least a little degredation.

    dave
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    You can order a car factory built to your specifications (with whatever options you want from Steptronic transmission on up). As often mentioned on this board, you will wait about 8-10 weeks or more, depending on how many "Production Slots" your dealer has been allotted by BMW. However, by ordering the car in this way you loose a certain amount of bargaining leverage i.e., dealer may be more willing to negotiate to move out a car sitting around on the lot. Also, a car on the lot is likely to have options that you don't want.
  • rascal8rascal8 Member Posts: 54
    I have read that banks will not finance a car delivered via the European delivery program - you must finance through a BMW dealer. Does anyone have an experience with this ? This would definitely make the ED more costly. Thanks.
  • sr54x4lemonsr54x4lemon Member Posts: 4
    Tabbiecat - I went to BMW of Fairfax twice. In short, they were not at all eager for my business, so I ended up buying my wife's 325XI via the telephone from Hensley Motors in Lynchburg. While BMW of Fairfax told me all inbound XIs were presold through the next few months, and that BMW had stopped accepting any orders at all due to backlog, Hensley Motors located 5 different XIs for me. When my wife didn't like the colors/options on those cars, they some how dug up an unsold production number, and we ordered the car exactly how we wanted it - during a time that you supposedly couldn't even place an order. Obvioulsy Fairfax wasn't hungry to make a deal, but Hensley was. They even delivered the car to me via flatbed approx 200 miles away.

    Sure hope Fairfax's service deptartment is better than their sales department - they're the closest dealer to me.

    The car was delivered on 12/27, and it's incredible. The roads were iced over last night, and between the AWD and DSC, the cars performance under bad road conditions was mind boggling! I may have to get one for myself, as I can't stand driving my truck after cruising in my wife's Bimmer!!

    Good luck!
  • wannabe3wannabe3 Member Posts: 1
    in response to tabbiecat and #485... we test drove at bmw of fairfax and were unimpressed with the treatment we received ...still looking for a good dealership in dc/no va/ md area...thanks for the lynchburg tip...by the way, does anyone out there know about diplomatic buying programs?
  • kfitzsimmons2kfitzsimmons2 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2001 325. I can't seem to find the trunk release. I can open the trunk
    with the key but not from the inside of the car. Any help would be appreciated.
  • sr54x4lemonsr54x4lemon Member Posts: 4
    There isn't a trunk release in the cabin. As long as the car is unlocked, the trunk is simply opened manually, from the rear. There should be a rubberized 'button' under the black ledge of the rear deck. Gently press it, and the trunk latch is released electronically.
  • dajanik1dajanik1 Member Posts: 5
    My dealer in Houston told me that in the state of Texas it is 6.90% not 5.90% through BMW FS. Thx.
  • jon_amesjon_ames Member Posts: 1
    After only 100km with my new BMW 330xi, the automatic transmission failed. It is now fixed (a new transmission) but I have to wonder whether it is related to the AWD system - have any other Xi drivers had a similar problem?

    I also find it rather odd that my Xi doesn't track in a straight line very well - my dealer tells me this is normal. Has anyone else seen this problem on the 3 series
  • drewsky2drewsky2 Member Posts: 9
    jon says that his dealer believes it is "normal" for this car not to track straight...i am considering this car myself, and, in addition to jon's transmission problems...this tracking issue concerns me.
    Anyone else have similiar situation?
    thanks,
    drew
  • fjm1fjm1 Member Posts: 137
    My '00 323 sport wanders also. Tires and pressures make a big difference. Try 31-34psi up front w/same or slightly higher in back. Helps some. 3ers seems to ask "why are we going in a straight line?" Some people claim it is normal, I believe it is a pain in the ^$$. I've had to spend about $1,500.00 on various all-season tires for the winter before stumbling upon Pilot XGT's. The summer tread (Dunlop SP's) that came on the car don't require constant course correction.

    xi vs i: performance differences on dry tarmac negligible. Taller final drive on xi makes acceleration near equal. slightly higher COG theoretically reduces cornering for xi. Went for a test ride about a month ago and only noticed the little bit of extra HP BMW added to the top of the power band, not any handling differences. Historically, mid 80's 325ix were shunned due to drivetrain problems. However, BMW should be doing better work this time around as a similar setup went into X5.
  • merckxmerckx Member Posts: 565
    Especially with expensive cars,i.e.BMW and Mercedes,the leatherette will far outlast leather. know that being cheaper this is disingenious,but it's true. Mercedes has always been especially proud of their "MBTex"Even with the extra care it demands,leather will still show wear far sooner than leatherette.Of course,it feels and smells great. Is it worth it?It is a nice luxury,but even in a deluxe car I don't think it is a necessity. BMW uses an expensive grade of vinyl;it also wears like iron. Some people need to observe the different stitching patterns the different materials have always used-check that year's catalogue if you ever are not sure.
  • footprintsfootprints Member Posts: 28
    My dealer in NJ yesterday informed me of BMW lowest interest rate of 6.9% for 60mo. financing. This is almost a point less than my credit union interest rate of 7.8%.
    The salesman seems to be on the level but, should I still keep my credit unions per-approved auto loan. I hear alot of situations were the financial rep. at dealerships try to scam customers on the day the vehicle is to be picked-up! Any advice would be appreciated.
  • reubencahnreubencahn Member Posts: 102
    Agree with fjm1. I had similar problems that were eliminated by adjusting the tire pressure. I ended up with 34 psi front and 41 rear. However, my tires are now down to the wear bars and the problem has returned.
  • stokdgsstokdgs Member Posts: 65
    I dont know, I believe that any car that doesnt track straight down the road on a level road mind you, has an alignment problem, or a low tire on one side, etc.. Ive never owned a car that didnt track absolutely straight, and would not consider having to deal with that problem.
    Are these cars running the 17' wheels with the 225 x 45 tires? I have those on my '01 325I and think any extra work at driving may be partially attributed to the lower aspect of the 45 series tire which in and of itself will introduce alot more input when you move the wheel, there is alot less tire to "flex" before it moves..
    If it were me, I would be at the dealer asking them to test drive it before and after a complete 4 wheel alignment and make sure it goes straight without any correction.
    Good luck, let us know how it works out.
    DanF
  • ser1ser1 Member Posts: 9
    I test drove a 325i for the first time. Wow, what a car! After reading for months and seeing reports on the BMW I can see why they call it the ultimate driving machine. It is one of the 2 cars that I am considering. The other is a Acura MDX. I know it is a SUV and can't really be compared to a BMW sedan. I looking at them both and taking them for what they are. MDX I really liked and would suggest anyone considering a SUV to look at it. Big problem for some is that it has a 4-6 month waiting time to get one. I am not pressed for time, since my current lease isn't up until this summer, but because of the wait time it made me start my decision making process a little early. There is only a couple small things that concern me w/ the BMW.
    1. Slightly small. Great for one or 2 people but not much more. Not a huge issue for me since I am single and I don't have any kids. I suspect it would be hard to get a couple of guys in one with 3 golf bags and pull carts. Again, something I can get over because I would be driving a dream car.
    2. Snow (my biggest concern)! I live in MA which hasn't seen a lot of snow as of late but can get pretty sloppy when it does. It also has its fair share of hills in the area I live, including my driveway that isn't always cleaned out right away. Has anybody had experience with a fairly steep driveway in the snow? My VW Passat sometimes will get stuck at the point just before becomes flat. I fear that I would have equal if not bigger problems w/ the BMW. I have been reading tons of info and from everything that I have heard BMW's are as good as any front wheel drive car in the snow. I think part of the appeal, that drew me to the MDX/SUV, was the 4wheel drive. I want the care free feeling of not worrying if there is a snow storm out there or not. I know the Xi is available and I highly considered it. When I talked w/ the salesman he seemed like he wasn't so sure anyone would really need it. Any thoughts on the Xi?
    I don't want the hassle of buying separate snow tires either because, like I feel about the snow, I just don't want the hassle. From what I read the ESC helps a lot in the snow. Thoughts and help w/ the "snow" questions would be great.
    I am hoping to do another test drive this weekend in the MDX and the BMW. Hopefully the decision will be easier after this weekend...but I doubt it.

    Thanks
  • drewsky2drewsky2 Member Posts: 9
    After test driving both the xi and mdx....2 entirely different vehicles...mdx had room for a party, and then some...would make the friends real happy, however, as the driver ( at 30k a year for me ), I have to be most concerned about me, and, how I feel in the car. In this respect, there was no comparison. The bmw felt great for me, good for a single passanger, and ok for additional guests. mdx was made for the family, friends and neighbors.
    I'll be driving from NJ through NE, and, even though I see a ton of volvos in NE ( as well as my current outback ), if all goes right, I'm going for the xi.
    I did, however, move from the 325xi sport wagon to the 330xi sedan with the hope that it may be the bridge between my previous eagle talon awd turbo, and, the volvo cross country that I started w/ as the "upgrade" to my outback.
    So far, the 330xi seems like my best bet.....
    stay tuned,
    drew
  • fjm1fjm1 Member Posts: 137
    Misleading: On a well paved road the 3ers track straight. It's the roads that have crowns, cracks, or ridges that run parallel to your course of travel that really cause problems for my car. The 225/50/16 tires seem to follow or grab at these road irregularities.

    On the Bahn at 120mph its straight as an arrow :-)

    I've looked at the MDX as well. Apples to oranges but ideally I would like to park both in my driveway! MDX is sweet.
  • beetlebug62beetlebug62 Member Posts: 72
    <<#497 of 499  First time drive and snow ?'s by ser1  Jan 10, 2001 (08:31 pm)

    I test drove a 325i for the first time. Wow, what a car! After reading for months and seeing reports on the BMW I can see why they call it the ultimate driving machine. It is one of the 2 cars that I am considering. The other is a Acura MDX. I know it is a SUV and can't really be compared to a BMW sedan. I looking at them both and taking them for what they are. MDX I really liked and would suggest anyone considering a SUV to look at it. Big problem for some is that it has a 4-6 month waiting time to get one. I am not pressed for time, since my current lease isn't up until this summer, but because of the wait time it made me start my decision making process a little early. There is only a couple small things that concern me w/ the BMW.
    1. Slightly small. Great for one or 2 people but not much more. Not a huge issue for me since I am single and I don't have any kids. I suspect it would be hard to get a couple of guys in one with 3 golf bags and pull carts. Again, something I can get over because I would be driving a dream car.
    2. Snow (my biggest concern)! I live in MA which hasn't seen a lot of snow as of late but can get pretty sloppy when it does. It also has its fair share of hills in the area I live, including my driveway that isn't always cleaned out right away. Has anybody had experience with a fairly steep driveway in the snow? My VW Passat sometimes will get stuck at the point just before becomes flat. I fear that I would have equal if not bigger problems w/ the BMW. I have been reading tons of info and from everything that I have heard BMW's are as good as any front wheel drive car in the snow. I think part of the appeal, that drew me to the MDX/SUV, was the 4wheel drive. I want the care free feeling of not worrying if there is a snow storm out there or not. I know the Xi is available and I highly considered it. When I talked w/ the salesman he seemed like he wasn't so sure anyone would really need it. Any thoughts on the Xi?
    I don't want the hassle of buying separate snow tires either because, like I feel about the snow, I just don't want the hassle.>>

    ...and I'll say, there is never a "carefree feeling of not worrying if there is a snowstorm". 4wd and AWD systems can create a false sense of security that you can drive in any and all conditions without being more careful than normal. It's in your best interest to be careful, and not "carefree", no matter how well your vehicle pulls in the snow. No matter whether you have RWD, or FWD, or AWD, or 4WD, when it comes to braking performance in snow, it all comes down to the quality of the rubber on your vehicle. A 2WD vehicle with high-quality snow tires will outperform an AWD or 4WD vehicle with all-season tires. The question is how safe do you want to be?
  • beetlebug62beetlebug62 Member Posts: 72
    <<494 of 500  Finanacing by footprints  Jan 10, 2001 (07:05 am)

    My dealer in NJ yesterday informed me of BMW lowest interest rate of 6.9% for 60mo. financing. This is almost a point less than my credit union interest rate of 7.8%.
    The salesman seems to be on the level but, should I still keep my credit unions per-approved auto loan. I hear alot of situations were the financial rep. at dealerships try to scam customers on the day the vehicle is to be picked-up! Any advice would be appreciated.>>

    ...trying to scam anyone. If you feel scammed, don't sign anything, it's that simple.
  • beetlebug62beetlebug62 Member Posts: 72
    <<#490 of 501  BMW 330xi (AWD) by jon_ames  Jan 09, 2001 (08:33 pm)

    After only 100km with my new BMW 330xi, the automatic transmission failed. It is now fixed (a new transmission) but I have to wonder whether it is related to the AWD system - have any other Xi drivers had a similar problem?

    I also find it rather odd that my Xi doesn't track in a straight line very well - my dealer tells me this is normal. Has anyone else seen this problem on the 3 series >>

    ...X5 series of vehicles. As for tracking issues, that's odd. Did they check the alignment? I have a 330Xi sport, and in over 5000 miles, have had no tracking issues. However, I did testdrive the X5 sport with the 19 inch wheels, and those wheels did require some attention, on uneven roads, as the low aspect ratio and high tire pressures mean that there is little flex in the footpatch. If you find the tracking issue to be a problem for a daily-driver, you should consider going to a tire with a higher aspect ratio, like a 60s series.
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