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BMW Owners Meet the Members

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  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hmmm, the general consensus is that if you are on the market for a new car now, waiting for the new E60 5-Series may not be the best plan. At this point, it seems fairly obvious that BMW will not release the E60 here in the U.S.A until late 2003 at the earliest, if not early 2004.

    As for cars produced by BMW early in their production cycles, the early E39s did in fact have more than their fair share of problems, however, I just turned in a very early production E46 3-Series after a 39-month lease. Said E46 was virtually perfect for its tenure with me, suffering only two burned out taillight bulbs, and my experience was not at all unusual, so the E46 seems to have been fairly solid from the very beginning.

    BMW offers an option to order your car from a local dealership for European Delivery (ED), which then allows you to pick up your car in Munich, drive it for up to a month in Europe, and then ship it back here to the States when you are done with it over in Europe.

    FWIW, given the low level of activity on this discussion, this is not really the forum for such questions. I would suggest that you visit the 3-Series and 5-Series discussions over in the Sedans topic. Those boards are full of folks who discuss these very issues all of the time, which will give you literally thousands of posts to read at your leisure and will most likely answer all of your questions.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    I'm not a new member, nor is my car brand new anymore. But I just learned of this particular forum, so I thought I'd introduce "Jackson," the name ascribed to my 530i (my fiancee just suggested the name, and it sort of stuck for no explicable reason). Anyway, here I am with it on the day of delivery in the Spartanburg Performance Center (a delivery option I highly recommend doing, by the way):


    image
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    Since your post is from February, I'll post an abridged answer: Athens BMW. I live in Roswell, but have been extremely happy so far with them, and can recommend them without hesitation. If you're still looking, shoot me an email and I'd be happy to discuss this further (in return for a ride in your new M5, of course :) ).
  • idletaskidletask Member Posts: 171
    ... but the one I own is not on sale in the US!

    I own a 330d (note the "d"), bought on Dec 2000. Yep, Diesel engine. Specs: Common Rail, turbocharged, 3l displacement, max. power 183hp@4000rpm, max. torque 288 lbft from 1700 to 3200rpm, rev redline 5000rpm, 90% of max torque available from 1200rpm up to 4300rpm. I travel approximately 25k miles a year, and plan to swap my current car against the same one in approximately 1 year's time. Equipment (S: standard, O: option): 17' alloy wheels [they're standard just because engineers needed to fit in the brakes...] (S), ABS with EBV and CBC (S), front/side/rear side airbags (S), ASR (S), automatic (non dual zone) climate control (S), multipurpose steering wheel [which includes cruise control] (O), folding side mirrors (O), tire deflate alert (O), sport suspension (O), xenon headlights (O), 6-CD changer, located in the trunk (O), Harmann-Kardon sound system (O).

    "Those funky Europeans", I hear you say. "They buy such a great car with a Diesel engine... Why on earth?". Well, here's why:

    - an avg 37mpg mileage at 75mph (need I say how much we pay for gas hereabouts? :)),
    - quarter mile 15'4 (in fact by here we measure 400/1000m with 400m ~ quarter mile, and 330d scores 15'4/28'8), top speed 141 mph,
    - look at the torque: 288 lbft is more than a BMW M3 or a... Porsche 911, which gives:
    - 50 to 75 mph in 5'4/6'6/8'8 on 3rd/4th/5th gear, only a 330i can barely beat that in 3rd, but hey, look at the mileages of a 330i...

    In short, an astonishingly good fuel efficiency for a car which has nothing to envy to most petrol powered cars in term of performances. In fact, BMW has decided to replace 328i with 330i because of the 330d!
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    i own a 1999 323i and average 24.5mpg with 184ft lb torque ;(. i hear MB is going to reintroduce the turbodiesel to America i hope BMW does as well.

    DL
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    In case you've missed it...

    Edmunds.com Generations: A 3 Series History
  • parfive1parfive1 Member Posts: 75
    I presently have a 2000 MB E320. While loving its good looks and handling, I'm totally disgusted with all the repairs and back and forth trips to the dealership.
    Have any of you people out there ever had a MB and switched to BMW (5 series)??
    If so, how would you compare the two.
  • riezriez Member Posts: 2,361
    parfive1... You'll get a lot more responses if you bring your post above to the attention of the main 5 Series Board here at Edmunds.
  • plasticmdplasticmd Member Posts: 9
    Anyone with any ideas on hands free cell phone kit that will work with 530i. Totally not worth paying for BMW cell phone/kit/voice set. Over 2K and then return it after 3 yrs (if you're leasing). Besides you get a Timeport which will be obsolete very soon. I'd like to set up something that will look good and function well. Anyone with any ideas??
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    2004 BMW 5 Series Luxury Sedan
  • sammy12975sammy12975 Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at buying my first(used) bmw. I am either looking at a 528 or 540. Either a 1999 or 2000. What is the difference between the model year. If the 540 worth the price difference. Please let me know the pros and cons. I would the xexon headlights. Are these an option in that model year, or can I add them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Sam
  • snagielsnagiel Member Posts: 750
    (You would probably get more responses in the general 5-Series board, but here goes...)

    There were virtually no changes between 99 and 00. I think some exterior color choices were changed, but otherwise very minor stuff. 2001 brought the facelift you see on the newer models (clear corner lamps, "angel eye" headlights, etc.). If memory serves, xenons were standard on the 540, and optional on the 528. Either way, you can retrofit them (about $1000) onto a car without 'em.

    The 540 versus 528/530 debate is not a new one, and you'll inevitably provoke a lot of heated arguments. The 528 offers marginally sharper handling (due to a rack & pinion steering setup, lower weight, and better weight balancing), better fuel economy, and slightly better reliability with the engine (statistically speaking), whereas the 540 offers "good God!" acceleration. I recommend you drive as many models of each as you can and decide for yourself. Either way, be sure to get a CPO model from a BMW dealer; even routine maintenance on a used BMW gets very expensive, and a comprehensive warranty is well worth it. Good luck.
  • takakjiantakakjian Member Posts: 7
    Can anyone suggest the "right" monthly cost for a 540i6 lease based on 36 mos/20K miles a year/drive offs only? How much should the dealer be coming "off the sticker" in the current market?
  • motokichimotokichi Member Posts: 48
    I just picked up a silver 99 M Coupe, with black/gray interior. What a machine!
  • laptopkidlaptopkid Member Posts: 3
    Hey fellow Z3/M owners!
    I have a 2001 Jet Black 3.0i with sport package. Very fast car that can surprisingly hold its own in the twisties with a Boxster. It now has over 17500 miles. It is a fun car. I now need to use it as a daily year-round driver, so I sould have gotten the coupe. I admire all you M/Z3 coupe owners out there. You guys rule!
    As for mmandel's question- personally, you will bond more with your car if you get the manual. The Z3 is very responsive and communicates well with the driver. I have driven Z3's with the Auto/man transmission, and a part of the car's spirit was stolen in the change. If you can drive a manual you will find it much more rewarding and reliable in the long run. The Z3 has a sweet shifter and the clutch isn't Ferrari stiff, so city driving shouldn't be a problem.
  • lanie1lanie1 Member Posts: 19
    After two years and 21,000+ miles, I STILL LOVE THIS CAR!! If any of you are reading this board trying to decide whether or not to purchase a Z3, I will share my experiences with my Y2K Z3.

    I commute daily in my car. . .what a wonderful feeling at the end of a tiring day to put down the top, put in a CD and "fly" home. My husband and I have also taken numerous trips in my Z3, and it has worked out well; we can put two week-ender sized pieces of luggage, a hanging bag, two tennis rackets, and assorted odds and ends in the trunk. My husband is 6'4" and fits comfortably in the car. I have had two warranty claims on my car in two years: my battery had to be replaced and one of my stereo speakers had to be replaced; Chris BMW in Decatur, Georgia provided wonderful service - warranties were honored with no questions asked and I was provided a "loaner" car for the day the work was done. I get approximately 21 mpg for city/stop-and-go driving; on the open highway, I get 25-30 mpg. I ordered Zaino products in 2000 when I purchased my car and washed and polished the car with those products several times the first few months I owned the car; now I wash the car about once every six months - I still use my original purchase of Zaino products and the finish on my car looks brand new even though I park in an outdoor lot in the hot Georgia sun every day at work.
    What experiences have other long-term owners had with their Z3's? I'd love to know.
  • jbreez1jbreez1 Member Posts: 46
    Bought a pre owned 200 323i on 8/22/02. name is Joe, live northeast of Orlando. Description as follows:

    Black w sand "Ette
    Sport suspension
    Sport seats
    power seats w/memory
    In dash CD
    Moonroof
    Xenons
    Fog lights
    OBC
    16" alloys
    32,000 milesloveit! First bimmer and cannot imagine ever driving another car besides BMW. Of course, fingers crossed as far as reliability, but car checked out on all fronts, has good amount of warranty left, with a little maintenance time too. Also runs and drives super and is very clean as if well maintained. Lease return from reputable dealer in town.

    Glad to be a member

    jbreez1
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I bought my 2002 325xi in March 2002 and am finally getting it listed on here. :)


    2002 325xi

    Oxford Green / Natural Brown leather

    SP

    CWP

    1/2 PP (wood, armrest) (no moonroof or powerseats)

    xenon

    XM radio

    tint


    http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_

  • tgravo2tgravo2 Member Posts: 70
    Going pick up my new 325i on saturday, has every option except the cold weather package and navigation system, and its a 5 speed, silver with black leather and wood grain, this will be a long week cause i am ready to pick up my car hehe
  • tgravo2tgravo2 Member Posts: 70
    I was also wondering if there are any golfers out there that have a 3-series and if they have problems fitting their clubs in the trunk, thanks
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    And we have no problems getting both bags in the trunk. We have the lighter weight ones, not the big Rodney Dangerfield/Caddyshack ones. :)


    If you have a collapsible cart, it might be a bit tight, but that would depend on the cart design. If you have fold-down seats, it a non-issue.


    -Paul

    http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_

  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    i have an e36... i can barely squeeze my staff bag in the trunk... of course, it might have something to do with the sub and amp that are back there... :)

    my carry bag fits no problem... i would imagine i could squeeze 2 of them in there in a pinch...

    -Chris
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Just get a roof rack. :) (or a walkman instead of the sub/amp!) hehe

    -Paul
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    lol... be a bear to put the top down with that roof rack on it!

    -Chris
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Sorry bout that. Forgot you had the drop top. :)

    Just get one of those cool little BMW trailers that cost as much as a small Ford. :) heheh

    I can picture it now, Chris flying down the highway, top down of course, and a cute little trailer behind with golf clubs stickin' out. :) heheheh

    -Paul
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    yea, right...
    i don't think i could handle a trailer... it's all i can do to back up my wife's pick em up truck without hitting a tree...
    i'm not good in large vehicles... :)

    -Chris
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    then forget the 1976 Cadillac Brougham I was gonna offer ya. :)

    Lotsa trunk space in that.

    -Paul
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    i've got an 84 seville sitting in my driveway that my wife used to use as a station car that i've been trying to get rid of for a year and a half now! how 'bout it comes and joins yours in your driveway? :)

    -Chris
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    I didn't say I HAD a 76 Caddy... just that I would offer ya one. :)

    My driveway is full enough with my Civic, Jeep, and BMW (I believe in diversity of automotive selection. :)

    Is the 84 Seville the one with the trunk that looks smashed? :)

    You know, we could take all those old Caddy's, clean out all fluids and dump em in the ocean and build some great artificial reefs. There should be enough space inside of them to put a diver with tanks through. heheh

    -Paul
  • kennyinmdkennyinmd Member Posts: 18
    I am new here and am looking into a 2003 325i. My question is how much would be a good price to ask for. How much off the MSRP could I possibly get? I am looking for onew that has an auto trans, premium package, xenon lights, leather and possibly the upgraded stereo if its worth it...all answers would be helpful and any dealers in the Maryland, DC area wopuld help...thanks
  • ipatty13ipatty13 Member Posts: 47
    If you're in the DC Metro area, check out Passport BMW in Marlow Hts. I heard many good things about them on this forum and am purchasing a 2003 330i through European Delivery in a few months. They quoted me the best deal in the DC/VA/MD area.

    As for price, take the wholesale price and try to get about 1,000-1,500 above this price. I imagine that this might be difficult to get, however, if you're not doing the ED program.

    The wholesale prices for a 2003 325i are as follows:

    base - 25,460
    automatic 1,210
    premium 2,455
    xenons 635
    leather 1,320
    prem sound 615

    Wholesale TOTAL 31,695

    If you're interested in saving more money (lower base price ($23,530) + more negotiating power) and don't mind a trip to Europe, you should look into ED, for which there also is a forum on Edmunds.com.
  • kennyinmdkennyinmd Member Posts: 18
    for the answers. So that means I should ask for it for around 33k? If you don't mind me asking, who is your sales rep.
  • stclair454stclair454 Member Posts: 2
    ipatty,

    Would you happen to know the wholesale price for the 325Ci convertible?

    Also, is it safe to say that there are no real sales discounts on these cars or is the dealer just "playing" with me? I live in the northeast, not very many BMW dealers in my area (1 in a 25 mile radius, 2 in 50).

    Thanks, stclair454
  • ipatty13ipatty13 Member Posts: 47
    Kenny,

    The sales rep I used is Joern Esser (pronounced "yorn") at Passport BMW. 33K would be about 1,300 over invoice on the car you want. If you start there, you likely will be negotiated up a few hundred, unless you act like you have, say, a 1,500 over-invoice price from another dealer. I might try a few hundred lower as a starting point. Also consider that most dealerships add 200-300 advertising fee on all U.S. delivery BMW's.

    But, remember that I never tried to negotiate a U.S. delivery BMW...just ED.

    ******

    Stclair,
    for the 325 convertible, invoice prices are:

    33,555 for U.S.
    31,060 for ED

    I started--and quickly abandoned--an attempt to negotiate on the convertibles (a 330) with a handful of dealers in DC, PA and OH. They appear to be selling so well, there's simply no incentive for a dealer to negotiate. I didn't want the convertibly badly enough to be persistent.

    One thing to keep in mind is that many items come standard on the convertibles, vis-a-vis the non-convertibles; plus, the premium package is about 1 K less for the convertible and the sport package is a few hundred cheaper. So, if you want a decked-out car, the price deviation between these cars tightens up considerably compared to the base prices.

    --Was on the Autobahn this weekend in a rented MB C-class 220 turbo diesel. Handled nicely, but was a bit too much removed from the road for me. And with 5 people in the car, there was not enough power for my liking. Too much traffic, so could only get 'er up to 195 kph a couple of times!

    The BMW 330 diesel has way more power (of course, it's a much bigger engine). I only wish BMW would start importing the diesels soon.
  • kennyinmdkennyinmd Member Posts: 18
    Thanks again. I went to VOB BMW over the weekend just to take a look. Horrible service but the car looked great. The one I was looking at was a 2002 with premium pack., xenon, auto trans and leather and the MSRP was $34,345. I'm probably going to wait a couple months after the 2003 comes out to see if I can get it for $32k or $32,5k. If not, I don't know how much I can negotiate on a 2003.
  • newtobostonnewtoboston Member Posts: 31
    Good news/bad news

    Good news - Picked up my first BMW just after Labor Day: 325i, Sport Package, Moonroof, Heated Seats, Steel Gray/Black Interior. Unfortunately I have a 15 minute walking commute so I've been looking for excuses to drive it every day!

    Bad news - within a month I had my first ding! Came back to my beauty and guess where it was, right in the middle of my hood!!! How the heck did someone do that? That's what I get for street parking it in Boston.
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    look at it this way... it's "yours" now... don't sweat it... enjoy driving the car...

    -Chris
  • ipatty13ipatty13 Member Posts: 47
    I know how you feel. Last year, my 1 week old Acura TL-S was parked below the balcony on my townhouse. The balcony had an umbrella table on it. Yes, you know where this is going....

    One whoosh of wind, and out comes the umbrella, dropping two stories upside down onto the hood of my car. A direct hit. From that point on, the car had "character"
  • bimmer3ibimmer3i Member Posts: 48
    I picked up my car a week ago from Prestige BMW - Ramsey, NJ (Wednesday noon):
    2003 330i
    gray green
    black leather
    premium package
    sport package
    steptronic

    I should have gotten the xenon but I heard some scary stories on stolen xenon in the parking lot.

    Regarding 'ding', my first car (Corolla) was less than an hour old when someone hit the hood with (I think) a pipe. It's really frustrating.

    Anyway, I'm enjoying my new bimmer a lot. Congrats to everybody on your new bimmer!
  • newtobostonnewtoboston Member Posts: 31
    ...misery loves company, but still sorry to hear others have had the same bad luck with dings within the first month of car ownership.

    I'm not usually worried about dings but since it's on the hood I think I'll pay to get rid of this one. It seriously reduces the enjoyment of turning around to stare at my beemer as I walk away.

    Almost as bad is it will probably take me another month to get past the break-in period of the car. Two months old and just 600 miles on it. How can I be expected to keep the RPMs under 4500 for so long! Hopefully a little cheating here and there wont hurt too much.
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    man, get out and DRIVE!!! 600 miles in TWO MONTHS???

    i didn't mean to sound unsympathetic in the above post, my point was to not let it ruin how you feel about your car....

    -Chris
  • newtobostonnewtoboston Member Posts: 31
    I know, too much time with the new girlfriend and not enough time with the new car. She needs to understand that I need to spend equal amounts of time with her and the car. ;-)
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Heck, I've had my 325xi since March 8, and I already have well over 18,000 on it. :)

    -Paul
  • aawdwagonbobaawdwagonbob Member Posts: 8
    found a nice white 02 leather xenon auto. its a great car with a few caveats.Lousy placement of
    window controls, heavy doors,to many controls on the ac/heat/defrost. It gets up and scoots and the automatic is great. I just wanted a great car to trade if i didnt like it and wanted to try
    something else. Now I just hope it doesnt get too ruined in the SIERRA WHER EI LIVE>
    H WELL ITS JUST A CAR>

    bob
  • angelaneangelane Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone! I'm the thrilled new owner of a 2002 330 Silver/grey/Black-topped convertible. It's loaded with all options available except heated seats and steering wheel-which I could've used where I live! I also own a 2003 Suburban loaded with the new XM radio, and as I live in the Smoky Mtn region of NC (with super switchback roads to have great fun with!), there are very few radio stations audible despite the HD/CD factory radio.
    I'm told that BMW is the only dealership that provides for connection of the XM to the rear of the HD already installed. Pricey to say the least, but necessary for a car enthusiast who must have music to shift to:) I'd love to hear from anyone who has actually installed one of these babies. For those of you not
    familiar with the XM Satellite radio(101 stations: comedy, talk, country, rock,etc,....anything your heart desires)...definitely look into it!

    Angelane
  • ipatty13ipatty13 Member Posts: 47
    Check out this link for great XM install info.


    <http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14218&highlight=xm+radio>


    Howevever you install, make sure you don't use an FM modulator set-up, if sound quality is imortant to you.

  • tgravo2tgravo2 Member Posts: 70
    The memeber erickpl installed XM on his 325xi. His pictures can be found at http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_
  • SylviaSylvia Member Posts: 1,636
    A reporter is looking for consumers who have bought an entry-luxury car - under $30k (e.g. BMW 3, Mercedes c-coupe, Jag X-type, Audi a4, etc) in the last year. Ideally buyers who were new to the luxury brands, to talk about how they like their cars and why they bought them.

    The $30k isn't a hard and fast rule, though it
    would be nice.

    Please contact jfallon@edmunds.com if interested.

    Thanks!
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Thanks for the pointer, you beat me to it. :)

    If I could have found that kind of kit you have in your car, I may have reconsidered how I mounted XM in my car.

    -Paul
  • idletaskidletask Member Posts: 171
    I suppose this only concerns US consumers? :)
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