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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    anyone here has a pic of a 3 series with mud flaps? Thinking of getting it for mine, but now sure how it looks.

    Also, do i need to do any drilling?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I'll take it by your post that you don't have a lot of conviction in what you're saying. The 3-series is exceptionally stable as a highway cruiser even in triple-digit speeds (that's in miles I'm talking). The brakes feel just as assuring at those speeds as they do at lower speeds. You will not find a better performance car in this class. The 5-series is a good car but bigger, less tossable, less nimble, heavier, and slower when equipped with the same engine. Bottom line, the 3-er is more fun. Not to mention that it's about 10 grand cheaper than its respective 5-series counterpart.

    As far as the steering, it is purely an assist issue, not a road feel issue. You can still feel the tire patches very well even through the assisted steering. A lot of people (98% of 3-series owners to be exact) actually like it better because they have not requested the free retrofit that BMWNA offers. I hope you find a good car for yourself.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Unfortunately, I don't have pictures but from what I've seen live, they look fugly.
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Thanks again. I don't think it was me about the road noise, because I can't remember ever posting about tires before. Besides, with the beautiful sounds the car makes, I never even notice road noise! I just need wet grip, so the Contis will rate high when I replace.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    "It's those damn micro chips, they're taking over. " - I thought you might get a kick out of the only response I got on the other board to the same message. Thanks, burrsr and ajdvh - I think we are getting much closer to understanding this. Actually, I drive with 93 AKI gas and I am at full throttle more often than not, so I may benefit directly from Stage 1.
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    "fugly"? Cool word. Is it a contraction?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Don't tell Larry and Curly :o)
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Ladies and Gentlemen, in less than three hours, The Los Angeles teachers association will be offering the following program:
    Dr. Bryant and Professor O'Neil will be putting on a clinic. Interested parties should tune to their local NBA provider to see the SCHOOLING.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Anyhow, I'm going home to have dinner and catch the game. I know it will be difficult but you and twoof1 should try to enjoy it.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    ... do you all just plan on never reading the board ever again?? Even if there was a miracle this evening (i.e. another sixer win) do you really think they'll take the series? Of course not.
    Now, let's reserve our jubulent beliefs until we know if it's prudent to share them.
    -Michael.

    PS. If any one has figured out how to stop Robert Horey tonight, let me know.
  • bmr4mebmr4me Member Posts: 7
    I ordered my 325i on Saturday and thought with all the decisions made, I could finally put an end to spending time at the computer checking out BMW sites, especially this one. NOT SO! Perhaps the long wait (end of August) has something to do with this feeling of BMW addiction. I try and justify the "wasted time" as a learning experience.

    Recently I've encountered Devilles and Oldsmobile 98s that have those headless drivers, or heads that appear in the middle, with Florida license plates and use the brake pedal like they are tapping out LA Bamba. Sometimes it's that other music, loud, thumping rap.

    BMW drivers, on the other hand, don't have irritating driving habits.
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    They won't notice. They went to Philly for the game. To see the REAL 3 Stooges: Kobe, Shaq, &Phil....
  • jpaganjpagan Member Posts: 11
    Does anyone have any information concerning the 3 series model line for 2002? Is it worth the wait or should I go out and get me one now? Would there be a big difference in prices?
  • gr8st8gr8st8 Member Posts: 33
    Robert Horry is one of the biggest floppers and he just happened to get really hot in the last game.

    Oh, by the way, if not for the constant mugging, shirt-pulling, and illegal hand-checking by Tyrone Lue and Derek Fisher on Iverson, we would've been talking about a sweep by Sixers right now...:)

    Really, though, I'm not much of a Sixers fan but I do root for them to win it all. I just think the Lakers' players and coaches are too arrogant, especially the 3 stooges described above...:)

    Prediction: Sixers 104 - Lakers 97

    Go Sixers!
  • koaladudekoaladude Member Posts: 9
    Dudes, pls believe me.

    I'm staring right now at the 330 canadian brochure. It's there. Translated from french. "Sport Package = leather multifunction sport steering wheel, alloy wheel M double spoke Style 68M, front 17x7.5, rear 17x8.5, performance tires 225/45 ZR-17 front, 245/40ZR-17 rear, sport seats, sport suspension (except for xi)"

    Unfortunately (and unlike the US site) the canadian web site (www.bmw.ca) doesn't mention this. But you can see at least that "building" a 330xi with Sport Package will net you the performance tires.

    And if this is not enough, you can call any listed canadian dealership. I've been talking to the 4 of them (here in Montreal) and they'll confirm it to you: canadian 330xi SP comes with performance tires with different size front/rear wheel/tire combo!!

    This I find stupid because it basically forces us canadian bimmers to go either with big size winter tires (doh!) or to get a new wheel/tire package. Of course we could always settle with the non-SP version but...geez I have a weakness for the sport seats and the 68M wheels :(
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Guy goes to the Ultimate Drive in his town (the one for the Kommen Breast Cancer Foundation, not the autocross one). He's got a reservation to drive the M3 and has been dreaming about this all day. So when he gets there and checks in, the Drive person tells him there's no M3. "Why?" he asks. "Because a person in the town before this one wrecked it."
    "WRECKED IT? ON A 10 MINUTE STREET TEST-DRIVE?YOU'RE JOKING, RIGHT?" Her answer (and the punchline), "No sir."
    Why am I not laughing?
  • pneubmwpneubmw Member Posts: 7
    i just had my 325i programmed to have the clown nose blink and the lights to blink on and off when i locked and unlocked the doors. the dealer also told me no it cant be done.. until he tried it when he did it worked. so tell your dealer to try it on your car and just to make things clear, i do not have the alarm system .
    i hope this helps
  • daswolfdaswolf Member Posts: 43
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
  • jk26jk26 Member Posts: 27
    Hi all, I have recently heard, and read somewhere that there is a chip inside all US BMW's that limits the top speed to 128mph. Can anyone confirm this? Also, I still have not ordered my car, what do you guys think of met black, black interior with black trim, 325xi SP? Like to know thoughts on color....thanks

    Jason
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    <<<hit the brake pedal like they are tapping out LA Bamba>>> - LOL, I hadn't heard this one. Every time I see one of these drivers, I try to stay as far away as possible and definitely not behind them - they are too dangerous. So no complaints about BMW drivers? You haven't seen me going triple digits with Judas Priest blasting from the rolled down windows :o) But in all honesty, I never tailgate and I always use directional signals. Overall, I'm an alert, safe, and courteous driver unless I need to nip some mean driver. Of course, I've had trouble convincing the cops about any of this :o)
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Well chaps, how about it? I'll wait until the next half is through before a debate. (who ever made the AA post, may be I should get you their number!?).

    128 mph speed restriction:

    It's true (like you're REALLY driving over that so often!). There are exceptions:
    M Coupe and M roadster are set at 137 and M3, M5 and 540i (6 speed only) retain their "euro" limit at 155.

    Don't sweat it. I think of myself as a quick driver (from time to time), I've had two "M" cars and a 328 and I have never (well, maybe once in the 328) found the limiter. You won't be disappointed and if you "chip" the car, it will have no limit !!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
  • platypusplatypus Member Posts: 192
    goody4, pneubmw: thanks for responding to my question on the clown nose/lights. I'm going to follow the advice from goody4's post and not activate the clown nose.

    jpcbearden: I'd call Joern or send him an e-mail. When he gave you an initial delivery date, it was tentative until confirmed by BMW AG. However, I believe it is very rare when the salesperson's date does not match the date from the ED center. (Have you received any written correspondence from BMW yet?) If this happened to you, ask Joern if he can explain the reason for the disceprancy. As an up-front guy, he's not going to try and deceive you.

    As for your other question, my car did not go to Passport BMW. However, since Passport was the selling dealership, the car was put on a ship destined for the Newark port. (Cars headed to Texas are normally shipped to the Charleston port.) Because of this, there was a delay of a few extra days because after my car went through VPC in Newark, it was sent to VPC in Charleston, before final distribution. Given that you know my situation, you may try and contact BMW NA and see if they can arrange to have your car shipped directly to the Charleston port.
  • trejos28trejos28 Member Posts: 93
    argh!!! ok, that's better.
  • boscojiboscoji Member Posts: 3
    Anyone know a way to get a quarter unstuck from the change holder of a 330i when it was accidentally put in the nickle slot?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    ...aaaargh, forget it. no team's ever come back from a 3:1 deficit...what was that number again, guru?
  • postoakpostoak Member Posts: 537
    Well if this is true then how was Platypus able to show us a photo of his car's speedometer at 134 mph on the Autobahn? Of course this was a 330i. See posts #2424 and #2425
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    NY is one of the few states i have not been too, i understand about the bad roads ours are pretty horrible, i never even test drove a non- sport so i dont know how much difference there is, i can say that my car take the potholes and traintracks really well especially for 50 series rubber. I think some of it has to do with the great chasis.

    wow 5 rims bummer:(

    DL
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    My coin holder jammed the first time I tried to put a quarter in the quarter slot. I tried to pull it out and next thing I know the whole coin holder was pushed 1/2 inch down and would not come out. I'm having the dealer replace it - they should do the same for you.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Something very quite and private...

    Or a good travel web site for research - I'm looking at Expedia, thetrip.com and Yahoo Travel.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    gr8st8 - "Prediction Sixers 106 Lakers 97"

    bmwwagonmaster - "...won't help you cope with the sixers win"

    denright - "....sixers tear them apart"

    brave "...20 point sixer win" (well, at least the spread was close to 20 so half right!)

    Oh yeah, Robert Horry really sucked.
  • jpcbeardenjpcbearden Member Posts: 37
    Thanks!

    The problem is not that Joern's date does not match the date from the ED center. It's that I haven't received anything in written form yet - nothing from BMWNA either. Called Joern today, he said I don't need to sign anything until he gets the production # which will be in mid or end July.
    I just guess he might have pretty good business, since we won't pick up the car until 3rd of Sept. in Munich, so he might have bumped mine to August production from July's. You think?
    It seems so uncertain, since I don't have anything in writing. But, he told me not to worry about it, everything is under control. I don't know if I should be concerned or not.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    having to put up with the most dominant force in BBall history in your own backyard....
    Let's see Wilt & Jerry, Kareem & Magic, Shaq & Kobe....
    Nice goin' boys!!
    PS: Philly made a nice run there for a minute
  • gr8st8gr8st8 Member Posts: 33
    gurumike,
    congrats on the Lakers win.

    The Lakers just simply couldn't miss today. Even Tyrone Lue was having a field day. It must be the hair...:)!

    Oh well, here's hoping to a more competitive game 5.

    Go Sixers and Go Pistons!

    PS: I stand corrected, Horry does suck....:)
  • jpcbeardenjpcbearden Member Posts: 37
    I didn't see your post until now.
    I was thinking there is something not quite right about it too. I think I will e-mail my salesman to find out the story.
    Thanks again!
  • uge123uge123 Member Posts: 100
    Thanks for the info. It's amusing to know that the wagons are all built in Regensberg.
  • fzhang875576fzhang875576 Member Posts: 2
    I just read the new CAR and DRIVER magazine and it said BWM is going to add more standard equipment to 3-series without increasing the base prize, it that true?

    When are we going to see 2002 model? I expect it to be cheaper.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    Trying to keep this car at bay. It wants to go out and run with the other horses, but I can't quite let it take the reins yet. I only have about 800 miles and it keeps getting harder to not pull the trigger when I see a chance. I know my car has a step slushbox, however it is the best auto tranny I have driven. The sport mode is a great feature. The step system blows away my "Geartronic" auto-manu system in my '01 Volvo V70T5. Although the Volvo is quicker (243hp high pressure turbo) it is very peaky torque not unlike a 2 stroke motorcycle so you really have to keep it "on the pipe" or in the sweet spot of the power band. The BMW has a much broader and more linear power band which I love and can't wait to really tap into it. I may need to go on another road trip to get over the break-in period, it's killin' me.
    Initially I was a little concerned about buying a SA built car, but I have to tell you this thing gets a 10 all around in build quality!!! The only problem I have had, is the infamous "B" pillar rattle from the seat belt anchor which I will have them fix when I go in to get my remote programmed. PS: Any tips as to what you guys had programmed into your cars?
    I think the blinking "clown nose" trick is out from what I can gather from recent posts.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    BMW changed the standard equpment as of March 1, 2001 production. They did not increase the base price, what they did was take some of the optional stuff (mostly from the premium package) and made them standard. In doing so, they reduced the price of the package itself. For my scenario (325IA W/ PP, SP, Step, CD) it amounted to about $700.00 in savings. It was well worth the wait.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Only 99 MY sedans (may-be early 2000s too) shouldn't have the red nose turned on sans alarm. There is no reason I'm aware of that you can no longer turn on the nose. And I'm the only guy at my store (I think) who can use the new MODIC BMW computer that plugs in to the OBD port so I can adjust car and key (and other) settings with out having to get someone from service to come do it (that was tough with week end sales to out of town clients).
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    Are you saying that having the blinking clown nose without the alarm installed on a 2001 325IA will NOT generate the fault codes that caused the previous concern?
    I think in a previous link earlier today to some posts by your own "Wunderkid" Jon, he stated it generates all kinds of fault codes that upset the service guys when they go to trouble shoot a real problem.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Absolutely no problem to active the clown nose on any new E46. The path on the MODIC is: carmemory/alarmsystem/confirmationwithoutDWS/active.

    Have your salesman activate yours today!
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    goody4 posted those links but, with respect to my comments about only 99 MY cars and earlier 2000s, goody4's links were dated June 11th and 20th of 2000 !!!!!!! That's exactly the time that geeks who'd turned them on on their 99s were coming into service with "problems" arising from the faults it caused.

    And by the way, "wunderkid" Jon knows this too.
  • stgreenstgreen Member Posts: 74
    I live in N'England. cant deal with rear wheel drive. love the 330Xi and priced it out. A few questions:
    1) With Xi Sport Package, do those 17" ALL SEASON tires really handle in snow, or will i have to go to 15 or 16 inch tires and wheels? I know they are not 'performance' tires but at 17inches will they be able to handle 2-5 inches of regular snow ???

    2) has anyone had noise problems with 330 Xi in auto or manual?? i've hear a bit about these and am curious. (my dealer has no Xi's to test drive-just 325 and 330 i's so if i do order one, its sight unseen..)

    Any comments on the 330Xi would be great - especially owners. Thanks!!
  • eddie2224eddie2224 Member Posts: 21
    I am very seriously considering getting an AWD 3-Series. I am currently driving a Lexus ES300 and prior to that had a M-B CLK320. The wife has a M-B M320.

    I really want to get an AWD for the Chicago winters and I really just can't stand the front wheel drive of the Lexus. I was hoping to do this as cheaply as possible and, therefore, was looking to lease a 325xi in the $525 range for 36-42 months. On the BMW site I ran a comparison with the 330xi and it seems the 330 had lower lease payments despite the higher cost. Is this true? Maybe the 330 has a much better residual, I don't know. I leased a car about ten years ago, but it has been awhile since I looked into this.

    I wanted to get heated seats, xenons, moonroof (maybe). Also, I really want a center armerest, but I don't need all the other premium package stuff... any way to do it economically?

    Help convert me guys!!! I have passed on BMW my last two car purchases and this may be the last time I really consider the brand. The AWD is a big plus for me.

    I am also confused about pricing. With M-B you may get $1,000 knocked off MSRP, but that is about it. I am hearing that you can do much better with the BMW dealers. Is it $2,000 over invoice?

    Thanks guys!
  • eddie2224eddie2224 Member Posts: 21
    I am very seriously considering getting an AWD 3-Series. I am currently driving a Lexus ES300 and prior to that had a M-B CLK320. The wife has a M-B M320.

    I really want to get an AWD for the Chicago winters and I really just can't stand the front wheel drive of the Lexus. I was hoping to do this as cheaply as possible and, therefore, was looking to lease a 325xi in the $525 range for 36-42 months. On the BMW site I ran a comparison with the 330xi and it seems the 330 had lower lease payments despite the higher cost. Is this true? Maybe the 330 has a much better residual, I don't know. I leased a car about ten years ago, but it has been awhile since I looked into this.

    I wanted to get heated seats, xenons, moonroof (maybe). Also, I really want a center armerest, but I don't need all the other premium package stuff... any way to do it economically?

    Help convert me guys!!! I have passed on BMW my last two car purchases and this may be the last time I really consider the brand. The AWD is a big plus for me.

    I am also confused about pricing. With M-B you may get $1,000 knocked off MSRP, but that is about it. I am hearing that you can do much better with the BMW dealers. Is it $2,000 over invoice?

    Thanks guys!
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    I know this conversation has passed, but I saw a rarely-seen Audi A6 4.2Q last night and wondered where it'd fit in the "fastest sedans" ranking. Surely it's quicker than the 2.7T, given the additional 50 hp. This is an interesting design: sometimes when I see one, I think it looks muscularly elegant with its exaggerated flared fenders. Other times, I think it looks like an awkward pickup truck with "dualie" wheels with its exaggerated flared fenders.
  • uge123uge123 Member Posts: 100
    Sorry to add to the mindless over enthusiastic babbling of new BMW owners...but I feel the need to spout joy!

    Yesterday AM my dealer called me and told me that my car had just arrived and that they would detail it for me by the evening. I got my final numbers together for the downpayment (I had increased it since I had applied for the loan) and scheduled an appointment for 7:30. I could hardly sit still all day!

    7:15 rolled around and I got a ride to the dealership from a friend. The car was still in detail when we arrived at 7:20, but two minutes later, it rolled up from the detail area, sparkling and shining with its perfect steel blue metallic paint. (325iT/SP/leather/heat/xenon/moon) I was overjoyed. The SP really adds an incredibly aggressive look to the car with its larger wheels and lowered stance. For a 'family car,' this wagon is the last thing I'd want to see in my rear view mirror.

    My friend (who's a Toyota mechanic) helped me inspect the car for any visual damage or repairs. We found two blemishes. First was the left front bumper insert (the rubber piece) had somehow been knocked loose when the center plate holder was inserted, so a corner wasn't properly seated. Second, there were a few blemishes in the clear coat in the left rear door. Neither would have stopped me from buying the car, but I got an IOU from the dealer for both. My friend snapped a couple of pics for my family and left. Since I was waiting for my wife to sign papers, the dealer asked me if I wanted to take it out for a final test drive before committing to the papers. Would I refuse?

    The car drove like a dream! I had no problem finding the perfect driving position with the manual seat adjustments. The engine was silky and powerful, with a muted turbine like whir (I kept it under 4500rpm's). The broad torque curve meant that I could accelerate the car easily from 30mph in 5th gear. Wow. The clutch was flawless, unlike some of the testers I had driven. The clutch had great feedback and a positive hookup. Takeoffs were smooth. I took it on a long winding road close to the dealer and had some fun. Although the tires aren't fully broken in, the grip was prodigious and the suspension was incredibly communicative. I was in heaven! The car responded with a crispness that my friend's fully broken in S4 didn't have. I still believe that I could keep up in the twisties with an S4. The 325's handling inspires confidence and law breaking speeds. Even with the SP, the car didn't break or loose composure (or even become uncomfortable) with washboard pavement or bumps (and we have a lot of filled in potholes around here). I couldn't wipe the smile from my face.

    After signing the papers, and the mandatory delivery presentation, I took off. Only 35 more miles after that but the car was flawless, as above. It truly feels like a precision driving machine.

    Two notes: First, the stereo's not bad at all. It's not the best I've heard, but it's definitely acceptable. I listen to a lot of classical and the midrange, while being a touch weak, is very precise, not a bad tradeoff. I just wish the controls allowed for more customization. Second, opening the rear windows by themselves causes an incredible buffeting to set up in the cabin. You can't feel it, but it's incredibly loud. Opening the front window even a crack solves this.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Glad to hear more great impressions during your break-in period. You're the only one I know of that has commented on their 3er built in SA. Mine should be shipped from SA anytime now..hopefully. Anyways, it will be great to read anymore comments from you in the future....
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