BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

denright

This is another interesting review of the 330xi, which gives some interesting insight into the mechanics of how the drivetrain actually delivers torque to the 4 wheels in such a manner as to minimize the negative elements of AWD.

http://www.automobilemag.com/previews/845.html

Once again, the only negative statement about the car is the boosted power steering. With that rectified, I am thrilled at the prospect of taking delivery of this car in a month.

azbmw

Thanks for the lease info, I will present it to the CFO when we go tip a glass or two tonight.

Re: parameters - I was given a choice, a reasonable pay raise or "executive" car. Upon doin' the math, I pushed a compromise, a good car in the 30K range and a raise, the CFO accepted. Of all the cars I looked at - Lexus, Acura, Lincoln, Volvo,MB,and BMW, I chose the BMW 325i WHY?To keep it simple, it fits me and I like it. After a few years, I will move up to the 5 or 7 series, maybe, we'll see how it goes, might stick with 3 series.

veekay1 - it seems my sense of humor does not translate well on the web. I have a great boss and he could not care less if I spend all day on the web as long as I get my job done. As a matter of fact, he was looking at a web site for parts for his classic Datsun roadster when I entered his office. Sorry, if I gave you the wrong impression.

brave1heart

sandecki

I called this morning and was told my car was still at VPC

veekay1

Now that u explained in detail, it makes sense. In fact, if you go thru the more than 5000 posts here, you will find that posts from people who have driven the 3,5, and/or 7 series at one time or another, regularly praising the handling and spirited driving characteristics of the 3 series over the others. In that sense, you will be very happy with your choice! Add to that a monetary raise, and I think you have it made!
Welcome to the most popular community in all of Edmunds Townhall!!
But read the "rules" pertaining to use of language very carefully!! (lol).
veekay1

veekay1

The plot thickens!!!

This is what happened:

I assume yours is the same ship as mine (Jinsei Maru)....The ship has TWO docking ports!! (can u believe this??!)
On June 12, the ship DID dock as scheduled, at PORT 1. Here, all the "babies" were promptly offloaded and sent to the VPC ASAP! (expedited customs).
On June 13, the ship moved on and docked at the SECOND PORT (2). At this site, private (non-commercial) merchandize was offloaded and that is the date that BMWNA is referring to!!! (for some reason they didnt record the June 12 date)

In any case, yes, I was told by BMWNA that as per their info, the car has been "released to carrier".ie. on its way to the dealer.
Find out about urs and let me know!
Good luck!!

azbmw

Thank you, glad to be here! I have been spot checking past posts, looks like the word is "beep", I will mind my P's and Q's

veekay1

Coined by our own, MadMax the "brave"!!
(shooting for 6000 by the weekend brave?)

gr8st8

uge123/brave: Is Stoichkov really playing for the Fire? The temperamental Hristo Stoichkov? I thought he retired already. One of his moments that I'll always remember was when he scored a goal out of a free kick to send Germany home in the quarterfinal's game of the 1994's World Cup here in the USA. What a classic game that was!

drew37

I was haggling with a dealer by phone and email over the price of a 330xi. We agreed on a price for the car and I mentioned that I'd like to see the numbers for a 36 month lease using the price that we had agreed upon. I went to see him the next day and he had some printouts with all the pertinent numbers for several different lease terms. I was surprised to see a $725 acquisition fee for this car and asked him if it wasn't a bit high. He said he would check that out. He left the room and came back a few minutes later and said he was sorry that "the fee for the 7-series cars was used by mistake. The actual acquisition fee for the 3-series was $525".

Being somewhat paranoid with car salespeople, of course, I thought this could have been done intentionally. The reason I say this was because before that happened I had asked him about some of the other numbers, money factor and residual etc. He said that those were all from BMWNA and they were automatically printed on the paper showing the lease terms for the 330xi. So, I thought to myself, then how did he come up with a $725 acquisition fee - for a 7-series car - when all the other numbers on the sheet were correct for a 330xi? Hmmmmmmmm.

Which brings up another question. I thought that acquisition fees were "allegedly" supposed to take care of the cost of the paper work etc. for the lease. So shouldn't the acquisition fee for all the cars leased through BMWNA be the same? It doesn't cost any more to do paper work for a 7-series car than a 3-series car. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

gurumike

where is unboring guy these days?
Nothing special to share, just thought I'd make an appearance so I thought of two things to share.

1. My 330i arrived in Oxnard yesterday (waa-hoo), can't wait for next week!!

2. Let's go Lakers, let's go (boom-boom); Let's go Lakers, let's go (boom-boom).

When I said Robert Horry sucked, I was kinda joking. That three point floater half way through the forth quarter especially sucked.

whyguy1

Sorry if this is on the wrong board...

I'm interested in a 92-98 3-series. What kinds of problems and other things should I expect and look out for? Are there models or features I should avoid like the 318?

For example, I read some earlier post about making sure the timing belt has been replaced.

Thanks a bunch!

novcenthusiast

I read that blurb in C&D and I thought it said the '02 330i would come standard with the SP. The latst Automobile mag also has some info on 2002 3 series

Don't let anyone fool you. Boston fans are the worst. Yes they are die hard and back their teams religiously but are highly obnoxious .

I think it was my freshman year when the Patriots went to their last Super Bowl. Even the local news anchors were wearing patriots jerseys. To make it worst a few of my house mates decided to adopt them as their team. I was so happy when Desmond Howard and Bret Favre trounced them!!!

gurumike

I'm in the right mood to share this, so I hope drew37 is watching! Trade secret: $525 is the bank fee. With most banks it's a fixed amount ($495 Audi FS, $595 Chase) but BMW FS permits the dealer to add up to $200 so the finance manager can make a slightly better living. It doesn't matter which car it's on. We can do $725 on a base 325 and $525 on a 750. It's like adding to the money factor. Ultimately it really makes very little difference to the payment, but you hard-core shoppers can always claim something like "well the other dealer was using a $525 bank fee....."

daswolf

Anyone need to replace the xenon bulbs yet? Are they only available through a BMW dealer? How long are they expected to last? and How much for a bulb?
Trying to make an informed decision about life cycle costs for them.

unboringuy

I'm here! Just found out the my second 330xi is aboard the Jingu Maru and is scheduled to arrive in port in NJ on June 26. My dealer called yesterday and said they wanted the loaner back, so today I'm back to driving my 1991 Miata (a great car, but....)

I'm still more than a little miffed that BMW has known about this fan problem for quite some time and has done little if anything about it, until very recently.

I only got one reply to my earlier post, but I sure think that BMWNA should have been willing to do SOMETHING about my problem. But they didn't even so much as offer me a free t-shirt for my trouble.

What do you think, guru?

Oh, and by the way....isn't there some website that can be accessed to track the ship? Anybody know what it is? Thanks.

jnscheong

The website is http://www.wlna.com

You can't really track the ships per se. You can view the scheduled departure and arrival time of the ships however.

jnscheong

willyg123

Okay, I've read countless posts on this site. I've driven products from Acura (Honda), Lexus (Toyota), Mercedes and BMW. After 200 miles on my sport premium 330 (silver on gray leather), I can testify that there is simply no comparison. By the way, my wife owns a 2001 Volvo V70 T-5, so yes - I am very familiar with the S60 as well. My BMW sales person was the top guy at the dealership and a friend from a common employer of several years. I offer my insight (for what it's worth) to anybody that is seriously considering a purchase and wants to benefit from my selection and purchase experience. It took three years to belly up and buy this car. It is an astonishing machine. If you have the cash, spoil yourself. My commute is now a pleasure instead of a chore. Even when caught in traffic I have one hell of a fashion accessory. Thanks to those who were possessed enough to post to this site.

dtlee

Does anyone know what interest rate BMW FS is offering? My car will arrive mid-July.

parump

Congratulations on the arrival of your new car!

Last week you posted a message about auxillary fan replacement at the VPC. However, yesterday BMWNA denied a fan replacement program at the VPC. Does this imply that the fans installed after week 18 are non - defective?

Do you have any updates concerning this?

Thanks in advance for your efforts.

willyg123

I noticed historical posts from you dating to November of last year. At the time you indicated you were trying to decide between a 325 and a 330. While you apparently have a car ordered, you might want to know that BWM FS has .0021 money factors underlying 330 leases. This equates to approximately 5.04% interest. I used the lease as a quasi ballon way to finance my purchase - I will buy the car at the end of the 3-year lease. This deal runs out in a few weeks and is only on 330s, at least in my area. The best new car rate I was quoted was about prime (7.5%) and I have better than good credit. What did you pick 325 or 330?

shipo

Back in 1998 when I was shopping for my E46 328i, I read a brochure from BMW that said that the Xenon lamps will last for "Well over 100,000 miles of normal driving". Given that there is no actual filament in the bulbs, I suspect that this is probably true. FWIW, TRUE Xenon lamps (as opposed to the cheap after market ones) are filled with a number of gases (primarily Xenon) that when excited by an electrical charge, emit light.

In 1999 when I took delivery of my car, I asked my dealer what a bulb would cost and if I remember correctly it was around $400.00. That may seem like a lot, however, two things must be considered, 1) they last a LONG time and 2) by the time we need new ones, the price will have come WAY down due to the fact that they will be just about standard equipment on all cars by then.

Best Regards,
Shipo

willyg123

My dealer says defective Siemens fans are largely being replaced in the field with Bosch units. Many of the defective fans made it to the customer since test drives wouldn't reveal this problem. I think VPC intervention is uncalled for as new shipments aren't the problem. willyg123

drew37

In any case, the salesman was less than honest with me (to put it nicely) when he said they used the bank fee for the 7-series by "mistake". I had never heard of such a high acquisition fee and it turns out my "BS-o-meter" was on the mark. Thanks. By the way, he was also using a money factor of .0023 which I think was increased over the .0021 used by many other dealers at the time

dtlee

You have a good memory. I ordered a 330i.
BMW FS offered an interest rate of 5.9% back in April (which lasted until end of June with approval by end of April). I read somewhere BMW FS is offering a 6.5% but need confirmation. I will visit my dealer this weekend for any new info.

gurumike

I don't think it's fair to say BMW knew about this problem and then allowed anything but a very short amount of time to pass before implementing a replacement program for the affected Siemans part to be replaced by one from Robert Bosch. There is no "ongoing" VPC replacement system, but I believe action was taken so the few cars that had already left the factory with the parts could be updated before shipment to dealers. Much cheaper to do that than wait for the cooling systems safety design to blow hoses (and much coolant with it) and steam.
I don't know when the switch over was, but it was well over a month ago.

unboringuy - I think at least a T shirt sounds fair. Email me your mailing address.

gurumike

willyg123

You will be happy with the 330. My salesmen owned a 1999 323 and loved it but complained about a lack of grunt in the power department. He now drives a BMW sudsidized X5 (6 cylinder) that he won as the top producer at his dealership in 2000. He is eager to shed it and get back to a 3 series as soon as he can. The 6.5% would be good but I choose to effectively defer principal payments until the end of my lease term. I'd rather keep payments low for the time being. My 330 has the premium and sport packages with xenon lights. The new M series rims are special and my dealer also noticed some new contours on the molding package. As you likely know, the 330 is now configured in a 2001.5 version - the changes include standard sport suspension and a return to the prior steering feedback. The car definitley goes where you point it. Good luck to you!

parump

Thank you very much for the fan update. Your comments are most welcome.

gurumike

What we frequently do is waive the security deposit so the client parts with less cash up front, it's how to get the lowest drive off with out rolling anything back into the capitalized cost. BMW FS permits the security deposit to be waived with a 0.00015 rate adder. So in effect, if it was 230 with no security deposit then they weren't making any rate really. In other words, the 210 MF on the 330i would be 225 w/out a sec deposit. The exception would be for a BMW client either with a current loan with them or a lease end client in which case there is no security deposit required (with letter of qualification).

Got that ?

uge123

and anyone else I might have missed! These 3-series are simply magical. And ya gotta love the 0.8 inch lower SP suspension! WOW!

drew37

That was 230 money factor WITH a $650 security deposit. This was on 6-1-01. I thought it should have been 210 money factor at that time. Were they adding to the MF ?

gurumike

drew37

I don't think so.

unboringuy

And that's probably why, as a general rule, car salesmen (like lawyers) have a bad reputation. I always find it to be quite entertaining to catch folks in a lie, and call them on it, to see how they try to backpedal and talk their way out of it.

Of course, not all car salesmen are dishonest. And when we find straight shooters, we appreciate them all the more (like gurumike, for instance).

Just my 2 pennies here...

who1

I was just perusing the board due to thoughts of acquiring a M roadster and noticed Bravehearts request for a recommendation for a digital camera. I purchased a 3.1 Mpixel Toshiba back in May and am thoroughly pleased with it. The pics are superb and the software furnished with the camera is nice (Photoshop LE better). I have taken pics of my son's wedding and they are better than the professional's offerings. With the new printers and photo papers it is a terrific investment. Go to MySimon.com to search prices.

denright

VOB BMW is trying to get me to pay a full point on top of the 6.5% that BMW FS is offering. They call the 6.5% the "cost of the money" and then they take a 1% bite on top as their financing profit.

Nice, huh?

Thanks, but I'll take my financing business elsewhere. I am taking out a home equity line of credit with DeepGreen Bank at 6.1%. The best part is that all interest paid on this line of credit is tax deductible. I think it's a VERY good deal.

denright

I agree with you that it is NOT ok to lie. Lying in the circumstances where you are inducing someone to rely on your falsehood to their financial detriment is called FRAUD. I sue people for fraud everyday.

Which brings me to my second point. It is also not ok to blindly generalize concerning others' honesty based on caprice and ignorant prejudice. Despite your comment comparing lawyers to dishonest car salesmen, most attorneys I know are extraordinarily honest people. I know I am, in part because to be any less honest would jeopardize my career and my future.

Attorneys are governed by "rules of professional conduct" which state, among other things, that lawyers cannot lie or misrepresent facts during the course of their work. To be caught in such a lie would expose an attorney to court sanctions, a formal reprimand from the Bar, and even potential suspension from the Bar. In the circumstances of a repeat offense, attorneys may be disbarred for lying. Simply put, as an attorney my livelihood depends on my honesty and integrity.

In future, please think twice before sullying the name of an entire profession. To do so belittles us both.

Andy98

I'm slowly gearing towards the purchase of a 325ix and I'm considering Thompson BOW in Doylestown, PA given their close proximity to my house. Can anyone share experiences that they may have had in the past with this dealership both good and bad)? Also, any sales person reference? Thanks. I enjoy reading this board.

veekay1

Haven't heard much about Thompson BMW......West German BMW is a popular dealer in PA....and if you wanna cross the bridge, NJ has some good dealers (Classic, DeSimone)......Shop around and try to get a good offer first....you will learn a lot during that process itself.....$1500 to 2000 over invoice seems to be the going rate for the 3 series currently.
Good Luck!

veekay1

Hey man! You got all worked up by Unboring guy's statement there! In my opinion, it was a very , very general statement and you shouldn't take it personally!
When are you picking up your car?

eddie2224

I just have to express my appreciation for the great help available here. I am now armed and dangerous and ready to go to battle with the dealer. Here is what I now believe to be true:

1) The cost of the car (330xi) should be $1,500 - $2,000 over invoice (I assume that includes the options)

2) MF for 330xi lease is .0021 (for all periods or just 36 months?)

3) Make sure any MACO is included in cost.

4) End of lease acquisition cost should be $525.

Any comments? Thanks again.

willyg123

Careful on that assumption of deductible HELOC financing. Your Home equity LOC has to be applied mostly to home improvement. Throw in the phase out of itemized deductions for high income types (assuming you already have a mortgage) and you will not get the full (or maybe any) of the pre-tax equivalent financing you think you are. Still the rate you mentioned is not bad, particularly with inflation at 4.0%. Your real cost of money is a low 2.5% with a 6.5% loan.

maril555

I ordered my 330i w/SP,LTHR,CD,which is scheduled for production in wk.26(late June).According to your message,SP is now standard-could you please clarify about the production date when it became standard.Does it mean that I should not be paying extra for the SP.Your response will be greatly appreciated.

veekay1

My car is here!!
gonna pick up at 3pm!
Be prepared for another emotional monologue later tonite!!
veekay1 (325xi/sapphire/gray/PP/CWP/step/Xenons)

shipo

The SP is NOT standard equipment on any E46. However, the standard suspension for all 330i models is now the same as what came with the eariler SP. If you want wider tires, seats, M wheels and the 3 spoke steering wheel, you need to order the SP.

I think that I read somewhere that the 2002 models will have the SP as standard equipment, but, do not quote me on that.

Best Regards,
Shipo

gurumike

But marking up the rate (and not "telling" you about it) is not lying to you unless they'd previously represented to you that you were getting the money factor at the buy rate. On any nonstandard lease rate (that's all cars except M3, M5 and Z8) BMW permits up to a .0004 rate hike. Being "charged" a .0002 higher rate on a 330i with a $40000 sticker, purchased for $1750 over would equate to a $13 high monthly payment (more than I thought until I just figured it out).
One way to look at it might be that if you got the same "over invoice" deal at two dealers, the other might mark the rate up by the "usual" .0004 and your local/other dealer uses .0002, then they are going to offer a lower payment for the same mark up hence doing the better deal. I'd even go as far as to say that they were kinda doing you a favor by "only" going .0002 up. Again, unless they'd said there was no mark up in which case that would certainly be an untruth.

Congrats, veekay1 - let us know how you like it !

denright

I am frankly sick of hearing my profession casually insulted. Unboringuy's comments were relatively innocuous, but the cumulative effects of such comments have finally gotten me to the point that I have essentially no tolerance left.

I take pride in my work and in the service that I provide to my clients and to society. As such, I do not take kindly to people insulting my profession with specious, unfounded slurs, based on nothing but ignorance, spite and jealousy.

I expect to take delivery of my car in mid July.

veekay1

i am very excited!!
BTW, The dealer just called me again and said that they would take an additional 2 hrs to set the key memory settings (esp. the vents etc.) ......does that sound reasonable Guru?

brave1heart

You must be psyched. Just reminding you to bring along the e46 and the Foolish pickup lists and take your time to inspect everything carefully during the delivery process.