BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

laurasdada

Connecticut is (was?) the home to many major insurance companies. I wonder if they had any lobbyists involved in the speed limit laws. I'm sure that if you get written up for reckless driving, your insurance co. will send your premiums to the moon! At least radar detectors are no longer illegal in CT (which, I believe, was an illegal law in and of itself. State controlling public airwaves?).
BTW, I think it was one of the C&D editors who labelled those asleep at the wheel in the left lane types, "Left Lane Bandits" as they steal away the left lane! Left Lane Bandits are a pet peeve of mine, too.

raybear

There is so much construction going on it's insane to travel more than 65, and completely uneccessary. Just two weeks ago a pedestrian was killed near here on I-95. We have way too many maniacle drivers who are not qualified to drive the way they do.

brave1heart

I just sat in the M-B E320 that my colleague bought last week. It looks like an impressive package but I couldn't stop thinking it looks like your grandfather's car. Would not trade my 31.5K 3-series for a 50+K E320, that's for sure. We are taking it out for a spin later on tonight when it cools off a little.

deeshurt

raybear, as far as I know there are no sidewalks on I-95 in Connecticut. So if a pedestrian was killed there, well that would most likely be his/her fault. (I do however admit, that there are too many p-sychotic drivers out here in the northeast.)

brave1heart

From what I know, sticky gas pedals are more common with drive-by-throttle setups - I didn't think it would depend on manual vs. step.

brave1heart

That's right - Hartford, CT is the capital of insurance in the States. That explains the state's draconian traffic laws, which are far stricter than any other state. I've done a lot of driving in CT over the past ten years and I have to admit that I-95 close to NYC has the craziest drivers I have ever seen. It all goes to support what I was saying about confusing and congested streets. The section of I-95 close to NYC has been under construction forever - I mean for at least 10 years (great to be union there); traffic jams are common; the lanes are narrow; there is no breakdown lane and everybody is in a hurry on a major highway, especially one in proximity to NYC. However, rt. 84 is a very nice, wide 3-lane road, which can take a lot higher safe speed than 65. Then again, if you drive 80 on rt. 84 and you get pulled over, your license gets suspended for a month and you likely lose your job because public transportation there is almost non-existent. It is absolutely wrong and the only reason why it is this way is because of the fat insurance companies headquartered in Hartford. Who do you think is feeding local politicians?

raybear

Yep, they are feeding the politicos. Of course, there are also a lot of insurance company employees and shareholders here as well, so what's good for the industry is good for Connecticut. I do agree that I-84 has some stretches where they'd be using some imagination to call 80 reckless, but they have to treat the whole State the same way. Might be better if they had limited reckless driving to X-miles over the posted speed limit. I've seen nutcases tearing through the construction area in Bridgeport at 80 who I wouldn't have blinked at in Guilford. Same road, different area and attitude.

uge123

Well...Field's BMW just tested the aux fan and it is definitely the cause of the problem. Preliminary checks have found zero problems elsewhere but they won't do a full engine check until the fan is in. Part is on order and they have an estimated complete date of Wendesday, June 20. Not bad for a part that I've heard is backordered. He also quoted me the replacement part # as the correct number that platypus supplied here. Whoo hoo! Let's hope BMW didn't get any other bad batches. According to service, they've known about this for a long time and it may even affect some 5 series owners as well. They've been complaining to BMWNA but of course...the corporate entity just announced a recall. Oh well.

uge123

Don't knock it brave...different strokes for different folks. The MB is more of a riding car than a driving car. But it's still a solid piece of machinery that handles very well. My father's '86 300E is still running strong at 250k miles and is as solid as the day he brought it home. Of course...it's an inline-6 at that point. *sigh* Too bad MB went to V's.

Personally, I LOVE my 325iT and wouldn't trade it for an MB...except perhaps a 600SL.

brave1heart

Speeding in construction zones is one of the worst offenses I can think of and as I said, most of 95 has been chronically under construction in CT. It is humanly impossible to obey all traffic laws and the speed limit is just one of these impossibilities. Going 90 on rt. 84 is a lot les dangerous than going 70 in a construction zone on I-95. However, CT uses the same yardstick for all roads - anything over 80 mph is reckless driving. A lot of the crazy drivers on I-95 that I have seen are not necessarily going faster than 80 - it's more in the way they cut your way off forcing you to brake and just recklessly weaving in traffic. I have to admit that I feel a lot more threatened going 65 than 75 in these conditions because 65 makes you a prey; 75 makes you a predator. I agree that there should be a relative measure for what's reckless - say, 30 mph over the posted speed limit or whatever but also fine-tuned for road conditions. If I'm going 65 in heavy snow, that might be reckless although I'm still within the posted speed limit. Educating drivers first would be a much better approach than punishing them first. Especially drivers who might be upstanding tax-paying citizens who might have happened to hit 80 mph downhill in a 65-mile zone. Those people do not deserve to lose their license and possibly their jobs because of that.

iwantanm5

I can feel engine vibration as soon as I start it. It disappears after warming up for a while and RPM coming down. Is this normal? Thanks.

bmwagonmaster

genie: I bought a Certified Pre-Owned BMW. I'm not sure if it's the same in Canada, but I got a booklet called the "Consumer Information Statement" that explains the program details (extended warranty, roadside assistance, etc.). Also, my car was "Certified" BEFORE the sale with a window-sticker reflecting that. I got a checklist of the inspection verifying that the checked systems are OK. Hope this helps.

urge: Glad to hear that your wagon is going to be OK!

brave1heart

I think we are both in agreement on the car. I also thought it was built very solid but would not say more solid than my 3-series. My driver's side door feels just as heavy and it closes better. I love those big retro eyes on the E-class but other than that, I honestly have to tell you that I'd be very embarrassed being seen in one of these at the age of 32. The E class is all about luxury and status; nothing for the soul. Solid as it is.

P.S. I hope you get your family defender back by the end of the day.

drcr

Well its been a while since I posted last. Picked up my 325 Slv/grey, 5speed. Sport, Sroof 10 days ago and have been loving every minute.

A few first impressions. Engine sound kicks tail, power is awesome. The 330 must be sweet. I'm killing myself keeping below 4500. Did it a couple of times, so smooth. The turning radius is so tight. It surprised me a bit. Steering is the newer old. I'm happy w/ the feel. Sport seats are sweet. Sport gets a lot of second looks. I don't find the ride harsh at all. I'm enjoying the sunroof more than I expected. Love the tilt feature for air flow. The orange interior light glow is the best. There is even two orange "pin lights" near the rear view that illuminate the gear select area ever so slightly. Nice touch. Ergonomically, everything is just right. Very intuitive. I'm constantly like "oh this is sweet." The battery in the key is recharged through the ignition!! That kicks! The 5 speed shifts like a hot knife through butter.

Every rice burner wants to race? What the F? People assume you are a pompus jackass in a BMW. They don't want to let you merge. They assume you trying to cut. In my Altima, people are more like "go ahead you sorry Asp"

I initially had concerns with the Seimans cooling fan (Seimans bad, Bosch good) but BMWNA said cant replace unless it fails so I said OK. Then a few days later I got a call from the dealer (BMW of Macon <-IMO, they deserve a plug). They ordered one regardless, drove to my home, dropped a loaner for the day and replaced at no charge. Pretty cool. As a loaner, they gave me the same car but step vs 5 spd. The step is pretty sweet. Auto shift points are very smooth, almost unnoticed. Manual mode is pretty cool. All said and done, I wouldn't trade the 5 spd. I looked forward to getting my 5spd back after 1 day.

When I picked up my car at delivery date, they also threw in the wheel locks even after I signed and negotiated the mats 2 months earlier. I think they a trying hard to get Atlanta business (70 miles north)

I didn't get the armrest from the factory but I ordered one from Pacific for ~155. Installed it in less than 1 hr. Extreamly simple with the online instructions.

drcr

drcr

IMHO, I think the clears are sweet. They should go good with my black tux. Audi, VW, Lexus, Nissan, Infinity, and BMW Europe has been using them. They are just cleaner.

Neat point. BMW has VENTED front AND rear discs while the Audi, Saab, Lexus IS300, Volvo all have vented in the front only.

I noticed when I drive with all teh windows and Sroof open the passenger seatbelt flaps in the wind and the "buckle" taps against the pillar. any unique fix ideas other than buckle it?

trejos28

Finally..after several weeks. One step closer.

veekay1

Thanks for your opinion. I think so too, but you nailed it by saying that " its a new car, its an expensive car and I am too sensitive". And again, I think if there is a nagging doubt, its better clarified than be dwelt upon.
I shall let you know how it turns out!!
Thanks again
Veekay 1
P.S. I should have pictures up soon!!

brave1heart

drcr -

I enjoyed your post -

- sounds like a great combo - very similar to my 325i SP manual
- "Engine sound kicks tail, power is awesome."?? If you like this, wait till after 4,500 RPM's. It is silky smooth with progressive power all the way to redline and it pulls like a locomotive above 3K RPM's.
- roof is huge - I totally love it and almost always keep it open at any speed.
- did you know that the battery also charges the flash light in the glove compartment? Very neat. Even the M-B E320 that I saw today was using a battery for the key.
- "The 5 speed shifts like a hot knife through butter." - I really can't imagine shifting could be more fun than this in everyday driving.

Enjoy it, I know how you feel!!

P.S. The clears are a lot more popular in Europe and with any car, not just BMW. To me, they just like a little too Euro for my taste )

cheeks

Has anyone heard a rubbing noise coming from the steering wheel when making slow turns?

brave1heart

I answered that already - you might have missed my reply. Posting the same question multiple times won't get you more answers - this board is very good about answering questions if we know the answers, that is. Change your steering position slightly and the noise should disappear, OK?

eddie2224

At the M-B function this weekend, had the chance to drive the C-class (240 and 320) back to back with other makes (including BMW 325) - all cars were auto tranny. I drove the BMW first and it was clear that it felt much better driving then the C's. I noticed the better steering, less sway through cones, sharper acceleration, smoother ABS braking (emergency braking). You really get to beat the hell out of the cars like you would never dare do on a test drive. Of course, I also got to drive the M-B CL500 and that was awesome for a slightly bigger car (anyone got $125,000 to lend me?... LOL).

BTW, are there any sweet leasing deals that may be close to running out soon? I may not be able to go shopping for 2-3 weeks.

Thanks.

habitat1

Just wondering, is "braveheart" a real person? I was browsing this forum and it looks like half of the posts are from "braveheart". I don't believe its possible for one person post this many comments and have time to eat and sleep, let alone work. What's up??

brave1heart

He has been secretly replaced by a knowledge-based robot who is programmed to post at least once every half hour. Brave1heart will be back at the end of the summer when his vacation is over. Oh, the robot also takes care of family duties, maintains a full-time job, races in a go-kart league, plays golf every week, does a lot of reading and many more - isn't technology wonderful? Let's all send our regards to brave1heart who's waving at all of you from St. Thomas with a mai tai in hand )

bmwagonmaster

Your fan trouble may have a silver lining. Why not ask the dealer for a special on the CD changer as a "customer satisfaction" gesture. Figure that if you buy online and install yourself, it will cost about $500. Maybe they'll match that and then do the install along with the fan repair. If not, then at least you should get a T-shirt!

gurumike

...dam well programmed, todays robots.

brave1heart

kominsky

Thanks for the pointers! This will be my next improvement, scheduled for this coming weekend. Roughly, how long did the install take?

bmwagonmaster

You never responded to my question about which BMW you sold Kobe. My guess is the 2002 X-5 4.6.
Come on, you can tell your buddys here. We won't tell anybody....

uge123

bmwagonmaster: Hmmm...well, now. There's an idea. Maybe I'll just have to point out just how disappointed I am.

drcr: great post. If you got a wagon, all those rice burners would ignore you until you blew them off at the stop light. *heh*

But I know what you mean. I'm driving a sienna red metallic 323i with step as a loaner until my aux fan is replaced. I suddenly noticed people driving much more aggresively around me and not letting me pass and such. A Maxima driver and an Accord Coupe driver both tried to race me...but I toasted them.

braveheart: As for the free reving engine...one thing I noticed in the testers I drove, even the wagon, was that it was WAY too easy to accidently redline the engine in 1st and 2nd gears, even under moderate acceleration. The engine just pours on the power so smoothly that, oops!, there's the rev limiter!

Can't wait to get my car back.

veekay1

LOL!!
Listen, I think a man with your intelligence and proficiency is wasting time doing whatever you are doing in Boston!
I think you belong either in San Jose or in Hollywood!! Trust me, you will do well in the movie industry. Reason: a very fertile imagination and a keen intellect, hard combo to beat!
Cheers!

laurasdada

Instead of I-95, try Rte. 15 (Wilber Cross, then Merritt Parkway as you head into NY). A much prettier, twistier two lane drive through lower New Haven and Fairfield counties. A lot more fun in your BMWs than I95, I'm sure. I grew up in CT. The Merritt freaks some people out who have never driven it in that to enter, you (are supposed to, at least) come to a complete stop, pick your spot and GO!!! So, if you do drive it, keep a keen eye out for merging traffic. Oh, yeah. No commercial traffic, either. Unfortunatley, that doesn't exclude such (for 90% of actual buyers) atrocities such as Excursions, Expeditions and Suburbans. Haven't been on that road in about 5 years, so I don't know if it's changed, but it is a MUCH nicer drive than 95...

uge123

The family hauler won't be done until Wednesday. I'm sad and miss my little-wagon-that-could already. Manumatic with a 323 just isn't the same. I can hear my wagon's engine and 5sp pining away, begging to be driven, then driven more as it they find their harmoneous footing as they break in.

I agree about the E320. At 31, it would look odd to be driving a E320. I had a saleman try his hardest to convince me that the E320 wagon fit my age and image. *sheeesh!*

bmwagonmaster

I meant to respond earlier when I read allano's post. He is right about the factory instructions being at the Circle site, but if you check this link:

http://www.e46fanatics.com/faq/

 

there's a first-person account of the install which not only saved me time, but money. You'll see that you DON'T have to buy a new headliner panel if you carefully cut the one that's already in your car. Just read the story and it will be clear what I'm talking about. The install took me 45 minutes, including programming. I also agree with allano that the car transmitter has a shorter range, but mine works up to about 30 feet. Hope this helps. Just ask if you need more info.

raybear

Bill, I grew up in Fairfield, I know all about both roads. Trouble is, I live just off I-95 and work is at Exit 13 in Norwalk. The Merritt is a nicer road, but they're doing work there now, too! Should be even worse when they rebuild the Sikorsky Bridge.

kominsky

dantlo

Can you explain a little bit more? What do you mean by drive by throttle!!??
I dont understand it! So it is normal?!
Dan

genie1

So I can enjoy driving with the HUGE sunroof open...

I loved the car so much I didn't check half the things I was supposed to. It was just the drive all the way.

There were only a few 98 318s imported to CA. I guess they kept on making them for other markets? I'll have to check with the dealer as I've seen some on sale around town.

Is there anything I should check for on the Certified checklist? It has 82,000 kms - would it be due for anything big (i.e expensive)?

denright

Do you know anything about backups on the production line for AWD E46s? I am concerned that my car may be getting held up in production due to parts shortages or something? Any sense of how long it should be in 150 status? It's been a week already and I am getting antsy.

God, this is the longest wait EVER. Makes waiting for Christmas as a kid seem like a walk in the park. lol

Guru, any insight would be appreciated.

Denright - 330xi/manual/PP/CWP/CD/Steel gray/gray

brave1heart

for giving me so much credit. You're much too kind. I will be cocky enough and say that I could probably do even better as far as career but I like my life a lot just the way it is and I don't see the need to do anything extraordinary in life. My life's been pretty extraordinary already but that's another topic. Happiness is in little things. Who knows, maybe something big will find me some day but I sure won't spend much time looking for it. I'd rather spend my time enjoying life one day at a time. Ready, Shtroumpf?

brave1heart

drive-by-wire throttles are electronically controlled as opposed to having actual wires like on most other cars. i don't know enough about it to explain in great detail but i've read that one of the "side effects" of drive-by-wire throttles is gas pedal stickiness. i'm sorry i can't help you more with this. if it doesn't feel right, have the dealer look at it again and compare back-to-back with another bimmer...

dantlo

Thanks
I will have it checked out again.

gurumike

I never claimed to sell any Laker a car! I've done many celebrities (who shall remain anon for now, but let's just say you certainly have heard their names before) but none from The Lake Show. We do loan Michael Jordon a Range Rover each year when he comes to town (about the last 5 years), I think most ballers go for the Rangy as it's good for tall folk (not the Discovery).

gurumike

No back up, it's usually 150 for what seems like too long, but then the next codes go past in a matter of days. I'll check yous when I get home (doing a delivery right now).

gurumike

Remind me toward the end of the week!

nohash1

What would be a good price for a new 2001 325i sedan with automatic transmission, the premium package, metallic paint, cd,premium sound, and leather. I would really like to know

roc50mg

denright: I'm in still in the same boat as you. I'm still 150. BMW sure knows how to titilate people. Those sadistic Bavarians. When I called BMWNA last week, they told me 150's could last for up to 18 days. I didn't want to believe them, but it may be true. Even if it comes in mid or late July though, to look on the bright side, we still have half the summer to enjoy cruising down the roads.

clears: Why does everyone like to knock someone else's tastes on this board? I think BMWs would be pretty uninteresting if they came in only one color or model or whatever. The fact that people want to change things here to suit one's own taste's is great. By golly, if I want clears I'll get them! My 5 cents.

ackiss

Has anyone ever added a small towing hitch to a 330i? I know it is counter to why most purchase the 330. I do some very light towing, but not often enough to warrant an SUV/SAV.

jnscheong

The price on a 3-series depends on model, options, and where you are at. The prevailing rate is ~$1500 to $2000 above invoice. You can get the invoice price on the model with options you want on Edmunds or Kelly's Blue Book site.

Good luck.

jnscheong

pick33

With all the posts about faulty fans, I called BWMNA about it before I became another victim. They mentioned that they will inform customers at the beginning of July about this and offer the replacement. All builds after 4/30/01 (I forgot the start date) have utilized the "corrected" fan. Case closed!

maroon95

can i get xenon headlight with the 325i?

is placing an order for delivery the way to purchase the BMW? seems like there's not enuf at the dealership...not with the options i want on the 325...

seems to be more 330i than 325i at the dealership...