BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I could tell you more but then I'd have to kill you :o)
  • taos2taos2 Member Posts: 31
    Gurumike, Do you know if the awd shortage
    also effects Sportwagons?

    The salesperson I'm working with tells me that
    there are some Sportwagon XIs on the way to the
    dealership. When I ask for details on what's
    coming he tells me his manager won't tell him
    (policy?). So I won't commit to an unknown. If
    the car's not commited for then it sounds like
    an AWD will not be built, based on that bulletin.
    This seems like an odd way to run a business. He
    tells me if he can sneak a peek he'll call me.
    Sounds like a dealership setup for insisting
    on full MSRP.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    If I remember correctly, all E46s that do not have the upgraded Rain Sensing wipers have speed sensing wipers as standard.

    As far as turning them on or off, with mine at least, if I leave mine on (Rain Sensors), they will NOT automatically activate if it starts raining. My guess is that this is a safety feature so that you do not drive into a car wash on a sunny day and destoy the wiper arms. All I have to do if it starts raining is change the setting and the wipers will activate and stay activated until I turn the car off again.

    Oddly enough, I seem to remember from the video that came with my car that they should ALWAYS activate (unless the switch is in the "Off" position) when moisture is on the windscreen. If mine is broken, I want it to stay broken. I have a very early production E46, so it might be that this was a production change and the video was out of sync with my car.

    For those of you who have the Rain Sensors, how do yours work?

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    I found the Canadian (used) models were priced 25-30% higher. But bear in mind the 15% tax we pay in Ontario (7% federal, 8% provincial).

    If it was a direct conversion, I'd be driving an Aspire ;)
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Sportwagon not affected. Sold cars not affected anyway.
    Did he REALLY tell you he wouldn't tell you what equipment is on the inbound cars ????!!!!!!???!!! I'm stunned !! If that's really what the sales manager said, I'd be extremely nervous to spend/waste any more time at that store. Sounds more like some Pontiac/Chevy dealer from the 70s or a movie! Is there another dealer in your vicinity? That's quite a shame that the backward manager at that store is so cloak and dagger. I can't see what he thinks he could achieve (apart from control, in his mind, and beeping you off!).
  • mcceriomccerio Member Posts: 11
    Can anyone guess as to how long it takes for a finished car to get from Germany to the East Coast of the U.S.?

    Also, any projections on time spent at VPC, etc. before its ready for pick up would be appreciated.

    - MCC
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    My car is complete as of today. Somewhere in Germany sits my 330xi! Oh joy!

    BMWNA says it will take about a month to get it to port, load it on a ship, get it to the east coast, and into my greedy, grubby paws.

    Does this sounds right? Sounds reasonable to me I suppose. One week to get it on a ship, 2 weeks to make it to the US, and another week to make it to my dealership and get prepped.
  • pryan2pryan2 Member Posts: 5
    Yes, I talked to all the dealers in the area. Because I wanted a 2001.5 they did not want to deal. Yes, I think I will be doing alot running to the store for milk or a movie.
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    Looks like I answered Mccerio's question (sort of) without even meaning to.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    We have about 4 Mercedes -Benz mountain bikes at work , basically they are a rebadged lower cost bike , prices jacked up, matter a fact the guys hate them and they never even get ridden. Hope this helps....

    Regards,
    DL

    oh, brave where did u hear about the CD being standard ?
  • ajvdhajvdh Member Posts: 223
    The Q6.S does have one very interesting feature: They use the telelever front suspension like BMW's motorcycles. Basically, there's an arm from below the head tube to a ball joint on the fork. The suspension goes between the arm and the frame, rather than in the forks. I don't know how well it works on a bicycle, but Beemer motorbike riders I know say that once you get used to the complete lack of braking induced "dive", it's hard to go back to a conventional suspension.
  • max63max63 Member Posts: 76
    Just a few thoughts on my 330i sport. I dont know why, but every morning I just want to get up and drive this car. This thing is just fun to dirve. 2,200 miles, and no rattles or any other problems. I put some of the Klasse's on when I picked up the car, and not one nick or scratch on the hood.

    I love the "M" wheels, I know some thinks it looks to busy, but they really make the car look more aggresive. Tires really do make the car,IMO, and they look great on the 330i.

    The HK is a must, much, much better than without, but not as good as the Bose I had in my Audi.

    Having the Xeones lights is cool, but I dont see the difference. Prem pack is good, I like the wood with the grey leather.

    Having the A6 for two years, gurumike said it all. If you want a big car with lots of trunk space, perfect interior, good ride - take the A6 with the current lease program. ($499+tax, due up front 499 + tax, title lic. - on a $43,000 car)
    However, if you want car thats fun to drive, handles like a charm and gets you in and out of traffic take the 3'er.
  • shap1shap1 Member Posts: 77
    I know the market is tight on this car, so I wonder whether anyone thinks I can do any better than this price on a 325i:

    leatherette, metalic paint, steptronic and in-dash CD (no other options): $29,000

    BTW, there were a large number of 325's on the dealer lot, so I would think they'd want to move 'em out for allocation.
  • roc50mgroc50mg Member Posts: 102
    Denright: I'm glad things are moving along for your car production. Hopefully, by Monday, our car will be 160.

    Mountain Bikes: I appreciate everyone's comments so far. I think I will go with an established bike maker. Do you think I can fit a bike into the trunk of a 330? If not, can anyone recommend, a not so expensive bike carrier rack?
  • holeinoneholeinone Member Posts: 48
    Thanks for your sympathy. I guess I'll be looking at 12 weeks as well. I am much happier today because when I called BMW NA they told me as of yesterday, my order status has been changed to 150 - scheduled for production. That means a lot to me because at least I know it's making progress instead of being 111 forever!
  • ajvdhajvdh Member Posts: 223
    Depends on the size of the frame and whether you have folding seats. I can fit my road or mtn bike into the back of my E36 3 series (which has less room than your 330) once I fold down the seat and pop off the front wheel.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    It ain't cheap but...

    I use the Thule system on my cars. For the E46 (or most other BMWs for that matter) Thule makes an all purpose rack to which you can mount all kinds of stuff.

    For a bike rack:
    #753 -- $175.00 -- BMW Specialty Carrier
    #589 -- $190.00 -- 2 Velo Vise Fork Mount ($95.00 each)

    This system actually bolts into the 4 receivers hidden behind those plastic plates in the rain gutters. The beauty is that nothing actually touches the finish of your car.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • ad325iad325i Member Posts: 1
    What is the name of your dealer? I am in the Toronto area and understood that the BMW Financial Services interest rate was about 8.95%

    I take delivery of my 325 next Thurs so I still have time to shop around for a better rate

    Thanks
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    That's $585 off MSRP? They might do a little better, unless they're waiving the doc or admin fee.

    Invoice MSRP
    Standard Equipment $24,450 $26,990
    Every 2001 BMW 3-Series includes some standard equipment


    Optional Equipment

    · METALLIC PAINT (-METAL) $405 $475
    · LEATHERETTE SEAT TRIM (K4__) $0 $0
    · 5-SPEED ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION W/OD (205) $1,210 $1,275
    · REAR WHEEL DRIVE (-RWD) $0 $0
    · AM/FM STEREO W/CD PLAYER (650) $170 $200
    · MOONROOF NOT DESIRED (-NORF) $0 $0
    Total Options $1,785 $1,950


    Destination Charge $645 $645
    Advertising Fee $336 (included)
    Total Options and Fees $2,766 $2,595


    TOTAL $27,216 $29,585
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image
  • roc50mgroc50mg Member Posts: 102
    shipo: can you clarify about the bike rack? Do you mean that you have to purchase both the BMW specialty carrier and the velo vise fork as a set for it to work?

    Thanks
  • bingusabingusa Member Posts: 22
    I am interested in the ED. Do I have to go to a BMW-designated travel agency on a fixed price package for the travel arrangement? I have many airline mileage and hotel points which can make my travel free. But if I have to go with a BMW package, then I would not go for the ED path. Thanks.
  • postoakpostoak Member Posts: 537
    No, you are on your own, getting over there and back plus your accomodations -- which is what you want.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Congrats Mark, on winning this week's Friday Freeway trivia chat...see you next week to defend your title ;-)


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    From my experience with the rain-sensing wipers, the way you described how yours work is exactly how mine work and how they were designed. In the "auto" position, if the car is turned off and started again, you must either adjust the sensitivity or move the stalk up or down and back to "auto" for the system to be activated. Self-preservation feature for the wipers in a car wash, I'd guess.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    And, I believe, someone asked yesterday about what all the buttons do on an F1 cars steering wheel and I don't recall seeing a text book answer, so this is the best as I can remember: Pit lane speed limit, open/close fuel filler door, 2 way radio talk button (possibly 2 different channels) and I think launch control (their new thing) is one of those too. Shifting is done from paddles behind the wheel.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    There may be another button for drinking water. At least in CART they have that. Do they also get different color lights flashing on the wheel depending on the RPM's level?

    One more question for you: you had mentioned that you guys rented out Range Rovers to some of the BBall players. Does your dealership run a rental fleet or these are demo vehicles that are also used for special occasions like, say Shaq going out on the town?
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Guru that was my post 6031 about the F1 steering wheels. I thought those buttons were to control the CD player so Schumacher (Ralf, of course) didn't have to take his hands off the wheel to fast forward his N'sync album (;->
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Shipo's got the Thule and I've got a Yakima. I researched before buying and think they're both the best out there. I went with the Yakima only because of the way I needed to mount a rack on my wagon, which is different than sedan because the wagon has factory roof rails. Both companies have great websites which can help you pick what you need.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I'm wondering how the H-K sounds in Ralf's open-wheel racing cockpit. In addition to midbass, he must be missing most of the lows too, especially above 15,000 RPM's. Hopefully he's missing most of the highs on the N'sync CD too.
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Did you notice twoof1's post 5980 with comment about "wind in your hair"? Here we go again. Guess he doesn't know what a heavy denright is...
    And by the way, put another quarter in the jukebox and lets lift one last round to John Lee.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    "Nothing like the feel of the wind in your hair as you fly through your favorite set of twisties!!!" Well, that explains why you bought a wagon and not a roadster. I mean c'mon - a bald guy in a roadster; tires screeching through a tight curve on a twisty, mountain road. It just doesn't sound right w/o all that hair waving all around you. OK, I guess I'll have to go down and sleep in my 325 tonight now that I said this...I can see denright's pulling out the M.G.L. books again.
  • frank69mfrank69m Member Posts: 63
    Been in that stupid,
    MB C-class vs BMW 3 series vs Lexus IS300

    forum where Vtech and Silverlex were bashing around.... 0-60 times of 325s vs IS

    It's great to be back home!

    Need to smack some of the ISers around.

    M3 Frank
  • boelkeboelke Member Posts: 14
    Ditto on the MB vs BMW vs IS. It ain't worth it.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    You need to go with the coupe to get that engine. Biggest engine you can get in a 3-series sedan (or saloon as they call it) is the 325. I guess they figure the sedan is a family car and the parents don't deserve to have a lot of fun - kind of like the way we treat the wagons here. They get all kinds of choices for the wagon over there, though - 330d including. The marketing people must be having a lot of fun.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    www.bmw.co.uk

    Under 3 series, you can choose between 330i, 330i SE and 330i Sport Sedan. What made you think you couldn't get a 330i there?
    Worth mentioning, winner of 5 stars in Autocar magazine (only 5 or 6 cars a year get that) The 330d, with 185 hp and, most relevantly, a MASSIVE 280 lbs/ft torque almost all the way across the rev range. Thats more than the M3.

    Go to www.bmw.uk.co then select the "3" at the top (just like the US site), you'll immediately see the 330i sedan option (it may say "saloon", that's English for Sedan).
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Roc,

    That is correct, you need both parts to make it work. However, the "BMW Specialty Carrier" portion is reusable for the likes of Bikes, Skis, Snowboards, Surfboards, Windsurfers, Canoes, Kayaks, Boxes and Baskets. In my case, I have two of the Velo Vise Fork Mounts which work for both road and mountain bikes.

    Frank,

    Isn't our ex-buddy v_tech a piece of work?

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I had done exactly like what you recommended. I got confused, though, b/c when you get to Build Your Own under the Saloon category, you see all models BUT the 330 at first. You actually need to scroll down with the scroll bar, which is all the way to the far right. Not to mention that half the bottom page is totally blank. Anyhow, yes, you are right - you can get the 330i and 330d in the U.K. - thanks for correcting me.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    The latest European Car magazine has a drawing of it and all I can say is that it looks stunningly beautiful. HP will be from 245 (3.0 ltr) to 400 (5.5 ltr) and you get a choice of 6-spd manual or the 6-spd SMG from the new M3. It sounds like a great next car and I know I'll be looking at it when it comes out in a few years.
  • ashutoshsmashutoshsm Member Posts: 1,007
    I've been lurking at the respective boards of cars in the same class as the 3-series for a few weeks, and plan to buy in a few months.

    This is to address the comments about the people who've decided to keep off the comparison boards (eg. MB vs BMW vs IS) - stick it out there and address some concerns of potential buyers, because a lot of people only hang out at comparison boards and base their decisions on the loudest voices there :-(

    FWIW, I've test-driven a bunch of cars in this class (325ix, 325i, Acura TL, TL Type S, Volvo S40, S60, Lexus IS300, Audi A4 1.8T and 2.8 with Quattro, Saab 9-5 and 9-3). Honestly, the only ones that are really fun to drive and at the top of MY list as potential buys are the 325 (non x) and Lexus IS300. The S40 is a blast to drive too, for a FWD machine, but reliability ratings are deep in the gutter!

    Congratulations on such a lively and fun board, by the way.

    Oh - and perhaps the only advantage of staying out of the comparison boards is a selfish desire to see less BMW 3's on the road, eh?

    -ashu

    ps: brave1heart has got to be the most prolific (non-flame) posting member at Edmunds!
  • postoakpostoak Member Posts: 537
    jimbres - by all means, please post about your impression of your grey/red interior when you get it. (Sorry, I can't remember BMW's name for their red leather.)

    gurumike - I, also, would like to know more about cloth seats. When your car arrives, please let me know about the texture of the cloth.
  • frank69mfrank69m Member Posts: 63
    Ya, it was getting pretty nasty at that board. You are right, it ain't worth it. Too many IS lovers over there. Sometimes I get emotional about everything.

    One thing that IS owners don't realize is that their car is really a BMW wannabe. I'm not trying to bash the IS (even though it looks like a little kids car with the ugly clears), but it is really a BMW wannabe and they built it with BMW in mind. I'm not saying the Mercedes C series is trying to be a BMW, but the IS, ughhhhh......it really tries to be.

    I can tell you one thing.....if the Lexus IS300 were the exact same price as the 325 or 330, I bet 95% of the people out there would choose the BMW hands down. I can guarantee this.

    M3 Frank
  • frank69mfrank69m Member Posts: 63
    Braveheart, is the 3.0 liter with 245 horses .... 245 bhp in the US or europe. I think they have different ratings. And the 5.5 ltr will be 400 HP??? Wow..... I guess it will be a 650 series....All coupes I think....Got anymore pics for us?

    M3 Frank
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Cloth seats - absolutely thrilled. Wonderful material feels so much more appropriate in a sporty type car. Looks really good on the doors where mine has cloth where it would've been leather or l'ette.

    No moon roof - Stoked !! Finally my own 3 series where I can sit in my most ideal driving position with out having my hair brush against the roof (a frustration from both of my previous 3ers). I prefer a higher, very upright driving positions (a client once asked me why I had a "womans" driving position, as if all guys should be "laid back").

    Brave1heart - (and others!) look for some links later today which will include STUNNING shots illustrating how much nicer white looks with your favorite, that's right, clears !!!!!!

    And also - the electric rear sun shade is the bomb!! I can't believe it's offered in places like England, but not over here! It fits super well and spreads the width of the back window, unlike in the new C class Benz which almost looks silly as there are about 15 inch gaps on each side of the shade when it's up.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Only the new 7 will be the 4.5 liter 345 (ish) hp. The 540i will receive a modest power hike to 290hp by way of reprogrammed ECU. I would guess that would be the same for the X5, but I haven't seen that in black & white yet.
  • shop2shop2 Member Posts: 7
    Hi, I saw your posting regarding the A6 and hoped you might share some insights on the 330i with Sport Pkg vs Audi S4. With the amount of exposure to the S4 you must have as an Audi salesperson, I'm sure you have some interesting insights. I'm torn between the two, and can't get enough time in either to make an educated descision. Thanks
  • mfeldmanmfeldman Member Posts: 140
    Last night I looked under my 10 week old 330 to try to diagnose a noise. I was horrified to see that the dual set of pipes leading to the muffeler were covered with what looked like rust and corrosion. Is this normal? I immediately peered under my 1996 Accord and it looked nothing like this. The little noises and steering issues have been annoying, but this rust really scares me. DO I have a lemon? I waited 2 year to get this car and I hope it doesn't strart to fall apart.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Get the BMW. There are far too many reasons to start listing. Ultimately, they're both great cars, probably the two best $40k sport cars available and I don't think anyone (unless they were getting out of a 3er) would be less than thrilled with the S4. But the BMW really does just feel so much better. It's on it's own level. That would be the top level.
  • shop2shop2 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the fast response. Actually, I ordered a 330i 3 weeks ago, going with my gut, but when I saw your A6 posting and background I had to ask. Thanks again!
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