BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

thedeepdarkblu

I'm going nuts at the Pacific BMW site, purchasing a crapload o' stuff for my 325 that's coming this week! Anyone have any experience with the Noah Cover and the mudflaps? Worth it? How do the mudflaps look? Any feedback would be helpful.

genie1

would be Blue with Tan interior.
Green or Black with Tan would be next
Black interior is nice in all the aforementioned colors and with the Silver.

But I can live with the Black cloth with Black exterior that I have as the 98 318is hard to find here. The only other one available right now (which has the black leatherette I wanted) is a stripper. Mine also has the sunroof and heated seats which I will appreciate in Winter.

BTW: My car has "Premium Sound" but no CD? I didn't check at the time but now I'm wondering...

jenne1

Howdy...1st time posting here..a great resource. I want to take the "325i" plunge. Please tell me:

-I want one with just one upgrade; the automatic transmission (boring, I know!). How much is a reasonable price? I know invoice = 26,990 + auto = 1210 for a total invoice of 28,200. How much over invoice should I expect to pay? Does this "$2000" Manufacturer-to-dealer incentive apply here?

-Can you get the same deals on ordering one as you would expect by lucking into one you find on a lot somewhere? If so, how long a wait until it's delivered?

Thanks so much!,

Steve in DC

tchoo

I've heard that you have to drill holes to attach the mudflaps, and also they're black and won't match your steel gray.

jk26

I can't decide on an interior color for my met silver 325i. I think the grey with wood looks more luxurious, and the black interior with black trim looks sporty. Which of the two combo's do you like better?

JK

trejos28

jasonkureejii

postoak,

Ahhhhhhhh! Didn't think about the metallic paint being an option, but you're right, that would be outright tough without the choices in colors....let's just say that color is also included....

trejos28,

IT'S WORTH THE WAIT, MAN!!! DON'T GIVE UP! I too am feeling your anxiety...and certainly others here! I thought about what if I had to go to a second choice, and, man, I DON"T WANT A SECOND CHOICE NOW!!! Never thought just waiting for the car would become an obsession! Don't be a fool...meant that in good way!

platypus

I'll agree with you - black interior with black trim lends to a more sporty look while grey with wood lends to a more luxurious look.

Are you getting the Sport Package or not? If yes, then why not go with the black/black, and you could opt for leatherette and save a few bucks. If you're not getting the SP, but are getting the Premium Package, then I think the grey with wood would be a better fit for you.

Silver with black interior looks awesome - of course I'm biased since that's the color of my car - 330i SP so it also has aluminum trim.

aaron330i

Thanks!

jnscheong

$1500 - $2000 over invoice is the typical range.

The price you pay for the car should have nothing to do with the car being on the lot vs being ordered.

The wait for delivery could be anywhere between 2 to 3 months.

jnscheong

aaron300z

I think Black/Black is the nicest combo.

Dont forget to add the wood trim option to get the best looking interior in a BMW

tchoo

Here's a picture of what it looks like:

http://members5.clubphoto.com/tim386919/BMW/

postoak

Of course, you didn't allow for the fact that the different options have tremendously differing prices, but I'll play and say "leather" as I'm not as sold as I once was on the Xenon lights.

denright

My order is for a 330xi, PP, CWP, CD, steel gray/gray.

Most important options (excluding packages) are:
1) sunroof - I love the open sky above me, and the E46 sunroof is BIG and airy;

2) fold down rear seats - adds SO MUCH functionality;

and 3) in-dash CD - a must in combination with the HK sound system which is now standard on the 330s.

denright

What's this I saw above about a $2,000 manufacturer-to-dealer incentive??? Do I benefit from this in connection with my order, which was made on April 28, or was I too early?

bmwagonmaster

Did you get the the plate holder to fit correctly?

motorcity3

Hello everyone,

Do you guys know a good website to order BMW parts online?

Thanks

bmwagonmaster

I applaud your thought! And because of people like you and Guru, I'd like to add "knowledgeable" to your "civil and supportive."

platypus

The incentive we were discussing applies to the Z3. burrsr is in the process of looking for one.

$2K incentive on the 2.5 and $3K on the 3.0. Great time to buy one if you're in the market. Really made resale value on my 1.9 bite the big one though...

max93

I agree with Postoak on color combos. Dark over light or light over dark is the most striking and is often what dealers offer standard, rather than black on black, silver on grey. Darn having all these choices to make! If a car with anything close to the options we desire was available on a lot, in a color combo at least not offensive to one's taste, most of us would probably settle for that rather than waiting.
This color discussion pops up on the boards every few weeks. The best analogy I read concerning color combos was that with clothes, specifically suits, jacket, shirt, slack combinations. All dark would probably look good but less striking and complimentary than dark on light or light on dark.
Of course the choices are there because everyone has different preferences.....

bmwagonmaster

www.cuttermotors.com/bmw
www.circlebmw.com
www.pacificbmw.com

drempt

1) HK (CD in dash should be standard fergodsake!)

2) Fold down seats.

Black on black w/wood trim.

novcenthusiast

about the Z3 incentives, do they apply to the coupe as well? Or do they apply only to the roadster?

platypus

Not sure about the coupes. Post your question at bimmer.org and you'll get an answer.

trejos28

tcn2k

i took it apart and redid it again. It still does the same. I looked close at the part on the bumper where the tab goes in, i feel as though part of that piece has been broken and so the tab does not grab it. But when i installed the plastic plate again, it only comes out just a bit, so i guess i have to live with it. Not sure if i should be picky and have the dealer replace the whole bumper part just for that tab, even though i am not sure if it is broken. Not sure what to do?

jasonkureejii

Hmmmmmm....what else should be standard? I think the rear seats should fold down regardless....I mean, how difficult is it to manufacture the car with standard rear fold-down seats?

aaron330i

just kidding.

jasonkureejii

trejos28

max93

jk26

I'm really lost right now with all the choices. I am in the process of looking for a house which complicates things. The sport package is in one day and out the next depending on when you ask me! I live in Minneapolis and we get plenty of snow, so I am not sure that putting a pair of snow tires on with the sport package will get me around ok. Any opinion on that? I love the look of it, if I went with it then it would be black interior and trim. Then the wife comes into the picture and likes the grey/wood interior so now I am lost! Thanks for the all the opinions to those that responded. In the end it is a win-win situation My options that are a must have are heated seats, cd, silver met paint, the optional at this point: SP, moonroof, wood trim. Thoughts?

trejos28

novcenthusiast

do you know if the current Z3 incentives also apply to the coupes?

thedeepdarkblu

I just spoke w/ my dealer, and she says that I lucked out and that my car must've been at the front of the boat (2000 cars) b/c my work order was issued today and the boat docked at 7 am. This means my car may be released as early as tomorrow for delivery by Thursday or no later than Saturday. My salesperson is asking one of the mechanics to come in on the weekend so I can take delivery on Saturday. I am psyched.

Plus, I just plunked down $350 for a Noah car cover, cable lock, all-weather mats, trunk liner and Xpel light protection. Based on your advice, I bagged the idea of getting mudflaps. I'll wait for the Yosemite Sam "Back Off!" version for the E46.

I just gave my salesperson my programming choices and may go with the alarm installation as well. I'm like a kid in a candy store!!! Let me know if your dealer gave you similar information for your delivery. Would be quite cool if we received 'em on the same day. Brothers in arms, baby.

platypus

Being up in Minnesota, have you considered the xi? I prefer the standard rims on the xi vs. those on the xi with SP. Then you could get grey with wood trim and also satisfy your wife - very important! ;-)

I've never lived in a climate that sees frequent snow (at least not since I've been able to drive), so take my opinions with a grain of salt. If I were moving to such a climate, the added sense of security with AWD would sure be tempting. Heated seats would also be a must-have given your locale, and the CD is a must for any locale. If you had to change your rims/tires for summer/winter driving, it would be a hassle IMO.

I limited my car only to options that I could justify:

metallic paint - I love the way titanium silver looks on the E46, so this was a no brainer. You have to live with the color everyday, so be sure to get one that you like.

CD - as stated above - who listens to tapes anymore???

moonroof - always had cars with moonroofs - love to drive with it open - will help in a small way get over the loss of my Z3

SP - style 68 wheels (330i) are stunning on a silver sedan - lowered ride height and wider rubber enhances performance and looks - sport seats are nice 'n snug - love the very subtle aero kit on the front and rear bumpers - sport steering wheel is nice, but was the least important component of the package.

Passed on leather since 'ette looks just as good, and I wanted black interior anyway. Passed on the folding rear seats because although they can be practical at times, were ultimately unnecessary since we also own a van. (Also didn't want to deal with potential rattling issues down the road.) Passed on the xenons mainly because I couldn't see a reason for buying them other than the "coolness" factor. I'm sure they provide lots of light intensity, but I don't have any issues with the standard halogens.

jasonkureejii

How much of a summer season do really get up there? I'm not a northerner now at least, but I used to live in upstate NY, and I probably would've gone with AWD non-SP...especially with as much wind and ice that I'd expect you'd receive...anyways, the moonroof would only be a summer option, too....the less something is used, the more probable it will malfuction on you later...maybe I'm just being too cautious....

tchoo

Well I haven't spoken to the dealer yet. He said he'll call me once he has the information, but the rep at BMWNA said that the work order was issued this morning and that the car would be released for trucking on 6/28. That means I should be able to pick it up on Friday or Saturday. Actually, Friday and Saturday are not good for me, cos I'm moving to a new apartment. I'll be packing and loading the U-Haul! Arrghh. Didn't expect it to arrive so soon. And I also have to close my financing which will take another day or so cos its not BMWFS. AAA was offering 5.99% so I took it.

And what's up with the E46 mudflaps? Even the ones on my Toyota are color matched and fit flush with the body. Although with the sand and salt during winter I hate to think about the dings and dents I'll get at the wheel well area without a mud flap. I just wish they could make stylish ones. Sheesh.

jodette

Anyone know of any good lease deals for a 325i w/ premium package, cold weather package in the tri-state area? I need a 36 month lease w/ 15K mile allowance per year.

drcr

drempt

I am from Toronto (living in So. New England since 1998) so I guess I know a bit about driving in the snow. I hate the stuff!

I think you'd be better off with an AWD.

jodette

Anyone know of any good lease deals for a 325i w/ premium package, cold weather package in the tri-state area? I need a 36 month lease w/ 15K mile allowance per year.

drempt

What's your preferred car and key memory configuration?

How good is the $400 alarm system? Should I look for something better?

jk26

Since this will be a year round car I think I will have to forget about the SP until I can afford to have just a summer car! I looked into the AWD and have done a lot of research, seems it helps on inclines and accelerating, but when it comes to stopping the added weight causes it to perform a little worse than a convensional RWD. Overall I have come to the conclusion that what little benefit it offers isn't worth the extra money in this flat state, maybe a more hilly or mountainous region it would be advantagous. So I think I will go with the RWD, talked to a few people who have RWD Bimmers here and they generally don't have a problem unless it is snowing to beat hell or there is a blizzard.. This past winter we had around 80 inches of snow! Thanks for all the input guys, I will run it by the wife when she gets home.

kominsky

alarm; Buying the BMW alarm and installing it yourself brings the price down to ~$250 (~$220 for the alarm and ~$35 for activation). I think at that price, it would be hard to beat. As I and several others have posted, installation is pretty simple.

key memory; I think the only changes to the default I made were no daytime running lights and auto door lock. No regrets on either.

drcr

won't leave a shinny look?

Anyone treated the leather yet?

bmwagonmaster

Why not have the dealer fix the plate. It's covered by warranty, and now that you notice it, you will ALWAYS notice it if not right. That's the special personality that made us all buy BMWs and keeps us hanging out here, right?

trejos28

drcr

I remember it coming out years back and then you never heard of it again after CDs.

Trejos28: I assumed you ment radio but you never know maybe there was an AM stereo?

mmcbride1

I use Vinylex for the plastic on the interior and Lexol for leather. Both products work great and the Vinylex will not make your dash shiny.