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Comments
1) Keep rpm's under 4,500 for the first 1,200 miles
2) don't drive at a constant speed for more than a few minutes at a time (i.e., don;t use cruise for first 1,200 miles)
Also, with the step, I'd use the Manual mode as mush as possible. Engine braking is good during the break-in period and usually won't be accomplished by the Auto mode. Downshift as you are coming to a stop or slowing, and let the engine supply the friction. In general, drive as SMOOTHLY as possible (no full-throttle starts, avoid slamming on brakes for first 200 miles) and vary it up (no prolonged constant speeds).
Once you hit the 1,200 mark, you should be able to gradually increase rpm's into the upper limits to exploit the engine's full potential. Remember, that's probably one of the key reasons you bought the car and what makes it so enjoyable. A little restraint on the front end of ownership goes a long way.
It is hard to interpret how long to drive before speed variations: my dealer offered 10 to 15 minutes but I lean more toward 3 to 5. I'm sure other times work out just fine.
...I don't care if they plaster $100 bills all over the thing. You could not pay me to drive that thing. The BMW badge won't change a thing!
lots o fun, and I was suprised at the loudness of the exhaust on this car ......
for me the seats were very comfortable. and there was no sliding around.
only negative is i dont like the blind spots on this car, im used to being able to look over my shoulder guess i dont have enough faith in the side mirrors lol, and the rear plastic window had a horrible film on it, FYI this is a brand new 01MY with only 3k miles on the clock.
i agree with the ealier post this would make a great 2nd or 3rd car,.
Huper Optik window film i was quoted $495.00, for a 3er sedan, anyone else get quotes ?
Regards,
DL
I wish my wife was a fraction as conciencious as you appear to be. She would be asking...."Break-in? Why would I need to break-in if I have a key?"
Austin's section of I35 can be trecherous. Zero to 80 to zero in seconds. Then there's the stretch near UT.
Since the 2002 3er models are starting production in October 2001, when is the latest purchase/lease date so that I can make sure I get a 2001 model?
Also, what is the difference in the premium, or how much will I be paying more between a 2001 and 2002 325i/330i?
Thanks!
"...I made an offer on a BMW 3-series last year to a dealer who refused it because it was manufactured in S. Africa. He said the S. African cars are for dealer use only (demos, loaners, etc) and ARE NOT to be sold to the public."
Is there any truth to this statement???
Can you comment on this as opposed to the trunk mounted changer?
If you're keeping the car for 100,000 plus miles, and you're anal (like me) you'll probably want to change the oil at 1500 miles and then at every multiple of 3000 or 5000 miles. If you're just the opposite of anal, I think 15,000 is the number no matter how long you plan on keeping the car.
Seeing all these posts about break-in periods it got me thinking. I took care of part my break-in period by taking an 700 mile(round-trip) Detroit-Pittsburgh. I kept under 4500rpm (except only a couple of times and that was only for half a second). The only thing that I did not know was about the cruise control 'cause I did use it. I don't remember for how long at a time I had it activated, but it was not for too long at a time.
I am planning on keeping the car for 100K miles so I hope I did not do anything wrong.
Also, I was wondering about the Step and how much people use it. Do people use regular mode, Sport mode or manual mode the most? Is it good to use Manual Mode for engine breaking or will it not be good for the Step transmission in the long run?
I like the Sport and Manual modes better and I was wondering if driving the car in these modes would be bad for the transmission in the long run.
Thanks
I read that at one point in time, South African built 3-series cars were for dealer use only. That has changed and cars built there are now sold to the public. I know that some 325i's are built there.
The long wait is almost over...
AAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT BMW'S, CAN SOME ONE ENLIGHTEN ME ON HOW GOOD OR BAD THIS CAR IS.
TX
Seems like somebody, somewhere would have this in English. This is big news if it is true..
Let us know.
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
But I just don't like the shape of the grill on the 02s
Newmoon,
There are a few other points to consider when looking at the oil change interval:
The 323, 325, 328 & 330 vehicles all take nearly 10 quarts of oil compared to a normal engine of this size taking between 4 and 5 quarts. Twice the oil will yield twice the distance before an oil change is needed.
These cars are certified as a "Low Emission Vehicle" (LEV), and as a result produce a mere fraction of the combustion byproducts when compared to cars from just 5 years ago. Fewer byproducts yield less junk for the oil to hold in suspension waiting for that next oil change, and of course a longer interval between said oil change.
Synthetic oil is both far more able so sustain it's lubricative properties and capable of holding far more contaminates in suspension than regular oil. Once again, yielding a longer interval between oil changes.
I am confident that my car will sustain no engine damage with the ~15K oil change interval. Indecently, it is my understanding that the computer calculates the interval based upon how much fuel you consume, not the miles driven. If you sit on the Interstate all day long with the Cruise Control set to 65, you are likely to see the computer calculate an interval well in excess of 16K miles, conversely, if you "Track" your car frequently, you might see an interval calculated at under 10K miles.
Glad to be back.
Best Regards,
Shipo
- Headlamps on 2002 try too hard to be unique
- Front bumper is too plain
- Grill is too wide
- Rear taillamps are grotesque
Car has a softer, less aggressive look to it.
All IMHO of course.
But I think what many of us are interested in is a link to the information about GM and BMW that you have posted in many discussions throughout Town Hall - a link in English would be outstanding, but it is puzzling to many of us that the site you referenced does not seem to exist.
Can you clarify?
Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
Pontiac, like many manufactures, has and continue to copy BMW style. The 93 Grand Am with almost the same style kidney grill hood as the 93 3 series unsurprisingly boar a striking resemblance. Anyone who's automotive understanding leads them to make a statement like "I was a big fan of the 93 Grand Am" needs to be working in a totally different industry. As far away from cars as possible.
We won't be seeing the sale of BMW anytime in the near future.
I've been out of town for a week and have missed the latest on the boards. I was wondering if you could check once more on the status of my car: black 5 speed 330xi, PP, SP, CWP, CD going to Freeport, NY. Thanks.
platypus--I'm in complete agreement w/ you about the 2002. There isn't a thing I would change about the styling of the 2001. They just ruined really good thing by making minor changes that just look plain wrong.
tchoo--What's the word on your car? Has your dealer even contacted you yet? Hopefully, you've gotten good news.
I will send an update tomorrow on my car after I take delivery and drive it (for a long time). No digital camera, so photos will have to wait a couple of days.
-Getz
Regards,
DL
ordered my girl today - SP/Metallic Blue/'ette/CD/OBI/Split Rear seats, now nothing to but begin the long wait.
RE: BMW & GM
I was privy to a meeting over a year ago with Ford personnel and there was discussion of Ford buying BMW but obviously that has not happened.