BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    From your post, it sounds like you might think that if you get sport seats, then you lose the power seat. If so, don't worry, all 330i cars have power seats, regardless of seat.
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I know that everyone is out watching fireworks right now, but does anybody know the answer to my previous questions:

    1. Stock Goodyears vs. Contis?

    2. Changing the sound that the alarm system makes upon arming and disarming?

    Thanks, and Happy 4th!
  • panamaltd2panamaltd2 Member Posts: 162
    Hey, I have been fallowing the 3-series and new A4 for awhile because I will be getting a new car in about a year and it is between those two. I really like them both but then I saw that BMW was changing the 3-series http://ad.doubleclick.net/adf/www.autoexpress.co.uk/advert_news.html;sz=468x60;ord=3439?
    and was wondering if anybody has any more info. on this change. Thanks a lot!


    -Sam

  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    there is a great group of '02 pix (taken from BMW.COM) linked over at the bimmer.org E46 message board. It gives an excellent side-by-side of the '02 330, '01 330 and '01 M3.

    http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/76592.html


    After seeing this new set of pictures I'm MUCH more sold on the '02 redesign, particularly the Sport Package.

    image
    Tasty '02 SP picture, nicht wahr? Compare to '01 M3 below
    image
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    1. I prefer contis but there's really little difference between the two.

    2. No. It's either chirp or no chirp.
  • hippo168hippo168 Member Posts: 115
    I'm posting this question again... I have a VIN for my car, and it has an "F" as the assembly site. According to the e46fanatics "VIN decoder", it will be manufactured in Munich OR Dingolfing (how come? and where is Dingolfing?). I was told by my salesperson that my car will be from Germany, so I just wanna make sure it is the case.

    Also, I live in the boston area and I have ordered the sports pkg. Seems like it is better for me to order a set of snow tires. What sizes do you guys recommend?
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    is about 100km northeast of Munich. If you speak German, you can check out http://www.dingolfing.de/dgf_home2.html where they have a nice section that talks about BMW's 30-year history in the city. If you "nix sprecken" go to http://babelfish.altavista.com, plug the above URL into the Website field, and select German to English. It's never 100% accurate, but good enough for casual reading.
  • elroyxxelroyxx Member Posts: 10
    I bought my 325i from Sears in Mtka. Through bmwna.com, I requested a price quote from both Sears and Motorwerks. I didn't hear back from Motorwerks so I went with Sears. I'm glad I did. I was quite comfortable with both the Sears delaership and my sales guy during the pre sales process. No pressure, he was able to explain to me technically why BMW was a better car than the Volvo I was thinking about without being too "salesy."

    Taking delivery yesterday was also a very smooth and painless process. All around a positive experience. I would recommend checking Sears out if you haven't already. If you have any more questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

    J
  • blaketagblaketag Member Posts: 24
    Thanks for the clarification! There's been a couple of reviews of 2001 330i's w/SP that had manual seats (4/01 R&T & recent Edmunds entry-level luxury sedan comparo). My dealer also indicated that I'd get manual seats on my ordered 330i w/SP but w/o PP. Glad to hear I'll get power seats on my car, as the memory presets will come in handy!

    Tom
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I appreciate your response. I was just surprised to see Goodyear tires on the car. I, too, prefer Contis. For whatever it's worth, I'll give BMWNA feedback about that barely audible chirp on the alarm. I've always viewed the feature as a plus in "car location" in parking lots. Of course, you can't hear this chirp until you are a couple of feet from the thing, and then you should be able to see it. Oh well, a very minor inconvenience in an overall spectacular production.

    I really never thought I'd say this, but for all of you that are waiting for your cars (and it's been said before), it is worth the wait!
  • tchootchoo Member Posts: 93
    I live in the Boston area too and I was thinking of getting Dunlop Winter Sports on steel rims from tirerack.com. I'm not 100% sure, but I think 15" will fit over the brake rotors in a 325 (anyone want to confirm?). The steel rims will provide extra weight and I won't have to worry about messing up my alloys with all that sand and salt.
  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    I'm hoping to get the call from my dealer sometime this morning telling me to come and get my shiny new Titanium Silver 330i!

    I'm bringing my digital camera with to take photos during the process.
  • dundedunde Member Posts: 32
    My 325xi is Automatic Transmission. However I m realizing that it doesnt have much Idle Speed. When I come out of the parking lot in reverse gear I have to press the gas the moment I turn the Steering Wheel. That kinna gives me a discomfort that I cant control reversing with the Break Pedal alone. Is this normal or this becoz the vehicle is new (600 miles) and can anything be done to increase the Idle Speed ?
  • thedeepdarkbluthedeepdarkblu Member Posts: 106
    Dying to find out what your first reactions are. I have been in auto-heaven for the past few days. I've already got about 500 miles on the car since Saturday (picked it up w/ 8 miles). I accidentally gouged the left rear wheel while parallel parking (DOH!). I think if the tilt-down mirror function had been working, it wouldn't have happened. But I'm from Chicago, so my parallel parking skills should be up to par! I feel like a moron. Other than that blunder, life with Lena has been a dream come true!
  • david325xidavid325xi Member Posts: 13
    Many thanks for the status check. Looks like I will have the car in about one month. This board
    is the only place helped me during the loooong
    wait. My friend said after I get the car it will be the time to test the all-wheel drive system.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Took delivery last Thursday on my 5-sp 330i with SP, PP & Xenons. The next morning, my wife & I drove from LI to Saratoga Springs, NY. We took the Taconic State Parkway, a pretty pre-WWII road with some interesting curves, instead of the NYS Thruway.

    I am simply bowled over by this car's handling. If my 330i could talk, it would undoubtedly say "Feed me more curves". All of the pieces - the 50/50 F/R weight distribution, the suspension, the powerful brakes, the ContiSport tires &, above all, the perfectly weighted & dead-on precise steering - work together to give the driver complete mastery of the pavement. Ride quality with the sports package is quite firm but a long way from punishing. I like it but recognize that it won't everyone's cup of tea. Prospective buyers should spend some time driving an SP-equipped car over different pavement types before pulling the trigger.

    And then there's the motor. I love to hear it snarl when I start it & I can't get enough of the way that it gets down to business when I put my foot into it. The power band is so broad that I almost never have to downshift to get the acceleration that I need. But I usually go ahead & downshift anyway for the sheer pleasure of shifting gears. I find that that a firm hand is the key to a smooth shift with this gearbox. The 1-2 shift can be a bit tricky, but if you hold off on the upshift until about 3500 rpm & then move the lever back quickly & decisively, you'll get a clean shift. Others have complained about the clutch, but I'm quickly getting used to it. It's not as light as the Honda Accord clutch, but it's lighter & more easily controlled than the clutch in VW & Audi cars that I drove in the late 70s & the 80s.

    Re the sport seats: it's taken me longer than I had anticipated to position the driver's seat for maximum comfort. I've used & I appreciate the adjustable thigh support, but I find the seat to be a bit hard on my butt, which does not itself lack for padding. On the way up to Saratoga Springs, I found myself fiddling with the seat controls after 2 hours in the saddle. Love the feel of the sport steering wheel, though.

    I've been pleasantly surprised by the HK sound system, but my taste in music runs to small combo jazz, which doesn't greatly challenge any sound system. I opted for the trunk-mounted CD changer & passed on the in-dash CD because I own some tapes that I'm not yet ready to give up.

    Other impressions: haven't done much night driving, but I like the way the Xenons light up the landscape. Glad that I ordered them. And, to my surprise, I've come to appreciate the moisture-sensing wipers.

    Build quality is superb: no rattles, mismatched panels, etc.

    You might recall that a couple of the women in my life questioned my sanity because I ordered a steel grey / tanin red car. Well, I've been vindicated. When my wife finally saw the car (I had placed my order back in early April), she just gushed over this color combo. Everyone who's seen it raves about it, & I'm glad I didn't back down. These colors are gorgeous together.
  • roc50mgroc50mg Member Posts: 102
    Denright: I just checked w/BMWNA. They told me my car is aboard the Maersk Wave that set sail from Germany yesterday. They told me that the transaltlantic trip takes 13 days and my ship is scheduled to arrive at the VPC on July 17th. From there, another 2-3 days to make it to my dealer. When I checked on www.wlna.com for the ship schedule though, it said the arrival date for the ship was 7/18/01. Anyway, my car is finally on it's way to America. What's the latest on yours?

    Derprofi: Nice comparison pics of the 2001/2002 3 series. I actually like the looks of the 2002. If I wasn't so sick and tired of waiting for my car to arrive and I had more patience, I would probably have gotten the 2002.
  • tchootchoo Member Posts: 93
    Well I went to pay and get the paperwork done this morning and I should be picking it up tomorrow! Its a good thing I've been so busy unpacking that I haven't been obsessing over the car. Where are your pictures? I'm dying to see them.
    On another topic, the SP aero kit for the 2002 looks fabulous! I wonder if they can be fitted on a 2001 Ci?
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    The 330xi has been a pleasure to drive. Although I'm not sure I would have ordered it as a separate option, the rain sensor feature is very handy indeed.

    I don't know if the steering is any heavier than that of my earlier March 2001 build, but it does seem quite a bit lighter than the steering on the 1999 323is loaner that I had.

    Am I correct that the 330xi always was supposed to have the heavier "old" style steering?

    I have had no problems whatsoever with the clutch. The only thing I have to remember is that R is up and to the left as opposed to down and to the right in my other car.

    I can't wait to actually rev it up....another 1,000 miles to go for that, though.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    Congrats on the new 330's. Keep the experiences comin'. I have about 6,500 miles on Gretl now with nary a hitch, squeak, rattle, etc. (knock on myrtle wood).

    I also have the lightest steering, which I did not mind much until we got our Z3. The difference is night and day. The 330's effort feels Buick-like after driving the Z3 around. Something as simple as steering effort can inspire so much confidence on the road. I don't know how the Z3's steering effort compares to the old steering effort, but it's pretty hefty and near-perfect IMO. I am seriously thinking about having the retrofit done now because of it.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Hey everyone, I've been on vacation for a bit and am now just getting caught up. I'm glad to see that we've got a few more satisfied owners...I'll be glad to read more first impressions!

    Aaron, I'm glad to see that your car finally arrived at Temple, man. Definitely give me impressions on the pick up afterward...that is, how they treated you, and maybe what to be cautious of and what to expect. Congratulations, man!

    Man, I feel like I'm the only one left now! My poor little 325i is supposedly still sitting on South Africa's port. The BMWNA rep told me that mine probably arrived after a full load was shipped off and the first aboard another, waiting for other models to arrive. I feel like Charlton Heston at the end of the Planet of the Apes...BTW, any thoughts on the upcoming version with OH, but who??? Mark walberg!

    One other notion...didn't know that some 3ers have the reverse-tilt function?!? Is this true and for what model...330 and 325? PP only?? MY only???

    Otherwise, who is this Aculex guy and I guess I missed out on all of his posts...or did I miss out at all?!
  • muffinman4muffinman4 Member Posts: 2
    Hey all, I've been looking seriously at purchasing either the 325ci (with Sports Package) or the 325xi. I'm leaning towards the ci, but I haven't had any prior experience with RWD, especially in inclement weather (I live in Chicago), and I've heard that RWD is horrendous in snow. Is it really that bad? Or will I be ok with a couple of winter/all season tires, cause I really liked driving the coupe :).

    Thanks!
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    Although I am not speaking from firsthand experience, the general consensus around the board is that RWD + snow tires is as good as or better than AWD + all seasons. There are many discussions on this throughout the last few thousand posts on this topic, but it's a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] to find them via the "scroll up 20" method. Will cost you about $700 or so for 4 snow tires and wheels, but you will have maximum dry/wet performance in the spring/summer, and maximum snow performance in the winter. Still cheaper than the AWD option, and you can still get the coupe!
  • mcceriomccerio Member Posts: 11
    My 330i, 5-spd, steel gray, SP, Xenons, HK, moonroof is now in 182. Going to BMW of North Haven, Connecticut.

    Any guess as to how much longer this thing will take?

    Another Q: anyone ever heard the premium sound (CD player system) system in a Neon? I have that now and it does not suck (decent bass, etc.). I would like to get anyone's opinion on the HK versus that system, if you've heard both. I can't remember what I thought of the HK when I listened to it...

    Thanx in advance for all info...

    - MCC
  • thedeepdarkbluthedeepdarkblu Member Posts: 106
    I still can't believe you had to wait to take delivery. Again, that's messed up. I took a crapload of photos, but I haven't developed them yet. Soon, though. I haven't seen the aero package, but IMHO, I think the car looks PERFECT the way it is. I was going to add aero and clears, but I've decided that nothing needs to change. I'm 100% satisfied with the car, and the looks of the Ci are KILLER. Trust me on this one.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    You're going from a Neon to a 330??? Given the increase in all other driving sensations, I'm sure the last thing you'll notice between the two cars is the difference between sound systems. :)
  • stgreenstgreen Member Posts: 74
    Dealer quoted me:$785 6 disc changer installed in 330Xi on left side wall inside trunk, hidden behind a panel.

    Is this what people are paying for the 6 in the trunk?? also, does getting a disc changer installed at a place other that bmw REALLY void the electrical warranty like dealer said?

    thanks... stg
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    I believe someone (brave1heart?) posted a couple of months ago that the 325 has the same size disks that the '00 328 had. If that's true, you WILL NOT be able to fit 15" wheels on the car. Your best bet would be to fire off an email to TireRack.com. They are extremely helpful.
  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    ...I'll let you know how they treat me after I call them yet another time to find out *when* I can pick it up today.
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    I bought my BMW Alpine changer, including mounting bracket and new cover panel, phone-order for $490. I installed it myself in about 1 hour using regular hand tools and the instructions that come with changer. As for voiding electrical warranty, there's only two connections to make, both with factory installed plugs--so there's nothing "electrical" to goof up.
    I think your dealer is trying to scare the extra $300 profit out of you! Hope this helps.
  • macdude44macdude44 Member Posts: 30
    Reading posts the past couple months has convinced me that Bimmer owners are one anal group of guys. How's this for anal! My steering wheel is not perfectly centered when going in a straight line. If the wheel were a clock the big hand (represented by the downward sloping spoke of a 3-spoke wheel) should be at the "6" position, or 30 minutes past the hour when traveling in a straight line. Mine is a couple "minutes" off, at around 33 minutes past the hour when going straight. I know its not a auxilliary fan issue or rattle issue, but this is the kind of thing that DRIVE'S ME INSANE!!!
    OK.....got that off my chest......feel a little better.
    Guess I'll see what the dealership can do when I take it in for something a little more serious.
  • trejos28trejos28 Member Posts: 93
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Derprofi - Great Pics and comparison between the '01 and '02. I am going to order my vehicle soon and have been debating between the two. After those great pic's you sent, I am sold on the '01. I think the '02 are just an attempt to make changes for the sake of it. It kills the look of the '01.

    Clears all doubts. Thanks and let me know what you end up with.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Aaron, good luck! I'm sure your heart is pounding...don't sweat it....let them at least do a decent job detailing it for you...make sure you look it over well! Can't wait to hear your first impression!

    trejos28, where is yours now, where is it headed, and what model/specs? Glad to hear there are still some others left before the '02 wave come braging in....
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    Mine is at 31 minutes, drives me crazy, having it fixed soon! heheeeeee
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    My wheel is fine (if it was even a degree off, I'm sure I would have noticed it by now!), but it would bug the hell out of me too! You pay for precision, you expect precision...
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Aaron, good luck! I'm sure your heart is pounding...don't sweat it....let them at least do a decent job detailing it for you...make sure you look it over well! Can't wait to hear your first impression!

    trejos28, where is yours now, where is it headed, and what model/specs? Glad to hear there are still some others left before the '02 wave come barging in....
  • trejos28trejos28 Member Posts: 93
    Last time I checked, bmwusa.com said mine was waiting to be shipped. It's a 325i, black/black leatherette, luxury, cd, moonroof. I've seen others on the list mentioning production numbers...is there another way to check on the status?

    p.s. Anyone who's waited for their car (or waiting) started dreaming about it?!? I'm going nuts I think.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    I never dreamed about my car (until AFTER I got it), but I went through many stages of (in)sanity from the time I ordered it until I picked it up. There was a period of buyer's remorse. There was a period of 'BMW Shame' where I didn't want anyone to know I was getting it. There were times I couldn't shut up about it... babbling like a lunatic (this is when my marriage nearly ended). There were even times, near the end of the wait, that I was sure the clock started moving backwards. :-)
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Just ordered my 325i by modifying an existing order for a 325i. I was told that it was possible since it was still in status 111. What does that mean? What are statuses 111 and 112??

    Anyone??? GURUMIKE??
  • blaketagblaketag Member Posts: 24
    Go here - excellent description:


    http://www.bmw330ci.com/330ci_orderguide.htm

  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    ...at least picking it up today. Grrr. Looks like tomorrow's the day, though!
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Thanks for getting back so quickly. I assume the codes apply for 325i as well.
  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    ...need my medicine...only cure I know of is a BMW...oh the agony of it all...cry
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Just recived the August edition of Automobile , on the cover is an exclusive test of all 5 BMW M cars ! Boy am i salivating, also there is a review of the Panoz Esperante , what a sweet ride, you guys check it out,,,,

    Regards,
    DL
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Stgreen - I have heard dealers install it for $660, 750, $1000. Goes to show you that there is quite a bit of play in their prices.

    $700 range seems fair.
  • hawkberthawkbert Member Posts: 21
    Okay, there's the M3, the M5, and (as someone just pointed out) the Z3 M. What are the other two? Did Automobile put this story on their site? I can't seem to find it.
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
  • lisamplslisampls Member Posts: 20
    Thanks for the additional info! Did you consider the 325xi? Any concerns about winter driving? I haven't had this conversation with my potential salesguy yet, but I feel that the more input I get from others the better. I am leaning toward the xi just for peace of mine. What are your thoughts? (He is pushing me toward the 330i with a 5-speed. I told him I don't want to spend that much and I want an automatic. He is still pushing the 330i-which is on the lot (white, sand interior-beautiful!))
    Anyway, my next question is the options you got...and color. Maybe I can live vicariously through you until I make up my own mind!
    Lisa
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    At work, at least.

    5 M cars:

    M5 M3 coupe M3 cabriolet M roadster M coupe

    111 status means order accepted at BMW AG and on order. Dealer can still modify order.

    112 status means it's about a week away from going into production (when it first goes 112). BMW NA can, usually, still modify order, but dealer has to phone distribution and it's really a big hassle.

    150 - about to start production, order no longer changeable by any one!

    151-155 in production.
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