BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    I have a 325i, and once in a while, i hear a clicking noise coming from the back of the car. I always wonder what it was. At first i thought it was the seat belt metal hitting the window, which was ridiculous. Then i tought i left something back there. I only notice it twice, when i pull into the curb at work. I never pay attention to the gears. I also have the steps. I don't notice it much, but then again, my rpm is always above 3500, i love the groaling sounds! Not sure what it is, maybe it was the emission control?

    anyone else notice this?
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    Someone posted here, saying that you should put something between the sirin and the fire wall to reduce rattling noise. What was used?

    I also thinking of putting an alarm in my car, i checked with the service guy; they are going to charge me 30 bucks to have it program. But if i put it in myself, will this void my warranty? It will be crazy if it did, because installing something simple as that shouldn't, and it is bmw accessory as well....
  • trejos28trejos28 Member Posts: 93
    Mine was "produced but not shipped" for about 10 days.
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I don't know if BMW put the wrong connector at the end of the wire harness, or if Circle BMW sent the wrong part. In my opinion, however, Circle BMW is not a customer oriented place, and they will not get any more of my business. When I called to try to discuss the problem with them, the were "too busy" to try to help.

    BMWNA apparently called a dealer and had them look at an actual unit, and they supposedly confirmed that I had the right part. They also confirmed only two unused wire harnesses. A large one with 6 wires and a smaller one with 3 wires. The 3 wire version is the one to use. HOWEVER, the plug on the end of the three wire harness will not mate with the receptacle in the part. I have measured both, and the plug has a piece that sticks out on the side and is too wide to fit into the receptacle. And, unlike most similar situations, the shapes of both are not the same.

    Anybody out there that has a 2000 or 2001 E46 with sunroof...if you can help with the following:

    1. Are your receptacle and plug the same shape?

    2. Would you please pull your transmitter and let me know the number on the label on the back? It starts with BMW.

    Thanks.
  • micgamicga Member Posts: 56
    What bothers me is when state troopers sit in their speed traps at 5pm trying to nail hard working people coming home from work for speeding. As soon as they are done for the day, they pull out of their speed trap and proceed down the highway at about 85-95. When you say you want compliance and not money, I don't but it. Please, please, go and get the guys with the guns. If you must however, don't behave as such hypocrites. Maybe that way, people would not question the integrity of Police officers as much.
  • ccchen1102ccchen1102 Member Posts: 30
    I inserted a small piece of foam tape between lower part area of the siren bracket where it contacts with the beam on fire wall. No insulation is needed between siren and bracket.

    Lots of people have been claiming they can install the whole thing within 30min., it took me about 90 min., you should allocate approximately 2 hours for the job, this is not to scare you away, just to let you know that it might be tricky when removing the panel that holds air filter (requires a bit of force and rotation).

    It shouldn't void your warranty, since it's BMW genuine accessory. $30 for activation is very reasonable, dealers in Bay Area want much more than that ($70 ~ $120). Right, I did not purchase vehicle thru. them.
  • ross66ross66 Member Posts: 15
    3 Series changes are as follows:
    All 3 Series models:
    New Standard Equipment:
    In-dash single CD-player will be standard, a cassette player that replaces the CD player will be offered as a no-cost option.
    Improvements:
    Bi-Xenon headlights, which offer Xenon high-beam lights in addition to the Xenon low- beam lights, will be offered as an option.
    Improved optional navigation system, includes larger 16:9 screen, improved legibility and upgraded on-board computer.
    Steptronic manual mode operation changes. Downshifts will be executed by moving the lever forward and upshifts are executed by moving the lever back. This change in approach is to make Steptronic consistent with the operation of the M3's optional Sequential M Gearbox, which will be introduced late this year. Rear-side airbags will now be available per customer request for coupes and convertibles. (Currently, available on sedans, sport wagons, and M3s.)
    Visual changes:
    Vehicles equipped with the optional Sport Package will receive white turn signal indicators. (Please note: to comply with U.S. law, the reflector portions of the sedan and sport wagon front lights are amber.) New Titanium-finish trim replaces the High Gloss painted and Aluminum-finish trims Electric Red replaces Bright Red and Light Yellow Metallic is discontinued Gray Green will be released for the sedan and sport wagon New leather will be offered as an option: Natural Brown
    Sedan and sport wagon:
    Visual changes are as follows:
    Front bumper with fewer horizontal lines for a cleaner look with integrated circular foglights.
    Wheel arch extended beyond character line.
    Wedge-shaped side direction indicators moved up to character line.
    New front lights and direction indicators are a self-contained unit.
    Redesigned kidney grille approaches the front lights and aligns itself with the power dome line that runs from the kidney grille to the A pillar.
    Rear lights:
    Sedan: shape remains unchanged, however the colors and sections change slightly; direction indicators are now arranged in the middle of the clusters.
    Sport wagon: shape of rear light unchanged, however the brake light lenses are slightly different.
    Closed rear apron with cleaner, simpler lines on the sedans only. On the 330i/330xi sedan PDC is integrated in the molding strip.
    All-wheel drive:
    All-wheel drive is no longer available as an option. The 325xi sedan, 325xi sport wagon, and 330xi sedan can only be ordered using model codes for MY2002. The factory implemented this change in order to improve all-wheel drive production planning. Hill Descent Control (HDC), standard on the X5, will be standard on all all-wheel drive models.
    325 sedan, coupe, convertible and sport wagon:
    16 x 8 Five Spoke (Styling 43) alloy wheel will replace the 16 x 8 Star Spoke (Styling 45) alloy wheel on the 325Ci convertible.
    Sport package on the 325i sedan and sport wagon only will feature a new 17 x 8 Star Spoke (Styling 96) alloy wheel replacing the 17 x 8 Star Spoke (Styling 44) wheel.
    Interior trunk release will be added on the 325i sedan.
    330 sedan, coupe and convertible:
    Automatic Headlight Control. The system recognizes light conditions via two light sensors in the windscreen and turns on the lights in dusk or dark conditions. This feature is included with the rain sensor within the Premium Package.
    Run-flat tires will be offered as an option with the new 17 x 7 Double Spoke (Styling 98) alloy wheel. Vehicles equipped with this option will include Flat Tire Monitor and space saver spare tire replacing the full size spare tire (except the 33OCi convertible, which already has a space saver tire standard.) 18 x 8 front, 18 x 8.5 rear M V-Spoke (Styling 72M) wheels are now available as an option (only with Sport Package, not available on 330xi).
  • s852s852 Member Posts: 1,051
    Is it going to DVD-based now?
  • bigbadboss101bigbadboss101 Member Posts: 54
    Can you guys tell me what kind of price you are paying for service? 3,000/6,000 miles etc. Are some of the services free? I believe Audi and VW have free maintenance for a certain length of time?
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    It arrives in Oxnard on the 23rd !! Keep your fingers crossed, you MIGHT be able to take delivery end of next week!!! - Provided Crevier receive it by mid-day, no later than around 3pm on Friday.

    bigbadbass101 - In The USA, all new BMWs come with 3 years or 36000 miles no charge "full" maintainence (incl brakes & wiper blades too since 2000MY, previously, it was "scheduled" maintainence - oil service and Inspection 1 or 2). Audi offers 4 yr 50000 free. I believe VW does it for 2 years 24k.
    One other thing, perhaps consider a new user tag?
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    I spent a good while trying to clear up several issues brought up in a nice and pleasant manner , If you read my post in depth you saw I am Very Very leaniant towards citizens and very fair.

    However its seems PAT did not agree with some statements and I got a notice the post was deleted .

    PAT ,are you also going to delete all the messages that were derogitory towards Police and that promote breaking the law and how to get away with it ?

    fwiw, I have been on the board for several years only less than our dear friend Shipo and always have made worthwhile helpful post imo .

    In the future I guess we can all keep our post to what color did I order? or what kind of discount should I expect on a 3er , instead of growing as people .

    PAT, my humblest appoligies for getting a off topic discussion started.

    Best Regards,
    DL
  • tchootchoo Member Posts: 93
    Just got myself a Valentine 1. Can't wait for it since I drive 1000 miles a week on the Masspike and that place is infested with troopers. Problem is though that they tend to be using mostly Laser now. Even the V1 is useless against that.
  • yeeehayeeeha Member Posts: 33
    now for the million dollar question....any idea on price changes? Thorough write-up. Thanks for putting it together.
  • jfedor1jfedor1 Member Posts: 39
    I'd like to buy an extended warenty for my BMW. My dealer offered me 7yrs/100k for $2600. It sounds a little expensive I remember edmunds used to recommend 1sourcewarenty.com now I see they recommend warentybynet.com.

    Does anybody know any good companies?

    Thanks

    Josh
  • lrawles2lrawles2 Member Posts: 16
    I have my 330cic due to arrive in Oxnard on 8/1. Can you give me a rough estimate about when I should clear my schedule for pick up at Cutter? (I promise not to hold you to the estimate.)

    Thanks in advance.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
  • eugeug Member Posts: 46
    Thanks for the info.
  • jnscheongjnscheong Member Posts: 66
    I asked this question awhile back but didn't get any response.

    Any thoughts on the 4-yr/50,000-mile extended maintenance contract. Did anyone buy it? How much did you pay?

    jnscheong
  • carpevinocarpevino Member Posts: 24
    I saw many responses to this topic and thought my experience might be helpful.
    First, reasonable doubt is all that is needed to give you the edge in a speeding case. A few years ago my friend was going to lose his liscense due to a third ticket. We got together and took pictures of the traffic conditions at the time of the ticket, researched the cops car(0-60 times, engine displacement etc.), photographed his tire marks in the grassy area where he was hidden, and measured the distance to the point the cop stopped my friend(which meant going over a hill). Our point was that the cop would of had to of lost sight of my friends vehicle and therefore could not be 100% sure he pulled the correct car over. Well, the judge was so impressed he dropped the case. He especially liked the pictures. I think it made his otherwise boring and repetitive day a bit more enjoyable.

    Just my two cents.

    One more thing. What is it with these windshield washer jets that spray six cars behind. I'm tired of washing my car and getting sprayed with someone else's fluid. Just a pet peeve.

    Cheers!
  • Andy98Andy98 Member Posts: 15
    I'm in the midst of negotiating on either a 2002 325ix or 330ix. The dealer is asking $800 for an additional year of servicing. Hope this helps.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Unboringuy,

    I just went out to my car to have a look-see; I found the following:

    Sticker number on the side of the control: 04 028011 (the "8" is very faint)

    Number below bar code on main sticker: VB381442ACF

    Number in lower right box on main sticker: BMW 8 380 869

    Wire harness:
    Two (2) wires on mine, not three. The two wires do however terminate in a three-position plug. One wire is brown and the other wire is green with two blue stripes running down the length of the wire. The plug is rectangular in shape with the "Key" protruding from one end Sorta like dis: "oool". Where the "l" is the key and each "o" is a hole for a pin on the connector mounted on the transmitter.

    I hope this helps.

    BigBadBoss101,

    There is no scheduled maintenance on an E46 until 15,000 miles, and then every 15,000 miles after that. The first two are covered by BMW, so the first maintenance you will have to pay for is the 45,000 mile once over.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I have determined that I have the right part. It appears that Germany may have installed the wrong wiring harness. According to BMWNA, there should only be two unused wiring harnesses. One is a 6 pin and the other a 3 pin. My unused 3 pin has a black plug, there are 3 wires going into the plug, and the shape is wrong. (I don't recall the color of each wire). Looks like I'll be going to service for some warranty work. My luck with this thing has not been good. Sheesh!
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    Shipo,
    Which connector fits into the UT? I remember the larger 6 pin, no matter how many wires it has, because it was not the one I expected. Made me think that the smaller connector was for the telephone's microphone.

    Unboringguy,
    Have you tired fitting the 6 pin plug, (?? wires) to the UT in one orientation and then flipped over?
    [Pls excuse the suggestion if you have already pushed and poked both connectors into the UT; it hard for us to know what you have tried and tedious for you to list everything. Besides, you have nothing to loose: the expected solution does not work, now try the unexpected.]
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I am using the three position female connector with two wires in it for my UT.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I haven't tried the larger six position because it's just way too big. If I had a plug that looked like Shipo's (ie, ooo| ) it would have worked. Mine looks more like oooL .
  • ed_ph413ed_ph413 Member Posts: 17
    I decided to go used and got a 2000 328i and I now understand the "grin" thing I've been reading about. Maybe I'll be able to answer some questions now instead of asking them.

    I tried to get a service appointment to reprogram the keys and fix a few minor items but it is a 2 week wait, even for an emergency appointment! Does anyone know if this is because of the recalls or is this normal?

    Is there a place to find used 17" wheels that would fit a BMW or is anyone selling theirs?

    Ed
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I suspect that the recall is what is clogging things up because I have never had a problem getting a service appointment before now.

    There is a website (I think it is a BMW dealer) that sells used BMW wheels, however, I cannot remember what it is. That means, a lot of work searching this board. If my memory serves me correctly, the post with the URL was somewhere between Post 2000 and 4000.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    i understand you fustration with circle bmw, they lost my business after the first order. They suck at customer service skills. CIRCLE BMW SUCKS!
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Ya know, sometimes I am too damn good. I just remembered the URL: www.bmwwheels.com

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    "three position female connector" :o) Sounds complicated but should be a lot of fun if you can get it to work :o)
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    You have completely mischaracterized my email and my actions. I said nothing about being off-topic, and you must have deleted that post yourself. Please email me if you want to talk about this any further.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • parumpparump Member Posts: 65
    I believe that the extended service contract retails for $499. I can't tell you what we actually paid for our contract, because we negotiated a "minus tax and license" price that included all options.

    You may wish to contact Cutter Motors and see if you can purchase this option from them.
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    Just heard from my dealer! I am taking delivery tomorrow afternoon! Woohoooooo!

    330xi, Steel gray metallic/gray, PP, CWP, CD!!!
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I have the 4th year/50,000 service upgrade as well. BMWNA threw it in due to the problems I had, so I can't tell you what it costs, or what it is worth. My sales manager told me they sell for $500, but that they don't sell too many of them. I guess you would get the 45,000 mile service (assuming you hit that within 4 years), but I don't know what that entails.
  • bbmmwwbbmmww Member Posts: 2
    I want to remove a couple of scratches on my car (black sapphire). They are about an inch long, not too deep. How do they do this at the dealer?
    What products/techniques should I use? Will a clay bar do the job? Any advice would be appreciated.
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    My first-hand experience with ClayBar is that it will _not_ fill in scratches, stone dings or "gouge" imperfections. It mainly removes added stuff (bugs, hard-water marks) from the surface.
    I'll guess that the dealer would fill a scratch with thin layers of touch-up paint, let each layer dry, wet-sand the surface with 600-800 grid "sandpaper" to blend the fill with surrounding areas and then use rubbing compound to finish off. Hard to do if the scratch is on the side of your car. Also not sure how you clear-coat the repaired surface.
    As a side note, read somewhere that using a Q-tip as an applicator works much better than a small brush.
  • blaketagblaketag Member Posts: 24
    Me too!! I pick my baby up tonight after work. Our cars are pretty close in configuration also:

    330i, Steel Gray/Black 'ette, SP, CD, Sunroof, Heated Seats, Steptronic, Xenons

    Tom
  • sunnybrooksunnybrook Member Posts: 74
    For those that have test driven both of these models, is there really noticeable difference in speed, acceleration, etc. if you purchase one with the steptronic transmission?
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    If you get a manual, the 325 is plenty quick (0-60 in about 7 sec flat); the 330 is downright fast (0-60 times I've seen range from 5.9-6.2 sec). If you get the Step, however, the auto tranny hinders the 325 a bit more than the 330. A, say, 15-hp loss due solely to the torque converter has a much greater effect on the 325's power-to-weight ratio than it would on the 330's.

    Based on seat-of-the-pants feel with the Step, the 325 feels fairly quick, but no moreso than a auto-equipped Camry V6 or Accord V6. Of course, it's the feels and sounds in getting there that're half the fun. The 330 with Step is still very fast (I've seen 6.4-6.7 sec -- Edmunds published 6.6), and "effortless, deceiving speed" is the best phrase I can come up with to describe the sensation.

    If you value speed more, the 330 Step has it. If you value the sensations in getting there more, the 325 Step supplies the same (minus the kick in the back) and will save you 4-5G's.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    Congrats on the new purchase. Too bad you couldn't keep BOTH to satisfy all of your driving pleasure needs. :)

    So does this mean you won't be hangin' out on the board anymore??? Perhaps you could satisfy the precision AND speed needs in a couple years (or when you get sick of the WS6) with an E46 M3! That's my second-choice dream car after an M5. I think the 330 will have to suffice for now; by the time I retire and can afford these, they'll be far outdated and 4+ model iterations ahead! :)
  • brettinljbrettinlj Member Posts: 1
    I have a dilemma:

    1998 M3 sedan
    Certified Pre-Owned
    38k mi.
    $33,000

    2000 328i Sedan
    Certified Pre-Owned
    12k mi.
    $33,000

    I love the performance of the M3 of course, but the interior is dated.. I've been driving an E36 style beemer for years now. Can anyone who has experience with the new 328's give me some advice as far as handling and performance of this car vs. the older M3?
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    I believe Shipo has either a 1999 or a 2000 328i sedan (stick and non-SP, if I remember correctly). He should be able to steer (pun intended) you in the right direction.

    That's a tough call, I'll have to admit, but a win-win situation either way.
  • shawn325ishawn325i Member Posts: 100
    What a drop!
  • blacksaphireblacksaphire Member Posts: 4
    Hi, gurumike!

    Thanks for the status update about 2 weeks ago. May I request another update please? It's a 325xi 5 spd, black saphire, black 'ett, CWP, Power Seat and Xenon, going to VOB of Roville, MD. Many thanks in advance!
  • licoeurlicoeur Member Posts: 2
    Hello all:

    I currently own a 2000 Maxima with 222hp. I am seriously considering ordering a 2002 BMW 325i (I have a set price range that I would like to stay in). I love everything about the 325i, but have a question about the 184hp. I will be losing 38 horses if I get the 325i. Will I notice a major difference in the speed or power between the two cars? I know that they are difference size cars, and have different types of engines, so how does that all factor in?

    Any comments would be greatly appreciated.


    Thanks in advance,

    Someone who doesn't know much about cars.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
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  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    brettilj - If it's "a nice car", I'd say get the M3. Sure the E46 is an amazing car, but so's an E36. And there's not much like the old M3. I'd say: "Buy it!".

    blacksaphire: it's 150. Is that where it was last time? Anyway, that means "scheduled for, or in production".

    licoeur: The BMW's a little slower than the Maxima, but certainly nothing you'll ever really miss in the real world. What you gain in every other area (aside also from out right space but again, the BMW's not much different) has to be lived with to understand. After you "tune-in" to the BMW's driving ability, you will never really enjoy anything else again. Classic example - friend traded in his 323i sedan (stick sport pkg w/16" wheels) for a Pontiac Firebird WS6 (W6S? It was something like that, the really high power one) with a 6 speed. He picked it over the Camaro SS (basically the same car) because it looked "more macho", as he put it. Exactly 31 days later, he traded it on a used M3. And my point? Well, his story was something about how the novelty of 0-60 over 2 seconds faster wore off after the third day (it had 850 miles on it when he got it!); the car seemed to want to shake itself apart, the handling was diabolical anytime he wasn't on ultra smooth black top (which is no where in California!), it was hideously uncomfortable for more than a 5 minute ride and his biggest gripe of all "how does a first world country as powerful as The USA make such horrible $30,000 cars with a 'dime store' interior.

    PS.. Brettilj - I don't think I've ever shared my list of recent cars I've owned, but I've had these new cars:

    '95 Nissan 240SX stick, cloth - I'd only been in the country for 3 months so I consider myself extremely lucky to have gotten approved for a lease on that! March 95-March 96.

    '96 BMW 328iS stick, silver/grey leather sport pkg - after only one year "on the bureau" I got accepted to lease w/BMW FS (okay, so it was declined and we phoned them and talked them into it!) March 96-March 97

    '97 BMW M3 2 door, Estoril blue with black cloth/suede interior, factory rear spoiler and forged alloys. March 97-October 98.

    '99 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS stick, rallye blue pearl - my friends wanted me to check into the local asylum after I sold the M3 for this one. November 98-March 99. 5 months! DOH!

    '00 BMW M coupe White w/ Kyalami Orange, no sunroof. It was The Bomb! Big Xtant multi-channel amp driving Focal fronts and Xtant sub all in custom box with matching carpet. All of my rides have had ridiculous systems but I'm pleased to say I've "out grown" such extremities and the new car will be "sensible". July 99-July 2000.

    '00 Subaru Impreza 2.5 RS 2 door. White, this time. Same mistake twice? Perhaps but they really are great, I was originally planning to get a WRX before I got the 330. July 00-June 01.

    '01 BMW 330i White / Black cloth etc....

    So, I am open minded, and there really is nothing on sale today quite like our E46 cars !!!
  • hippo168hippo168 Member Posts: 115
    Finally, after almost 10days of "waiting", it has boarded a ship and on its way to the US.

    Where can I find out the ship information? Do I have to contact my dealership? Thanks
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