BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    Hey Brave,
    How were you able to find out the name of your cars painter (Wolfgang) and your ship captain's sailing history?....sounds like guru gave you preferential treatment! lol ...and as for that Mary Galvin lady...sounds like she has her eye on you! ; )

    Helli: I would post your same msg on the maint & repair board under 3 series problems...although I must agree with others that it sounds like a dealership problem more than anything else. Their excuse was pretty lame to say the least. Heaven forbid you had just moved to the area from another part of the country! ...Good luck!
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    He defends BMW like a momma bear protecting her cubs. LOL
  • dantlodantlo Member Posts: 106
    I am taking my car in for steering retrofit tomorrow. They waited for the parts and a BMW loaner, they are now ready to do it.

    With new steering and the gas pedal already fixed, my car is gonna handle like a dream.

    Will keep you guys posted on the fix!
    Dan
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    I went ahead and ordered a set. Has anybody done the install? I went ahead and popped in the clears (front / side markers only). Looks pretty sharp against the black. Discreet. I think as long as you use the BMW OEM parts, you keep the car from looking 'ricey'
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    I know what you mean Den.....
    Whenever I read Brave's posts, I feel like I am sitting in a charismatic church in Southern Mississippi. I want to jump up and yell, "Amen, Amen, Hallelujia, You go boy, etc"...that is, whenever I am not rotflmao!!! Great points...every last one of them.
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I e-mailed BMWNA last week about the absence of the titanium headlight trim on my 330i, built in May & delivered on 6/28. A BMWNA rep called a couple of days later & left a message on my answering machine. He said that BMW dropped this "feature" from the 330i late in the model year. He didn't explain why; he said only that BMWNA regretted any "inconvenience" caused me by this change in standard equipment. My hunch continues to be that 1 of BMW's suppliers screwed up a shipment & BMW simply decided to call this a feature change. I'm a bit annoyed, but my wife insists that our car, which is steel grey with the sport package, looks better without the trim. She may be right, but I'll be more than a bit annoyed if titanium trim makes a reappearance on the 2002 330i.

    Apart from this complaint, which, I'll admit, is small potatoes, the car has been flawless. I've put more than 2000 trouble-free miles on it in less than 4 weeks. The 330i's power & composure were particularly welcome on the back roads of Maine, where we spent a week. Maine drivers are slow - is it my imagination or do they all consistently drive 5 mph under the speed limit? - but I had no trouble passing them safely. Fuel mileage has averaged 27.4 mpg so far, I'm pleased with the HK sound system, & folks continue to rave about the steel grey / tanin red color combination.
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    I brought my new baby into the dealership this morning to have the key settings programmed and the tiny ding and 2 scratches from transport fixed.

    Dropped it off this morning. I was immediately whisked into a courteous service rep, who took my information in a friendly and professional manner, and treated my completely picayune concerns about thse tiny scratches as though they actually mattered.

    Shortly thereafter, I was provided with a loaner car (a Mitsubishi Gallant - ick) and away I went.

    I just got the call from the dealership informing me that the repairs are completed and I can go pick my baby up. Assuming that the repairs have been completed to my satisfaction, I am very pleased with the treatment I have received thus far.
  • roc50mgroc50mg Member Posts: 102
    does anyone know if the 3yr/36k warranty covers broken glass?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    In the unlikely event that the glass cracked all by itself, yes. However, most insurance companies cover it without a deductible and they have automated the process to a degree when you should be able to drop off the car at an authorized shop and they take care of all the paperwork for you.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I liked the "charismatic church in Southern Mississippi"comparison that you used for my prayers. That's real inspiration. I don't watch Jesse Jackson any more because he's lost his edge and has softened up too much - I go for the real stuff - you know, the Tony Robbins and especially Richard Simmons of automotive journalism :o) My boat's captain name was Fartz Trudiass - he came highly recommended by Bavarian. As far as Wolgang the painter, everybody in Germany knows what a great painter Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is :o)
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Not drive a BMW, of course. (:-}
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    If you haven't checked out www.BMWnation.com recently, it's worth a look. There's a new, very well written & illustrated tech article on installing the Universal Transmitter. It even mentions the "wrong" plug connection we recently discussed here (unboringuy, you especially have got to read it for a good laugh). There's also a comprehensive explanation of the "Car & Key Memory" options which could be valuable to new or expectant owners. And for those that are into exterior colors, check out the 330 with "special edition" (translation: you can't get it)ARIZONA SUN metallic paint--it'll give you serious color envy!
  • puzurpuzur Member Posts: 10
    A seller is claiming that a 1992 BMW "325ia" has 24 valves, as compared to the standard 325i with 16. He is asking a premium. Does this make any sense?
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    ... does have a 24 valve engine. Except convertible which was the "old car" until '94 MY. The alternative was the 318i which did have a 16 valve engine - it was the four cylinder.
  • puzurpuzur Member Posts: 10
    Thanks!

    I take it that means there was no 1992 325i with only 16 valves?
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    I know we've talked about this before, but since I thought I might have to have some service related to the "mystery" wiring problem for my Universal Transmitter, I contacted both of the local dealers to see if they would like my service business. I did not purchase the car from either.

    One dealer told me that they would love my service business, and that they would provide me with a loaner car (just like for any other service customer), although it may not be a BMW. The other dealer said that I could rent a car from Enterprise, but their loaners are only for those who purchased from the dealership.

    Now, frankly, I saved $1,000 over the best deal I could get locally, and that will pay for a lot of rentals. But, it just doesn't make sense to me for a dealer to have that kind of attitude. I asked them why, and the only response was that they only had a limited number of loaners available, and they wanted to make sure that the purchase customers received one.

    Obviously dealers are free to conduct business the way they feel is best. It just doesn't make good business sense, particularly when their local competitor is not discriminating against those who bought elsewhere.

    I bet you can guess which of these two dealers will get my business (assuming I don't decide to give it to my selling dealer 60 miles away).

    Oh...and the dealer willing to provide a loaner also will pickup and deliver if I want, since they aren't quite as convenient for most people. Now that's what I call service.
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    Great article on the www.BMWNation.com site. If only I had seen that a week ago! Looks to me like BMW is trying to discourage us from even doing the very simple installs ourselves.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    The convertible had the old 12 valve straight six. The guy is just confused. He means "the 4 cylinder" 318i, when he says 16 V 325.

    No, there was no 16 valve 325i. There's no 16 valve 6 cylinder any where, as far as I know. 16 is not divisible by 6 therefore there would have to be a different number of valves in at least two of the cylinders!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I went thru the hassle of checking the board after 3 Gin and Tonics, a Chivas, and 2 Balimes ?!? (don't ask) and there are no fun posts about charismatic churches and bears and cubs and stuff. Ahhh, well - you don't know what you're missing. OK, I never told you I just turned 18 yesterday, so here it goes: the 3-series RULES, dude!!!
  • boelkeboelke Member Posts: 14
    Thanks a lot for the response guys. I decided to order Zaino and try it on the car. I have a 2001 325i manual and I always look forward to driving... the exhiliration just keeps you up.

    I also have the "thud" at the rear when you depress the clutch. It also occurs when shifting from 1st to 2nd.

    Thanks.
    Mike
  • megrdhmegrdh Member Posts: 34
    Hi,
    I got a jet black,too. This is my first and my last "black" car. I thought shiny black looks classy or because I am ooold. But now it is really pain in the neck to keep its nice look. Sometimes, I wish I had silver. This is my opinion. Meg.
  • carpevinocarpevino Member Posts: 24
    I think my car might be possessed. I came home the other night and shut off the lights only to look back and see the right turn signal/parking light still on. Went back to the car and switched the lights on and off and it wouldn't turn off. I thought maybe there was a delay problem or something. The next morning(it's still on)I put the key in the ignition and realize the turn indicator is in the right turn position(down). Is this normal or a freak of nature? OT, How's it Gewing?

    Dantlo - Well, I went to my dealer and explained the sticky problem, they scratched their heads and said they would have to call there BMW rep. That was a week ago and I have yet to get a return call. I hope this is not a sign of things to come from my service dept. Anyway, could you give me the name and number of the person you spoke with(searching this board can "drive" one crazy)at bmwna.

    Licouer - The step 325 might not give you what your after but the 330i step has plenty of power. It's never too late to learn how to drive a stick. Someone had a great suggestion of renting a stick car for a day and learning on their transmission and clutch.

    Guru - Your step suggestions puzzle me. Is the step for show only(for yer buddies)? Overuse(if that can be done)will damage it or shorten its lifespan? Or are you just talking about the break-in period?
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    What you have explained is a feature, not a bug. Check under High beams/Parking lamps in your owner's manual (p88 in the 325i wagon's manual). It states: "As an additional feature, you can illuminate your vehicle on either side for parking, if you wish to do so. With the ignition in position 0, engage the lever in the appropriate turn-signal position."
    Have you found path-way lighting by pulling back on your high-beam lever with the ignition off (position 0)? Head lights stay on for about 20 seconds.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    It is not unusual in EU to park the car temporarily with one set of wheels up on the curb to allow more room on narrow streets...thus both MB and BMW have always had the ability to turn on one side's parking lights. MB does it with a separate switch position on the master light switch, BMW does it with the signal lever. The idea is to light only the lamps that are on the street side of the car. This is documented in the MB owner's manual...I would presume it would also be in the BMW's...
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    I have encountered a variation between the two positions for loaning cars. In case there is a shortage of loaners, people who have purchased their car at the dealer have priority over those who did not.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    I will have the same problem in Dallas, I assume. Although, there are 4 dealerships within 30 miles, I'm sure I will receive the same treatment. Has anyone in Dallas experienced this?
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    Black Paint: My wagon is Jet Black. It's 18 months old. I hand-wash it once a month with "Turtle Wax Zip Heavy Duty Car Wash Concentrate" ($5.00 for 12 washes). I then apply a coat of Prestone "Bullet-Wax" ($7.00 for 6 waxes). Takes me 1 hour total. No swirls, no scratches, no water spots, no problems.

    Parts: There's been some grumbling recently on the Board about BMW parts/accessories suppliers. I found Crown Richmond(VA)BMW from their ad in Autoweek and have bought all my stuff (CD changer, Universal Transmitter, etc.) from them. Very helpful and professional on phone and parts always in stock. Best feature is that EVERYTHING is 20% off and there's NO SHIPPING FEE if the order is over $100. (In my comparison with other places I saved from $15-$25). Their phone number is 800-237-0130.

    Turning 18: Brave, you're only turning 18 rpm? That leaves you with another 5982 to play with.
    After you've "slept it off", of course. (;-}
  • muzzy325imuzzy325i Member Posts: 19
    BMW does have the feature to turn on one side's parking lamps. It is documented in the Owner's Manual, it is activated by the turn signal when the key is in the 0 position.
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    Is the Zaino polish a wax subsitute? Will it protect the paint as well as wax? Any thoughts on this?
  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    Zaino is a wax substite, but unlike wax, it really does protect the paint. Wax makes cars look nice and make them easier to wash, but offers nothing in the way of physical protection. It mainly protects against paint oxidation and contamination.

    Zaino is a polymer which not only protects, but after several coats, actually has a physical thickness that helps protect the paint.

    Of course, it's also very shiny and makes the car look awesome. It's also very easy to quick deatil using the Z6 spray.

    I've only actually washed my car once since I've gotten it. I quick detail it every couple days to keep it clean. It only takes a few minutes.
  • sandeckisandecki Member Posts: 29
    jimbres,

    it's such a bull, your bmw rep is giving you!!!

    I have received a delivery on my 330i to Morristown BMW in NJ about a week before you got yours. Mine was missing the trim as well. I noticed it and mentioned it to my sales rep. They considered it as a mishap at the factory and reordered new headlights charging $1200 to bmw for their mistake. I liked the black trim, however titanium makes it look more 'techno' and the way it should look to begin with.

    If I was you, I would argue more with BMW, as Titanium trim was listed on the included items as you were signing the contract and it should be there if you like it to be.

    And just to make sure, I believe it's the whole headlight that needs to be replaced, not just the trim in the front. The reason being for silver background and accents around the bulbs.

    Make them pay, it's probably a quality control issue that should not exist at this price point!
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Yes, just for the running in period.

    Titanium headlight crew - do you also have "Alumni..." license plate frames? Just wondered.
  • shop2shop2 Member Posts: 7
    I just took delivery of my 330i with SP on 7/24, and have the same headlight problem.

    Questions:
    1 )Should the 330i sedan also come with a Titanium Grill? Mine did not.

    2) My side view mirrors don't have the wave action across the top (standing wave breakup for wind noise?) that the demo did. Does yours?

    Thanx
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    Thanks for the info. I'm inclined to agree with you - this is probably a quality control issue.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    New 330i sedans do NOT all come with the trim !!!
  • carpevinocarpevino Member Posts: 24
    I remember seeing the high beam pathway lighting but must of missed the signal. Thanks for the responses!
  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    lol
  • joer325xijoer325xi Member Posts: 10
    Any experiences caring for BMW leather?

    Many favor Lexol however I've read that Lexol is not good for leathers that are clear-coated.

    On the Autopia.com forum it was stated that BMW uses clear-coated leathers and Lexol will strip the clear-coat. True?

    Any experience with BMW's one-step leather care product?
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    Just when I think I have it all figured out...
    lexol on the leather
    vinylex on the plastic
    zaino on the exterior paint
    100% made in the USA towels to wipe it all with
    mother's on the wheels
    x-tra super duper unleaded for the gas tank
    x-tra super duper synthetic oil for the engine...

    you guys ruin it all by talking about 'CLEAR COATED LEATHER' aaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!
  • joer325xijoer325xi Member Posts: 10
    Many automotive leathers, especially those in American cars, have a clear-plastic coating. It is a perforated coating that allows the leather to breathe. I didn't think this was true of BMW leather but, like you, I am confused after following the Deatailing discussion on the Autopia.com forum.
  • dantlodantlo Member Posts: 106
    Carpevino
    His name is Dan Miller at BMWNA. I forgot his extension. You could just ask for him. Mine has been fixed for over two weeks and it is ok!!
    I did tell him my problem is fixed. They basically replaced the entire pedal assembly. Supposedly it has some new parts inside.

    Hope this helps and good luck. Let me know if you need more help!
    PS, I dropped my car off this morning for the steering retrofit, got an exact same car (325I sports)as a loaner with more options. I drove about 80 miles already. I drove it harder than I would on my own car, it is a blast to drive.
    Dan
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    It is Gewing just fine. I got that fine bottle of Gewurtzraminer right on time for my birthday last Saturday. It was just a coincidence of course but a very nice one. I really enjoyed the wine and although I heartily admit that I am no wine expert, I think it is right up there with the French Gewurtzraminer that we had at our wedding 2 years ago. Oh, did I mention it's half the price too? I think it is on the sweet side and it has a fruitier finish than its French counterpart - just a different twist of the same great taste that you get with all Gewurtzraminer. I am planning on getting a case, as I noticed that you guys sell cases free of shipping charges. All good stuff. For the rest of the family on this board that might be interested in great wine (genie1?), I got the wine on-line at

    www.palmervineyards.com

    Thanks, carpevino. This board is good for a lot more than cars :o)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I got a call from the dealer yesterday regarding the scheduling of my steering retrofit. This time it was someone in the dealer's customer service department that I have not worked with yet (I guess Mary Galvin's in love with somebody else now). I called back this morning and I was very impressed with how professional and courteous the customer service person was. I'm dropping off my car the second week of August and I'm having these done all at once (takes two days for all of them):
    1. The steering retrofit
    2. The aux fan recall
    3. The seat beat tensioner (bulletin number is on the FAQ server)
    4. Replace the jammed coin holder
    5. Reattach the brake buffer that hangs on the wall behind the brake pedal
    6. Remove a small ding that I got on the driver's side at a parking lot. This one will obviously not be free of charge. How much do you all think that a 1/4 inch wide and 1/16 inch deep ding should cost to remove?

    It came out that they now offer loaners free of charge, although it will be a National car loaner, not a BMW. Ahhh, well, I think I will live.
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    Man, first the clear-coated leather, and now I need to track down my 'seat beat tensioner'! You all are going to get the best of me!

    joer - thanks for the explanation on the leather. you're right...I don't think our leather has the coating you speak of...but I am totally winging it...

    Brave:
    Have I mentioned that I have found one of the most helpful salespeople I have dealt with to date? Yes, she is awesome to deal with. Returns all my calls promptly, etc....her name is Mary Galvin! (Brave?....Brave?...are you there??? Is that you sobbing???) the saga continues...

    Oh, and thanks for the vino tip...heading that way now...while I am taking a 'surf-break'
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    Brave, you can take you car to Ding King or whatever little dent removing business you have near you and they'll take those little dents out in one day, and for super cheap. Certainly cheaper than a BMW dealership.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    Remember several months back when my overly-anal self decided to shut the trunk with my elbow to avoid fingerprints, effectively proving Murphy's Law by instead adding a ding to the middle of the lid? I called the dealership on that one, hoping to get a little sympathy in the form of a free ding removal. No such luck (about $40), but I did glean from them that the process takes all of 10 minutes (assuming it's not in a tricky location) with the right tools/personnel. I figured when I accumulated enough dings I'd go to a "Ding Dong King" or wherever to get them taken care of for 50% of the cost or less.
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    Just went out to Palmer Vineyards. Looked at the address and noticed it is in LONG ISLAND....NEW YORK????!!!!! I know, I know, call me crazy, but I was expecting the vineyard to be in...ohhh... Napa Valley...or Sonoma Valley.....but not LONG ISLAND! Please educate me a little on this place before I shell out $25 clams for a bottle of Merlot. When I think Long Island, many things come to mind, and wine is not one of 'em. ; )
  • joer325xijoer325xi Member Posts: 10
    Anyone with leather seats?

    What product are you using to clean and or condition them?

    Results? Recommendations?
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    brave1heart - that pinning the kids and wife against the windows to keep them quiet works great! thanks for the advice. ;-)

    shipo - try as I might, I could not find one single IS300 between here and Myrtle Beach to race with the wife's Odyssey. There are, however, Porsche and Corvette drivers all along the East Coast who are wishing they had never seen the Gray Beast :-)

    Steering Retro - DO IT!!!! I have found no drawbacks and MANY advantages over the last couple months with the retro done. It really adds to the sporting nature of the car. Especially if you have the bad-bad steering like I did.

    Speeding - I found this topic very interesting having just averaged around 80MPH over about 1,300 miles (there and back). When everyone was content driving 80MPH (fast lane) and left reasonable gaps between cars, it was safe and relaxing driving. When some clown decided he wanted to drive 85MPH and was dodging and weaving through the three-lanes, things got ugly fast. Likewise, when someone pulling a camper at 60MPH decided to sit in the left lane things got equally ugly. For whatever reason, this was by far the worst in Virginia. There was no other state that every 5-10 miles, traffic moving along at 70+ would come to a complete stop. I was expecting an accident or road construction ahead, but before long traffic started moving along with no sign of any reason for the stoppage. The best I can figure is some clown cut someone off who hit their brakes enough to avoid an accident. This caused the next car back to hit his/her brakes, probably a little harder, and so began the chain reaction that ended in stopped traffic.

    minivan - i bow to the feet of the goddess, who is my wife, every time we go on vacation. I can think of no vehicle I'd rather drive at 80MPH (before you guys start a lynching party, read the next part!) on a straight stretch of highway with a family and a weeks worth of luggage than the Odyssey. Good power (although I think my 330Ci would beat it to sixty :-)), reasonably quiet, more room than we know what to do with, and just a nice, soft, comfortable highway ride. We also managed about 27MPG on the highway which is incredible, IMHO, for a 4,500 pound behemoth.
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