BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

eug

Adding an easier breathing intake seems like such a logical thing to do. Why doesn't the BMW just include it? Probably a simple reason. I think the K&N filters breath easier because they filter out less dirt particles. Thus reducing the life of your engine. Comments?

ed_ph413

I called Carmax and they don't have nor ask for service history. I then spoke to the Service Manager explaining my problem and how they should request this info in the future.

I contacted a BMW service center that had national data and showed no service ever done on my 12,300 mile 328i. Yet it shows 15,120 until Inspection when I insert the key. What happened to the oil change? They suggested the previous owner went to a quick lube place and they reset the maint computer. I think I need that tip on getting the oil change free to make sure they didn't dump in dino oil. Since they have no record, they should get paid by BMW anyway, right?

Thanks for any help.

errickson

Twoof:
GuruMike is correct...sorry for not clarifying it in my earlier post. The figures ECIS gave me were for a 330i that they just recently 'dyno'd'. They have results for the 325 and 330, and are currently in the process of updating their website with that info....

"Power @ crank or rear wheels?' To be honest, you are way over my head with that one, so needless to say, I did not ask him to specify. 'Power is power...right?' .....ok, ok, you can stop laughing now! ; )

Thanks for the name of the act that covers warranty work. I was racking my brain trying to recall it.

Eug:
Why doesn't BMW include a KN filter? My guess is because the K&N filtercharger costs about 3-4 times as much as a paper filter...

I do believe the KN filters are quite effective. Like you mention, a more effective air filter is certainly a simple adjustment anyone can make. Also, the KN Filter does not need to be replaced. It will last 50K or more. It just requires cleaning once in a while. We have KN filters in all 3 of our vehicles...evev the suv) One point I was not aware of (until recently) is that you may not receive the 'full benefit' from the KN filter unless you run at fairly high rpm's. I thought one would benefit at all rpm's, but that may show my lack of knowledge on 'engine stuff'.

sunnybrook

Is this a car that is going to have to be custome built or was it on the dealers lot? I thought you could not place orders for 2001 models anymore; only 2002's. Personally, I am planning on getting a 2002 and the steel blue is the sharpest color in my opinion. I've seen a few on the road and it looks really good.

gurumike

comments - reduces life of engine - no.

denright

Where can I get a K&N filter?

motorcity3

Hello everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knows of any good products to cover up small paint chips, like the ones you would get from a small rock hitting your BMW at high speed (ouch!!). I saw a couple on my hood and I was ready to scream. I am sure you all know how that feels (especially one a 2 month old black 325i). Any ideas?

Thanks

errickson

Den:

try http://www.performanceproducts.com/sub/k&n

I think they are around $30 or so.... Also, I am not sure, but I think the one I ordered was for a 2000 e46. I don't think they have info yet for 2001MY...so I went out and measured the original filter, and the dimensions are the same as the 2000MY. It just pops right in. Takes 30 seconds....

Den, I am assuming you are wanting to replace your stock filter? Not the whole cai thing, right? You probably know this, but the cai requires a totally different filter, so you won't need both (like I am about to have)....In fact, if interested, I would make you a deal on mine (with all of 100 miles on it)! oops! no ads....sorry Pat

errickson

Original equipment air filters on new vehicles are generally very restrictive when you need your maximum horsepower. This is due to their paper construction and they actually limit engine breathing. That's why we recommend K&N, the leader in filter technology as proven by their heavy use in both on and off-road racing. K&N filters consist of five layers of cotton gauze sandwiched by two layers of metal screen. The square pattern of the gauze actually reduces turbulence in the air and allows the air to flow much freer than your stock paper filters. The cotton is permeated with oil which catches the finest dust making the filtering efficiency better than paper as well. And the really good news is that these filters will last the life of your vehicle. When they get dirty clean them with K&N filter cleaner and re-oil with K&N filter oil. K&N filters will allow your vehicle to breathe better therefore increasing performance, and you'll never have to buy another air filter.

j330i

My steel blue 330i is currently in transit. I should have it in August. I looked at all the colors and the steel blue / grey leather looked the sharpest to me, especially with the SP wheels.

pal12

Hi all,
I was going to take my new 325xi for a wash today and was wondering if chrome polishes are good for the wheels or should I just stick with soap and water. Also, for the exterior, any special precautions to take? Appreciate your responses.

Thanks

eug

I looked into it a little further and found this http://www.knfilters.com/facts.htm#FACTS site. K&N makes a strong argument. According to their tests(see graph), a dirty K&N filter is almost the same as a clean stock filter. So far, it sound like there is not a drawback to the CAI mods. except possibly a warranty issue.

bmwagonmaster

You should be able to tell if the previous owner took it to a Quick-Lube place by checking the filter. Assuming they changed it, they definitely wouldn't use a real BMW filter.
Either way, you (and anybody else reading this) are entitled to a BMW service oil change under the free maintenance if your car is at least one year old (regardless of miles). There's an official service bulletin number 00 02 00 that confirms this if your dealer isn't aware . They should also change the climate-control microfilter as part of the service. I just had it done with no problems. Hope this helps.

bmwagonmaster

I have no personal involvement in this discussion because I don't plan on any changes to my car, but I thought this post would be of interest to those who do. In the BMW CCA July 2001 Roundel magazine, the Technical Editor answers a reader's question about installing a K&N Air Filter. It's too long to quote the whole response but here's an important part: "..we'd recommend using the K&N cone-type filter that replaces the entire air box assembly rather than the drop-in filter...(because) the restriction comes mainly from the airbox, not the filter."

errickson

Trust me, I am the LAST person who would do ANYTHING to jeopardize my automobile. I am a boring family man who watches Sesame Street videos with his 2 year old while the rest of the world is watching SURVIVOR and Big Brother. I am very leary to change anything on my vehicle unless it is OEM, from the dealer, etc....

Having made the above claims, I will also say that I have always been interested in mods to my vehicles that will enhance its performance (HP,MPG), while maintaining the cars integrity.

I really can't see ANY downside to the cai. I have researched and spoken to several knowledgeable people (ok, so one of 'em was guruMike), who all say, "Go for it!" I figure since it is only a couple hundred bucks, it's worth giving a try.

laurasdada

What would go best with a 3 series?

IWC DaVinci Chronograph
Omega Seamaster Professional
Tag Heuer Kirium Chronograph

Any thoughts?

mmcbride1

Are:

Baume et Mercier Hampton
Bulgari Rettangolo (sp?)

I like the rectangular faces much better than most round ones.

ed_ph413

Thanks for the tip. I found out Carmax does an oil change and "supposedly" sticks to the recommended oil/filter. I don't trust them and want to get the real service. I understand that BMW also changes the rear diff fluid and the air filter at the first oil change.

I heard that the oil filter is under that metal cap but I'm leary about removing it. Does it need to be retorqued and will oil come out if I open the cap? I'm assuming it just exposes the filter though.

deepdarkblu

Well, this is a tough question. You've made three excellent choices. My personal favorite is the Omega Seamaster Professional (the Bond watch). There are now numerous versions. I would go with model 2531.80 (full size, stainless steel, automatic movement). Check out http://www.ashford.com. I've owned this watch for ten years now, and it has NEVER failed me. Tough as nails and classic/sporty. It's not as contemporary as the Tag Heuer Kirium, but I think it's less trendy. Bombproof, too. The band alone costs $300 and is sturdy as hell. You will not be disappointed. The IWC is a great watch, too, but I think it's a bit on the pricey side. Then again, you may be independently wealthy, so that may not be a factor for you.

mmcbride1

I love the Ashford website. They've got just about everything you can think of (but no Bulgari).

brave1heart

I was also considering the Dinan Triad a couple of months ago but decided that it wasn't worth 2 grand. It is typically recommended to do all of these for maximum engine breathing: the cai, the cat-back free-flow exhaust, and the chip. The way that I picture is that you have all this air passing through the engine, right. If you only do the cai, you will improve airflow on the way in. But if the exhaust is too restrictive, it does your car little good because it needs to be able to push the air out at the same speed it is taking it in. Then the chip comes in to help regulate and synchronize the combustion process by speeding it up for maximum efficiency. Doing just one of these 3 (as is the case with the cai) may not help as much. I've also seen one of the big Dinan proponents initially complain that the triad takes away drivability at high speed (85+ mph) but I do not remember the exact details. I was thinking, though, I do not want to compromise top end drivability for improved acceleration. Also, one of the typical problems with mods that improve acceleration is NHV (noise, vibration, and harshness). I like my silky-smooth vibration-free in-line 6 just the way it is. Another thing I remember thinking back when I was looking into it is I found out that the 325 is pretty well optimized already and it seems that the manufacturer squeezed the juice out of it very well, leaving very little for tuners to work on. It would be easier to gain HP and torque on the 330 but it already has so much power that I consider those overkill for daily driving. Don't get me wrong, I am interested in learning a lot more about mods and I have been enjoying reading the discussion on the board. It's just that none of you seems to recognize that with mods, you gain something at the expense of something else and the only thing certain is that it will cost you money that you will most likely not recover. Even the biggest mod fans would readily admit that as far as resale, nothing works better than bone stock. I am planning on keeping my 325i till I drive it into the ground and I will reconsider mods when the warranty runs out.

bmwagonmaster

If you're going to get the REAL oil change, then don't worry about checking the filter yourself. (You can always ask the BMW service people what type of filter the Carmax service used). The additional items you mentioned are included at the first "Inspection," which is different than first "oil service". The inspection is actually the 2nd service, which occurs about 30k, depending on your service indicator computer.
(If your indicator was reset by Carmax like you suspect, it should now say "inspection" when you first turn ignition on).

kominsky

I just got an email from Sean at ECIS answering some questions I sent him... excellent response time.

Power gains are claimed to be 5-8HP and 11-13 lb/ft AT THE REAR WHEELS. Dyno charts should be posted on their webpage this weekend.

330 units are shipping ~2 weeks after order.

325 units are not yet in production. They are "still working out some production bugs". Price will be the same as the 330's ($299 +$15 shipping). Power gains are expected to be similar to those of the 330. Wait times are not determined yet since they are not in production.

genie1

Is it just me or is Movado the Female Executive Watch of Choice? Every woman I've worked with seems to have one. I must have missed that trend as all I wear is an Omega de ville. (I don't even know if they sell it in the US/Canada)

Hmmm...Wonder if thats what is hindering my rise up the corporate ladder...

errickson

Brave:
As usual, you have come through with yet another eloquent response to the cai thing. Ms. Galvin would be proud. (btw) The whole charismatic church thing applies here, too.

Although I have already ordered for myself, I remain quite the impartial juror on this, so I will yield to Gurumike for a response to your post. Is that a spineless jellyfish or what?

Thanks for the additional info!

mfeldman

We haven't heard back. People on the e46 board have now complained of alignment problems. How did yours go?

roc50mg

Does anyone with a 330 or 325 XI have rubber floor mats? I was told that there is no rubber floor mat made by BMW that fits the XI models properly. If you do have the rubber floor mat for the XI's, can you tell me the part number?

deepdarkblu

I spoke with a jeweler who sells top-end watches, and she said that Omega workmanship is impeccable, even surpassing Rolex. I've always viewed Movado as slick and trendy. I picture vtech wearing one. Hmmm....

brave1heart

I am not at all an expert on watches but I don't think I'd spend more than $300-$400 on a watch even if I had money to burn. This is where I draw the line with my purchasing preferences: if it adds functionality and looks, great; if it's mostly a status symbol, not interested. A Rolex would be great for a high-profile status (sales?) person; $1,000+ for a Tag Heuer sports watch? Please... My watch is good for 100 m diving already, although I suspect I'll rarely be diving deeper than 5 ft. It tells the time just as well as the top brands, looks great and feels comfy - why would I spend more than a couple of hundred dollars on status, flash or functions that I will never use, like three chronometers that work well at any altitude. I drive a BMW b/c there is simply no other car that does what the 3-series does in an everyday practicality package in that price range. Sure, that's worth a premium. Maybe I'm missing something about expensive watches that only a high-profile salesperson can understand. As far as Movados, I think they look sterile, faceless and boring. If you spend $1,000 on a watch, at least get something that says "I have personality and I like BMW better than Lexus". You know, the "driver" vs. "passenger" thing.

mmcbride1

No way. He spent everything he had on his IS.

I picture him in a Rolex knock-off (and trying to pass it off as a real one).

brave1heart

it's a wheel alignment issue. just make sure your dealer does alignment on all four tires.

bmwagonmaster

Just curious why the standard BMW black rubber E46 mats wouldn't fit the xi's. Aren't all the interior floor dimensions the same (except for convertibles)? I don't have an xi but my mat order numbers were 82559408540/541 front/rear.

genie1

Yes, it is not the most practical of watches. It is more dressy than I need for everyday. (I'm not in sales either...can you tell )

But it was a graduation gift oh so many years ago and it is a joy to wear. I did find the gold-plate started to wear off a bit, as I used it harshly for a while, but I will try to get that fixed if I make it to Europe this winter. The only thing its needed is new batteries every couple of years...try finding a reputable jeweller in small-town Indiana

Anyway, bon week-end or as they say in Quebec...bon fin semaine.

midtowneast

I have a 330 xi with rubber mats from Weathertech, they fit exactly over the cloth mats that came with the car. The weathertech mats come with a red stripe around them. The stripe was great for me since I have the red seats. I would think any BMW mats would also fit perfectly.

j330i

I am looking to get seat covers for my 330i. Not the vest or the sheepskin, but the regular seat covers. It seems that these only comein black and sand (or tan). I have grey leather interior. Does anybody know where I can find grey seat covers?

jrct9454

If you really mean chrome polish, and are not referring actually to something else, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES GO NEAR THESE WHEELS WITH CHROME POLISH. It will strip both the clear coat and everything else off the wheels in short order.

For cleaning, use car wash solution and lots of water, or if you keep after it often enough to avoid serious buildup, just water. You can apply wax if you want, but it will go away very quickly because of the heat.

Look, there is no shortcut to keeping the wheels looking good but old fashioned elbow grease. Car nuts like me make time for car cleanliness...if you can't, then resign yourself to the fact that the wheels are going to look dirty. It's the nature of the beast.

And I don't believe in dust shields - they have the potential to cause heat buildup and rotor warpage on cars that already have a reputation for warping rotors. And unless they seat perfectly on the hub, they will cause vibrations that will feel like out-of-round or out-of-balance tires. Keep a bucket with some car wash solution and some towels you don't use on anything but the wheels, and just do it...

drew_

hawkbert

I just bought a Citizen Eco Drive titanium watch. It's extremely light, will never need batteries, and it has a perpetual calendar. I expect it to last many years, however...

If you want a "looks like money" watch, check out Fossil's offerings. Their watches range from $45 to $120, come with an 11 year warranty, and look great. There's even a few solid titanium models, although they require batteries and don't (I think) have a perpetual calendar.

bmw323is

I just got back from a little 600 mile vacation trip in the mountains. When I got home I had 515 miles on the last tank of gas and got 34.5 mpg. I always fill my car and record the mileage and gallons used. I have about 7,500 miles on my 323. The best mileage I got was 35.5 and the worst was 25.6. I am very pleased with the mileage this car provides. What a joy to drive on twisty mountain roads!

gurumike

I thought he already posted that concern two days ago, which I addressed. I am NOT an advocate of most forms of modification. But a straight forward intake or an exhaust (cat-back) aren't problems. The exhaust was likely cause an increase in noise pollution to various degrees but my intake offers "souped-up engine sound-on-demand". It sounded even better today on my drive home. Is that possible? Or was I just noticing it more? This statement along the lines of how none of us "understand that you must give up something when you gain something.." Huh? Why MUST?? Usually, perhaps. I agree that for resale (unless you bump into the right type, like a v-tech) stock is best. I've always put my car back to stock anytime I've done anything. But if you're really planning to "run it into the ground", why deprive yourself of this enjoyable and inexpensive upgrade? Of all the people on here, Brave, you would perhaps enjoy it the most! I'm beyond certain that next time you find yourself in a position that results in your posting a story about blowing away some lesser domestic/Asian car, it will be far more exciting if you had an intake !!!!!!!!!!!
Just a thought.

In the next few weeks, I'll write reports on my previous cars (yet again) where in I will do "performance mods" one week and sound systems the next. Please email me "don't do it!" if you would rather not hear about this nonsense.

bmwagonmaster

follow this link:

http://www.motorworks.com/bmw/

When you get there, type in WB12003 in the part number search box. I found these when I was searching for covers too. I didn't buy them so can't comment more, but maybe it's what you're looking for.

coolbret

According to Owner's Circle, my car is at the vehicle prep center, awaiting it's final lookover :-) Two days earlier than the ship was supposed to dock too....getting excited, who else's was on the Rigolotto?

dantlo

The dealer called me today and told me the car was ready. I will pick it up in the morning(didn't want to sit in Friday night traffic in L.A). I was not very eager to pick up my car yet beacause they gave me an exact same car(325i) with more options including center armrest(very comfy). The loaner is so much fun to drive maybe because I know it is not my own car.Will keep you all posted.

Brave1heart, do you think I should have asked the dealer to do the alignment or would they do it anyway?

gurumike

Was it in an accident?

denright

Has anyone managed to find a K&N filter for a 330? I tried searching on K&N's site for the proper filter for my 2001 330xi, and it turned up "zero listings". Anyone else have any luck?

driver36

I am ready to order a 325i with SP, Leather, sunroof and HK next week, and wonder if you can have a choice of South Africa or Germany build?? Or you just go my luck if you can get a german build car!!
Any input would be much appreciated!

Driver36

nbnjbimmer

My status on the owners circle hasn't changed. I was on the Rigoletto and scheduled to arrive 7/29 to Newark- maybe they haven't updated mine yet?
Coolbret- are you getting the alarm? I'm still on the fence- $529 thru dealer.

aaron330i

I cleaned my front seats last night with Zaino Leather Cleaner (Z9, I think) followed by Z10, the Leather Conditioner.

I'm not sure if it was me, but my leather seemed pretty thirsty and drank it up quite readily. I actually seemed to have to use quite a bit before it stopped taking the conditioner in.

This morning, I was quite pleased to find that the seats looked just like they did before I put the Z10 on them, meaning that there was no oily sheen. The seats have the same look as before I treated them.

I was a bit nervous originally because I didn't want shiny black leather seats, but the Z10 worked perfectly and left a factory finish to them.

I finally took some pictures this morning of my car, but alas, printroom.com, where I normally upload my photos, was down. Dooh. I'll get them up as soon as I can.

gurumike

If you're thinking of spending $40 + shipping for a replacement air cleaner, I did that when I had my M3. Quite honestly, I could not tell at all that anything was different. What ever your motivation may be to help the engine breathe more efficiently, I'd say get an inexpensive replacement air box (yes yes, like my ECIS one...) or save your money. Even though it only cost me around $40 total, it seemed like a bad decision.
Remember - that's only my opinion.

kominsky

When I had my steering done, I asked the service manager if they had done an alignment. He told me they had and that it was part of the service bulletin for the rack replacement. It couldn't hurt to verify (my dealership gave me the computer printout of the alignment), but it should have been done.

To the best of my knowledge, you're the second person in 'the hall' to have the retro done. I can't wait to read your observations to see if they match my own.