I am totally unimpressed with the OEM Conti CH95 tires. Michelin does make the best touring tire in the MXV+. For the best 3 Series performance tires, the choices are among the Michelin Pilots, Dunlop, Bridgestone or Yokohama tires. Conti's are relatively inexpensive, but not one of the better performance or touring tires.
Interesting, I never knew they were owned by Sumitomo. When I was little we had Dunlopillo mattresses. I wonder what the company makes now? Tennis balls?
I do intend to get Dunlop Winter Sports soon probably with some cheap wheels - Borbet Type B's look like the cheapest 16" wheels from Tirerack.
I'd like to know how the ECIS CAI sound compares to the stock sound. I know you have the 330 and I have the 325 so I will factor in these differences. Do you notice acceleration gains mostly at full throttle or at partial throttle as well? Could you also list the parts that are shipped as part of the ECIS CAI package. The K&N filter is included, right? Thanks. I can't find a decent chart on the 325's torque and HP gains - all the charts on their web site seems to be on the 330.
Your car gets into the VPC TODAY !!!! You'll be a driver this time next week !!!!!!
Sorry, everyone, for do a vehicle inquiry on the board! On a side note, BMW now have a really cool name for cloth - it's called "Gran Turismo Anthracite cloth" - how appropriate!
Brave - I'd say I notice gains at all rpms. I recently spoke to someone at ECIS and he told me that they had to slightly modify the design of their pipe to eliminate a whistling sound!! Just like you mentioned someone had with the Dinan product! I have no unusual sound, well, if you have the window open, when you move away from a stand still, you can just about hear a short and quite quiet whooshing type sound as the throttle opens. Yes the filter is incl. With just a basic screwdriver and socket, you'll have the whole project finished in well under an hour.
I think I'm getting close to trying it out. I am fully aware of the tradeoffs but the way I look at it, it's worth a shot and if I don't like it, I can always take it out. What's their return policy (if any) BTW? I figure they've had it for a couple of months now, so all the bugs like that pipe you mentioned should have been eliminated.
About a week ago I posted a message about the strange marks on the finish of my new Jet Black 330xi. Nobody has replied, so I thought I'd try one more time. They almost look like acid burns or something of that nature, but I can't feel anything at all when I run my fingers across the finish. There appears to be a small pinpoint at the center of this irregularity. And I seem to have several of these things (at least a dozen on the hood). They are grayish and about a quarter of an inch in diameter. I park in a garage most of the time.
Sorry if I don't have any idea, but on a note, I just noticed a darker splotch (1in x 2in) on the driver's door. I have the steel gray metallic exterior and didn't notice it until I washed it after a couple of weeks of picking it up. It seems to be completely sealed but it is a darker patch (no "metallic" reflection). I tried to wash and wax it off, but I think it may have been a defect in the paint job that I did not catch at the dealership.
All the recent discussion of tires serves as a good lead-in to my question. I recently broke the right front wheel on my month old 330i when some clown ran me off the road. The dealer said a new wheel (the double spoke wheel on the sport package) is $500 and a new tire $200. I have the Continental Conti Sport Contact tires.
I read that these tires are "directional", or maybe it was "asymmetric". Does this mean that there are different tires for the right side and the left side of the car? Or does the same tire go on both sides of the car?
By the way, I think it was gurumike who said that with these cars it can be hard to tell when you have a flat tire. I have to agree with him there. When I had mine, the car drove as if nothing was wrong. Just a slight vibration was all that told me I had a flat.
I tightened the bolts on wheel too much? I'm hearing "metal slicing" sound from the rear of my car. It is very faint, and the only times I could hear it is when I take my foot off the accelerator (lower engine noise), and when the street is quiet...
I know it is definitely no good if the bolts are loose, but what happens if they are too tight? Is there any "recommendations" on how tight the bolts on the wheels should be?
You can buy the OEM armrest (circlebmw.com, pacificbmw.com) and install it yourself. The installation instructions are on at least one of the two sites listed above. If I remember correctly, it didn't look to tough. I also believe a couple of posters here have done their own and might be able to offer some advice.
I scanned the V1 customization list link that you pointed me to - I had no idea that you can change so many settings!! Couple of questions: 1. What is a Ku band? Do you use it? 2. Doesn't the 'L' mode effectively filter out the vast majority of 'X' band alarms? I use my V1 in 'L' mode in the city and 'A' mode in rural areas and I've noticed that the 'L' mode significantly cuts down on false alarms. I think 'X' band signals are usually burglar alarms, right? I get a lot of these in commercial areas when using 'A' mode. So in short, I'm trying to decide whether it's better to disable the 'X' band completely or continue using the 'L' mode and let the V1 unit decide which 'X' warnings to filter out. Thanks.
BTW, I checked my V1 wiring and I found out that I did tuck the phone wire underneath the weather strip next to the door. I guess the air bag issue is a moot point then.
Hmmmm, the SA build quality discussion makes me wonder... Do the Germans buying Z3s and X5s (I hear the X5 is getting VERY popular in Europe) have an Edmunds equivalent, perhaps www.edmunds.de? And is there perhaps a similar discussion going on there right now?
I just checked mit dem Owner's Circle to get the status on mein neues X5.... I'm really concerned about the build quality from the Amerikaners in Sud Carolina. I mean, why can't they get good Muenchener workers to make them here, ja? Should I cancel my order? I hear that maybe the ML320 Mercedes is better because the Alabama Mercedes workers are all university graduates but the Sud Carolina BMW workers only attend the high school.
Seriously, I admit I probably have an irrational bias against non-German-built BMWs, the excellent info from gurumike notwithstanding.
Read a lot of posts about RPMs here thought might ask this one. After the break-in period now I really enjoy taking it to 5000-5500 rpm. So far I havent gone 6200-6300 as brave1heart was mentioning. Havent had that courage yet ... i might do it if I get a loaner .. hehehe. But I m wondering does an rpm of 5000-5500 affect the life of the engine or is it really good for it to do it that way ? Should it be done once in a while / what should be the frequency e.g., once a week or it doesnt matter at all.
I heard that there is chip which records your driving style in terms of how u vary your speed ... doesnt sound realisitic to me .. but if it does what does it do and what is it trying to record and how does it help even if it records.
Concern about RPMs should really be limited to the break-in period. After that, as long as you don't downshift into 2nd gear at 90mph, for example, the engine should be fine. This might have been an issue several years ago, but with today's technology advances (metallurgy, machining tolerances, synthetic oil, cooling systems, multi-valve configurations, etc., etc., etc.), RPMs have less of a negative impact on engine wear than they used to. Also, given the fact that these engines were designed to run all day at high speeds, you'd probably have even less of a worry. Use the engine as it's designed to be used -- that's what you bought the car for, right? Otherwise, used Camry's would suffice just as well...
The "engine-recording chip" conspiracy is greatly exaggerated. I think some of this stems from the Adaptive Transmission (Step), which monitors driving style (throttle position, average speed, average engine load, average RPM, to name a few factors) and adjusts the tranny's shift points to better match. This is done on a per-trip basis (i.e., from ignition ON to ignition OFF, then reset at next ignition ON) only, so I see no real value in recording ALL engine data from mile 0 to mile xxx,xxx. Would take a lot of memory (unlimited, theoretically), too (but you'll have to ask some of the hardware/software experts here about that one).
I have a 325i w/o the PP and the only way I can open my trunk is using the ignition key. Am I missing something here? I searched in the manual and it seems that you need to get the PP to get a trunk release button?!? Oh, and get this: the ignition key needs to be out for the trunk release to work. You can't have it in the ignition (even if the engine is off) and get the trunk to open.
I forgot to mention that the key is the only way to do it remotely. You know that if the car is unlocked, you can reach underneath that discrete handle on the trunk and open it by pressing the white area in the middle, right?
hippo: Wheel bolt torque spec as per owner's manual is 76 lb.-ft. Some folks buy Zaino--I bought a torque wrench.
Motorcity: Of course Windex will work. But you know this bunch, we only use the BEST-- no matter the cost (see "Zaino" above). I've had good results with all the Rain-X products. Follow this link if you're interested:
I believe there are at least two other ways of releasing the trunk besides the key button. The first by pressing a soft rubber "button" in the trunk lift just above the license plate (found it on a 330i w/o PP). This button only works if _all_ doors are unlocked with the remote or if you have locked the car with the interior lock button near the shift lever (same conditions to release the gas cap cover). The second release should be a button just inside the front, driver-side door in the foot-well area either below or above the hood release lever (unless only the wagon has this button. In the case of the wagon, the key's trunk button releases only the glass window, not the rear door.)
I would see no reason why, speed limit aside now, you could not shift just before redline when having fun. As you mentioned I didn't spend all this money on a BMW to keep my rpms below the level to get the best performance from.
When I had the 320i step loaner, the most fun I had was shifting right before redline. THat seemed to get me the best acceleration anyway.
I just got back from a 200+ km drive with my new baby and I was able to pick up the habit and still have some fun keeping the rpms below 4500. 1700 kms left to blast off!!!
I am pretty sure the SP spare is for front and the rim is the same. This might save you big portion of that $700.
From my understanding, "directional" means that used tire should always stays on the same side of the car, i.e. you can rotate front <-> rear but not left <-> right. Since the size of front and rear tires are different on 330i SP, rotation is not required. Giving the fact that weight distribution is close to 50/50, I don't mind no-rotation at all.
Remember, there are self-protection devices built into the drivetrain to protect the engine from over-revving:
1) Step: will ALWAYS upshift to higher gear (even in Manual mode), usually this occurs 2-300 rpm after redline on the tach. Also will not EVER allow downshifts that exceed redline for that gear.
2) Manual: rev limiter will not allow engine revs beyond 2-300 rpm over redline in any given gear; ignition is retarded.
So, unless you PURPOSELY TRY to inflict damage upon the engine (e.g., downshift to 2nd gear in a manual at 90 mph -- physics wins out and engine revs to about 10,000 rpm), you can pretty much have at it to your heart's content.
I think I mentioned to you that according to the manual, you should set your lugs tightness to 72 lb/ft (100 Nm). You need a torque wrench to measure that - if you don't have one, do stop by the dealer's and they will check them for you. Also, it is always best to work the lugs in a "star" pattern when mounting the tire - start with two opposite lugs, tighten them up enough (about 80%) so the rim would stop moving, put in the other lugs at about 80%, tighten up all another 10%, pull the jack out so the tire is on the ground and finish off the other 10 or so needed percent. These percentages are just a guideline, not a norm (take it from someone who used to regularly own $300 cars in his poor years and had to deal with flats frequently). I did not have a torque wrench with me but I knew about the guidelines in the manual and intentionally did not tighten up too much. When I went to a friend who has a torque wrench, it came out that I had tightened the lugs up to about 77-80 lb/ft, which isn't far off but it goes to show that if I had tightened up to the max, I would have been way off the recommended tightness level. Now, I don't know if the lug tightness could explain the clicking noise you're hearing but I've heard that if they are too tight, they might snap off under very hard pressure, such as hitting a deep pothole.
BTW, speaking of rims, I found out that CART cars run on 17-inch rims so this size seems to be the sweet spot for performance. I couldn't believe the weight of the tire and rim when I was replacing it - I'm guessing it's North of 50-60 lbs each!! Any rim bigger than 17-inch would be mostly for show-and-tell at the expense of performance due to added unsprung weight.
Armrest - yes, you can buy it as an accessory from any BMW dealership (or goto Circle BMW or Pacific BMW websites). The install is VERY straight forward, and took less than an hour...and trust me, I am NOT mechanically inclined!!!!!
Lexol/ RainX- You can buy all og that stuff from about 1,000,000 different websites... just go to: http://www.google.com and do a search for "lexol" or "rainx". You will see all the places that sell those products.
Trunk release- Let me tell you how I figured out I had no trunk release on my new $35k 2001 325I...
I read a list of "NEW" features on the 2002 325 sedans.... "smoother lines on hood & bumper , cd, different foglights, clears with the SP, new taillight config., blah, blah, blah" ...then it hit like a ton of bricks:
"and an INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON!!!!!!!!!!"
I ran to my car, sat in the drivers seat, and started pushing every button I could find. "You gotta be kidding me! Surely that trunk release button is around here somewhere... to no avail.
No big deal...the rubber button works fine. But the fact that they consider an "interior trunk release button" an upgrade from the 2001 models to the 2002 models just seems "so wrong".
I guess no one was able to respond to my two questions from yesterday, but I'll give it one more post:
BTW, mile #1200 is fast approaching, and these past 18 days have been very sweet, I must say. However, two concerns:
1) Does anyone have any updates on the aux. fan switch recall and should I not worry about it after so many miles...does it usually occur within the first few weeks or so?
2) Occasionally, and more specifically, when traveling on the highway a bit, that is, nonstop 70+ MPH for more than 15-20 minutes say, I've noticed that when I come down from those speeds and enter local stop-n-go traffic, a very low pulsating resistance is frequently sensed when I disengage or push in the clutch pedal while in 3rd or 4th gear. Otherwise, it is usually entirely smooth in the tranistion. This may not be a symptom I hope of anything, but I just wanted a little feedback....
...use Windex and the Sunday paper...have never used RainX, however...as for the Zaino, and no, I don't want to start a riot, it isn't the easiest product to prepare or use, but it does provide a deep wet appearance and possibly some better antistatic/particle protection. Otherwise, I wouldn't say it is any better or worse than McGuire's or any other carnuba wax product...I just hoped I wouldn't need to wax it for another 6 months to a year.
I only realized the nonexistant interior trunk release after searching for it last week and finding only a plastic cover in place of the "upgraded" trunk release (ala erickson). That didn't suit me too well either, but then again, it didn't bother me much longer once I took off onto the open roads!
Well, my 2001 325i pp, step is nearing the 3k mark. Just wanted to let reader know how the car is handling up to this point. The car is doing great, no problem thus far (knock on wood). Exterior is still looking good, except for 1 or 2 rock chips on the hood, the paint itself is great. Have the vehicle for 3 months, so i have inspected the craftmanship of these german made cars(and my car was made in germany!). The workmanship is great. Trust me, i go over the car all the time with a fine flash light. Much, much better made then my Jeep Grnd Chero. Interior Wise: I opted for leather, it is great. The smell is still there, and it is been holding up quite well despite the hot midwest sun; of course lexol might be of help here. Love the black dash board, and am greatful to get the black mats my salesman kept insisting on. Match quite well with the sand interior. Engine: This thing screams FUN FUN FUN. I have never owned a car quite like this one. The engine begs to be driven. No hestation at all from the engine while in the 5500 rpm mark and above. Not to mention the sweet sound it makes. I agree with most people saying that there are hesitation below 3k rpm, but above this, the car screams. My fuel economy went up and the horsepower is getting better as this car ages. I drive mostly in S mode or manual, so zig zagging through traffic is great with this car. One word phrase sums it up, "utlimate driving machine". I could only dream of a manual, wifey can't drive them - thus i had to opt for step.
p.s. pulled up to a signal light with a 3.2 TL, scortched it when green came on (he tried keeping up, but cutting through traffic was too hard for him). Gave my dad a ride of his life that sunday, i think he enjoyed it since he couldn't do much with the camry he has. Most of people around me likes the car but always ask me "is it worth it". Obviously they never driven one, so i just smile and say to them, "go enjoy your 35k suv's". Cause if i let them drive my car, they will definitely be addicted to it.....
Wheel bolt torque: as noted above, the correct values are in the owner's manual and tend to be in the mid-70s [72-78] in ft-lbs for most cars with alloy wheels. A couple of lbs tighter is going to do no harm. What will do harm is making them way too tight [90 ft lbs and up] OR having one or more bolts wildly different from the others. Damage is not necessarily to wheels or bolts, but rather to the brake rotors; this is in fact a very common way to warp the rotors...uneven torquing of the wheel bolts.
I never let anyone finish tightening the wheels without using my torque wrench...end of story.
Paint: Without eyeballing it myself, it is hard to say, but the description sounds like it might be hard-water stains. Is it a commercial or office parking garage? Sometimes moisture from the concrete above will condense and drop on cars - one of the reasons mine is covered everywhere except our garage at home. Otherwise, the possible candidates are endless - birds, trees, nasty rain water, etc. A good polish [I like Zymol for my cars, especially for dark paint] should be the first step; if that doesn't do the trick, it's off to the professional for an opinion.
Directional vs Asymmetrical Tires: Directional tires can only be mounted on one side of the car; there is an arrow imprinted in the sidewall which shows the direction of rotation. This is increasingly common with the new breed of performance tires designed to handle rain, another reason I prefer a touring design to a pure performance tire. Asymmetrical designs, on the other hand, refer to a tread design that requires one side of the tire to be mounted on the outside [street side]; these may or may not be unidirectional - the two characteristics are independent. The Michelin XAS was an early asymmetric design, with a different tread pattern across the face of the tire, designed to give better grip in all weather [this goes back to the '70s and early '80s], but it was not unidirectional - could be run at any position on the car, as long as the correct side was facing out.
I was wondering if any of you has figured out why driving in the U.S. differs so much from driving in the rest of the world when it comes down to the fast lane rights. Drivers anywhere else (Canada including) use the fast lane for passing only. As soon as they pass, they go back to the slower lane, even if they are going faster than the speed limit. Here in the U.S., I see cars casually going in the fast lane on a rural interstate at barely the speed limit without any awareness whatsoever of other drivers. Why is it OK to pass on the right (it is legal!!) but it is not OK to let faster drivers go by? I'm not referring to the type of drivers who take policing into their own hands and often start a road rage - I am talking about the average driver who is not using the fast lane wisely. Flashing lights at the drivers in front is considered typically a safe thing to do when you're fast approaching a car in the fast lane in front of you - it alerts that driver and gives them enough time to move out of your way without having to slow you down. Here, though, a lot of drivers take it personally if you flash your lights at them and more often than not, it does more harm than help. Not sure what causes these differences in attitude between U.S. drivers and drivers in the rest of the world. Any thoughts? Is it arrogance or carelessness?
it's ignorance. And not only do I Zaino my torque wrench, but I installed a CD changer in it too. And it comes standard (like my wagon) with a trunk release (;>}
I think U.S. drivers behaves well in general on interstate. I'd say about 70% (may be even 80%) of drivers on interstate respect faster car. Agreed that on rural area, the rate comes down to about 40-50%. It doesn't bother me when slower vehicle occupy the fast lane as long as 1) It doesn't go at the same speed as the vehicle next to it 2) It doesn't speed up to seal the cap when I try to surpass it from the right side. Drivers of type 2) is the kind that really piss me off. This behavior is not only selfish but also dangerous. They deserve the pink slip more than I do, but unfortunately, it is usually the one who (me) cut in and out gets the ticket. Sigh.
Initially, the interior trunk release button (just above the hood release pull lever by your left leg) was a 328i standard item, not available on 323 regardless of package. Now I'm not at work at the moment so I can't check in my "Fast Facts" book or look in a new 325 car, but I want to say that it's still "big motor" only. I'll check tomorrow.
Brave1Heart - My single biggest peeve with freeway driving in this country is road discipline, or lack of it. Every few miles along the freeway where I live there are signs that read "Slower traffic keep right". That so many (nearly all) don't understand it blows me away. It doesn't say "Slower traffic keep middle" or "left". Left and middle lane cruising is the principal reason for tail gating (and associated accidents) and road rage. I saw "better" wording in Arizona. They have signs which read "Keep right unless passing". This seems better but doesn't really work any better. I have surmised that there are three reasons for the mind bendingly poor driving skills for U.S. drivers. 1. No formal training. Forget drivers ed. Total waste of time. No minimum requirement for taking a test. The test is a joke. Drive round the block a few times and answer some laughably easy questions and off you go. 2. People (by word of mouth, as no training is available) consider the right lane (on a 3 or more lane freeway) the "slow" lane. i.e. only semi's and such like use it. Hence selection of the middle (or left) lane selection upon joining a freeway (even if there's no traffic in sight). 3. Use of the "slow" lane is an admission of inadequacy. In other words, being seen in this lane clearly indicates to other road users (abusers?!) that you are some how inferior as you need to use the right lane. Think about that one. On the west coast, I'd say that 5% of road users, at the absolute max, use the right lane on a 3 lane freeway. What really does me in are the folks who drive in the middle/left lane, not passing anyone, who move over into your lane before you've passed them on the right! Having seen you, why can't they wait until you've passed! I think control has a lot to do with it. It empowers them to know that you had to make an effort to get by them in other than the easiest way for you.
I am a little conflicted by my own usage,but here it is.If posted speed on expressway is 65,traffic might do72-75 mph.Trying to use cruise,I would set it just a little faster than almost all traffic,about79 or 80.No tickets this way,but still making great time.I go slightly faster than almost ever single car.Only the ones who rocket past near 90 are an issue.i object to disengageing cruise,pulling right,then getting back in lert lane. I know in Europe,the left lane is STRICTLY respected as passing only,but my way doesn't seem too anti-social.
I have the PP on my 2001 325i and no trunk release. I cannot recall if I read it on the features list in the BMW brochure or if I first saw it on the intro video that comes with the car but I do recall reading that the trunk relaease is only available on the 330.
This is one of those things that I just don't get. Come on BMW, just throw in the $25 worth of hardware already. I guess since its available on the MY 2002 we'll be hearing about the trunk release retro (LOL)
I had the same problem as you are describing with the "pulsating' clutch. However, I only noticed it in one driving session (several times however). It was a very strange thing - I thought something was wrong with my leg. I haven't noticed it again in several weeks. If you talk to service about it, please let me know what they say. Sorry it took so long to respond, I haven't been here in a few days.
My 325i does not have trunk release button, eihter. This really disappoints me when I read the "fine print" on the video indicated this missing in 325.
Is there anyone having problem with the radio reception. Mine get static when I drive near a big truck or bart train on I 580. Really appreciate your response. Meg
I believe that only the coupe has the trunk release button. I don't think that the sedan can be retrofitted at a reasonable cost.
With regard to the problems with radio reception, does this apply to both FM and AM? Also, does your rear window have a metallic tint? Is the static present with stronger AM stations such as KGO 810?
I will not have access to the board until mid next week and will look for your responses then.
I agree with the initial post that prompted this discussion. I am a Canadian who has been residing in the US for 10 years and am appalled (every morning on I95 in fact) by the way US drivers "hog" the left lane. It is intended for passing. I know that cruising at 55MPHs in the left lane in Canada or even worse, in most European countries, would result in a glare and "finger" at best, and an accident at worst. Let's not start talking about truckers' driving habits....
Three years ago when I was first on this site, there was quite a controversy about said button. Why was it only on the 328i and not the 323i?
In my case, I have had my 328i for over 2.5 years and I have used "The Button" exactly twice. IMHO, not a very useful feature except when doing an airport pickup in a "No Parking" zone.
The union involved in the auto strike in SA is supposed to meet today to consider a compromise offer.
On driving habits: I agree with the post above that the principal problem in the US is that no training of any sort is necessary to be licensed in this country, and most jurisdictions idea of testing is ludicrously funny. The result is that everyone breathing thinks they are entitled to a driving license for life. Everywhere else in the civilized world, licensing requirements are real, and thus require real, uniform, relatively rigorous training, with renewal testing that actually has meaning. Give me the EU system any day...it's why I always come back from one of our EU visits and become frustrated quickly by the complete cluelessness of the American driver. Never mind lane discipline, how about jabbering on the phone, eating, drinking, swatting the kids, reading, dressing, undressing...who has time to actually drive? Too busy receiving a fax from the onboard machine, or watching a movie with the onboard DVD player...
- As far as I know, US is the easiest country in the world to pass a driving test. Your dad shows you how and you try few rounds around the hood and then you are confident to pass at DMV. Certain "non-important" rules are not or less often tested.
- US has the most new immigrants (= new drivers). The typical slowbies on the road, IMHO, are 3 types: (1) New immigrants who are simply so excited to be able to drive a car. And there are so many cars they can choose from within any price range. Being a person that can drive and drive safely to himself overweighs being a good driver to the public. The far left lane has only one side traffic and thus is safer. (2) Our grandpa/mas. Understandable and I never get upset with. (3) I do not want to name. I do not know why and may never know why. :-)
Shipo, I agree that given the trunk release on the remote and the ability to unlock the trunk with the central door button, I have not missed a trunk release button in the two weeks I've owned my 325i. I just think it's a little silly for BMW to make it an "Exclusive" feature for the bigger engined car. It's one of those things (like no in-dash CD) where it makes me feel nickel and dimed.
More useful would be a fuel door release button so the attendants don't scuff the heck out of the fuel door. I guess it's self -serve from here on.
Comments
I do intend to get Dunlop Winter Sports soon probably with some cheap wheels - Borbet Type B's look like the cheapest 16" wheels from Tirerack.
Sorry, everyone, for do a vehicle inquiry on the board! On a side note, BMW now have a really cool name for cloth - it's called "Gran Turismo Anthracite cloth" - how appropriate!
Brave - I'd say I notice gains at all rpms. I recently spoke to someone at ECIS and he told me that they had to slightly modify the design of their pipe to eliminate a whistling sound!! Just like you mentioned someone had with the Dinan product! I have no unusual sound, well, if you have the window open, when you move away from a stand still, you can just about hear a short and quite quiet whooshing type sound as the throttle opens. Yes the filter is incl. With just a basic screwdriver and socket, you'll have the whole project finished in well under an hour.
Any ideas???
I read that these tires are "directional", or maybe it was "asymmetric". Does this mean that there are different tires for the right side and the left side of the car? Or does the same tire go on both sides of the car?
By the way, I think it was gurumike who said that with these cars it can be hard to tell when you have a flat tire. I have to agree with him there. When I had mine, the car drove as if nothing was wrong. Just a slight vibration was all that told me I had a flat.
I know it is definitely no good if the bolts are loose, but what happens if they are too tight? Is there any "recommendations" on how tight the bolts on the wheels should be?
gurumike, any ideas?
1. What is a Ku band? Do you use it?
2. Doesn't the 'L' mode effectively filter out the vast majority of 'X' band alarms? I use my V1 in 'L' mode in the city and 'A' mode in rural areas and I've noticed that the 'L' mode significantly cuts down on false alarms. I think 'X' band signals are usually burglar alarms, right? I get a lot of these in commercial areas when using 'A' mode. So in short, I'm trying to decide whether it's better to disable the 'X' band completely or continue using the 'L' mode and let the V1 unit decide which 'X' warnings to filter out.
Thanks.
BTW, I checked my V1 wiring and I found out that I did tuck the phone wire underneath the weather strip next to the door. I guess the air bag issue is a moot point then.
I just checked mit dem Owner's Circle to get the status on mein neues X5.... I'm really concerned about the build quality from the Amerikaners in Sud Carolina. I mean, why can't they get good Muenchener workers to make them here, ja? Should I cancel my order? I hear that maybe the ML320 Mercedes is better because the Alabama Mercedes workers are all university graduates but the Sud Carolina BMW workers only attend the high school.
I heard that there is chip which records your driving style in terms of how u vary your speed ... doesnt sound realisitic to me .. but if it does what does it do and what is it trying to record and how does it help even if it records.
The "engine-recording chip" conspiracy is greatly exaggerated. I think some of this stems from the Adaptive Transmission (Step), which monitors driving style (throttle position, average speed, average engine load, average RPM, to name a few factors) and adjusts the tranny's shift points to better match. This is done on a per-trip basis (i.e., from ignition ON to ignition OFF, then reset at next ignition ON) only, so I see no real value in recording ALL engine data from mile 0 to mile xxx,xxx. Would take a lot of memory (unlimited, theoretically), too (but you'll have to ask some of the hardware/software experts here about that one).
This isn't a very intriguing subject, but what do you guys use for cleaning your windows from the inside? Is Windex good enough?
Motorcity: Of course Windex will work. But you know this bunch, we only use the BEST-- no matter the cost (see "Zaino" above). I've had good results with all the Rain-X products. Follow this link if you're interested:
http://www.rainx.com/frame_auto_glass.htm
I especially like the anti-fog stuff.
The second release should be a button just inside the front, driver-side door in the foot-well area either below or above the hood release lever (unless only the wagon has this button. In the case of the wagon, the key's trunk button releases only the glass window, not the rear door.)
I would see no reason why, speed limit aside now, you could not shift just before redline when having fun. As you mentioned I didn't spend all this money on a BMW to keep my rpms below the level to get the best performance from.
When I had the 320i step loaner, the most fun I had was shifting right before redline. THat seemed to get me the best acceleration anyway.
I just got back from a 200+ km drive with my new baby and I was able to pick up the habit and still have some fun keeping the rpms below 4500. 1700 kms left to blast off!!!
From my understanding, "directional" means that used tire should always stays on the same side of the car, i.e. you can rotate front <-> rear but not left <-> right. Since the size of front and rear tires are different on 330i SP, rotation is not required. Giving the fact that weight distribution is close to 50/50, I don't mind no-rotation at all.
1) Step: will ALWAYS upshift to higher gear (even in Manual mode), usually this occurs 2-300 rpm after redline on the tach. Also will not EVER allow downshifts that exceed redline for that gear.
2) Manual: rev limiter will not allow engine revs beyond 2-300 rpm over redline in any given gear; ignition is retarded.
So, unless you PURPOSELY TRY to inflict damage upon the engine (e.g., downshift to 2nd gear in a manual at 90 mph -- physics wins out and engine revs to about 10,000 rpm), you can pretty much have at it to your heart's content.
BTW, speaking of rims, I found out that CART cars run on 17-inch rims so this size seems to be the sweet spot for performance. I couldn't believe the weight of the tire and rim when I was replacing it - I'm guessing it's North of 50-60 lbs each!! Any rim bigger than 17-inch would be mostly for show-and-tell at the expense of performance due to added unsprung weight.
Lexol/ RainX- You can buy all og that stuff from about 1,000,000 different websites... just go to: http://www.google.com and do a search for "lexol" or "rainx". You will see all the places that sell those products.
Trunk release- Let me tell you how I figured out I had no trunk release on my new $35k 2001 325I...
I read a list of "NEW" features on the 2002 325 sedans.... "smoother lines on hood & bumper , cd, different foglights, clears with the SP, new taillight config., blah, blah, blah" ...then it hit like a ton of bricks:
"and an INTERIOR TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON!!!!!!!!!!"
I ran to my car, sat in the drivers seat, and started pushing every button I could find. "You gotta be kidding me! Surely that trunk release button is around here somewhere... to no avail.
No big deal...the rubber button works fine. But the fact that they consider an "interior trunk release button" an upgrade from the 2001 models to the 2002 models just seems "so wrong".
BTW, mile #1200 is fast approaching, and these past 18 days have been very sweet, I must say. However, two concerns:
1) Does anyone have any updates on the aux. fan switch recall and should I not worry about it after so many miles...does it usually occur within the first few weeks or so?
2) Occasionally, and more specifically, when traveling on the highway a bit, that is, nonstop 70+ MPH for more than 15-20 minutes say, I've noticed that when I come down from those speeds and enter local stop-n-go traffic, a very low pulsating resistance is frequently sensed when I disengage or push in the clutch pedal while in 3rd or 4th gear. Otherwise, it is usually entirely smooth in the tranistion. This may not be a symptom I hope of anything, but I just wanted a little feedback....
I only realized the nonexistant interior trunk release after searching for it last week and finding only a plastic cover in place of the "upgraded" trunk release (ala erickson). That didn't suit me too well either, but then again, it didn't bother me much longer once I took off onto the open roads!
Interior Wise: I opted for leather, it is great. The smell is still there, and it is been holding up quite well despite the hot midwest sun; of course lexol might be of help here. Love the black dash board, and am greatful to get the black mats my salesman kept insisting on. Match quite well with the sand interior.
Engine: This thing screams FUN FUN FUN. I have never owned a car quite like this one. The engine begs to be driven. No hestation at all from the engine while in the 5500 rpm mark and above. Not to mention the sweet sound it makes. I agree with most people saying that there are hesitation below 3k rpm, but above this, the car screams. My fuel economy went up and the horsepower is getting better as this car ages. I drive mostly in S mode or manual, so zig zagging through traffic is great with this car. One word phrase sums it up, "utlimate driving machine".
I could only dream of a manual, wifey can't drive them - thus i had to opt for step.
p.s. pulled up to a signal light with a 3.2 TL, scortched it when green came on (he tried keeping up, but cutting through traffic was too hard for him). Gave my dad a ride of his life that sunday, i think he enjoyed it since he couldn't do much with the camry he has. Most of people around me likes the car but always ask me "is it worth it". Obviously they never driven one, so i just smile and say to them, "go enjoy your 35k suv's". Cause if i let them drive my car, they will definitely be addicted to it.....
I never let anyone finish tightening the wheels without using my torque wrench...end of story.
Paint: Without eyeballing it myself, it is hard to say, but the description sounds like it might be hard-water stains. Is it a commercial or office parking garage? Sometimes moisture from the concrete above will condense and drop on cars - one of the reasons mine is covered everywhere except our garage at home. Otherwise, the possible candidates are endless - birds, trees, nasty rain water, etc. A good polish [I like Zymol for my cars, especially for dark paint] should be the first step; if that doesn't do the trick, it's off to the professional for an opinion.
Directional vs Asymmetrical Tires: Directional tires can only be mounted on one side of the car; there is an arrow imprinted in the sidewall which shows the direction of rotation. This is increasingly common with the new breed of performance tires designed to handle rain, another reason I prefer a touring design to a pure performance tire. Asymmetrical designs, on the other hand, refer to a tread design that requires one side of the tire to be mounted on the outside [street side]; these may or may not be unidirectional - the two characteristics are independent. The Michelin XAS was an early asymmetric design, with a different tread pattern across the face of the tire, designed to give better grip in all weather [this goes back to the '70s and early '80s], but it was not unidirectional - could be run at any position on the car, as long as the correct side was facing out.
Brave1Heart - My single biggest peeve with freeway driving in this country is road discipline, or lack of it. Every few miles along the freeway where I live there are signs that read "Slower traffic keep right". That so many (nearly all) don't understand it blows me away. It doesn't say "Slower traffic keep middle" or "left". Left and middle lane cruising is the principal reason for tail gating (and associated accidents) and road rage. I saw "better" wording in Arizona. They have signs which read "Keep right unless passing". This seems better but doesn't really work any better. I have surmised that there are three reasons for the mind bendingly poor driving skills for U.S. drivers. 1. No formal training. Forget drivers ed. Total waste of time. No minimum requirement for taking a test. The test is a joke. Drive round the block a few times and answer some laughably easy questions and off you go. 2. People (by word of mouth, as no training is available) consider the right lane (on a 3 or more lane freeway) the "slow" lane. i.e. only semi's and such like use it. Hence selection of the middle (or left) lane selection upon joining a freeway (even if there's no traffic in sight). 3. Use of the "slow" lane is an admission of inadequacy. In other words, being seen in this lane clearly indicates to other road users (abusers?!) that you are some how inferior as you need to use the right lane. Think about that one.
On the west coast, I'd say that 5% of road users, at the absolute max, use the right lane on a 3 lane freeway. What really does me in are the folks who drive in the middle/left lane, not passing anyone, who move over into your lane before you've passed them on the right! Having seen you, why can't they wait until you've passed! I think control has a lot to do with it. It empowers them to know that you had to make an effort to get by them in other than the easiest way for you.
Do the systems used in the 99-01 models work as well as the navigation systems Lexus and Acura use?
I know in Europe,the left lane is STRICTLY respected as passing only,but my way doesn't seem too anti-social.
This is one of those things that I just don't get. Come on BMW, just throw in the $25 worth of hardware already. I guess since its available on the MY 2002 we'll be hearing about the trunk release retro (LOL)
And thanks, daswolf, for confirmation on it still being "big motors" only. One less job tomorrow!
Dave (small engine - good steering:})
Is there anyone having problem with the radio reception. Mine get static when I drive near a big truck or bart train on I 580. Really appreciate your response. Meg
I believe that only the coupe has the trunk release button. I don't think that the sedan can be retrofitted at a reasonable cost.
With regard to the problems with radio reception, does this apply to both FM and AM? Also, does your rear window have a metallic tint? Is the static present with stronger AM stations such as KGO 810?
I will not have access to the board until mid next week and will look for your responses then.
Let's not start talking about truckers' driving habits....
In my case, I have had my 328i for over 2.5 years and I have used "The Button" exactly twice. IMHO, not a very useful feature except when doing an airport pickup in a "No Parking" zone.
Best Regards,
Shipo
On driving habits: I agree with the post above that the principal problem in the US is that no training of any sort is necessary to be licensed in this country, and most jurisdictions idea of testing is ludicrously funny. The result is that everyone breathing thinks they are entitled to a driving license for life. Everywhere else in the civilized world, licensing requirements are real, and thus require real, uniform, relatively rigorous training, with renewal testing that actually has meaning. Give me the EU system any day...it's why I always come back from one of our EU visits and become frustrated quickly by the complete cluelessness of the American driver. Never mind lane discipline, how about jabbering on the phone, eating, drinking, swatting the kids, reading, dressing, undressing...who has time to actually drive? Too busy receiving a fax from the onboard machine, or watching a movie with the onboard DVD player...
- As far as I know, US is the easiest country in the world to pass a driving test. Your dad shows you how and you try few rounds around the hood and then you are confident to pass at DMV. Certain "non-important" rules are not or less often tested.
- US has the most new immigrants (= new drivers). The typical slowbies on the road, IMHO, are 3 types: (1) New immigrants who are simply so excited to be able to drive a car. And there are so many cars they can choose from within any price range. Being a person that can drive and drive safely to himself overweighs being a good driver to the public. The far left lane has only one side traffic and thus is safer. (2) Our grandpa/mas. Understandable and I never get upset with. (3) I do not want to name. I do not know why and may never know why. :-)
I agree that given the trunk release on the remote and the ability to unlock the trunk with the central door button, I have not missed a trunk release button in the two weeks I've owned my 325i. I just think it's a little silly for BMW to make it an "Exclusive" feature for the bigger engined car. It's one of those things (like no in-dash CD) where it makes me feel nickel and dimed.
More useful would be a fuel door release button so the attendants don't scuff the heck out of the fuel door. I guess it's self -serve from here on.