BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

11516182021585

Comments

  • larryintnlarryintn Member Posts: 103
    The A typically means that it has an automatic transmission. The i is on every car, I think it means that's it's fuel injected. A coupe will be a Ci whie a sedan will be just an i. The convertable coupe is a CiC.
  • killer99killer99 Member Posts: 21
    But 'ci' is the NEW designation for coupe... in 97/98 the designation for coupe was 'IS' (I believe the 'S' is for saloon, but i'm not sure).

    The TI is a hatchback. The IS is a coupe (two doors and a trunk).

    Hope that helps.
  • josephl526josephl526 Member Posts: 7
    Can the indash CD player also control a changer in the trunk? I like having a changer in the trunk but also like the ability to change a CD on the fly.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    As far as Zenons go, I opted not to buy them only because I don't want to pay $300 apiece to replace them when they go

    Where the heck did you come up with that price?!? On Edmund's own site (http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/editorial/innovations/xenon.html) they give a much lower price:

    For one, they're expensive. The bulb manufacturers claim xenon bulbs cost 50 percent less than halogen bulbs. They must mean at the point of manufacture, because they certainly haven't passed it along at the pump. On a trip to a recent national auto parts chain, we were horrified (OK, we weren't horrified, just ticked), that xenon replacement bulbs were selling for $14.97 apiece, more than the price of a complete standard headlamp assembly, bulb included. After tax, you're shelling out more than $30 for a pair of these things. Someone somewhere along the supply chain is making a killing on xenon bulbs. We also checked online and found one site selling the Hella xenon replacement bulbs at roughly twice the price of the exact same halogen replacement. So much for the "half the price" argument.

    Gee, this will add maybe $5-10 a year to the cost of my $35,000 car!

    -Murray
  • xrgnwaxrgnwa Member Posts: 5
    I got my 325i for a couple of weeks now, and like it. However, when I washed it last Saturday, I found out there are two small spots without paint on, i.e, two tiny rust spots for my new car! I could not believe my eyes! I guess BMW does not pay much attention to such delicate things as Japanese does...I have to take it back to the dealer ...
    I noticed that the engine is quite noisy, which I did not pay attention when I took a test drive...Anyone has the same experience? feeling your new car some noisy for a BMW? I believe it is too much for a new car, and seems like a defect...
    Thanks for your opinion.
  • larryintnlarryintn Member Posts: 103
    Yes, we have the Xenons.

    A Xenon light is just like a Neon light except the xenon gas produces a very white light while neon gas produces an orange light. As I said before, there is no filliment to burn out or break.

    A power supply is needed to produce the high voltages needed for the light, just like a neon light.
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    Xrgnwa -

    The loud noise is the trademark "growl" of the BMW engine. Many people love that sound and pay $$$ to make sure they get it. It is louder on the 330 than on the 325. If you want quiet engines - buy a Lexus.

    The paint problem seems very out of the ordinary for BMW which prides itself on high quality control. Your dealer should be willing to repair it without a hassle.

    Try to enjoy the amazing handling of the 325 which no Japanese car matches in this class of car (especially Lexus). Good luck.
  • usna88usna88 Member Posts: 1
    I just picked up my first BMW on Tuesday, and I absolutely love it!! 325xi with PP, CWP, foglights, and in-dash CD. Only one BUT..... I thought that it came with a car alarm. I can't find it as an option anywhere on the BMW website, or the hard copy 3-series catalog. The video just says "if your BMW comes with an alarm", and the window sticker says that the car is pre-wired for an alarm. My question: how much does the standard alarm cost, and can the dealer do it?
  • 75boxer75boxer Member Posts: 3
    Congrats on your purchase. I have the same car as you, except with Xenons. You can get the alarm installed for under $400. Remember this, ALL BMW's come with a very sophisticated anti-theft system in the key. The car is very difficult to steal without the key, and thiefs know this. All the alarm does is add a high pitched noise.
  • sabastian1sabastian1 Member Posts: 9
    In response to your clarification, which I should have understood in the first place, I think someone here said it best and I am paraphrasing "sometimes you feel your kidney." I have had some experience with this but have yet to see damage to the rim. BMW engineering never ceases to amaze me. I and my wife enjoy the sporty feeling of the sp and would recommend it as an option. But you will be buying snow tires.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    You mean you are SUPPOSED to be able to hear the engine? Next thing, I'll bet that next you're gonna tell me that you should be able to feel the road as well! Guess I'll start shopping for a Town Car...;)
  • xrgnwaxrgnwa Member Posts: 5
    BMW does get noisier than japanese cars. My car is like, all noise is between rpm 2000-3000 at low speed. once speed catches up, the only thing is happy-revolving sound from engine.
    Fairly speaking, Lexus does do some good things. It gets very quite, excellent ride too (their service is the best!). However, I believe BMW is the only car coming with both performance, cool style, and most importantly, safety. Benz is super but just looks ugly (my own opinion).
    I went to a dealer closest to me, and the guy told me I would be better off to go to the original dealer to speak with the sale-person for the paint problem.
  • ccchen1102ccchen1102 Member Posts: 30
    Anyone know the web site to track the production status of my order?
    I just got the production number from the dealer.

    Thanks.

    -John
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    I picked up my 330Ci on Monday and earlier today posted my initial impressions in the BMW research forum under the "coupes, convertibles, sports" topic. If anyone is interested, check it out. Most of it would apply to the sedans as well as the coupes.

    alpine325i; I got Xenon's. One thing I would caution people about is the lack of vertical range of the lights. They are great except when approaching an up grade in the road. They brighten the bottom of the grade, but above the cut-off is complete blackness. It's a little disconcerting (to me, anyway).

    josephl526; yes, the in-dash cd does control a trunk mounted changer.

    usna88; I bought the alarm kit from Pacific BMW for $219. I will be installing it myself this weekend. I'll post my findings when done.

    ccchen1102; The best way of tracking the progress is through your salesman. You can go to 'my bmw' at bmwusa.com, but i found this to be pretty inaccurate.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    Alpine325i: I am considering xenons when (hopefully not if) I buy a 325i Wagon and was definitely concerned with the $300 replacement. The little research I did showed some prices for replacing an entire system (bulbs, lenses, power supply, etc.) around $300 apiece. This may have been what you read in a post.

    Sorry if I was a little condescending in my previous response :-)

    -Murray
  • jhdevoyjhdevoy Member Posts: 33
    My new Passport850 came yesterday and the plug wouldn't fit in the cigarette lighter of my Mazda626. As I bought the detector for my new 330, coming in April, I need to know if it fits so I can send it back if it doesn't. Does the 330 come with a lighter, and if so, do standard radar detectors fit in it?
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    Have you considered hard wiring the radar detector? There are several people who have hard wired them into the universal transmitter or cell phone power supplies. if you're interested in seeing how, check out these links...

    home.att.net/~donaldgranger/passport.htm

    pkx.todiefor.com/cars/bmw/v1/new/index.html

    The 330 does come with a lighter, but it's pretty low in the center console.
  • zer0namezer0name Member Posts: 5
    Does ne1 here know about the facelift for the
    3 Series expected for model yr. 2002.

    It is expected to get the following:
    1. 5 Series head lites (with parking rings)
    2. Modified hood and bumper
    3. Tail lites similar to 5 series
    4. Some minor interior changes

    There were some spy shots and some auto magazines have talked about it.
    But does anyone have "real" info?
  • upinyvrupinyvr Member Posts: 4
    I just took delivery of my new 330xi yesterday, and will go on a little drive in the country this weekend and pretend I'm young again. A question. The owner's manual and the dealership both recommend octane 91 or better gas. As the dealership said, why would I pay so much for a car and then go cheap on gas? But gas really adds up these days, and I have read elsewhere that no new car these days needs anything better than the cheapest grade, and the only guideline is that if the engine doesn't knock, don't worry about it. Any comments?
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    There have been many posts on this topic on this board and others (i.e., bimmer.org) in the past. You might want to search the archives. The consensus seems to be:

    1) yes, car computers/engines do adjust to a lower octane so no damage is done but power is lost;
    2) if you are going to spend so much for the car, even if there's a 15 cent per gallon difference between low and high octane gasolines, assuming you take 20 gallons a tank, that's a $3.00 difference per tank. Over 52 weeks, that's +/- $150 a year, $450 over 3 years... actually not that much more money (to me at least) when put in that context.

    Something to think about...

    Good luck
  • larryintnlarryintn Member Posts: 103
    When the computer adjusts the engine for the lower octane fuel your MPG drops. In fact, it drops enough that it'll actually cost you more per mile to drive the car on 87 octane than it will buying premium.
  • ch0sterch0ster Member Posts: 4
    Recently some idiot scratched my rear bumper of my parked black 2001 325i sedan, presumably when I was away from the parking lot. Anyways, there are a few noticeable scratches on the rear bumper that are just below the black plastic bumper insert. I really would like to fix this, but preferably without getting price gouged, or with a fix-it-yourself kit. Any suggestions?
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    For about $8, the BWM touch up paint stick works absolutely great on the bumpers, not so hot on the sheet metal though.
  • ccchen1102ccchen1102 Member Posts: 30
    First of all, thanks to Kominsky for tracking the BMW tip, the tracking system is indeed a bit
    behind (My agent faxed me the sheet showing it's in production, but the status in tracking system is still "on order"). You must sign in first to be able to track the vehicle.

    After several frustrating trips to local dealer (I live in SF Bay area), I turned to south CA. and was able to find a fair deal I think, listed below:

    2001 330i
    Black Sapphire Metallic (New color, metallic paint option)
    Automatic
    SP
    PP ($2800 MSRP, $2450 Invoice, BMW made Memory seat and one other item standard)
    Xenon
    Navigation
    Real AirBag
    Park Distance Control

    $435?? MSRP - Not quite sure
    $39380 INVOICE
    $41480 My Price

    For those of you want to find out how Black Sapphire look, go to local dealer and check
    out Z3, this color is new for 330, but has been available on Z3 for a while.

    -John
  • brislance1brislance1 Member Posts: 87
    I just got my April (Automobile) issue of "Consumer Reports" and was happy to find the 330i rated as their top pick in the up scale sports sedan category. They spoke highly of the 3 series in their review throughout the magazine. This together with being picked as one or the ten best by "Car and Driver" should make 3 owners feel we made the right decision. I assume the magazine should hit the stands next week!
  • ch0sterch0ster Member Posts: 4
    Markin, thanks for the tip, know where I can get that touch up stuff? At my dealership perhaps?
  • gsenthilgsenthil Member Posts: 154
    Does anyone have any experience buying a BMW in Phoenix? Who is better? Camelback BMW or Chapman? I am in Chandler so Chapman is closer, but distance is not a real factor if service is better. Is a price midvay between MSRP and invoice a good place to buy?

    Thanks

    Senthil

    PS: The BMW is for my friend- I am helping him buy it.
  • lechicalechica Member Posts: 9
    Hi..


    You can go to the BOW web site http://www.bmwusa.com

    Then go to "Owner Circle"


    You'll love your car.. I just got mine Jan 2001...325 Sedan, PPackage, fog lights, in dash DC, step.. great car..


    Good luck

  • redcarsredcars Member Posts: 4
    I am interested in either the m3 or the m5.
    how much would the new m3 go for in the us?
    I have an opportunity to buy either one from Germany on us military sales but I was wondering if it would be much of a saving. I think the m5 would be a saving of about 10k, but I am still waiting on the paper work for that.
    any one with military experiences on these issues?
  • nontas2nontas2 Member Posts: 1
    car I bought doesn't have the HK upgrade. What could I do for about the same cost to punch up the sound a bit?
    Thanks for any input.
  • manojicusmanojicus Member Posts: 1
    I am considering a new BMW 325i. Unfortunately the nearest dealership to my place is ~ 100 mi. My question: is it advisable to buy a car from a dealer who is located that far away and is it advisable to buy from a dealer located in another state? How does the warranty apply to such purchases?

    Thanks for any feedback.
  • steve1526steve1526 Member Posts: 22
    I have been told by BMW dealers that BMW owners are known to be highly mobile. BMW dealerships are competing not only for car sales but also for service delivery. Theoretically, you should be able to buy your car and get it serviced from any dealership. That being said, some on this board have told of less than favorable experiences trying to get high quality service from dealers other than where they purchased their car. You might want to take the time to visit the different dealerships you are considering using and meet with the service manager as well as the sales rep.

    Good luck.
  • mariavmariav Member Posts: 1
    I am seriously considering buying a 2001 325i (this will be our 1st non-domestic vehicle) and am leary of the rear wheel drive in the winter time. Please give me your experiences on how this vehicle handles on snowy roads.
  • reubencahnreubencahn Member Posts: 102
    Radar Detectors: jhdevoy, I would highly recommend hardwiring your detector. You can mount it high where you have the best reception and it is least visible to others and you will have no dangling cords. Very easy to do in the bmw.

    HK Stereo: I know many disagree but I think the hk is very mediocre. I'm not an audiophile just an average listener and I'm extemely disappointed. The Bose in my wife's Audi is excellent by comparison.

    Service: my car was delivered by a dealer in Gainesville but I live in Ft Lauderdale/Miami area. I can't say service is always wonderful--especially during season--but I have no sense that I get treated worse because I purchased elsewhere. When making an appointment, I have never been asked where I purchased the car and I have been given a brand new 330i for a loaner.
  • bornagainbornagain Member Posts: 38
    1. I just bought a '98 328i with the hk upgrade. I consider myself a mild audiophile and have hk components w/ Klipsch and Polk Audio speakers in my home. I have never listened to any state of the art car stereos so hard to compare, but I think the hk sounds very nice w/ very solid and tight bass. But, I am willing to listen to suggestions. Anyone know the power of this unit? Also, I have heard there are supposed to be 10 or 12 speakers w/ the upgrade. Where are they all located and which ones are best to replace? I haven't searched extensively yet but I only see two on each front door panel and two behind the rear seat.
    2. I have the 15 in wheels and factory continentals. What advantage/disadvantage of upgrading wheels/tires?
    3. Anyone know if front license plates required in Cal? The thin plate that says BMW in the adds would be cool! Can you get these?
  • blkbmmr1blkbmmr1 Member Posts: 1
    I purchased my '95 318i through BMW Military sales in Germany for 24,600. Here in the states the same car cost 29,000. Purchasing a car through BMW Military/Diplomat sales in Germany is a tax free purchase (depending upon the state you are from, and where you plan on registering the vehicle once back here in the States). I'm originally from Illinois, and would have had to pay State sales tax on the car when I shipped it back, but since I'm stationed in AL. I registered as a nonresident, therefore only had to pay the normal registration fees ($26). There can be a substantial saving, because you buy at factory direct prices set by the manufacturer, and you can order it just how you want it, including the available packages. There is no negotiation or haggling over prices, however sometimes the prices will change based on the D-mark to $ exchange rate. Additionally, the prices are set by the manufacturer exclusively for the U.S. military and diplomats. So, bottom line up front, go for it, you'll save$! I would and plan on doing it again! Good luck!!
  • gsenthilgsenthil Member Posts: 154
    Hi,

    It seems the dealer doesnt have the kind of car I am looking for and would have to order it. Would I still have room for any discounts or do I have to pay sticker?

    Looking to buy 325i black/black steptronic,premium pkg, cd, harmon kardon, heated seats in the Phoenix area.

    Thanks
  • fgrethelfgrethel Member Posts: 24
    I highly suggest that your friend try Camelback BOW. They are extremely professional. I was very unhappy with the less than acceptable attitude of Chapman. At Camelback, have your friend ask for Amy. She is superb. You may tell her that Fredric referred you. She is highly knowledgeable and extremely fair. Be forewarned: pricing in Phoenix is not great as there is little competition. Make certain that you have researched what you want and what you are willing to pay before you shop. Even Camelback will take advantage of an under educated buyer. However they do post their net prices on their cars. Good luck.
  • achan335achan335 Member Posts: 8
    Has anyone had a change to 'try' a 320i? The HP numbers look comparable to an Audi A4. Any reason why they don't sell this model in the US??
  • maroon95maroon95 Member Posts: 26
    does bmw offers a free loaner during service that takes up a whole day or more to complete?

    i know certain audi dealership has a free loaner
  • larryintnlarryintn Member Posts: 103
    You'll have to ask your dealer. The loaner programs are up to the individual dealers. Some give them to anyone, some give them only to those who bought their cars at that dealership and some don't have loaners at all.
  • 1x1x1x11x1x1x1 Member Posts: 3
    Is Dynamic Stability Control on 325 really different from DSC with All Season Traction on 330?

    ref: http://www.bmwusa.com)
  • upinyvrupinyvr Member Posts: 4
    I often take my bicycle with me when I go off for a weekend in my car, and now with a new 330i I have to decide how to carry it. My old removable rack (strapped on the back of the car) won't work because of the construction of the bumper. It looks like one of my two choices is to get the BMW solution, which involves a roof rack and then a bike carrier which affixes to it. Considering that I don't intend to carry anything else on top of my car, it seems like too high tech a solution.
    The other solution is to get one of those racks that are welded to the underside of the back of the car, although letting some guy weld my bouncing baby 330i gives me nightmares.
    Has anybody found any satisfactory solutions?
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    Rhode Gear sells a good strap on rack for $55, what I use. There are probably a dozen different products that will work, check @ Bike Nashbar, Performance or Colorado Cyclist.
  • savrsavr Member Posts: 1
    I have the opportunity to purchase a black '96 BMW 328i from a friend of the family for $13,000. It is in excellent condition, but my hesitation is the close to 90,000 miles already on this car. How much life should it still have if it has been well-maintained? Thanks in advance for your feedback/advice!
  • killer99killer99 Member Posts: 21
    $13K for a 96 328 is a pretty good price *(see comparables below). The question is the maintenance/condition of the vehicle. I think most would agree that a pre-purchace inspection by a qualified BMW tech would be in order.

    * A search of the Autotrader.com site for my area turned up the following: The cheapest 96 328 was listed @ $14950, miles not listed. The cheapest with the miles listed was $16000 with 84K miles... So $13000 looks like a great price in comparison.
  • amaxiamaxi Member Posts: 6
    does it do anything to prevent theft besides sound the horn and flash the lights? If not, what is its real value? Any aftermarket alternatives at similar cost?
    Thanks in advance!
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    The euro-plate frame on the 330Ci in the coupe brochure is painted the same color as the rest of the car (Topaz). Does anyone know if you can get these frames pre-painted from BMW? The parts guy at my local dealership said they are all black and must be painted, but I've read/heard somewhere (can't remember where) that you can buy them already painted. Anyone know?

    1x1x1x1, the 330 and 325 have the exact same traction system. Both have DSC which includes AST.
  • upinyvrupinyvr Member Posts: 4
    MarkinAtlanta: I'd love to use a strap-on, I find them really convenient. But when I looked under my car, the bottom lip of the bumper is really flexible, and I can't see how it will take the pull of the two hooks my strap has. Have they changed the design of the bumpers? Or have I missed something?
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