BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    The strap on rack attaches to the top and bottom of the trunk lip, not the bumper. Email me directly. Thanks, Mark
  • achan335achan335 Member Posts: 8
    What about solutions from Hidden Hitch? They are bolted to the bottom of the car and can take a bike rack on the back of the hitch. The bike stays away from the car (and so do scratches)
  • socali90712socali90712 Member Posts: 6
    I'm shopping for a 2001 BMW 325i-sedan, with a premium package and auto transmission. I have called five dealership and the best offer I have received thus far is $600 off the MSRP. They have told me that these cars are not discounted that much and therefore that is the most they can offer. Can someone suggests to me what I need to do. Also, can you really tell the difference between leather and vinyl seats in cars? Thank you.....
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    www.bimmer.org/5series/messages/messages/39719.html
    The bottom line is that the changer, mounting kit, and shipping came to $399 for my 1997 528i. Steve Diamond is a reputable guy and I don't think you can beat the price.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hello Gang,

    Two years ago I was fairly active on these boards when I was in shopping mode. A number of people cautioned me about the then new 328i (I ordered mine in the third month of production). I was warned that the car would have lots of bugs and would have a high probability of lots of down time. So with 26 months and 25K miles here is a list of all of the unscheduled failures my car has suffered:
    1) Left rear dual element Tail/Brake light
    2) Right rear single element Tail light

    I think I can live with that. ;-)

    At this point, I am thinking to buy out my lease next year and keep the car at least another two years beyond that.

    Regards,
    Ship
  • grios65grios65 Member Posts: 2
    Socali9072,

    Are you located in southern California as your screen name suggests. I will be in the market mid-year and I have the same question. Hopefully someone can help. I live in Texas and will travel if the deal is worth it.
  • arzemc2arzemc2 Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a 325i with auto and premium almost three weeks ago to replace my wife's car. The dealer told me the same thing about not coming off much from MSRP. I left and gave him my business card. I followed a system described on these pages where I faxed dealers around the area with exactly what I wanted and how much I was willing to pay. A couple of dealers were interested, I had offered 1,500 over invoice. Numbers are not fresh in my mind but that is a little over 1,500 below MSRP. At the time time BMW was offering 5.9 financing, but the dealers had voted to charge 6.9. When the dealer indicated he would like to keep my business here in Nashville, I told him exactly what it would take: 1,500 over invoice and 5.9% financing. The one point lower financing is worth more than $700 according to my calculations. In reality I ended up with a better deal locally than with the two other offers I had because the had charges for things like chrome tips on exhaust pipe and carpet treatment and so on.
    I think you can do better than 500 below MSRP. BMW had a great first quarter last year and now things have slowed down. By the way it's a great car!
  • upinyvrupinyvr Member Posts: 4
    Achan335 (or anyone else), do you know anyone who has one of those hitches? I was told that you would have to drill through to the inside of the spare wheel well, compromising the rust-proofedness, and that the result would be relatively weak and might not hold three bikes (although I only carry one 95% of the time).
  • dantlodantlo Member Posts: 106
    I think 6.9apr for new BMW. 5.9 on CPO. I got my 325i for 6.9% a month ago. 1200 over invoive in Southern California
  • achan335achan335 Member Posts: 8
    upinyvr, you might want to look around for different manufacturers. Some bolt on better than others. The reason why I mentioned Hidden Hitch is because the draw bar is flat (I think that's the tongue) which makes it less noticable from the back (when not in use) The hitch by itself (in Canada) is about $330 CDN
  • kelfkelf Member Posts: 83
    Do you know what changes are being made for 2002 on the 325 and 525???
  • uofmich1uofmich1 Member Posts: 18
    Hi all:
    I just finished ordering my 325i last week. Im in the michigan area and again, finding a decent deal seemed next to impossible. First off, I had problems getting dealers to take me seriosuly given im 22. I opted for the college grad program and had to supply offer letters, graduation proof, so on. Anyways, I managed to get $850 off MSRP on my lease but it took some doing. Just to note: I didn't really load the car with features so the lower overall cost (31260 MSRP) may have played into how much they would dip below MSRP. Thanks for all your posting, I've learned quite a bit in the last few months!
  • socali90712socali90712 Member Posts: 6
    Arcemc2: Thanks for the advice. As of today, the best rate thus far is 880 off MSRP. I'll defenitely will not settle less than 1500 off invoice. Hey do you think the number of options selected will play a role? Just curious.

    Dantlo: Will you kindly let me know where in Southern Cali you got that great deal. Email me if you dont mind....
    Thanks everyone
  • arzemc2arzemc2 Member Posts: 3
    Options or lack of will not effect your deal. If you look at the dealer invoice and MSRP with no options that is where they make their money. Most options add very little to their profit margin. So if you are getting a 325i with Automatic and Premium they are going to make almost as much as a fully loaded car. Availability is a different story. Also consider getting it from a dealer that is not in a major metropolitan area.
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    There is another hitch available for the 325 although it still attaches to the bottom of the spare tire well. It is built by Dalon and as far as I can tell differs from the Hidden Hitch by having a 1 1/4 in square receiver that (I believe) does not protrude beyond the bumper. For a trailer, a "ball mount" slides into the receiver for the ball -- I'm sure someone builds a cycle mount for a 1 1/4 inch receiver.

      This type of hitch works fine for the normal push/pull loads of a small sailboat but does not offer any more support against twisting than the Hidden Hitch for mounting bikes unless you purchase a "Stabilizing Cord" for $18.50. See http://www.hitch-web.com/products.asp and search for your car. "Click for Details" when shown a hitch to learn more.
  • kfricemankfriceman Member Posts: 17
    Can anybody tell me if there any VIN vodes that signify cars that have premium and sport packages. I'm in the market for a 98 328i and if I find one used I want to able to make sure it does have those follwoing option packages, not just cosmetic changes (i.e. sport wheels to look like one with the sport package).
  • eloelo Member Posts: 1
    I test drove a 2001 330i on packed snow and ice. Stopped several times on hills. The 330i took off w/o problem. I was considering a 330xi, but decided I don't need after that test drive. It was impressive.
  • socali90712socali90712 Member Posts: 6
    ARCEMC2- Hey, just got my 325 today and I got it for 1500 including floor mats. Went in and told the guy thats what I wanted and if I get that number I'll sign. He went to the back door, I guess to scratch himself, about two times and I actually left the dealership pretty stoked. Thanks to this website and to this post huh.

    Now, has anyone tried to install a CD changer or an alarm that is not manufactured by BMW. Im just curiuos.......thanks
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    Nothing in the VIN will tell you about any packages the car may have. Ask seller to produce the original window sticker.
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    With brand new tires, the 330 probably did handle impressively in the snow, even with all-seasons. But, as mileage increases on the tires, they start to lose tread.

    The first winter, my 328i handled beatifully in
    inclement weather. However, this second winter, with 20,000 miles now on the Michelins, the car has struggled significantly, especially on inclines and loose snow.

    My advice would be to buy dedicated winter tires.
  • micgamicga Member Posts: 56
    What kind of anti theft system comes standard on a bmw 325I? I don't think it's an alarm but another type of anti theft system. Whats available in this reguard as an option? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks
  • uofmich1uofmich1 Member Posts: 18
    Hi guys:
    I need your blunt opinions... I just found out my 325i is being built in South Africa.. any thoughts on this? Just kinda shocked me a bit, and frankly kinda disappointed me.. I wanted Germany. Any info would be appreciated.
  • suv16suv16 Member Posts: 44
    It seems what you have to spend big $$ on a 325xi are all standard on a Passat GLX V6 4motion, and the latter is cheaper. Any opinion on reliability, performance, and $$ on the Passat 4motion? Help, please! Thanks!
  • rzlangrzlang Member Posts: 1
    Howdy y'all, Anyone have a favorite dealer/salesperson in Houston? I'm a newby. Nice to read all your comments as I expect I'm a buyer (for her).
  • micgamicga Member Posts: 56
    What kind of anti theft system comes standard on a bmw 325I? I don't think it's an alarm but another type of anti theft system. Whats available in this reguard as an option? Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    I was test driving a 325i last week, and asked my sales rep about the south African built 3 series. He said BMW would kill him if he said it, but the south African factory is having some substantial build quality issues. He said many of the African built cars they get go straight into dealer loaner service or BMW executive pool.
  • mheifetsmheifets Member Posts: 2
    I need to lease 325 xi with auto and premium pack
    I drive 18 k/yr
    the best quote so far is 590/month for 36 months
    I am in Phila suburbs
    Does anybody think i can do better than this?
    michael h
  • lc1224lc1224 Member Posts: 1
    I am looking to order a new 330i within the next two months, lots of options. Is there any advice you can give me on getting the best deal?
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    This is what I did. Whether it works for you?? To get exactly what I wanted, I knew I had to order it. This was about 3 years ago. Went to edmunds and looked at invoice, added $1400, and called every dealer with a take it or leave it offer. Apparently, each dealer has a given allotment for each model. For a variety of reasons, each dealer (3) said no. I called a dealer in a small town 70 miles outside of Atlanta, he said this wasn't enough either, I offered another $300. Bingo, we had a deal, gave him my credit car number for a $500 deposit. Car arrived 9 weeks later. Hope this helps.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    Leanne, I would agree with what Mark found. Look at smaller "back-woods" dealerships for the best prices. One issue with doing this is they often sell far fewer cars than big dealerships, so there MAY be a longer wait on an ordered car due to smaller allotments. In my case, I used prices from the smaller dealerships to get the price I wanted at the local dealer (medium sized). Good luck!
  • arcoatesarcoates Member Posts: 221
    Has anyone also read the R&T article proclaiming the IS300 as the new king of the sport sedan class? I was mortified. I didn't think a pesky Lexus would ever de-throne the number one car! I may have a solution to this:

    All of the cars were tested with automatics because the MB can't be had with a manual (3.2), the Volvo or the Lexus. It would be unfair to have BMW with a manual. But, I think the BMW would've won if it had had the manual. It is the true drivers car of the bunch~ A.R.
  • MarkinAtlantaMarkinAtlanta Member Posts: 194
    The 330i won until they factored in price.
  • bmwknightbmwknight Member Posts: 12
    Just like UofMich1, I'm a recent college grad that's waiting for his first 325i, I was wondering if there's any way to find out where my car was built w/o having to go thru the dealership. Maybe the Owner's Circle or something else...? Any suggestions will be appreciated!
  • maxamillion1maxamillion1 Member Posts: 1,467
    Hi,
    I am currently looking at many different cars, and I was wondering how much you guys paid for your 325i, 325xi, and 330x models, I am looking at just about every car from $15,000 to about $40,000. Thanks in advance for your help.
  • suv16suv16 Member Posts: 44
    I am being torn between 325i and 325xi. Is 325i + snow tires = 325xi in terms of performance on the snow, ice, rain? I am hesitating on 325xi because the AWD is pretty new. Where do I get the snow tires? How much do they cost? Is it easy to install them by myself, or do I have to ask a dealer to do it? Thanks a ton for your help!
  • tmoralestmorales Member Posts: 11
    The 11th digit of your car's IN will identify where it was manufactured. If it is an I or I it was built in Regensberg, South Africa. I is for Din golfing and I is for Munch. Some cars have an I which could be either of the German plants.
  • tmoralestmorales Member Posts: 11
    Must have had too much help from the spell check. 11th digit of VIN determines where car was built:

    E,J-Regensberg, South Africa
    C-Dingolfing, Germany
    K-Munich, Germany
    F-Either Munich or Dingolfing?
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    Anyone here from utah and has experience buying from bmw of murray? There is only one bmw here in utah, bmw of murray. I am planning to get a bmw 325i: black with premium package, steptronic, leather, fog lights, and cd. The msrp comes out to be 34,320; invoice 30,905. From my talking to a one or two bmw owners, they told me they got a discount ranging from 800 to 1000 only. Does this seem reasonible? Or does anyone else here suggest a good sales guy that can give me a better discount?

    Also, most of the post i read only has 500 down for ordering their cars, but the one here asked for 2000.00. Is this right?
  • always49always49 Member Posts: 29
    My 2000 328i starts VIN with "W". Can anyone tell me where it is built? Thanks.
  • sabastian1sabastian1 Member Posts: 9
    I too was enthused with the Passat 4motion. Took it for a test drive and I was certainly impressed with the pickup, handling, etc. However, and I must admit my wife was more attune to this than I, the VW skimps on some of the finer touches that BMW seems to nail on the head. I tried explaining to her that VW concentrates on putting money into the engine. Her retort was that for the money, or the price range, BMW was the way to go.

    I think we made the right decision. This Sunday's New York Times Automotive section would seem to agree.
  • lokkilokki Member Posts: 1,200
    http://www.sadc-online.com/countrys/safrica/compp/bmw.htm

    http: //www.ai-online.com/news/051500BMWSA.htm

    And here's some info on decoding VINs from Edmunds

    http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/editorial/features/vin/index.html

    According to this site both E and J denote Regensberg Germany

    http://www.bmwccbc.org/registry/vin/vin.html

    http://bmw.org.ru/bmwfaq/faq1.htm#1.3
  • phenegarphenegar Member Posts: 5
    I just bought a 2001 325i with metallic paint, cd, HK sound. I paid $27,800 I put $500 down and was lucky enough to get a week 12 car which should be built in Germany any day now. I contacted 2 dealers by phone. One in Virginia the other in North Carolina. Flow BMW in North Carolina beat Hammersly BMW in Lynchburg by $200. Our local Dealer is small and was $500 higher . In my experience you will get your car a lot faster and cheaper at a larger dealer. I hope this information will be helpful.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    Is 325i + snow tires = 325xi in terms of performance on the snow, ice, rain?


    I don't own a BWM (maybe later this year), but we've had winter tires (Bridgestone Blizzaks) on our Volvo V70 (FWD) for a couple years now. There is a good article pointing out the pros and cons of winter tires vs. AWD at http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/features/1999/May/199905_feature_whatp.xml


    The article states that " winter tires can improve straight-line grip by as much as a third relative to all-season tires. But four-wheel drive doubles the grip of a stock two-wheel-drive car when accelerating or climbing a grade."


    The item to note here is that the 1/3 increase in grip that winter tires provide helps in all driving situations. The grip doubling that AWD creates is only helpful when accelerating or climbing. The extra weight that AWD adds actually hurts stopping ability, handling and gas mileage. Also, the weight can't be removed during the summer months like winter tires can.


    Where do I get the snow tires? How much do they cost?


    We bought ours from http://www.tirerack.com They came to around $500 delivered to our door with rims and hubcaps which reminds me of another plus for using winter tires-if you hit a curb during a snow storm, you won't trash one of you multi hundred dollar mag wheels.


    Is it easy to install them by myself, or do I have to ask a dealer to do it?


    I change ours in about 45 minutes in the garage with the emergency jack and a 4 end lug wrench (sorry, I'm not sure of the appropriate wrench term).


    Need another reason? Winter tires allow you to buy dedicated summer tires which generally have higher performance than all season tires. I did this on my Miata and it made a big difference over the stock tires.


    I think the 325i with traction and stability control and winter tires would be a great winter car. Personally, I prefer RWD on a well balanced car in the snow (I was forced to drive my Miata for a couple winters and it was great in the snow with winter tires).


    I can't understand why someone would get AWD or 4WD without winter tires. If the snow is so bad that you need AWD to go, I would certainly want the grip of winter tires to stop!


    -Murray

  • jcmassjcmass Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at a 2000 328i 4 door sedan with premium package,moon roof,leather, automatic etc. with 15000 miles. The sticker is 33500. My research says that this is a good deal,what do you think? Can I expect a discount off of this price? If so, how much? If anyone has any insight, please let me know.

    Thanks
  • mike348mike348 Member Posts: 9
    If you are trying to avoid the South African built cars, you may want to go for European Delivery.

    I am speculating that few German citizens would accept a SA car, so there is not likely to be a boat load going to Munchen. The supply chain would dictate local product instead.

    Just a thought.
  • bornagainbornagain Member Posts: 38
    That's barely above wholesale! It's got probably close to 3 yrs/35,000 mi left on the original warranty (assuming it was 4yr/50K). I'd run a CARFAX on it. That will tell you the history and whether it was sold at auction. If sold at auction they would have had to buy it under wholesale to make any real money on it. Even on a trade in. Is it certified?
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    Jeff, that car isn't by any chance a silver one at Daniels BMW in Allentown, PA is it? If it is, send me an email at kominsky@lucent.com. There have been a few strange things going on with it.

    terryk
  • suv16suv16 Member Posts: 44
    thank you, Murray. I read the article which is very useful. Based on the usage of the car, I think I'll go with 325xi. I go skiing at most 20 days out of 365. I drive at Bay Area most of the time.
  • reubencahnreubencahn Member Posts: 102
    For what it's worth, I've read at bimmer.org that only the Dingolfing plant has quality assurance rating than the SA plant. So, in theory, there should be a higher likelihood of defects on a car from either Munich or Regensburg. But there's probably a way to actually find out rather than relying on anecdotal evidence from salesmen. We all know how knowledgeable and reliable they are.
  • micgamicga Member Posts: 56
    I just found out that the 325i that I ordered just went into production. How long will it take to be built and how long will it take to arrive from the time it is finished being built? Thanks
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