BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    All good tips but I'd rather try these in a controlled environment. I am already going 30-40 mph faster than any other car around me throughout the whole curve. The 325 does stick very well and it is extremely difficult to slide it if you find the apex. Maybe I am not driving hard enough as someone suggested but I honestly doubt that. No, I have not had the guts to keep my foot on the accelerator when the rear tires give in (I've managed to do it only on uneven pavement) but I'll try to do that next time I get a chance. I get the feeling that the Triumphs and MGBs probably gave in more easily than the 325i SP. Performance tires hold the line very well but tend to give in without too much warning.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I would guess for FWD, letting off the gas would be the right thing to do. For AWD, no idea.

    Couple of times I've autoxed, I got to see 2002s run, and they come out of each corner sideways, but the drivers would stay on the gas, and the cars would straighten themselves out most of the time.

    I've managed to get my rear to break loose a little coming out of a corner, and steady power, with smooth steering straighten me out.
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    You are very right about the smaller tires and the car braking loose at a much lower speed. From what you have written, I'd say you are pushing your car quite hard with traffic around. I would not want to encourage you to go faster without being very familiar with the road you travel.
    I never figured out front wheel drive (60% weight over the fronts). However, I never did try braking before the turn and then turning the wheel. On the edge of traction in a turn, the FWD would push whether I pressed on the accelerator or lifted the accelerator. I never felt like I had control over the car. The only way I could get it to swing its tail was to use the hand-brake.
  • kalagoodwinkalagoodwin Member Posts: 4
    Howdy fellas!

    I just recently ordered a new 2002 330i (waiting for 2 month delivery); i just had a question for you guyz...after spending half the morning negotiating on the price the salesperson quoted me a price and i asked him does this include everything except for tax/title/license and he said yes...when i went home i noticed that he never mentioned the $397 dealer services fee which was pre-printed on the order which adds to the total price...i couldn't help but feel a bit cheated...has this happened to any of you guys? Also is MACO a genuine fee($700) that they can add to the Kelley Blue Book invoice price?
    I still managed to get the car for $500 below MSRP but i just can't get over the fact that the salesperson was so sneaky not to mention the dealer fees. What do you guys think?
  • bmw323isbmw323is Member Posts: 410
    A while back BMW issued a a TSB for a clicking sound in the seat belt mechanisms in the B pillars. I think this related to 1999 and 2000 models. Has anyone had this done? Shipo, I thought I remembered you saying somethng about it. I'm taking my car in to have this corrected, but the tech didn't sound like he knew much about it even after I gave him the bulletin number. For anyone that has had this done, did it fix the noise? Anything I should tell the service writer when I bring it in. The best part is that I'll get a BMW loaner for the day (maybe a 5 or a 7, heck I'd even settle for a 330).
  • bmwrulesbmwrules Member Posts: 10
    My dealer is charging me no fees - only $30 total in documentation and registration. Plus if there were any fees he should have mentioned it, especially if it is that much. Thats a sneaky dealer practice. The price your getting, if your not from Houston or SF is pretty lousy. Most people get $2000 over invoice.
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    "Dealer service fee" is BS. MACO is a legitimate charge that most dealers are charged by BMW for local advertising support. Having said that, $700.00 is outrageous. Here in southern California MACO is 1% of BASE sticker price or about $300.00 on a 325i. Based on that formula, you would need to be buying a $70,000.00 3 series!! CALL THEIR BLUFF. Information is power for the buyer. Let us know what you find out.
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    I agree with the above posts - $500 under MSRP is NOT a good price and dealership dishonesty (or at least bad faith practices) should not be tolerated.

    Where are you from? I still haven't made a final decision on what I will be getting (3 or 5 or M3) in a couple of months but have done enough research to know I can get either a 3 or a 5 for about $1,200 to $1,500 over invoice. That works out to about $2,600 under MSRP on a well equiped 330i. I could also go European Delivery and save another $2,300 (ends up being almost $5,000 under US MSRP). Example: 330i 5-speed, sport package, premium package, xenons, metallic paint. MSPR $39,910. Invoice - $35,880. My price in US $37,250. My price European Delivery - $34,950.

    Keep shopping!!
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Yes I did have the seat-belt tensioner replaced and after driving over 500 miles to New Hampshire and back yesterday, I can definitively say that the faint clicking noise is gone.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Can anyone explain what the kickdown mode does for cars with Auto/Step? Also, how is it activated and deactivated? Anyone have any comments about driving in this mode?

    The owners manual says to depress the gas pedal beyond the resistance point (with the car shut off, I assume, ofcource) in order to activate, and to get a more responsive driving experience. I thought that's what the sports mode did.
  • muzzy325imuzzy325i Member Posts: 19
    I had the seat belt clicking in the B-pillar, brought it in and the service tech had never heard of it before, even after I gave him the bulletin number. He tried to tell me it was the power window motor rattling, a common problem according to him. Once he drove it he agreed with me. They ordered the parts and fixed the clicking. After a week or so, the clicking came back, I have not yet made an appointment to have it looked at again.
  • bmw_guybmw_guy Member Posts: 17
    Are you for real?? I am jealous now.
    Are you really getting $35K for 330 with PP, SP, Xenons and Mettalic? My dealer quoted 34K for 325 coupe with PP, SP and Metallic. ( no xenons)
    I heard that there is a fixed price on ED, Am I right? Cant we negotiate the price on ED?
    Because My dealer says it is not possible to negotiate the ED price. He just manages to convince me with it. I dunno how. I live in Boston, and my dealer gave me $1300 under MSRP. And around this area, this is the best price I am heard. Any suggestions.
    I am inclined to 330, but the only fact that it costs me another 3-4K, makes me feel helpless. That sucks. But thats life.
  • chop01chop01 Member Posts: 2
    Has anyone put the bmw mud flaps on their 3 series? How well do they work and how do they look? Also, one dealership told me they are not made for the 325/330xi models, aren't they the same body?

    Thanks!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Who thought the Aztek was dead? Amazingly, they've sold more Azteks than Audi A4's this year - 22,000 Azteks vs. 21,000 A4's. Who would have thought...

    Oh, and get this - the base price of a 2001 Pontiac Aztek GT AWD is $26,915. It's about the same as the 325 and it comes with one pony extra -185 vs. 184.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    better hurry and trade in your 325 for an Aztek before they're all gone. ;-)
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    the dealer may throw in the nifty tent.

    ;)
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Thats funny!! Must be the "cool" free tent.

    Maybe Audi can beat that by converting the trunk into a bedroom/bathroom.
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    I can picture the ads:

    "you can take a dump in our cars"

    dave
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Can you imagine showing up at the autox event with an Aztek? What a sight, I've been laughing loud thinking about it. One of the tent's advantages may be that it will hold you on the track as long as the parachute, I mean tent, is open. It should help counter-steering. Oh, and if you get the urge to take a dump right in the middle of the course, you can hop to the back of the Aztek real quick and then continue confidently to the finish line ;o)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    It's a good thing that none of these 22,000 Aztek owners (this year alone!!) ever read Edmund's or any other board devoted to cars. It would be too painful for them...
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    Azteks sold as fleet cars (I'm using the term loosely here)?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Not sure if they do. What kind of people rent an Aztek for the weekend? Week bladder and/or colon, I guess?
  • habitat1habitat1 Member Posts: 4,282
    There are dealers that will negotiate / discount the Eurpoean Delivery price. Perhaps not in Boston and I am having a tough time in the DC area, but my hometown PA dealer will. And I know someone from the 5-series board who ordered a 2002 530i for $1,200 over ED invoice (works out to about $1,450 UNDER U.S. invoice. That's about the best I've heard.

    A dealer selling a car at ED list makes the same profit as if he sold a US delivered car for full MSRP. Obviousely, if they are willing to sell a car for $1,200 to $1,500 over US invoice, they should be willing to do the same for ED. It is more paperwork, but not that difficult. Keep shopping.

    Check out www.eurobuyers.com for more info on ED pricing.
  • tenet1tenet1 Member Posts: 354
    Can anyone explain what the kickdown mode does for cars with Auto/Step? Also, how is it activated and deactivated? Anyone have any comments about driving in this mode?

    The owners manual says to depress the gas pedal beyond the resistance point (with the car shut off, I assume, ofcource) in order to activate, and to get a more responsive driving experience. I thought that's what the sports mode did.

    Any thoughts???
  • bmw_guybmw_guy Member Posts: 17
    Can you give any reference to that PA guy.
    I dont mind driving all the way to PA for such a deal.

    Help is very appreciated, Friend.
  • bmw_guybmw_guy Member Posts: 17
    Such a dumb question huh??
    Hey guys, I am unable to make a decision, as to what to take. Z06 is 50K with 0%financing. 325 is 36K with 6% financing. After 4months....Z06 works out to be 3-4K more. But again it is a Vette.

    I need your friendly views. I know it is the wrong board to post in, but I also know that it is the *only * board that helps its friends.
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    Have you seen what a 2000 'vette is going for these days? Stick to the Bimmer

    JMHO of course.

    :)
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    A truly scary story. There was a black Aztek following me the other day, and due to traffic, I couldn't lose it. ;-)
  • bmw_guybmw_guy Member Posts: 17
    I agree.
    But 325 which is V6, and compared to fastest car below 50K??

    I dunno...why is it so hard to make decisions?
    How about the Vette with kidney grill.
    Hmmmmm...Wish I had a genie( I mean the real genie)
  • pen101pen101 Member Posts: 238
    First time for me on this board, although I have been following it occassionally for a while.

    I'm looking to purchase a 2002 330i 5-speed before the end of the year, with the following options: SP, PP, CWP, bi-xenon. From reading some of the posts here, I'm under the impression that the target purchase price for this car with these options should be in the $1,200 to $1,500 over invoice range, including all add-on dealer fees. Is that true also here in Southern California? Also, is there a local dealer that you can recommend? Also is the over invoice pricing the same for special ordering the car and for buying the car off the lot?

    Recently I test drove the following BMWs, all with 5-speeds and SP and PP: the 528 and loved it. Until I drove the 530. The 530 was much more responsive with its more powerful engine. But there was a substantial price differencial between the 2000 528 and a new 530. Then I drove a new 2001 330i, and loved it. Fast, fun and handled great. It had the feel I was looking for. And it was more in line with my budget, being about $6K less than the new 530 with the same options. Also test drove and dismissed for various reasons other cars such as the Audi A6-2.7t 6-speed, Lexus IS300 5-speed, GS 400, Lincoln LS-8 and the Acura TL-S.

    One more question. The dealer can offer 5.9% financing on remaining 2001s, but a much higher rate on 2002s. From your experience, when do you think the BMW financing rates will drop for the 2002s?

    Thank you in advance for your help.

    Michael
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    325 is an I-6, not V. Guess it depends on the type of a person you are. A Vette is very flashy, and attract a lot more attention than a 325.
  • jthaijthai Member Posts: 15
    Kickdown usually refers to flooring the gas pedal to downshift the transmission for better acceleration... for merging or passing on highways.
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    It's very hard to even compare these cars.

    325 is a four seater, high quality, initial free service, fairly quiet with relatively high ground clearance, etc.

    The vette is faster, but is a 2 seater with limited celarance--etc.

    If your goal is to have a very fast flashy car, the vette is better.

    If you want a practical car that is also very quick, the 325i is better.

    Also, it will take a lot of free interest to make a vette price competitive with a 325--if you can find a 2001 and get the 0% for 60 months, you'd be paying about $750 a month for a coupe. Still not bad for such a fast car, though.

    dave
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I don't think you can get those prices in SoCal. Although, with the economy the way it is, who knows. Good luck.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Great looking car but if I were to buy one, I'd pick a color that's much sportier. The steel grey must be the most conservative-looking color of any of the 3-series'. I still love that smurf-looking electric blue Bugatti-style, especially on the M3. There's a Nogaro-blue (very similar) S4 close to where I live and it looks stunning IMO!!
  • eugeug Member Posts: 46
    I know it's old news, but does anyone know what service bulletin describes the sticky or notchy gas petal problem? I've heard it mentioned here before, but I haven't been able to find it.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    there's a Laguna Seca Blue M3 which autox in my CCA, and a modified Silver M3 as well (serious amount of money to modify a new M3). Personally, I like the Topez Blue.
  • driver36driver36 Member Posts: 57
    Hi guys,

    I have been reading a lots of good posts here and finalized to 325i. However, I have heard from some where that the 2003 new facelift is coming soon. If the new facelift 325i coming with in a few months, I would wait for it. Any feed back would be much appreciated :o)

    Regards,
    Myron
  • skobolaskobola Member Posts: 207
    The lease on my 1999 323i expires in April, and I have already received a letter form my dealer saying that it is the time to think about a new one. Therefore, before I just go there, I would appreciate if you would be willing to share your "deals" with me, for both 325's and 330's. I can recalculate if you have put some money down, which I do not intend to do... and I do not more than 10k miles per year.

    In order not to clog this board, you can e-mail me at skobola@cyberdude.com (which is also in my profile). Also, if you have any other advice(s), they will be appreciated. Thank you very much.
  • kchanuskchanus Member Posts: 27
    Is the factory touch up paint and the paint used on the car the same? Is there any difference?
  • cm325icm325i Member Posts: 3
    The '02 sedan has a slight facelift compared to '01. Obviously, it is already available. Have read somewhere BMW may apply to coupe at some point. Haven't seen anything about an '03 facelift on sedan.

    In any event, an '03 facelift wouldn't be until this time next year.
  • kalagoodwinkalagoodwin Member Posts: 4
    yeah i purchased the car regretfully at momentum dealership in houston...it was low of them not to mention all the dealer fees up front...i will just not buy from them again or refer any friends, plus give them a poor survey.

    its a shame that buying such a great product has to involve such shady characters.

    Buyer beware! Avoid Momentum BMW Southwest in houston! They might as well have hired someone to mug me on the way out and take all the money i had on hand because that is what it felt like after seeing those extra dealer fees after we agreed on a price.

    Someone should set up an internet site where consumers can rate dealerships.
  • parumpparump Member Posts: 65
    After accumulating approximately 7000 moderately driven miles, the accelerator pedal and engine seem much more responsive than previously. I can't really explain the reason for the change, since I have always used a major brand 91 octane gas. Could this simply be my imagination, or does the 325i engine undergo a transformation with the accumulation of some additional mileage? Shipo, Gurumike - any comments?
  • woody02woody02 Member Posts: 7
    Re kalagoodwin's post: I went to at Momentum this week to buy a '01 325. I got a salesman with two months experience who did not know anything about the cars. They offered 5.43% above invoice, but they had no cars equipped like I wanted. This is even though they emailed that they did. Not a good experience. Then I went to Advantage near downtown Houston. Owned by the same person as Momentum to my surprise. I practically had to beg for a car. Ended up buying at John Roberts in Dallas. Good experience there.
  • new330ownernew330owner Member Posts: 10
    I have a week 44 production date for my steel blue 330i (SP, manual, moon), and I was wondering how many weeks most people have waited for their car once it is built (I live in SoCal). My dealer said it usually takes 5 weeks from production to delivery.

    BTW, I am amazed that people are ACTUALLY getting over 2 thousand off MSRP. I am getting about 1500 off MSRP in San Diego, only because they messed up my original order (we originally negotiated the price for a 2001). I was told that 2002's will be sold at MSRP for at least a few months. Call me crazy, but why would a dealer give a $2000 discount for one of the most popular cars in America right after a model update that will make it even more popular?
  • woody02woody02 Member Posts: 7
    The most I've heard is $500 off MSRP if that on a 2002, even special orders, in the Dallas, Austin, and Houston areas.
  • dhw328idhw328i Member Posts: 5
    FWIW, here's what I have experienced in Atlanta area with two dealers for MY 2002 pricing for 330i with SP, PP, Bi-Xenon's, Metallic Paint: United BMW offered $1000 off MSRP with me buying floor mats. Global offered $1200 off MSRP with the floor mats thrown in. Both pricing quotes were for factory orders. I got the feeling from United that they really didn't need my business, while the salesperson at Global was very professional and followed up with me several times after my visit to the showroom. I am interested that in other markets around the country the deals are much better. Does this mean demand is still strong in Atlanta, or are dealers here holding to their margins?
  • benardalbenardal Member Posts: 6
    Can't decide between grey and black... any advice?
  • driver36driver36 Member Posts: 57
    I guess the 2002 is the one I wanted then. It does has a slight facelift, when I checked it out with the dealer today. Thank you for your reply :o)

    Myron
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    Earlier this week my dealer supplied the VIN number on my Euro Delivery 330i, which will be picked up in Munich at the end of November. Anxious to track it's manufacturing progress as I've seen others here do for the past 6 months, I plugged the VIN into the BMW Owner's Circle site. PRESTO: "Awaiting transport. Your new BMW has been built and is being readied for transport" I'm almost let down by being denied the joy of watching it progress through the various status codes :) Now all I have to look forward to is the painfully tedious 5 week wait until I go pick it up. I suppose the only thing that could possibly be worse is the 6 week wait I'll endure as it's being ferried back from Deutschland. Sigh...
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