BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

larryintn

I'm not off, look in your service manual. Inspection I includs everything done on an oil change plus the additional Inspection I items. Inspection II includeds everything done on Inspection I plus the additional Inspection II items.

~15,000 = Oil Change
~30,000 = Inspection I
~45,000 = Oil Change
~60,000 = Inspection II

By extending the full-Mx from 36k to 48k the only scheduled Mx you're going to cover is an additional oil change.

ccchen1102

Does anyone know if there is closing cost for the financing if say, you pay back
what you owe earlier than scheduled?

Thanks

phenegar

I ordered a 325i which is to be built on week 13. Can any one hazard a guess as to when I should expect to get it? I think the days have gotten longer since I ordered it. I can't wait to get it. By the way I got $1300 off MSRP and 5.9% from Flow BMW in NC.

goody4

At about 30,000; the same time as "Inspection I."

We may just be discussing semantics. Our oil will be changed for a third time at 45k, then 60k, 75k, 90k, right?

I'm due for "Inspection I" in 8000 more miles, and they will be changing the oil (for the second time).

Owner's manual should, maybe, say this:

15,000 oil change (1st)
30,000 Inspection I (includes 2nd oil change)
45,000 oil change (3rd)
60,000 Inspection II (includes 4th oil change)

reubencahn

I did get the sport package--which I highly recommend. At the time, that meant 17 x 8 wheels and 225/45 17 tires all around. Mine came with Bridgestone Turanzas. I did not like these. They are quiet and smooth riding but the grip is lacking. They also tramline horribly on grooved pavement. I got about 22,000 miles before the rears were down to the wear bars. The fronts had plenty of tread left. I replaced them with Bridgestone RE730s which I love. A great tire, lots of grip, very predictable handling in the dry, only a slightly harsher ride than the Turanzas but equally quiet. I can't yet comment on the grip in the wet since we're in a drought but their reputation for the wet is very good. The only legitimate criticism I can confirm is that the sidewalls are soft compared to most high performance tires. I don't see this as an issue unless you autocross or go to the track regularly. Since these are high performance summer tires, I expect they would be horrible in the snow.

larryintn

You're making this too difficult. It's pretty simple.

A scheduled oil change is a maintanence event which includes changing the oil, filter, and doing a number of other unrelated items.

Inspection I is a maintanence event which includes everything from a scheduled oil change event plus a lot of other unrelated items.

Inspection II is a maintanence event which includes everything from an Inspection I plus a couple of additional items. Unlike the E36 3-series, there is very little difference between an Inspection I and Inspection II.

When the car goes in for the second oil change event it will be having it's oil changed for the third time because the Inspection events include all of the items from the oil change events.

vesuviusii

1) larryintn -- Thanks for your input. As I'm guessing tcn2k was told, I too was told that the "rotors and pads typically need replacing between 40K and 50K" from my dealer. Is this bs? What experiences have people had? I certainly don't want to pay $400 for an oil change.

2) ccchen1102 -- My understanding of the 5.9% financing is that it's a "simple interest" loan, thereby implying that there would be no penalty for early payoff. Someone please let me know if this is untrue -- the dealer certainly isn't going to tell us

3) VIN's -- With all the hoopla over 325i VIN's I got to thinking...

Instead of trying to determine what's a German-built vehicle, let's just have anybody who has definitely determined that their's is a "South African-bulit" car to post the 11th character of their VIN(s)?? It's that simple -- so if you would S.A.'ers, please comply

Cheers,
V

hkiliccote

I am hearing that 2002 manufacturing will start September, and be out by October-November, however last year I know of people who ordered by June and was driving their 2001 cic's by August 2000. Is this a scam by the dealers? They say that 2002's wont be out soon so that prospective buyers dont hold back purchasing 2001's as late as April and May? Any opinions?

As a prospective buyer myself, I am trying to decide if I should wait for 2002 models or order a 2001? The +'s for 2002 are: newer styling (is this really a + with the new headlights?), better resale value (on paper 1 yr younger), more standard options (BMW always does this). The -'s are: More time to wait before ordering, less negotiating room (is this correct?).

Are these valid +s and -s? Your opinions appreciated...

Hakan.

brave1heart

I looked up the Bridgestone RE730s that you got on the TireRack.com. The rating is very good and they seem to be the most reasonably priced ultra-performance tires in this size. The 2001 BMW 325 Sports Package has the same size tires (225/45/17) front and rear. I live in Boston and I will probably stay with all-season tires when I replace them, though. I've had Dunlop SP5000 on my current car ('97 Jetta VR6) and they are rated some of the best all-season tires. They made a dramatic difference in handling when I replaced the stock tires with them. If I lived down in FL I'd definitely go with ultra high performance tires like the Bridgestone RE730s you got. A bit harsher ride is OK, I like the sports-car feel.

It seems that dealers (incl. BMW) are beginning to discount more heavily. I am guessing the economic uncertainty and stock market crash is making its way through luxury dealerships. I negotiated for a 325i back in November and the best deal I got was $700 off. Two weeks ago, I offered $1,300 off, the salesperson talked to the manager for a minute, came back and shook my hand in a hurry. Wow! I think it's a reasonable deal and a great package for 31.5K, after a $1,200 mid-year model discount. The didn't have 5.9% financing back lin Novemver either. For those of you looking to buy, be polite but firm and stay with the price you have in mind. With the 2002 models coming to dealerships soon, dealers will be discounting the 2001 models even more heavily. Good time to get a new BMW if you've wanted one for awhile and the stock market didn't wipe you out completely.
+++

hkiliccote

Braveheart, I am about to start neagotiating for a new 325ci convertible myself, and as you can see from my post above, I am trying to decide if I should wait for 2002s to come out... until... you say that you got a "mid year model discount"? what is that? Does it apply to all 3series (incl. conv)?

Btw, congrats on your deal. How much over invoice did you pay? Did you buy one off the inventory or order one?

thanks in advance

Hakan.

brave1heart

Hakan -

BMW is throwing in the auto climate, fog lights, and cruise control for free on mid-year models (typically cars ordered in March or later), so they can compete better with Audi and Lexus, which have these standard. In addition, the Sports Package is $100 cheaper for total savings of about $1,200. If you buy a car now, the discount should already kick in but make sure the dealer tells you about it. If they don't, (they tried it with me), walk out and go to another dealer. Again, I'm basing this on a 325i, I have not looked at the 325ci convertible but I'd assume it's the same deal there.
The spread between invoice & MSRP on my car was about $3,300, so I paid $2,000 over invoice. I think you guys should be able to do even better than that. Well, if I were you I'd definitely buy a 2001 model. It's plenty good already and you are absolutely right - you can get a much better deal on these, as dealers have to discount them more heavily to make room for the 2002 model. Don't expect more than $700 off MSRP on the 2002 models, not for a while at least. Good luck, let us know how you made out or if you need more advise. This is a great board for that kind of info.
+++

add123

Has anyone gone with the "Owners Choice" of the financial options? If you have, was the MSRP negotiable? Also, if you refinanced was it at the same payment that you were at before?

BTW, I recently spoke with a dealer and he advised that the 2002's will be available in July. He also stated that there would not be any cosmetic changes for 2002 which I knew was not true from reading the posts here.

Thanks for the help!

hkiliccote

Add123, Do you mean 2002's can be ordered starting July 2001, or be here July 2001? That would mean we can order around May for July?

Hakan.

ds2k1

I purchased a 330i (built in Munich) which was assembled on 2/13. The car just arrived in the dealership this morning and I'm picking it up tomorrow. So, that translates to roughly 5-6 weeks from production date to the date when you won't be able to erase the huge grin from your face. I have no idea if the time varies depending on where it's built, but this is my experience.

BTW, got a 2001 330i, steel gray metallic, gray leather, premium, steptronic, xenons, in-dash CD. Roughly 24 hours away from pure driving excitement!

scoutm

Your dealer is misinformed. 2002 year 3 series will start production on 9/1/2001. The dealers will get their allocations around June/July where you can specify your options.

Earliest delivery date would probably be Mid October.

add123

hkiliccote,

The dealer I spoke with advised me that if I could order in May for a end of July delivery. He stated that it would take about 3 months.

This incorrect according to posts following mine.
Maybe the person that works for a dealer can advise.

larryintn

I have no idea what the chances are of your needing brakes and rotors during the extention period. Seems like that would vary quite a bit based on your driving style. I'd suggest checking with your dealer to see what the brakes would cost if you paid for them yourself and then you can decide if you want to gamble that they will need replacing during that period of if they won't.

tcn2k

I started a bmw 3 series group. This will deliver all messages to interested parties who want to discuess about the bmw 3 series. It is a open forum of deiscuession. You can subscript to it by just sending an email to
bmw3s-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

millerro3

I work at a BMW dealer, and BMW really hasn't said a thing about changing the body style for 2002. BMW usually keeps a body style for 7-8 years. Changing the body style 3 years into its' life would be a very big surprise to me. I would also be a little upset because I just got a 2001 330i:/

I do have this years production schedule sitting in front of me and it basically says production runs from September to August.(you could argue sept. to july-since all the workers are on "holiday" for the month of August!) If they are indeed changing the body style, I wouldn't think that it would be available right away, most likely they would extend the production of 2001 and make the newer body style available when all glitches and such were worked out.

just my .02 )

Rob

hkiliccote

Rob, thanks for the info. Does the production schedule specifically say September to August would be all 2001 models? Last year 2001 models were on the streets by July (May-June order). Can you explain what happened last year, and why it wouldnt happen again this year?

What makes you say that the new styling should be available right away? Why would BMW extend production of 2001? Wouldnt they want to introduce the new styling as a new year's model?

thanks for the input.

Hakan.

ds2k1

I've been told by several dealers that there certainly won't be a new body style, that the current 3 Series body style should run through '05 to '06. The dealer I'm getting my car from didn't think there would be ANY changes to the exterior styling of the car, but I've heard others say that there might be some changes to the lights (front and back) to make it look more like the 5 Series. This doesn't make much sense to me since the current 5 Series lights look to me like the lights on the last body style 3 Series. If anything, I'd expect the new 5 Series (which will probably be released in '03) to take the light treatments from the 3 Series, but make them nicer somehow. I really don't have any specific knowledge on the subject, just the way I see things.

millerro3

Hi Hakan,

the production schedule has different beginning and ending months for different models.

Last year the 2001 330's were available in July, but not the 325's. And the reason for releasing it before the usual model year production, was to get a more competitive car in relation to the competitors.(Lexus IS300, MB C Class).

Same thing with the 7 series--MB released the new S Class so BMW countered by releasing the 2001 7 in January.

As far as extending the production, I meant if they are going to release a NEW body style, they would probably extend the current body style, or model year, until the newer one has any and/or all the 'kinks' worked out.

Now they didn't extend it for the new M3, but they stopped production on them in 99. But if I look on my production schedule, it says that production for 2001 M3's will start in September.
September? I'm stillllll waiting to get our 'demo' M3 here, which was produced in February! So there is usually a little leeway in exactly when production starts for a new model with BMW.

I hope that this is clear, sometimes I have a little trouble organizing thoughts and typing them into the computer, maybe I should look into that thing that types whatever you say!

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask!
8*}

Rob

brave1heart

I think you might have seen the new 3-series compact (it's the replacement for the 318ti and about 5 inches shorter than the regular 3-series). The front looks similar, except the front lights are smaller and come in 3 different sizes. The back has triangular clear lens lights and it looks a little like the IS300 (have to admit I don't like either of them). I am subscribed to three car magazines and I am not aware of any model changes for 2002. I positively have not seen any pictures at least. There may be the usual touch-up changes but the body style should remain the same for years. As far as engine choice, I wouldn't be surprised to see BMW bump up the horse power on the 325 in 2003 - the hp gap between the 325 and the 330 is too big right now, so BMW would not be "cannibalizing" 330 sales by doing this.
+++

add123

Since you work for a dealer can you please help me out. Reference my previous question on the "Owners Choice", once the term is up, is the remaining balance financed with the previous payment or does it change.

Thanks.
add123

skobola

My friend just leased a 2001 330i, steel gray with black leather and aluminum trim, with step, MSRP $37,830 for $499/month including tax (in Fla=6.5%). I am leasing my 1999 323i, MSRP $34,220 for $486, so I see this as an exclusively good deal. I guess that some of you could use it as a reference when trying to get a good lease deal.
Good luck!

christofori

Holeinone

I am going to Munich on the 24th of April. I am scheduled to take delivery on the 26th. I like BMWs, but not its dealers or the its sales people.

But I did find one good salesman; he was honest (as honest as they come)from the beginning. I do plan to post my purchase experience here one of these days. I am really surprised that more people do not make use of the European Delivery. If you are in the market, I can give you the number of the dealer from whom I bought my first Beemer.

unboringuy

I ordered my 330i in January. According to the bmwusa website, as of 3/15 my car was on its way to the preparation center. I thought that it only took about 7 days for the ships to make it over here.

I can't wait to get my new vehicle, so the questions are as follows:

1. How long should it take to reach the preparation center?

2. How long does it stay at the preparation center?

3. How long does it take to get from the preparation center to the dealer (in Dayton, Ohio)?

Any help with this would be appreciated.

dschmidt4

My local BTW dealer, from whom I have purchased two vehicles (a 740iL and a 318, advised me that he had to charge a premium (of at least $5K) for all M-3 convertibles, due to the expected auction activity. I understand the economics involved, but is anyone aware of alternatives? I've been told the M-3 Convertible cannot be purchased via the BTW European Delivery Plan. I'm going to check with dealers in Scottsdale, AZ next week, but after that I don't know what to do. I refuse to pay premiums. I had ordered a nexus 430SC (and rejected it when it arrived, due to the lack of rear seating AND trunk space), but the dealer stuck with the list price (even though the lines were around the block), as the dealer and nexus apparently have a no premium rule. I checked with BTW, and they say they leave it up to the dealer. Thanks in advance for any ideas and leads.

MarkinAtlanta

In your post you described the $5K premium over invoice the dealer has to charge for an M3 Conv. to cover expected auction activity and you understand the economics of this. Good, because I sure don't. Maybe he hopes his allotment will be easily filled and buyers will be forced to bid against one another for the open slots. I don't believe it matters which dealer you take delivery from. Suggestion: call every dealer in a 150 mile radius and tell them you want to order the car at MSRP, might work. Another suggestion, describe this again in the M3 topic of the Coupes/Convertible conference. Those guys are pretty knowledgable.

micga

I think this is what is causing all the confusion about whether or not the 325 body style is changing in 2002. Check it out.

www.4car.co.uk/asp/main.jsplnk=240&story id=552

micga

sorry all. Try this link.

http://www.4car.co.uk/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=240&storyid=552

millerro3

When you do the owner's choice, it is almost like a lease in that you make payments on a portion of the car, you are limited to mileage, and there is a buyout at the end(balloon payment). Also, the car is titled in YOUR name, in the event of a total loss, YOU are responsible for the negative equity because there will be no GAP insurance.

I always try to talk my customers out of this. You will be responsible for the balloon payment at the end. In a closed end lease, You have the option of buying the car, or turning it back to BMW. Both limit you to mileage. A lease offers GAP insurance, ownerschoice does not.

And to answer your question, the payment would most likely change. It would be whatever your Balloon payment is, the term, and the APR which would determine that.

Rob

add123

Thank you for the information.

I live in a state where leasing is not advantageous (TX). Apparently there is some type of property tax at the end of the year if you lease a vehicle. A sales person from Mercedes-Benz told me that. If you know anything about this let me know b/c I don't know any facts. Also, what is GAP insurance?

Thanks,
add123

lokki

but rejected the idea, as you have no way to predict what kind of interest rate you are going to get at the end of the road; it seemed to me like a cheap way to get onboard, but when you reach the end of the 'lease' period, you're going to have to make up for the good deal you had at the front end.... you're going to owe a lot to purchase the rest of that car.

I'm no financial whiz, so my analysis may be wrong, but I went with the 6.9 percent money they offered and financed normally. I got a pretty fair deal, so I figure that I can sell it if I wanted to in a couple years and lose less money than I would if I leased and turned it in. Plus I don't need to worry about miles, etc.

For whatever it's worth...my 2¢

gsenthil

I have heard a lotta posts talk about 5.9% interest. Is it for lease only or for purchase too?

rbuka

Hoping for some feedback on a 325ci ('01) with the following options:

auto trans
cd am/fm
moonroof
premium package
xenon foglights

Priced at 32,765 with 5.9% financing by a local dealer. Is this a good deal? Thanks Rob

goody4

rbuka,

You should try for something better than less than a $1000 off of MSRP.

Anything between 31685 and 31985 is a fair deal. Those two numbers are $1200 and $1500 over invoice, respectively.

When you go to renegotiate, start with a figure close to $31k, and (slowly) work your way toward $31,500, and at the most, pay only $1500 above invoice.

It won't be easy. If you think it may help you, Edmund's shows the dealer's MSRP and invoice numbers elswhere on this site. Print both, and take them to the dealer with you.

Hope this helps.

MarkinAtlanta

My advice on how to save $2000. Don't get the leather (leatherette is every bit as comfortable, 95% as good looking, more durable, and a thousand dollars cheaper), don't get the auto tranny, manually shifting a 3er is a zen like experience, you won't know what you are missing. Just a thought, good luck, great cars.

dcwong1

The new style that you have seen that resembled the Hyundai Tiburon is not the 325 or the 330 series, it is the new 3-series Hatch backs - similar to the old 318ti. The new hatch backs are supposed to have the 2.5L engine. Don't know if they will bring back the 1.9L 4-cylinder.

Hope it helps!

micga

Hi all - Check out this link. How do you explain it???????????

http://www.4car.co.uk/jsp/main.jsp?lnk=240&storyid=552

dcwong1

What I saw on the link was a typical thing an automaker does to keep its line fresh. Typically, the Germans keep the look pretty close to the family line - this is to ensure resale values don't drop if there's a drastic change. Look at the current 5-series. It's been out since the late 90's and I think the next major change is in '02 or '03 but to keep sales up, they redid the front fascia a little to keep it fresh.

The new E46 came out in '98 (over in Europe) so this would actually be the 3rd year of production. To did a mild facelift is normal after 4-5 years.

socali90712

rbuka,

purchased a 325 approximately 3 weeks ago. I was able to get for $1,500 off invoice. I followed "edmunds" advise on how to buy a car. I started by telling the sales-guy that I want a $1,000 off the retail. He of course kept running to an office and we both settled to the price I mentioned. I had the number in my head before I entered the dealership and I was ready to walk out if I didnt get what I want. Oh yeah, the car is awesome......good luck..

add123

Thanks for the information. I am not sure if I am going to get what is left in July or order for 02 but I thank those that took the time to respond to my questions. I am better informed than I was. If anyone else has any input on the "Owners Choice" feel free to advise.

add123

camnellum1

Here is the face lift everyone is talking about. It is for the new compact series being released in Europe. Either link should get you there. It is a Flash page so it should load automatically. Let me know if you can't link and I will try to provide a better one!

http://www.bmw.com/e46/index_d.html

http://www.bmw.com/e46_2/d/0_2_uebersicht.html

jhdevoy

Hey Add,

I don't know what car taxes are like in Texas, but in Massachusetts we pay excise tax (property tax) annually on owned or leased vehicles. If you don't usually pay that in TX, you shouldn't have it on a lease either. But if you do, of course you would pay it on a lease also. Some people are not aware of this, but it isn't some major hidden disadvantage of leasing...

vesuviusii

You must have meant $1500 off MSRP, correct? Or did you mean $1500 above Invoice??

vesuviusii

What's the 11th character of your South African-built 3-Series VIN??

gerrenw

I ordered my 330xi in late December and it just arrived this past Saturday (3/24). The car spent 1 week at the prep center in Calif. before it made its way to Phoenix. Then the dealer needed 2 days to get it ready. It ended up being a long, long wait...but I am certainly glad I waited. This car is better than I had anticipated...still can't get the damn grin off my face...

jamesf5

Just ordered a 325i over the weekend. Was told my the first dealer that I he could not order the Sahara Beige color. It was not a choice for the 2001.5 models. I watched him look on the web-site and I verified myself. So I went to another dealer to see if they had one and was told they could oreder it and the other saleperson at the other dealer was wrong. I paid about 1,500 over invoice. What should I get from them regarding when the car will be delivered? A week nuber or production number? He said I will receive it in the mail.

tcn2k

I just purchase a 325i over the weekend, got 1500 off invoice; really good deal here in utah. Thanks to this board, i went in and told them what i wanted and told them to take it or leave it. Sales guy came back from the mgr. and said, lets order your car!
I was confused between the alpine white and jet black, any one has explanation of there own on the advantages of these 2 colors?
Also, on the alpine white of the 325i, the rear has a black strip above the license plate, while the 330i has the color matching your car for that strip. I don't really like this strip at all on the alpine white, can anyone explain on if this can be replaced? It is strip is black plastic on 325's. On bmwusa.com when ordering or building your car, the strip matches the color of your car on the 325's, but not in real life. Can the sales guy or someone here explain why? And if so, can i request it to have the alphine white color instead of the black plastic strip?