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Comments
2002 Invoice MSRP
Base 31090 33990
Destination 645 645
Metallic Paint 430 475
Sport Pkg 1090 1200
Cold Weather 910 1000
Xenon 635 700
Wood 455 500
Total 35255 38510
Less Discount -1465
Adjusted Price 37045 (1790 over 2002 invoice)
BMW did not change the MSRP, but they effectively cut into the dealers margin which impacted their flexibility on negotiations. I tried finding a vehicle currently in stock to avoid this price increase, but could not find anything suitable.
One unrelated problem I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced: Occasionally, when I put the car in reverse, I hear the car squeal a little bit, as if something is rubbing, perhaps on a wheel or in the drivetrain. Has anyone else experienced this?
Thanks.
I dealt with Jean Claude Zekele. It was a very good experience (specially compared to Towson BMW). I negotiated my deal completely by internet. Two of my friends also shopped around and settled for Tischer. I would recommend giving them a try.
The engine is absolutely FELINE: just PURRS along at low rpms, and GROWLS menacingly when you give it gas! Gas. It just begs me for more of it, but I know reluctantly I have to run it in properly before giving in to its desires. The manual tranny and steering provides just the PERFECT amount of tactile and auditory sensory feedback from the engine and the road for you to do the driving, without being intrusive. The now-standard sport suspension is just beautifully balanced to keep the car going like its riding on rails, while still managing to filter out road bumps and noise better than the Accord. And the rwd chassis with 50/50 balance is just so much FUN to whip around corners fast. No need to correct your steering in the middle of a turn at all. Truly the ultimate sports sedan! (Well, there is the M3 and M5, but those are slightly out of most of our reaches.)
whichone1: I'm in Vancouver. My price was $1900CDN off MSRP, with doc/tire/airconditioning fees/taxes included. Freight/pdi was $1500CDN. Mats and wheel locks were also thrown in, with a keychain and a coupon for 15% discount off any accessories from them. I know it's not a 325, but hope it helps.
The second related problem, is that the headlight washers come on every 5th time the windshield washers are used while the headlights are on. These jets are also quite strong and cause errant mist to land onto the hood. Is there any way to defeat this feature, while still being able to use it when truly necessary?
thanks
DL
Warranty costs about $ 2200 (if I remember correctly). At the end of every year, it goes up. If you buy the warranty do you have to get inspections done at dealer and pay the big bucks.
I used to maintain my old 87 325 myself. The new cars do not need maintainence other than oil change and air and pollen filter change.
Are the dealer warranties bumper to bumper.
DanF
2. brake rotor replacement/turning: bmw rotors are *softer* than your average oem rotor, and thus tend to wear considerably more (that's the tradeoff for the stopping power you get). this results in them getting thinner (not to mention other things, like grooving) with use. turning them is not an option, becuase they would have to be ground too thin, and they would become QUITE prone to warping. fwiw, you can probably (as i noted before) get some discount brake joint to turn them, but, imo, that's shortsighted. the cost of new rotors spread across their lifetime doesn't come to more than pocketchange per day, and you would be significantly compromising one of the strong parts of your car.
-Chris
What is left are the oil changes, air filter and pollen filter in addition to the "check X, check y....". I would rather spend the money on more frequent fluid changes.
Our Bimmers are designed well, the 2002 air filter is right in front and has a easy to use clip (rather that the harder to use older clips". The oil plug is harder now with the cover. Hope I have a "window" for the oil drain plug. I have a 330i sedan made in Sep 01. Still 3 years away from when factory coverage is over.
I am going to do the 60 K service for the 1998 Audi A6 soon. Things are not easy to get to?
Did BMWNA actually retrofitted your 2001 325i? Cuz' they're telling me that I'm not eligible. I have a 2001 BMW 325i that I bought back on 10/2000 which should qualify me. I was on a waiting list but now BMWNA is telling me that their engineers took another look at the steering and they concluded that the steering I have on my car is the same as the steering they would have change it to, so it would be pointless to change it.
Tenet1,
Do you have any BMWNA posting about the can verify your statement that "all cars built between 8/00 and 5/31/01 qualify for the retrofit (as per BMWNA)"?
I get the feeling that I'm being lied to by BMWNA and I am not a happy customer right now!!
I haven't seen the Bulletin on this but I was given these dates by a BMWNA customer relations associate who searcehd this on this computer.
Remember, all 2001's, even the retrofitted steering, and all 2002's still have a lighter steering than those on the 2000 and earlier models.
I suggest strongly a strategy of finding the best deal throughout the region you would consider buying and then working your way inward. This way you always have your worst case scenario handled if someone along the way says no. I also suggest going in grubby cloths to see how you are going to be treated later in your dealership of choice (not fool proof but a good indicator of attitude). Also check out that Cutter Motors Bimmerfest website for pricing.
Still debating the extended service 4/50k contract $399 and an extended warranty 6/100k $1500 from National Auto Care, but I still have research to do on that. Any advice and/or experieces would be of interest. The dealer also pointed me to a loan somewhere between a home equity and a standard loan. A lean on the house but uses the car not the house as collatoral. Also keeps the equity freed up . I'd appreciate anyone who can give a tax-based explanation of how this can be written off. They claim it can. It seems to be the best of both worlds with a 5.8% fixed APR right now.
dg95: Consider these guys if you are still looking in Cinci. Ed Besl was excellent.
Only problem now is I have to wait so long!
As always, just IMHO...
About a month ago I spotted a doe crossing my path on an unlit road. I came to a stop within about 10 feet of it braking hard. I have no doubt, the extra range of the xenons (and I have a 2001 so they were low beams only) allowed me to avoid collision.
I was sold on xenons the first night I turned them on just for their exceptional brightness. "Instant daylight" is what popped into my mind. Within a few months of picking up the car, the cost of the insurance deductible alone for that one non-incident paid for the xenons. More importantly, they helped avoid injury.
Don't sweat it too much now because you will not regret getting them.
When are the inner set of lights (halogen's?) used? I think they are used for "flash to pass" since it takes some time for the xenon's to warm up, but is that all.
Also, does anyone use daytime running lights on their 2002 models? Perhaps the inner lights are used for DRL's so the xenon's don't burn out as quick or the xenon's are run at half intensity.
Thanks
-Murray
1. Xenons. These are amazing. In retrospect, I really regret not getting them on our previous car 18 months ago because it's such a huge visibility difference. I just never realized how different they were and always thought they were mostly for show. Bi-xenons in MY2002 are even better than the xenon/halogen combo in MY2001 which were apparently quite good already. To me, the brightness is only part of it and it's the "temperature" of the light that I really like. Now I can't help but notice that comparing Xenons to halogens is like comparing halogens to fluorescent bulbs. Heck, if they made HID lights that ran on 110V I'd wire up my whole house with them because it truly is easier to see things.
2. Sport Package. Almost worth it just for the seats, and when you throw in the very attractive wheels/tires it's a no-brainer. However, I have to admit I was spoiled by the excellent German roads I drove on, because in the past 200 miles tooling around Northern Virginia I've felt a little more "in touch" with the bumps in the pavement road than I did on the Autobahn. In a perfect world, I'd replace the 3-spoke sport steering wheel with an M wheel because I prefer a bit more padding.
3. Cold Weather Package. Those heated seats got plenty of use in Germany and Austria, and they've had even more use here in the States over the past 6 days. I've decided that until I move closer to the equator, I will always have these. Split rear seats have not come in handy yet, nor have headlamp washers. I don't ski so I'll probably not use the pass-through but I do like the folding armrest portion of it.
4. Sunroof. I had never had a sunroof before and like Xenon lights, I always had an unfounded bias against them. Fortunately, my fiancee convinced me to tack it on. Now I'm hooked on the view.
5. Leatherette. Except for the saliva-exacerbated light spot on the driver's seat mentioned a couple hundred posts back (which I'm still hoping that some chemical can help even out the color on) I am completely happy with the leatherette. Everyone who sits in the car thinks it's leather, and I figure I saved a cow or two (and $1500) in the process.
6. 5-speed. This transmission is beautiful.
7. Steel Grey. After I signed on the dotted line, I was really having second thoughts about our color choice for a couple of weeks (the other contender was Titanium Silver). Now I'm SO glad I went with the Steel Grey. Not that Silver isn't beautiful, of course... I just love the way Steel Gray changes subtly depending on the light.
8. The Biggie, 330i vs. 325i. Well, I'm already addicted to the additional power. The extra money that it cost is long forgotten, replaced by pure joy at the growl coming from under the hood. I'm also pretty satisfied with the HK stereo system. But what a dilemma I'm presented with! Do I listen to CDs or to the equally beautiful sound of inline-6?
As far as daytime running lights, I didn't have them programmed. Joern didn't recommend them (I didn't ask why) so I didn't argue.
I can always spot BMW's with them at night and they never blind me, the self leveling even takes into account changes in car weight while you are driving so they are always self-leveling themselves. They run at very little wattage compared to halogens so that is a break for your generator and ultimately, less load on the engine when they are on..They are supposed to last much longer as long as they're not broken or damaged, and thats good because the cost is pretty high, but we do have that warranty dont we ?
I now drive a 2002 M Coupe and while I truly love this ROCKET, it doesnt have room for all the parts that have to go with Xenons, and I really miss them.
Cant even imagine how the 2002's with bi-Xenons must be, it has to be awesome. Ever watch/participate in road rallying at night? The bigger the lights the better, and what do you think the reasoning is ?
I would take them in a heartbeat..
DanF
derprofi, I also got the sunroof, and it was great!! My M Coupe has this huge one that goes almost from roof pillar to pillar, and it doesnt slide back, just tilts a little, and no really cool sliding cover for these hot California summers. Im having a guy that makes the absolute best windshield covers make me one for the moon roof.. I totally loved my 325i 5 speed too, very very smooth and accurate, but a little long for me.
My M short shifter is about the best Ive ever used, but definitely different feel than the 325. It needs to be that way though, to keep all that horsepower under some kind of control..:-)
Congratulations, you gentlemen have made some awesome choices !!
DanF
Yes, that's right.
Here up north in Canada, we have auto drl's with the halogen high beams on at half intensity the moment the key is turned to position one. When the xenons are turned on, these turn off, for example at night. When used to "flash" other drivers, the halogen highs go to full intesity.
The bi-xenons are interesting in that a mechanical shield/mirror(?) is used to toggle between low angle cutoff (for low beams) vs. no cutoff (for high beams) both of which are transmitted thru the projector lenses on the outside. And man! Are the xenon high beams ever so bright! I especially notice it when driving down an unlit country road at night. Practically renders the fog lights useless...
Also, I think the self levelling projector lens xenons (eg. BMW, Audi) is the only correct way of controlling a very bright beam without blinding on-coming traffic. Acura TL/CL's and Benz's(?) don't have this type of xenons, and I just hate it when they approach me on-coming with a diffuse white glare.
I could be wrong, but I think the fog lights turn off when you go to high beams.
-Murray
However, I find even the low beam xenons are so bright that it is very hard to discern a difference when toggling the foglights on and off.
Furthermore, I believe that I will opt to pay multiple security deposits, so any information about how much they lower the price will be helpful. I was told that BMW allows up to 9 fully refundable security deposits to be paid when leasing, and I have heard that the savings can be pretty significant, about 40% on the "investment" of all 9 security deposits. I believe that this is a very good return, especially nowadays when bank/investment rates are so low.
Of course, I appreciate any other tips that may lower the lease price. Also, feel free to to share your monthly payments as well, as one of the dealers told me that they will try to match any other legit deal.
Please let me know. I will certainly use these numbers to help me to negotiate the deal.
Thanks in advance.
A must-have option. I can certainly feel the difference. But I feel the real benefit when driving at night in the rain. The Road ahead is perfectly lit up with Xenons, whereas the halogens in my SUV feel like they have been turned off.
Also noticed that the driver side Xenon lamp has been angled down sligtly more than the passenger side. I noticed this when facing a wall on a flat surface. This is a design feature that prevents Xenons from blinding oncoming traffic.
Best of all, they look awesome!!!
--- Brightness
--- Self-leveling
--- Price (OEM vs. After-market)
--- Original: BMW invented xenon
Cons:
--- Reported failures which may be caused by faulty xenon headlamp control unit. If my memory serves right, braveheart is one of the victims but his car's whole xenon unit was replaced and paid by BMWNA. Though the xenon bulb may last long time, the control unit may die before the bulb. My sense on this is it would be replaced if still under warranty, if not, in 3 years xenon may be standard on all cars (at least more popular) and thus the cost may be much lower.
--- Visually bothersome to reverse traffic drivers or drivers ahead if you are considerate enough
--- Pricey considering stock halogen lights are good enough
Yes, halogen is used for day light driving lights and flashing, bi-xenon for high and low beam. From what I have read, Bi-xenons use a moving reflector on the low beam to achieve high beam coverage, because of the ignition time, and time to optimal brightness of regular high beam applications.
a. If lights are off, flashing high beams uses the halogen lights (regular high beams)
b. If lights are on, flashing your high beams move a reflector in the low beam housing to reaim your lights for high beams
Feel free to add or correct. Regards.
derprofi : I agree that the leatherette looks great. I sat in 2 cars, one with leather and one with leatherette, and I couldn't tell the difference. I even tried the 'smell' test, but couldn't get a good reading because of the 'new car' smell - it over powered everything else. I also don't know if BMW provides the best leather. I know the Jaguar X-Type had a better feeling leather.
A 215-45-17 would give me a slightly wider and slightly lower profile.
A 225-45-17 gives me a wider tire with the same profile.
Any problems with moving to these sizes that you know of?
Considering the Bridgestone RE950 and the Michelin Pilot XGT H4 for the 215-45-17.
Any recommendations for a high performance - all-season in the 225-45-17 size?
Any opinions
Josh
Good luck, let us know how it turns out.
twoof-Thanks for your comments. I'll keep your fix in mind and let the dealer know of it
jfedor1- The biggest gripe I have with BMW is that they do not keep their survey confidential. It gives the consumer very little incentive to be honest if she/he knows that a bad rating is likely to tick the dealer off and lead to an even worse service experience next time. It leaves us in a very tough spot. Why doesn't BMW GET IT!!
Just felt like sharing my experience with fellow bimmer lovers.
Considerations:
I will likely get the Steptronic, due to the amount of traffic I drive in each day, so power is a consideration. 0-60 times tell only part of the story, although I have been unable to find a 0-60 time for the 325. Anyone know where to find?
Leather vs. Leatherette? Not trying to be cheap, but would rather keep the payments lower and put that money towards the Xenons and the Sport Package.
I may also consider a 2000/2001 CPO 325/328/330ci with the right miles, equipment, etc.
I find automatics boring, even BMWs. It sucks the fun out of the car. Since you're looking at BMWs I'll assume you enjoy driving, so I recommend you at least test drive a manual.
Leatherette does get hotter than leather, so depending on where you live, that could be an issue.
For MY2002, sport suspension is standard with 330 (not sure about 325), so the sport package is more cosmetic now.
If a person knows how to drive stick properly, shifting should be 2nd nature and it shouldn't matter whether you're going 5mph in stop-and-go traffic or cruising on the Autobahn. I know that fact is unpopular among Steptronic fans, but...
Re: leather, I think you're right to be thinking about the Sport Package or Xenons instead of leather.
It seems to me that, if you are buying the car anyway, it would be stupid not to do it. It will save $1850 to go there - I can even use freq flyer miles for the flights. Just pay for the hotel. That way I get a free vacation when I factor in meals, sightseeing, etc.
Anything I need to know about this.
Thanks for your insights.
Check back a few hundred (thousand) posts and you'll see lots of good information about deals and financing. I'd recommend shopping the deal on the internet at anywhere you'd be willing to travel before going to your preferred dealer. I got $1600 over ED invoice plus floor mats and 5 BMW t-shirts. Happy hunting!
DL
STEPTRONIC I have it. I'm still in the break-in period so I haven't had the chance to push my car to the limit. Occasionally, I'll slip the stick over to the left and "manually" shift and that seems to get me through the day
Sports Package I don't have it and I don't want it. The suspension in my car already feels firm enough. These backroads in Germany are horrible!
Leatherette v. Leather Am I the only guys that can tell the difference between the two? I got the leatherette and wouldn't want it any other way. Save yourself the $$ on this leather (not the best quality leather on the market anyways) and get the other goodies (xenon, bigger wheels, Phatnoise!).
Me: "Where are the Continentals?" I asked? Dealer: "Goodyears are just as good."
Me: "I don't care how good Goodyears are...ya [non-permissible content removed]!"
I never said "ya [non-permissible content removed]" but wondering if anyone else out there got Goodyears vice Continental tires. Did I get the 'ol switch-a-roo?
any comments greatly appreciated,
-nobee