BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

rhmass

wacka, I think you will be equally happy with either car. If your budget is tight, then there may not be reason to shell out the additional $1750 for the AWD. It also depends on where you live. However, one argument concerning the additional weight of the xi which was considered to be detrimental to the 3's performace didn't seem to bear out in my test drives recently. In fact I found the xi version moved as quickly and with more "authority". I ended up ordering the 325xiT. I think you may be able to get a better deal with RWD 3 series also.

kjana

My dealer drilled the front bumper of a new 330Cic to install a license plate holder. I want to take the holder off. Is there any way to easily repair the holes and make the bumper look good? TIA

seivwrig

Postoak:

My salesman was Jim Phelan @ Momentum. As an individual, he was nice but it seem like he did not understand the process. If I had to do it all over again, I would have went to Garlyn Shelton in Temple as my first choice and then Garlyn Shelton in Bryan. I was able to get Jim to change based on the offer that I got from Garlyn Shelton in Bryan. The Houston area dealers are not willing to deal but you have to realise that Momentum and Advantage are the same owner that leave BMW North in a weird position. I really did not want to play games but when dealing in Houston, you don't have much of a choice. If my wife decides that she wants a 5-series at the end of the year, I'm heading to Temple.

I will pick up my 325i on Thursday. Buy some accessories and drop some of the weight from my luggage. I feel like Santa Claus with gifts for my parents, nieces and cousins. I'm gonna try to get the 1200 miles within three days, so i can let it rip.

My plans are to go to Koln and Brusssels, primarily to buy stuff for my family. Then my brother and I will take a ferry to Dover from Zeebrugge, Belguim. I will go to my hometown of Ipswich and visit my uncles. Go do a Lotus factory visit. If I was not married, I would have set up a drive in Lotus Elise. Then I have to pickup my wife at Gatwick. Then spend time with my parents in Luton until it is time to go home. There will be some good family time as well as show my wife various Roman and Norman ruins.

derprofi

Where are the holes exactly? I believe you, but I'm curious what kind of salt your dealer is pulling because the license plate frame my dealer installed (since removed) used the same 4 holes that a normal license plate would use. I wouldn't bother trying to repair the holes--the entire license plate trim strip just snaps out and can be replaced. I think it costs $20-30, but since it's the dealer that screwed up the bumper, maybe they could be convinced to provide a new trim strip free of charge.

seivwrig

I sent an email to Schaal BMW. Hopefully, I will hear from them tomorrow. If they can do it, I will get the tax forms and get the parts. BMW ED dept. advise me not to install the parts. Personally, I feel I need the audible alarm when I go to my Dad's house, especially, since he does not have a garage. The CD player can be take out quickly, since it seems like plug and play with the Nav. I'll call you when I get to Spangdahlem.

40 to 50 degrees! that's not bad considering that Houston was 25 degrees this morning. It will be in the 70's when I leave on Wednesday. I figure I should be sick by Saturday.

seivwrig

If I was single and had my way, I would never had done the Texas thing by buying a truck. I never test drove the X5 despite the rave reviews. I drive a Ford Ranger and have ridden in all the Chevy and Ford SUVs. I cannot stand the high center of gravity. I cannot stand the truck platforms they are built on. I've got one child and if I had more, it would drive a BMW station wagon or a mini van. Many times marriage status will affect what you drive. When I went shopping for a car, a BMW was not on my short list because my wife wants one. But after driving both a 3er and a 5er at the Ultimate Driving Experience, my view was changed on BMWs permanently. I do not feel shameless guilty about buying a BMW, no more than if I had went with the Audi A4 3.0 or M-B c240. I figure that most of the trucks and SUVs I see in Houston probably cost more than the 325i that I ordered. I ask God that I do not become a snotty BMW owner. If so, then I will need to down grade to low key fully loaded Toyota Camry. Hopefully the thought of driving every mans' car will keep me humble.

riez

seivwrig... You're getting a great driver's car. Enjoy the car and the driving experience. Don't worry about others or their perceptions of you or your car. There is no shame or guilty in owning a BMW. Nor does it mean you are excessively proud or snotty. Just keep being yourself and enjoying the driving! And if someone gives you grief, let 'em take it for a test drive. Bet that will change their mind!

kdshapiro

I live in Jersey and just acquired a 330i. I too was concerned about the RWD. But my other car is a Jeep Grand with QuadraDrive, so I think should I need it due to snow, wife would stay home and I'd take the Jeep.

I don't think a 4x4 or AWD gives you false confidence. The first year I had the Jeep it snowed about 12 inches. The thing was as sure-footed as a mountain goat. Yes, it's a heavier vehicle and stopping distances have to taken into account, but the thing is you don't limp along and it just eats up the snow for lunch. I never worried about getting stuck for one second. That is the only security a 4x4 gives, especially when you can lock the center diff in LOW.

I'll have to see how the RWD with DSC performs in the snow. But for the rest of the year, it's gonna been a lot of fun to drive. I've never had a car where I get so much pleasure and fun for miles.

Just as an aside, we got the car from King BMW and I was very happy with the whole experience. I passed that dealership for 11 years, going up and down Route 9. One day my wife said jokingly, let's take a look inside the dealership. So we went in, test drove a '00 323i. Got out and said to the salesguy, don't say another word we want a Bimmer. Didn't even have to ask my wife. Got the car and didn't even look back.

postoak

So you're a pickup truck drivin' Houstonian from England, huh? LOL Quite a combo!

I hear you about Houston BMW dealers. I've never heard one good thing about any of them. But, I will give them a CHANCE to compete on my deal. It's up to them whether they get my business.

seivwrig

Yeah!!! Postoak, you kind of get the picture. I remember when I bought the truck, I told my wife,"What is wrong with this picture???" I'm gonna catch grief with my brother and uncles, they are not gonna care much for the Steptronic. I'm getting lazy, shifting gears is only fun when there is not bumper to bumper traffic.
I'm proud to be an American but raised as a European, I have to drive a smaller and more agile vehicle 8-)

As with Houston dealers, good luck. You will need it. I think Tony Sakkis at Momentum knows more about ED but I will forwarn you, he might now deal. Momentum is nice dealership especially given that they have a test track, performance center and plenty of loans. What scared me about the place at first was too many beautiful people in one place. Anyway, I have a notion that with all the oil $$$ floating rond Houston, some people don't care what they pay for a car.

conneen

Hey Guys,

Finally got ahold of my 2002 325xi after waiting 6 weeks from drop off in Munich. I looked in the manual and it seems to recommend 91 Octane, but they are calling it Anti-Knock rating.

I can't find a gas station with anything above 89 or below 94.

What kind of gas do you guys use?

Thanks,
Brian

shipo

I checked my manual, it says "Premium Unleaded Gasoline, Min. 91 AKI", that means that you can use anything that is 91 Octane or above for optimal performance. Anything below that will result in slower acceleration and lower gas mileage.

Best Regards,
Shipo

skimblz

Hello!! I've just joined the world of BMW. I bought a 325xi yesterday. I take delivery of it Wednesday. I love the car, but have a few questions.

We ordered it back in January 2002. We ordered everything: cold weather, premium, and sport packages. (I like gadgets!) Well, when the car arrived, it had the interior we wanted, the exterior we wanted, but it was missing the premium package and the trim (wanted the wood). There is no sunroof, power seats, autodimming mirror... that stuff. They gave us a good deal and ended up giving us the wood, window tinting, and the center armrest for nothing.

Has anybody ever had Munich mess up like this? I saw the order slip, I saw the invoice and we matched vin's. Munich just messed up.

So what I'm asking is: Has anybody ever had Munich mess up like this? Also, what is the default stereo is this thing? I can't find my brochure and the web info is sketchy. Has anybody bought the autodimming mirror? How much did it cost alone?

Things with this car have been wierd. I wasn't able to sell my Honda, so I'm keeping it for my daughter's 16th. We got REALLY good terms for the financing we had and the price was right about 30,000 with all the stuff (including the xenon and other extras). It just seems like it was destined to not have the big package on it. Is there anything I'm gonna really miss here?

genie1

I'd say go for the 325. I live in the burbs of Toronto and my RWD 3er with WINTER TIRES and ASC handles bad weather just fine, (actually better than my old FWD with all-season tires). Considering how mild our winter was this year, I could have survived well enough on the all-seasons, staying home or car-pooling if the weather was really bad.

The streets here are cleaned regularly, and most of the driving I do is highway/major roads. I would consider getting an xi only if I planned on going north/skiing frequently, or if I lived in snowier terrain. :0

postoak

Your comment about possibly refinancing a BMW FS ED loan got me to thinking. I just called them and they will, indeed, do it! BUT, it is at a higher rate than an initial loan. (In my case 6.49% vs 5.89%.) Still, this could be worth it to a lot of people. Just as I thought, there is an issue with transferring the title over. They are willing to take the risk (that you will take their money and NOT sign the title over to them). You also have to pay the fee to register the title -- $13.00 in Texas.

genie1

Congratulations! You'll have a hard time keeping that grin off your face when you see/start/drive/park/walk away from/talk or write about your car. Enjoy!

mb595

I would emphasize handling,(go to website that has salom g force most suv are aroun .7 v .83 for 325) stopping distance (4 wheel disks, and lower weight) and lack of roll over (number one cause of one car accident fatalities) to the wife. You are much better able to avoid an accident or minimize damage in a 325 v any SUV. The SUV will perform better in most accidents as it has a height and weight advantage. The 325 is an exceptionally impact resistant sedan according to the crash testing. Note you have to go to the european web site for the full testing results as it wasn't tested in the US.

Other practical points would be better gas mileage, (offset by premium), 36k free maintence, and 4yr / 50 k warranty. Consumer reports rates it an excellant buy and above average reliability.

Once the kids outgrow the car seats the superior interior room of an SUV will tell. Especially if you have a three seat monster and can put each kid in his own row.

Daddy will have an imporved demeanor. Tell her you won't drive the SUV and pout alot to get your way. Women hate being forced to drive all the time. That is how I convinced my old lady that we needed a 325 instead of a Accord. Of course it is so much fun to drive she is now complaining that she never gets to drive it.

Don't underestimate the prestige factor no matter how unimportant you think it is. After you buy the BMW you will get all these compliments that raise your ego. Much better than owning a 4wd minivan that will only go off road when you back it over the lawn.

mb595

4WD in DC is a serious waste of bucks. The area gets very few serious snow days and the 4WD won't help you on ice except to get you going fast enough to really wreck the car. Also the ability to clear the roads in this area of the country is non-existant, they simply wait for it to melt. Do yourself a favor and call in if it is that bad, often the employers close down there on bad weather days. Better yet just limp to the Metro.

4WD is necessary in someplaces for some reasons but has been overmarketed. My family has always had one 4WD availible, we live in upstate NY and with the exception of the last three winters have always made some use of it. Right now we are keeping a beat up 1990 subaru for this purpose. Despite its low clearence it can plow through snow up to eight inches with ease and we have passed many an SUV in the ditch. That said consevative driving is the key if you go slow and steady you can do well in a 2 wheel drive with snows and some sand bags in the back. No matter what the Jeep commercial advertises the safest way to drive in deep snow, bad storm is not to. Remember just because you have a car that can get through doesn't mean the highway is going to be closed because several people got stuck on bald tires and you end up freezing your [non-permissible content removed] off (no joke if you are stuck overnight without blankets and a full tank) while the state troopers have to tow them.

mb595

I suspect it wasn't Munich but your dealer that screwed up. The xi is hot and nobody seems to have allocation. What probably happend was that you got a car they were already allocated or had been built for somebody else then cancelled. They probably said we can make the order then didn't do a damm thing except mollify you by putting on the dealer installed parts. Unless you really don't want the things it came without I would reject this delivery quick before they send in the title today.

dave330i

What can I say about driving in Seoul? Well, I think they stopped driving on the sidewalk. Seoul really don't have roads, it more akin to rolling parking lot. If you do take your bimmer, it'll get penty of nicks and dings. On the plus side, there's very few BMWs on the road.

asinger1

The BMW dealers in my part of Florida (West palm Beach) are ripping me off on the installation of my BMW factory alarm kit. They are quoting me two hour labor charges for a one hour installation (as described in their tech book). To Hell with 'em!) The kit comes with instructions, so my question is just how hard is it to self-install? It looks fairly simple and I'd like to know if anyone has had experience doing it? Thanks, Adam

wacka

Thanks for all your responses, I felt the same way but wanted some comments from the peanut gallery.

I am from Canada originally (Winnipeg specificaly) and I know what REAL winter is like and what is REAL winter driving. I am never planning on heading back in winter with my car so I did feel that AWD was a waste.

Also the people here don't have a CLUE how to drive on the roads (Beltway) in the winter when it gets slick. Then again there is no real winter here as far as I am concerned and would be leaving the car off the road on bad icy days..

I am going to check out the Audi A4 just for comparisons but after driving a 325 I can say every other vehicle I have been in has been dissapointing.. When I called to see if they had a manny trans on the lot to test drive he said only on a Quattro AWD (he seemed to be pushing that and I had no interest at all for an AWD).

Happy driving all, and feel free to tell me what I may be missing out of by looking at the A4's.

Later

asinger1

Sorry about this new post when it could have been part of my first post. How hard is it to install the overhead transceiver? I don't think it can be too hard as my "rip off" dealers are only charging one hours labor costs. And, while I'm at it, is it easy to also hook the radar detector into this system. I was thinking of running the wires around the windshield and down the A arm, but there is such a tight fit, it may be easier to go through the overhead transceiver/lights). Thanks again, Adam

asinger1

Two BMW dealers in the West Palm Beach area charge two hours labor for a one hours labor job when installing my BMW alarm kit. Other dealers out of the state of FL have confirmed that this is only a one hour job (maybe an hour plus a few more minutes). Any comments? Think it is worth writing to BMW NA and complaining? Thanks,
Adam

nyccarguy

On a BMW I'd advise against the AWD system, but with an Audi, I'd recommend Quattro. RWD handling characteristics are part of what makes a BMW a BMW. Quattro pretty much defines Audi. Without Quattro, the A4 is FWD.

nobee

seems kinda shady to me...take it back and get what you want! Spending thirty-large, you definitely deserve the premium package!
-nobee

genie1

asinger: I installed the CD-player myself after one dealer wanted me to pay an hours worth of labor. It took me more time at Home Depot to get the metric screws than it took me to install the unit.

CMIIW, but almost everything in this car, including the transciever and the alarm are pre-wired. Someone on this board did mention a concern about the airbags with regards to the alarm DIY install. (I don't remember any details...sorry)

wacka: Brave has the A4 as well as the 325. We all know what he prefers. Try the A4, but having personally compared the 2001 A4 to my humble 98 318 (yes it's a 4-cyl), I have to say, other than the Quattro feature, it's not even close to the Bimmer.

petrarch

Peter Pan BMW. Heard anything bad/good about them?

There's a vista point where I-280 hits HWY 92, and the sales guy took me there on my test drive. As we ascend the winding road, he says to me: "Leave it in third gear, keep both hands on the wheel, and watch the road."

The 3-series is such an impressive line...

dave330i

Forgot to mention this about driving in Seoul. You'll eventually get to your destination, but finding parking there is another story.

nobee

it's like going to war trying to find parking...i'm thinking subway, bus and beating cheeks is the way to go....
-nobee

genie1

A friend told me that he takes his foot off the gas completely, while driving on the highway or on major roads, thus "coasting" a fair distance, especially if he needs to slow down, say at an amber/red light. This saves him fuel.

Saving fuel is great, but isn't there a danger of starving your engine of gas and stalling? I don't know a thing about this kind of stuff, so any input from engineer/knowledgeable types would be appreciated.

dave330i

subway is usually the way to go. That's how I usually got around when I was visiting.

dave330i

Nothing really wrong with doing that. Hard to see any major fuel savings though. It will help extend your brake life a little as well.

genie1

That's great to know, as driving on Toronto's highways frequently consists of riding the brakes. Especially with an auto. As long as I don't stall when I'm on the 401, while trying to save a few cents.

ubrsf

I will be doing ED on March 16. I will be going to Austria (Salzburg), Switzerland(Lugano), and Italy(Maranello),as well as three days in Stuttgart. My question regards, wheel locks. Does anyone know if wheel locks are necessary while in Europe? Does the delivery center offer them or, would I have to buy them from BMW Niederlassung (dealership in Germany)? if so, do they install them for you? how does this work? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

carwatch

My 330ci is now on order.

I'm trying to find out if anyone had a GOOD or BAD experience with a BMW FS lease end purchase deal. How about early lease termination with purchase? What do I need to watch out for?

I want to be sure that I really like the coupe before I buy it (also, just in case it is one of those that can be a lemon). I'll lease it, then buy at end of lease or I could terminate the lease early and buy the car. Somewhere I read that BMW FS waives the early lease termination penalty if you buy the car? Is this true? What are the conditions, if any?

derprofi

If you buy the wheel locks at the ED center, they'll install them for you on the spot. I think I paid 30 or 40DM for mine and to me it was worth every Pfennig just for the peace of mind. They won't stop a determined thief, but they'll at least slow down if not completely deter the less skilled ones.

ubrsf

I believe that you stayed at the Marriotts in Munich according to your ED experience. I will be staying there too in the coming weeks. Would you happen to know if there is a subway station near the hotel? I plan on taking the subway from JFS Airport to the hotel, if so, would you happen to know what the station is called. Thank you.

div2

The engine management system completely shuts off the fuel injectors when you take your foot off the throttle. The injectors are reactivated at @1200 rpm to ensure a smooth transition to idle speed. Thus, the coasting method your friend uses could in fact save a measurable amount of fuel if it is employed in a consistent fashion.

derprofi

Yup, I stayed one night at the Marriott Munich but after that I moved to the Hotel Uhland for less $. For 99 Euros or less, the Marriott is an OK deal but if it's any more than that I'd consider looking elsewhere. The closest subway stop is Nordfriedhof on the U6 line.

john01

While waiting at the dealer today for the snow tires to be put on our 530, I noticed a rather interesting looking 3-coupe. It turned out to be a Hamann Laguna Seca II, complete with those gullwing doors. It looked somewhat tacky in the pictures, but looks better in person. (no, 7 still looks bad in person)\

www.hamann-motorsport.de

genie1

Thanks! I'll have to try this method to offset my usual leadfoot charge down the open highway.

seivwrig

I have read in a Roundel article that the wheel locks are cheaper if you go down the street to BMW Niederlassung Munchen. I read the prices are higher for accessories at the Friemann Delivery Center. I don't understand the reasoning but that is what I read. It seems you are going to Munich at about the time nearing the end of my trip in England. Enjoy your BMW!!!

dave330i

Being lead footed is so much more fun than simply coasting. I've never could coast. I prefer coming in fast, brake hard, then exit fast.

vesuviusii

1) (for an older, 5 -Series Beemer): What does the word "CODE" on the radio display mean??

2) I'm using Zymol wax and I'm consistently leaving North-South "stripes" down my hood when looking at it from perpendicular angles. Any ideas??

3) I've had my 2001 325i for 10 months now and I still love it! My only complaint is that I think I'm doing more damage to the car's exterior (tiny scratches in clearcoat) by washing it SO often -- even though I believe I'm using 100% cotton wash materials. Again, any ideas??

Thanks,
Vesu

mschukar

I had wheel locks on my Miata and didn't really think about them much…until I tried to change wheels. The Miata had keyed tool that fit on the special keyed lug nut. I had to stand on the little wrench that came in the Miata that resulted in the tool slipping off the lug nut. The tool was now worthless and I had no way of removing the wheels. Fortunately I was just checking the fit of some used rims. I would have been stranded if I had had a flat tire.

Moral of the story: If someone steals your wheels, you're probably in a restaurant, store or someplace with a phone. If you get a flat tire, you could be miles from help. Besides, a thief with the proper tools would rip through wheel locks in no time anyway.

At the very least, try removing the wheel locks with the tools in the car to see how easy/difficult it would be in an emergency.

-Murray

genie1

3) Are you using anything like Bounce when you wash/dry your cotton towels...that could cause scratches. Also try a liquid detergent rather than a powder. How often do you wash the car, anyway?

dave330i

don't do more than 2 pass with the towel (once on one side then flip). After the 2nd pass, dip the towel in water again.

sunnybrook

For those that have done this, are the dealers not willing to budge much if at all on the ED MSRP? I had the experience of negotiating fairly on the regular MSRP but then when I brought up ED they said no reduction in price could be taken. What gives??

ubrsf

Derprofi: Thanks

Seivwrig: Thanks, I will definetely enjoy this trip. I sure hope the weather cooperates a bit.

Sunnybrook: I got 1400 over ED invoice. Go somewhere else.