BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

nobee

How much snow have you gotten so far? I remember when we'd get snow by the boat loads when I was a student at Central. I'd take my '82 VW Scirroco and go crazy! Ahh, those were the days...

Hotel Uhland seems like a pretty decent 3-star hotel. If you're up for it, I'd recommend a SRS-hotel.

http://www.srs-worldhotels.com/germany/munich/

It costs approx. 20 euros more per night, but it's first class all the way!

Another hotel chain that I recommend is the Accor Hotels. They have excellent service and through 2002, they have AWESOME rates on the weekends. I can't recommend them enough. Check it out.

http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/rubriques/gb/promotions/index_winter.html

On accessories, I'm not quite sure if the Munich people will help, but I did help seivwrig obtain a CD changer for his new bimmer. If you're in my neck of the woods, I can try to help you out as well. Seivwrig visited me last week with his new bimmer. Beautiful car! Congrats, Seivwrig!

I have to report to Korea around Aug. I'm really excited because I'll be in downtown Seoul and plus I get to bring my frau over as well. I guess the new bimmer will have to be put into a garage for a couple of years...oh well, thems the breaks.

butmywife

Had a big storm in December with a foot or so but Jan. and Feb. were powder free. It has been snowing and melting on and off for the last week. It is threatening to screw up our golf season!

Where is your neck of the woods? Our plan was to head south from Munich into Italy.

You are going to have so much fun in Asia. It will be interesting to experience the differences between European/North American thought patterns and Asian ones.

Thanks for the links to the hotel information.

postoak

The Absorber is marketed by Emgee/CleanTools, Inc. and is made in Japan. I got mine at WalMart where I also got my California Car Duster, another cleaning tool I highly recommend. I imagine Target and Sears, etc. also have them. Yes, you can use just the Absorber without going over the car first with the California Water Blade. The blade just saves time. The Absorber is not only highly absorbent but it releases water with about (my estimate) 1/3 the wringing force of a chamois. If you get it dirty (say black marks from the underside of a door), you can toss it in the washing machine with a little detergent. You store it away in its plastic holder while still damp.

brave1heart

...for weeks (no mildew or anything), so you can always pull it out of the plastic holder and use it immediately.

nyccarguy

I think putting rear fog lights on cars is a good thing. My Saab has front and (one) rear fog lights. I drive with the front "fog" lights (They're more like driving lights, than true fog lights) on all the time (My car has DRLs that are on at full capacity). They light up the side of the road as well as the road immediately in front of me. The rear fog light I only use if it is foggy, raining, or snowing (times when visibility is low). I also use it from time to time to deter tailgaters (The looks on some of their faces are priceless). I agree with Shipo that people who drive with their rear fog light on during perfectly clear weather are one of my pet peeves as well.

postoak

Absolutely - no hint of mildew after weeks of storage. Of course, we aren't supposed to be going weeks without using it are we? ;-)

gurumike

I wasn't going to say anything (as I haven't too much recently...) but I almost think it's a good thing that cars generally don't have rear fogs in America. The USA has virtually no real driver training, and drivers licenses are pretty much given to anybody. There is no real drivers test at the DMV and subsequently, driving on US roads is far less disciplined than most any other first world country. It is a totally misunderstanding of when to use fogs (understandable when there is no training!) and the frequency with which people either just leave them on 24/7 or forget to turn them off, that leads me to say this. I do, however, think that rear fog lights are an excellent, potentially life/accident saving feature. But we have to stack the deck in our favor and, sadly, I feel we're better off not putting them on all cars.
nyccarguy nails this perfectly: "The rear fog light I only use if it is foggy, raining, or snowing (times when visibility is low)." ---- Seems reasonable. The clue is in their name "FOG lights". Let's say it again "FOG ........ lights" Y'all get it? Using these lights in any weather other than fairly think fog is, most likely, wrong. Using them when there is less than fairly dense fog is going to distract the driver following you. The fog lights are brighter than brake lights. In rain or snow (or mist), the light from the fog lights reflects of all the droplets of water/snow and this has the effect of greatly increasing the bright red lights the driver behind is looking at. It also makes it nearly impossible to judge when the brake lights come on (a good, high 3rd brake light helps).
All in all, while you can, no doubt, educate everyone who reads this board how and when to use fog lights (and drive in the right lane on freeway when not passing other drivers etc etc), we will never reach the masses and get everyone to understand what to do.
nyccarguy - not picking on you! -- Just yours was the post that pursueded my to share! And is it just me, or does every single Oldsmobile Intrigue seem to have those rear fog lights on permenately.

nyccarguy

Just walking around Manhattan I see my fair share of E46 3ers. I've noticed that most of the 325is (Plural of 325i) I see do not have the Sport Package. It is Split about 50/50 for the 330is (plural of 330i). Most of the 330Cis (plural of 330Ci) have the Sport Package. I don't see many 325Cis (plural of 325Ci) at all.

ashutoshsm

I believe the Sport Package (or most of its components) are standard on Convertible 3-series.
(Correct me if I'm wrong)

wrjohnsonpghpa

Here's a different question. Does anyone know where I can buy a windbreaker with the BMW roundel over the left breast. I would have thought for sure that someone (BMW?) would sell these but I can't find them anywhere. (BMW Lifestyle apparel has a windbreaker with "BMW" in block letters over the left breast, but I don't think this looks as [non-permissible content removed] as I imagine the other would.)

530bmw

So based on you experience,Absorber is it for drying and you would pick this over chamois? I thought chamois is the ultimate drying machine. I guess I am wrong and I have been using it too--hope no damage has been done to the paint. Would you recommend both Ca water blade and Absorber, or either one? I have seen an ad for the water blade but I am not sure what it is. Unfortunately, we all are spending a lot of time and money on the cleaning stuffs for the ultimate driving machine. Taking it to the car wash is not an option for me since I do not know what they will use to clean my car. Agree?

1pierce

Does anybody know if the residual value on a lease is different with a stick vs a steptronic? If I had to guess, I would think the residual on a stick would be lower due to lower demand on resale - though that contradicts the previous poster who noted that a dealer told him the opposite. If this was the case, the monthly lease savings of buying a stick could be offset by the lower residual.

Just curious if anybody has checked this out.

Also: It's clear that the percentage of buyers of manual transmission is much higher on his board than for overall 3-series buyers. Which makes sense since this is a mostly male, enthusiast board (no slight to women enthusiasts intended, there are just fewer of you). I've read that the percentage of manuals for coupes is about 50-50, and much lower for sedans. These were BMW stats in an issue of Automobile Mag. in the last two years.

nyccarguy

I read somewhere in the last year that BMW sells a little over 40% of 3 series in the US with a manual transmission.

scotpana1

First timer. Been reading this board since 02/01. Shipo Brave and all others thanks for all this great info. Had to pull the trigger since my wife got a look at the Freelander. 325i Alpine,leather,moonroof,step. These were the options we had wanted from day one. Ordered the alarm from Circle and plan to install it this week. Got dealer to throw mats,wheel locks,one hour labor for the programming of the alarm. I will be present for the programming of the alarm and I remember that there was a site that said the Modic display and the options. Do any of you remember where it is at? Unfortunately my car has a build date of 11/01 so I am going to have to bing it in for the recall.
Thanks to all again. It sure was alot of reading
scotpana1

dl7265

i found the 3er to be to curvy, so i gave to bro in law to use on the flatpanels on his minivan and its great.

DL

postoak

The Absorber is MUCH better than a chamois. Use one and you'll never go back. It also costs about 1/4th the price. The California Water Blade is a little controversial. I use it and like it but people who are REALLY concerned about their paint won't use it for fear of scratches. I haven't noticed that effect on my car. Also, as I said earlier, the REAL purists won't use either one of these. Only white, 100% cotton towels with the edges removed for them, combined with the trick of making the final rinse with a hose with the nozzle removed and low water pressure, which is supposed to "sheet" the water off the car. I'm just not that much of a purist. To each his own.

millerro3

the residual is not affected by factory options. If you install a cd changer it is residualized $400 dollars, to name one.

hope this helps:)

bimmerfan1

Thanks for the info. I am currently dealing with passport. Myers, he is a new guy and is GMs brother or something dont know if that will help but he seems trustworthy and upfront. Getting somewhere with the pricing issue on convertibles. We will see. Get back to me though, thanks for your help.

530bmw

I thought I was getting somewhere until you introduced another element of what the purists are using-- 100% cotton towels to dry the car. I wonder how many towel will be needed to dry one car... it is getting pretty complicated . I think dirts will be embedded in the cotton towel rather easily compared to chamois. Oh well...I will give the Absorber a try. Thanks for the info.

530bmw

Myers? Is he the guy that try to use TH to advertise for his business? I could be off on this, please disregard if that is not the case. I would think $1700-2000 over invoice may be a reasonable price for the DC area for the convertible, and make sure they throw in floor mats. MACO should be $200 on top of that. Keep me posted.

butmywife

Well, how was it? My trip is 5 weeks away and I'm starting to get excited. I lived vicariously through your posts!

I'd be interested in getting a list of accessories you saw while in Germany. Should we do this on this forum or would you rather email me here at home? Please advise.

brave1heart

I have never done a back-to-back comparo on the chamois vs. the Absorber but I know from experience that the Absorber is very absorbent and what I like most about it is that it stays damp in its cover for weeks without getting mildew. The Absorber takes most of the water off. I only keep one large white towel in my trunk and use it for the final wipe-off.

brave1heart

I got an e-mail from BMWCCA-Boston Chapter that the season's enrollment is opening on March 17. Is anyone in the Boston area signing up? It's supposed to be at an airport strip and there will be 7-8 runs a day - pretty cool, uh?

mschukar

After some coaxing, my dealer agreed to sell me my car (Steel Blue 325i, SP etc.) today after it sat at the dealership since Thursday. It was quite frustrating, but well worth the wait.

Check out some photos - http://homepage.mac.com/mcmurman/PhotoAlbum8.html

I took a couple friends for a ride, lighting up the night with the bi-Xenon's. The Xenon's are especially impressive on dark, tree lined roads. I got my friends to giggle when I took a couple tight curves a little hot.

Man, it's hard not to hit 5k rpm in first gear! I have to consciously think about shifting to second before I hit 5 mph or so. I can't wait to let her rip.

Thanks everyone for your help and letting me live vicariously for the last three months until I could personally enjoy a truly great ride!

-Murray

vishnu11

Congrats on your new acquisition! Can't wait for mine either - doing EuroDel and leaving for Munich shortly to get a Toledo blue 5-er (with xenons).

At your age, if you hang around friends that giggle at night...hmmm..the possibilities are endless...:-)

Enjoy your new set of wheels.

williamshim

Dave,

The URL is working. I've just checked in. Gotta do some work this morning so talk to you later.

wacka

I can't get it here.. I drive stick and I always equated BMW as a stick lovers paradise, but EVERY time I have gone to the dealership in my area for test drives (DC) everything on the lot is auto..

Really annoying...

nyccarguy

Beautiful car! I haven't yet seen an '02 325I SP yet. I like it! Enjoy. Remember about your break-in...good things come to those who wait!

nyccarguy

ED is becoming more of an option for me every day. My girlfriend only needs another 2000 airline miles until she gets a free ticket to Europe!

dej0

Murray,
Congrats, I get to pick up mine next monday (3/18) down in SC at the performace center. I also am getting 325i steel blue w/ sport package and xenons. Yours looks great, hope mine does also.

Ned

nyccarguy

Good Luck Ned! Be sure to tell us how performance center delivery goes!

gwunj

Once you've got the production number from the dealer and registered in the Owner's Circle,is there a way to see the options on your car? Maybe I'm blind, but I can't find a link to double check the packages and options. Not that it should matter since I've dealer has shown me his allocation sheet with my name and options, but I'd like to check anyway.

Glenn

bimmerfan1

bimmerfan1

Dont know if its him, ill ask. I am very near those numbers though. How real is MACO? I have asked him and he said it is part of invoice and it depends on what part of the country. He mentioned Florida and that it can be as high as 500 bucks! Do you know if this is true. Also, what is up with the processing fees? Some have been up to 250 dollars. Passport has a 25 dollar fee. I am new to shopping new cars. I have always bought preowned. I am on my second ES300 and drove the 3er and am sick of driving my car now. I use to think it was awesome but, well, it is not even close.

genie1

>> I am new to shopping new cars.

Are you new to selling cars too?

1pierce

Thanks for the info. I guess it makes sense that factory options don't affect residual - otherwise, the dealers would need a fancy program or chart with too many combinations to count, to determine the residual for any one car model.

One more thing on manual/auto: I am sure that geography and demographics have alot to do with transmission choice. I live in Pittsburgh - very hilly, congested roads, older, more socially conservative population. Of the ten or so local BMW owners I know, only one has a manual (and he is single, 27 yrs old, and has an M3 convertible and an SUV for tamer days). I don't think I've ever seen a manual 5-series - except maybe languishing on the dealer's lot. I am sure that in Pgh the percentage of manuals is WAY lower than 40% - though it may be higher in southern California.

In fact, one dealer told me that they order all of their 3-series sedans with Step, PP, and Cold Weather Package - PERIOD. If I want ANYTHING else, I have to order. If they get anything different from the factory, its a mistake.

brave1heart

I think he's new to spelling and grammar too ) Me so new...

ds2k1

mschukar - Nice car! I love the new headlights and the more aggressive hood. My car's not even a year old and it's starting to feel dated already. By the way, Kira and Alison are cute little kids!

Bimmerfan1 - If I'm not mistaken, you were last here as BMWDave, or something like that. You realize you're not fooling anyone pretending that you're not a salesman, right? How many times will you change your Edmunds handle trying to pull one over on an unsuspecting potential customer? Some lovely, and self-serving, quotes from a salesman, attempting to pose as something other than a salesman:

Post #14038
"Looking for 330cIc. Noticing very quickly that MSRP is pretty close to what you will pay."
-nice attempt at price-fixing. Set everyone's expectations that the price on a 330ci is about MSRP and maybe someone will pay you close to MSRP, right? Nice.

Post #14169
"I am currently dealing with passport. Myers, he is a new guy and is GMs brother or something dont know if that will help but he seems trustworthy and upfront."
-good to know you find yourself trustworthy and upfront and that your brother is the GM while you attempt to disguise your identity from Edmunds Town Hall members. Doesn't seem like the behavior of someone who is trustworthy and upfront.

Pat - can we please figure out a way to get this guy to quit posting these self-serving and dishonest messages. He's not doing anyone a service here, not contributing anything useful to the dialogue, and he seems to so easily find his way back in after a short hiatus. My fear is that he's actually going to be successful in drumming up business using these b.s. tactics and that an Edmunds user will be harmed, let alone duped, in the process.

Just my $.02.

ccotenj

dinan - well, the supercharger WILL make it faster... but the software upgrade really only helps at wot... the suspension kits are a different story. stage I is sport shocks and sport springs (i believe they only offer the koni option now, but i'm not dead sure of that). stage II includes bigger sway bars. unless you are going to track your car a lot, i wouldn't go stage II. my concern (and why i didn't go stage II) would be that the "chatter" on the roads you drive every day would really increase, and that you would actually hurt your day-to-day handling capability.

rear fog lights - not in this country, thank you. we have very few areas here that get the kind of fog that they get in certain areas of germany (and europe), and the places we do get it here aren't exactly jam packed with traffic. it would become a fashion accessory real fast, just like front fog lights.

the "sales troll" - just ignore him. he'll go away eventually...

-Chris

nyccarguy

sales troll...good one chris!

erickpl

First, let me say that I am not any kind of test comparision guy. I don't go by strict numbers, just by the seat of my pants and how fast light disappear from my rear view.

I initially test drove a 325i with my wife and the saleman who is rather heavy.

I loved the pull it had. On an onramp, I hit 90 before I even entered the highway proper. I was concerned about the additional weight the xi tranny would add, so I was a bit nervous.

Once I got it though, I test drove it. I could notice no appreciable difference between the two. Even with my two kids loaded, the thing still scoots. I live in the mountains near Bakersfield and have to go up and down hills every day. In passing, I have no problems at all, on straightaways or curves. Uphill passes may require a downshift, but automatics will generally do that too, regardless of brand. The 325xi handles passing, accelerating, and handling with no problems. Somebody posted on here that you feel more confident with the all-wheel drive. I couldn't agree more, not that I'm going to go do something stupid.

On another subject, if you don't want to buy the alarm right away, consider following the advice on the e46fanatics.com site. You can have the clown nose light (under the rearview mirror) activated to give the appearance of having the alarm activated. That is what I did, since my driving usually has me at home in my neighborhood or at work on an air force base.

If I ever do opt for that though, I will surely install it myself. Gotta love prewiring. I ordered the Transceiver and will be installing it myself this weekend. I got instructions from CircleBMW.com for the installation.

ds2k1

He seems quite stubborn, this one. Not so sure he'll go away without a good push. Just don't want newbies to this forum getting suckered in by his self-serving rhetoric and end up buying a car from him at the near-MSRP prices he wants to convince them everyone's paying. Unfortunately, only the regulars will know who he is and what he's up to.

ds2k1

Does anyone here have any experience with Eagle One's cleaning products and leather conditioner? I've seen a few other manufacturers recommended here, but I was given a set of this stuff by someone and was wondering if anyone had an opinion on it before I put it to the test.

Thanks.

ccotenj

i hear you... that being said, there's incorrect "advice" being dispensed on a regular basis all throughout edmunds...

plus millerro is around to give the "real" pricing answers, and he's good about, ummm, "correcting" misguided posters...

-Chris

cnorthrup

I have a '02 330i step built 11/01.

Has anyone spoken with BMW about this recall?

Yesterday I sent a priority email to BMWUSA and here is the answer:

I am an employee with BMW North America, LLC and your correspondence has been forwarded to me for response. There are no open recalls on the vehicle that you indicated in your e-mail. Thank you for contacting BMW.

Sincerely,
Amanda C.
Customer Relations Specialist
1-800-831-1117

--Original Message--

Section: Priority Email
VIN: (I deleted)
Comments: I see that on www.safetyalerts.com that my car is subject to a
recall. I went to the dealer on 3/7 and they knew nothing.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:02V057000

Can you enlighten me?
AccountNo:
ModelNme: 330i

rhmass

erick, thanks for sharing your experience with your new 325xi. Your account further convinces me my decision to order the 325xiT which should arrive next week.
At the time I was considering a new car, I was a bit leery of the "weak" engine as most reviews appeared to complain the lack of power as its primary weakness. When I test drove the AWD wagon, I was very surprised that it was powerful enough. It wasn't the 330, but definitely more than adequate for me as HP goes. I even went back to do extensive drives a couple more times and my experience remained the same. I also felt the AWD system didn't take away any driving pleasure from the BMW, and in fact has enhanced it in my opinion. It is more than reasonable as a $1,750 option . I am looking forward to picking it up next week.

nyccarguy

guys like the sales troll give honest guys like millero3 a bad name (just because they're both Client Advisors for BMW).

ds2k1

I agree that bad advice is regularly dispensed on this board, as well as all boards, I imagine, but I don't see much advice that is so contrived in nature as to amount to a dishonest sales ploy. That just plain goes against the whole nature of this forum as a place where people go to get advice and information and engage in meaningful, and frequently spirited, dialogue without being subjected to the contrivances of unethical sales folks.

nyccarguy

all the car talk in I can before I leave work. Tonight my girlfriend and I celebrate our 2 year anniversary! Now I know this may seem like nothing to you married guys out there, but as of tomorrow I will have been dating my girlfriend longer then I had my last car;)- We'll definitely have to discuss picking up my ED 325Ci (I mean our European Vacation) this fall. He He! We're going to "The Blue Water Grill" here in the city.

hspark

I have two questions here. My sales man told me today my car is in process 112. What does that mean and how it will takes to deliver?

Does wood shift knob in steptronic come with what kind of option? Is it individual option or comes with pkg.

Thank you all.