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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • holeinoneholeinone Member Posts: 48
    Drew, thanks much for the dealer and pricing info! It looks like I can make an excursion to the Atlantic City casinos on the same trip:) Wonder if I should visit the casinos before or after making a deal...
  • texasdoctexasdoc Member Posts: 10
    What experiences have people had buying a car (for less) out of town, then taking it to a local dealer for service? I'm currently dealing with John Roberts BMW in Austin, Texas, and they are trying to rip me off. When the salesman in Austin found out I was negotiating with the dealer in Temple, about 60 miles away, he implied that I would not receive the same level of service if I bought from another dealer. He specifically stated that if I bought in Temple, I would not receive a free loaner car when needed. What experiences have people had along these lines? What does BMW expect the dealer to provide, regardless of where the sale occurs?
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Hi Guys!
    Thanks for the info "KV007".
    Does anybody out there have the "black sapphire metallic" paint. I am getting one with gray leather and myrtle wood trim.
    Also, does the car come with any alarm system and/or security system or is that a dealer installed option?
    Thanks in advance for the info.
    Veekay1
  • errickson1errickson1 Member Posts: 17
    I live in Houston and have heard the same thing. Even if I buy from another Houston dealer, anytime I take it to another dealer for service, you do not receive the loaner.

    The lady said this is fairly common among higher end dealerships. I told her I could MAYBE understand if you bought from a local competitor....but I did not think it was fair to the people that move from another part of the country...Why penalize them? She agreed, but said that was the way it...(PS I have heard bad things about John Roberts)
  • errickson1errickson1 Member Posts: 17
    fyi...what kind of luck are you having with the dealership in Temple? I have not contacted them, but was referred to them via this msg board...FYI, the dealership in Lafayette, LA (Moss Motors, Richard Foard) offered to sell me a 325I for $1500 over invoice.

    I went out to the BMWUSA site, and found "Locate a BMW center" I chose a state (Texas and Louisiana), printed it, and started at the top of the list calling. Hope any of this rambling helps!
  • lkimuralkimura Member Posts: 2
    Hi Folks,

    I have a 2001 325i 5-Speed (US Spec) with a severe stalling problem. I have an underground parking stall that is very difficult to maneuver into. Everytime, I backup, the motor dies. It doesn't buck, it just gracefully dies, and there isn't a damn thing I can do to stop it from dying. Even if I quickly disengage the clutch when the RPM begins to dip, the motor continues to loose revs until it dies.

    This always happens when I backup and on rare occasions, it happens going forwards. I live in Brussels, and if you've every driven there, you know you take your life into your hands everytime you have to dart through the traffic circles. The last thing I need is my car dying on me when I need to be accelerating.

    I've taken the car to the local dealer, but they been totally useless in resolving this problem. They connect their computer to the OBD port and it tells them everything is OK, even though their own people have difficulty driving the car.

    Has any of you experience a similar problem? If so, what did you do to resolve it?

    Larry
  • micgamicga Member Posts: 56
    Hi - I was just on the BMWUSA web page (owner's circle). It says that my car has been produced but not shipped yet. My dealer tells me that it was shipped last week. How accurate is this order tracking feature on the BMW web page???
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    The website is not very reliable. For example, my car arrived at my dealer last Wednesday, and I picked it up on Friday. The website shows it still at the preparation center.

    I bought the 330xi. Great to drive! Unfortunately, after having it for 6 hours, the temperature guage redlined hot, and when I shut off the engine...Steam, antifreeze, the whole 9 yards. Dealer said that never happens. The BMW Emergency Road Service took my call and promptly had a flatbed tow truck dispatched to take the car 60 miles back to the dealer. Don't know the damage yet, or when it will return. But the emergency road service works.

    Anybody have a similar problem???
  • macs48macs48 Member Posts: 2
    We just ordered a 2001 bmw 330cci with the removable hard top. Anyone out there have one to tell me about? tell me the good ,the bad ,the beautiful.
    Thanks Steve
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    jimbres - I really like the steel gray/red leather combo and I seriously considered buying it. There is no question in my mind that if you must go with red leather, steel gray would be the best exterior color for it. This combo is popular with the Honda S2000 and I love the way that car looks with it. However, I went with Orient Blue/Black leatherette because I think the steel gray/red leather looks much better in a more jazzy car like a roadster. Get the red leather if you like it, who cares what everybody else thinks about it. As far as the gray leather interior, I think it looks a little too cold and boring for my taste and it doesn't have enough personality. I like the black leather/leatherette much better than gray but again, I'd be perfectly happy sitting in a 'black hole'.

    kv007 - I would pay money not to get the wood trim. I think it looks oldish and pretentious and certainly does not belong in the Ultimate Driving Machine. I like the aluminum and black trim much better. Again, just my personal opinion - you should go with whatever makes you happy.

    A note on the auto-dimming mirror: my wife's Audi A4 has that and it works great for protecting your eyes at night. The problem, though, is that it works a little too well. You can't tell a police cruiser from the rest of the traffic even when he's right on your tail. With my style of driving, I'd be getting speeding tickets every week if I had the auto-dimming mirror in my car. It all depends on your driving style.
    I really don't care about rain-sensing wipers either - why is it so difficult to reach over by an inch and turn your wipers on when you want to? Having said all that, you know how I feel about the Premium Package. I'm glad a lot of other buyers are getting it, though - it bumps up BMW's profit margins pretty well, so they can afford to give discounts on the stuff that I really care about, such as the Sports Package : O )
    +++
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    alpine325i - I couldn't agree more with you that the HK stereo is worth the money. I had the opportunity to compare the HK system to the standard audio system and I found an astounding difference. The HK sound had more depth at ANY range and I could hear sounds in the background that the standard system could not detect or reproduce. The HK system is worth the money all the way! The overall sound is very precise and balanced, almost crystal-clear.
    +++
  • larryintnlarryintn Member Posts: 103
    It just depends on the dealer, they can do whatever they want regarding a loaner policy.

    I bought from a dealer outside of Atlanta but BMW of Nashville has treated us well enough that we even feel a bit guilty for buying elsewhere. They always offer a loaner without being asked and even picked up and dropped off the car at our home (~20mi from the dealership) when they weren't able to complete a warrantee repair on the original visit due to them having ordered the wrong part.

    The dealership is very involved in the local chapter of BMWCCA with one salesman being a club officer and the GM, and sales managers attending a few meetings per year. The dealership even hosts ocasional club meetings at the dealership and arranges for catering, too!

    What really impressed me was when the salesman, who's the CCA officer, offered my HER 528i when I was waiting for my car's alarm to be programed even though she was well aware of where I'd bought the car.

    I just wish I'd joined the club and met the folks from the dealership before I bought elsewhere. The dealership has defintely earned the couple hundred bucks I saved by going out of town. Too bad all dealerships aren't this good.
  • texasdoctexasdoc Member Posts: 10
    Hi,

    I've actually had really good luck so far with the dealer in Temple. John Roberts in Austin refuses to pass along the 5.9% financing offered by BMW, and insists on adding 1.0% to the rate. The dealer in Temple agreed on 5.9% without any haggling, and offered $1200 off MSRP versus the $745 John Roberts offered. Note that this was their initial offer!
    John Roberts is also trying to screw me on a lease. I can't figure out HOW ON EARTH they are calculating payments so high. They calculated $735 per month for a 330ci coupe, steptronic, sport, premium, xenon, in dash CD. $41,245 total with floor mats. The $735 payment is based on $3000 upfront costs total. They offered a money factor of 0.00365, which is probably part of the screw job, since it appears BMW is sponsoring a much lower money factor right now. Of course, I don't know if this applies to the coupe.
    In any case, my ONLY reservation about buying out of town is the lack of loaner car. That can be a major pain, I'm sure. But is it worth $2000 to $3000???? I just don't know....
  • macs48macs48 Member Posts: 2
    Why do think the nav. system is worth $1,800.00? iS IT REALLY THAT helpful?What can it do?
  • dcomeaudcomeau Member Posts: 9
    I'm trying to decide between the 325xi and the 330xi. Has anyone been able to get 16" rims (for snow tires) to fit on the 330? Are the rotors too big for 16"as?

    Reason: the price of 17" rims and snow tires is almost double that of 16". I was quoted ~$1700 US (~$2700 Can) for 17" rims and tires (brand was not mentioned). I'm sure that I can get a better deal but the point is that the 17"crs cost a lot more.
  • dcomeaudcomeau Member Posts: 9
    It's one of those items that once you have it on your car you don't want to buy a car without it. I find that it makes driving at night much easier.
  • micgamicga Member Posts: 56
    To Unboringuy - Thanks for the response. Sorry to hear about the problem you had with your 330. I was wondering if you could answer a couple of questions.

    1. I ordered a 325i. Does this come with the chrome exaust tips like on the 330? If not, any idea on where I could buy them seperately and have them installed?

    2. What's the deal with the fog lights on 3 series BMWs? It seems to me that the rectangular shaped fogs come standard on the 325 and the round fogs come with the sport package. Also, different round fogs come standard on the 330 while even another different set of round fogs come with the 330 sport package. Is this about right??
  • lobslobs Member Posts: 21
    The BMW lease promotion makes it distinctly better than buying.

    First, the effective APR is 5% which you are not likely to get on financing a purchase. Second, BMW and the dealer are both contributing to reducing the capitalized cost by a total of about $1,800 in addition to any other deal you can make. Third, the sales tax in FL is only the down payment and monthly payments rather on the purchase price. Fourth, you can make extra months refundable security deposits which reduce the effective APR to as low as 2.88%. This gives a yield on your deposits of about 20% per year.
    (My payments go down by $53.50 per month x 36 = $1,926 return on $3,150)

    None of these are available with purchasing.

    I am getting a 330i MSRP $36,585 with $2,500 down and extra refundable security deposits of $3,150. My payments are $319 per month for 36 months.

    The residual is 65% of MSRP. At the end of the lease, if I buy the car, I will be paying approximately what the retail price would be at that time. I will have saved a lot of sales tax and will have saved a lot of interest.

    There is no difference in any other automobile costs such as insurance.

    I am turning in a Z3 coupe on a two year lease for which my payments have been $209.62 on a $39,770 MSRP car. My purchase option would be $29,060. This was another BMW lease program which was unbelievable.

    Please tell me where I have gone wrong!!

    Where is the downside in my deal?
  • errickson1errickson1 Member Posts: 17
    Anyone know how much this option is? I see $385 msrp on the retail price list...Is this $385 per side, or total for two?
  • alpine325ialpine325i Member Posts: 209
    I went to check my oil level last night and when I lifted up the hood, SHAZAM! no light for the engine compartment. HMMM, maybe thats why they provide a flashlight in the glove box. OR, they think if this guy can afford a BMW, he can afford not to get his hands dirty. Maybe this falls in an option category with the armrest and the floormats, wassup with this? :)
  • perspectivebuyperspectivebuy Member Posts: 1
    I'm in the market for a 330Ci and was hoping for some feedback or recommendations. First, how long does it take from placing the order to taking delivery? Next, would there be any advantage to buying in California (where I'm headed in about 3 weeks) or Michigan (where I'm at currently)? I can't seem to find the exact car I want anywhere in the mid west so it appears that ordering is the way to go. I would appreciate hearing about your experiences on ordering you new car as well as any recommendations on the buying process. Thanks.
  • fjm1fjm1 Member Posts: 137
    I've got a Y2K 323 w/sport package that I love to drive hard. But the day to day is killing the joy of a canyon road.

    I have, in the last 18 months, had this thing in the shop 3 times for rear differential problem, 3 times for water leaks into interior, 5 or 6 times for rattling windows, 5 or 6 times for airbag light, and 2 times for squeeking seats. I know all the folks at the dealership service center. This car has been out of service for about 40 days in the past 18 months.

    Sorry BMW, you have lost a die hard fan. I will sadly sell this summer.

    Looking forward to shopping the IS300, hope they come out with a manual soon!
  • JingleJillJingleJill Member Posts: 120
    I had a similiar experience with the BMW Center in San Antonio when I went looking at the 330's.

    They refused to budge on price. When the salesman found out I was calling around other dealers in TX, he suggested that I would not receive the same level of service or a loaner, etc...

    Well, I purchased my 330i from Fred Brown in Bryan/College Station and have since had it serviced at the BMW Center in San Antonio.

    (I dealt with Fred Brown and Shelton in Temple...I was very pleased with the level of attention from Fred Brown. Shelton was not as eager to please.)

    The sales department and service department are separate entities. I am completely happy with the service department. No complaints yet and they will give loaners as long as you schedule it in advance.

    As for John Roberts, I have not heard good things regarding their sales department. Your story is not surprising.

    If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me.

    My car still puts a smile on my face every time I get in it. Couldn't be happier.

    Stacy
  • bmwbuyerbmwbuyer Member Posts: 14
    lobs-

    It sounds like you made a great deal on your lease of the 330. Could you please list a complete detail of the deal you made? It would be helpful to know exactly which options you got, the MSRP, cap cost, down payment, total drive-off, and any other features. I would love to make a similar deal! Thanks!
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Does anybody know if the mid year (after 3/1/01) 325xi model has the chrome window beadings and chrome tailpipes?
    Thanks
    Veekay1
  • yibinyibin Member Posts: 3
    I posted a message earlier this year reporting this problem buy couldn't figure out how to make the problem repeat. Here is an update":

    I picked up my new 325i last December. From the begining, I noticed that the car idles rough some times, usually in the morning. I took my car in for service in Feb. and when the car was checked in the afternoon, everything was fine. I have been puzzled by this and I determined to figure out how to make the problem repeat so I can show it to the service manager.

    Finally earlier this month, I found out the if I turn off the heated seats, the engine speed fluctuation will be gone. That's why I always have this problem in the morning (I always use the heated seats in the morning) and don't have this problem in the afternoon when it's warm outside so I don't need the heated seats.

    I took my car in again this morning and show the problem to a service manager. He admitted at that point that there is a problem. However, he just called me back and told me that a technician took a look at the car and determined that this is normal. He also said that all 2001 325i's have this problem. I am very anooyed by this minor problem and I don't believe this is normal.

    What should I do?

    Thanks for your help.
  • ccchen1102ccchen1102 Member Posts: 30
    I second what "platypus" have recommended - Eddie Yeh in New Century BMW,
    if you are looking for a deal in S. CA.. Although I agreed to pay several hunderds
    higher than $1500 over Invoice, I ordered it at end of Feb., that was the best price
    I can find.

    I've ordered Rear Airbag for my 330i, the price is for both side. Eddie told me that I
    have to sign some sort of "Release of Liability" form in order for dealer to activate it.
    Apparently, it is more harmful to small children than without it.
    Still debating on whether to activate it now or later - My daughters are 11 and 12,
    60lbs and 75lbs. Anyone knows about the recommended weight of real passenger
    for rear airbag being activated, please post some info.

    -John
  • batlantabatlanta Member Posts: 10
    Does anyone know where I can get reliable information on my 330 shipment from Germany? The bmwusa.com site is obviously worthless (as noted by many folks on this listserv), and my salesman doesn't seem to know much more. All I know is that my car is "en route". Also, how long does it take to get to the dealership once it hits land (in Charleston, S.C.) ...with the Processing Center (in Greer, S.C.) in between? ....inquiring minds NEED to know....
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    I was not expecting to hear that little piece of information! We have a 2 year old and a newborn, and thought it would be EXTRA protection and safer. Certainly not MORE harmful than without it. If anyone else has info on the rear airbags, please let me know. It is not too late for me to change my options!
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    Dan,

    16"ers will NOT fit on a 330. The disks are too large. Check TireRack.com for snows. Last time I looked, they offered a set of tires/wheels for the 330's for $1,360US (not cheap, but better than the $1,700 you mentioned). That package was ATP alloys (look like the e36 5-spoke m3 wheels) and Blizzak LM-22 tires.
  • platypusplatypus Member Posts: 192
    I also have a two year old and was planning to order this option for safety reasons until I learned otherwise. I have a general 2001 BMW brochure that covers all the models, and highlights various technological and safety features. There is a small blurb on the rear seat air bags.

    "Vehicles with optional rear side airbags are delivered with the airbags deactivated. Contact your authorized BMW center if you wish to have the rear side airbags activated. BMW believes that side airbags, when used with safety belts, outweigh the possible risk of injury and can help save lives and prevent serious injuries. However, a child sitting in the rear seat not properly restrained may place his or her head on or near the side airbag. This could cause a serious or fatal injury if the bag deploys. BMW RECOMMENDS IF YOU INTEND TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN IN THE REAR SEAT, DO NOT ORDER THIS OPTION. ALTERNATIVELY, DO NOT HAVE THE SIDE AIRBAG ACTIVATED."

    The part in caps reads just like that in the brochure - in caps. I figured that my two year old would be in her car seat every time she gets into the car (a rule we follow), but I just didn't feel comfortable with the rear airbag option after reading this.

    There is no mention of specific weight-height info. with regards to this.
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    You sure are a wealth of info on this msg board. If you don't already, you should consider selling these things! Thanks for the info. You have now saved me 1) a trip to California, and 2) the $365 for the airbag option.
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    The most reliable information can be obtained by calling BMWNA (800-831-1117). If you give them your production number or your VIN number, they can tell you where things stand.

    BTW, I am not familiar with a preparation center in SC for 3 Series cars. If you are east of the Mississippi, I believe your car arrives (and is prepped) in NJ. Seems like my car sat on the dock for a week before it was prepped. But it only took about a day to get to my dealer in Ohio.

    Hopefully the repairs will be made tomorrow and my car will be back in my hands. I certainly enjoyed the 6 hours I had the car.
  • gr8st8gr8st8 Member Posts: 33
    I was browsing through the e46 board on bimmer.org and I found a post that reported a problem almost similar as yours.

    I thought you might be interested in checking it out:

    http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/83864.html


    By the way, I'm sorry the car failed on you only after 6 hours. As I'm waiting for my 330xi(it'll arrive on the NJ port tomorrow), I have to admit the problem that you had with your 330xi did put a scare on me.

    I truly hope it's not a common problem for the e46 cars.

  • dcomeaudcomeau Member Posts: 9
    kolinsky,

    Thanks for the confirmation about the 16"ers. It looks like I'll talk to a local tire shop to see what they have. (I gave the dealer's quote in the previous msg.) I tried to find winter tires and rims on tirerack.com but failed to find them. The rims were all oriented towards performance. Since wide tires are worse than narrow ones in snow and slush, I hesitate getting wider ones. There were lots of 225/45R17 rims but no 205/50R17, which is the standard size for the 330.
  • socali90712socali90712 Member Posts: 6
    Bing USA, I purchased my car from Long Beach BMW. Make sure you go in there knowing what you want. Another good dealership that I heard off is Alhambra and the dealerships in downtown L.A. and the one in Whittier. I dont recall the name in downtown L.A. and the one in Whittier, but these dealership does not sell that much cars on a monthly basis so their willing to give it to you for a fair price ($1500 over invoice)...Good luck
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY INFO ON THE NEW COLOR: BLACK SAPPHIRE METALLIC? IS IT AVAILABLE YET? WOULD IT FURTHER DELAY THE DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE?
    ANY INFO WOULD BE WELCOME!
  • susie701susie701 Member Posts: 4
    Trying to decide which to purchase. Has anyone had both and can tell me honestly which will last longer and be the better car. My husband wants a manual transmission. The BMW would be a pretty base model. If we ordered the dealer said it would be about 8 weeks. Should I expect to pay about $1500 over Invoice? Thanks.
  • golfnut7golfnut7 Member Posts: 34
    I am going to pull the trigger tomorrow. I finally got a dealer to agree to $1,500 over invoice. Thanks to everyone for the information. The only nagging concern I have is whether or not to get the leather. I have priced the leatherette but I have never actually sat in one with it. From everything I have read, there is not enough difference to justify the $1,300 or so price difference. Can someone give me an opinion before I finalize my order?
  • kv007kv007 Member Posts: 30
    shouldn't delay production, it's an available color right now (as is topaz blue, the other new color). in fact, you may even be able to find one on a lot. if not, go look at the cosmos black in the 5- or 7-series. it should be very close.
  • errickson1errickson1 Member Posts: 17
    In my opinion...(and coming from someone who went ahead and ordered leather), I think you are paying $1300 for the leather smell. I could not REALLY tell a huge difference between the two.
  • kv007kv007 Member Posts: 30
    you inspired me. i changed my order to kill the premium package (and the wood trim:) i can live without the rain-sensing wipers and can always put on a aftermarket auto-dim mirror if i really want (that is, if i'm not finding myself driving at 90 mph).

    orient blue/black/aluminum! hope it looks good.

    thanks again!
  • unboringuyunboringuy Member Posts: 90
    For those who previously viewed my recommendation of a Dayton dealer, I am withdrawing my recommendation of the particular salesman that I dealt with. I will not go into the reasons. Although I believe that the dealership in question likely will give you the best deal in the Cincinnati/Dayton area, I no longer can recommend the salesman I dealt with.
  • alpine325ialpine325i Member Posts: 209
    I was told by several BMW owners including my salesman that the leatherette lasts twice as long as the leather and doesn't need as much maintenence as the leather, because the leather is like your skin, it needs moisturizers and such. I've also heard that the leather wears alot quicker, especially the seats side bolsters when getting in and out of the car. This will be worse if you have the sport seats. My sales man said "if I were to delete an option it would be the leather, because I think it's not that significant and you will save $1400, or put that money toward the sport package because that option makes a big difference". I took his advice and got the leatherette. It might not be as soft as the leather but it is really durable and looks almost identical. My .02 :)
  • bmw323isbmw323is Member Posts: 410
    Susie, do yourself a favor and read any of the car magazines' (Car and Drvier, Motor Trend) recent comparisons of sport sedans. The Saab's generally finish last and the BMW's first. Even though the magazines try not to offend advertisers, they still don't find much positive in the Saab.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    kv007 - I'm glad I was able to help with the car options. I do like leather better than leatherette but I don't like it $1,450 better. Luckily, you can get that as a separate option if you want leather.

    I'm not sure if I've mentioned that the xenons are absolutely great!! They illuminate much better at night and are very easy on your eyes. Similarly to airbags, the xenons will be standard on all new cars 4-5 years down the road because they are a great safety feature and undisputedly better technology than the regular lights. Not to mention they look like a million bucks too! Well worth the $500, to me at least.
    +++
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    lobs - we had a heated leasing discussion a week ago on this board. A couple of other board members had me convinced that there are SOME situations in which leasing can be advantageous. Your lease deal seems very attractive at first glance - however, I would not be the best person from this board to comment on it. My thinking is - buy a new car and take very good care of it, so it will last you a long time. You don't need math to figure out that on annual basis, a car owned for 8-10 years will end up costing you much less than a car that you own/lease for 3 years. Granted, you cannot compare a 5-yr old car to a brand-new car - you pay for different things. You do end up paying money for maintenance after the warranty runs out but that was the idea with buying - you take care of the car so it will break down less and you enjoy it longer for less money. I also like being able to customize my car at least a bit - getting different, better tires/rims, add-ons, that kind of stuff. In the end, it's not just about saving money - it's about developing a relationship with the car on an emotional level - you know, the stories and memories that go with it. That stuff is worth more than money. For everything else, there's Master Card, I know. We got an Audi A4 for my wife 2 months ago and she still misses her old Jetta. She loves the new car but every once in awhile she'd go "I hope my Jetta is in good hands - the guy that bought it seemed like he'd take good care of it...' You guessed right - she wasn't leasing her old car...
    +++
  • alpine325ialpine325i Member Posts: 209
    I agree with Brave1heart, I'm also the type that develops a relationship with my car on an emotional level. Before I bought my 325i I had an 89 corvette in mint condition for the longest time [red with red leather, like new] and when I saw it drive away the day I sold it I wept for 2 hours like a little girl. I turned down alot of people until I found a buyer that was mature and sincere and knew how to take care if it. The original owner whom I bought it from kept it in a garage WITH a car cover and drove it 2500 miles a year. The new owner has a 4 car garage with 2 older vettes that are in mint cond also. I really miss the car but I'm glad it's in his hands and not some little kids. I have nothing against leasing, it's just not my cup of tea.
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    Thanks KV007!
    But I am going for the 325xi, which is usually not found sitting around on the lot; so I guess i have to wait for the customary 8 weeks: I am told May production for June delivery; dont have a VIN # or Prod # yet (shall have later this week).
    Cant wait!!
    Thanks!
  • hollenhorst2hollenhorst2 Member Posts: 51
    I am planning soon to order a 2001 325i. I have listened to both the stock stereo and the H-K upgrade. While I think the H-K is preferable, I think the 200 watt Bose stereo in my current car (95 Maxima SE) sounds better than both. I hate to spend the extra money on the H-K system, only to quite possibly be dissatisfied with it later. What I was wondering is(and I have no experience whatsoever in this department), would it be feasible to just get the base stereo, keep the head unit(so as to be able to use the steering wheel control buttons), and get new speakers? If it would work, I would really appreciate it if anyone could give advice regarding good speakers and a good place to have it done (I would not want to do it myself). I would be willing to spend up to about what the H-K option would be(i.e., about $650-675). I'm just looking for something on a par with my current Bose System (I mostly like listening to classic rock). Thanks in advance.
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