BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    While I knew that trade shows were expensive, I never knew that they were THAT expensive. I know appreciate my partnership with Contour Design all the more. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    One can't even lift a hammer at the Vegas shows...the unions are very strict about doing all the work themselves (at low, low hourly rates of course) :)
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    What is the logic behind leaving a newspaper in clear sight?

    Does it show that the car has been recently parked and that the owner will be returning shortly? Would make sense, I guess...
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I am in the market for a 2002 330ci or 325ci. I have driven both, but didn't really test the true power that I think both have. However, the 330ci is what I would like, but I don't know if it is worth the extra money, although that bigger engine and those flashy wheels seem to be worth somehting. I have never owned a manual, but I am considering that option. Although I have heard the automatic is smooth and it felt very powerful. I was curious what some other people feel about the manual over the automatic and was also curious if anyone else is in the process of dealing on a new 330ci or 325ci. I was wondering what type of discounts off sticker people have been able to find. My first offer was discounted about $1500, but I think they can do better when they know I am serious. We'll see.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    I guess it tells would be thieves that you're not an out-of-towner. It is just a deterrent. If they think your beautiful new car is from out of town, they might try to break in and steal your luggage or they might steal your car.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • mfeldmanmfeldman Member Posts: 140
    THanks for the input guys.. This theoretical trip is 2 years away.. WHo even knows what the new 5 will look like then. But it's fun to think about.
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I am in the market for a 2002 330ci or 325ci. I have driven both, but didn't really test the true power that I think both have. However, the 330ci is what I would like, but I don't know if it is worth the extra money, although that bigger engine and those flashy wheels seem to be worth somehting. I have never owned a manual, but I am considering that option. Although I have heard the automatic is smooth and it felt very powerful. I was curious what some other people feel about the manual over the automatic and was also curious if anyone else is in the process of dealing on a new 330ci or 325ci. I was wondering what type of discounts off sticker people have been able to find. My first offer was discounted about $1500, but I think they can do better when they know I am serious. We'll see.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    If you opt for the auto, I believe 325 may feel underpowered. I don't like autos, but the couple of times I had to drive an auto BMW, transmission seemed pretty good.

    Not sure what you mean by the flashy wheels, unless talking about SP. I'm not sure if the 325 SP gets the same wheels as 330 SP.

    Discount depends on where you live. In major urban areas, you're looking at close to MSRP in most places.
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I am in the market for a 2002 330ci or 325ci. I have driven both, but didn't really test the true power that I think both have. However, the 330ci is what I would like, but I don't know if it is worth the extra money, although that bigger engine and those flashy wheels seem to be worth somehting. I have never owned a manual, but I am considering that option. Although I have heard the automatic is smooth and it felt very powerful. I was curious what some other people feel about the manual over the automatic and was also curious if anyone else is in the process of dealing on a new 330ci or 325ci. I was wondering what type of discounts off sticker people have been able to find. My first offer was discounted about $1500, but I think they can do better when they know I am serious. We'll see.
  • 1pierce1pierce Member Posts: 284
    ds2K1: While I know I can afford a new 3-series, my finances would be alot more liquid if I waited another three years to get my first BMW. But, I've decided that the time is now. I'll be 37 when I get this car (I've wanted it since I was 23). If I wait another lease cycle (3-years), I'll be 40 years old, and have one teenage son and two others in elementary school. I'll be a little too old and mature for a red 325i - and ready to join the Cadillac crowd!

    I'm glad you finally got your Bimmer. I just can't wait until I'm in my late 40's. It already bothers me that my family situation has matured to the point that I have to make a huge (IMO) sacrifice - I can't get the 325Ci.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    Dave: I'm sure you caught yourself after you posted, but the 325Ci SP & 330Ci SP have different style wheels.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Got your license in 1992 ? yikes :)

    my first ride was a manual German car ;)

    a 6 volt 1961 Beetle Bug

    off to work ,
    DL
  • 1pierce1pierce Member Posts: 284
    My son is 10. He will be driving in two lease cycles (6 years). My plan is to use his coming of age to solve a big dilemma in our house. You see, we have three sons - and therefore need a large vehicle that can hold at least 6 passengers - otherwise, we can't take anybody with us to dinner, events, vacation, etc. We currently have a Caravan that serves that purpose nicely. It also allows me to haul large construction materials for work on my home and rental properties. (Ever try to get a hot water tank in a BMW?)

    The problem is that neither my wife, nor I want to drive it on a daily basis. She currently does, but she complains constantly about it. When she threatens to make me drive it, I tell her that if I have to drive a 6-passenger vehicle everyday, I'll trade the van and get a Cadillac Deville (I actually like the new Deville, and it beats a LeSabre, van, or an SUV). That shuts her up for a while. You see, the problem is that we don't need a 6 passenger vehicle everyday, but when we do, we have to have it.

    So...my plan is...when my son turns 16, HE gets the van or full size SUV (probably bought used), for his everyday car. I can then justify having a third car. He will have to pay for his own gas (10 mpg on a Tahoe), so that will teach him the value of conservation. Then, I can have a 3-series, and my wife can have her dream car, an AWD Subaru, Volvo, or VW. (I know,...but that is one of her knocks on the van - that its bad in the snow - she had a Subaru Forester before the van, and absolutely loved it - which I'm reminded of daily).

    Don't worry about him having an SUV roll-over accident. I don't plan to let him out of Pleasant Hills until he has mastered and demonstrated the art of moderate driving.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I never looked at 325 when I made my purchase (I was looking at M3 & S4 at the time), so I'm not aware of all the differences. I do remember someone mentioning something about different SP wheels for the two models.
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    Whats wrong with 1992? I got my license in 1996.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    So I'm not the youngest on the board.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I feel like a dinosaur now. I got mine in '89.
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I AM 22, SO I MAY BE THE YOUNGEST ON THE BOARD, BUT I SHOULD NOT BE WRITING ON THIS BECAUSE I AM AT WORK. BUT CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE BMW COUPE.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    1. WHY ARE YOU YELLING?

    2. Being fairly close in age to you, I'd try and go with a 325Ci with a 5 speed. Now's the time to enjoy a BMW 3 coupe with a 5 speed!

    Dave330i: I got Bar-Mitvahed in '89.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    I'm not the youngest...just a late bloomer where cars are concerned. I graduated University, got my first real job, drivers licence and first car all in the Summer of '96.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    OK, now I gotcha. The day I turned 16, I went to the DMV and got my permit.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    I moved to university in Cyprus at 16,(what a party that was) before I came of driving age in the Middle East (you have to be 18 or a local to get a license) in Dubai. Its only when I moved to the US a couple of years later that I had the opportunity to get my learners permit.

    And it took me forever to learn to drive. :)
  • cnorthrupcnorthrup Member Posts: 74
    I got my license in 1970.
    Bought a '68 Fairlane with a 390.
    I drove like a jerk.
    Lost license for drag racing within a year.
    Sold car.
    Paid the price with high insurance for years to come.

    CNorthrup
  • jager561jager561 Member Posts: 3
    get an auto you lazy piece of crap and get back to work

    $1,500 is a good discount when you have a job... but it's worthless if you don't
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    Someone's older than me!!! These punk kids were starting to make me feel ancient. :-)

    I started with a '69 Charger RT (in 1980) and totaled it two weeks later. I wouldn't mind having that car again.
  • huntzingerhuntzinger Member Posts: 356
    (Ever try to get a hot water tank in a BMW?)


    Isnt that what roof racks are for?


     

    -hh


    Dave330i: real dinosaurs talk about where they watched the Apollo 11 moon landing. BTW, heard on the news this AM that the Thomas J. Kelly, the Engineer who invented the L.E.M. died this week.

    One online report is here.

  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,533
    at my father's hardware store in the Bronx on Saturdays. You'd be suprised what you can get a hot water heater into.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    hot water heater, but the first automobile was a steam powered, FWD.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    My daughter just got her permit. We have a Jeep Grand Cherokee for her to learn on. It is NOT a beater, but it is the only automatic we have. We intend on having her learn safe driving on that. You drive too fast, you roll it in a turn. So she will (hopefully) learn prudence quickly.

    I have my Honda Civic Si that I was going to sell, but decided to keep it (we only owe on it for a year more). She doesn't know she's going to get that car... yet. I didn't want her trying to learn the driving concepts AND a manual transmission at the same time. Just too many distractions for a 15 or 16 year old.

    Once she gets her license and starts driving the Jeep or Honda, she will be expected to make contributions towards insurance, gas, and/or car payments. She is not getting anything handed to her (ideally she'll get the Honda when 18, not 16). She has to earn it. If she doesn't pay for part of it, she loses the privileges of driving. No pay... no play.

    Since we gave her these ground rules about the job and paying, she is really working on her determination and dedication to something. She is realizing that driving is not a right or a forgone conclusion; she is learning that to have the privilege she also has responsibilities.

    It doesn't hurt her to know that I am serious about the taking away privileges with it too. Whenever she wants to get snotty about things, I gently remind her that maturity is a factor in our letting her drive.

    Our philosophy is that driving is more than just being the magical 16. It takes discipline, focus, and a maturity to handle a 2000+ lb weapon.

    -Paul
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I am going tonight to deal some more and I was wondering if anyone has bought recently and would have some info on discounts off sticker
  • 1pierce1pierce Member Posts: 284
    I don't think roof racks are a factory option on a 3-series? Besides, how would I get it up there? And, how would I get it off!

    I got my license on August 11, 1981. Applied for my permit the day I turned 16, in May 1981. My first car was a hand-me-down from my Dad,...a 1976 Pontiac Catalina. It must have been 30 feet long, with non-radial tires, no AC, no power accessories, and an aftermarket stereo with bad speakers and serious station drift. But it had a huge backseat - if you know what I mean.

    The other car I drove was a 1978 GMC 4WD pick-up, a stripper with a three-on-the-tree transmission. The thing was a rust bucket. The clutch had about 16 inches of play, and if you weren't at exactly the right RPM (which I seldom was in those days) it was virtually impossible to shift from first to second without a little hitch. I drove that combination of vehicles until I graduated from college 7 years later. Now you can understand why I have serious car-envy.
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I am going tonight to deal some more and I was wondering if anyone has bought recently and would have some info on discounts off sticker
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    They do have 4 mounting points for a bike rack, so a roof rack with same footprint will fit. As to getting it on and off the rack, 3 series isn't that tall, so 2 men should be able to do it.
  • seivwrigseivwrig Member Posts: 388
    Buy a Profile 2000 roof rack system. There is bike lift that can be purchased.
  • dblue1dblue1 Member Posts: 9
    I am going tonight to deal some more and I was wondering if anyone has bought recently and would have some info on discounts off sticker
  • huntzingerhuntzinger Member Posts: 356
    I don't think roof racks are a factory option on a 3-series?

    Must it be factory? Thule racks probably fit as well.

    Besides, how would I get it up there?

    Lay the HW tank over horizontally, and then pretend its a canoe: two people, one each end. Lift, position, secure.

    -hh
  • drcrdrcr Member Posts: 87
    How long were you in Cyprus?

    I will be there in May. I am getting married there. My fiance is a Cypriot and came to the states ~ 5 yrs ago.

    I get there once a year.
  • 1pierce1pierce Member Posts: 284
    You guys took me way too seriously - I was just kidding about the roof racks. Thanks for the advice, though. I would never haul construction materials in my BMW. Thats why we'll always have some sort of van, truck, or SUV. Could you imagine your BMW trunk full of mulch? Besides, if I didn't have a truck, I'd put the roof racks on my wife's car!

    On another subject: I do alot of highway driving to seminars and out-of-town meetings. Have any of you guys ever used a hood bra on your E46? Do they scratch or leave marks? Does BMW make one, or are they only available as aftermarket? I don't know if I would consider one, but they do keep the chips and dead bugs off the paint. Comments?
  • postoakpostoak Member Posts: 537
    I got my IDP after work today. What a joke this document is! It is basically a translation booklet in 10 languages saying that the driver's license being presented along with it -- yes, you still have to present your driver's license -- is a driver's license! To get the IDP you not only don't have to prove you have a valid driver's license, you don't even have to present any ID!

    Still, for $20, I guess it is cheap insurance that you won't be hassled because you DON'T have one.
  • audibuyer1audibuyer1 Member Posts: 11
    We picked up our 325xi last Saturday. We are really enjoying it. Have you heard anything about the recall for the replacement of the rear rotors? My car was delayed at the VPC and my dealer says that was the reason for it. They also say that BMW isn't releasing any documentation pertaining to the recall.

    On e46fanatics.com it says how you can ask about the "port check" to see what if any issues there were with your car upon receipt in the USA. The VPC in Charleston is saying (according to my dealer) that there is no such thing. Has anyone been successful in getting this information?
  • seivwrigseivwrig Member Posts: 388
    I said the said thing when I got one two years ago. It is a joke. There has to be someway, that a real international drivers license could be created. But then again, maybe not. I don't know if I would pass the driving exam in Germany.
  • abcnycabcnyc Member Posts: 101
    I have the xenon lights, and I notice that the larger lamps (the ones closer to the center grille) in the headlights only activate as the flasher. This may be a silly question, but why have such a large lamp just for the flasher ? Is this just for the look to balance out the heahlamp appearance ?
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    I spent three years in Cyprus - 89 to 92 in Nicosia. I had a great time, and left with a weakness for halloumi, Lebanese-style shawarma, souvlaki and cheese pies (among other things). Did the Aiya Napa, Limassol, Paphos rounds...not to mention getting lost in some mountainous areas that were quite possibly on the Turkish side. (I swear we saw target buttes and soldiers in camo.)

    Most of the people I ended up hanging out with (other than my Cypriot friends) were fellow foreign students, Canadian UN peace keepers and US Marines (yummy). I also got invited to see a British Air Force parade at the decomissioned Nicosia airport.

    I'd love to go back sometime...see how much things have changed. Of course none of the people I know then would be around. It's a beautiful place and the people are wonderful.

    What part of Cyprus will you be going to?
  • billiam70billiam70 Member Posts: 54
    Do you have a 2002 3 Series with the Bi-Xenon? If so, then you're right. The inside lights are for the flash feature, as well as the daytime running lamps, if they are programmed. For the 2001 and earlier models they were also the high beam as the Xenons were for regular headlights only.

    Bill
  • lyoutslyouts Member Posts: 6
    My dealer called tonight to run through the key setup, and asked if I wanted to activate the daytime running lights. I'd like to hear about experiences pro or con that anyone might have regarding the DRLs or other new car setup items.
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    I believe as a safety feature they should be activated. Also with my 330i:
    1. click once opens the drivers door, twice for all doors.
    2. Key stores climate, radio, seat and mirror positions
  • blackrenblackren Member Posts: 8
    I belive some parents want their childrens to drive safe cars, thus justifies the reason of buying them good cars. Since upscale cars usually come with loaded safety features, it means that they will drive more safely on the road. I mean, even if one is a very defensive driver, there's is still a chance that the one will be hit by other. Those parents just want their children to have life that they never were able to enjoy. If the economic situation allows, why not give your own kids a better life. Plus, not all teenagers are aggresive drivers.
  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    I am picking my 325xiT Friday. The car (wagon) went through the same replacement of rear rotors. My dealer also told me they had never heard of the "port check". However they have a form on the car's history which somehow doesn't even contain the work done on the rear rotors. The sale manager said he would call the VPC and check if there is indeed such documentation. I suspect it might be called differently such as "work sheet" on the car, as the customer service representative referred to it for work done at the VPC when I talked to them. At this point I am not sure it is indeed that important as long as you road test the car before accepting delivery and you can trust your dealer's reputation. Buy the way, shouldn't your name be bmwbuyer now! :-)
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    (Repost from the 5-Series discussion)

    So, I have been active on these boards for several years, I have learned quite a bit about cars in general and BMWs in specific. Among the things that I have learned, ED was something that I have paid a lot of attention to, that said, how is it that I did not know that I would be receiving a big thick padded mailer labeled “Important European Delivery Information Enclosed” from BMWNA?

    Inside the mailer I found a nice folder labeled “BMW European Delivery Program” containing “BMW European Delivery Confirmation Essentials”, which are comprised of:

    1) A Credit Card sized presto-chango expando-map explaining how to get from the Munich airport to the ED center via the roads or the rails.
    2) An eight page “Quick Reference Guide” containing many necessary tidbits of information to make you more informed about the process.
    3) A nicely illustrated map titled “Walks through Munich” by Bert Lief.
    4) A “Complimentary Breakfast or Luncheon Voucher” provided by BMW of North America, LLC.
    5) A beautiful full color brochure from Condé Nast titled “The BMW European Delivery Travel Program”, which is essentially an advertisement for the various Condé Nast ED itineraries that can be bought for what I am sure is a “Nominal Fee”. ;-)
    6) A brief personalized letter confirming the car, color and equipment, along with a few instructions.
    7) A standard form letter, explaining the contents of the package.
    8) A page containing all of the ED drop-off points (also in the “Quick Reference Guide”)
    9) A three-page document listing various hotels in Munich convenient to the ED center and the Airport.
    10) A nice “EURoad” booklet titled “The Complete Guide to Motoring in Europe” (again, by Bert Lief). This booklet contains a “Basic Planning” map, Itinerary Planner worksheet, a fairly complete list of ferry services extending from Oslo to Dublin, a Time/Distance calculator for many major cities in Europe, driving tips, a small lexicon of phrases in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Danish, Swedish and Portuguese, a metric to English conversion page, 11 pages containing a few hundred hotels scattered around Europe, 28 pages of maps of individual countries and a number of cities as well, 14 pages containing 34 recommended trip itineraries, and finally, an illustrated/annotated list of European road signs.
    11) A “Complimentary Gift”, mine was a BMW Pen/Flashlight that glows in a cool iridescent purple.

    Maybe I am just easily impressed, however, I was not expecting this, so, it came as a delightful surprise.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo

    Ironic side note:

    The postmark on my packet was from the Woodcliff Lake, NJ Post Office. To get from BMWNA to said Post Office, somebody had to literally drive down my street, right past my house AND pay $3.50 to then mail it back to me. ;-)
  • woobahwoobah Member Posts: 21
    I know the 5 Series is getting a redesign for the 2003 year, but what about the 3 series? Is the 3 Series getting a redesign as well?
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