BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

mjones6

I saw a post on the convertible board about a person who had an accident including rolling the car and the airbags did not deploy. I thought I read a story here also where the air bags did not deploy. I wonder if is there a problem? Has anyone had accidents where they did deploy?
or didnot when you expected them to.

kominsky

I'm thinking Kumho, too. And I better get on it soon. I drove to work today in the rain and DSC was kicking in all over the place.

shipo

Rolling a car SHOULD NOT cause the airbags to deploy.

brave1heart

The Michelin Pilots seem like superior tires but they cost more than what I'd like to pay, esp. with the house purchase coming up. The Kumhos are rated almost as good as the RE730's but cost a lot less, so I may go with them just like kominsky and dave330i. At that price, I figure if I don't like them, I can always burn through the faster and get a better set )

dave330i

One negative I've heard about Kumhos is that they get out of round pretty quickly. Like you, if I don't like them, I won't feel so bad about replacing them quickly.

kominsky

Have you heard "out of round" as in permanent or as in flat spotting? I've heard that they flat spot, but return to round once warmed up... alot like pre-radial tires used to do.

dave330i

flat spotting.

leenelsonmd

My wife and I will probably take a look at Tucson in the near future. We are going to Las Vegas in a couple of weeks to look around there. Heat is no problem for us.

I was unsubscribed too...Probably some covert action by a G35er...

Still looking at houses...Hope to stay put and get the decked out low rider 330 this fall. I think I will get a big neon light to go on the undercarriage.

shipo

Don't forget to nick a set of wheels off of a Baby Jogger so that you can see the neon lit wheel wells REAL WELL. I hear that nice narrow tires like that will help your handling on a nice twisty road too. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

mitchs3

Regarding the new type of storage compartment, I had been using mine for my Startac phone which fit nicely with the original style. Now with the new slide/tilt tray it takes some effort to cram the phone in. I did try my sunglasses, but my Oakleys dont fit. I actually prefer the original for my needs; My dealer says it is not available. I guess more than just us 2 had problems with sticky doors.

shipo

Weekend racing sounds like a lot of fun, however, some folks push a little too hard...

http://home.engr.utexas.edu/solisr/Stuff/lancer100.wmv

Best Regards,
Shipo

gurumike

While I do think it's fair to say that GENERALLY rolling a car should not cause the airbags to deploy, it would be a mistake to believe that that would be universally true. The majority of cars, and certainly anything over 5 or 6 years old, do rely on switches (usually mounted in front of the front shock towers) to deploy the airbags. Many newer cars (Mercedes and BMW being amongst the first) use many "logic" sensors, specifically to identify injury causing accidents and determine which airbags to deploy. Modern airbag technology as featured in all new BMWs and (mostly the good German) others. The new 7 series inpeticular is a fascinating example of how much engineering is involved in airbag systems. I'll look for some covert (or public) BMW info on this topic. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

shipo

Please forgive me if I came on a little strong back there. That was the second post (that I saw) by "MJones6" wondering why the airbags did not deploy.

Back when I was developing the Customer Service system for MBUSA, we ran into several cases where cars were seriously damaged in accidents, and the occupant(s) were hurt (usually because they did not have seat belts on), and sued MBUSA because the airbags did not deploy, even though the specific types of accidents should not have have caused said deployment.

My favorite was the lady who got rear-ended, and sued MB for "Non-Deployment" (and all of the personal injury stuff) anyway. In her complaint, she said that she ran into a deer, and that the airbags should have save her from injury, we spent almost 9 months negotiating with her to no avail, she wanted A LOT of money. When the MB investigator finally found the car to examine it, the entire front half of the car was completely untouched, however, the back end was toast. We never did find out what hit her, and we never did hear from her again. It seems that this was not the only scam that she was running, and apparently, the long arm of the law caught her before MB found her car, and then closed the case.

In this instance, I never meant to imply that airbags "Should Never" deploy during a rollover, but simply to point out that a rollover, by itself "Should Not" (necessarily) trigger airbag deployment. After all, if I roll a car, and am sliding along the pavement upside-down at 60 mph, and then hit a tree or something, I surely hope the airbags will deploy. ;-)

If you manage to come up with the info on the airbag engineering, I would love to see it.

Best Regards,
Shipo

dl7265

Investigation of more accident's than i care to remember , there sometimes seems to be no ryme or reason for deployment or non deployment.

IE said front sensor would deploy on impact , however a slight wege, but hard impact say 4 out of 5 damage rating scale from a pole or tree may not deploy.

I do however follow rule of thumb,for air bag safety, at least 12" away ect.. a nasty pop in the nose i dont need.. , i can see more vehicles produced with power adjustable petals being a good thing.

DL

merckx

Didn't someone here post about this a while ago? I got a very small ding yesterday in one of my front doors-it's in the middle of the panel,though. Do they use a "slim-jim"like device to go down the window channel?
Any advice would be MUCH appreciated.
Thanks,guys.

postoak

Yes, if the dent is on a door panel they can usually get to it by inserting a tool between the window and the door. They only drill holes as a last resort and ONLY with your permission. Usually, pricing is by panel. I was charged $45 per panel although I've heard of others paying up to $150 per panel. Once they get their tools on a dent it is usually gone in 3 or 4 minutes and you won't even be able to spot where it was.

nyccarguy

Wear your seat-belts people...always buckle up!

ddblue

Great footage, but what a wreck. The guy was airborne twice. I can't tell if he died or not. Looks like his helmet came off. Did he make it?

ddblue

Check out the new 5. Don't know if this is official, but it came for BMW UK News. Looks like the offspring of a Pontiac Grand Prix and a Daweoo Nubira.

http://www.pixhost.com/pixa/amoskwon/5series03.jpg

shipo

According to someone over on Bimmer.org, the driver made it out ok. I assume that he/she was wearing a full racing harness, which combined with the fact that the cabin of the car was not bashed in to any significant extent, leads me to suspect that, while the driver may not have known what day of the week it was, he/she probably did survive.

E60 5-Series, I can't believe I'm saying this, that shape is actually growing on me (a little), I wonder if the "Bangle Butt" of the E65 7-Series will make it on the E60. If it does, I may keep my 530i for a LONG time.

Best Regards,
Shipo

ddblue

I have to admit that the 7 is growing on me (like a fungus, maybe). I wasn't the least bit jazzed about the photos, but the more I see it, the more I'm getting used to it. It does have its merits, though the butt is just plain wrong.

I'm sure the new 5 will be an amazing car in its own right. I just have my concerns about the direction of BMW design. I think the E46 Coupe is probably one of the most beautiful designs today (the perfect combination of elegance and agressiveness). The E39 is one of my favorites, as well. I always drool over 530s, 540s (the wagon, too) and M5s (brain falls out of head).

shipo

It seems that you and I have similar tastes when it comes to how cars look, "M5s (brain falls out of head).", yup, what you said. ;-)

Interesting item of note on my 530i, according to Wallenius (www.wlna.com), my car left Bremerhaven last Thursday (2-May-2002), and just today, the "Owners' Circle" over at BMWs web site stated that my car is "En Route". Hmmm, that seems a little longer than the "3 Day Latency" that I've heard about.

Best Regards,
Shipo

dave330i

For me, the 5er shown in the link isn't as offensive as the Banglized 7 series.

brave1heart

It doesn't have (or you can't see) the hideous trunk from the 7-series and there seems to be more continuity in the lines, as well as better overall proportions, IMO.

ddblue

Shipo--I think the delay is about one week. When I was in the "ants in my pants" phase, waiting for delivery, I got in the habit of calling BMWNA every few days. I think they were muttering, "Crap, it's him again." Actually, they're pretty understanding of BMWphiles. We are a breed (and an asylum) apart. I'm psyched for you. The 530i (sport?) just plain rocks.

dave300i--do you think that was intentional? Bangle has had to do WAY too much explaining about his design approach to the 7. It's like explaining a bad joke that no one understood the first time.

I know BMW will continue to make the best driving machines around, but I have to say I'm disappointed with what I'm seeing in the area of design. I'm not even happy with the CS1. I think the only upcoming design I can approve of is the Z5 concept. But still, lose the goofy decklid and brake lights stolen from the Chrysler Sebring.

widriver2

Hi,

Can anyone recommend a BMW dealer in WI or northern IL? I'm looking to buy soon and hoping to get a good price and find a dealer with a good service department. I've heard some BMW dealer's provide mediocre service.

shipo

Hmmm, sorry to dissappoint you, however, I actually got a "Cream Puff White" 525i with only one option, the Step.

NOT! ;-)

Yes, I did get a 530i with SP, and 5-Speed, PP, Xenons and Premium Audio. The dead give away is the wheels:



Best Regards,
Shipo

nyccarguy

Mmmmmmmmmm, SP Wheels, 5 speed, must have car (drool)!

ddblue

That is one beautiful car. Black w/ Xenon...steatlh, baby. Just plain stealth.

shipo

...I thank you!

Best Regards,
Shipo

dave330i

Nice looking ride. 5 series is a bit too big for my tastes, but they drive great.

brave1heart

It must be tough on you being Bimmer-less for a few weeks. On the plus side, you get to spend more time with us here since you're not out driving. BTW, I thought that the 530 had aluminum trim around the side windows. It would make more sense not to have it with a sport package (makes the vehicle less conspicuous, more stealthy )) - is this the case with the 5-series?!?

Kirstie_H

One major daily newspaper is looking for folks who drive 2002 or 2003 yellow or orange cars, and another major daily newspaper is looking for folks who successfully or unsuccessfully attempted to negotiate the purchase prices of their vehicles at the end of their lease terms. If you care to share your stories on either or both of these topics, please send an e-mail containing a short summary of your experience and your contact information to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Tuesday, May 14.

Thanks much,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

shipo

Thanks. I understand the "Too big thing", however, I was just drawn to the car like "Shine on Polyester". Besides, the 530i only weighs 209 lbs more than the 330i, so, it's not like I am driving a "Land Barge" or anything. ;-)

Another consideration, I REALLY like the way the "Lifted" E39 looks, and, considering what the new E60 looks like, it was do or die time.

Best Regards,
Shipo

Kirstie_H

A television reporter is interested in hearing from folks who have driven long distances to get good prices when buying new cars or trucks. If you have a story to tell, please drop a line including your contact info and city/state of residence to jfallon@edmunds.com.

Thanks,

Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

shipo

Maybe I was in denial, or just fooling myself, however, I thought I would be able to deal with a week or two of "Bimmerless" driving with relative aplomb. It is getting so bad that this morning on the way to work, I tried to downshift the Caravan when I was coming into the toll booth. I damn near fell out of the drivers seat "Feeling" around for the shifter. ;-)

BMW calls the window trim on my car "Shadowline Trim". What I find interesting is that on the 3-Series, the 325i is equipped with this type of trim, however, on the 330i, you cannot order it for "Love nor money". On the 5-Series, the dark window trim is only available if you order the SP, otherwise, you get chrome. Go figure. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

brave1heart

The 540i 6-spd comes with "Shadowline Trim" too. I guess they figured you don't want to draw too much police attention when you're cruising well above the posted speed limit ;o) Not sure why they have the chrome trim on the 330 sport and non-sport, though.

I had my car in for a couple of minor things yesterday and I got an auto Jetta loaner for the day. I kept looking for the shifter and the third pedal... I can't stand that idiotic "creep" they have on all auto trannies. I read that although the new A4 CVT does not have any creep, they had to dial in some for the American market so it would feel more natural to consumers used to auto trannies.

I couldn't wait to get back into my 325i at the end of the day. It was like a reunion all over again. This car is so perfect!!

dave330i

"it's not like I am driving a "Land Barge" or anything."

No kidding. I had the misfortune of driving a Caddy once.

When I was getting the steering retrofit done, dealer loaned me a 528i. It felt quick and agile, while mine feels quick and nimble. Subtle difference, but noticible.

nyccarguy

Everyone who's done ED should send an email to Jeannine Fallon.

shipo

I drove a 528i SP back in 1998 just before driving a 328i sans-SP and then ordering ordering my 328i (also sans-SP). I was surprised how the 328i felt more "Tossable" than the 528i, even though the 3er did not have the benefit of the SP. Other than the engine and the face lift, I am not sure what BMW did to the 530i, but it is in a whole different league than the 528i. I still would not quite call my 530i SP "Nimble", but it is damn near. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

katkison

We just bought a great house in Pearland for much less than you are talking!

And just to stay on topic, my 330i finally gets to be in a garage!

Kelly

shipo

Having grown up in the Detroit area, THE car to have was a Cadillac. Needless to say, as my parents got more affluent, they went from Ford Galaxys and Plymouth Furys to Cadillacs. During the early to mid 1980s, I was living in Chicago, and on two occasions, I drove my Audi home to Detroit, and then with my Mother and youngest Brother, drove to Boston to visit my Sister. Unfortunately, my Mother wanted to be “Comfortable, and ride in Style”, so I was compelled to drive my Mother's White/White/White (Paint/Padded Vinyl Top/Leather Seating) Eldorado on the trip. I thought I was going to get "Sea Sick" driving that damn thing, I mean, every time the car encountered a road irregularity, it would "Rock" (more like wallow) back and forth for at least a half of a mile.

I swear, when I got back in my 1982 Coupe Quattro (the original Quattro) for the drive from Detroit back to Chicago, I felt like I was driving a GP car, it felt that tight. Conversely, I stopped by the Porsche/Audi dealership in Hinsdale, IL one day after the first trip for a talk with my salesman, and he just happened to have a "Demo" 928 S sitting around that he was itching to have me drive (and I’m sure, buy), so away we went.

After an hour in the Porsche, I got back into the Audi, and it felt like driving a car made out of Tinker Toys. Interesting how all things are relative.

Best Regards,
Shipo

dave330i

I'm not sure why they even bother with a steering wheel on a Cadillac. Try to get it to turn, and you might as well have asked it to fly. Next to it, a 7 series is a go-cart.

katkison: a friend sent me some info about homes in Pearland. One of them had its own pond/lake stocked with fish, and it was less than $700k. :O

shipo

The 1967 Cessna 172H that I fly in training is more responsive than any (CTS included?) Cadillac. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

john01

I flew 152 for most of the time and took 172 out when my friends wanted to come along. I thought 172 was a dog, compared how responsive 152 was. all things are relative, as you put it.

asinger1

I want to have my 2002 E46 transported from FL to NJ. One transport company told me that you need special tie-downs (can't use chains because it will ruin the suspension) for the BMW and that it needs to be shipped in a covered transporter. Needless to say, it will cost twice as much to use a covered transporter. Another company told me that it can be shipped in an open transporter and tied down with chains to the chassis. Can someone please advise me on what details I need to pay attention to when transporting the car? Thanks.

rshaw1655

Just test drove a 325i and noticed an MPG gauge at the bottom of the tachometer. The salesman didn't provide a very good explanition and it didn't seem to move during the drive. Anyone know what it is and how it works? (This is not part of the trip computer)

kdshapiro

That gauge is supposed to give you your instantaneous gas mileage in mileage per gallons.

derprofi

One major daily newspaper is looking for folks who drive 2002 or 2003 yellow or orange cars

In this group? You may want to try the IS300 board instead :-)

postoak

Or they could try the Miata and S2000 boards with some success, too. Yellow is the hot new color for Miatas in 2002.