BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

gary330ci

Sounds like you've got the manual passing mode move down pat. And yes, you can drive in manual mode from the get-go by moving the shift from reverse (once you're done backing out of the driveway) to drive, over to sport drive, then back once to put it in 1st gear manual mode.

dave330i

Nothing quite like coming down a long staight away in 4th, brake hard, downshift to 2nd, and blast through the corners. I realize it's not for everyone, but it always put a silly grin on my face.

shipo

The only thing I might caution you on is the infamous "Break In Period", during which, for the first 1,200 miles, you want to keep the RPMs below 4,500 Revs. That can be a little hard to do when you are passing and have cars heading straight for you coming from the other direction. ;-)

Enjoy your new car! ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

vkwheels

I think both me & the car will have break-in periods. Kim's questions are mine, just a bit in advance. Coooooool!

jimbres

Some of us who took delivery on '01 SP-equipped 330i's late in the model year (June, in my case) were surprised when our cars came in without the titanium headlight surrounds. When I subsequently raised this issue with BMWUSA, I was told that a high-level decision had been made to equip only non-SP 330i's with the headlight trim - that SP-equipped cars looked better without it. Now I see from some of the pictures that you folks have posted (billiam70: sharp car, BTW) that '02 330i's with SP are being shipped with the headlight trim. This pretty much confirms what I've suspected for the past year - that BMW ran short of trim kits late in the '01 model year & decided to solve that problem by changing the specs.

It's not a big deal - my car has been nothing short of terrific - but I'll always wonder how it would've looked with the titanium trim.

Re teaching others to drive stick: I have 30-plus years of 3-pedal driving experience, & I've taught gear shifting to a bunch of friends & relatives of both sexes along the way. It's been my experience that women pick this up much more quickly than men. On average, women need only 1/2 as much time as men to reach a given level of proficiency.

Don't know what this means, but that's been my experience.

mfeldman

Actually my wife was the one who taught me to drive a 5 speed really well 11 years ago. Of course i didn't own a car until after law school. A 5 speed e36 was her baby hauler for a while until we got a wagon. Soon she will probably get a van. How the mighty have fallen! But she wants the space and easy loading conveniece.

I used to mock those who drove bmw autos. But alas after 8 years,with Socal traffic and my back getting worse, I got a 330 step. Honestly, 95% of the time I don't miss the 5 speed.

gary330ci

This is the first auto trans I've owned since high school (which has been a few years) so my wife was somewhat surprised that I decided to go with the Step when I ordered my vehicle. But between the So. Cal traffic and my 5 year old's amazing ability to need something at the most inopportune time, I determined the Step was the way to go. Besides, I still had the option of manual shifting when the road conditions (and traffic) presents the opportunity.

tenet1

There is no limitation to how and when you use the manual mode. I always drive in manual, and my wife in D. Like having the best of both worlds.

kimj1

Thanks to all of you who answered my questions regarding how to use the step. in the manual mode. That's what I like about this board, all of the wonderful support for us new owners and soon to be new owners. I'm glad to know that the manual mode seems pretty darn easy to use. I will definately have to try it some more. I used to drive a stick, actually learned to drive using a stick, but sitting in Austin traffic and having to use a clutch is no fun. Hence the reason for choosing the Step.

When I did use the manual mode yesterday to pass, I did keep in mind the "break-in" so I did not push the rpm's to high.

Now off to run some errands. Actually, I think they are more of an excuse to go do some driving. LOL.

Happy driving!!! Kim.

planoml

First of all...thanks to everyone for the great responses. My opinion may be a bit biased as most of my previous cars, including the current 325, have been sticks. At the end of the day I think it's personal preference.

dave330i reflects my feelings on where I'm at today. But, the step option is a lot cheaper than a divorce-just joking. I will most probably go the step route with this purchase; and wait for the Z5 with a stick or SMG.

twoof1

Here is a little more advice on taking maximum advantage of the step:
1. After shifting into Drive, slide the shifter to the left. This will put the auto tranny into sport auto mode. The sport mode uses higher shift points and is quicker to downshift. With the 325, this makes a HUGE difference in response.
2. While in sport mode, if you want to manually change gears, you just have to push up or down on the stick. Note the car will remain in manual mode until you return the lever to the right.
3. After switching back to auto mode, slide the shifter back to the left to return to sport auto mode.

I typically run about 60% sport auto mode and 40% manual mode.

I have driven many manumatic transmissions and I have to say that the BMW Steptronic while not perfect is the best out there.

billiam70

Thanks for the compliment! In regards to your headlight trim, see if your dealer will swap it out for you. People on some other boards have had the same thing happen to them. When they asked their dealers about it, the dealer told them exactly what you thought, that they ran low of the titanium trim and substituted the black. The dealers swapped out the headlight trim for them at no charge.

On the issue of stick: My car now is a 5 speed. My previous car was an automatic, but before that I had driven a stick for 10 years. I hated driving auto so much I traded the car in after only 1 year ('01 V6 Accord Coupe).

I know a few people, all women, that bought cars that had manual transmissions and learned how to drive it after the fact. Every single one of them would never drive anything but a stick now. They bought the cars because it is what they wanted and the dealers only had them available with 5 speeds at the time.

mfeldman

Just used Klasse all in one for the first time. Car looks good, tho with silver it probably doesn't get the "wet" look of darker colors. Thaks for the tip.

nyccarguy

is sitting up in my bedroom at my parents' house waiting for me to get a free weekend to klasse my red prelude. I'll let you all know the results (sometime in June)!

bing330i

I ditto mfeldman as my Bimmer is silver also. As much as silver does not show dirts much, it does not show the klasse shinning either. I will klasse my gold SL this weekend and report if there is an appearance difference.

wrjohnsonpghpa

My sister (who is pushing the big 5-0) has had sticks her entire life, beginning with the MG Midget that she was almost killed in (but not because it was a stick, because it was just too damned small!), has finally said enough is enough. Her next car will be an auto. I suspect that the day will come for all of you die-hards when your daily driver will become an auto.

shipo

"I suspect that the day will come for all of you die-hards when your daily driver will become an auto."

Hmmm, well, you may be right (perish the thought), I just turned 45 last week, and while I am as much a lover of driving cars with three pedals as any of the most die-hard enthusiasts around here, I have to admit, sooner or later, it may be just too damn hard to buy a new car that meets with my other expectations, with a stick shift.

So, in my case at least, I suspect that someday your prediction will come true for me as well, although, it will be for a very different reason. Hmmmm, I wonder if I can make my 2002 530i 5-Speed last for 60 or 70 years (I come from a very long lived family, both sides). ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

nyccarguy

shipo: Happy Birthday by the way! I trust your present to yourself will be arriving soon:)

wrjohnsonpghpa: They'll have to pry my stick shift from my cold, dead, hands before I buy another car with an automatic transmission;)

bobbybeamer1

You and I picked up our cars on the same day at the same place. John Roberts BMW, right? Who was your sales rep? I went through Mike Hanaway. He sold my father a 330i last year, so I felt compelled to give him my business. I am so loving my little 325i (I got the 5spd since I work in north Austin and don't have to fight traffic). I'm glad I didn't pay the extra money for the 330--the 325 will really move! What color did you get? I got topaz blue.

tcn2k

I also got black floor mats with my tan leather interior. Black mats makes the car more sportier.

seivwrig

Based on those I have come into contact with on this board. Here is my opinion: Dave330i like NYCcarGuy will have the manual pryed from hands. Actually, Dave330i reminds me of those that Porsche commercial, where the old man gets in his 356 and get caught by his son or maybe himself in a Boxster. So Dave will be 60 yrs old driving a manual 911.

Shipo, been the classy man that he is. I can't see him going to an auto.

Brave1 will get to drive a manual until his wife wants a auto tranny.

Most of you other married men with manuals will go to auto at your wife's begging.

I keep a manual at the house just to keep the skill honed (What little I have).

The manual mode on the step is pretty good but it sometimes not responsive enough. I think driving a manual can make you more critical. I would like to try the SMG II. I would also like to know if this will be available in other US 3er other than the M3

kimj1

Hey there fellow Austinite. Yes, I bought through John Roberts. Our sales rep. was Chris Reilly. Nice guy. We had actually ordered a car from him about 14 months ago and do to the threat of layoffs had to back out. We walk back in on Saturday and he remembered us and even remembered the exact car we had ordered. He treated us right the first time, so we stayed with him. In the past I had read some bad things about this particular dealership, but I think they were mostly about the service dept. Hopefully since they moved to the new location and now can get you in for service even quicker that bad rep will change. The whole buying experience, however, was wonderful. I have never had such an easier time buying a car. Especially with Elizabeth in Financial. It was great not to have to sit through the high pressure sell pitches with regard to extended service and warranties. She just gave us the information and told us if we wanted we could purchase them any time before the originals run out and that was that. We were in and out of her office in 5 minutes.

My 325i is the Alpine White with sand leather, PP, Xenon and Step. After our test drive on Saturday, Chris told us where all of the 3's were through-out the lot and we just wandered around until we found what we wanted. Another great thing about the new location-actually having cars on the lot to buy.

I chose the Step because I make frequent trip to San Antonio and there is nothing worse than sitting in traffic on I35 moving at a snails pace and having cramps in foot from the clutch. Never had that problem when I lived down in San Antonio, where I drove a stick.

Congratulations on your new 3. Hope you have many happy hours of driving. Kim

shipo

He-he, I love how the different personalities around here have different views or impressions of the rest of us. I think your last post is both hilarious and probably quite true. I will suggest one change however, after meeting Brave1heart, I strongly suspect that Mrs. Brave1heart is a "Dyed in the wool" stick driver like many of the rest of us. Just like Mrs. Shipo, the only thing that got her to drive an automatic was one issue that you forgot about, the dreaded "MiniVan Factor". The conversation in our house went something like this shortly after a long holiday weekend with family and friends (who all live in NYC and do not own cars) at our house:

Me: “Ummm, Dearest, I think it is time that we talked about buying a MiniVan.”

Mrs. Shipo: “Hmmm, you are probably right, do they come with a Stick?”

I am not lying, that was her first question (I knew that I married the right woman); the conversation continued:

Me: “Well, Dodge USED to sell the Caravan with a stick, however, those days are over.”

Mrs. Shipo: “Well then, I’m not driving it, you are driving it.”

Me: “Ummm, Dearest, might I point out that most of the folks that we are schlepping around are your friends. Maybe you should be the one who drives it.”

Mrs. Shipo: “Absolutely NOT!”

As it turned out, after several other weekends of taking two cars everywhere we went, she relented and traded her 5-Speed in on a Caravan.

Best Regards,
Shipo

brave1heart

I too was amused and surprised that I didn't end up in the same category as dave330i and nyccarguy. I am definitely getting burried with a stick in my right hand too ;o) Oh, and people with class drive manuals? That's a good one. I feel like one classy guy tonight.

Hey, happy belated! So the move to NH is really happening?

shipo

Well, we found two great houses in Windham (maybe a little nicer, with A LOT more property) that are an easy 200K to 250K less than what we are likely to sell ours for. The only thing that has yet to fall into place is for my wife to negotiate a transfer to the Wakefield, MA division of her company (gotta keep those stock options alive for another year or two ;-)). We will probably have a better feel for how that is going next week.

As soon as she gets the word, we will list our house, make an offer on one of both of the NH houses, and I will order a set of "Snows" for my 530i from tirerack.

Best Regards,
Shipo

cnorthrup

I have a '02 sedan (non-sport) with the front marker plate. There was a big gap where the side pieces meet the middle piece. The salesman said that was the way it was with the '02's.

Wrong.

I went to a different dealer and looked at the cars on the lot and no gap.

I went back to my dealer and talked to the head mechanic who is an old timer. He fixed it in 5 minutes. The side pieces can be slid forward to meet the center piece. I did not see how he did it.

CNorthrup

bobbybeamer1

John Roberts BMW is definately not a high pressure dealership, which is a welcome change from some of the dealerships around here. Some of them gave me the typical "what can I do to get you in this car today" kind of thing. My responce was "its not a TV." However, Mike seemed a little offended when I tried to deal. Whoops!

I got the Topaz blue with Black leather, 5spd, SP, HK, and moonroof. I had to order it, which has got to be some of the longest 7 weeks of my life. I would drive over there practically every Sunday just admire the cars.

The break-in period is going to be particularly hard. Its so easy to rev it past 4500 rpms. I've only done it twice--and I've felt guilty about it each time. But its just soooo fun. Not bad for a 25 year old kid just 3 years out of college.

Congratulations on your 3-er too! White and sand are a great combo.

dl7265

Im headed down to San Antone friday afternoon think ill hit some traffic on I35 ? last time i was in Austin there was a lot of construction.

DL

bobbybeamer1

John Roberts BMW is definately not a high pressure dealership, which is a welcome change from some of the dealerships around here. Some of them gave me the typical "what can I do to get you in this car today" kind of thing. My responce was "its not a TV." However, Mike seemed a little offended when I tried to deal. Whoops!

I got the Topaz blue with Black leather, 5spd, SP, HK, and moonroof. I had to order it, which has got to be some of the longest 7 weeks of my life. I would drive over there practically every Sunday just admire the cars.

The break-in period is going to be particularly hard. Its so easy to rev it past 4500 rpms. I've only done it twice--and I've felt guilty about it each time. But its just soooo fun. Not bad for a 25 year old kid just 3 years out of college.

Congratulations on your 3-er too! White and sand are a great combo.

postoak

I was passed on the way home today by 2 -- both in beautiful condition -- an M3 and a 323Ci. That's assuming (and this is really a question) that the M3 and 323/328s called that color Topaz Blue. Maybe it's just this bright May light, but they look especially good to me right now. As for rarity, although I saw the usual silvers, blacks, and whites, I saw none of the other colors: Orient Blue, Oxford Green, Steel Blue, Steel Gray, Red, or Gray Green. But I don't pretend that this is a "normal" day in that regard.

seivwrig

I have to drive a stick out of survival. I will admit, i am a lazy driver but I tend to drive with both hands. It was due to the fact that my family live in Jamaica, Germany and U.K. (not automatic friendly places.) I have to drive manual if I think I will drive any family members car. I caught serious heat during my ED trip. They all expected to see a 5-speed. Those are the breaks. I have already told the wife that she might have to go back to work, so we can get another BMW (preferable a 5-speed).

kimj1

It will all depend on what time you are heading through town. If it is before 3 pm you will probably be okay. You will still have traffic-a fact of life in Austin. If it is after 3, you can count on lots of it. Friday afternoons are very bad, now add a holiday weekend and you have double trouble. There has been construction just south of downtown at Ben White, but I am not sure what is happening down there at the moment.

My suggestion to you is to avoid I35 if you can. I would make my way over to Mopac(loop 1). This can easily be done by going down Parmer Lane off of I35. Follow Mopac until you come the exit for Loop 360(left exit). From here follow the signs for 290 east. This will take you right to I35. You will come out at Ben White, south of town. You may still have some traffic on Mopac but it won't be near as bad as I35. This is the route that I take when heading to San Antonio and it has saved my sanity on many occasions. Kim

dl7265

Thanks Kim for the "heads up " on the loop , ill try that.Unfortunatly im leaving DFW about 3ish putting me in Austin just in time for rush hour

Do you have any recommended places to stay in SA ? a friend is graduating basic AF Academy and i have a 4 day weekend , so going to take a little road trip in the 3er

thanks for the help.
DL

tcn2k

yes, the front strip can be slide either way. I did it to close the gaps. I saw them do this when they were putting it on my car.

abcnyc

On the subject of manual transmissions, I have been driving cars with a stick shift for over 20 years. I foresee that trend continuing until my leg gives out. I had taught my wife (then fiance) on how to drive a stick shift, since both my cars were manual transmissions. She had been driving manual transmissions cars for a while, including a Ford Explorer. Many people were surprised to see my wife driving a 5-speed Explorer. But over these last few years she had to go over to the dark side (just kidding), and drive an automatic. With having 2 kids, we found we needed a minivan and now an SUV. There are no minivans (that I know of) that have manual transmissions, and very limited SUVs have them. She now finds it easier to drive an automatic, but does not have any problems driving a stick shift in the event that we need to switch cars. So I am very fortunate that I can continue to have stick shift cars (currently 330i with SP).

shipo

After restraining myself all day long, to keep from calling my salesman every five minutes (remembering his “As soon as it comes in, you will be the first to know”, from yesterday), I got home tonight to find a message on my answering machine that my car had in fact already been delivered to the dealership sometime this morning. :-)

You can bet that the first thing tomorrow, I will be on the phone setting up a time for delivery.

For those of you keeping track, I dropped my car off at E.H. Harms in Munich on 24-Apr-2002, and it looks like I will pick it up tomorrow (23-May-2002), which works out to about as close to a month as you can get. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

jluftig

corner, side, and rear lights are no longer yellow. Very clean look and as I have yellow bulbs in them, they blink yellow to meet legal requirments. These are the European spec lights, cost me about $400 and two hours to install, but worth it.

mschukar

My neighbor has a brand new M3 convertible with SMG and says he loves it. It has an "auto" mode to shift for you or the non shifting spouse.

What do people think about this option when they make it available for US 325/330's? I can see people feeling that they are not as connected to the car, but I'm certain no one here can shift faster than SMG.

This may become an option for '03 so those of you on the fence may want to wait a bit.

-murray
Always driven a stick, always will

butmywife

So now we know what they mean when they speak of the inner child.

So, how do you make a 45-year-old man feel like a little boy again? Tell him his 5er is ready to be picked up and introduced to some American roads for a change.

Enjoy the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ButMyWife

mcnal01

I just washed my 2 month old Steel Gray 2002 325xi and discovered the hood, roof and trunk peppered with tiny blemishes. The blemishes appear to be tiny wax like blisters that I can pick off with my fingernail. The car was about 2 weeks old when I applied Klasse All In One and 2 coats of Klasse Sealant . The finish was silky smooth and the car looked great. I was shocked to discover how soon the paint surface lost its silky feel. Water still sheds off the car as if it was freshly waxed but when I run my hand across the surface it feels like the surface of my 6 year old Dodge pickup. Could I have applied the Klasse incorrectly? Do I need to claybar already?

Thanks,
Al

kp40m

I'm getting mixed feedback on the all wheel drive system for the 3-series. I live in the NE and while we don't get a lot of snow, we can typically count of 5-10 snow days and several ice days each year. As the 325 will be my only car, I was leaning towards the "x". The post that references winter tires was helpful. Is the BMW all wheel drive system to be trusted? I've read comments regarding driving differences due to the weight and others regarding noise and problems and the lack of sophistication of the BMW system vs. Audi's, etc.

I'm in my early 40's and this will be my first performance car purchase. (I want to buy a performance car while I still have the reflexes to enjoy it!) I don't want to have any regrets buying the x as I plan to keep it for quite some time.

So, if you lived in a region that gets some bad winter weather would you buy the x?

Once again, my preferred config is 325xi, PP, CWP and Xenons.

mcnal01 - what is your experience to date?

wrjohnsonpghpa

cnthrup & tcn2k - The front bumper side molding can be slid toward the front to close the gaps with the center molding? Does this mean that the gaps are then at the rear of the side moldings?

tcn2k - Do you have to remove these moldings to "slide" them, or can they just be pushed (from the rear I assume). Any tips on how to do this?

die-hard stick shifters - If you read my previous post carefully, you will note that I said I believe your preferred "daily driver" will someday become an automatic. You know, the car we will all need to run to the drug store to get our blood pressure, heart, whatever, medications refilled. I have no doubt that a majority of you may keep a manual transmission mode of transportation around for whenever the need for therapy arises (just like the guy in the Porsche commercial). Mark my words, thought, and if you're honest with yourself, someday you'll admit that when you just want to get from point "A" to point "B," an automatic is the way to go.

seivwrig

In Europe, there are three modes when you get old: either you walk, get someone to take you there (mass transit or relative) or drive the manual. Automatics just aren't that that prelavent(sp?). My Dad (59 yrs old) drives a stick. An uncle in Jamaica, about 68, drives a manual. In America, we are properous, so we drive what our budget will handle. If you cannot afford a new car with an automatic, a manual it will be. Most luxury cars come with automatic because some big automotive person might have figured that the people that buy those cars don't want to shift their own gears. Or should I say row thru the gears.

hgeyer

This weekend I plan to do my first deep cleaning of my 330i. I've already invested in Zymol, although I'm compelled to chase down some Klasse.

My question is: Is Armorall OK for the black trim and tires?

PS Thanks to everyone who pointed out that the front side trim pieces can be pushed together - I feel real stupid for not figuring that out.

nyccarguy

seivwrig: I'm honored that you put me in the same category as dave330i, but I think brave1heart & shipo would definitely go in that category as well. Great (and hilarious) assesment of our board members here:)

I've only been driving for 10 years (Got my permit April 3, 1992 & my license August 31, 1992). Every car I've owned or leased has been an automatic. The Prelude I just bought is a stick and I can't tell you how much I absolutely love it! I don't think that automatics are terrible, but I wholeheartedly prefer a manual. I always try and convince people here on edmunds (especially the BMW boards) to get a stick shift car so when I can afford my first BMW, they'll still make cars with sticks:)

dave330i

Happy B-day shipo. For some reason, I thought you were younger. I turn 29 myself over the weekend.

If I ever have a extremely bad commute (i.e. 4 hours in gridlock), I might consider buying a CVT MINI as a commuter, or more likely, switch jobs.

Anyone else notice that the 3 series pedal layout makes it easy for heel & toe downshift? I've started practicing with just the pedals, and noticed that you can position your right foot either way, and they both work well.

butmywife

I bought the 3235xi for the same reasons you are considering to do so: enough days of bad weather that would make me park a less able car. Add to that some hilly roads and the xi is a must.

I did one very unscientific test. One snowy evening before I ordered my car I took out a 325xi loaner. It was snowing hard and by the time I hit my driveway (.4 mile, steep climb with 2 switchbacks) there were about 4-5 inches of snow on the ground. The xi climbed it like a mountain goat.

While doing my ED I also crossed the Alps in a snowstorm in my car and although the conditions were not bad the car never slipped or slid once.

Hope this helps.
ButMyWife

shipo

ButMyWife,

Thanks! I will. ;-)

WRJohnsonpghpa,

Prior to responding to you post yesterday, I did in fact notice your proviso “daily driver”. My point is, that at the age of 45, after having driven a stick shift for almost 30 years, I still absolutely prefer a manual transmission as my “daily driver”. At this point, the novelty has long since worn off, and if that was all that was keeping me driving a stick, I would have long since switched back to an automatic. What is interesting about all of this is that I am going to pick up my new 530i 5-Speed later today after a month of driving the family hauler, complete with automatic transmission, and my anticipation is almost palpable.

So, for me at least (and I suspect for a number of other folks in this community), driving is not just a passing fad (like moving into the “Big City” and living the Single-Urban life for a while), it is a way of life. Another interesting point, it looks like we are going to become a three-car family in the next year or so, as my wife also wants to buy a new BMW for herself. Our family MiniVan is her first vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission since the late 1970s, and she cannot wait to make her “daily driver” a stick again. At that point, we will have the 1998 Grand Caravan, the 2002 530i 5-Speed, and most likely a 2003 325i 5-Speed.

NycCarGuy,

When you “wholeheartedly” prefer a manual, there is only one way to scratch that itch; Automatics, ManuMatics, SMGs and CVTs need not apply. ;-)

Dave330i,

Hmmm, I think that was a compliment. ;-) Thanks!

Best Regards,
Shipo

P.S.

Due to a heavy workload today, and three therapy sessions for my daughter, I will not be able to pick up my new car until this evening. :-(

brave1heart

dave330i - I've been playing with heel & toe downshifts in the past month too. I am slowly getting the hang of it but it will be a while before I am totally comfortable with it.

kp40m - I live in Boston. You don't need an AWD for the 10-15 days of snow around here.

nyccarguy

Since I'm still getting comfortable with driving the stick shift normally, I think it will be quite some time before I try out the hell & Toe trick:)