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Brave, were you thinking about replacing your exhaust at one point in time? Which one were you thinking about and why?
Thanks again!
Thanks in advance for all advices.
Meg
First, if the dealer performs a warranty repair, they get reimbursed by the mfg (typically the importer, eg.. BMWNA) for the repair. And it is typically flat-rated to a fixed amount.
So why don't the dealers want to get as much warranty work as possible and keep their service bays busy? If they're getting reimbursed, why would they push back a customer who wants something fixed?
The issue is that the flat-rated amount is generally enough to cover the repair, but it may be very slim on profit compared to other "cash" services offered by the dealer. So if they're keeping their service bays humming on high-profit 30K checks to cash customers, they don't want to displace with this slim-profit warranty work.
Second, the mfg's CLOSELY monitor the level of warranty claims so that the dealer doesn't use bogus warranty work as a way to pad and level their workload during slow times. If claims get out of line, they call the dealer on the carpet to see what is going on. They have incentive programs ongoing that encourage dealers not to allow excessive warranty work.
Third, your relationship with the dealer may plan a role into who accomondating they are. If you're a long-term customer with a good relationship, they may be more forthcoming to keep your business. And if you really piss them off, they're only human. They'll resist just because they feel you're being unreasonable. That's why it is so important in any dispute to be reasonable, calm, and persistant. If you fly off the handle or come to them with clearly unreasonable demands, then they'll assume that nothing they can do can possibly satisfy you, so why even start being accomodating.
All these factors play into how receptive a dealer is to warranty repairs and how draconian they are with respect to denying coverage when mods are involved. Things change from dealer-to-dealer and even from week-to-week at the same dealer.
I recently had an experience where I brought my car in for service and they service writer suggested some minor interior trim items they he felt looked excessively worn. He offered to replace them even though it looked like normal wear and tear to me (a tiny imple in the armrest vinyl where your elbow rests for example). My guess? They were short of work and their warranty claims were down for that month and they wanted more work.
- Mark
I'd like to put in an aftermarket exhaust at some point but I cannot justify spending $500-1,000 to replace a good stock exhaust. So I never got to do any research on exhausts. Also, I dropped two grand on my car in the past two months alone (snow tires, mods, etc.) and I have to watch my budget. The CAI will take care of the sound that I was looking for and when my stock exhaust needs replacement, I will probably be looking for one that improves performance and works well with the rest of the mods in my car. Sorry I wasn't any help on this - there are other posters who are more knowledgeable than me on mods and maybe they could help - ccotenj, div2, locke2c?
1) carrying a loan on a car
2) car is primary driver
both apply to my M3, thus I've been absolutely uninterested in mods. the only thing I've checked into is what it would cost to get a 282HP 3.2L from Canada... ya know, if I still have this car in 3 years I might be interested "refreshing" it a little.
I'd let a good muffler shop put on a custom catback exhaust-- same noise, far less cost. Headers might be rocket science, but from the catalyst back it sure ain't.
-Colin
They quickly figured the noise was behind the timing cover somewhere but didn't know what. Guessed perhaps the VANOS system, a hydraulic phasing mechanism on the intake cam. Quoted 2.5 hours to teardown and investigate, which seemed reasonable I suppose.
Even though I bought this car used from them and I'm long out of warranty, they offer free loaner vehicles. I leave in a 2001 Z3 3.0L, manual tranny and 8k miles on the clock. Not bad.
My car hasn't been problematic-- but I do keep it meticulously serviced and usually I hear back from the dealer before lunch after dropping off my car at 8 AM. But a day and a half passed with no news, so I called them.
They hadn't contacted me because they were waiting for a callback from BMW's tech group. The noise was coming from the VANOS system, but they feel it was right to just tell me to replace it all. They wanted to know how serious the noise was, if they could fix it without parts, and that sort of thing.
Today they get back to me and relay that BMW told them it wasn't unusual for the VANOS system to rattle a bit with my mileage, but that it wasn't a mechanical concern. Kinda like lifter noise, if you will. They could replace it all if I really wanted, but at $1600 they did not recommend it. I agreed. They also said that the teardown was easier than expected and it was only 1 hour labor.
I like this dealer. They could've had the other 1.5 hours of labor because I'd been expecting it. They could've not bothered asking BMW's techs about it and just told me to pony up $1600 or risk whatever might result from the noise. And offering loaners like this sure hasn't been the policy I've experienced with other dealers (none of them BMW, though). Not to mention the loaners aren't 6-year-old worn out Chevys... they are nice cars. Which is fair, because their customers like me are leaving behind nice cars.
Anyway, just my 2 cents. Joe Self BMW in Wichita isn't half bad. I liked my purchase experience there too, but this is enough for one email. ;-D
-Colin
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My first driving impression was that throttle response was much quicker at any speed but particularly in the low RPM's. The DSC light was coming up a lot more often at any RPM speed. I would not venture into guessing what the horsepower and torque gains are but suffice to say they are noticeable across the whole RPM band. The sound of the engine when you sink your foot in is absolutely intoxicating - aggressive and with a lot more growl. The only drawback is the whistle at partial throttle. It sounds a lot like the fuel injector at idle speed when you stand on the passenger side outside the car. It also has about the same intensity at its worst. It has a metallic overtone to it like grinding. I hope I will get used to it but during the test drive I kept thinking that there might be something wrong with my wheels/brakes. Overall, I am happy with the mod - the car feels more sporty, it sounds significantly better at full throttle, and it is noticeably quicker. I'll have to see if I can live with the whistle at partial throttle in the next few weeks.
Pre-2000, the first 3 digits also signified origin. Back then, 4US= Spartanburg, NCO= BMW South Africa, WBA= BMW AG (Germany), and WBS= BMW Motorsport. Now the first three digits are WBA.
So if all the Z3s are built in USA, does that mean they all don't qualify as "real" BMWs?
My wife's MY2000 323iA was built in South Africa. I consider it to be a "real" BMW. BMW has been building BMWs in South Africa since the 1960s. BMW only starting building cars in the early 1930s and didn't start building cars again after WW II until about 1952.
My MY1998 540i6 was built in Germany. I don't consider that to mean it is any "more" BMW than any other BMW.
Every time I read the posts about people wanting only cars built in Germany, it makes me wonder if there isn't more than meets the eye about the sentiment.
BTW, this in no way changes the deep love affair I started with my car back in June. The urge to get out and drive is often irrestible. The car is amazing and I love it more every single day. Poetic waxing complete.
Remeber the car is only assembled there. All the engineering, motor & trans are direct from Germany. I have an '01 325ia that was built there and a friend of mine has a 330cia built in Germany. He has had many more small build quality problems than I have. Overall, I think you will find the quality of a 3 series that comes out of the Rosslyn plant to be superior to
that of a 3 series coming out of Germany these days.
See the link below.
http://www.bmw.co.za/Info/News/current/ehighestquality.html
Did you also get the new resonator box with the kit?
It is an even tighter install. It mounts between the AFM and the intake header replacing the existing hose. Like I posted previously Eric sent me one after I first reported my displeasure with the amount of whistle. The resonator box helped reduce the whistle maybe 20-25%. The only problem was the build quality was a little suspect and finally lead to my "Service Engine Soon" idiot light coming on.
Good luck & please give us an update in a month or so with your ongoing impressions.
"So impressed were we by the G35 sedan, in fact, that we decided to measure the new G35 two-door against the BMW 330Ci coupe, a car that has not exactly had to resort to the personals to find suitors. Anyone familiar with the pages of this or any other automotive enthusiasts' magazine knows that the 3-series is the gold standard of entry-luxury sport coupes and sedans. That we would even bother comparing the new G35 with teh 330Ci is an indication of our respect for, and expectations of, Infiniti's newest model... In the real world, which is to say on the road, the G35 had no trouble keeping up with the 330Ci, but the two cars take distinctly different approaches ot the sporty driving experience. The VQ-series V6 has transformed every product Nissan has ever bolted it into, and in its G35 coupe state of tuen, it is certainly one of the best V6 engines in the world. Although it's not a big, bubbling, brawny thing, it does make its presence known, and a most invigorating exhaust note is created as its combusion effluvia exit the rear of the car through twin pipes. compared with the BMW's silky five-speed manual, the Infiniti's six-speed is just as satisfying to use, but it is heavier in the hand and requires more deliberate wrist action. Infiniti wants to maximize the driver's fun, even if it makes him work a little harder for it. Nobody, including Infiniti, has yet matched BMW's ability to marry great handling with an exceptionally smooth ride. Over an undulating Marin County two-lane road, both the 330Ci and the G35 displayed incredible grip and body control, but the BMW did a better job of smoothing out the bumps along the way. Conversely, the G35's steering is better than the 330Ci's, and who thought we'd ever say that about a BMW? The Bavarian cars' steering wheel still provides great feel, but it's a tad on the light side. The G35 requires more steering effort but rewards you with far more feedback and the feeling, if not the reality, of better directional stability... What we know for sure is that the Infiniti is an absolute blast, and it offers a more visceral and aggressive driving experience than the BMW. Overall, the 330Ci is more practical and still a great car, but the G35 is fresh and hot (what, are these muffins? (mine)); it grabs you by the seat of the pants and begs you to drive the hell out of it."
Though I'm completely biased, I'd have to drive a G35 Coupe to really validate or refute what Automobile has written. I wonder if the driving experience is that much better than the BMW, if it's better at all. They also write that the G35 is aesthetically more appealing. Though I do think the rear lights on the G35 Coupe are MUCH better looking than on the sedan, I beg to differ on their comparison to the 330Ci. The E46 Coupe design is one of the most beautiful cars on the road today, IMHO. The G35, though fresh is a bit anemic to me. The slab sides and the incredibly drab front end do nothing for me. The headlights look like a dog's eyes when you pull his ears back too much. It looks too much like the Lexus SC430.
Opinions anyone?
Both these cars are so good, it is really splitting hairs to declare a winner on any kind of objective measure. On subjective measuress, they're radically different - the G35 is a very Japanese sort of car in appearance and feel, while the BMW is very German. Given this, it really is a personal decision on which approach you prefer - this so far overshadows the objective aspects, that they become completely irrelevent. IOW, you can base your decision almost strictly on which one looks better to your eye.
- Mark
For what it's worth, that might be related to your problem.
To me, the title was created with the soul purpose to sell more copies and catch your attention, and there my critisicism.
I like Automobile mag, but some of the articles and this particular title are on the cheese side. Can you say "National Enquirer"
Hopefully, the next issue's headlines would not be " Two headed BMW 3 spotted" or "Infinity's attacked by aliens"
I know they have to sell magazines, but disapprove what they did.
"BMW's Hot Hatch"
"BMW Wins in Formula One"
"Porsche Beater" (This is about the M3 GTR)
How's that for shameless self-promotion
I think the writing in Automobile mag is the most tasteful compared to any other major mag out there. Even C&D.
New to the group, and have a question about my speedometer.
I have a 1993 325i automatic w/110K miles. Sometimes the needle "sticks", "stays at one speed" and "jumps" while I'm driving, and sometimes it just stops working altogether!!
Anyone have an idea of what I can do to fix this
myself?? Or what the problem my be??
Thanks- J
Thank you
On another note, has anyone replaced the tail lights and side signal lights with the clear ones that are now standard on the coupes? I really like their looks. Any idea on cost?
I drove the G35 sedan several times before deciding to get a new 325i. I don't know what Automobile Mag. said about the interior of the two cars. However, if the G35 coupe's interior is similar to the sedan's, there is no comparison. The BMW interior is much nicer and of higher quality.
As far as driving, I was willing to forego the G35's bigger engine in return for what I felt is a better riding, more refined feel of the 3-Series. The 325i is plenty quick for me. In DC traffic I can't go that fast anyway!
1. warm soapy water (dish soap) with sponge, then squeegee dry.
2. normal glass cleaner (windex), scrub, then squeegee dry again.
The two in combination seems to cut most of the crud pretty well.
Speaking of Klasse, has anyone else noticed that it tends to highlight paint swirls? (Otherwise, I'm impressed with the durability and ease of application.) I suppose I need to use a dedicated polish to get rid of the swirls in the clearcoat...
Eric
Regarding the G35 Coupe, I am intrigued by it. Clearly BMW has set the standard for entry-level luxury coupes/sedans, so everything else is striving to beat/match it. I'm sure that in its own right, the G35 Coupe is a remarkable car, which goes to say that the 3 has pushed it to be so.
Does anyone here have experience with an ECIS intake on an E36 (perhaps in combination with a JimC chip)? Does it produce the same whistling as the E46 intake?
Eric
I've been using windex with paper towels thinking that they are more absorbent but I will try using a newspaper next time.
i believe your salesperson was wrong.... according to the bmw website, 325i and 325xi sedans will have the additional rear center headrest "on vehicles ordered in October for vehicles produced after October 1, 2002." that's probably why your car only has two. will be interesting to see if my 325i has two or three - ordered in september, but produced in october.
tracking your bimmer is easy. first, get a production or vin# from your salesperson. then either call bmw (800-831-1117) or log on to the owner's circle (bmwusa.com) to see what stage of the game you're in - the website is maybe a few days behind schedule. If you're car's in transport already, ask bmw for the name of the ship (or trucking co.) and you should be able to track their progress, too.
my car is due in port nov. 11 and from there, i have no idea how long it will take, especially with the west coast dockworker difficulties. i can say that WAITING IS AGONY! anyway, good luck....
Thank you in advance.
KS
FWIW, I got my car two years ago so I'm not sure that this is even still possible.
OK--an on topic item--With the weather turning cold here in the mid-west, I turned the heat on for the first time in my 325xi and was pleased to find that the floor vents are on both sides of your legs, both driver and front passenger which is much more comfortable than any previous car i've had.