Reubencahn - I read in the latest Automobile magazine last night that the Continental ContiSport Contact tires that my 325i came with are also standard on the new Jaguar X Sport, which is designed to compete with the 3-series. I'm guessing that these are not the absolute best performance tires but they should offer a good compromise between performance and comfort/noise level. They are expected to last about 25-30K miles and at that point I'm definitely planning on getting Dunlop SP8080s. I've been reading only good reviews and driver feedback about them. There's a BMW 540i down on our building's garage that has these in 275 width (rears) and 35 ratio - that's something to stare at.
I'm glad to hear you like them - that means a lot coming from a 19" rims buff! IMO, they look less busy than the M3's rims and they should be a lot easier to clean too.
It seems that your dealer offered you some pretty interesting security options - mine hasn't mentioned anything about these. I don't know if it's just me (I drive about 20-25K miles average every year) but I've had to replace my windshield almost every year because of stars that I've been getting from chips and stones on the highway. I'm extremely careful around those maintenance trucks that throw salt on the highway during the winter; I typically get stars from 18-wheelers on dry roads so I'd be a little hesitant to get etched glass.
One thing I forgot to mention from my trip to the dealer over the weekend is the armrest. Unlike the A4 for example, the 3-series doesn't allow you to push the armrest far enough all the way back and get it out of your way. I was not comfortable switching gears with the armrest even when pushed all the way back, as I kept hitting my elbow against it. I'm 6'1 and for taller drivers, I suspect it would be even more inconvenient. To give BMW credit, though, the armrest is positioned lower than most cars I've seen and it is relatively convenient when in use, esp. with an auto tranny. For manual shifting, though, and esp. spirited driving, it would be a total drag, IMO.
Good point about the windshield getting chipped with the etched glass. I have a little "star" already from a highway trip. Good thing that it's on the passenger side and low on the glass, a few inches above the wiper. I'll send you pictures of the 19" rims once I learn how to import them from my digital camera. You would think that the 19's look "ghetto" but they are not chrome and they look more sporty than flashy. I like the way they fill in the wheel wells flush with the body panels so they don't stick out and look silly. Plus they are almost the same diameter as the 16's, more wheel, less tire, just like your 17's )
phenagar - I can confirm that I've heard the same thing is errickson1, i.e. you can lock-in the 5.9% rate for 60 days after you place the order. And yes, that expired yesterday. If you've placed an order on or before yesterday's deadline and your car arrives within 60 days, you will get 5.9%. After 60 days, you would get the prevailing interest rate. As it stands, that would be 8.9% through BMW FS. It's OK, the turnaround time seems to be 7 weeks or less; maybe an extra 1-2 weeks if your car is coming from S.A but still below 60 days. You should be able to arrange the financing part with your dealer right on the 60-th day since you ordered the car even if your car will not be at dealership for another couple of days or so.
alpine325 - Sounds great! I am really curious to see the pictures. I'm glad you didn't get the extra chromes - those would look too much like a dealer's car and I don't mean car dealer. Same with matted alloys - I'm not a big fan of those for the same reasons, so it seems that you hit the right combo.
The following information is from the Owners Manual for the 330i that I got online from BMW. It is on pages 132 and 133. This is available in downloadable PDF format from the Owners Circle.
On page 133, it appears that all the "approved" wheel and tire specifications on the 330i are all 17" wheels only. Furthermore, if you need to use chains, prohibits chain use if you have wheels greater than 7" in width (i.e. SP wheels). The standard wheels are 7Jx17" with 205 50R/17 tires.
I hope this helps. I can e-mail you the file if you wish. uge123@yahoo.com
Juan Montoya kicked some serious a** and placed second, right after R. Schumacher's first win for the BMW-Williams team not long ago! Montoya is incredible, he's only had a few races in F-1 so far and he's already made a name for himself and BMW-Williams!!! Soon enough, I think BMW will be challenging McLaren-Mercedes and Ferrari for the top spot. What a sorry race loser MB is turning out to be - Audi got the top 3 spots in a historic win of last year's Le Mans series and BMW is breathing down their neck in their only second F-1 season. Way to go!
I ordered my 325i in 3/5 for the 3/10 production. Finally, I got the car last Saturday from the dealer in San Antonio, Texas. One thing I notice is that the engine is quite rough when it's running above 3000rpm (of course, I keep it down below 4500rpm since it's in break-in period). Is this normal? will it quite down later after the break-in? Other than that, it's an awesome car. I also notice that the steering is much tighter than the 2001 I tested drive back in January/February. The steering tightness is similar to the 1999/2000 model. Maybe it's a new car and will lose a bit later, I don't know. I like the tighter steering, feels much better.
From what I remember, the 325 is very quiet below 3000 rpms. Once you push it above that, it has that constant hum that reminds you it's capable of miracles. I love the sound of it!!! I hope that's what you're hearing.
So far I have 4000 miles on my car. I notice a difference in smoother and qiucker acceleration and smoother steering compared to the first month that I drove it. The car seems to be broken in now, and there is definitely a feeling of "oneness" with the car. In that I mean the car feels like all of the moving parts are working together in a "dance" with themselves, real smooth and a more connected feeling with the car, in other words, no slight feeling of tightness or harshness with the car compared to when I first bought It. The beautifull sound of that engine at 3000 RPM is one of the major factors why I bought the car )
Interesting - you are confirming that your car is performing better now with 4,000 miles on it. Most long-term automotive tests that I've read on the 3-series actually claim that a 3-series with about 30-40K miles on it is smoother, quicker (by about 2/10 sec 0 to 60), has better g road grip and stops faster than a new one. You've probably seen those ads for used BMWs that claim used BMW's outperform most other new cars. It seems to be very true. I guess that may explain why the 3-series is holding up its resale value so well. That and the build quality and desirability of course.
I'm a patient man but the wait till Friday is beginning to eat me up.
Greetings...In response to your seeking a good dealer in L.A., I've researched just about all of them. There are 2 or 3 that do pretty well, but if things go as they are supposed to for me this week, I'll give you a great contact. I just don't want to refer until I see on paper what I believe the deal to be for me. That way you'll be more secure as well...
How was your purchasing experience with The BMW Center? I am in San Antonio, but I ended up purchasing from Fred Brown in Bryan/College Station. I was very turned-off by the sales departement at the BMW Center. However, I have had good experiences with the service department.
Despite following the leads from some of posts here who got great deals (e.g. $1,500 over invoice), the best deal I can come up with is $2,000. The worst part is that there isn't even enough allocations that are available to the dealers. The dealer I talked to (thanks Drew) said he's out of the May allocations and so if I were to order today, I'll have to get the June build and I probably won't get my car until August. I don't think I can be so patient!!! If anyone who knows a dealer in NJ area who can have a car sooner, please post. Thanks.
Wow, what a dedicated grouop of automobile lovers! I have been trying to read everything posted, but I can never keep up. It has been very educational. Now, I'd like to get some feedback from everyone's experience and expertise. I just placed an order for a 2001 BMW 325Ci w/ SP, Xenon, Leather, Moonroof, CD, HK, and metallic paint--OTD price, $34,633. It's slated to arrive for pickup in July, but I'm having second thoughts about the car. I have read many posts about build quality issues w/ the E46. People have written that they've also had bad dealer/service experiences. I also hear feedback that there's nothing quite like driving a BMW--all the car magazines seem to think so, as well. I'm wondering:
1) if I should wait for the 2002 E46 (will it be appreciably better?) 2) if I should spend the money instead on a used 540i sport w/ about 50K miles on it? 3) if I should buy the 2002 Audi A4?
Any feedback would be very helpful. Yes, I'll lose $500 if I change my mind, but I want to make the right choice.
Impressive options list, I really like the emphasis on sport!! I hope you're getting the manual with these options - it'd be a sin not to. What color and interior and you getting? I'd only recommend the heated seats if you live in an area with cold winters.
Second thoughts? Are you kidding me? No comment here, not worth it.
1) if I should wait for the 2002 E46 (will it be appreciably better?) Don't wait. It's great as it is - it's not a fashion contest and I wouldn't care about cosmetic changes. You'd be hard-pressed to find a good deal on the '02 models and then you know the MY2002 models are going to be $1,000 cheaper. Again. So draw the line here and stick with the plan. 2) if I should spend the money instead on a used 540i sport w/ about 50K miles on it? 325ci plenty good already - no need for the 540i. Dunno what're driving right now but it'll be a little like jumping from the stone age directly into modern capitalism. 3) if I should buy the 2002 Audi A4? It should be a great car but the Audi will never be the driver's car and benchmark that the 3-series is. It takes a RWD for that.
BTW, are you the same poster as the one from the bimmer.org board?
I have the same dilemma. I think I'm gonna pass on them. I figure if I need the lights on, I'll just put them on myself. I like being able to choose. Curious to find out what other board members think.
I've put approximately 2500 miles on my 330i since picking it up on 3/23 and figured I'd update everyone on my first 5 weeks of ownership. In a word, "WOW". What a machine! Knock on wood (myrtle wood, if you got the premium package), but I've had absolutely zero problems and have been nothing but utterly thrilled every second I'm behind the wheel. It's fabulous in everyday commuting, and absolutely begs to be driven fast when an open road presents itself. The engine sound is hypnotic and visceral, the interior is gorgeous and the ergonomics are perfectly intuitive. Granted, the stereo isn't great, but I think it's a lot better than some are indicating. It certainly doesn't pain me to listen to it and I think it actually does rather well with certain types of music. I've already washed the thing 3 times and feel that I'm definitely crossing the line into "obsession country." My wife is jealous, let's just leave it at that. I'm still wondering what to do about the steering. My steering feels fine to me, but I haven't driven a '99 or '00 model to compare it with, and am not even sure my car hasn't already been fitted with the modification because it feels pretty heavy to me. Certainly doesn't drive like a Lincoln or anything. I'll have to decide this week, or BMW will close my file. While not overly accommodating when it comes to storage space, the trunk is more than adequate, the armrest holds my garage door opener perfectly, and the cup holders are perfectly engineered for gripping my grande caramel machiato.
For anyone thinking of getting this car, don't think twice. Beautiful machine that will absolutely "wow" you every time you're lucky enough to have the opportunity of driving somewhere. I only wish I'd been able to get the sport package. Because I have a very steep driveway at home, I couldn't afford to lower the clearance by even 1/2 inch. But damn if the M3 wheels and wider wheels don't look nice!
wong911: I've put about 800 miles on my car and I notice that the engine has become even more sonorous. Don't worry about it, if you read most reviews about BMWs, one common thing that they always say is that they like the sonorous engine!
ds2k1: Nice update. The thing that you truly miss, IMO, are the sport seats. They are the best option on my car bar none. I mean the Xenons are nice, the sunroof is OK, the HK is sufficient, but the sports seats are a must-get, IMO. They are marvellous for long trips and keep you in place during tight cornering. If I were to start all over and could only afford one option, no doubt without even think twice I'd go with the seats. Hey, at least you still get to experience the ultimate driving machine....:)
It put a big smile on my face and I still have it as I'm writing this. You sound really happy. Well, if you are happy with the steering, don't change a thing. It's all a matter of personal preference. If you are still unsure and have the time for it, ask your dealer to let you take out an older 3-series for a 5 min drive and see if you like it better. Good luck! P.s I didn't know that grande caramel machiato was popular both with doctors and with lawyers :O)
Anyone bot a car from those guys? I'm thinking of buying a 325i. They have a good selection on the lot, Please let me know what kind of deal (how much over incoice) you got, how is the service department.
Let me know what other good BMW dealers are there in Houston.
I called my dealer today and he told me that I had a 60 day lock in on my financing which started the day they changed the rate not from the day I ordered the car. Boy did that make me happy. My 325i was built in Germany the beginning of April and is still at the dock. Oh well, It will be worth the wait. Thanks to all for the information. BTW, I got my car from Flow BMW in NC. My sales person was Byron McDonald. They have been wonderful to deal with. I would recommend them to anyone in the area.
I am picking up my 325 on Friday & can't wait. However I am still curious about what to do about the alarm?? Should I even bother getting it? The dealer is not even pushing it on me - so it makes me wonder. Has anyone decided to go without it? Any other advice for pick-up day??
Thanks for the informative reply. Yes, I've posted on bimmer.org a couple of times under the same name. Regarding my 325Ci purchase. I think I'm just hesitant to take the plunge (though I've already stepped onto the diving board by making the deposit and placing the order). This will be my first performance car. I've had two Honda Accords (mostly for practical and financial reasons--definitely not for the power or driving experience!). I wanted a no-nonsense driving machine under $35K. Really, the only choice was the 325Ci. If I'm not mistaken, you just received your 325i recently. How do you like it and what options did you get? I spoke w/ my salesperson regarding the light steering, and she said that this was not the case with the 325. You wrote that it did feel light--what's the deal here? Is she talking bogus/malarkey? Also, have you encountered any build quality issues (rattles, clunking from rear due to shifting, etc.)?
Similarly to titaniumsil325 above, I'm picking mine on Friday. I went in for a sneak preview over the weekend and also to take care of some paperwork in advance. I'm getting a 325i manual - Orient/black vinyl with SP, moonroof, heated seats, xenons, on-board computer, CD and HK. I obviously cannot comment on the ownership experience yet but I can say that this is one solid, serious piece of machinery that defines the benchmark in this class. I don't think there's any other market segment dominated so strongly by one vehicle. You must be comfortable with the purchase, though, I think that's very important. As far as the steering, I had mentioned in my post that I am very disappointed with the fact that it seems very light for my taste. Again, I'll know better after I take delivery of the car but keep in mind that most people are perfectly happy with the steering. You still get all the precision in the world but the lighter steering would not allow you to feel the road as well as the older 3-series. To put it in perspective, it is still great compared to other cars but not as good as the E36, IMO. I am confident that BMWNA will offer retrofits to every single owner that wants it. It's good PR and it's not all that expensive for them - so far, less than 3% of all owners have requested a retrofit. I wouldn't be surprised if BMW continues with its lighter steering in the future in order to gain market share and offers the heavier steering as a separate option to keep its enthusiasts happy. Well, good luck, I hope you stay the course.
Hi guys, Just got in from my daily late night cruise on the Blue Route [I-476], which is only blocks away from my house and has alot of cool curves. I consider it my little Autobahn, anyway, I'm addicted to the Sport Mode, and when the car is warmed up, man o man!, just like butta! 80 MPH at 3000 RPM, 100 MPH at 3500 RPM. I usually keep a constant speed between 60 and 70, but on a night like tonight when the air is cold and dense, It's hard not to speed once in a while. I especially like the way It runs at 70 MPH, good cruising speed without pushing the little 2.5 motor too much. I use the sport mode alot now, even in 35-40 MPH zones, because I like the way the RPM's slow the car down with less braking )
I can't wait to get mine. Yeah, engine braking is great - I rarely use the brakes. You won't believe it, I have 95K miles on my Jetta VR6 and it's still with the original front brakes and holding up well. The cool thing about downshifting is that it gives you a huge leverage over the car - you can stop faster if you need to, or you can accelerate faster too - all from the same higher rpm point. Are you serious - 3,500 rpms at 100 mph ONLY? My VR6's 2.8 ltr engine would be around 4,300 rpms at that speed. Cool, I like that. It sounds like the top gears are pretty long on the 325. There's gotta be something about Spring weather - almost everyone was going at steady 95 mph on my way home tonight.
wmoliver: Yes, I've had lots of those. My 2000 323 is a quality control nightmare. It has not left me stranded and I love the zen handling of the sport package but I also know all the service guys on a first name basis.
The windows are the biggest culprit of squeeks and rattles. I've had mechanisms in the doors adjusted/replaced 4 times and they are rattling again. Seals around the doors seem to have to be replaced anually. Careful they don't leak. Check floor behind driver/passenger seat. I've had puddles. It's been in 3 times for that.
Lotsa other problems but they are not rattle related.
Can't wait to trade this high maintenance Bavarian princess in on an Acura TL-S.
Yeah, I hear ya, The Spring weather has everyone buzzing! 3500 rpm's is what I saw at 100 mph in "Sport Mode". I have the Steptronic Auto Trans. The Sport Mode has 4 gears that are "taller" and the auto shift points are at 3000 rpm's, unless you put the hammer down, then it will go to around 6000 or something. The 4th gear is the tallest, so maybe that's why the rpm's seem to be low at 100 mph. The standard auto drive has 5 gears and shifts at 2500 rpm's which is ok for sunday mornings and whenever I feel mellow. I hardly ever use the manual mode because there is a major delay between shifts that I don't like. It doesn't come close to a manual at all! Silly little gimmick. You mentioned in previous posts that you race really fast Go-Karts, That must be awesome! Those things look like they're flyin'. The handling must be a rush! I heard somewhere that alot of the professional CART and F1 racers come from the Go-Kart leagues. I have 5 different F1 racing games for the Playstation thing and they really get my adrenaline pumping! I can't even imagine what the G force and the negative downforce [is that what you call it?] is like in real life, as Johnny Carson would say "Wild stuff, I did not know this" )
When I ordered my 325i I did decided not to get the alarm. After speaking with my insurance agent I realized having the alarm added would lower the cost on my insurance. Needless to say I had it added. It will take less than one year for the lower premium to cover the cost of the alarm. Check with your insurance. I would have to agree with a few others posts that the sport seats are the best option. I love them. Then again now that the weather is getting warmer the moonroof is a close second.
Stopped by Momentum on 59 a couple of weeks ago with the wife and kid. Big dealership with a very good selection to choose from. They were also VERY busy. My wife and kid were checking out the leg room in one 325 on the show room. A sales person RUSHED over and asked them to "BE VERY CAREFUL... this vehicle has been sold" They were SITTING in the back seat for crying out loud, not fingerprinting!!! They were cordial, but did not act like they needed my business. Felt like they didn't need to move much on price.
Also went to Advantage. Another big dealership with good selection. Offered to sell a vehicle for $1500 over invoice. Great deal, but all the Houston (big city) dealers must add a $500 to $600 advertising (MAC / DIG)fee. It is not negotiable.
Which led me to Moss Motors in Lafayette, Louisiana (3.5 to 4 hour drive). This dealership does not have the MAC fee, and they agreed to sell me a 325 for $1500 over invoice. In addition, the interest rate was lower than in Houston. My sales person is Richard Ford. A couple of other frequent posters to this board have also recently purchased from him, and appear to be pleased with the transaction.
I hope all of this info helps. I scoured high and low for about a month before committing to a dealership, so feel free to ask me any more questions. (errickson@juno.com) AS I would encourage you to follow the "Rizzo" method (explained on www.e46fanatics.com) It works!
You are right, I'd mentioned that I race go-karts as part of a racing league. They are not fast - top speed is only about 40-42 mph. But it feels like you are going much faster in an open wheel and sitting 1/2 inch from the floor. The handling is a total rush! It has helped me become a much better driver because you get a better feel for grip and esp. finding the perfect line through a turn. I've always been a sucker for racing - I remember when I was a kid, the only time I'd get up early is if there was an F-1 race that morning. For me, it's just a hobby but a very fulfilling one. Driving schools are very different. Competition racing is the real rush - when you feel the guy behind you breathing down you neck, giving you a little push on the bumper. You know he'll spin you if you brake too early in the turn and he'll take the inside if you brake too late and enter the turn too fast. Passing another driver with a beautiful maneuver can be downright exhilarating. All this racing stuff makes you more alert and confident on public roads too. I think you are right that a lot of great racing drivers have started with go-karts. There are actually a lot of semi-pro guys in our leagues that come and race go-karts to stay sharp and save money too - it's the cheapest form of racing. Oh, my favorite racing game by a long shot is the Grand Prix - this comes VERY close to reality in simulation mode and I have not gotten tired of it after all these years.
BTW, these trolls on the board crack me up. Bimmer.org and edmunds.com is a little like MTV and VH1. If you're under 25, you stay with MTV/bimmer.org; if you are over 25, go with VH1/edmunds.com. Would a 16-year old know and care about Led Zeppelin's story these days? I can tell by some of these trolls' writing that they've never even come near a BMW, let alone drive it. It's amazing they can compile a post w/o a single word of their own. Luckily, they get bored with the maturity of this board and move on to other boards where they can get excited more easily.
The San Antonio dealer has been treating me very good so far. I'm actually from Austin. John Roberts in Austin has attitude, so I brought their business to San Antonio. The deal I got was $2000 above invoice (march production) and free floor mats. No advertisement fee. Not the best deal, but not too bad.
The San Antonio dealer also loaned me (free) 2001 325i bimmer for more than three weeks while waiting for my car to arrive. Just got it last saturday.
The service has been excellent and I would recommend this dealership. The salesman is superb. For some reasons, buyers from San Antonio don't agree. Maybe they treat the out of towners differently.
Great choice of colors and options. To answer your earlier questions: Manual transmission, no question about it. Though I'm sure many people prefer the automatic for convenience, I never thought twice about gettting the manual, esp. w/ this kind of car. The shifter is in one word, SWEET. I chose Steel Gray Metallic w/ Black leather. I just wanted it "stealth." Nothing that screams, "Hey Pig, give me a ticket!!" I like your color scheme, as well. I've thought about getting blue, but my last car was that color. I'm totally envious that you're getting yours Friday. This wait is like Chinese water torture (drip after painful drip), and I don't even have a production date yet! ARRGHHH!!!
I'm already surfing through the Circlebmw page to see what I can add to my car. I'll probably hold back for now and just order the trunk liner, cargo net, all-weather mats, alarm, car cover, and clear taillights (if you can call that holding back).
In regard to your upcoming UNION (and as far as the steering is concerned), I would love to find out what you think once you've taken hold of the machine. I'm sure you'll post everything---can't wait to read it!!
An article said you should not warm up the car. Because during idling, there aren't enought oil pumped up to the moving parts and this causes lots of wear. They suggest driving moderately until youur engine warms up. Which is exactly the same as the bmw manual. i don't warm up my grnd cherokee now, i just turn it on and drive it. Seems much better that way!
Great choice of colors and options. To answer your earlier questions: Manual transmission, no question about it. Though I'm sure many people prefer the automatic for convenience, I never thought twice about gettting the manual, esp. w/ this kind of car. The shifter is in one word, SWEET. I chose Steel Gray Metallic w/ Black leather. I just wanted it "stealth." Nothing that screams, "Hey Pig, give me a ticket!!" I like your color scheme, as well. I've thought about getting blue, but my last car was that color. I'm totally envious that you're getting yours Friday. This wait is like Chinese water torture (drip after painful drip), and I don't even have a production date yet! ARRGHHH!!!
I'm already surfing through the Circlebmw page to see what I can add to my car. I'll probably hold back for now and just order the trunk liner, cargo net, all-weather mats, alarm, car cover, and clear taillights (if you can call that holding back).
In regard to your upcoming UNION (and as far as the steering is concerned), I would love to find out what you think once you've taken hold of the machine. I'm sure you'll post everything---can't wait to read it!!
I race at F1Boston (f1boston.com). The annual racing license is $40 - it is very similar to my Mass DL and looks pretty cool. You need to be 18+ to race on the tracks (no trolls there). My league is $360, which includes 6 events. Every event is 3 rounds of 20 laps each. A lap is only about 20 seconds and the 2 tracks that we race on are Monaco GP style. One of them even has the 180 degree hairpin and a corkscrew tunnel - really cool! So you figure it's 60 laps (3x20) an event, which is $360/60 = $60 an event, or about a buck a lap. Not exactly cheap by most people's standards but definitely the cheapest form of racing that comes remotely close to the real stuff. If 60 laps at 20 secs each doesn't sound like a lot of racing, think again. Most of my body and esp. back is sore for at least 3-4 days after every one of these events. The steering is so heavy and you are flying around on tight curves at almost a constant 40 mph most of the time, so by the end of a 20-lap round my biceps are almost about to give in. And I'm no small guy - 6'1 and 205 lbs. Like I said, this is strictly a hobby and I'm not even great at all compared to the other drivers but it puts a smile on my face for hours after the race regardless of my placement. So try f1boston.com - you can even call them and ask them if they are planning on a new facility any other place in the country. They opened up near Boston here just last June.
wong911 - There is a lot of misconceptions with engine warm-ups. In short, be ready to drive off a couple of seconds after you've started the car. Go slow and take it easy on the gas till the temp. needle is at least halfway to normal operating temperature. The motor oil on the bottom of the pan needs to warm up before it becomes more liquid and flows around the engine parts more easily. Engines get worn out mostly during those couple of minutes before the oil warms up. It also wears out a lot at idle speed because the 4-cycle combustion process works inefficiently when the engine is idled. Even in the coldest weather, I try to get going as soon as I start the engine. I keep the rpms low (below 2,000) till the engine warms up and then I rarely look back below 2,000 rpms. The worst thing I've seen people do to their cars is rev the engine after they start it to warm it up faster. Those engines rarely last a long time.
Comments
It seems that your dealer offered you some pretty interesting security options - mine hasn't mentioned anything about these. I don't know if it's just me (I drive about 20-25K miles average every year) but I've had to replace my windshield almost every year because of stars that I've been getting from chips and stones on the highway. I'm extremely careful around those maintenance trucks that throw salt on the highway during the winter; I typically get stars from 18-wheelers on dry roads so I'd be a little hesitant to get etched glass.
The following information is from the Owners Manual for the 330i that I got online from BMW. It is on pages 132 and 133. This is available in downloadable PDF format from the Owners Circle.
On page 133, it appears that all the "approved" wheel and tire specifications on the 330i are all 17" wheels only. Furthermore, if you need to use chains, prohibits chain use if you have wheels greater than 7" in width (i.e. SP wheels). The standard wheels are 7Jx17" with 205 50R/17 tires.
I hope this helps. I can e-mail you the file if you wish. uge123@yahoo.com
http://www.cobizmag.com/issues/feb2001/pages/wheels/wheels02_19_01.cfm
Finally, I got the car last Saturday from the dealer in San Antonio, Texas.
One thing I notice is that the engine is quite rough when it's running above 3000rpm (of course, I keep it down below 4500rpm since it's in break-in period).
Is this normal? will it quite down later after the break-in?
Other than that, it's an awesome car.
I also notice that the steering is much tighter than the 2001 I tested drive back in January/February. The steering tightness is similar to the 1999/2000 model.
Maybe it's a new car and will lose a bit later, I don't know.
I like the tighter steering, feels much better.
Thanks for all the inputs/comments.
I'm a patient man but the wait till Friday is beginning to eat me up.
If you would prefer to send a private message: edgar_newt@yahoo.com
How was your purchasing experience with The BMW Center? I am in San Antonio, but I ended up purchasing from Fred Brown in Bryan/College Station. I was very turned-off by the sales departement at the BMW Center. However, I have had good experiences with the service department.
Just curious about your experience...
1) if I should wait for the 2002 E46 (will it be appreciably better?)
2) if I should spend the money instead on a used 540i sport w/ about 50K miles on it?
3) if I should buy the 2002 Audi A4?
Any feedback would be very helpful. Yes, I'll lose $500 if I change my mind, but I want to make the right choice.
Second thoughts? Are you kidding me? No comment here, not worth it.
1) if I should wait for the 2002 E46 (will it be appreciably better?)
Don't wait. It's great as it is - it's not a fashion contest and I wouldn't care about cosmetic changes. You'd be hard-pressed to find a good deal on the '02 models and then you know the MY2002 models are going to be $1,000 cheaper. Again. So draw the line here and stick with the plan.
2) if I should spend the money instead on a used 540i sport w/ about 50K miles on it?
325ci plenty good already - no need for the 540i. Dunno what're driving right now but it'll be a little like jumping from the stone age directly into modern capitalism.
3) if I should buy the 2002 Audi A4?
It should be a great car but the Audi will never be the driver's car and benchmark that the 3-series is. It takes a RWD for that.
BTW, are you the same poster as the one from the bimmer.org board?
For anyone thinking of getting this car, don't think twice. Beautiful machine that will absolutely "wow" you every time you're lucky enough to have the opportunity of driving somewhere. I only wish I'd been able to get the sport package. Because I have a very steep driveway at home, I couldn't afford to lower the clearance by even 1/2 inch. But damn if the M3 wheels and wider wheels don't look nice!
Happy driving.
I've put about 800 miles on my car and I notice that the engine has become even more sonorous. Don't worry about it, if you read most reviews about BMWs, one common thing that they always say is that they like the sonorous engine!
ds2k1:
Nice update. The thing that you truly miss, IMO, are the sport seats. They are the best option on my car bar none. I mean the Xenons are nice, the sunroof is OK, the HK is sufficient, but the sports seats are a must-get, IMO. They are marvellous for long trips and keep you in place during tight cornering. If I were to start all over and could only afford one option, no doubt without even think twice I'd go with the seats. Hey, at least you still get to experience the ultimate driving machine....:)
WONG911 AND JINGLEJILL . MORITZ IN ARLINGTON IS PRETTY GOOD AND GIVE BMW LOANERS INSTEAD OF FORD CONTOUR LIKE CLASSIC AND JOHN ROBERTS.
REGARDS DL
P.s I didn't know that grande caramel machiato was popular both with doctors and with lawyers :O)
Let me know what other good BMW dealers are there in Houston.
Similarly to titaniumsil325 above, I'm picking mine on Friday. I went in for a sneak preview over the weekend and also to take care of some paperwork in advance. I'm getting a 325i manual - Orient/black vinyl with SP, moonroof, heated seats, xenons, on-board computer, CD and HK. I obviously cannot comment on the ownership experience yet but I can say that this is one solid, serious piece of machinery that defines the benchmark in this class. I don't think there's any other market segment dominated so strongly by one vehicle. You must be comfortable with the purchase, though, I think that's very important. As far as the steering, I had mentioned in my post that I am very disappointed with the fact that it seems very light for my taste. Again, I'll know better after I take delivery of the car but keep in mind that most people are perfectly happy with the steering. You still get all the precision in the world but the lighter steering would not allow you to feel the road as well as the older 3-series. To put it in perspective, it is still great compared to other cars but not as good as the E36, IMO. I am confident that BMWNA will offer retrofits to every single owner that wants it. It's good PR and it's not all that expensive for them - so far, less than 3% of all owners have requested a retrofit. I wouldn't be surprised if BMW continues with its lighter steering in the future in order to gain market share and offers the heavier steering as a separate option to keep its enthusiasts happy. Well, good luck, I hope you stay the course.
There's gotta be something about Spring weather - almost everyone was going at steady 95 mph on my way home tonight.
The windows are the biggest culprit of squeeks and rattles. I've had mechanisms in the doors adjusted/replaced 4 times and they are rattling again. Seals around the doors seem to have to be replaced anually. Careful they don't leak. Check floor behind driver/passenger seat. I've had puddles. It's been in 3 times for that.
Lotsa other problems but they are not rattle related.
Can't wait to trade this high maintenance Bavarian princess in on an Acura TL-S.
I would have to agree with a few others posts that the sport seats are the best option. I love them. Then again now that the weather is getting warmer the moonroof is a close second.
Also went to Advantage. Another big dealership with good selection. Offered to sell a vehicle for $1500 over invoice. Great deal, but all the Houston (big city) dealers must add a $500 to $600 advertising (MAC / DIG)fee. It is not negotiable.
Which led me to Moss Motors in Lafayette, Louisiana (3.5 to 4 hour drive). This dealership does not have the MAC fee, and they agreed to sell me a 325 for $1500 over invoice. In addition, the interest rate was lower than in Houston. My sales person is Richard Ford. A couple of other frequent posters to this board have also recently purchased from him, and appear to be pleased with the transaction.
I hope all of this info helps. I scoured high and low for about a month before committing to a dealership, so feel free to ask me any more questions. (errickson@juno.com) AS I would encourage you to follow the "Rizzo" method (explained on www.e46fanatics.com) It works!
BTW, these trolls on the board crack me up. Bimmer.org and edmunds.com is a little like MTV and VH1. If you're under 25, you stay with MTV/bimmer.org; if you are over 25, go with VH1/edmunds.com. Would a 16-year old know and care about Led Zeppelin's story these days? I can tell by some of these trolls' writing that they've never even come near a BMW, let alone drive it. It's amazing they can compile a post w/o a single word of their own. Luckily, they get bored with the maturity of this board and move on to other boards where they can get excited more easily.
What I meant by "rough" is the humming sound of the engine when it is pushed.
I hope this is normal.
One other question, does the engine need to be warmed up (ie. in the morning) before driving? The manual says no, but I heard yes from other sources.
Thanks again. I'm trying to develop a good habit.
The deal I got was $2000 above invoice (march production) and free floor mats. No advertisement fee. Not the best deal, but not too bad.
The San Antonio dealer also loaned me (free) 2001 325i bimmer for more than three weeks while waiting for my car to arrive. Just got it last saturday.
The service has been excellent and I would recommend this dealership. The salesman is superb. For some reasons, buyers from San Antonio don't agree. Maybe they treat the out of towners differently.
Cheers
I'm already surfing through the Circlebmw page to see what I can add to my car. I'll probably hold back for now and just order the trunk liner, cargo net, all-weather mats, alarm, car cover, and clear taillights (if you can call that holding back).
In regard to your upcoming UNION (and as far as the steering is concerned), I would love to find out what you think once you've taken hold of the machine. I'm sure you'll post everything---can't wait to read it!!
I'm already surfing through the Circlebmw page to see what I can add to my car. I'll probably hold back for now and just order the trunk liner, cargo net, all-weather mats, alarm, car cover, and clear taillights (if you can call that holding back).
In regard to your upcoming UNION (and as far as the steering is concerned), I would love to find out what you think once you've taken hold of the machine. I'm sure you'll post everything---can't wait to read it!!