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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!!