BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

jbalser

I am deciding whether to look into purchasing a 325i or S60. I recently drove the S60 as a rental car while my Accord was in the shop, and found it to be a wonderful ride. The 325i is going for around $35 with comparable options to the S60's $30K. Any suggestions on which road to travel here?

brave1heart

jbalser - my 325i is less than $31.5K and it comes with a sport package, moonroof, heated seats, xenons, on-board computer, CD and HK. Also, free mats, paperwork processing fee, and 5.9% financing. Expected residual after 5 years is about 50% - probably higher than any other car. The 3-series is one of those cars that you'll keep staring at every time they pass you by and you'll regret not getting it. Just read the last 100 msgs or so on this board and you'll know what I mean. Good luck.

thedeepdarkblu

Though I don't have my 325Ci yet (July), I've driven both cars. Volvo is definitely making better cars these days (no more Kenmore on wheels), but if you want pure driving pleasure (and you can't afford a Ferrari), go with the BMW. Volvo's, though they have good punch, are still aesthetically antiseptic in my opinion. Yes, the flowing lines of the S60/S80 are a marked improvement from the older models, the BMW still has the upper hand--more sporting than the Volvos and much more aggressive (I think the rear lights on the Volvo S60/S80 make the car look "worried."). For downright "driveability" you must go with the Bimmer. We all here are very biased, of course, but look at every other car mag and you'll see that BMW always comes out on top. The Volvo is a GREAT car that gets good reviews, but I think the difference you'll feel is the difference between "happy" and "burstin' at the seams."

shipo

Braveheart:

ARMREST: When I bought my 328i a couple of years ago, I test drove a 5-Series with a manual transmission as well as the 3er. In the 5, I found that my elbow would always hit the armrest on the 1-3 or 3-2 shifts. During the test drive, I missed second three times, arrrrrghhh, how embarrassing. In the 328i, at least for 1999, BMW has cut a notch out of the left leading edge of the armrest to allow my elbow to clear while shifting. Given that I have never learned to drive and automatic ;-), only cars equipped with a proper transmission need apply. The problem is that I tote customers around in the back seat fairly often, the 5 would have fit said customers' fannies better than the 3, the armrest turned out to be the deciding factor for me.

DRL's: While this has no bearing on what you or anybody else may choose to do, I live about a half of a mile from BMW's NA headquarters. Needless to say, E46s are more common around here than Camrys and the like. In an un-scientific study, I would say that less than 10% of E46s around here have the DRL's activated. Mine are not either, but that is another story.

BREAK IN: I now have 25,000 miles on my 328i, and there is no question that the mill up front is far smoother than it was new or even with 10,000 miles, and I was far from complaining then.

Thedeepdarkblu:

RELIABILITY: As I just mentioned, my E46 has 25,000 miles on the clock. So far, my car has suffered two unscheduled failures. On taillight on each side burned out. I can live with that.

Tcn2k:

LOW IDLE: To illustrate the point about how damaging sustained idling can be for your engine, consider this:
In 1996, I worked for Mercedes-Benz North America (MBNA). While there, I noticed a very official looking limo (MB 560SEL) show up in the shop downstairs from my office on a regular basis. I asked one of the technicians what the story was about the car. He told me that the limo had been sold by MBNA to a certain international organization for $1.00 USD! Said organization then used the limo to tote around their top diplodunk while here in New York. SOP for each trip was for the limo to be started at least 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure, and not to be turned off if what ever trip said diplodink was on was to be less than two hours duration. After returning to base camp, the car was to continue running for at least an additional one half hour, just incase the big cheese wanted to go out and fetch something. Long story short, the limo needed a complete top end overhaul at 20,000 miles! When the heads came off I had to go and take a peek, the damage was astounding. A number of the valves were so carboned up that they could not fully close, as a result, one of them was burned so bad it looked oval!

Wmoliver:
SQEEKS AND RATTLES: With 25,000 miles on my E46, in and around NYC potholes and generally cruddy roads, my car still has no unscheduled squeaks and rattles. None, nada, zero.

Best Regards,
Shipo

carguy5000

Dude, do yourself a favor if you are considering a $30k S60 (which comes with the na 168 hp engine) and compare it to an Accord EX V6. The Accord has more power, is heavier and offers more room than the S60, saving you about $6k. And you don't have to admit that due to a lack of driving skill, you needed to buy a Volvo.
As far as comparing it to a 3-Series, don't be silly.

brave1heart

Enjoyed your informative and fun post. Hey, that's one hell of an armrest they have in the 3-series - it saved you 10 grand over the 5 series. The 10-grand armrest :O) The 3-series is plenty spacious in my book - the E46's wider and longer platform moved it a lot closer to the older 5-series size-wise. I sat in the back and I was very comfortable. At least the tiny trunk didn't go to waste completely - the spacious interior more than makes up for that. As far as reliability, I guess I really lucked out w/ my '97 Jetta VR6. Not a single unscheduled trip to the dealer's till 55K miles. I figure they must've had a great tequila (agave?) crop in Puebla, Mexico that year :O) That Don Julio stuff is absolutely addictive, BTW. At 55K miles I got rear-ended by a pickup going about 40 mph faster than me and it's been downhill since then. I'm sure my 3-series will be reliable too.

brave1heart

I wasn't gonna bring that Volvo image stuff up but I can't help it after reading your post. It's become the Cambridge, Mass joke around here in Boston. Every time you see a Volvo, they gotta have at least a dozen bumper stickers raging from 'Support Gore' to 'Love your mother' and oh, yes, how can you not be a vegetarian and a tree-hugger, you animal-eating tree killer! - LOL!!

jbalser

Carguy5000 - thanks for the advice - already have an Accord EX-V6 in the driveway.

Brave1Heart - what dealer did you get that deal at????? I'm on the west coast...

brave1heart

Any dealer. I'm still paying $2,000 over invoice, which works to $1,300 off MSRP. The 325i is cheaper than most people think, esp. if you get it with manual and also save $1,400 on the leather seats. The leatherette is almost as good. You'd never think a BMW would be good value, right? Think again after you factor in a 50% or so residual after 5 years of responsible ownership with average driving miles. My dealer is BMW Peabody, BTW but like I said, you should be able to do better than this at any dealer. A lot of buyers have been getting $1,500 over invoice. BTW, it's important to keep in mind that the mid-year model is cheaper because some options are now standard. Edmunds.com's numbers have not been updated, go to the bmwusa.com web site and build your own 3-series. Then take about $1,500 off and you'll come up with the number you can get the car for. Again, good luck. Fire off an e-mail if you need more help with the buying process.

firsthawk

I have been driving my 98 323is (Blk/Blk leather) and was very happy. Then I got married (. The wife unit can't drive a stick and wants an automatic and that brought me to the delearships agin...

I had the HK sound system and 6 CD changer in my prev. car. I decided to go with what they give std this time around and a single in dash CD this time around (Hey - the stinking automatic costs an extra 1200 ()

Anyways a couple of questions:
1. Is the steptronic any good?
2. Will I miss my HK sound system? If so can I install an amp and subs on my own?
3. The MSRP came upto 36,635 and the guys final offer was 35,500 - is that about normal - coz I got a much better deal when I bought my first 323...

Thx!

uge123

If you are seriously considering the BMW, then, to broaden your horizon (and to find what kind of ride you really want) consider the Audi A4/S4 as well. The A4 is about the same size as and 325 and handles quite well. (Here I must contradict the other BMW fans here. The A4 has beaten the BMW at least once in comparison tests. To be fair, I believe that was an under $30k test only and the BMW did not have the sport package.)

The A4 rides more smoothly with less road noice than the 325. However, the 325 is still exceedingly comfortable, even with the sports package, and, personally, outhandles the A4. However, the A4 is a less expensive car to buy, but not necesarily own (i.e. that timing belt change will set you FAAAAAAAAR back compared to a timing chain, which is never replaced...although I know somebody who broke his...that's a different story).

I test drove them both, the A4 (avant only) 1.8 and 2.8, the 325iT, and 325i with and without sport packages. (Digging those up to test in Chicago was a nightmare.) I personally thought that the BMW was just more fun to drive, was more controlled, and had a better engine.

I ended up ordering a 325iT steel blue metallic, sand leather, sport package, moonroof, xenons, heated seats. However, if my wife had her way (and she's quite a lead footed driver herself) we would have bought an A4 2.8 Avant. It was close for a while. Hope this helps your decision.

note: if you need more space, consider the Accord (somebody already mentioned this) or the Passat (if you need a wagon, like we did).

uge123

just on an aside, do you want a manual? The S40, S60 have no manual transmissions. Neither does the Accord V6. You have to drop to the 4 cylinder for that. Also, the Passat does not come in manual for the quattro/4motion version. The BMW and Audi both have manual for the AWD versions.

akin66

akin66

Hi people.Great discussion site!I ordered a silver
325i on 3/31 and was told that it would be built in late april i.e with the apparently better suspension.I was told by my salesman to expect delivery in june but now he tells me that it is enroute and will arrive in a week.On the surface that sounds good but am i being shortchanged, by getting the early '01 model?He says it is "98% certain" that i have the new one but he can't tell the exact production day from their records.
Is it possible to tell from your production #
6797964 or otherwise?Any suggestions?
helpp!!!!

tcn2k

anyone know if the 325i has chain or belts?

akin66, what do you mean by better suspension? Is your dealer or sales guy BS'ing you?

holeinone

I do have one question regarding buying process: Is there any regulations regarding the time period within which you can still cancel an order without losing your deposit - even though you initialed the box that says deposit is not refundable? Thanks!

brave1heart

holeinone - I'm sorry, I'm not entirely sure. I've purchased 4 new cars in my life (3 of them ordered) but I've never been asked to initiate that box. If you don't initiate it, you can ask back for your deposit any time before the dealer gets the car on their lot. Even if they do get the car on their lot, they would only want to keep your deposit if the ordered car was a very rare combo and they'll have trouble selling it, esp. in a reasonable amount of time. If you do initiate that box, though, it sounds like you are cutting your legs off LEGALLY. This is the Purchase Order you're talking about, right? Has it been signed by both the dealer and you? The most important thing to keep in mind is that a lot of this business is word of mouth. You can raise hell with BMWNA and on message boards and if they know you'll make their lives miserable, they are not going to risk their reputation for $500. Everything is negotiable. Bottom line is, if you want to pull out, you should be able to with varying degree of difficulties and hassle.

div2

All US BMW engines use timing chains. The last US model to use a belt was the E30 325i back in 1991(1992 for drop tops)

shipo

It seems that we are both former (or soon to be in your case) VR6 drivers. Prior to my 3er, I piloted a 1995 VR6 Passat GLX for 82,000 miles. Mine was not quite as fault free as yours, but nonetheless, it was a GREAT car. In the four years that I drove it, the only time it ever stranded me was when the battery exploded! What a mess, battery juice all over the engine compartment. Have you ever tried to lift out a battery that offed itself while wearing a suit? Not a pretty picture.

As far as the reliability of my current car, I see that I fat fingered my last post. What I was trying to say is that the only two squawks I have had were the two burned out bulbs.

Best Regards,
Shipo

brave1heart

What a sight - I would've killed to see a guy in a suit trying to pick up after battery juice splashed all over the engine compartment. Ooooh, man - at least you can laugh at it now. Well, the common consensus was that the Jetta III VR6 models were more reliable toward the end of their production cycle, as in '97 and '98. I've also heard that reliability has been very spotty in general with the Jetta III; I guess I lucked out. I'd like to be able to say 'Yeah, I took good care of mine' but I know that alone doesn't do it. Yes, it's been a great fun car. I can't wait for the BMW but I'll still miss my VR6 after it's gone.

brave1heart

I know what you mean about stealth acceleration. See, no-one suspects that a little Jetta can run 0 to 60 in 6.9 sec and it's a lot of fun seeing guys in powerful cars try to show me some power. Couple of days ago I had a little rendezvous with a Lexus SC300 - this guy was trying so hard I started laughing at the end and couldn't focus on the road so I had to slow down.
Hey, it sounds like you were on a scientific mission tonight, a fast expedition of a sort. Yeah, 4,500 rpms sound about right. Like I said yesterday, my VR6' 2.8 ltr does about 4,200-4,300 at 100 mph. There is a pretty linear relationship between displacement and rpms, at least with non-turbo engines. If a 2.8 ltr is at 4,300 rpms, you'd expect a 2.5 ltr to be a little higher at the equivalent speed. It's a peppy li'l engine - great flat torque curve for mid-range and good top end for a 2.5 ltr.

marincountygal

Someone earlier wanted to know the best way to price your car + options. Better than Edmunds or BMW is Priceline.com. They list all the options as well as invoice and MSRP. The options are current, but, unfortunately they list old AND new option prices so you need to know which options changed on standard packages after 3/1/01. For instance, TWO premium packages are listed but they each list different different components and prices). Priceline was exactly correct as far as knowing the advertising fee that would be charged in the SF Bay area ($363). I used Priceline to figure out MSRP and invoice and then decided to use the Priceline service (but YOU don't HAVE to), which posts your desired car at your purchase price to dealers in the geographic range you select. I put in my purchase price at $1400 below MSRP (or $1350 over invoice). None bit at that price, but one dealer said they'd order a car w/ my specs for delivery 8 weeks away for $200 higher. I went to my nearerst dealer with the Priceline offer, and within 5 minutes, they matched it, no games, very straightforward and pleasant. Since none of the dealers on Priceline took my offer for a car, I didn't have to pay Priceline's fee, which you only pay if you don't buy a car w/ your exacts specs at the price you want. It's a good way to see what price range you can expect in your area.

TINTING: Anyone have an answer to the other guy's posting about factory applied tints vs. the cheap film stuff? My dealer said they don't do tinting, so I'm not sure of the best alternatives. Thanks.

brave1heart

You got yourself an awesome deal. It's great to know about Priceline for future reference. Impressive: you said at the beginning of the week that you were looking to finalize this by the end of the week and there you go. Now you can take the rest of the week off :O)

alpine325i

All I did was find a couple of tinting shops in my local yellow pages and started to look for the most proffessional at the cheapest price. The place that I went with had alot of pictures of his customers cars and was very detail oriented. Just by talking to a few of these guys I knew who to go with. I got the "medium" tint all around. The light tint is a waste of money, and the "limosine" which looks totally black, is illegal to have on your front door windows. The cops will peel it off and give you a ticket. I chose the "meduim" tint all around for eveness [all 4 doors and the back window] $300 )

marincountygal

Braveheart-
Made me smile to get a message from one of my Edmunds.com heroes (along w/ alpine 325 and Parump).
My final car -in 8 wks!-- 325i, steel blue and grey leather, A/T, PP for $32,185 including ad fees and floor mats.

Tinting: someone asked about factory tinting vs. cheap film and no one answered. I park in the sun all day at the ferry parking lot and want to protect the leather, which is why I want it.My dealer says they don't do tinting, so is the alternative the cheap film or is there a certain process of tinting I can get that's good and not too expensive. I want medium tint . I've seen prices on this board range from $95 to $400, so I'd like to know more about this.

hippo168

They let you choose "before 3/1/01" or "after 3/1/01". Once you get in, all the options details and prices are up-to-date, I assume. You just need to "click the dots" to pick your choice! With all calculations being done for you. They are at www.kbb.com

brave1heart

Yep, I like Mustangs and 'Vettes a lot. These would be my two favorite American cars by a long shot. About 4 or 5 years ago we went to S.F. with my wife (girlfriend back then) for 4 days. We rented a basic Mustang for a day just to drive along Highway 1. We made it down to Monterrey Bay - what a heavenly place, esp. Carmel. The sunset in Carmel is one of he most beautiful I have ever seen. Anyhow, I LOVED driving the Mustang. It's a pretty heavy car and 6 cyl doesn't quite cut it but the feel of driving it with the top down was something to experience. We took some curvy, sloping highway on the way back to Frisco and I went wild driving that car - it was so gratifying to push it around. That's when I decided I absolutely wanted a RWD. Having said all that, I'd still take the Bimmer over the Mustang any day. I need a good all-around car with a decent back seat. I want it to be less conspicuous than a muscle car. Besides, for me at least, handling and road feel is even more important than pure speed and acceleration. The 325i manual has adequate power and, yes, I do love the looks of it and the elegant interior appointments. If I only had $28K to spend on a car, I'd still get a stripper 325i instead of a 320 hp loaded Mustang. I don't mind the Mustang being my weekend car, though :O)
alpine325i, just a side, bar I wanted to say that I have a lot of respect for people who think independently and always try to see things from a different angle. You seem like that kind of person…

max63

Picked up my 330i, siler, sport, prem. package and xeons lights. I love the pick up on the car and cant wait to open it. Traded in my 2.8 A-6, Quattro, which I had mixed feelings about, but dont regret it now. I didnt need such a big car, that was slow off the line. The Audi did have more features and was a reliable car for the two years I had it. I got the car for $1,500 over invoice on a lease, .0211 money factor and a 62% residual (15,000 miles per year).

I hope this car does not get rattles, but not holding out a lot hope due to the following reasons; My last three cars, two acura integres and my audi all had rattles. Even my wifes new Avalon has rattles with only 20,000 miles. I guess they just dont build them like they use to.

BTW, does anyone know how the program the garage door opener with a rolling code, my car does not want to take it. Love the car so far, and thanks for all the info on the board.

errickson

New product out on the market called "VKOOL". It is a "metallized" film that goes on clear, and reduces heat by 70% or so. Also used on commercial buildings. Was recommended to me by a BMW employee when she noticed my color combo was black/black. Pretty expensive....$575 for sides and rear (Houston price) Hope this helps.

brave1heart

I noticed on the Townhall page that we have turned this into the most popular vehicle discussion on Edmunds. I think we weren't even in the Top Ten a couple of months ago - way to go! Cheers to all BMW cyber fans! We gotta figure out how to do the 'ding' over the internet :O)

burrsr

I'm technically a newcomer to this discussion (in writing) but not in spirit -- I've been monitoring and enjoying the posts since I purchased my 330i in January. Very diverse and knowledgable group here -- I've certainly gleaned a lot of new knowledge and have reinforced my enthusiasm for the 3er...

I've been a huge automobile fan for the majority of my life (I'm 29) and would have likely purchased something more "practical" and "value conscious" (TL-S, IS, da, da, da) had my wonderful wife not intervened one day as we were driving by one of the local BMW-ships. "Why don't we just test drive one?" she suggested. "They're overpriced," I replied. "The price probably justifies SOMETHING", she retorted. So, being a good husband, I skeptically gave in, and soon we were test-driving a 325i. I had test-driven the TL, the CL-S, and the IS, but nothing truly wowed me about the cars -- all great on paper but nothing extraordinary in terms of sensual excitement. Immediately the 325i was different, inexplicably so. The blend of smoothness combined with the precision feel of all controls -- from brakes, transmission, and throttle to the jewel-movement of the turn signal stalks -- made the whole greater than the sum of the parts. Add to that the carved-from-one-piece-of-steel solidity and the remarkable aural sensations eminating from the inline-6, and we had a no-brainer. I just hope the salesman couldn't see through my poker face and take further advantage of me in such a weakened state...

As it turns out, the salesman did not totally see through me, gave us a reasonable trade-in allowance (anyone who even TAKES a 165k miles, 9-year old car is reasonable), and sold us the 330i (couldn't resist the additional 41 ponies) on the showroom floor. Off we were in their 330i demo, and we picked up the dealer-prepped car the next evening...I don't know how you folks who've waited 6, 8, 10 weeks for your 3ers have endured such torture!

I can say thay 4 months and 4k+ miles have been a true pleasure! No reliability issues (fans, windows, bulbs, noises, rattles) to report, and no bad dealer experiences. I now know that the "value" implicit in BMW ownership is due solely to the intangible, unquantifiable qualities that make these cars so special -- things beyond the "on paper" vital stats. The payoff is certainly worth it.

Whew! Now that THAT'S off my chest (I felt obliged for a more rigorous "introduction"), I have LOTS of opinions on many of the on-going issues that this forum brings to the table so well. But I'll reserve them for when the topics invariably come up!

denright

I ordered my 330xi from VOB BMW in Rockville, MD this past saturday, in order to take advantage of the 5.9% financing before it expired. I am getting it loaded with the premium package, cold weather package, in-dash CD and premium sound system. I passed on the AWD sport package because it seemed to me to be entirely cosmetic (with no difference in the suspension and only a minor upgrade in the seats) and I didn't like the "M" facia any better than the regular facia -- and maybe less.

The car is due to be built in the last week of May or the first week of June, and I should take delivery the last week of June.

I am paying $39,050, which is $1,500 over invoice, plus the $200 MD advertising fee (which is apparently unavoidable). Anyone have any opinions as to whether I am getting a good deal? Also, does anyone have an opinion as to whether it is worth the $450 to get the dealer-installed alarm?

dannyle

I thought the 3 series if build I think after 4/15 will have more option include like sport package and some other stuff. But when I check in edmund the standard one could with only a sixteen inches wheel instead of 17" in the sport package. Am I mistaken or something ?

Does anyone know for sure what are the added standard option for build after 4/15?

ownertobe2

I picked up a 330I I/ metallic paint, premium, in-dash DC, eons and heated seats last week for $2K over invoice, including the advertising fee and mats, 64% residual (12K miles per year) and .0021 money factor from Passport BMW. For what its worth, a salesman at BMW of Arlington told me that Passport was "giving me this car" and he refused to match. That being said, I think your deal is very competitive for the DC Metro area.

errickson

you can purchase the alarm from circle BMW for around $225....the car is already prewired for the alarm, and i am told that installation takes about an hour, and is very straight forward. you can even print the install instructions from the circle bmw website. hope all this helps...

denright

The Jetta GLX and the Jetta VR6 are rated at a 0-60 time of 7.6 seconds. Where are you coming up with this 6.9 figure?

brave1heart

burrsr - Welcome to the family!!! Your story reminds me a little of mine. I've wanted a BMW for a while but didn't want to shell out 40 large or so for a 328. I wanted a RWD and looked the IS300 (couldn't wait to get back to my Jetta VR6) thinking I can maybe somehow justify it better and yes, I'd have to wait for the manual to come out and blah-blah-blah. Then my wife said something along the lines of 'You should get yourself a BMW, you know you'd keep staring at it no matter what you get'. I was convinced. When the 323i came I said, that's it, I'm in. Then I heard it was going to be replaced by a 325 and I thought I'd wait for that one. But at least I was on the right track. Thanks God for wives. Well, as far as the waiting period, I still have the whole guilt thing that I'm spoiling myself with an expensive car and I feel a little like the way I did when I was a kid around X-mas time: 'OK, if I'm good for another month and I manage to stay out of trouble (yeah, right), maybe Santa will bring me that present I really want.' So the wait hasn't been too bad and this board has helped me get a lot of the wait anxiety out of my system. Who else would want to hear me brag about hp, and rpms, and g forces :O)
denright - you got yourself a great deal, congrats! You saved a lot of money on the purchase, get yourself an alarm, you'll sleep better. And those $25 wheel locks are good too. Good luck with the car!

ds2k1

Thanks for sharing your perceptions on the 330i. I picked up my 330i last month and already have 2500 miles on it. About your various perceptions, all I can say is, "Ditto". Now the three-year countdown to the 540i or M5 begins (with any luck, that is).

brave1heart

Mine is a '97 GLX. Actually, VW rates them at 7.8 sec, which is very, very conservative. C&D tested it at 6.9 sec in its March '97 issue's comparo against 4 other cars. I have clocked it myself at 6.9 sec a few times. It's 172 hp and < 3,000 lbs. The 325i is 3,250 lbs and 184 hp at 7.1 sec, so 6.9 sec doesn't look unreasonable for a car that's much lighter, right? You are welcome to take it out for a spin if you are in the Boston area.

denright

Thanks for the input. I actually called about a half dozen dealers (including Passport) and they all quoted $1700 or $1800 over invoice (not including advertising fee). VOB stood out with the $1500 over-invoice offer, which also includes floor mats. Combined with the 5.9% financing, I feel like I got a very good deal on this baby.

Thanks again for the input.

denright

What's the deal with the wheel locks? Do tell.

brave1heart

You mean what purpose do they serve? They require a special mold for anyone to be able to take your wheel off - it's like a special key. They cost about $25 at BMW Circle but my dealer threw them in for free anyhow. I mean think of it this way - every tire that comes with the Sp is what - $150 at the tirerack.com and about $250 retail. Every one of the 44 style wheels is - uuuuh - I don't know, I guess about $200. So you figure every time you park your car (in some areas even while moving :O) ), a crafty thief could take off with almost 2 grand worth of rims and tires in just about a couple of minutes. Convinced it's worth the $25? I am.

bmwvadriver

Hi. Thanks for messages relating to the relative build quality between South African and German-produced 325is. The general consensus seems to be that there is no difference.

While I love the car, I'm not convinced that is the case. Tomorrow will mark my car's 3d day in the shop. I had what I thought was a minor annoyance with my brake pedal. It seemed to be catching momentarily on something every time I depressed the pedal, making an audible sound. Turns out, the master brake cylinder and another major part of the brake components are bad and need to be replaced. This on a car that's 3 months old with only 3,000 miles on it. Yesterday, the dealer said they needed to keep the car overnight. Today, they said they needed to order parts which they won't have until tomorrow. When I last spoke to them, they said there's a possibility it won't be fixed tomorrow, either. All of this without offering a loaner car. I'm relegated to mass transit, which won't work for the weekend.

The front bumper also was defective. The rubber stripping keeps popping out. The dealer said they couldn't fix it and would have to replace it.

In addition to these inherent problems with the car, the dealer's technicians apparently did not put any protective mat on the hood so, as a consequence, there are a series of very noticeable scratches on the to surface of the driver-side fender, right next to the hood. I noticed them when I went by the dealership to pick up something from my trunk. I've brought them to the dealer's attention, but am worried they'll scratch the car worse while trying to get them out.

Does anybody know of any decent service department in the D.C. market? Thanks!

brave1heart

This is a classic - a friend of mine visiting Saudi Arabia on business just sent me an e-mail saying he rented an Audi S8 for a day ($180 only!!!) and took it 175 mph (exceeding the speedo limit on the car) on the highway to MECCA! This is a true story, I swear and what a classic at that! Nirvana on the Road to Mecca - I think I'm turning very religious!!!

brave1heart

... to hear about your car troubles. It sounds horrible, esp. for a car that has only 3K miles on it and a BMW at that. I know I was the first to jump and say 'There are no differences' so now I feel bad that it comes out there are differences in the assembly quality and possibly some parts quality. I hope the dealer resolves your brake problems tomorrow. I'm surprised to hear they don't have a master brake cylinder in stock and no loaner either?!? What a bunch of bozos. Hopefully, you can turn the car in and get a new one - I think somebody from this board had done that - was it unboringuy? I'd raise hell w/ BMWNA too - they seem to be big on PR, so it may help. Well, good luck, I feel bad for you... (

micga

Hi everyone - I ordered my 325i on Feb 20, Produced in March and on the SA docks on 3/22. It was finally shipped on 4/9. Arrived to NJ on 4/24 and was "Released for transport" on 3/2 (Wen). I live 3 hours away in CT. How long is it going to take for this car to get here. BMWNA has no clue and neither does my dealer. Can anyone share thier expieriences? The wait has already been over 10 weeks and is really getting old fast. I do not think there are quality issues with SA built 325is but the shipping delays are a nightmare. Thanks

lrawles2

I finally moved off of the fence between a 330i and a 330cic, and anticipate ordering a 330i within the next week or so. But is it now too late to get the special interest rate on the 330i? Any ideas about what BMW Financial is planning for May, if anything? Thanks.

camnellum1

FWIW, I ordered my 325xi on 14Feb and was a week 14 build. The car shipped the 3rd week in April and arrived in New Jersey port on May 1st. Called the dealer (in central Jersey) and the car arrived there today at 2PM and is having all the options installed...I get to pick it up tommorrow afternoon!

I think you should be hearing from your dealer any moment now to tell you your car has arrived.

I will let everyone know how that initial drive goes...I can tell everyone that I am going to get raped on the trade-in but I didn't need the hassle of a private sell.

Also FWIW, the BMW Owner's Circle tracking feature was exactly on for me. I am not sure what others have been experiencing, but I knew exactly where my car was at all times. I will check tommorrow and see if it was updated to show the car being at the dealer.

I'll check back after wiping the grins off my face!

gr8st8

I read about this quite a while back so I don't remember the exact details, and someone is more than welcomed to correct me if I'm mistaken, but I think in Saudi Arabia there's no speed limit or even if there is, it's quite high. If it's not for the super hot weather, it'll probably be a nirvana for me too...:)

firsthawk

After reading all these post of 1.5 to 2K above invoice I feel like I have been sc****d!!!

The invoice on the 325ci I ordered with all the options is 32,975. The lowest the dealer would give was 35,800 (mats, detail and full tank of gas included)

I didnt even bother to go to any other dealership and I didnt read this message board before. I feel a lot less happier now then when I finalized on the car (