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The accuracy of the location is better than I expected. In general it is 10 meters (30 feet). The digital map on disk is precise about 95% in the city 90% on the outer edges. It takes time and practice to learn the operation of the system but once done it will guide you precisely. Even with a CD, the sync time and calculation are fast and the system provide multiple routes for your journey if you know where to look for. The "Location" info built into the CD is poor and can lead you to trouble. They only included (probably) those paying customers like in the yellow pages. While I was in a hotel parking lot it lead me 20 miles away to the nearest hotel despite the fact that my hotel in about 90 years old. Same for Restaurants, Gas Stations etc.. Since this is a new technology I expect the software (DVD's)to be more reliable in 2/3 years.
Do I like it, yes. Can I live without it, you bet. I am one guy who has many toys, this is one of them. However wherever I drive for the week ends I still use good old Allmaps. "None" of my destinations is on this CD. That is why I consider it as a show off toy only.
My Kumho's are nearing the end of their useful life. For the money, they've been great tires but they're starting to get pretty loud (nearing obnoxious) and the tail end is starting to get pretty loose on wet roads.
I'm new to this forum (as a matter of fact, this is my first post).
My question is:
What do you think of buying loaner cars?
I'm in the market for a new car and am seriously considering a new or used 325xi. I want to come in under $30K, if I can (I can afford a new one through Euro Delivery, but am trying to save as much money as possible). With that in mind, I have seen many loaner 2002 325xi's advertised just above $30K. I'm guessing that with negotiation I may be able to land one for about $29K.
Any experience in purchasing these? Do they get abused? Is this a risk? Most of the dealers respond by saying "Typical BMW drivers don't abuse loaners" or something to that effect. Hard to believe (especially during the break-in period).
I've also seen "Executive Driven" cars advertised at reasonable prices. Same questions for these.
Thanks, much.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
As far as pressure, I've found the optimal settings for my car in average weather to be 37/35 F/R. If it is very hot, I drop a couple of pounds as the tires heat up more easily. I always chalk up the tires and make sure that I am hitting the triangular markers at the end of the tread without actually going on the sidewalls. If I have marks on the sidewalls, I bump up the pressure; if I am on the triangles, I reduce it. Track events need a couple of pounds extra because of the higher speed...
http://www.boston-bmwcca.org/results/2003/autocross.asp?submit=Sh- - - ow&event=3&class=*&headings=yes&firstlast=yes&- ;amp- ;amp- ;model=yes&best=yes&average=yes&points=yes
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Can I say that I just love the exhaust note from a 330? That growl (actually I first got addicted to it in the old M3, with a very similar rumble) is singularly my favorite sound from a car.
After being so tickled by it through the old M3 and the 330, I couldn't have been more disappointed by the tinny sound of the new M3. Yes, I know it sounds more F1-like, but I'll take a 330 rumble over a F1 whine any day.
I'm kind of embarassed to admit it, but I have a .wav file of the old M3 engine note. In a late night marathon session in the office, I'll fire it up when I get a moment to myself, and think wistfully about rowing the gears through a late night run down the Embarcadero.
I find the Run Flats ride as smooth and comfortable compared to any other luxury ride. Such ride quality is due to the excellent suspension because low profile tires do not provide enough cushioning. The ride will always be smooth as long as the initial tire pressure is maintained according to the recommended pressure by BMW. Do not rely on the dealer to check the pressure with his old and unprecise Tire Pressure Meter. I use a digital Manometer from Mercedes Benz and it consistently showed over pressurized tires by both BMW and MB dealers. Few PSI of over pressure can make a huge difference in the ride quality of low profile tires.
I also own a MB E320 4matic which is well known for its outstanding ride with the OEM Michelin Tires. I can assure you that despite its smaller size the 330xi is as smooth with better handling.
On the purchase of loaner or demo cars, I respect others opinions that loaners are not abused and are good buys. I, personally would never buy one, unless it was a lease or I knew I wouldn't keep the car beyond warranty. I'm a long-term buyer and I want to break in my car correctly. Does anyone really think that someone gets in a loaner with less than 1,200 miles and doesn't take the rpm's over 4,500?
With a place down here in Brentwood, I see hordes of UCLA students with unbelievable cars... new M3s, CLK500s, Hummer H2s, etc. Now, I would have loved to have one at that age, but seems to me to be mind-blowing in its sheer excess. To each his own I suppose, but I'm kind of happy, in retrospect, that my parents never bought me anything more than a used compact.
By the way, what kind of damage can you expect if a car is driven past 4500 RPMs during the break-in period? Are there symptoms you can look for when test-driving a loaner or any other used car?
Hey willing to swap your ZHP's muffler for my 330i's 1 month old muffler?
msinghv:
I got a 325i loaner from Crevier BMW that had only 9 miles on it!
I babied that brand new puppy like it was my own. I was only able to place 200 miles on it. I just hope the next borrower treats her the same way until she gets to 1200 miles!
However, these cars are made to be driven hard, and with the low mileage it may have escaped any damage if abused. Also, you will probably get a CPO warranty (or you should) that will extend the life if something were to go wrong. There are probably other cheaper private party buys out there and I am willing to bet that in this market good deals are ready to be had.
I've been seeing a lot of 2003 loaners come on the market right now (guess the dealerships are begining to unload). On average, I am seeing 2003 325xi's with premium, leather and about 8K miles for about $34K (advertised). If I can get that car for about $30, it would be a reasonable deal. Otherwise I can get a brand new 2004 thru Euro delivery for $34. Don't know if the dealers are willing to go that low, but I guess I'll have to give it a try.
regards,
kyfdx
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Never forgot the time my wife and I took a '96 318ti out. Was an automatic as that is all she can drive. She gave it some "gas" a couple times to see how well it accelerated under load (e.g., with a/c) and with passengers. During out test drive, something happened and it went into a limp home-type mode with various warning lights on. Handed keys back to salesman and informed him of issue. Of course, we didn't buy it.
kyfdx
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Judging from rentals, I agree the interior can take a tremendous beating. Also, for small-engined compacts, I think the engines probably see better homes with private individuals. But for a well-built, resilient engine that can be maintained by a dealership, should the wear and tear really be horrible?
Beyond normal "replacement" items like tires, brake pads, etc., what sort of failures could you expect to see in a loaner?
I can see how it would be very risky in a manual transmission, with high rpm launches, clutch drops and missed shifts all taking their toll on the engine, transmission and drivetrain. But if BMW engines really are meant to be driven hard, what damage can be inflicted on a loaner.
Once again, I suspect the answer is "a lot", but I'd enjoy hearing the clarification as to what constitutes abuse in an automatic.
On the same subject, I wonder who ends up buying the cars that the magazines are given for testing.
I'll give you $6,234.57 for Tiff's brand new, used only once Laguna Seca M3...
Right now I am driving a loaner 525 while my 325 is getting the EGS software updated. The car has 3k (around the same as my 325) but seems a bit more worn than my car. I can't explain why, it just seems not to be as brand spankin' new.
Otherwise nice car but I definitely like the handling of the 3 series better. Much tighter steering on the 3 series, better road feel, and obviously since the 3 series is lighter, it has much better pickup. Also, the front driver's seat on the 5 doesn't go as far back.
I also think that the stock BMW radio (Alpine?) on my 3 series sounds better than the premium radio on the 5.
But I do wish I would have got the Xenon lights.
I do drive it normally, but couldn't beat on this thing if I tried.
As long as a BMW loaner is a CPO vehicle, I don't think I'd have a problem buying it. Many times you'll get the current (or one year previous) model with some miles and get to use basically the entire B to B + CPO warranty if something does ever go wrong.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
From what I have seen the only person concerned about the breakin period is the buyer. Everybody else who drives the car between the time it leaves the factory and the time you take delivery really doesn't care?
When i think of loaner/exec cars, I think of vehicles that are not piloted so that the vehicle avoids road hazards like potholes. I'm thinking that a dip in the road is more of an excuse to jump on the gas and catch air, rather than slow and take it easy. The attitude I've found consistently when traveling with co-workers is easy to list: doesn't matter, it's a rental. Same definitely applies to exec/loaner cars because the drivers are not the least bit responsible for the cars' repairs.
Yeah you get a cpo with a former loaner/exec but I have a sense those cars will use the warranty more often than a vehicle that was owned by someone.
My 2 cents...
I was considering a 330 ZHP but didn't really want 2 similar cars in el garage. So, if anybody feels the need to give me positive reinforcement so that we can make this guilt go away, I'm all ears.
take care
fo
Best Regards,
Shipo
Check wheel lug nut/bolt torque
Check tire pressures
Check tire roundness/damage and balance
Check alignment (<-- this could be your problem)
Over the years, and many different brands of cars, I have had all of the above problems at some point. I even had the lugs under torqued on all 4 wheels during a visit to a dealer.
The rise of 3/36 and 4/50 b-to-b warranties plus free maintenance agreements, the increase in leasing, and the fact most buyers don't hold on to their cars too long, seems like more and more drivers do the minimum until they get rid of their current car. Heck, think latest stats show average buyer only keeps car around 36 months. About the same amount of time as the average lease. Some leasees I know don't seem to pamper their cars. What do they care, they just dump it back at lease end. Many move onto completely new marques. I know a ton of buyers that treat their cars like dirt. What do they care, the bank finances it. They'll just clean it up and trade it in after 2 or 3 years. And what do a ton of dealers care? They wholesale out a ton of trade ins. And they buy a ton of their "used" cars at auctions. They know few 2nd or 3rd buyers will ever try to check the history of the car or talk to the original owner or go over service records.
Not sure service loaners, "demos", "executive cars", etc. really are treated that much different than the average car by the average Joe or Jane. God help you if you buy their former leased car or trade in after 3 years. That gave them plenty of time to abuse and misuse it. At least with the rental, demo, or executive car they normally only have a year's worth of in service time.
Went to my local BMW CCA chapter's annual summer picnic. Talk about some well cared for cars. If only I had the surplus cash, I'd have bought the '84 Euro-spec 733i 5-speed manual that was for sale. Current owner has had her since '88. Bought her from original owner. Only had a bit over 100,000 miles. Love the cloth seats! He showed us the 1st aide kit. He opened it for the 1st time. Lovely tool kit.
And we should all check at least tire pressure and various fluid levels upon delivery. Only way to ensure you start off with right amount of oil and that the tires are properly inflated. Trust but verify!
My first self owned was a mitsubishi mirage which came with 70 miles on it.. all demo drives.. atleast 25 of them i'd guess... The engine died at just 8K miles... and thankfully they put a brand new engine in.
After that experience, I always make a point to order a car or if that's not possible, try to get a car with as little hammering as possible. The latest, wife's 2004 325 cic, we picked it up the afternoon it landed at the dealership and I repeated to the salesman a 100000000 times that I did not want the car to be prepped before I reached the dealiership. I actually looked at the car with all its shrink wrapping on it, turned on, checked the mileage, it was delivered with 9.8 miles on it... had it prepped while i finished paperwork and coffee, made sure the guys added just under a mile on it...
But a few bad revs dont kill an engine... I think, if you want a car as a lover, like most people here (even if its just for 36 months), you have to make sure it gets its necessary TLC.... afterall they say, marriages fail cuz couples stop....
oops.... what was I saying?
my 3 cents
ksso
Sorry, I strongly disagree. There's a very real need to drive the car as you would on a daily basis. When I bought my last car I didn't drive my Jetta turbo as I would normally. I stayed under 80, I hit on-ramps and off-ramps at sedate speeds, etc. After a few weeks owning the car I hated it because I had been foolish with my test drive. At 90 mph the engine screamed and the tach rested at 4k rpm. The handling isn't even close to as great as the car mags claim. In fact car mags idea of power and handling make me laugh. I find the 325 to be a pretty fun car in corners but it so lacks in immediate power that I found myself bored with the car 3 minutes into a test drive.
Drive a test drive car exactly as you would if it were your own. If that scares the salesguy tell him ahead of time. I had a few salesguys not quite get it when I explained prior to leaving that I am a very agressive driver, so if they're weak-kneed stay on the lot. Some didn't listen and then I was stuck with a nervous nelly shifting about in the passenger's seat. If I',m gonna drop 30-40k on a car, I want to feel everything it can do.
chile96: Have fun. Enjoy. Tell us more about the car. Talk about guilt--imagine how my wife tried to make me feel about getting new tires on an 8 month old car!
tires: Just replaced the stock rear conti's on my 2003 M3 this weekend. Was trying to replace all 4, but the fronts are on nationwide backorder and have been for the past month. My rear tires were showing the steel and nylon on the inner 1/3 of the tire so I had to split the order and go ahead and get them replaced.
For the M3 it came down to three premium possibilities from my research on Tire rack. The Bridgestone Potenza S03s, Michelin Pilots, and the new Goodyear Eagle F1 GSD3. I went with the Goodyear because on Tirerack, the initial surveys ranked it equal in performance, but better in noise and tire wear than the other 2. The S03s are great tires, but they apparently tramline pretty severely. I figured I should go with the Goodyears for that reason since I on occasion have to use the cell phone in the car and drive with only one hand on the wheel (I normally am a firm believer on 2 hands on the wheel).
I bought the plus size for the rear and am waiting for the fronts. I had BMW North mount and balance the rears (275/35ZR18) on Friday -- (only $30 total). While they were at it I had 4 wheel alignment done ($90 total) and had a fog light replaced. I thought the prices were commensurate with the non dealer market rates -- I was very pleased.
My car is a totally different car now. It is almost impossible to spin out with the extra grip--the car just accelerates like a rocket. I think that I was able to go 0-60 in under 5 seconds for the first time in my life with the new wider rubber. I can hardly wait to stick some 245/40ZR18s on the front.
Any comments? Is it good to get wider tires than the OEMs? The fit is great on mine and I think it may provide another couple of millimeters of protection for the rims.
I will keep you posted on the Goodyears. So far they corner and accelerate far better than the stock contis--of course they cost more too.
FWIW: Tirerack prices are unbeatable on these tires -- the closest any place in town could come was about $200 more - and I would have to continue to wait as well.
Nothing personal Blueguycom, but guys like you scare guys like me who have little babies and wives who tend to panic when they see somone coming up behind them at 90 miles an hour.