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Comments
Bimmer=BMW Automobile
Beemer=BMW Motorcycle
That sounds like my kids (9 and 11). I'm constantly hearing "pass him, Dad", and "let's take Mountain Road home" coming from the back seat. Then I look next to me and see the hell-fires buring in Her Majesty's eyes. hahaha
I guess my conclusion from all of this discussion is that if I can find a current year loaner with about 5-8K miles on it, verify from the dealer that it was broken in by the dealer only, and get that car (325xi) for at least $3 to 4K less than new (ie., about $29 to $30K), then it may be a worthwhile deal. Otherwise, don't skimp, quite my nitpicking and buy a new one through ED, which won't be driven at all except by ME!
Thanks for all the help on this subject.
Yes mam/sir, I broke it in myself.
Come on now, give me a break.
I'm glad you mentioned Satch's editorial the other day. I had passed right by it but went back and read it after seeing your post. Definitely a good read.
My question is, if I go thru Euro Delivery, can I get the steel gray color? I know you can still get an X5 in steel gray, so I don't know if it's a big deal to ask for it in a 3-series (325xi).
I want the Steel Gray, but also want to save some bucks with ED.
I don't get tickets.
Someone mentioned families in cars getting paranoid about people moving at a fast clip. Um, what the blazes would a fmaily be doing in the fast lane if they're only doing 75? silly question, left lane hogs love to break up the flow of faster traffic.
Oh and I don't cruise at 90 all the time. I'd love to but there are some areas where that's not practical.
speeding: I think there is a forum here in TH for talking about who shouldn't speed in what car and left lane hogs and such. I think we should just stick the 3 series around here:)
I like high revving engines. 4K @ 90 in a 1.8 Jetta? That's nothing, my Prelude's engine screams at 4K @ 80 and I love every minute of it:) Different strokes for different folks.
There's a survey for BMW owners on bmwcca.org you guys should all check it out and give input on your own experiences. maybe the BMW honchos will read the writing on the wall and not mess with the 3er too much.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Yeah that's part of why I love my 330i. I can cruise along at 80 and the engine doesn't make a sound. Plus the car gets great gas mileage even when cruising at over 80. With my Jetta the mileage would tank if I did over 70 on the freeway.
I was made to drive an inline 6.
Oh and I beat the heck out of my leased Jetta because I knew I'd never have to pay for a repair with it and I hated the car. The next owner must deal with my shifts at 5-6k all the time.
Interestingly, my 4 and half year old daughter who rides to school in my wife's beemer does show signs of I wanna be ahead of everybody else. We take great care to keep a lid on our heavy foots when she's in our cars.
ksso
The other day a family friend lamented the stability controls on newer cars (he was riding in my BMW at the time) saying it's a shame they've made sports cars and rwd sport sedans idiot proof. in the past if you drove beyond your abilities, you'd end up hurt. today it makes no difference as the computer will keep people from over-extending themselves in corners, bad weather, etc.
He's got a point...
I'm also glad 3 Series has decent passive safety equipment (e.g., airbags) and active safety equipment (e.g., ABS, TC, etc.).
Only wish drunk/impaired drivers stayed off the roads, drivers would properly use their headlights, fog/driving lights & turn signal, drivers would demonstrate lane discipline (e.g., slower drivers stay left on 4-lane roads), people would properly maintain their cars (e.g., no bald or underinflated tires, failed mufflers and bad catalytic converters, etc.), drivers wouldn't use cell phones while driving, kids couldn't drive until they were 18, there was better driver education in USA, and the various Federal and State DOTs would actually efficiently and effectively use road use fees and taxes to properly maintain current roads and build better roads!
blueguydotcom... not knowing you in person, i'll not pass judgement on you or anybody else's driving skill. I too strongly believe, my dad trained me to be a good driver... though ocassionally a way too fast one... but as he would always tell me, every driver is right in their own opinion... and as beemer4me rightfully said, however good you are behind the wheels, what happens if you suddenly have a stroke behind a 90mph car at the age of 28 (just read a story of that happening here in the valley)... nothing is given, nothing is perfect.
Oh wait, I should not talk like that, I often get heavy on my accelerator...
ksso
however good you are behind the wheels, what happens if you suddenly have a stroke behind a 90mph car at the age of 28 (just read a story of that happening here in the valley)... nothing is given, nothing is perfect.
Then I die. Isn't that what's supposed to happen when you push things too far? consequences and such...
I love my BMW. And I dig living. I try not to do anything too nuts with the car. But should something happen, it's not BMW's reponsibility to ensure I survive a crash that's a direct result of my own irresponsible actions.
ksso
Yes you might die, but what about that other persons.
I think I need to shut up. I'm going to go enjoy my Toronto visit.
ksso
Car-parts.com has listings for yards all over the US - I found a wheel for 1/2 price.
Local BMW car club - many people replace their Stock wheels with custom - they will sell you their wheels and even tires for a good price.
E-bay - I found 4 almost new rims, plus brand new tires for $100 more than what the dealer quoted me to replace ONE Wheel. While my current tires are still have a lot of life left - I now have replacement tires. Question - how long can I store them and can they break down - Is there anything that I should know about the tires.
Fred
The '03s come with 4/50 b-to-b and 4/50 free maintenance. At 20K miles a year, you'll go thru that in 2.5 years (30 months). But then going CPO the analysis is complicated by the year and mileage of the CPO car. The CPO warranty (which differs a bit from the b-to-b warranty) adds 2/50 to the 4/50. If you can find a low mileage CPO unit (say under 20K), you'd have 4 years (48 months) of warranty coverage. But if you buy a CPO unit with 40K miles, you'll only have 3 years (36 months) of total warranty coverage.
The new car will also cost you more, though you can save money by being a BMW CCA member for over a year and many swear by European Delivery to save a bundle on new cars. The new car will be worth more when you go to sell it.
It has been reported and I'm sure it will be fixed as soon as possible. Meanwhile you can avoid the annoyance by using another browser - e.g., I'm using Opera and it doesn't happen to me.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
For future reference, there is an "Our Software" discussion on the News & Views board that is a good place to report things like this; also "Ask the Town Hall Hosts" is located there as well. Several folks have reported this in the Ask the Hosts discussion. (But the hosts can't fix it!!
line seems to have some problem
The programmers will fix it at their leisure...
ksso
Posting them here doesn't get anyone's attention but mine, and as I mentioned, I can't fix them. ;-)
I've never understood why manufacturers felt it was kosher to charge less in Canada than they do in the US, then try to erect artificial barriers to protect US margins. You want to charge more here? Fine, but learn to live with the arbitrage. Depending on warranty and dealer punishment to prevent people from bypassing your own artificial price discrimination schemes just feels unseemly to me.
Douglas
But there actually is a hidden keyhole on the trunk and now i've this nagging doubt about the 4th key...
did the other 2004 owners get 4 keys?
Here's a shorter link:
http://tinyurl.com/h8fz
I had 1987 325e and sold it in November of 2000 with 120k miles. I replaced water pump, one battery (replaced first 3 years on the money, second lasted more than 9 years.... 6 more months with the new owner!), 5 sets of tires, regular replacement of brake pads (same rotors), $450.00 electronic control unit (BMW paid 50%), a few small repairs (done by myself) and that was it.
I guess I'm spoiled.
Please share your thoughts.
Keep in mind that the E46 3 Series came out in 1998 as a MY1999. Most of the major bugs all worked out.
And for MY2003 3 Series, you get both 4/50 bumper-to-bumper warranty and 4/50 full free maintenance. That should give you some peace of mind.
If you like to drive and want to have fun driving, then Audi, BMW, and MB usually more desireable than Acura, Infiniti, or Lexus. But Japan Inc. is making some very good cars today (e.g., Acura TSX, Infiniti G35 sedan & coupe, Lexus IS300 sedan and touring).
My ownership experience has been stellar. Good luck with yours, and make sure your dealer gets to fix the problems.
Thanks for your thoughts.
The heart/feelings often play more important role in decision-making process than reason.
We often buy what we perceive would give us a lot of satisfaction. The satisfaction and depreciation are better than average for 325.
Does the valet key keep the engine from breaking say 2500 rpm? I know some cars the valet key did more than lock parts, it kept the engine under lock and key too. I'd be all over that.
I still enjoy the car but I agree with what you have said -- that continued trips to the dealer (even if the cost is covered) can sour the ownership experience.
I am hoping that my experience is an exception and not the rule and that it won't continue.
Speed(ing) - I remember reading (sorry, I don't have the source) that only ~ 10% of fatalities on the highway are caused by speeding. Speed alone is not that dangerous; speed differential is, esp. when coupled with poor driver training. I was going ~ 85 mph and about to pass a couple of cars going ~ 65 in the middle lane and just as I approached them, the second driver decided that he had to pass too because he was going 65 and there was no way he'd stand the guy in front of him going 64 another second. He pulls right in front of me without a blinker even - thanks god I braked on time and esp. that my car has good brakes. If I'd rear-ended him, he could say that I was speeding and caused his accident, right? BTW, you are more likely to die of a falling flower pot walking on the street than to die of a heart attack going 90 on the highway at the age of 28... As far as kids in the car, it's a little like freedom and responsibility. It's OK to go fast as long as you also teach them how to be a good driver. I'd rather do that than drive like the church lady to teach them restraint that way. Next thing you know they wrap their car around a pole at the age of 16 because no-one taught them how to handle the car.
Your balanced comments are wonderful. They are informative. I guess if a person falls in love with a particular car, reliability is important to a degree but not all that important. I feel that at 56, I should be beyond that and be more rational, at least... my wife is although she likes 325 a lot.
Why is so hard for BMW to keep up with Honda, Lexus....?
Hearing pluses and minuses from others is good.
Thanks
Thanks.
"Some people just can't drive! I call those people 'everybody else'."
1. Is it available for the 2003 models that are currently being produced. Is is possible to order a 2003 330i with 6-speed.
2.Do I have have to order ZHP in order to get 6-speed.
3.Are the dealers discounting 2003 6-speed the way the are doing the regular 330i.
4.Any comparisions between the 5-speed and 6-speed 330i.
Thanks
Is such a device available from a manufacturer?
How come nobody has?
However does come up with it, deserves our business