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Comments
Silver gray is more common? Uh, it just came out on the 3 series for 2004 (2003 on ZHPs).
Around the corner, a someone just got a 325i in Silver Gray with Black Leatherette, and 2 blocks after that, a someone else also got a 325i only in Orient Blue with Sand Leather. Now I can compare the way they look over the next week or so and decide between the two. Who knows...maybe I'll change it to another color...but NOT Titanium Silver, we already have that on my 02 5er. Right now, I am leaning towards Orient Blue with Sand or Gray Leather interior.
I would like to touch on two points tonight.
I have read here that some people are worried about the fact that some baby bimmers are assembled in South Africa. In my humble opinion, what makes the BMWs great is the German design and engineering. From what I know the engines and transmissions are manufactured in Germany. I had the opportunity of visiting the assembly line in Spartanburg. People who work on the assembly line undergo training and follow standard operating procedures (SOP). I doubt that the assembly line workers in Germany are more qualified or more conscientious than those in Spartanburg, SC or those in Rosslyn, South Africa.
Second, I like ksoman's down-to-earth attitude when it comes to cars being abused on dealers' lots. If you worry about your car being abused in test drives, why don't you order your own car? To be honest, it bothered me that the salesperson (who to his own credit was polite) pushed the gas pedal so hard when he drove off the lot. I did not find a bimmer with the options I wanted (it seemed that all the cars available came with an automatic transmission and with a luxury package including that annoying arm rest) so I decided to order my car. I had to wait 10 weeks to get my baby, but I got it with 6 miles on the odometer.
Enjoy the drive!
i personally love the orient blue and we almost bought our convertible in it, however wife thought it was too dark for her taste... but i think its unique, very few cars, damn harder to maintain clean and very very royal in looks.
we went with the mystic blue which is shades lighter and different, but it looks good on the 04 convertible.
So it looks like in a few days we will go order the following: 325i, Orient Blue, Black Leather, Premium Package, Sport Package, Steptronic Transmission, and the Xenons.
The car will probably not be garaged overnight so it looks like we'll have to take extra care for the paint. Plus, we live under a tree.
Maybe you should rent a home before you spring for the bimmer.
Sorry, I guess I'm feeling a bit goofy this morning, but I couldn't resist. BTW, congrats on the orient blue, you made a great choice. Our cabrio is silver, and while the silver is nice, owning one makes you realize that silvers are everywhere, especially the BMWs.
1. Is the suspension the same in a SP vs non-SP 330i.
2. Do the wider 17" tires make a big difference.
3. Cosmetic changes - Are they substantial.
For MY03, RWD sedan Sport Package includes:
- 3-spoke M-type steering wheel (325i & 330i)
- Front Sport Seats (325i 12-way, manual) & 330i 8-way power)
- Sport Suspension calibration (325i as this is standard on 330i)
- 225/45-17 summer performance tires (325i)
- 225/45ZR-17 front & 245/40ZR-17 rear summer performance tires (330i)
- Revised alloy wheels (diff. on 325i & 330i)
- M aerodynamic package (330i)
I think Sport Package is the only way to go. Great sport seats, better tires, etc. The exterior appearance of the 330i is much more aggressive, though tastefully so (e.g., the alloy wheels on th 330i Sport Pkg are M Double Spoke).
Although I'm no expert, maybe the experts on this forum can verify this.
Yep, unfortunately, if you drive 20K miles a year, your probably going to be looking at a set of tires per year as well. The fronts might make it a couple of thousand miles more, but the rears will be ready for new tread. I've got a 2002 330Ci with the SP and at 11,000 miles, I can see that I'm going to be tire shopping (at least for rears) before the 20K mark.
How agressive you drive will factor into your wear, but these are performance tires, so your not going to get incredible wear out of them.
On a positive note, if your going to have dedicated snow tires, your tirelife might be more than an year (well, at least trying to be positive), because you'll probably only run the performance tires 8-9 months and then snows for 3-4 months (depending on where you live and how much snow risk you've got).
I was wondering if those of you that have the ZHP have a rear decklid spoiler? It's my understanding from bmwusa.com that the spoiler is part of the ZHP....but my salesman said it wasn't!
Thanks,
Dave
It is part of the ZHP package unfortunately. I'm not a spoiler guy but thankfully it's a discreet lip spoiler. Tell your salesguy to look up the info for himself...
http://bmwusa.com/site_layout/models/0342/performance/index.html
I didn't use the concealed display. Considering the 8500 has manually controllable display brightness, and mine is mounted high and left of the rear view mirror, I don't see the need for a concealed display. As is, it's almost impossible to see from outside the car, day or night, assuming you dim the display at night. There's also a super-dim mode whereby it turns off more of the display LEDs, but I haven't needed that either.
On a side note, my SA build '01 325 has been flawless for 2 years. I cant even come with anything wrong when I go to the dealer for an oil change.
Thanks
i have read in here that 3M clearcoat can be used to protect the exterior, especially the front hood and fenders from rocks and pebbles, etc... does anyone have any experience with it? any problem getting the film off after prolonged usage? i.e. damaging the paint. also if 3M clearcoat in installed, are you supposed to wash and wax it like you normally would? anyone with experience or knowledge in this matter would be greatly appreciated..
TYIA
sleepdoc
2004 325Ci
silver gray,gray leather SP,PP,HK,cold pkg, and most importantly manual tranny.
You are supposed to be able to take it off with a hair dryer. I see no reason to do that unless it becomes damaged some how and needs to be replaced. I don't think a new owner would want to take it off. Not sure if a leasing company would complain about it though?
I don't know what the long-term effect it will have on the paint. They say it is zero but we will probably have to wait and see. I have had it on for about 18 months now and it still looks good. You can wash and wax the car like normal. I was told to go ahead and wax the clear bra also. The issue with waxing is you tend to get some wax build up on the edge of the clear bra that you will want to remove with something soft.
Great stuff IMHO. After living with one traditional car Bra I will never do it again. The clear stuff is more expensive but well worth it because it is always on the car and you don't have to remove it anytime you want to clean the car or it gets wet.
I'm impressed with the safety features and the interior/exterior looks of the Volvo S60 2.5T. But I don't like the torque steer, turbo lag, and the slow-to-respond geartronic. I also don't like being forced to have an automatic on that particular car. A T5 (which CAN be had with a stick) is out of my price range.
I like the the MB C230's price, equipment, and overall feel. But I'm turned off by the engine noise and the shifter (the center armrest also gets in the way). I'm going to go back and try an automatic, just for grins.
I LOVE the 325i's Sportronic, driving position, and classic lines. But I'm puzzled about the lack of "unloaded" 325s. The dealer had 30 sedans with sportronic/leather/sport packages. They won't have any plain-jane 5sp. sedans until later this week.
Okay, here's my dilemma -- Which one will really protect me in the event an SUV t-bones me, or hits me head-on? On paper, Volvo and MB seem to be running neck-to-neck. The BMW seems to fall a bit behind for the lack of full side curtains from front to back. Does the BMW have a steel safety cage, crumple zones, and side beams like the Volvo and MB? Which car wins here? Is there any clear winner? Or are they all so close in the safety department that I can't go wrong, no matter which I choose?
Right now, I drive a 1996 Civic coupe. Safety is what got me shopping to begin with -- I need something that won't disintegrate like a wet Kleenex in a nasty wreck. No offense to the Civic.. but it's just no match for a 5,000 lb. Expedition.
When it comes time to write the big check, I may go for the car that offers a lot more driving pleasure -- since, after all, I'm only going to have a serious wreck in the car once (god forbid), but I'll be driving it all the time. I don't know if I'd be happy if I got the car that feels clumsy and awkward to me just to slightly improve my chances of walking away from a crash.
As you can probably tell, this is my first time shopping in this class/price range. I'm not into getting an Acura or a Lexus, because I've been-there-done-that with the Japanese cars. They're great, but I need something more. Oh, I also haven't gotten around to driving an Audi A4. Am I missing out on something, or what? Thoughts? Opinions? Guidance? Comments from people who have bought any of these cars in the San Diego area lately are especially welcome.
The bottom line, you have to do what you feel comfortable in doing. Me, I would get another 3 series in a heartbeat, as I have first hand experience with people walking away from serious crashes in their Bimmer.
PS I never respond to JD Edwards or participate in CRs surveys. So these surveys do not know my dealer is fantastic, and my car todate has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.
If you want a more barebones 325i in SD you're probably gonna have to get lucky with a dealer who ordered one as they tend to load them up (higher margins). I test drove a 325i manual with just the sport package at Cunningham BMW in El Cajon. That was the only one I saw in a few months of looking at various cars.
As for dealerships, I dealt with BMW of SD throughout the process but never felt like they were really trying to get my business. Cunningham BMW (specifically Jim Cumberland) took me on several fantastic test drives in: a base 325i, a loaded 325i with step, a 330i with manual and finally the car that they had to unwrap for me and the one I bought, a 330i ZHP( http://blue-guy.com/images/Front_Left.jpg ). He was patient as this took several weeks of me visiting, leaving and returning. And he was more than willing to order me a car. I ended up buying there because they made me an offer I'd have to be an idiot to refuse. Also, Cunningham doesn't charge bogus MACO or training fees. The price you negotiate is the price you pay.
I love my 330i sport package 5-speed, but it's a little beyond low to mid $30s. I think a 325i SP 5-speed is closer to your price range. Personally I'd require a manual tranny in a 325i for adequate performance, but that's me.
Don't quickly reject cars like the Infiniti G35. I've driven one extensively and it's a very good car. Lots of power and very good handling. Also try the Audi A4 and Mazda RX-8.
Several stories have I read (sounding like Yoda) where BMW drivers where in collisions with SUV's and the drivers and passengers walked away from them. That says something right there.
There are other options. I've heard good things about the G35 as well, and am considering it when I get a new car, along with a 5 Series. The G35, according to their commercials, say impeccably equipped at 31,000 and change. May be worth a look. I'm not sure about their safety ratings though.
As it has been mentioned here, go with the manual if you want a 325. While the step is nice, on the 325, it just feels a bit sluggish. My manual is pure joy to drive and feels plenty quick for me, and I live at elevation over 4,000 feet.
-Paul
The rear chest airbags were/are optional in the 5 Series. I have them in my '98 540i. For MY2003 rear head airbags are standard in all 5 Series. So if rear airbags are in issue, the 525i manual would be the way to go, with optional rear chest airbags to compliment the standard rear head airbags.
is flat tire covered under warranty? i mean, i barely have over 500 miles on it. hasn't even gone thru the break-in period yet! what should i do? need help!
sleepdoc
2004 325Ci
Be thankful your car has normal tires. One month into ownership I got a flat on one of my ZHP's stock Bridgestone 255/35 18 tires and nobody had one in stock. Bridgestone told me it was on 30 day backorder. I paid an extreme amount to get back on the road.
I am assuming that date refers to the start of production, not completion, no? Also, generally how long does it take to build the car? Shipping? I'm in NY State.
Just curious. Regards.
So, going by that, I would say the 8-8-03 would be a "start" date, and you could expect your car perhaps late August. But that's only a guess. Can your salesman give you a better date of delivery?
A co-worker of mine has an I35, and gets G35s as loaners when his is in for servicing. He's good buds with the GM at Discover Infiniti, so he says he might be able to get me a good deal. It's worth checking out when I'm ready.
Audi A4 -- surprisingly hard to find in SD. Metro had none (the '04s arrive in 2 weeks). And I refuse to go to Miramar. I've never gotten anything but bad vibes whenever I've checked out VWs there. But still, I want to try an A4 -- they seem to have a lot of stuff for the money.
Mazda RX8 -- Boy, would that make my mom jealous. She had a '73 RX-2 that was totaled (with me, an unbelted 6-year-old, riding in the front seat) and has been pining for another rotary Mazda ever since. There's probably no way she'd ever get one now. But I suppose she could drive mine when she visits from Dallas. I don't even know how avail. those are for a test drive. I've only seen two on the streets of San Diego in the last month or so. Both looked like they were being test driven. Anyone out there drive one of these yet?
blueguydotcom -- thanks for the Cunningham BMW reference. I shall check it out when the check clears from the condo sale. No point getting attached to any one car, new or used, until I can actually pay for it, right?
erickpl -- "Several stories have I read (sounding like Yoda) where BMW drivers where in collisions with SUV's and the drivers and passengers walked away from them. That says something right there"
True enough. And I suppose if BMWs weren't crashworthy, the Germans (and we) would have quit buying them ages ago.
riez -- I think you're right. I've poured over the 3-series book from the BMW dealer, and I can't find ANY mention of rear-seat head protection. It does mention rear-seat side airbags, but it also says they have to be "activated" or something like that by either BMW command, or the dealer, or who knows. What's that all about? I probably wouldn't be able to get a used 5-series to fit my budget, unless I bought one that already has more age/miles than I'd care for.
Still in no hurry to buy. But I do enjoy having all the feedback. Thanks.
Pretty amazing to see how information systems have changed manufacturing operations. At one Toyota plant I did due diligence on, just-in-time ordering meant that the factory's order for the seats to a particular car went out as that car was starting to be assembled. The subcontractor had to be ready to put those seats in a truck within half an hour so that they'd be over to the factory in time to be installed two to three hours later.
(1) Don't get the 325i without the sport package. Especially down in San Diego, the all-seasons are lost on you, and in return you sacrifice the significantly better handling summer sport tires. The sport seats alone are worth the package. If you disagree, get yourself some sand colored sports seats and I'll trade you my 330's premium leather seats.
The 325i sport package is a little different because you get the 17x7.5s all around instead of the assymetric 67Ms, but I think you're doing yourself a disservice by not getting it.
(2) One of my acquaintances is a lifelong Volvo guy. But even he admits the only reason he stays with Volvo is because he lives right next door to a Volvo mechanic he trusts. Reliability, he says, is not a small consideration when buying a Volvo.
(3) The 3-series has always done exceptionally well in the Insurance Institute tests. Plus it's more agile than most of its competitors, which is always nice when you're trying to avoid an accident.
(4) The Audi is worth a close look. Other than turbo lag, the 1.8T is a very quick car. It's cheaper than a 325 too. My only beef with the Audis are that they tend to come with performance compromises (non-naturally aspirated engine, front-driver, uninspiring feel) that tend to, for me, outweigh the price difference).
Obviously, I would personally lean towards the 325, but it's good that you're approaching the buying process so thoroughly. Which way are you leaning?
I had a similar flat on Thanksgiving Day a few years back. I was traveling and too much in a holiday mood to want to put the spare on. So I called roadside assistance. Truck came out, pulled off the flat, put on the spare. When I got back home I went to local tire dealer who repaired the tire.
Tire repair is usually pretty cheap. Around $10-20 in my area.
Right now, I am leaning towards the 325i. In the next day or two, I expect to be able to test drive a manual without premium pkg.. but I'm not sure if it will have the sport pkg.
Thanks for the advice on the sport pkg. I was wondering if it was worth the money, and most of what I've learned so far points to "yes". On Monday, I drove a 325i with premium/sport and sportronic trans. I swear, that must be the ONLY automatic that has me seriously thinking that I could live without a manual, and never miss it. Although my schedule is such that I'm rarely in rush-hour traffic, I know from driving my buddy's 1993 325is what a chore it is to do a stick BMW in stop-and-go conditions (not a small consideration when one lives in Southern California). So I just might go shiftless for this one.
I read the crashtest.com site, and I was impressed with what it had to say about how well the BMW stood up to the 40 mph test, and the low injury index numbers. And, yes, part of the appeal of a BMW is how it could keep me from having a wreck in the first place with handling and stopping power that, short of the IS300, can't be beat.
I still need to drive an A4, a G35, and maybe even a TSX. I sat in a TSX a few days ago and thought "this is nice. But I've had a Civic for nearly 8 years, and this is still a Honda, when you get right down to it." Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm sure I could easily rack up another 102K trouble free miles, like I've done in the Civic. But still, it's time for a change. When you've had BMW on the brain for as long as I, it's hard to get another Hon.. I mean, Acura.
The Audi does look like a good value, at least when it comes to content and looks. But it's another turbo front-driver.. and it sounds like at least two of the things that turned me off with the Volvo (turbo lag and torque steer) are gonna be present in the Audi. Also, if the Audi 1.8T/auto combo is like the VW 1.8T/auto combo, then I probably wouldn't be happy with it. The last turbo/auto Passat tested in C&D got raspberries for how poorly the engine and transmission worked together. (I don't have the link handy, or I'd post it).
And, yes, there's the Mazda RX-8. I've never driven a rotary, and I wasn't old enough when my mom had one in the mid 70's to remember what it sounded/felt like to be in the passenger seat. So maybe I could find one to drive. There's not a Mazda dealer very close to me, though (Scripps Ranch). Is there one in Poway? Kearny Mesa?
Oh, one other question. From the long term tests I've read on Edmunds and other places, I get the impression the tires that come on BMWs don't last very long. Is that because the testers flog the hell out of the cars, or is it because of the way the tires are made? How much life can I expect from "moderate" driving (80 on the freeway, some stop-and-go city driving, no aggressive street racing or back country rally racing)? What are good replacement tires for when I need a new set? Okay, so that was three questions, not one.
Okay, I shut up now. Thanks.
Definitely try them allk on. Find the car that suits you perfectly. The A4 for me was a little too cramped and I was getting away from a vw, so I couldn't see sticking with that company.
The G35's a mindblowing car and loaded up with stick you're looking at only 31k or so. Very fast, very fun, very roomy.
I sat in a TSX a few days ago and thought "this is nice. But I've had a Civic for nearly 8 years, and this is still a Honda, when you get right down to it."
No. I'm pretty anti-honda. Ask people in the VW rooms. I've always bashed hondas, but once I test drove the manual TSX I was super impressed. It would have gotten my money had I not cut the deal on my BMW. The engine's a blast, build quality impeccable and the shifter's insanely smooth. For 25k the TSX is an outright steal, even with FWD. Every feature you could want (save for the rwd) and matched with some sheetmetal that's not nearly as common as the BMW 3 series (something I lament often. a friend just scowled at my bmw upon seeing it for the first time and she nearly spat, "you bought one of those").
When you've had BMW on the brain for as long as I, it's hard to get another Hon.. I mean, Acura.
I understand but really the leap between a 325i and a TSX isn't that huge. Let the 325i owners throw stones, I don't care. A 325i loaded up with all the TSX's features makes it's crazy expensive for very little performance gain. I woulda gona TSX in a heartbeat if the 25i was the only 3 series choice.
The Audi does look like a good value, at least when it comes to content and looks. But it's another turbo front-driver.. and it sounds like at least two of the things that turned me off with the Volvo (turbo lag and torque steer) are gonna be present in the Audi.
Get a quattro and you won't have FWD or torque steer.
Also, if the Audi 1.8T/auto combo is like the VW 1.8T/auto combo,
Chip the 1.8t and naturally, stick with a stick. The tiptronic is a joke of a tranny. But then again, I feel that way about the Steptronic too.
The last turbo/auto Passat tested in C&D got raspberries for how poorly the engine and transmission worked together.
Passat and A4 aren't really that alike. Trust yourself over some useless car reviewer.
And, yes, there's the Mazda RX-8. I've never driven a rotary...So maybe I could find one to drive. There's not a Mazda dealer very close to me, though (Scripps Ranch).
Mazda dealers in mission valley and escondido. John Hine in Mission Valley is awesome. Very good people - my family has purchased two mazdas from them. And the RX-8's rotary isn't that unusual and won't be anything like the old 95 RX's I fell in love with all those years ago. What a sublime little car...whew!
I get the impression the tires that come on BMWs don't last very long.
Depends on sport, non-sport and obviously driving style. If I get 15k outa my 18s, I'll be elated.
Is that because the testers flog the hell out of the cars, or is it because of the way the tires are made?
Oem tires are generally garbage (I can't wait to switch to bridgestone's other 18s) and testers are really hard on the cars. it's not theirs, so who cares!
How much life can I expect from "moderate" driving (80 on the freeway, some stop-and-go city driving, no aggressive street racing or back country rally racing)? What are good replacement tires for when I need a new set? Okay, so that was three questions, not one.
Read the reviews on tirerack. good indicator of what people prefer for various makes.
Okay, I shut up now. Thanks.
2004 325Ci SP,PP,HK,CP,5-spd, silver gray/gray leather