BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

burrsr

Gurumike -- you mentioned something that absolutely sparked my curiosity. I'd like you to contact me personally, as I don't feel this forum is necessarily appropriate for my questions. Please reply to me directly at burr@one.net. Look forward to hearing from you.

firsthawk

BraveHeart - you mentioned in one of yur earlier posts that u went thro a list on e46fanatics.com before picking up your car...

I went ot the site but cudnt find it - whats the url I need to go to?

Thx!
-PickingItUpToday!!!

mfeldman

Thanks for the response. Iguess the DRL issue might be one of personal safety vs. consideration for others. Unless the blinding of other drivers poses its own safety issues.

As for door locks, I thought the safety feature was that door automatically unlock after an accident.

Marc

brave1heart

http://www.e46fanatics.com/faq/

Search for "Jerry's". Good luck, I hope everything works out fine.

firsthawk

brave1heart

gurumike - I have absolutely no scientific or empiric evidence that shows door openage is less likely with locked doors in a high-impact collision in ANY vehicle. I was simply using my common sense (or whatever's left of it) thinking that in general, it takes a lot more force to open a door that has been locked than to open a door that is simply closed but not locked. I may be wrong (it won't be the first or the last time) but I remember reading that chances of fatality are about 9-10 times higher if you are ejected from the vehicle in case of a collision. Please explain, I trust you'd know better than any one of us. As a product knowledge specialist, you could provide a wealth of info on a variety of topics to us. I'd love to hear more from you and I'm guessing the rest of the board would also appreciate your input. What kind of BMW products do you specialize in particular?
BTW, your previous message was posted 4 times on different occasions. Not sure why...

firsthawk

shipo

Marc,

I found the following reference on BMW USA's web site:

"Upon serious side impact, a specially designed reinforcing bar hooks the doors to the car's main side frame pillars. After the force of impact, it is designed to disengage so the doors can be opened. After any sever impact, a BMW's crash sensor automatically switches on the hazard flashers and interior lights and unlocks the doors."

The item that I was reading back in 1998 expanded further on this feature. Essentially, the bending of the door causes the "re-bar" to engage the pillar hooks, this method of securing a door (and enhancing side impact protection at the same time) is far more secure than any door latch, locked or otherwise.

As an aside note, I grew up in the Detroit area, and I went to school with many children of automotive engineers. When I was in high school (early 1970's), I remember hearing a dissertation from one of the parents regarding door locks. At one point in time, car doors had a single latch mechanism that could easily spring open upon impact. A safety feature of the day was a door lock that was essentially a second latch, however these second latches were prone to jamming during impact, rendering the door un-openable (I think that is a word). The modern door latches we find in cars today trace their origins back to the new Double Latches, which were introduced sometime in the 1950's (I think). Since then, a door lock simply provides a way to deactivate the outside door handle, and in no way adds to a vehicles' safety during a side impact style of crash.

If I am wrong about all of this, please let me know.

Best Regards,
Shipo

denright

Gurumike -

Can you tell me what level of boost my 330xi's steering will have? It is scheduled to be built first week of June. Will it have the "fix"? Or the retrofit? Or the high boost steering? Please advise. I am confused.

Alpine325i-

I test drove the 330xi extensively with and without the sport seats and found very little practical difference in the lateral support and the jostling suffered in tight cornering maneuvers. I know the sport seats look much better bolstered, but I really didn't detect much difference in actual performance. Please tell me why you find the non-sport seats unsatisfactory. If your reasons are compelling, I may still have time to order the AWD sport package before the car is built.

brave1heart

Yep, a few people on the road were jealous of my BMW yesterday. One of them was driving a Jeep and intentionally cut my way off as I was about to pass him in the fast lane. Needless to say, I just swerved in the middle lane and blew him off. He tried to catch up but gave it up pretty quick. I don't get emotional due to other drivers' stupidity on the road. I just get a kick out of outrunning them if they get in my way.

The Sopranos was great last night. I noticed that it was directed by Steve Buscemi - I'd never noticed in the past who the director was and I'm not sure if he only directed this one episode. All I can say is that he kept the suspense going very well, he did a full-hour episode, the characters were well-portrayed and superbly directed. I really liked it. Some of the episodes (esp. the first one) have been sketchy this year and this was one of the better ones.

Well, it's funny you asked about my wife. She really likes the 3-er. She's quite a driver herself (her Audi is manual) and is very happy seeing me so happy. Luckily, she still likes her A4 better because it is more feminine, more elegant, more refined, softer, quieter and it takes less muscle to drive it. Not to mention it is more luxurious. So everyone got what they wanted and no-one is jealous. We own both cars jointly, so we can easily swap them on daily basis.

Alpine325, I remember you mentioned that you were looking at the 260 hp modified engine for the 3-er - it was about 8 grand, right? I hope you don't mind me suggesting this, but if you really care about acceleration (esp. coming from a 'Vette!) you may be better off trading your car for a 330. Then you can get the SP and all the goodies that you are looking to upgrade. Just a thought...

drcr

Why don't you guys program one key w/lock and lights and one w/o. On the way out, grab the key that suits your fancy. Do you have to have both keys programed the same?

Still waiting on mine, but when I have the key programmed, I was going to have one w/ auto lock and lighted path 10 sec, driver open on one push - fiance's key, and one with all doors open w/one push for mine.

Doesn't the autolock trigger after 5 mph or is it 10?

brave1heart

Thanks for clarifying this. My door safety knowledge had fallen behind by about 50 years :O) It's amazing how much automotive stuff you know - do you still work for a car manufacturer?

gurumike

1. I don't know why my previous post was recorded four times. Soory, but I don't think I did it!
2. Cars built from Feb production all have the "new" (heavier) steering.
3. (And this is where I look clever!)Let's start with the rack. The ratio has been changed from 15.5:1 to 13.0, reducing the turns 3.2 to 2.9 lock-to-lock. The bushes are almost twice as stiff, and tolerances finer to make quicker, more accurate steering. The old 328s rack was set at 0.4 deg/Nm, the 330i (pre Feb production) was 0.5 (25%lighter), we're back at just over .4 right now and can modify any .5 free of charge.
4. I'm going home now so I'll be off the board either until I get home or on Wednesday!)
5. Bye!

dl7265

I WAS IN THE DEPARTMENT STORE OTHER NITE IN LINE BEHIND A ELDERLY LADY <50'S-60'S > AND NOTICED HER BMW KEY, SHE TOLD ME THEY TRADED THE 328I IN ON A 540I. ALSO PROMPTLY MENTIONED HOW SHE LIKED THE 328I BETTER , THOUGHT IT WAS MORE NIMBLE TO DRIVE AND MORE REWARDING , , , ,

RE:SPORT SEATS
I NEVER DROVE THE NONSPORT ,NEVER CONSIDERED GETTING PREMIUM OVER SPORT,SO I DON'T KNOW ABOUT NON SPORT SEAT SUPPORT. A FEW OBSERVATIONS, I AM HAPPY WITH THE SPORT SEATS AND THE ADJUSTABLE THIGH SUPPORT IS NICE ON LONG TRIPS. THE NEGITIVE WOULD BE REQUIRES MORE WORK ENTERING AND EXITING THE CAR AND ALSO BECAUSE OF THIS U WILL TYPICALLY SEE QUITE A BIT OF WEAR ON THOSE SIDE BOLSTERS.

DL

shipo

No, unfortunately. When I was with Mercedes-Benz, I wrote some fairly large computer systems for them here in the States. The Germans, who are notorious for wanting things done their way, actually liked what I did here. As a result, I spent almost a year working with a captive company of theirs over in Germany converting my system to their standards. All of this was happening in 1996, while at the same time, my wife was pregnant with our second child. In late 1996, I was asked to spend every other month until 2001, working in various MB locations around Europe customizing the system for the local requirements. "WHY, I ask you, WHY didn't you folks ask me to do that when I was single??????"

Needless to say, I had to leave MB. I was interviewing at BMW and Volvo (both of whom were within about 2 miles of MB USA at the time), when Fuji (the film folks) made me an offer I could not refuse. I am still there. The irony of all of this; in 1997 my wife and I built a house one half of a mile from BMW, and here I am driving across the Tappan Zee Bridge every day to go to work. I would still like to work for BMW, but it may not be in the cards any longer.

Best Regards,
Shipo

brave1heart

Quite a story... Hey, you got a pretty good ride out of that system you wrote. It sounds like you could've retired on that system in Germany. I know a little bit about systems myself. I've been an ERP implementation consultant (technical lead for PeopleSoft Human Resources and Financial systems) since '96 and some of the monsters we've put in will probably be around for 20 years or so. Were you working with SAP products?

tabbiecat

Wailea: I also was hit by the overheating gobblin. My fan gave out on 4/23 and I got the car back on 5/4. Dealer had to backorder fan, fan motor and cage from Germany. They kept me advised as the process moved along and they sprung for a rental car. Dealer was unaware that this might be an emerging problem, though he did say that in the course of scouring the local dealers for the parts there was a 325i at another dealer awaiting the same backordered parts. On the plus side, the car has run like a champ since Friday and it was sort of like getting a new car again since I had owned it for only three weeks and had 1100 miles on it. Good luck...hope you're on the road again soon!

gurumike

Really? A big air pipe and some software (such as Dinan now has available) will substantially improve off the line performance and do it aggresively. This will yield much funage also. I think it's more fun to have something like the 330i than many quicker acceleration cars but there's a point where, due to such high power, you'd look like the local waa-hoo if you really exploited their full.

It's more fun to be able to drive your car at 8 tenths to 10 tenths all the time than 4 tenths. Ask anyone with a stick shift 318ti.

BTW I intentionally made up the word funage.

gr8st8

The best way, IMO, to determine whether or not you should opt for the SP to get the sport seats is to actually test a bimmer with those seats. Then do several aggresive turns or corners and see if you like the added pads on both sides of your hip. Personally for me, I like to make aggresive turns and corners and I really appreciate the fact that those pads really keep me in place during those maneuvers. I never had this with any of my previous cars.
Maybe I'm biased as I've already had 4 long trips with my 2 and a half weeks old car, but I've also found the extended thigh-support to be really comforting during those long trips. Again, I also never had this with my previous cars.
The added pads on the sides and the extended thigh-support are the only two improvements on a sport seat over a regular seat that you will see. But for me, they are exactly what I need.
Does the seat make me a better driver? Absolutely not.
Does the seat make me feel more comfortable during corners and long trips so much so that I think it's the best option on my car? Without a doubt, yes.

gurumike

Okay, I thought I'd share how I've ordered my car which is in 151 status today so should be finished end this week, I should see it mid June.
330i sedan in Alpine White. Anthracite CLOTH sport seats (special order). Sport Pkg, xenons, in dash CD and electric rear window sun-shade (special order). I picture Mr. Spock as he says "Curious Captain..."

gurumike

shipo

Off topic vector...

The MB USA system that I wrote was essentially a system that dealt with all direct customer contacts between MB USA and any driver of any MB car currently in the country. Due to their unique requirements, I wrote the system from scratch using their existing database (Informix) and PowerBuilder as the client side platform.

The European version needed some different front-end stuff as well as objects that were able to morph themselves into different languages based upon the operators' profile. The database in Germany was Oracle, so much of the work was re-writing stored procedures and dealing with the differences in the two databases.

I probably could have done very well on that project, however, in hind site, it is a good thing I did not take it. In 1997 the US Dollar got real strong against the Deutsche Mark, the result would have been an almost one third cut in my effective hourly rate. Ouch!

Back on topic.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kv007

gurumike-do you know what the steering boost is on the 330xi? i talked to someone at bmwna and they said the 330xi was not affected by the lightened steering or the retrofit. does this seem right? when i test-drove the xi i didn't compare it to the i for the steering.

brave1heart--congrats on the new car...reading your posts makes me pretty impatient to get mine -- it's coming in early june! by the way, i'm an SAP HR proj. mgr./functional lead. one of the best parts of the job is going over to germany and driving around in a bmw on the autobahns.

wailea

Got the call from the service manager late this afternoon. He said that they ran the diagnostics and found "no faults". He said that they were looking at the thermostat as it may be sticking - apparently they been having some 3ers with that problem. That is as far as they got today.
Does anyone know if the thermostat has a relay that actuates the Aux fan to come on?

gurumike

Sorry, I'm not sure what you're asking with "what the steering boost" is. I'll have to check at work on Wednesday to see if xi was included in the lightened steering. Remember - From Feb production they went back to a heavier set-up which will stay. *-Teaser - The '02 model will likely get the new style steering rack which is used in the new compact (ti); but I don't think a new '01 E46 driver would ever know the difference. Note worthy on the topic of new ti, BMW are quoted as saying they're "going back to our roots" with the steering set-up on it by having a 0.27 deg/Nm assistance, meaning much less assistance than current (heavy) versions.

brave1heart

gurumike - I absolutely love the moonroof on my 325i. It is a very good size moonroof and totally easy to operate. I like having light in my car and I also like to hear the wind and smell the air at ANY speed. I like the rest of the options on your car but I think the moonroof is a miss. Well, you never told us what kind of BMW products you specialize in particular? I'd respect it if you are not in a position to tell us but please acknowledge my questions with an answer. It would also be helpful if you follow up on your posts, esp. when a discussion has not been resolved. Thanks.

kv007 - It sound like you have a fun job. It's funny but for the 5 or 6 years that I've been in consulting I've rarely had to travel for business. There is a lot of work locally in the Boston area. But yeah, traveling to Germany every once in a while and driving BMWs would be a lot of fun!! Good luck with getting yours - good things come to those who wait.

Shipo - I hear you. back in '97 and through last year, the rest of the world wanted to buy dollars so they could invest in the U.S. and get a piece of the stock market action. It's great to visit but I'm not so sure about working there for long years.

denright

Do you know if one can special order sport seats for a 330xi without the rest of the sport package? I'd like the additional bolstering from the sport seats, but I don't want the "M" facia. If I can get the sport seats for $500 or so, I will. Please let me know, as if it is possible I would try to amend or change my order, which is not due to be built for a few weeks yet.

Braveheart, glad to hear you are enjoying your 325i so much! I am excitedly counting down the days to my own delivery!

gurumike

Just read your question. I don't work for a manufacturer directly, I'm in sales at a BMW store. 6+ years at current with 6+previous BMW "learning" years. If you'll excuse my broard idea of a good car, my persol history is: '95 Nissan 240SX, '96 328iS, '97 M3 2-door, '99 Impreza 2.5RS, '00 M coupe, '00 Impreza 2.5RS and as of next month '01 330i. Again, sorry I didn't see/respond to your earlier post.

brave1heart

The sport seats are not a separate option and I don't think you can purchase them separately. On the other hand, everything is negotiable and your dealer might be willing to swap the seats for a reasonable fee. I'm guessing it would have been easier to negotiate this before you ordered the car but it's not too late. You'll never know unless you try - give it a shot. And if they won't do, you should reconsider getting the seats. They are phenomenal. Your eyes will get used to the M fascia more easily than your back to the standard seats.

gurumike

...thinking about how option code "rules" work and considering sport seats are stand-alone options on other BMW models, I'd say there's a good chance they might be, a most likely at around $500. Which part of the sport pkg is it you don't like (facia?)?

brave1heart

I couldn't find the cargo net on BMW Circle. Does anyone have any idea where I can purchase it over the internet? Also, has anyone priced a K&N filter for an E46. I think they are the same as those for the E36 but not entirely sure. Thanks.

denright

I don't like the "M" aerodynamic package, especially the front nose portion ("fascia") - sp? The rims are ok, but I really don't like the tricked-out look of the M package.

gurumike

..I've always thought of the facia as a synonym for the dash board, specifically around the dials. I dig the aero package, only the new ones have it and only on the 4 door 330. Most unusual that the coupe has no different kit. In the future, the 330i sports will have that classic / timeless sport sedan look that we who read this board would turn our heads toward in admiration. Remember that cars since march production have sport suspension standard. Now, if only we could a la carte the 17" m wheels.......

denright

Gurumike, how much of a difference do you think that the sport seats make in long trip comfort and lateral support in cornering maneuvers?

I am seriously considering calling my salesman tomorrow and seeing if I can't get sport seats special ordered without the M aero stuff.

gurumike

Remember, it's an opinion.....
I believe the comfort of the standard chair, upholstered in leatherette or leather, is supremely comfortable for any distance and offers top support during the "high-speed" driving you're likely to be doing. Of course the sport seats offer increased support but I certainly wouldn't be dissapointed if they were a little less aggresive on the base and backrest side supports. The seats all have many ajustments, some people who have found the seat uncomfortable should try a totally different seating position that their normal, it will seem unusual at first but may prove to be their new favorite.

sandecki

I am in the process of ordering a 330i and noticed there is no alarm system on sad eqpmnt list. What would you guys recommend? If you recommend an EM BMW Alarm, what is the price and is it worth it to order ahead of the time. Thanks for your help!

brave1heart

By specializing in BMW products, you really meant to say that you are in sales at the front office, which is also known as being a salesperson at a dealership. You know, you'd do yourself a favor if you come out and state that clearly instead of posting bushings specs or whatever taken directly from technical manuals that you seem to be intimately familiar with. What a joke, man. Is biz really that slow or you are a true BMW enthusiast who also happens to be selling cars on the side?

wailea

Here is the link to the cargo net at PacificBMW

http://www.pacificbmw.com/catalog/access/detail.asp?pid=143&category=3&section=17&model=E46

Let me know if this is what you are looking for

brave1heart

How's the wagon loaner treating ya?

alpine325i

Circle BMW has the cargo net listed as "trunk net" in accessories 2000. Cost $55.20 List $69.00. The K&N filter for the 325i is $40, but I forget which web site had it.

gurumike

thank you for your kind observations. I'd like to think I'd lean toward the latter.lol. I've lurked on E46 board for some time but only got a log on name a week ago. I just thought I'd be able to answer some questions. I'd have no interest in directly attempting to solicite business on the board. Never seemed neccessary to share such a point. Sorry. And no, no problems with sales, far from it, thankfully.

megrdh

brave1heart

...on the West coast so he's a little more awake.

gurumike

...my dealerships website. It has parts listings. I've never compared their prices but if it's of any use.....

http://www.cuttermotors.com/bmw/partspecial.html

hope this is of use.

brave1heart

I'm gonna go hit the sack. I had a race tonight and I'm so beat my esys are closing. Can't keep up with the West Coast posters. Will catch up tomorrow. Good night all.

gurumike

wailea

Hey Braveheart. Took it out this evening for a quick driving comparison. IMO, the standard seats are nothing as compared to the SP seats. I felt like I was swimming aroung in them - very little support!

Actually, the handling wasn't bad at all - very responsive and seemed ready for my next move. The "manual mode" of the auto transmition was kind of fun to play with also - it had good acceleration but I missed having my foot on the clutch and running the shifter through the gears - old habits die hard. If my wife wanted the auto I would definitely be keeping it in the manual mode.

I did not like how the headrest in the middle of the backseat obstructed my rear view - there are 3 in the wagon compared to 2 in the sedan.

Can't beat the cargo space the wagon had but I miss my sedan- can't wait to get it back.

wailea

Glad you liked the link.

Do you know if it is relatively easy to install the armrest? I saw the instructions on circle BMW but wanted to know if you or anyone else made the attempt to try it themselves?

yanbuken

Brave1heart-congratulations on your great experiences with your new car, and especially thanks for your very informative postings. They are well appreciated.
Euro325-have you received any more feedback regarding the manufacturer in Munich just holding on to your completed car until you get there sometime in June. I assume they will not charge you any storage fees.
Gurumike-your earlier post implied that the '02 Compact would represent BMW going back to their roots regarding their steering. Do you mean that the '02 330Ci/i models will also have the original true BMW steering too? Also, since you are in parts, can one purchase the "M" style steering wheel to replace the stock wheel for 330Ci, which I do not really care for?
Overheating-the many posts that I have read regarding overheating problems and aux fan problems seem to be with the 325 series. Has anyone experienced this with the 330 series?
Thanks - Ken

camnellum1

Having owned a prelude, a new Jetta vr6 and having been able to drive the integra for a substantial time, I can assure you that none of them in my experience would "destroy" my brand new 325. The only way that would happen is if any of those cars lost road stability and crashed into me.

The thing you are forgetting is the weight ratio front to rear of these cars. The prelude is extremely front heavy and tends to have the tail kick out in hard maneuvers. I know first hand because mine did that and now it is scrap. As far as the integra, again the stability wasn't there and the power band is awfully noisy. The Jetta VR6 was definitely quicker that my 325, but I do not miss it...yet.

I agree that the extra horses in the 330 shouldn't add up to 5 large+ however I don't believe it is a "rip-off". I you are worrying about money when you get into the mid-30's and up price range, you are probably in the wrong neighborhood. Having never tested an IS300, I couldn't speak on the perfomance...I'd have to get past the looks before I got in one.

JMHO...