BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

kyfdx

I thought this might be of interest. I just got my 2003 325i sport and wanted to put winter tires on it right away, in the same size and on the same wheels. I looked on Tirerack to find only four choices in 225/45/17. Two Bridgestones, Michelin Artic Alpin and Pirelli 240.

I called my local tire guy (small independent). He said he could get either the Bridgestone or Michelin, but that he also could get Goodyears. And, they would be about $60 cheaper for the set than either of the others (amazing for Goodyear).

These tires aren't even offered by Tirerack, and the local Goodyear store (the one with Goodyear on their sign) had not even heard of them when I called.

They are Goodyear Eagle Ultra-Grip GW3.. And, they are V-rated. You can see them at Goodyear.com. I just put them on yesterday, and they seem to handle and ride well, for what little driving I did. I'll report back after the first snow.

regards,
kyfdx

nhlarry

Hi folks. Happy new year. I'd seen a post earlier about a member who installed his own radar detector? I've been using a standard issue, but can never remember to pull the plug out of the lighter, keeping the thing on when I shut the car off. I know...best solution is to remember to turn it off or pull the plug, but it's a mental block. Any other ideas?
Thanks,
Larry

pat

There's been a lot of conversation in here about radar detectors. You should be able to find most of it by using the Search This Discussion feature on the page bar. This is a very handy tool that many folks overlook.

speeds2much

Recently I checked out the local BMW dealer in Pennsylvania, and there were about a dozen 325i and 325ix models parked in a row. Every one of them had an automatic transmission, to my great surprise. They said a manual had to be special ordered!? BMW has truly gone mainstream. I almost felt I was at a Toyota dealership, looking at that row of boxy cars in bland colors.

Also, I've noticed a flood of 325ix cars on the road over the past few years, and most are driven by women. Is this becoming a soccer mom car??

sgn94

I am contemplating the purchase of a new 2004 BMW 330i sedan and have questions about the following: 1). I want the Harmon Kardon in-dash CD/radio. If I get the in-dash Navigator, where does BMW put the CD/radio? I do not want a CD changer. 2). I recently had a chance to check out Sirius Satellite Radio and would like to get that, too. Can I get all 3 -- the Harmon Kardon system, the Navigator, and the Sirius unit (the PNP2 made by Audiovox)?

bavarian

sgn94,

The CD slot is hidden behind the Nav screen which at the press of a button pivots to a horizontal plane to allow access to the single CD slot.
The music keeps playing, though the volume dips a little, while the English Nav lady gives directions. Radio controls are below the Nav.

Norris in Chicago and Michigan

sgn94

A local BMW dealer in the SF Bay Area says that in the 2004 330i (sedan), if you want the Navigation System you forego the in-dash CD player. He said that the navigation screen tips forward revealing a cassette player. If you want the CD player, you have to get a CD changer installed in the trunk!

div2

The dealer is full of it. They can spec out their cars however they want-they have chosen to go with 100% slushboxes. If the dealer wanted all manuals the lot would be full of them. Methinks that they are trying to sell you what they already have in their inventory by making it sound like it is very difficult to get an MT. I'd tell them that you sure don't want to put them to any trouble, and that you're going to buy from a dealer that doesn't have any difficulty ordering cars from Munich.
BTW, I'd check out www.eurobuyers.com

jmess

Sponsoring an F1 team isn't cheap so somebody has got to pay for it. Why not the Soccer Moms? You got to sell a lot of high margin luxo options to keep Senior Juan Pablo's and Herr Ralph's private jets in the air. You can't do it with hard parts like a limited slip differential. You can do it by charging a premium for creature features and do nothing interior and body trim variations.

bmw323is

In the January issue of Car and Driver, BMW got slammed for the 530i and the X3 (Bedard actually compared the X3 to the AMC Gremlin!). They were also just lukewarm on the 645Ci (I guess $70K just doesn't get you much these days). Only the 3-Series escaped their wrath and was picked again for their "10 Best". I've been reading several car magazines for many years and have never seen so much apathy for new BMW models. Clearly the auto magazines are angry with BMW for messing up a good thing. To be fair, anything but raves for BMW's was unusual in the past - so just average now seems terrible. However, they now seem to struggle to come up with any positive remarks. In the writers eyes, I-Drive is a complete failure, and the newest styling (although subjective) never gets any praise. At the same time the price difference to the competitors drifts wider and wider. And for the first time, BMW's driving dynamics are in question - they said "the X3 clomps down the road, and BMW's shouldn't clomp." And they didn't like the 5 series active steering.

I wonder if BMW sales have peaked and will start to decline in North America, especially with the devaluing dollar against the Euro. Perhaps I should plan on keeping my MY 2000 for about 10 years. Maybe the E46 is the last outstanding chassis and design (for a reasonable price) that BMW will produce in a while! Other thoughts?

ksoman

i'll be glad if they have peaked. the lesser the better, offers some exclusivity. today, you have 0 exclusivity, everybody seems to be driving a bmw. the car business is very cyclical and specially the german madness seems to go through a classic sin curve (math sin, not sin sin)

ksso

shipo

...however, I think that the E65 7-Series is rather lame, the E60 5-Series is absolutely ghastly, but, call me fickle, I really like the E63 6-Series. In fact, I like the E63 so much that I'm casting around trying to dream up a new business enterprise that might well be lucrative enough to allow me to comfortably afford a new 645Ci. Go figure. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

kdshapiro

"i'll be glad if they have peaked. the lesser the better"

Me to but the the whole of them. Lexus is too darn expensive, Acura's product especially the RL could use price adjustment. The M45/Q45 is just too expensive for what you get. MB is just ridiculous. Imagine over $150K for one car?! Ferraris especially, I hope the price crashes through the roof, I want a new one under $50K.

Nobody should drive an exclusive automobile.

ksoman

the sin curve could well be a sin sin curve instead of a sine curve..
lol
ksso

erickpl

I'm with you on that. The new 6 is nice, but I'm questioning the initial price tags for it.

Maybe I'll just get a G35.

-Paul

shipo

I hear you on the price thing, however, as all car enthusiasts learn sooner or later, vehicular lust is a totally irrational thing, and I NEED a 645Ci. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

erickpl

Yeah, I have a huge list of things I need to cure my car enthusiamitis.

If I don't cure it soon, my wife will do me in. she's sick of my disease that has no cure except an empty pocketbook!

-Paul

brave1heart

bmw323is - these are exactly my thoughts too. Honestly, the competition was getting closer but no-one could have stolen the lead from them. They did it to themselves...

Exclusivity - I don't need a status symbol. I'd be perfectly fine if all other cars on the road were BMWs. I'd rather be looking at BMWs than Kias.

Shipo, the 6-series looks OK but if I am shopping for a car in that price range, I'm taking the 911 and never looking back at a just OK 645Ci. I think the new 6 will go the 8-series' way. See, a used Z8 would be something - that to me is one of the most beautiful cars ever made!!

3-series and manuals - the dealers simply don't want the manuals on their lots. They are usually harder to move, esp. sedans. They want to deal mostly cars that they can move fast: slushboxes, PP, xi, etc. There is, however, a vibrant private market for used 3-series with manual trannies.

div2

I hear you on the 911; the only sports car I'd rather own is a Henna Red M1. No way am I getting rid of the Club Sport, but if I was forced to replace it my non-negotiable requirements would be: RWD/AWD, four seats, three pedals, a 0-60 of 6 sec. or better and a price tag less than $35K-so right now I'd look at the Cobra, EVO VII, G35 Coupe, Mach 1, RX-8, and STi. I REALLY, REALLY like the EVO but I'd either have to get an RS or special order one since I don't want the Uncle Ben's Long Grain Wild Wing or the sunroof. The value performance winners are the Mustangs, since I could get them on X Plan along with a $4000 rebate. OTOH, a 1995 M3 with the Conforti Euro HFM kit and a few suspension tweaks would be nearly a quick as the EVO or STi and probably end up costing considerably less than $20K. Ditto for an E28 M5 with a chip, Euro(no cat) exhaust, and a Bilstein spring/damper kit. In reality I'll likely fit a chip, Hella Xenon Celis headlamps and clear corners to the ti-and maybe find a nice used 1150 GS to putter around on. Much cheaper and more fun than all but the 911 or M1. Probably.

white6

New GTO meets your requirements, too.

kdshapiro

But's it's $20K more than an EVO or STi.

kyfdx

is just going to be in the low to mid $30K range. A co-worker has one on order.. I'll ask him when he comes in today.

regards,
kyfdx

div2

The new Goat is a fine car under the skin, but the anonymous GM jellybean styling really leaves me cold. I wish Pontiac had been able to incorporate some classic GTO styling cues such as louvered tail lamps or dual hood scoops. I think the recent Mustangs and the C6 are great examples of how you can incorporate classic styling themes into a modern design. I do like the interior, though. If Pontiac really does decide to make a limited edition pumped-up Judge I may reconsider. FWIW, the Pontiac web site is a typical GM abortion; there's a link to "Build Your Own GTO", yet there's no GTO to build when you click on the link...

kyfdx

My co-worker says the dealer still doesn't know what the MSRP will be. But, he got an e-mail directly from Pontiac that suggests the preliminary MSRP is $32,600 plus destination and options. The pictures I've seen make it look exactly like a Grand Am, but I don't tell my friend that. He's a long time Pontiac guy. I do like that Corvette engine, though.

regards,
kyfdx

gordonwd

I think that BMW (and others) sometimes end up between the proverbial rock and hard place. Bimmer fans are always asking "when's the new (fill in the blank) coming out?" They want something new, but on the other hand if it is too different from the current model then they'll scream about that. So the company has to come out with something "all new," but that has to also look like the model it's replacing. This is not very easy to do, and I sympathize with their designers. For example, will they ever be able to do away with the twin-kidney grilles?

Contrast this with the Japanese mfrs, who feel free to totally revamp the styling of their products from one major release to the next. On the other hand, they then get criticized by some for not have a consistent "corporate identity" to their cars.

You just can't win for losing :-).

ptrekker

>>But, he got an e-mail directly from Pontiac that suggests the preliminary MSRP is $32,600 plus destination and options.

And in a year and a half Pontiac will be offering $12,600 cash back.

Want a GTO, get this:



or this:

blueguydotcom

I'm not enamored with the skin of the 5 or 7 or the upcoming 3. But you know what, I didn't buy my car for how it looks.

Yes, I will say without a trace of shame that I believe the 3 series sedan is the best looking sedan sold in the world (I've been saying that since 98 when I first saw one on the road and lusted after the car's shape).

But regardless of the exterior, it was the driving experience that sold me. I wouldn't have purchased a 325i even though I loved the exterior.

In fact, had I not bought my 3 series, I would have purchased either a TSX or a G35, two cars that are totally nondescript. The shell made really no difference in the purchase.

Although I will say Pontiac's sense of "style" is off the mark that only the Solstice raises my eyebrow. Might make a fun weekend car with a turbo or supercharger.

Which reminds me, doesn't the Solstice kind of look like a mini Z8? And that dodge sling shot definitely is like the z coupe.

On the GTO. The original, though long, was kinda cool. The new one...it looks like a Dodge Stratus coupe!

And what's up with the 645cic having Camry Solara/Dodge Sebring taillights?!!!

ajl1000

I was wondering if it was possible to have my local dealer replace my halogen lights with the xenon headlights. I didn't see them in the BMW Accessories catalog, so I am not sure if it is possible to just pay my dealer to do it. Does anyone know about this?

Thanks,
AJL1000

blueguydotcom

That's gonna cost a crazy amount. Far more than they would have run you stock.

nyccarguy

I was sitting in traffic this evening (Clear Skies & 35 degrees) traveling into Manhattan when I looked over and saw a guy driving an E46 M3 Convertible (or do the call it a cabriolet?) with the top down, windows up, and a set of 17" winter wheels & snow tires. That is someone who definitely enjoys their car year round!

brave1heart

of the 2005 Mustang too!! The grill especially is gorgeous and I totally agree that they did a great job incorporating retro cues into a modern body. I hope the suspension has kept pace with the skin this time around.

white6

Not to get too far off the subject, but MSRP on 2004 GTO is $32,495; 6-speed Tremec adds $695. Where can you get a new 2004 EVO or STi for $13,190?

blueguydotcom

hope the suspension has kept pace with the skin this time around.

It hasn't. According to Ford, previous mustang buyers insisted they keep the archaic (and cheap) live rear axle as it's supposedly better for performance modding. yeah...that's why Porsche, Ferrari and Lambo all use a live rear axle. Did I tell you the sky is purple in my world too? The live rear axle is one reason, no matter how sexy the new Stang is, it'll remain a car that I won't enjoy.

jwbaumer52

could someone tell me when the 3 series first started with the xi

erickpl

a 325ix a while back (early 90's or late 80's I think) but the technology was a bit different than the current xi series (325 and 330xi). The new X3 and X5 have the next generation AWD called Xdrive. It has the ability to shift power to the front and rear, whereas the current xi's have a 62/38 split rear/front.

-Paul

ajvdh

You have to understand the Mustang performance crowd: 90% of 'em look at a steering wheel as the evil necessity that makes it possible to turn onto the return road at the end of the 1/4 mile. For them, a well located live axle *is better* than IRS. More durable under the heavy loads of a strip launch and 0 degrees camber all the time keeps all the rubber on the ground. There are also different types of live axles. The new setup is a big improvement on the old 4-link kludge.

Even when you have to turn, on smooth roads a good stick axle setup gives up very little to IRS. Look at autocross times for SCCA F-stock class. The live-axle Camaro is the dominant car, running away from the IRS Mustang Cobras and BMW 540.

brave1heart

Thought you were talking taxes there for a second ) I'm guessing Independent Rear Suspension and you're probably going "Duh"...

div2

Old Alfas and DB5s don't handle too bad either. Like someone said over at the UUC Garage, LOTS of Cobra owners continually whine about the wheel hop problems with the IRS. The IRS/live axle debate is much like the OHC/pushrod debate; the live axle and pushrod valve actuation are superior in theory as well as in most implementations, but a good live axle or pushrod engine will often show a clean pair of heels to a "superior" design(See: GTV and LS1).

finewine

I have been driving a hOnda ex for many years now ( great car but want a BMW ya know).
2001 330cic ~ 20kmiles $35k sound fair its precertified
Does this precertification make a difference vs buying used without one?
Soft steering ? per edmunds review. any thoughts on this. any problems with top? window?
 Or should I just wait till I gather up more $$ and buy 2003/04?
tia
looking forward to buying a bmw

ajvdh

You're absolutely right, Bailey. Implementation is everything (just look at how well BMW and Porsche do using a "primitive" MacPherson front suspension). In my checkered automotive life, I've owned several classic British sports cars. Only one of them had independent rear suspension, and it was the worst handling of the bunch. The only car I've ever spun on a dry road, as a matter of fact.

Getting back to BMW land, it's funny how the 3 series handling has changed radically with the evolution of the rear suspension. I own an E36 M3 set up for track events and SM class Solo-II. It has the same architecture as the current 3-series. I also own a bone-stock E30 325is, with the old semi-trailing arm setup (like your ti). Both are fun, but drive very differently. Getting the tail way out on the M3 is risky and not real fast. However, if you do so, you can usually reel it back in by judicious counter steering and feathering the throttle. The 325is, OTOH, demands that you drive it sideways if you want to exit a turn with any kind of speed. But once you've got the tail out, you'd better not lift off the throttle, unless you really want a quick panoramic view of your surroundings.

kyfdx

BMW just announced the availability of extended maintenance up to 100K on 2000-2002 models that are currently covered by the original maintenance plan. The pricing I saw was $1384 to extend the free maintenance from 3yr/36K to 6yr/100K on a 3-series.

regards,
kyfdx

div2

By "precerified" I assume you mean the BMW Certified Pre-Owned(CPO) Warranty. The way the CPO warranty works is that you pay a $50 deductible per visit for any repairs under the warranty. Paint, interior trim, and normal wear and tear items like brake pads and ball joints aren't covered. I think the CPO Warranty is well worth the @$1000 or so it adds to the cost of the car. In the case of my CPO 528i, I waited until I needed three CPO repairs and then brought it in. The dealer replaced a VANOS hose, the auxilliary air pump, and the driveshaft-and I only had to pay $50.
I can't help you on the price of the 330i; I suggest that you check out the "Real-World Trade-In Values" topic on the Smart Shoppers board. Edmunds TMV and KBB.com. may also be helpful.

div2

I assume that you spun an early Spitfire; those swing axles were treacherous..:p Have you had any students with an E36 M3? We bent more than a few when they first started showing up at DEs. Luckily the M3 students I had were timid-you had to give them a nudge to pick up the pace. The problem was with the "legend in their own mind" students; the car makes them look good right up to the limit, but when it lets go... Instuctors that didn't realize that the M3 was making their student look really, really good would receive a wake-up call(usually in the form of a four wheels off or worse) when Joe-Bag-O'-Donuts student pushed the envelope without adequate skills to catch the ensuing slide. That said, the only cars I refused to instruct in were 911s driven by B or A students and 1982-1993 V8 Mustangs driven by anyone. I was really serious about the Mustangs, since their brakes were usually good for ONE 130-50 application, after which the pads and shoes would go on hiatus for the rest of the session. Real fun.

ajvdh

Good call, it was a swing-axle Spitfire.

I've had a couple of students in E36 M3s (including a paraplegic operating the gas/brake with hand controls!). Haven't had one spin yet. The one sheet metal incident our chapter has had in the last 10 years of schools was an E36 M3, but it was a classic case of coming into a corner way too hot. If he had driven straight off, he would have wound up on a smooth, paved apron, but the tried to make the corner. Not the car's fault.

I've spun mine autocrossing, but never on a track. Probably because I'm mindful of not having a roll-cage, and I tend to be not as agressive as some. Though I'll admit to giving myself more than one "pucker moment".

Compared with the non-M E36s and E46s, M3s are pretty similar as far as what happens when you push the envelope until you pop through, they just don't give you quite as much warning.

Have you been in a new Mini on the track yet? They are stupid, wet your pants fun.

brislance1

I am in the market for a used 3 series BMW. Since I live in a state which does not require state tax if purchased from a private party Iam pursuing that avenue.
I have checked Edmunds used car price for an 03 325i loaded with 10,000 miles and in outstanding condition and have gotten a price of about 27,000 dollars. Kelley Blue Book lists the same car with the same options at 31,700 dollars. What gives? Why the huge disparity? Perhaps the host from Edmunds can give some input. I always thought Edmunds was right on when it came to used car prices. Five grand difference doesn't make sense!

kyfdx

Boy..did you come to the right place! I just bought a 2003 325i with 7700 miles on 12/20/03. I'm not sure what you mean by loaded, but mine truly is.. It had a sticker price of $38,145. It was a factory official car, bought by a BMW dealer at a closed BMWNA auction, then wholesaled to a broker.

I shopped for 3 months before buying this, so I have a pretty good idea of the market. Most dealers had cars like this for sale for $32,900-$34,900... The best price I got from a dealer before buying mine was $31,900 and that was a CPO car with the extended warranty. I paid $29,500 for mine and was very happy with the price.

All that said, there are "loaded" '03 325i's that sticker for right around $35K. Its entirely possible that you could find a low-miler at the dealer for $27K-$30K for one of those. Those would have leather, metallic paint, heated seats, premium pkg, steptronic. Mine also has xenons, harmon kardon stereo, sport package, folding rear seats.

Believe it or not, color makes a big difference. I found I got lower prices on colors like red or gray-green.. steel blue, steel gray.. seem to bring the biggest prices.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

A private party with a low-mile, one year old car is going to have a very inflated idea of what he should get out of it... good luck there.

brislance1

Thanks for your help. Wish I could find a deal like yours. You are right about a private party having an inflated idea of what he/she should get. I have already found that out. One guy here is asking $37,500 for a 325i with fewer options then on yours. Still don't know why there is such a difference between private party prices as quoted by Edmunds and Kelley
Blue Book for a loaded 325i. It's tough shopping when I'm going by Edmunds and the owner is quoting Kelley. Anyway, thanks again for your input.

blueguydotcom

The huge difference is related to KBB living on a different planet. Their numbers are always off and that's why dealers always try to tell people it's based on the KBB price.

As used cars aren't selling, Edmunds' price is more in line with reality. Regardless, always try to pay LESS than Edmunds TMV or KBB's price. TMV is based on the average selling price. Who would want to spend exactly the same amount as everyone else. If the average price is 29k, I'd aim to buy it for 27k.

efxx

#25333 of 25341 BMW extended maintenance contract by kyfdx Jan 08, 2004 (12:29 pm)

"BMW just announced the availability of extended maintenance up to 100K on 2000-2002 models that are currently covered by the original maintenance plan."

Is this warranty available at the dealership? I have an '02 and purchased the extended 4yr/50K warranty... would I be able to extend that?