BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

erickpl

1. I assume replacing the rotors in addtion will be a piece of cake once you remove the calipers. I'm doing it this weekend and will be able to answer it better on Monday.
2. I'm going with the Axxis/PBR Deluxe pads (Shipo recommended them). As good as OEM but LOTS LOTS LOTS less dust. They make other brakes that may fade less, if you Auto-x'ing, ask Brave.
3. Replace coolant every 2-4 years. If you have a 2001, I'd get it done.
4. Nope. Don't smoke would be my recommendation. There are some of those Oxy cleaners that might work, but if you use it you may have to clean the WHOLE headliner and not just the spots as the cleaned spots will look different from the rest of the liner.
5. I'd drain it and refill it with the right amount. I don't think overfilling is good, but can't remember why.

-Paul

m4d_cow

i also use the same pads like you said, less dust.
btw i thought you should get the coolant replaced every 30k miles??? im sure ive heard it somewhere...well at least thats what i always do. oh and about the oil, i never heard of anything bad happens from overfilling the oil, but yeah id still suggest you to drain and refill it once again, since you still got half old one there

sopecreek

may blow off your oil seal and cause leak, I heard.

gordonwd

Plus the crankshaft is spinning in the oil, whipping it into a foam that will do the engine no good if it gets sucked into the oil pump. Drain that sucker ASAP!!

brave1heart

1. It should be easy - there are 2 additional caliper bracket bolts and the rotor retaining screw to take out. Make sure to spray WD40 on all these 3, esp. for the fronts. My front brakes had overheated at the track a few times and the rotor retaining screw had basically melted into the rotor and would not budge, even though it is supposed to be torqued at 25 Nm only. I had to drill it out and rethread it with tap.
2. For street, Axxis/PBR Deluxe pads are great. For autoXing and track, Hawk HP Plus or even better, Turner Motorsport's Cool Willys
3. Coolant on E46 models should be replaced every FOUR years. Mileage is irrelevant.
4. Don't know
5. Best thing to do is get something that can suck fluid out and just take a quart out without having to drain all the oil out. If you have a MityVac fluid extractor, great. If not, you can buy something like a differential/tranny fluid extractor from Napa or one of those - I paid $12 for one. It's essentially a big syringe with a hose attached to it that allows you to push fluid in or pump it out.

Good DIYs on all these here:

http://www.bmw325i.net/index.shtml

erickpl

is a good one for draining the fluid, but since you have half old oil, I'd drain it all and put in all new, just to make sure everything is clean.

-Paul

brave1heart

Thanks - I'd missed that part.

brave1heart

I am not surprised you can run 0-60 in 6.2 sec in the 325. There are a lot of tests that show 169 HP at the wheels out of a stock 325i. Converted back to HP at the crank assuming 14-15% loss, you get ~ 195 HP vs. the factory rating of 184 HP. They underrated the engine to avoid cannibalizing 330 sales. I also have a CAI and software and the car feels noticeably faster with them. I think those are good for ~ 10 HP combined at the crank, so we are running 205+. In addition, the gearing in the 325 is fairly aggressive and the torque curve is very flat, which makes a big difference in the right side of the tach. My car is noticeably faster at 67K miles than in the first 5-10K miles when it was new. That said, you can never have too much power, esp. for track driving )

deepdarkblue

1. Thanks for the tidbits. I drained my g/f's oil yesterday evening (all 8 quarts, holy crp!). No leaks to speak of, so hopefully there won't be any damage. Fingers are crossed.

2. After all that, she tells me she wants a Mini Cooper. She now has a Toyota RAV4 (not unlike driving a bar of soap on wheels, with all the driving excitement that goes w/ it). We live in Chicago, and I think the Mini will be fine in snow (FWD) but wildly impractical for doing anything more than zipping around town. Anyone driven a base Mini Cooper? How's the power and overall quality?

3. Brave, I did hear about the downplayed HP rating in the 325. With the ECU reprogram, the rev limiter is at an even 7000. Weird. The thing just screams now and even M3 owners marvel at the exhaust note. It basically growls (German rasp, not Nascar rumble or Japanese tinny yelp). And the throttle response is nothing short of remarkable. I've got 235 shoes on all four corners and the tires chirp when I shift from 1 to 2 at about 6000 rpm.

4. I still have not done the DME software download, and I hear that this will solve my problem of the engine stalling when the clutch is depressed (inconsistent but VERY annoying and potentially dangerous). Is this true? I have GOT to get this done ASAP.

erickpl

How does one get the ECU reprogramed? I'd love to be able to chirp all 4 tires on my xi! hehehe

-Paul

deepdarkblue

1. Thanks for the tidbits. I drained my g/f's oil yesterday evening (all 8 quarts, holy crp!). No leaks to speak of, so hopefully there won't be any damage. Fingers are crossed.

2. After all that, she tells me she wants a Mini Cooper. She now has a Toyota RAV4 (not unlike driving a bar of soap on wheels, with all the driving excitement that goes w/ it). We live in Chicago, and I think the Mini will be fine in snow (FWD) but wildly impractical for doing anything more than zipping around town. Anyone driven a base Mini Cooper? How's the power and overall quality?

3. Brave, I did hear about the downplayed HP rating in the 325. With the ECU reprogram, the rev limiter is at an even 7000. Weird. The thing just screams now and even M3 owners marvel at the exhaust note. It basically growls (German rasp, not Nascar rumble or Japanese tinny yelp). And the throttle response is nothing short of remarkable. I've got 235 shoes on all four corners and the tires chirp when I shift from 1 to 2 at about 6000 rpm.

4. I still have not done the DME software download, and I hear that this will solve my problem of the engine stalling when the clutch is depressed (inconsistent but VERY annoying and potentially dangerous). Is this true? I have GOT to get this done ASAP.

deepdarkblue

You can send your ECU to Autothority (http://www.autothority.com) in Fairfax, VA. They will do the work in one day and overnight the reprogrammed unit back to you.

You can also go to http://www.bavauto.com and order the OBDII reprogrammer.

Price is about the same for both ($400).

erickpl

I have no clue where it is. But I'd love to make that kind of change.

-Paul

brave1heart

The Shark Injector in my car also has a 7,000 RPM rev limiter. It comes VERY handy at the autoX when it's not worth updhifting for a second or so and then having to downshift into 5-6K RPMs.

I think the non-M cars with a CAI sound MUCH better than a stock E46 M3's tinny sound at high RPMs.

I have 235/40/17s all around too. Handlilng was improved over the 225/45/17 - definitely more bite. I also have the UUC sway bars, a front stress bar and most important, TMS camber plates in the front which make a huge difference in handling. It's hard to get the car to plow at the autoX!!

I wasn't aware there's a DME download. My engine has never stalled either, dunno...

brave1heart

It's worth a look. The throttle response is go-kart like and there's a bit more power too. Especially noticeable with octane > 93.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/show_category.asp?txtsearchP- - aramCat=Engine%20Chips

tooslow

I need help justifying the performance package over the base sport package, but I can't seem to find too many threads on that or tests on the performance package vs the regular sport package vs the M3. I've only driven a regular 3 w/o any sport package and with an automatic and a friend's stock but aggressive M3.
What do people think? I don't need the extra oomph of the M3 but don't mind the suspension on the M3s. I'm coming from a Boxster and just want a tossable fun convertible that can seat 4 when I need to.
I'd rather not wait for the new "3".

kyfdx

I really doubt that you can tell much difference between the sport and performance packages.. 10HP and 18" wheels..

Pro: If you like the 18" wheels and want to upgrade anyway, then I'd go with it..

Con: 18" tires.. are extremely expensive.. If you don't put that many miles on, no big deal.. but, if you are racking up 15K or more, then it can add up.

I doubt you can tell much difference in the handling between the two.

I knew they had the performance package for the coupes, but convertibles? I didn't realize that.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

I just realized you asked for help justifying the Performance package.. Sorry if I screwed that up for you....

tooslow

No apology needed. I lived with 18" on the Porsche and I know how costly they can get. I just don't know how much more sportier the Performance package is compared to the regular sports package.

Performance package was added to all the 3's this year.

kyfdx

Well...it is definitely nothing like the difference between a Boxster and Boxster S.. I have the Sport package on my 3-series, and except for the visuals, would never consider paying the extra for the Performance package. (325, so not available anyway).

If you are in love with the Alcantara steering wheel and the 18s, I'd get it... but, I wouldn't do it from a performance standpoint (ironic, huh?).

regards,
kyfdx

designman

Just curious, did you have the sport suspension on the Boxster?

jazevedo

I went with the performance package on the sedan. I actually never drove the regular 330i since they didn't have a manual in stock so i can't comment on how effective the 10hp is, but the 0-60 is rated as 1/2 second quicker. That seems like a pretty big differece for only 10hp but I guess gearing plays a role...I don't really know.

I got it because I LOVED the wheels. I also LOVED the front bumper compared to the regular 330i, although you are looking at a coupe and I really like the front bumper on the coupe as it is...I just don't like the sedan's look as much. The inside differences where also really nice, the steering wheel, shifter and cube trim. The car looks more sporty to me, which is what I like. The other thing that made the decision easier for me was I priced the car both ways and the performance package came out $2400 higher than the regular 330i, even though the package is $3900 (because you don't need to buy the sports package). You can try that yourself on carsdirect.com.

alibajalajaula

I test drove both the 330SP and the ZHP, both on six speed trannys and yes, you do feel the visceral acceleration of the Performance Package over the Sport Package. The 10 HP delta is very tangible. They both have staggered tires (17"on SP vs 18"o ZHP). The other difference is the shift stick is much shorter in the ZHP, compared to the SP. On a convertible version (which is now available) the ZHP makes a statement.

tooslow

No, just the plainjane suspension w/o the fancy electronics - PSM. The car was so easy to oversteer & understeer on command at track days ... as long as you didn't worry about the tire costs. You could loose chunks at a time, but they were fun.

merckx

I wanted to weigh in on this one.....Usually,I'm against sport suspensions. I've always felt the stiffer sidewalls of the sport tires would prematurely cause rattles in the car,and just in general not be a very practical idea.

But I had a chance to drive a 330 with the performance package. Although it's not really my personality,within minutes I did find myself cackling like a madman,truly driving "like I stole it". It's just ten extra horses,but I did find the car fantastically fun to drive in a way mere sport packages haven't moved me.

I was stunned how transformed the 330 seemed...
Randy

bmwna

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m sorry to read of your concern about your 325i. If you and your BMW center would like our assistance, please give us a call at (800) 831-1117, and mention Reference #200427200126 so that we can help you more efficiently.

BMW NA Customer Relations

blueguydotcom

I drove a 330i sport package manual and then got my hands on a 330i performance package (which I bought) manual. Beyond the visual cues, there's a distinct personality to the performance package that's missing from the more sedate 330i.

The differences in the shifter, engine, exhaust, suspension are all tiny but combined they make the ZHP feel more alive and blustery than the regular 330i. The as my bro-in-law with a 3 series puts, "feels more beastly." It's not a flat out racer like an M3 but that's because the morons at BMW won't give us an M3 sedan again. If you want a 4 door M3 with a warranty, the ZHP, sadly, is as close as you'll get. More obnoxious than a regular 3 but still a far cry from the holy grail.

tooslow

Thanks everyone for all the input.
I just can't seem to get a test drive in b/c of work, lack of cars with that option, or hurricane/tropical storms ...

But from the feedback from people who've driven them, it sounds like BMW has what i'm looking for - something alive, with real seating capacity, but not as demanding as real sports cars.

Weird that I'm looking for something just shy of an M3, but I'm saving for a 911 when the kids get older. But for now the ZHP option I think is the way to go.

soverypoornow

Took my 3er (which I dearly love) in for the 30,000 mi Insp I and a couple other things like a Nav system voice that every once in awhile comes on at full blast loud for no real reason (TSB for that if anyone else is having this problem) and the venereable popping rear window before the regulator goes. But that's not the point of my story.

While hanging out waiting for my rental car I wandered to the 645ci they had sitting in the showroom. Eye-catching. Wandered over to the sticker -- $75,000. "Wow," I said. Then saw the little added sticker next to it thinking maybe they were forcing profit-generating add-ons like lo-jack or rims or something. Nope, it was just a mark-up for "Market value," which of course is not unusual. But. The mark-up? $20,000. A $95,000 645ci! $20,000 of it because "We said so."

And I bet someone pays it.

m4d_cow

thats crazy, here they sell for MSRP most of the time, except for silver ones which sell for sticker all the time.

erickpl

doesn't play that came. They end up getting LOTS of traffic from nearby LA.

-Paul

brave1heart

Just wanted to chime in on the SP vs. ZHP debate. I've driven both a few times and the ZHP is sportier in every way: acceleration, sound, shifting, overall feel. The car is noticeably faster than the SP but it is mostly due to the more aggressive gearing and a lot less to the extra 10 HP. Overall, it's very close in performance to an E36 M3 sans the limited slip. That said, I cannot justify paying the 4K premium over an SP and end up with a car that expensive without a limited slip.

blueguydotcom

It's not 4k more than an SP. That's a common statement that's misleading. The SP is a 1200 option. The ZHP package costs 3900. Thus on the face it's a 2700 increase.

The SP comes with 17 inch rims and vinyl. The ZHP gives you Alcantara and 18 inch tires/rims. So really, isn't 2000 or so more than an SP with 18s?

brave1heart

I hadn't thought about the cost of the SP - you have a point. I personally don't care for 18s (esp the staggered setup which will understeer too much for my taste) and Alcantara but for people that like them, it will be easier to justify a $2,000 premium.

rqc

What's crazy about the $20K markup is the problems people have been having with them. It's like the first year of the 7 series all over again. They will get it figured out, but it will take a year.

m4d_cow

well it depends on the model to begin with, if you choose 330i leather is already standard, so id definitely skip the alcantara, 18" rims is good, but 17 is enough. id rather save up for M3 rather than getting ZHP.

alibajalajaula

Brave
I'm relatively new to this bimmer sports cars forum, so pardon my ignorance, but what exactly is this limited slip differential? Is this the same option that comes on the Lexus IS300? Why it appears to be so crucial to car performance? Having LSD will override the 3 series' DSC, or something alike, will it make it easier to burn rubber? Don't know, I keep reading in forums about the slip as it is the holy grail. Or is this something that pays big rewards at the track? So far I haven't missed a beat on my ZHP. Is there's something I'm missing? Just curious.

riez

alibaja... The importance of a limited slip differential (LSD) can be quickly found by noting that the M3 and M5 both have LSD!!! No serious high performance car should be without it. Just read any car magazine long enough and you'll find a plethora of mentions of the value of LSD (for both 2WD, including FWD and RWD, and AWD cars).

LSD is an acceleration enhancer, including during hard cornering. LSD acts to ensure maximum power is applied as uniformly as possible at all times. If one wheel spins faster (e.g., it doesn't have grip), then power is transfered to the other wheel (which has grip).

Things like traction control and stability control do the opposite--they are deceleration enhancers. They normally apply brakes, retard engine, etc.

Will the average driver need LSD? Probably not. Will the average driver even know if they have it or not? Probably not.

But always bugged my that my near $60k 540i6 didn't have LSD while the M5 did. My '04 IS300 5-speed manual has LSD.

teach3

I have a question about Vin numbers on 2005 BMW"s:

If I wish to check up on a car using its vin number does anybody know if

1) this can be done via the internet.

2) if not whether there is a BMW 800 number one can call

3) if not, whether any dealership will provide this service

many thanks!

brave1heart

You'd usually only notice the LSD in case the rear end steps out when you are accelerating aggressively off a corner or doing a clutch dump off the start. The idea is that you get both drive wheels to work for you while accelerating instead of having the wheels spin at a totally different rate and lose out on acceleration.

hfb1

I have a few quick questions for this Board:

I am in the process of considering trading in my 2002 Audi A4 for a 2005 330XI. I am surprised at the lack of wheel and tire choices you have with the 330XI.

As best as I can tell, you can only get the 330XI with 17x7 wheels and 205/50/17 tires. Why is this?

I had 17x7.5 wheels and 235/45/17 tires with my A4. I had all season tires on them and never had a problem with Winter weather in the Philadelphia region.

I know the 3 Series can accommodate larger wheels and tires than what BMW offers for the XI.

Does anyone know if I can get the same configuration (or something close) to what I had on my A4 on the 330XI? Can I special order through BMW or is there another route I can go?

The reason I want the larger wheels/tires is I just think it looks a lot better on the car and I found that all season 235/45/17 worked fine with all wheel drive in the Philadelphia region. I know the argument regarding Summer/Winter/all season tires and not attempting to start that debate here.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

kyfdx

The 205/50-17s are almost the same exact height as your 235/45-17s were.. with the same sidewall height and low profile.. The only difference is the width.. so, unless you are looking at the car from the rear or front, you won't be able to tell any difference..

The narrower width will help with snow traction, even though you think you won't need it..

Don't get caught up in the 45 or 50 series. That is the aspect ratio and is a percentage of the tire width (the first number). Actually the 205/50-17 is a lower profile tire than the 235/45-17.. (IOW, sportier looking).

If you are intent on doing this, BMW offers 17 X 8 wheels with 225/45-17 tires.. It won't be a cheap upgrade ($2000-$2500), but it will be a bolt-on upgrade.. no modifications necessary.

regards,
kyfdx

hfb1

Thanks for the info.

You are correct in that I am primarily interested in the wider width tire.

The upgrade is expensive. I'm still surprised that BMW doesn't offer more options (just to be more competitive).

kyfdx

Well..basically.. on the 330xi, they aren't offering an "upgrade".. They will just sell you different tires/wheels.. You will still have your old ones, hence the high cost..

I'm assuming they think as I do.. that wider tires on an all-wheel-drive kind of defeats the purpose...

On other models, upgrading from 16" to 17" or 18" to 19" wheels is offered... generally at a price of around $1000 or so.. Cheaper because it is a true upgrade.. You get different wheels, not extra ones...

regards,
kyfdx

mitchs3

Need new tires, or getting close on my 02 330i non sport which uses 205/50-17. Narrowed down to replacing with same Continental Contitouring Contact from tirerack for $126 or Pilot Sport A/S @ $173 each. What is most important to me is wet and snow traction as I live in Maryland with some snow and slush coming up. My driving is mildly spirited.Is the Michelin better for my needs and worth the extra money? I got about 28K on my original Conti's, and did not rotate as per BMW recs. They have some life but with winter I want fresh rubber as will need anyway in the next 6 months..Thanks

kyfdx

Re-post your question here: nine51 "Ask Connor at The Tire Rack" Oct 4, 2004 11:14pm

Tirerack tests all of their performance tires on a BMW 330i, so Connor can give you a real-world comparison for your car.

My gut feeling is the Michelins will be a lot better...in the dry also. The other tire I would recommend would be the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M/S all-season.

regards,
kyfdx

blueguydotcom

well it depends on the model to begin with, if you choose 330i leather is already standard, so id definitely skip the alcantara, 18" rims is good, but 17 is enough. id rather save up for M3 rather than getting ZHP.

The 330i comes with leatherette in the US.

m4d_cow

ups, my bad, my 330i came w/ premium package, which includes leather seats, i always got them mixed w/ asian market ones (leather is only optional for 318is)

imadrone

My wife's immaculate 1983 320i that she has had for over 21 years is in need of new suspension and tires. Since we have become accustomed to our '04 325iT sport wagon (5-speed, HK, SP, PS, steel/gray)during the past 10 months and 19K miles, the 101HP 320i suffers even more in comparison. Yet it is still fun, and has potential. Am thinking Bilstein Touring shocks, and 14" 318i wheels with 195 or 205/60 tires to replace the stock 13" 185/70s. Anyone have any thoughts to share?

Many thanks,
Richard

mitchs3

My 02 330i is nearing the end of its 3 yr maintenance coverage. My dealer is offering 6 yr/100K maintenance coverage at $1400.00 Sounds pricey.. Has anyone gotten this cheaper, and is this worth it..I am told brakes are covered and are expensive...