BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

pjo1966

I'll toss in my 2 cents here and say that you will probably be better off walking away from this lease when you are done.

kyfdx

ditto..

 

The car will probably be just as good as new.. and I'm sure you will enjoy it, when you get it back.... but, you don't want to buy it..

 

They won't be able to sell it cheap enough to make up for the previous damage.. Just be glad you leased it.. you did everything right, except for making a large downpayment on a lease.. Now, that is working out okay as well..

 

I'm glad this turned out okay, considering the circumstances...

 

regards,

kyfdx

jaman

I'm planning on purchasing/leasing a 3 series, either i or xi, in the next couple of weeks. In the testdrive, I preferred the rear-wheel drive. I live in Canada where its cold and we get snow, but generally, not a large number of snow storms and would prefer to rely on simply using winter tires. Having never tested the rear drive 3 series in snow, is this viable? If I don't get the winter tires until next year, am I likely to have problems this year if I simply stay off the road in the event of a large snowall? Secondly, my wife is expecting this year and this will be our primary car. How easy is it to rely on this car as a primary car with an infant taking into account all the infant stuff one needs to carry with them, ie., stroller, etc.? Thanks.

webby1

Is Canada the only place you can get a 2005 320I ?

How come not available in USA ?

Thanks,

Webby

paule

I just bought a 325xi and have first hand info on the whole infant thing. This car was to replace my wife's 2 door Prelude once we had our first child.

While it is not a huge car, I think it is adequate for a couple and a child. The rear seats have the LATCH tethers (all new cars have these) and they are very simple to use assuming your car seat is equipped to latch into them.

Car seats have adequate room behind the front seats.

The trunk is not huge but we have no problem fitting in a good size stroller AND an additional infant car seat that we use for carrying the child.

An additional factor was the side head airbag, traction control, stability control and "best pick" status in regards to frontal crash tests. Obviously with a new addition you want a safe car for your wife and child.

I don't have experience with the RWD 3 series in the snow. We bought the xi since we see a fair amount of snow and equipped it with snow tires. Of course my wife is a So. Cal girl so that factored into that decision since she did not grow up driving in the snow.

My guess is that you would at least want to equip your car with snow tires if you went with RWD. Throttle application with performance tires on a RWD equipped car in snow is bound to leave you a little nervous if not gentle with the throttle.

m4d_cow

i drive a rwd 330i, and it snows here sometimes. if ure considering a rwd, youll definitely need winter tires, though id still suggest awd version if it snows a lot there. trunk space is ok, i think it can take a stroller quite easily

 

webby: 320i hasnt been available in US for a long time, and i dont think were gonna be seeing it anytime soon in us market

kdshapiro

My dream car has always been a BMW and I have not been disappointed.

 

Sounds like you would be better suited in a 5/7 series, your opinions of those beautiful designs not withstanding. One of the nice things I enjoy is the extremely quiet interior, punctuated by the sound of the engine upon acceleration.

 

Low profile tires will cause ride issues on pot-holed filled roads, I've probably driven the same roads as you and they ain't fun, but they ain't fun in any car. Any cars with such tires and firmer suspensions will give a jarring ride. However, the 3-series BMW manages to give a better and more stable ride better than most of it's competitors.

 

The rabbit had a horrendous ride, I'm not sure where the comparison comes in?

Your expectations of BMW are right on, but no car was meant to be driven on roads where the pot-holes are bigger than the car itself.

riez

kdshapiro... "... if he is looking for Lexus floaty ride a BMW ride is not for him."

 

Don't think he'd like the ride in my IS300 manual! I loved the ride in my former '00 323ia.

 

Sport sedans aren't going to ride like family sedans or highway cruisers. I wonder if the car had the Sport Pkg.

 

Tires make all the difference in the world.

kdshapiro

I wan't really referring to the IS, which has a sportier ride, more of an allusion to the ES3xx.

m4d_cow

come on paule dont be so mean, english isnt my 1st language either. its not great but still quite easy to understand imo.

 

ubla: well since youre used to mercedes' ride you might not like the bmw, at least not the 3.

 

me? i love my bmw, it served me well until the accident and id definitely get another one. its personal taste, maybe youll prefer lexus or mercs smooth highway ride, but i choose to sacrifice a little ride for performance. for comfort id choose audi a4, smoother ride and the seats are more comfy.

design? once again its subjective, different taste on every person. but i admit the noise is rather annoying, and the car can use more power for sure.

brave1heart

<<< Tires make all the difference in the world. >>>

 

Going from 235/40/17 to 205/55/16 for my winter setup transformed the car completely. The ride went from very firm to luxurious again. The handling went from "on rails" to "on a boat" )

ubla

I was informed that my message was deleted because I had the audacity to give my name and address and because I was critical. Please note this does not contravene with the rules of this forum.

 

I would like to thank you for answering my post although I had no questions only valid conclusions about a car that us substandard on all except cornering and that is 5% of what one does in NJ.

 

I live you in the hope of a much improved 3 and one that aesthetically is dignified.

riez

brave1heart... You'd notice a ton of difference between the summer tires on a Sport Pkg 325i and the all-seasons on a Premium Pkg 325i. And God help you if your summer tires are wearing out (remember the noise when my 540i6's went south!).

 

I went with nearly the same size for my IS300's winter tires. Thus the ride difference isn't too noticeable. Wife went down a size and a lot narrower/taller for her IS300 SportCross snow tires. Really changed her ride characteristics.

 

I know she has more snow capability but I wanted to keep the VR speed rating as I drive a lot more miles in highway at higher speeds even in winter. And I didn't want to feel like I was on squishy "stilts".

brave1heart

Even staying within the same category (all-seasons vs. all-seasons) and size produces some remarkable differences. I finally replaced my wife's Audi A4 OEM Goodyear Eagle tires with Dunlop SP5000 and the difference is enormous even though both tires are the same size all-seasons. The Dunlops have much stiffer sidewalls and really stick by comparison.

 

As far as winter driving, my M2 Winter Sports are H-rated and although I might approach 129 mph, I seriously doubt I'd exceed it ;o)

m4d_cow

giving out your name and address isnt a good idea for sure, but being critical is never against the rules

gordonwd

I live in Canada where its cold and we get snow, but generally, not a large number of snow storms and would prefer to rely on simply using winter tires.

 

Canada's a fair sized country and it would probably depend on if you live in southern Ontario vs. the Northwest Territories :-). So far in Michigan (where I live due north of Canada), I expect to get by with the stock all-seasons on my 325i. However, I might go with snow tires next year depending on my experience. So you will probably be OK with a full set of snows.

 

For what it's worth, I can already feel that I've lost a bit of winter driving confidence after having driven an A4 Quattro the past six winters. Not that there's a huge difference so far, but with the A4 I never thought twice about the road conditions; with the 325i I am a bit more nervous, but without a real reason so far.

bing330i

Thanks, Kyfdx.

 

Questions for the board:

 
As I am in the process of purchasing OEM wheels for winter tires, is there a site that list all OEM wheels fit 2002 330i SP?

 

Can anyone recommend a good tire shop that I can put on winter tires in Northern VA or Metro DC?

 

Thanks.

kyfdx

I don't have a site for you.. but, in general, style 44 and 96 are both 17 X 8 and come off a 325i sport.. They are a perfect fitment.. If you want to go narrower, get 17 X 7 off of a non-sport 330i.

brave1heart

Try this

 

http://www.pacificbmw.com/new/parts/frame1.asp?cate=3

ru777

I have ordered a black 325xi. I want to know if it comes with tinted windows ?

 

I think a light blue window tint would look awesome.

a) Is light blue window tints available?

b) Is it legal ?

 

Thanks

Ru777

erickpl

there may be a slight tint from the factory for UV protection, but it is minimal.

 

Depending on where you live, window tint may or may not be legal, especially on the front windows or windshield. When I lived in CA, front window tint was essentially illegal, though I did have a slight tint with high UV protection and glare protection. Now I'm in Alabama, I can go with as dark a tint as I want. I don't think light blue is avaialable, but since you have black, why not go with a black tint. All black would look sweet too.

 

 
Here is a link to a state by state chart for window tint. I make no claim about the accuracy, but here ya go.

 

http://www.doityourselftint.com/tintlaws.html

 

-Paul

ru777

Thanks Paul.

 

I agree black tint would be nice. Since black tint is common, I am researching a light blue -like the color of the side mirrors...

 

Ru777

paule

I just bought a 325xi. There is no tint on the windows.

Window tint varies by state. Check the aforementioned website. Also find a (an) accessories dealer and ask them. They will probably know if tinting is legal and what percentage and colors they can legally do.

m4d_cow

blue is available, i never heard of light blue though. where you live decides whether its legal or not, where i live its legal only up to 40% tinting if im not mistaken. i chose to use v-kool instead w/ minimal tinting (a bit greenish color)

nyccarguy

So my parents too delivery of their '05 530iA this evening. I just wish I wasn't so damn responsible and could just throw my hands up in the air and just say "whatever." The dealership had some pretty sweet cars on the showroom floor. The Ferraris and Maseratis were amazing enough, but there was a triple black 645CiC SP 6 speed that was just to die for, a Black/Black 330i ZHP 6 speed that was so cool, and a lightly equipped White/Black executive demo M3 Coupe 6-speed that was just plain awesome. I love the M3!

m4d_cow

is sweet, but its too common now...

dl7265

deadly in Texas....

 

Happy Holidays,

DL

ru777

I am in Pensylvania and slight tinting is allowed.

 

I too want to have a minimum tint. How much did it cost witht he v-kool ?

 

Thanks,

Ru777

m4d_cow

i dont really remember actually, but you can always check the website or call them for a quote

heres the website, www.v-kool-usa.com

ru777

Thanks, m4d_cow

tslbmw

I am trying to achieve two things on my recently purchased '01 330i and I'm having trouble finding out how to do this in my owners manual:

 

1. I understand that I can have my flashers blink twice after I lock my doors with my remote; however, I can't seem to figure how to make this happen. . .anyone know how to do this?

 

2. I would also like the "follow me home lighting" after I shut off my engine, how do I activate this feature?

 

Thanks for your help.

erickpl

1. Go to your dealership - it requires a reprogram that you cannot do.

2. Pull back on your highbeam/signal stalk. They should turn on. If not, then see #1.

 

-Paul

tslbmw

I was hoping that wasn't the answer. . .bummer! Thanks for your response.

bing330i

Brave+Kyfdx, thanks for all your replies to my questions.

 

I have read winter tires are not as good as all season in dry pavements. What's your experience on this? As I live in Metro DC now, snow sure now and then but I mostly deal with dry cold in winter.

 

Also, do you think it is a bad idea to put 4 M68 17x7.5 on all 4 wheels, instead of default 2 front 17x7.5 and 2 rear 17x8.5, for WINTER tires. Someone is selling me 4 front rims and 2 rear OEM M68s so I can go either way. I plan on putting on 4 225x45x17 tires, possibly Michelin PA2 which costs $145 a piece at local CostCo.

 

Thanks.

shipo

Based upon my experience, it depends upon the tires.

 

My 1999 328i had the standard suspension paired with Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus All-Season tires, on my 2002 530i I ordered the Sport Package with the nicer suspension, and in the winter I run Michelin Arctic-Alpin tires. On dry pavement, my guess is that the 5er will easily be the match of my old 3-Series in handling and quietness.

 

Regarding sizing, I would DEFINETLY go with the 17x7.5 wheels all around for the winter set (unless of course you can find a set of 16 inch wheels that will fit). Not only will it cost less for the rubber, but you will get better winter performance as well.

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

brave1heart

All-seasons will probably be better than snow tires on dry pavement ragardless of outside temperature. If dry pavement handling is your primary concern, stay with all-seasons. If you'd rather have dedicated snow tires, do get the 4 M68 17x7.5 wheels. My Dunlop M2 WinterSport tires are exceptionally quiet by all standards and have decent dry grip. H-rated too (128 mph).

bing330i

Thanks, Shipo. I thought you disappeared. Well, I must admit I disappeared more in the past year with a global project and reloc from CA to VA.

 

Thanks, Brave. How long is the lifespan of the M2? I am pleased with my Pilot Sport A/S all season, which ran me thru from 12k mi till now 41k. The tread is still good but the tires have become noisy. I will get the same tires again.

 

Thank you both for your advice. I will go with 4 M68 17x7.5, unless I can find a set of OEM 17x7, like type 73 or 98.

kyfdx

I agree with shipo .. Definitely go with the 17 X 7.5 all the way around.. Do NOT go with staggered rims for snow tires..

 

I run 225/45-17 tires all the way around on 8 X 17 rims and they work great..

 

If you get V-rated winter tires, I doubt you can tell much difference between them and all-seasons... But, I'm just guessing, as I run summer-only tires the rest of the year... My winter tires are V-rated Goodyears, and they have served me quite well... as we just got pounded this past week with a foot of the white stuff.

 

regards,

kyfdx

webby1

Any experience with Kuhma tires...I have heard good and not so good feedback on this Korean tire.

 

Reading the reviews from Tire Rack it can be very confusing specially if the tire does not compliment the cars suspension.

My car ( 330i ) came with 137 wheels and Conti Touring Contact CV95 and it a great combo for the sport suspension and my type of driving.

I also went with BMW recommendation for winter package...73 wheels with Pirelli Winter Sport 210 and these are also great .

I am planning to put the original wheels with Conti's from 330i on the 320i ( from 16' to 17' ) and getting another set of tires for summer. I do not like the harsh ride but still want descent handling and sustain the heavy steering so going with firm walls and all season tire makes sense ?

 

My choices so far are:

 

1. Another set of Contis....CV95...93V

2. Michelins Pilot A/S

3. Kuhmo... ECSTA ASX " W" rated ?

 

Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Webby

kyfdx

I'd go with the Pilot A/S or Pirelli P-Zero Nero M&S, if you want to go with an all-season tire.. From everything I read, these are the best all-season tires for a 3-series with the Sport Package.

 

I have no experience with Kumho, but it seems they are a good alternative, IF you are on a limited budget..

 

regards,

kyfdx

div2

I've got the Ecsta 712s on the Club Sport; I'll probably move up to the MX this summer. If you have to have all-seasons I'd go with the Michelins or Pirellis.

lovemyclk

Since I live in the South, no need for winter tires, but I just put P-Zero Nero summer tires on my e39 SP to replace Dunlop SP Sport 2000's. Enjoyed the Dunlops, but the Pirelli's have impressed me during the 1K miles I've put on them so far. Using nitrogen gas vs. air to fill the tires - understand that this reduces pressure fluctuation over time. Would imagine the P-Zero Nero M&S tires are equally competent...

phauol

I posted my message here because the response in X5 site is slow.

 

Would like to ask for recommendation about choice of tire change other than OEM. How much you have driven before you change your 1st set. My 2003 X5 3.0 sports pkg has been 30000 and is considering changing due to concern of hydroplane.

  

Thx, Paul

brave1heart

I have 7,500 miles on the M2s. No significant wear so far - I think they will be good for 20-25K miles or more...

brave1heart

Tire wear is very different even within the sedan category depending on type of tire and driving. Measure the tread depth and see how much you have left. Most passenger tires have 10-12 mm tread depth when new. Hydroplaning is more likely to occur when tread depth is 3 mm or less.

phauol

brave1heart, thanks for responding. I found hydroplane is an issue from my recent trip. Since the X5 is driven by my wife as a daily driver, I am considering changing to a new set of tire and is considering something other than the OEM as I never heard anything good from Tirerack.com

paule

What's a mm?

 

Just kidding

erickpl

You really need to consider the environment and conditions your wife will be driving in. If she is hauling something, one tire may be a good choice. If she likes to drive aggressively, another may be in order.

 

Tirerack has all kinds of tires for you to choose from. Simply enter your vehicle type, engine, etc, and they will show you what they have that fits. Then you can look at the ratings for the various requirements (noise, adhesion/water, durability, etc).

 

-Paul

kyfdx

30K miles on a sport package.. even an X5... Sounds like it is time for new tires..

phauol

Thanks for all the suggestions. I am more asking for which brand/model of tire to change. The reason being that although tirerack.com has all the data and recommendation, I would like to hear people who have actually used the tire on their X5. Paul