BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

shipo

Next Monday, 28-Mar-2005. I'll keep you all posted, and I'll bring extra batteries for my digital camera. I have a few photo albums on Yahoo! where I will post the pictures. The link is:

http://photos.yahoo.com/shipo

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx

Great.. Are you just doing the "3 Drive" or are you signed up for the other things?

regards,
kyfdx

shipo

Errr, I don't actually know, my confirmation seems to indicate that I can stick around for lunch after "The 3 Drive" activity, beyond that I guess I'll just have to wing it. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx

Yup..that is what mine says.. I wonder why I don't get to "Celebrate the 3" that evening? Perhaps they have seen me out before?

I'll be looking forward to a full report..

blueguydotcom

330i - $36,995
325 - $30,995

Just saw a word doc from BMW about it. The 330i has xenon standard so it's really only a $500-600 bump. And lots of new, dumb technology in the car.

I'd post my link to the doc but it's on another forum.

kyfdx

Does that include destination?

kyfdx

Because adding $695 destination to the $30,995 hits the $31,700 number that Businessweek had earlier this month on the money...

blueguydotcom

I'd guess ky is on the money. Destination is almost never mentioned in msrp.

Over on the IS board there's a rumor the IS350 will only come fully loaded for 41k. No options on it. So you're stuck with all the lame stuff like laser cruise and navi and automatic.

If that's true, Lexus is pushing the enthusiasts to BMW. Weird. A euro delivery 330i with the necessities (moon, sport package) should cost somewhere around 36-37k. Nice deal.

kyfdx

I'm betting that "fully loaded" doesn't include Nav, laser cruise, etc... automatic, probably..

I bet if it comes in with 300 HP, like they are suggesting, that you'll still have ML stereo, Nav, laser cruise, etc., as options and that it will top out around $45K...

So, the increase on the 3-series is about $1700.. with the 330i including standard Xenons? Not too bad..

blueguydotcom

According to bmwusa, the 330i starts at 35,700, so it's only a $1200 bump.

As for the lexus, I'd sooner believe the IS350 is fully loaded at 41k as there's no way they are going to try to compete with BMW at the same price point. The car would wither on the vine. The IS250, supposedly will start at 28k.

peakpro

The BMW memo states destination and handling included in prices.

Not a bad increase at all.

blueguydotcom

I read it kinda fast.

kyfdx

Wow.. if that is the case, then a very small increase... $1K for the 325i.. Almost no increase for the 330i, once you take into account the standard Xenons...

I like it!!

blueguydotcom

Well I watched the lexus presenation and they wouldn't comment on pricing of the IS350. Lame, lame, lame.

bmwfrevr

how about option prices?

kyfdx

I wouldn't think option prices would change much.. I don't think they've changed over the last three years...

The packages might vary, according to what is included in them, but I think you could get within $200 of the actual price by using the current '05 option prices...

I have heard that the Logic 7 sound is part of a "sound package" that includes a glove-box CD changer and runs around $1600..yikes!!

dl7265

Hmm, Is the 325i delayed entry to the 330i ?

DL

kyfdx

That has been the word from the beginning.. the first month, all 330....

basu1

Hello,

Having recently arrived in the US and having had no prior experience with BMWs in my home country,India, I'm asking all you enthusiasts for advice on which used car to buy.

I have narrowed my choices down to the following two: a 1998(E36) 328 & a 2000(E46) 328. Both are stock 4 door sedans with around 50K miles. The price differential between the two is about $5K.

I had read somewhere that the E36 was more fun to drive than the E46. Is this true? Anyhow, which one do you guys think I should get? Hopefully, I'll be able to afford a new 330 in a couple of years.

Thanks.

bmwfrevr

well here is my take at this:
I just checked my order status which is for E90-325i and it shows that my vehicle is in route meaning on the ship somewhere yyyyyes.
so it looks like I will be getting it close to what my dealer estimated first week of May.
I can't wait!!!

dl7265

So maybe a month behind ?

As for "parade across the South fork ranch" thats disapointing...

DL

kyfdx

I would guess that the 2000 E46 would be more reliable, and a little faster..

Drive both of them, and pick the one you like better.. I personally like the looks of the E46 better in sedan form...

Also, the $5K delta looks about right.. What are the asking prices?

regards,
kyfdx

dl7265

When did you order ?

DL

bmwfrevr

I ordered feb. 24th.

bmwfrevr

hey I thought you will be interested to read this statement from BMW dealer's bulletin after a comparison in prices between similary equipped 05 and 06

"these comparisons show the value added to the 3 series, as well as our effort to reduce the engine surcharge between the two models, by adding more standard equipment on the 330i. This reduction in cost to upgrade to the bigger engine will undoubtly entice car enthusiasts and...."

shipo you lucky dog!
hmmm should I cancel my 325i order or what!

shipo

Errr, I'm sitting here feeling kind of depressed because as of about 7:10 last night I became Stick-less for the first time in 28 years and BMW-less for the first time in 6 years. And then I read:

shipo you lucky dog!

Huh? What did I miss?

Best Regards,
Shipo

basu1

Thanks kyfdx. The asking price for the 1998 E36 is $14,500 while the 2000 E46 is listed at $19,800. I have not started negotiating as yet.

kyfdx

I think a couple thousand below those numbers should take one home.... Pretty low miles on both cars, especially for the '98, as that car is seven years old...

I'm not as familiar with E36 prices, but I'd think that '00 328i with only 50K should be selling for about $17K-$18K...

Good luck.. get the one you like best...

regards,
kyfdx

dhanley

I'm not sure i think the e46 will be more reliable in this case. That was the end of the e36 run, when they'd gotten (most of) the bugs out.

I like the e36 more than the e46 myself, but just pick whichever one you like--both are good cars.

mep1

Anyone have knowledge of how much better the
X-Drive (like what is in the X3 and X5...) that will be in the 06 325xi/330xi (available in 9-05) will be compared to the current version? Is it really that much improved or is it more marketing than substance?

mep1

Also, any experiences on 325xi/330xi vs non AWD model with a good set of snow tires?

fedlawman

I wonder how easy it will be to "unlock" the 3.0L engine in the 325i with simple mods (chip, reflash, etc.) and essentially turn it into a 330i.

Any thoughts?

shipo

The biggest issue is the three stage intake manifold that is used on the 330i. The 325i will only get a two stage version that isn't as efficient. Then there is the difference in the transmissions and the brakes, both of which are more capable in the 330i. In the end, after you take into account the differences in the equipment levels, it is probably much cheaper to just get the 330i than it is to breathe on a 325i.

Best Regards,
Shipo

nyccarguy

The (in)sane majority of us on the board agree that snow tires on a RWD 3 series is better than an AWD 3 series. Your tires are the only part of the car that arre actually connected to the road. Snow tires in addition to all the electronic nannies like DSC really work well. Also assuming the AWD 3 series has all season tires, do you have just pair of shoes for work, the gym, formal affairs...

AWD helps you get going. This can be quite advantageous if you live in an area with a lot of hills (or even mountains), where it snows A LOT, or in Connecticut where the tree huggers have decided that salting the roads is bad for the enviornment.

AWD also has quite a few disadvantages when it comes to a sport sedan like the 3 series. Many people "think" they need some form of AWD and in reality it only snows maybe 6 or 7 days out of a whole year. On the rest of the days, you're consuming more fuel than a standard RWD 3 series.

It adds weight. When braking and cornering (especially in a panic situation during a snow storm) are affected by the additional XXX lbs. It could mean a split second that might help you steer around a collision or stop before you hit a deer.

blueguydotcom

Probably not as easy as a chip.

Regardless, the 330i for a little premium gives yoy way more standard...

xenon lights
logic-7 stereo
power seats
auto headlights/rain sensors
larger tires (18s with the sport package - the only option beyond metallic paint that i'll get).

Can't recall the rest but it's a nice bit of extras for not that much more dough.

lovebmw330i

I just leased a 2005 330i. How many miles should I expect to get with my Continental tires that came with the Sports Package if I maintain them well(check and fill air pressure regularly)?
Thanks,
Mike

lovebmw330i

Thanks shipo I didn't know the rule(too late to delete message now!). Tread Life depends on driving style alot! If you drive the car "hard" all the time obviously the tires will not last very long. I got 35k out of my Michelin MXM's on my 94 but I didn't drive the car hard or quick stop and go's.
MIke

shipo

Ummm, well sort of. Your Michelin MXMs should last WAY longer than tires that come with the SP. My estimate of 20-25,000 miles IS assuming that you take it easy, I've heard that some folks who work their cars hard only get about 12-15,000 miles.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx

Ditto to this info... I've heard of aggressive drivers burning up the rears in 6K miles....

At the very outside, 30K on the summer tires, but doubtful you'll get that, since you can't rotate..

squirtdad

I looking at taking advantage of the current incentives on a pretty basic 325i (manual). How much handling difference does the sport package make? How about downsides? The BMW site notes increased risk due to low profile tires. Thanks in advance for input.

erickpl

brave,

What are you using for your transmission fluid? I put Redline MT90 in my Jeep Wrangler and it is now shifting smoother than my BMW. I think I'll change out the fluid to something like Redline but wanted to make sure it was safe for my tranny (I do have a 325xi btw).

-Paul

blueguydotcom

15-20k miles? I got 13 out of my potenza rears. LOL

blueguydotcom

The sp in the 325i certainly makes the car more livable and less droopy, floaty than the normal setup. No penalty at all in terms of comfort. 17s are pretty much standard issue on so many cars today, don't fret it. In fact, I'm shocked the 06 325i with sp still doesn't have 18s. Even more surprised the 330i with sp lacks 19s.

kyfdx

Difference? Night and Day..

Downside: The 17" tire/wheel combo is more susceptible to damage from potholes, curbs, etc.. You just have to be a little more careful.. 20K miles on ours, and not even a scratch to the rims...

Also, it will give you a slightly stiffer ride (which may not be a downside).

And.. you'll need winter tires if you live anywhere where the temperature gets below freezing..

Upside: The sport seats are incredible, the 3-spoke steering wheel is much more comfortable than the stock 4-spoke (assuming that hasn't changed since '03), and it looks a heckuva lot better.. oh yeah, did I mention the handling?

It is the best $1400 you can spend on options with a 325i..

regards,
kyfdx

lovebmw330i

You must get the Sports Package. It's the best $1400 option you can purchase! You get a much better ride:stiffer suspension,better turning,looks better with wider tires and the 3-spoke steering wheel is great to look at and even better to use. I highly recommend the sports package to anyone considering buying a 3 series!
Thanks for all the feedback on the projected treadlife of the Continentals that come with the 330i Sports Package. Since the tire sizes are different(front and back)rotating the tires is not an option correct? What about switching from right to left and left to right?
Mike

kyfdx

You can switch them left to right, but you'd have to mount/dismount them from the wheels each time. (I assume they are directional tires).

So, by the time you pay to mount/dismount them every 5K miles, it would probably be cheaper to just let them be... Not to mention the wear and tear the bead of the tire would take from all of the mounting/dismounting..

regards,
kyfdx

kominsky

Eric, unless he changed it up, brave was running Redline D4 ATF in his 325i.

brave1heart

Correct - Redline D4 ATF. It is one of the best "mods" I've done to my 2001 325i.

Detailed DIY instructions are here:

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

Christo
www.ABsolutePuppies.com

brave1heart

I got 21K miles out of mine with ~ 15 autocross and track days on them and without rotating. You should be able to get close to 30K miles if you take it easy and esp. if you rotate the tires (assuming you don't have stagger).

Christo
www.ABsolutePuppies.com

brave1heart

Sand works almost as well as salt and it is much better for the environment. The environment is not some sort of an abstract concept - it is the grass in my yard that my 3-year old plays on for 7-8 months a year ;o)

Christo
www.ABsolutePuppies.com