BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

div2

Repeat after me: Minivans are EVIL!!!!!!
That's why my wife and I had only one kid-to ensure that we never fell into their sliding door clutches...

kubby

I'm all set to start wheeling and dealing. The last question I have for you guys is on extended warranties. Do you recommend them? The car I'm looking at is a 2001 330i with 32,000 miles. I can get coverage for an additional 4 yrs or 48,000 mi. for around $1400. It sounds like an easy enough decision based on the cost to fix if something major happens but I just want to have my ducks in a row and be confident I'm doind the right thing. Thanks for all your help!

blueguydotcom

read the fine print carefully and make sure the extended coverage is agreeable to you.

tenet1

Hey, my family of 4 fits quite comfortably into our e46. 2 adults in front, 2 full-size car seats with kids and room to squeeze a small (repeat, small) person in the middle. Plus 2 strollers and enough bags to go on a weekend trip. A while driving with a big smile on my face (even with the kids in the back). Who needs a minivan or SUV??

No Minivan for us, EVER!!! Cant wait to upgrade to the e90 wagon in a few years

div2

You are a man after my own heart. We transported our son from birth in an M6 and a couple of E36 Compacts. We only bought the 528i sled because we needed a four door to transport our non-driving elderly parents from time to time-and the price was right.

tenet1

I am sure the folks in those SUVs are feeling sorry for us. "Look honey, the whole family is packed in that little tiny car"

I wouldn't have it any other way...and neither would my son, who loves Bimmers and can identify them all at age 3.

tenet1

Your son is blessed. What a great way to start his journey of life

erickpl

tenet, I'm sure you love the fact that he can id all bmw's and loves them...

until he turns 16.

If I had to do my E46 purchase over, the ONLY thing I would have changed would be putting a DVD in it and putting the displays in the headrests for the kids to watch.

I have felt very secure in the xi we have, though the awd isn't variable like it soon will be and was in our Jeep Grand Cherokee. Since I no longer live in California and am in the south, I probably would go with a regular i model instead of xi. But that is for the next purchase.

-Paul

tenet1

Yeah, I am in truoble. I have already drilled it into his head that he can have a Bimmer in college only, and only if, he makes it to an IVY league school. Now its upto him :-)

I just have to keep repeating this until he actually knows what that means

div2

My 10 year old still likes BMWs and Porsches, but he thinks the current Five and Seven "look stupid". He really loved the X5 4.6is press loaner that I had for a couple of weeks back in 2001. That said, he also likes some over-the-top rides such as the EVO MR and the Mach 1. I've told him that if he gets a full scholarship anywhere I'll buy him a car out of his college fund(after I've nabbed my Henna M1 of course).

kominsky

Until 2000, I would have agreed whole-heartedly. But, "Her Majesty" demanded a minivan and having an aversion to sleeping on the couch, I agreed. In hindsight, I wouldn't want to drive it regularly but I'm glad she got it (Forgive me Father for I have sinned...). We can take our two kids, each with a friend, and the dog up to my inlaws cabin with plenty of room for gear and pull a trailer with 3 or 4 dirt-bikes. Short of an SUV (more evil than a minivan, I contend) nothing else is capable of pulling off that feat.

One possible solution would be to pawn off one of the kids... anyone looking for a ~mostly~ well-behaved 11 year old boy? :-)

kyfdx

Got one.. don't know if I could handle another one... ;-)

div2

Fortunately, my wife hates minivans more than I do. Funny thing though, I bought my Wrangler with the intention of keeping it a year at most, but it turned out she likes it as much as my son and I do. She's even said that she'd like her next sled to be either a Rubicon or an X3; how's that for cross-shopping?

kominsky

If I remember an earlier exchange between you and shipo, all of our boys were born within a month or so of each other (my son - 01/26/04)... so I figured you two guys would know better. ;-)

kominsky

Other than protecting against road grime and maybe helping aerodynamics a little, does the plastic cowling under the engine serve any purpose? I need to do a coolant change and I'm on a real tight schedule currently. I was gonna take the cowling off tonight and do the coolant change tomorrow night. Can anyone think of any problem with doing this? If yes, I'll just wait until I have more time to do everything at one shot.

kyfdx

Yup... 1/28/04

Mine has a hankering for 318ti..

mark_325i

How about moving the "I drive a BMW and everything else stinks, my kids won't drive in anything but my BMW, the horrors of minivans, blah blah blah" posts to a "reinforcing the stereotype of a bmw driver" thread?

kyfdx

We are what we are.. Your stereotyping is your own problem...

The scroll button works really well.. you should try it..

regards,
kyfdx

bmwfrevr

wow i couldn't hold not to post
1/28/04 is my son's birthday what a coincidence and he already has 2 bimmers the F1 baby racer car and Z4 peddle on and more are coming! although he loves my expensive 1:24 black M3 model that I try to keep away from him.
by the way we just had our second boy and I hope he will be just as crazy about BMW as his father is.
what do you think guys of the 3 row seating X5 that is supposed to be coming soon would that make you guys feel better than getting a minivan, well it is a BMW after all! just a thought!

brave1heart

Well, my 3-yr old loves all cars. His favorite easily is the Mini. Id love to take him autoXing in my car when he reaches that age and I sure hope he gets into a good college with a scholarship. Even so, no Bimmer from me - that he'll have to earn himself!!

Kominsky - I would not take the plastic cover off in advance. have you taken it off before - it only takes a minute or two. I am doing a coolant flush this weekend too. Make sure to get a new drain plug washer.

kominsky

I never took the cover off before. If it's that easy, I'll just do the whole job tomorrow. I already got the washer. thanks!

div2

Methinks you need to lighten up a bit; read my posts for comprehension and you will realize that while I tend to focus on BMWs, there are any number of interesting cars, trucks, and bikes that I'd be happy to own. That qualifier does rule out minivans, however...

mjday1972

When I bought my 325i earlier this month, my 3-year old daughter spotted a silver 330 convertible in the show room. She pointed to it and said "can I have that one?". She ran over to it and gave it a "hug" by putting her face on the hood and stretching her arms out in an embrace. She even tried to convince me that her car seat would fit in the back seat.

blueguydotcom

LOL. My 2.5 year old niece knows her daddy's 325i and likes it. It's "the fast car." She says my car is "the noisy car." For some reason she's not fond of the ZHP's rumble. Shrug.

tenet1

:mad:

brave1heart

Well, brothers-in-arms -

I thought I'd drop a quick note to say good-bye. It's been great driving my 2001 325i for 4 years and sharing my enthusiasm with you here but it's time to move on and make room for a larger vehicle that can accommodate our growing (in numbers and width) family. I just traded in my beloved 325i for a new shiny minivan. I didn't think I'd be able to get over it at first but driving the minivan on the way home last night, I really got to appreciate its utility and comfort. It's spacious (has room for 8 and cargo to fit our whole house in it!), very quiet and fuel efficient. It also feels gratifying to drive a socially responsible vehicle that serves a great purpose rather than the juvenile "ultimate driving experience" race-car-but-oh-so-comfortable 3-series. Honk when you see a dad with big glasses behind the wheel and a mom holding a soccer ball in her arms next to our 3-year old who will be watching a Disney movie on our newest entertainment system.

So long!

Christo

p.s. My wife also traded in her A4. She got a more sensitive Toyota Prius. We appreciate the perfectly quite ride, road isolation, the 80 mpg fuel economy, and most of all: the socially responsible message that it sends out!!

nmrt

hello all you bimmer fanatics. i am about to become one of you. i am thinking about purchasing a 325i. but i need some help first.

is there really a big difference between the harmon kardon on the 325i vs the normal speakers?

thanks. this is my first time on this forum.

shipo

Cool and congratulations! I cannot wait to check out your 1 Lap web site and see a photo of you carving an apex with those tall high profile tires practically rolling off of the rims. By the way, what class do Caravans and Odysseys compete in? Of course, if you decide that you've grown tired of pushing an understeering minivan around a road course, you can always try drag racing. http://www.turbovan.net/van.html :shades:

Best Regards,
Shipo

blueguydotcom

Uh, man the prius gets in the 40s combined.

Enjoy your car. Not sure why 1 kid means you gotta get a minivan but whatever works for you.

lycanthris

I just picked up an '05 330 with the sport package. I noticed it rides a bit rougher than a friend's '04 325 sport. Is this just due to the suspension "breaking in" or possibly the different tires? Should i be concerned?

webby1

What tires do you have on your 3301 ?
Regards,
Webby

amt7565

Do you mind sharing how much the actual MSRP and howmuch you paid? It might benefit some of us.

Thanks.

mark_325i

Prius is all about what it says about the driver -- look at me I'm soooo damn greeeen!

Honda Civic hybrid? Same thing, but does not sell as well. Why? Because unless you look at the insignia one would think it was a regular Civic, and Ed Begley won't know how environmentally sensitive you are at first glance. Toyo has marketed brilliantly to the insecure.

pat

Um, not the right place for this, okay?

dhanley

Well you know..

When you point a finger, there's three fingers pointing back at you, mr BMW driver.

dave

blueguydotcom

I just picked up an '05 330 with the sport package. I noticed it rides a bit rougher than a friend's '04 325 sport. Is this just due to the suspension "breaking in" or possibly the different tires? Should i be concerned?

If you have 18s it's gonna be a tougher ride. The 325i even with sp is a soft buick-like ride imho.

lycanthris

I have the crappy continentals. I hope they arent the major contributing factor.

lycanthris

MSRP was 42,245. It has the metallic paint, sport suspension, premium package, xenons and auto trans. Paid 35,725 +TTL.

lycanthris

no, i only have the stock sport 17's. It is a different wheel/tire combo than the 325, but it should be the same suspension set up right?

brave1heart

Correct. Suspension is identical between the 325i and 330i sedans with SP. The 330i has slighlty lower-profile tires in the rear - this is what you're probably noticing. I know the ride in my 325i was noticeably stiffer when I switched from 225/45/17 to 235/40/17 tires. Also, check the tire pressure - most people run way too much pressure in the rear. Something like 32f/32r will be a comfortable ride with most tires.

div2

The best advice I can give is to select several of your favorite CDs and ask the dealer to let you audition both systems. Some people believe that the H-K system is worth the extra $$$ while others think it is a waste of money. Just let your ears decide...

kyfdx

Hilarious....

Happy April Fools Day to you, too!!

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

Yes, it is different..

Is it worth $675? I have no idea.. I bought my car used, and it came with it.. I'm glad I have it.. I think it sounds better than stock. I would never mod my stereo, so this is the only way I'll get upgraded sound..

Does any of this info help you? Didn't think so..

regards,
kyfdx

dl7265

HAHHA he allmost got me too!!!

DL

tenet1

LOL! April Fools to you too

kyfdx

I agree with brave1heart.. It is most likely a tire pressure difference from the 325i..

Unless the 325i you rode in had winter tires on... The summer tires have a lot less flex in the sidewall.

regards,
kyfdx

div2

I'm revising my fleet as well. I just ordered a white Avalon! The dealer said that white is a rare and distinctive color for that car-kind of like silver on the Odyssey. I hope I can sell the Club Sport for enough money to also cover installation of the Gold Package. My wife insisted on a new car as well, so the 5er is going to be replaced by either an Escape or a Trailblazer, as she wants the safety and security that only a class leading SUV can provide. And you know, your post got me thinking about what else I could do to help the environment, so I decided to forgo the Beemer K-bike and Triumph Speed Triple I had been looking at-the new bike for me will be a Honda Rebel 250.

nmrt

thanks for the info. i think i will take a few CDs and listen to them at the delaer lot and compare.
i share the same views as you -- will never mod my stereo though the dealer that did not have the 325i in a manual with sport package and HK said it was not worth the price and after market stereos are much better. surprise surprise!! the dealer that did have it said there was no comparision between the two. so, off to the lot i am this weekend...

any word on april incentives? carsdirect.com says no incentives for april!?!! :confuse:

selm

Not worth it. All BMW drivers should be driving with the radio off in order to hear the sound of the engine. JK.

Honestly, I have no opinion.

nmrt

i hope my comment now doesnt start a ferociuos debate but here goes:

i like the smooth whine of my curent jetta vr6 better that the smooth purr of the I6.