BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    There are definetly brake differences between the cars. That is one of the reasons you can only get 17" wheels on the 330 (16"s won't fit). If you look at the e46fantics.com faq, they have differences between 328 vs 323 and then 328 vs 330. Using the different numbers, I come up with; 330 12.8" (front) and 12.6" (rear). The 325 (assuming there was no brake upgrade compared to the 323) has 11.3" (front) and 10.9" (rear). I believe the rotors are also thicker on the 330's.
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    I believe the brakes on the 325i are a bit larger then the 323, there 11.8 fronts and 11.6 rear.
  • mrpeltynmrpeltyn Member Posts: 21
    Regarding window tint, I've had my 325i for less than a week and already have scratches on the passenger side front & rear windows. See my post #3013 for more info.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Geez, I would've seriously considered that 330i if I'd known the stock market would THAT well. Way to go...
  • veekay1veekay1 Member Posts: 180
    gurumike:
    hi! was away for 4 days; we crossed the 3000 mark in posts!
    I called BMWNA and was told "week 23" : but it looks like I am status 150 or so now; could you please use your resources to check what the real deal is?
    Thanks in advance
    veekay1(325xi/sapphire metallic/step/PP/cwp)
  • ds2k1ds2k1 Member Posts: 101
    Saw that Consumer Reports just did a head-to-head with the 330i, IS300 (where's v_tech when we need him), C320 and S60T5. Guess which car won? Wow, you guys are bright. The 330i was picked as the best and they commented that it was a near-perfect blend of sport and luxury. Couldn't agree more. The BMW was the quickest and best handling. They really had no complaints at all. The IS300 was listed as having a rough ride and was the second slowest of the bunch, the Mercedes was more luxurious, but had confusing instrumentation and lacked the sportiness, and the Volvo just came in last very a variety of reasons. I don't need anyone to tell me how great my car is to be happy, but it's nice nonetheless when all the major pubs seem to agree with me.

    Saw that Car and Driver did a head-to-head with the 325, A6 2.8, S60T5, Saab 9-3 and C240. Guess which car won? Wow, you guys are geniuses! The 325 was first, followed by the Audi, the Mercedes, the Volvo and the Saab. I believe they said somethinglike the 325 handled like "liquid precision", or something.

    Enjoy.
  • thedeepdarkbluthedeepdarkblu Member Posts: 106
    All that data is like driver's porno. Thanks.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    re; #3054

    That makes sense since you can no longer get 15" wheels with the 325 like you could with the 323.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    If I'm not mistaken, C&D described it as "liquid poetry". Those guys get as excited about the 3-series as we do!
    You know, the more models manufacturers put out there to compete with the 3-series, the more the 3-series will be unreachable for the competition. It becomes then benchmark that everyone has to compare against and beat it too. Well, good luck - the 3-series' value in the meantime will be holding up even better because the more they compare other models to it, the more everyone will realize what an EXCEPTIONAL car it is.
    I personally am a little surprised about Consumer Reports' ranking. They tend to focus on tangibles like maintenance cost, depreciation, and all that and they rarely give fun and charisma as in the 3-series their due. Very nice surprise indeed!
  • thedeepdarkbluthedeepdarkblu Member Posts: 106
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Will check tonight and let you know. I have every single issue from the past 4 years or so. I think it was about half a year ago.

    As far as handling, it is interesting to note that the 325i SP, as tested by C&D, beat the M3 in the skidpad category. The 325i SP was at .85 g and the M3 was at .84. All this says is that if you drive the cars in a circle, the M3 will give in and skid before the 325i SP. Not sure why that is, as the M3 has wider tires and I suspect slightly firmer suspension than the 325i SP. I'm guessing it is because it has a couple of hundred extra pounds in curb weight to keep in place. In either case, though, what you are getting on the 325 and 330 sport packages is not far at all from the M3.

    One more thing - my dealer finally got back to me on the tire pressure question and said that the service dept. recommends 32/35 F/R for the 325i SP and 3 psi higher for the 330. This is more consistent with the driver's door label and the Owner's manual, which recommend 30/35 F/R.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    I, too, was surprised by Consumer Reports' article, as they usually weight the on-paper VALUE significantly. So surprised, in fact, that I bought the issue (and I NEVER buy CR -- C&D all the way, baby!). Their test car was identical to Gretl, except for interior color, I believe...

    B'heart -- your last message #3061 implied (or I inferred, at least) that depreciation is not a BMW strong suit; whether you intended that or not I don't know. In any case, I'd argue that BMWs, and the 3-series in particular, hold their value better than almost ANY car you can buy in today's market. Probably on-par with MB, and a step up from Lexus, Acura, Honda, Toyota (those two companies ;)).
  • wam325iwam325i Member Posts: 4
    The 325i got the brakes that were fitted to the 328i.

    F - 11.8" x 0.87"
    R - 11.6" x 0.75"
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Where have you been all these years, we need ya here :o)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I didn't mean it that way. I agree with you. I have to admit that I wasn't even aware of how well the 3-series hold up their value when I decided to buy the car and it still amazes me!! Good call, I'm sorry I goofed up. At any rate, the key thing is that there are probably cheaper same-category cars as far as total monthly cash outlay but they chose the typically more expensive to BUY 3-series over its competitors.
  • aaa330iaaa330i Member Posts: 63
    I was researching superchargers for the 330i and came across ESS. They've got a supercharger in development for the 330i and anticipate it to bring it up to 350hp.

    I could only drool.

    Too bad it would void the warranty. It might be worthwhile to do after the 3/36 is up.

    Am I allowed to post URLs?
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    Yes, I'm still amazed at the CR perspective -- that's why I kept the article and it will go in the archives! They must be hiring more enthusiast-types and less Ralph Nader-types.. :)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    But just keep in mind that in order to upgrade to such a significant level of HP, you'd have to upgrade the exhaust so it would be able to handle it; you'll need bigger brakes, stronger everything, and likely lots more money than just the cost of the supercharger. Makes the case for buying the M3 very compelling and that one comes with a warranty too. What's the link, I'd be curious to look at it?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I think you are right. As far as Ralph Nader, he was a rebel in his own right back then when he publishes "Unsafe at any speed" and stood up against the automakers who had gotten too cocky to listen to anyone. It's too bad that insurance companies have turned the whole safety thing into the Holy Grail and try to squeeze every last ounce of enthusiasm out of cars. Man, I worked for an insurance company for a year right out of college. That is the single most uncreative, unimaginative, boring, conformist place I have ever seen. As I mentioned, I have been in software implementation for years now and have seen dozens of different companies in different industries but there is nothing out there like insurance companies. They define the word boring and stand by it. With pride.
  • pneubmwpneubmw Member Posts: 7
    I have waited 10 weeks for delivery of my 325i. gurumike can you provide any information as to the status. its a 325i ,only options are sunroof,auto and cd. the wait is torture. was told to expect it in charlotte ,nc next week at the dealer. not much confidence. this will be my first foreign car after 16 years of purchasing American made. thanks in advance
  • adam68adam68 Member Posts: 59
    What kind of wax is everyone using on their BMW?

    I've used Blitz and P21S...both with great results...
  • aaa330iaaa330i Member Posts: 63
    http://www.esstuning.com/
  • alpine325ialpine325i Member Posts: 209
    I use One Grand Blitz Wax. Deep shine and long lasting.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    What I got out of it is that the 2001 325i/Ci 6PSI 290HP turbocharger is Under Development and will be available in July. Judging by similarly priced 328s, I am guessing it will sell for about 6 grand. Forget CAI, that is some serious HP for 6 grand - we are talking a 106-pony gain here. Good to know the option is out there. I think buying a car is a little like buying a house - the most important thing is to have a solid foundation. You can build the porch/extensions/whatever later. The 325 is a good platform to start working off if you want to add power.
  • aaa330iaaa330i Member Posts: 63
    subject says it all.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Hey All,

    Can anyone tell me more about after March 1st production of the 325i. I'm talking to a dealer who says that the 325i has certain options standard now like:

    1) foglamps
    2) multi-function steering wheel controls
    3) cruise control
    4) something else I couldn't recall

    She said that the premium package is cheaper now. Can anyone give me some input on this info?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    1) foglamps
    2) cruise control
    3) auto climate (hence the cheaper PP, which used to include that)
    4. Sport package is $100 cheaper at $1,400 MSRP

    Did not know about the multi-function steering wheel controls...
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    As previously posted, the 325 does indeed have 11.8 front, 11.6 rear. (all versions) 330 has 12.8 ft 12.6 rear.
    I'm still working on redlines. Apart from M3, they're around 6600 rpms with a 100rpm margin of error...

    Busy day today, I'll try to watch the board when-ever possible.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Can the HIDs be installed after production without complications...the dealer has intercepted a 325i off the March 1st production that is close to my specifications (has Harmon premium system, but wasn't on my list...no HIDs, which was on my list)....any comments on the HIDs, anyone...sorry if I'm in a rush, but I'm about to play some basketball here in a few...Thanks...
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Technically, you can get the HIDs aftermarket but they will cost you over $1,000, as opposed to the $500 stock price. If you don't get them now, you probably won't get them.

    One more thing: make sure your dealer is talking about a car that is in the process of being shipped. If he is X-checking trying to locate a car from another dealer, that car may have a lot of test miles on it, so be careful with that. In case you are wondering why a couple of hundred miles would matter, just keep in mind that all it needs is one driver like me to take it out for a 5-mile spin and it will be VERY broken in when they get it back. Good luck. I'll be on-line for about 10 more min if you have questions.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I am surprised at your estimates of 6,600 rpms. I am guessing it's only about 6,250 on the 325i because Dinan claims that with the Stage 1 download, you are gaining 240 rpms for a wider torque band to 6,500. That leads me to believe that the stock redline is at 6,260. It would be great if you could verify that.
  • al330al330 Member Posts: 3
    What is the best price for a 330ci coupe msrp of $47900 in the Toronto .
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    My guess would be as good as giving you a quote in British Pounds if you were in London or French Francs if you were in Paris. Anything around $1,500 - $2,000 over invoice is a good deal. That of course is US dollars, so I'm guessing 2,200-3,000 Canadian.
  • al330al330 Member Posts: 3
    What is the best price for a 330ci coupe msrp of $47900 in the Toronto .
  • adam68adam68 Member Posts: 59
    Have also heard good things on Zymol and
    Klasse..
  • al330al330 Member Posts: 3
    What is the best price for a 330ci coupe msrp of $47900 in the Toronto .
  • max63max63 Member Posts: 76
    Regarding the post about your left leg on the sport seats, I have felt the same problem as well.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    So all the stereotypes about the insurance biz ring true...I have two relatives who operate their own insurance agencies and do very well for themselves, but I gotta side with you on this. Gotta be excruciatingly boring and stagnant. Seems like a good ol' boys industry that is due for a major infrastructure overhaul. Or, maybe the "ain't broke don't fix", un-innovative atmosphere you described works...

    Back on topic...question for GURU: I noticed inside a 530i (stick) that the redline on the tach was marked differently than in the 330i. Am I imagining this??? If not, why would this be? Same engine = same redline, regardless of tranny, car it's bolted into, etc.

    I know I'm getting anally nit-picky, but my curosity is PIQUED, man! Any logical explanation?
  • ds2k1ds2k1 Member Posts: 101
    A friend of mine who works for an insurance defense law firm describes defending the poor, helpless, downtrodden insurance companies that are his clients as "soul numbing." Be thankful for your jobs, whatever they may be.

    The C&D article I looked at was in a recent compilation issue of comparison tests that just hit the stands. It's like one of those "New Car Guide"-type things in that it's a special issue. Saw it for the first time last night. The other cool thing (for me, anyway) about the C/R article was that the 330i they tested was virtually my exact car (color and everything). The one they tested had the CWP, mine doesn't, and theirs didn't have the Xenons. Otherwise, same car.

    Braveheart - tell me honestly, doesn't your car feel more feminine than masculine? I realize you've given your car a masculine name (to say the least), but it's the refined, silky-smooth nature of the BMW that makes them so wonderful, so sensual. The incredible looks, engine purr, great handling - man, no muscle car I know of provides the same exotic sensation. That's why my car has a lovely German woman's name. To each his/her own, right?
  • errickson1errickson1 Member Posts: 17
    zaino, zaino, zaino, zaino, zaino, zaino, zaino, www.zaino.com, zaino, zaino, www.zaino.com...
  • ds2k1ds2k1 Member Posts: 101
    A friend of mine who works for an insurance defense law firm describes defending the poor, helpless, downtrodden insurance companies that are his clients as "soul numbing." Be thankful for your jobs, whatever they may be.

    The C&D article I looked at was in a recent compilation issue of comparison tests that just hit the stands. It's like one of those "New Car Guide"-type things in that it's a special issue. Saw it for the first time last night. The other cool thing (for me, anyway) about the C/R article was that the 330i they tested was virtually my exact car (color and everything). The one they tested had the CWP, mine doesn't, and theirs didn't have the Xenons. Otherwise, same car.

    Braveheart - tell me honestly, doesn't your car feel more feminine than masculine? I realize you've given your car a masculine name (to say the least), but it's the refined, silky-smooth nature of the BMW that makes them so wonderful, so sensual. The incredible looks, engine purr, great handling - man, no muscle car I know of provides the same exotic sensation. That's why my car has a lovely German woman's name. To each his/her own, right?
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    http://209.11.44.65/xp/Caranddriver/comparisontests/2001/January/200101_comparisontest_bloodwarmers.xml?&page=1
  • ds2k1ds2k1 Member Posts: 101
    Thanks for the link, goody4. OK, in my prior post I forgot the IS300 entirely (not sure how I could have forgotten to mention that it came in a paltry 3rd), I listed the A6 2.8 instead of the A4 2.8, and I screwed up the quote "liquid poetry." Oh well, my only excuse is that I was going by memory only and I'm not getting any younger. Now I know there was something else I wanted to say, but for the life of me...
  • uge123uge123 Member Posts: 100
    My 325iT is built!!!

    Steel blue metallic, xenons, SP, 5sp, heated seats, moon, leather!!! Whoopee! Now comes the excrutiating wait for it to cross the Atlantic. It should be here in mid June. (week 20 build, I'm pretty sure).

    I tried to get it changed to European delivery (since we're flying through Germany to get to Nice on Sunday. Unfortunately, all the pick up slots were full two weeks ago when I realized this and I couldn't change the status of the car. Oh well. We'll just have to wait to pick up my wife's A6 Avant or 540iT in Germany in 5 years of so. :-)

    Sorry about that babble but I just HAD to celebrate!
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Some-one had asked (on here or by emailing me) to recheck their cars position with BMW. Sorry, I've lost it! (in more ways than one!?).

    Mr Urge - you may pick up a 5 series wagon in Europe in a few years time, but probably not an Audi. Unless they start offering tourist delivery before then! Or you move there?!
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Yeah, I agree. She said that the car just came from production and was headed to some other dealership. She told me that it would take another few weeks to have the delivery destination changed here. I asked for just the PP, CD, leather, HIDs, heated front seats...and of course it had to be manual. I'm probabaly one of the few who did not request the SP...didn't think it necessary for Dallas' crappy streets. I just wanted something fun yet still luxurious, even if it's for my 30 minute commute back and forth to work. Like I said before, the dealer said the model didn't have the HIDs but had the Harmon system. Also, I asked for heated front seeats, but it comes with the entire CWP.We'll see how things turn out tomorrow...I'll definitely ensure that the car just came from production...thanks for the advice...
  • deepdarkbluedeepdarkblue Member Posts: 33
    What a great article--of course, we all know that C/D is partial to BMWs, the driving enthusiasts that they are. It makes me even more excited about my upcoming 325Ci. I wonder how the new A4 will do against the E46? It may be a close one.
  • jon_shaferjon_shafer Member Posts: 7
    image
  • alpine325ialpine325i Member Posts: 209
    (checking lotto numbers) Nope! Can't buy the red M3 convertible yet. Wow, what a tease! I wish I was living there, looks like alot of fun. I'm on the east coast, Philly suburbs, right down the street from Swarthmore College. My dealer(Devon Hill) has a blue M3 in the showroom. I asked him why it isn't sold yet, he said alot of people didn't like the color, so it might take awhile. It had everything for $52,000. Beautifull car, except for the color. Yeah, Someday!
  • mfeldmanmfeldman Member Posts: 140
    So I'm not crazy about the seat. I was thinking no one would repond. Do you do anything about it?
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