BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

shipo

Regarding your steering, BMW is known for providing "Feedback" to the driver regarding what the wheels are doing. So, to answer your question, YES, this is both normal and desirable. Enjoy the Feel. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

jasonkureejii

Did any of the dealers tell you the approx. time it will take to be shipped to Texas....I've heard somewhere that it could take 4 weeks for the West coast and 6 weeks for the East coast...or do I have that the other way around. Where is this "owner's circle"? I've only been calling in to BMWNA....mine is also in 150 status....

kelf

You mentioned $1,000 over invoice. Would you please let me know what person at what dealer (kelfg@aol.com). If anyone got simmilar or lower mark-up on new BMEs, please let me know.

aaa330i

Since we're both with Garlyn Shelton, our cars might even make it on the same boat! The BMW owner's cirle can be found here:

https://oc.bmwusa.com/frameset_login.asp?cookiesTested=True&WIP=

As for transit time on the ship, I don't know.

brave1heart

From this morning's news:

"... much weaker-than-expected April new home sales report. It was a big miss as the slide in April was the biggest drop since April 1997. The housing market had been surprisingly resilient given rising unemployment; the sharp decline in April is the first hint that the consumer is finally feeling the pressure of rising layoffs and reduced job security. The indices then sold off sharply, but have since stabilized...."

I hope this would make you feel better for not getting that 400+ grand house last week. As I had mentioned, two years from now would be a much better time to buy a house. 330i anyone? Those are not going down much from here )

brave1heart

Get the Dunlop SP8000s - those are the best combination of performance and low noise level.

denright

Thanks for that info!

I am SO DEPRESSED by all the progress that everyone else is having on their cars and mine is STILL 111 almost a month after I ordered it! ARGH!

By the way, has anyone else noticed that the Tundra vs. Big Three board has beaten us 2 straight days? What's up with that??

alpine325i

brave1heart

I did notice. At least we just topped the only remaining discussion that was ahead of us (total posts) in the sedans category - that of the Chrysler 300M. Well, the Tundra may be just a blip, we'll see. They seem like a fun bunch of people but 4x4-ing and hockey are really outside of my realm of interests )

brave1heart

Still searching for the ball-holder in my 325i but no luck so far. Dem BMW people hid it pretty well...Can't find a good place to park my balls. Maybe AC/DC has a solution with that 'Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap" album )

reubencahn

I've posted before about Bridgestone RE730s. I've put a couple thousand more miles on them since my last post and still love them. The rains have started here in S.Fla. and they're very good in the wet. IMO they've got better grip than the Dunlop 8000/8080 and are about the same on noise. However, from what tirerack says, the Dunlop SP9000 might be quieter.

titaniumsil325

That's what confused me... always shut the air & radio off when I park the car & when I start it up again it is automatically on. I thought it was strange. It gets a little annoying. I anticipate it being more annoying in the winter.

platypus

Great joke! One of the better ones I've seen in awhile.

brave1heart

Any thoughts on our rev limiter discussion?

platypus

Sorry - can't help you out on the rev. limiter topic. My feelings on the subject are that since I don't plan to track or drag race my car regularly, whether I shift at 6200rpm vs. 6500rpm doesn't have a profound effect on my enjoyment of the car.

I also own a GS-R which has an 8000rpm redline. I've pushed it up to 8k on occasion, just for kicks. The honda v-tec engine SCREAMS at those rpms. Did I say that it SCREAMS? Wait, I can't hear you - I must be deaf. Anyway, it has never concerned me to push it to say, 8500rpms, to find out when the rev limiter kicks in.

brave1heart

I can see how the rev limiter/redline is less of an issue with the 330 because of the added HP. The RPMs on the 325 climb faster because of the smaller displacement. I do use high RPMs on daily basis but not for drag racing. Sometimes being able to upshift at 6,500 RPMSs instead of 6,000 makes the difference between beating that 18-wheeler when you are merging into a busy highway or having to brake to 20 mph and taking the risk of being rear-ended by the Camry bozo who is driving 10 ft behind you thinking that's the best way to merge. And yes, it helps me come out ahead of M3s too.

Gold101

Thanks guys..... I'll post pics asap! I just need to find a good digital camera to do it with! Expect them in less than a week. The car continues to be a joy, and the great poeople on this web forum only had to the experience.... The car truly is the ultimate driving AND owning machine!

blaketag

Hi All,

This is my first post to this particular Edmunds board. However, it's been a wonderful source of information while I've been in lurk mode doing my research on the 3-series. I just placed an order for a 330i Steel Grey/Black leatherette with SP, STEP, CD, Xenons, Heated Seats, and Sunroof. It's scheduled for production in week 25. I ordered from BMW Concord (Concord, CA), and so far the experience has been great. Got a pretty good price with little or no pressure. Ask for Hendrik Lesterhuis, he's very pleasant to deal with. The wait is going to be torture! I opened an account at Owner's Circle using my Production # so I can track my status.

One question. I'm interested in leasing (3 yr/15K) and am approved through BMWFS for the current 330i promotion of .0021 money factor/60% residual. This seems like a great deal. However, it's only good through 6/30 and my car likely won't be in until late-July. Is there anything I can do to lock in this lease rate now? The dealership says "No" and BMWFS isn't much help either. I'm a little nervous "floating" on my lease rate until late-July and hoping the .0021 deal will still be there. Any advice?

Thanks!

Tom

burrsr

I had a 1995 GS-R, too (the "starter 325"), and I can attest to the "screaming" -- kicked in at about 6,400rpm all the way to 8,100rpm. Sounded like an octave increase in frequency + someone rolling down the window simultaneously. But all that induction howl created a turbo-like kick-in-the-pants acceleration effect, that's for sure! That was a fun car, too -- buzzy and a bit unrefined (especially compared to the 3er!), but a bargain at 20 G's.

I regularly hit the rev limiter with the GS-R -- I believe the official engine redline is 8,100 and the control system retards ignition at 8,200.

As for the 3er's engine speed limits, I think for me it's more of a curiosity point than anything that will affect my driving...

burrsr

Congrats on the 330i (ordering at least). You will definitely NOT be disappointed with the car, but the wait could be torture! As for locking in MF, residuals, etc., I would not worry about it too much. If the car comes in after 6/30, chances are that if there are changes to the MF and/or residuals, they will be minor at best. My residual is higher, but my MF is too, so terms are probably similar. In any case, $20 or $30 per month delta is certainly nothing to worry about, especially given the dose of smiles that driving the car every day induces.

gurumike

As long as your dealer submits your application to BMW financial services before the end of June, they will honor the current rates and residuals for upto 60 days after the program expires. In other words, if you get an approval now (by end of June), you WILL get the current deal.
Tell your dealer that and that that's what you'd like to do.

blaketag

Thanks very much for the input! I'll talk to the finance dept. at my dealership and ask about the 60 day extension beyond 6/30 for the .0021 MF and 60% residual lease deal. I'm already approved through BMW Finacial Services for this promotion. However, the approval expires 7/20 and it's a strong possibility my car won't come in until after that. Should I re-apply before the end of June to ensure I get the 60 day extension on this lease promotion?

Thanks,

Tom

gurumike

The approval may expire on 7/20, but the rates will be valid... 60 DAYS FROM CURRENT PROGRAM EXPIRATION. The 7/20 is just because they want to check that you've not missed any payment on your own credit since then. Any questions ?

blaketag

Sounds like I'll be covered by the current promotion, which is good news. I appreciate your help!

Tom

330ibob

Kind folks. I have been following this board since I ordered my 330i in February and learned many good things about my purchase to be. The dealer has indicated my car will be ready for pick-up on Monday after a painful 90 day wait. My question for you knowledgeable folks is what do you think about Liquid Glass car wax. It is a polymer similar to Zaino I think but I never see any reference to it on any of the bimmer boards. I see lots of talk about Zaino and other waxes but nothing about Liquid Glass. Some talk about the multistep treatment with everything from clay bars to multiple layers of wax - but rubbing a clay bar across a new paint job on a $40K car scares me.

I have used Liquid Glass for the last 11 years on my Accord and the paint has held up quite well. It still shines and seems to be quite white not yellowed. And that is saying a lot given our salt covered roads during winter.

Is it safe for my new car or should I switch to one of the waxes that is mentioned a lot on these boards like Zaino? Why is Liquid Glass not mentioned at all?

Help! I want to treat my new car with the best care I can an need your experiences as guidance.
BTW the color of my new jem is Silver.
Thanks

postoak

Some people swear by Liquid Glass and some swear at it. It seems to react different ways to different paints. I've read one post somewhere about it screwing up a clearcoat silver finish car -- which is what you're getting. Personally, I wouldn't use it. Two waxes I've never heard anything bad about are Meguiar's Gold Class Clear Coat and Rain Dance (said to be the longest lasting wax out there).

Zaino isn't usually referred to as a wax but as a "protectant". I think I'll probably switch to it when I get my BMW. It seems to me too much trouble to start using it on an older car because it requires so much prep work at the start -- the clay bar and all.

A clay bar shouldn't scare you. It should make your finish as smooth as glass if it isn't already. Just use plenty of liquid with it (something like Meguiar's Instant Detailer). BTW, the Zaino people make a really good clay bar, I've heard.

alpine325i

Visit carcareonline.com. These guys are pro detailers. Some waxes can cause "clouding" on german finishes, these guys know which ones don't. Visit the "How to articles" on their site, really cool, very informative! I use a high grade carnauba wax, One Grand Blitz Wax, A #1 white or a #1 yellow carnauba is supposed to be the best. )

dl7265

After 24 months of flawless performance my "99 dash glowed orange with the light bulb pic, 1999 as i recall does not have "full" maint so i will be paying for a bulb ?

Re tires i guess u want to avoid the $166.00 each the er30 cost since u listed the cheaper tires available, agreeing with Ruben the re730s and the Yoko dbs are the best sellers and rated for around 100 each , or you prob have a brand new er30 spare and could get 3 new er's if u like the performance, ive only gotten 20k miles out of mine however,,,,,

regards,
DL

frank69m

You really don't need to wax your car for the first year or so. The clearcoat paints on today's modern car will just bounce it off. I've kept my car clean for years. In fact, I still have a 91 5.0 mustang that looks like it has 10k mileage on it and the paint is totally mint...The secret...

Avoid Sun
Avoid a rain, then sun
Garage your car.
Use a california duster ever couple of days

and, here is the key....try this 2-3 times a week....

"Wax Shop Slick Stuff".....

I haven't brought my car (Mustang) nor have I washed it in 5 years. I used the above. The only time I would wash a car is when it is so so dirty which never happens to me...

later,
M3 Frank
"I love cars...
91 5.0 Mustang 'The tourque machine'
94 RX-7 Turbo 'The go-cart rotary rocket'
01 330i 'The family cruiser'
01 M3 'The street racer'
"

denright

Didn't you claim to have sold your 330i because it was underpowered?

getz1

Recently had both headlights go out on our 99 323i (one followed shortly by the other), and they were covered by warranty so you shouldn't have to come out of your wallet for this one. Have any 99 323i owners noticed that their 40k service was significantly cheaper than the price for a 00' 323i or even the 325i service? When scheduling my 40k maintenace the service guy quoted me a price of around $700 and when I insisted that I had been quoted prices around $300 from other shops he insisted that the astronomical figure was the going rate. He later called me and said that he didn't know my car was a 99, and was very apologetic. I ended up getting the 40k service plus a four wheel allignment for 175 bucks. He said something about different spark-plugs and something else about a different service for the axles (something about grinding something down, etc.). It stank of BS pretty bad but I have no idea. Alp, aren't you the guy that owns a shop (or is that shipo)? Anyhow can you guys possibly comment on the validity of the price difference between the 99 and more recent models with regards to maintenance.
Thanks,
Getz

brave1heart

It gets tough keeping track of all these cars after a while, you know. Hmmm, did I say I actually sold the 330i or did I say I still have it...

brave1heart

Two things:

1. It is possible you may have an electrical problem with your car if both of your light bulbs had to be replaced within days of each other. I wouldn't do anything but I'd get very suspicious if something else that feeds off the electrical system needs to be replaced soon.

2. Service quotes will vary widely between dealers even for the exact same model and year. It's been my experience with other cars that there are dozens of check-off items on the service list and different dealers include different items for equivalent mile service. Service is their bread and butter - a high-margin, steady business. They'll try to sell you as much stuff as they can. What I would do is ask them for a detailed list of all the items included in the service quote, then call other dealers and get a quote and a list and compare to see if they include the same stuff. This particular dealer does not sound like they have credibility and I wouldn't trust anything they are saying about the axel. As far as the spark plugs, those have precious metal tips and are supposed to last for over 100K miles. I don't know how to fix cars but I think I know enough about diagnosing problems with them and if you post a more detailed description of what the mechanic told you and what symptoms you are aware of, I'll give you my 2 cents. BTW, neither shipo, nor alp own a garage - that was someone in carguy's family. Chances are, all three of them know more about car mechanics than me, though.

frank69m

No, I got the 2001 M3 cause I didn't like the soft handling and the lack of power (just my opinion) in the 330i. Sorry, I'm used to faster cars. And yes, I still have the 330i and I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it.

M3 Frank

alpine325i

Today's clearcoats will protect the paint to a certain degree. If there is heavy oxidation, acid from bird droppings, tree sap, etc.. left on the car for more than a week or two, there will be permanent marks or blotches. Especially the bird droppings, that acid will eat right through the clearcoat and then the paint if it's left on there long enough. Ford has a tougher clear coat on their cars since they spent a lot of money for their paint process, Chevy always had the notorious flaking paint problem and alot of people sued and got their cars repainted. BMW's clear coat looks and feels a little thin, that's why I try to keep it protected with a high grade wax and a Noah Evolution car cover. To each his own )

jpcbearden

more trivial questions - hope they won't irritate you too much.
1) How long does it take to get to the munich european delivery center from the airport by taxi?
2) is london one of the drop-off locations?
3) What is the best traveling book to get? maps?

thanks!

tcn2k

both light bulbs being out is okay. Replace and don't worry about it!

brave1heart

From this morning's news, this time on existing homes:

"Sales of U.S. existing homes fell 4.2 percent in April, raising concerns the clouded U.S. economic picture had cast a shadow over the housing market -- a sector previously seen as a bright spot, a realtors' group said on Friday.

The National Association of Realtors said U.S. April sales of existing homes fell to an annual rate of 5.20 million units from a revised annual rate of 5.43 million in March.

The rate reached 4.4 percent above April 2000.

``This report raises some concern among us about housing activity and that it may have topped out in March,'' David Luray, chief economist for NAR, told a news conference. "

Key thing here is topping out in March. Scary stuff if you buy a couple of months after it tops out. I personally think the real estate market was temporarily propped up by the lower mortgage rates but now that this has been a fact for months, what remains is fear of losing jobs. Real estate will go down significantly from here, at least in New Engalnd it will. I'm guessing some 20-30% over the next two years. They didn't say anything about the 3-series topping out, though. Did yours go into production yet?

getz1

Thanks for the input. Headlights went a week and a half apart and the dealership said that this isn't uncommon. Everything seems to be working fine, and it has been two mos. since the bulbs were replaced. I agree totally on the service dept. issue, and I always call several dealerships as well as a good independent to shop around for service. Sorry for the mistake on alp and shipo, I couldn't remember who the mechanic was (Lincoln Tech grad?), but I agree that they are assured to be up to date on their BMW knowledge regardless.

Does anyone know if BMW is planning on re-tuning their engines further over the next couple of model years? It seems with the amazing surge in hp across industry that BMW would up the ante further (240hp out of a Nissan Altima for crying out loud). Performance wise, there are some amazing deals opening up ala Subaru WRX, Acura CL/TL S-types and I would love to see BMW give a little more bang for the buck. Ideally I would like to see the 330i put out hp numbers closer to the previous gen M3, and move the 325i up to 215-220 hp. Granted, through the corners and in regards to driving "feel" nothing claiming the sedan designation can pamper you like a BMW, but I sure wouldn't be against a bit more straight line revelry. By the way, I had another one of those I love my car moments the other day. I was driving lesiurely home when some guy who obviously knew that he had a 30 hp advantage in his ES 300 (err.. camry) over my sedate 323i pulled in behind me one inch off my bumper. We both signaled left preparing to merge onto a ramp that takes an extremely sharp curve, needless to say I think he was a bit suprised by the cornering prowess of the little 3-series. We both layed on the gas, his tires squealing the whole way around the turn where as mine narry let out a chirp. Coming out of the turn I was at least 5 car lengths ahead. Nothing like a rear wheel drive BMW with P225 hi performance Yokohama rubber. Did I mention I love my car?
-Getz

platypus

Mine's a '94 sedan - first year in the current body style. At the time, it was without a doubt, the best value in a performance sedan. And you're dead-on about the seat-of-the-pants acceleration after the v-tec kicks in. As I recall from one of the C&D comparo tests, they referred to the GS-R as having a "grand-prix engine."

With my 330i coming, the GS-R is now for sale, and frankly, I'll be sad to see it go.

BTW, if I was in the market today for a value-based performance sedan - there is one car that stands head and shoulders above the rest - the WRX. Yeah I know - it's not the most visually appealing automobile, but who cares when you're in the driver's seat cranking out 0-60 times in 5.8 seconds, hitting the twisties with unflappable grip from the AWD system (in the rain even), and to top it off, have a car that has perfectly neutral handling. Lots 'a fun for under $25K!!

platypus

No worries at all - glad to help.

1. Thirty minutes or less

2. Yes - although you're in for a whole different ball game trying to drive your left-hand drive car on the "wrong side" of the road.

3. I like Frommer's. Would also recommend books that are specific to a given country. More $$ but they will provide you with those extra details when you most need it.

brave1heart

That's a good story. There are very few cars out there that would handle as well as a 3-series, esp. one equipped with P225 hi performance Yokohama rubber. Pulling ahead in tight curves is my all-time favorite, I thrive on this. I keep pushing the limits of adhesion in turns that I'm familiar with. Sometimes, I can still bump up my speed by 2 mph or so even in curves that I've tried dozens of times. Feels great every time I pull it off. That's one of the best parts about the 3-series.

By the way, Alp did go to Lincoln Tech grad but he never owned a garage. I think it's time we started a trivia contest on this board. OK, I'll go first: What was the first place platypus visited when he picked up his 330i in Munich with his wife? Everyone BUT platypus may answer this one.

brave1heart

jpcbearden

Thanks!

Forgot all about it - driving on the "wrong side" of the road. Booked the round trip tickets from Phoenix - London - Munich anyway. Just thought maybe can skip Munich on the way back.

Forgot to ask you - do you know if they open for drop-off on the weekend?

Thanks again!

platypus

jpcbearden: The Munich drop-off center is not open on weekends, and given that they are the primary one, the same rules probably apply to the others. When you get your ED package, it has a listing of all the drop-off points with phone numbers. You could call to verify, but I think you'll find that the answer is negative. How about dropping off in Paris, spending a few days, then taking the train that goes underneath the English channel to London?

brave1heart: Gosh, you're really making me feel like a celebrity - trivia questions based on lil' ole' platypus!

alpine325i

I am a Lincoln Tech grad, but I stopped working in the field in 1991. So much has changed and I don't know that much about the new cars. I agree with you 100% with the horsepower issue, I love my 325i but wish it had more "off the line" power and more HP overall. I'm going to test drive the new SVT Cobra Mustang, 320HP for $28,000. I know that it's totally differernt than a BMW and the precision won't be there, but I heard that the chief designer of the 2001 Cobra had previously worked for BMW. The Cobra had great reviews as far as smooth shifting, handling, steering, braking, and of course accelleration. Who knows, it might feel like junk, but I have to test drive it to find out if they improved anything from the other Cobras I've driven. I crave that off the line feel, and I really miss it. Since I can't afford the M3, I might have to give up some precision in exchange for my craving of HP. If I fall in love with the Cobra, I will be selling my 325i. )

brave1heart

Don't get all excited yet. Let's see if anyone reads your posts at all. Especially that long suspense novel from the ED experience. The plot was exciting and the characters colorful and complete. The suspense was unbearable, though, especially when the main character and his wife were pulled over by an unmarked Passat right when they were getting ready to flee the country and cross the border )

jpcbearden

denright

I honestly don't expect real estate prices in DC to come down so much as even out for a while. I must admit, a modest dip would not be altogether unwelcome. You see, despite the fact that I would get less for selling my current house, I am sure that my next house will be much more expensive, and so would come down more in absolute dollars than my house, because a 10% off $600K is twice as much as 10% off $300K.

I can't wait for my car to get here, and it hasn't even hit production yet!! ARGH!

platypus

Good point. Response to the novel was quite low on this board. I will only accept my newfound celebrity status should someone other than you correctly answer the question.

BTW, BMW finally confirmed that may car is en-route on the Jingu-Maru (who names these vessels anyway) and is scheduled to hit the NJ port on May 31. That's almost four weeks exactly from the date I dropped it off. Then they gave me the bad news - transport from there to Texas is typically one of the longer journeys since the car must first go to South Carolina for distribution. They said I could be looking at another 3-4 weeks from May 31. :-(