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Comments
Although I can fortunately say that I've personally had no problems parking on the street, our next house will most certainly have a garage, for the additional security, protection, and peace-of-mind that it brings.
for 2500.00 id have 3500 sq ft and a 3 car garage..
really it's a product of the area's livestyle or preference perhaps, thats why i asked the question, out of curiosity not to seem rude.
i kinda like mowing and home work. its relaxing and in 10 more years , my property will be free and clear , ext taxes, repairs, ect... best investment ive made.
Regards
DL
[:+)
The other is HAIL ive had 2 cars totaled prior to being a homeowner in some SOFTBALL size hail storms!!
DL
Think of it like this. It probably takes about 10lb of force to close the trunk lid. When I closed it, I accidentally exerted a bit more force than needed, say 20lb. But most importantly, rather than the force being spread across the area of a surface (my hand), it was spread across the area of nearly a point (my elbow). Assuming the area of the contact point between elbow and trunk surface is 1/4" x 1/4" (1/16 sq in), we are talking about a pressure of 320 psi, based on these assumptions. Add to that the fact that the contact occured in the CENTER of a relatively large area of sheet metal where deformation resistance is weakest (versus near an edge or corner, where resistance is strongest), and you get a nice dent.
That's how ice picks, chizels, and high heels work, too.
denright - it's not weird. I remembered exactly what you did last weekend - we were chatting on Sat. night, remember? So I used that as a real-time reference. Besides, you and I are very similar age-wise, family-wise, and not surprisingly - views-wise (never thought you could hyphonate views and wise and I still suspect that you cannot). As I said, I can't rationalize our spending preferences very well - most of my friends think it is unwise and I couldn't be more convinced they are far from the truth. Again, think of it this way: real estate is going down; cars are not. The most important thing that matters is getting in the first time. After that, you are always buying high, selling high, or buying low, selling low, unless you move out and rent which rarely happens. So the timing of the first purchase is critical. What can I say, I'd come up with any excuse to bum out on weekends a little longer
I have a question for you: Suppose one gets the Euro plates (front and rear), how do you get the tag # to go on it? Who does the inscribing?
Also, the rear plate area is a broad square, how would it accomodate a long rectangular plate?
any comments would be appreciated.
veekay1(325xi sapphire/gray/on the boat)
Stop complaining about rents, I think, outside of manhattan the bay area probably has the worst rental rates. I recently found myself thinking what a bargain my apt in Cambridge, MA was my last year of school. It was only $1800
On the 3 series: has anyone had the opportunity to compare the steering feel/response on a '99 328i vs a new 330i after BMW supposedly changed the steering? Is there a noticable difference?
Also, anyone else heard rumors about an M version of the new 3series compact?
Sorry had to take a break to go wash the 3 . Even after 2 years I still get caught looking back one last time before enter the house
TIRE ROTATION: it seems I never read that in my manual but , I see it now I have always rotated about same time as oil changes 4-5k miles or so and gotten great wear for it. Now BMW says I am compromising safety ? because of the way real wheel drive wears ? how does everyone else interprete this ?
DL
When the 2001 models came out (June 2000), there was a high level of steering boost. The steering became very light with a numb on-center feel and road feel was all but eliminated. At some point in January '01, BMW implemented a change which improved road feel, but the steering was still very light with on center slop. Cars being built as of some time in April have returned to the 2000 steering.
I test drove a couple of 2000 models before ordering my 2001 car. The difference is drastic. BMW is making a huge Customer Relations statement and retro-fitting cars built between June and April with the 2000 steering... at customer request. There are several people on this board and many others I have spoken to in person who think the 'bad' steering is quite nice and won't be having the retro done.
trejos28 - I'm sorry if it came out I was showing off or something - I didn't mean it that way. A rent that high is not something you can impress people with - it's typically something to laugh over. I'm not pretending that money is not important to me, especially because I grew up poor and had to make my own tracks in life. The key thing is that it's not the end goal; it's just a means to help me achieve my goals in life which also include helping my parents financially and sponsoring my cousin who just finished his junior year and kicks butt in college.
tire rotation - I can't figure that out either. I am not planning on rotating if BMWNA recommends against it, though.
steering - the post-April retrofit uses parts from the original steering rack and it should be VERY close to the original steering. I want to emphasize that the steering issue is not road feel-related; it's purely assist-related and a lot of people do like it better with the assist. I am planning on definitely getting the retrofit but I have to honestly admit that I got used to the lighter steering now after a month and it does not bother me as much as it used to in the beginning.
M compact - I read somewhere that the compact will likely be followed by an M version after its initial introduction.
Can you imagine getting into an accident on day 3? Up until that point it was a great drive home: windows open, moonroof vented, radio playing! I think I'm going to like this car ;^).
Didn't know you were in the Boston area too - we should all get together some day. Maybe drive down to Austin and meet that big group of fine BMW enthusiasts
Double Spoke Alloy Wheels(17 x 7.0 front & rear), All-season tires(205/50R-17 front & rear), 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel, 10-way adjustable front sport seats and M aerodynamic package. MSRP: $900.
As someone who owns a 330xi with SP, I agree with denright that it doesn't offer any improvement performance-wise, but if performance was all that I after I would've bought a 330i with its SP, which I clearly didn't because I wanted an AWD for winter driving.
I test drove both SP and non-SP cars and here's why I decided to include the SP:
1. This is my personal opinion, but to me the SP's rims just look better and I'd take them any day over the standard ones.
2. I also like the sport steering wheel much better than the standard one.
3. Finally, I absolutely fell in love with the sport seats. Once I sat and drove in those, I knew right away I had to get them. Again, this is just a personal, perhaps biased opinion but to me the difference in comfort level between the sport seats and non-sport seats is like night and day.
Now, to the matter of "is it worth it?"
IMO, it all depends on your budget. If you are on a tight budget, and you only like the sport seats part of the SP, then you probably shouldn't go for it.
If you are not on a tight budget and you're also only fond of the sport seats, ask yourself this question, "Do I like the other parts of the SP enough to justify shelling out $900 to get it?"
In my case, the answer is yes.
Why don't you reduce your monthly expenses by pulling a mortgage on a $200,000 home and put the extra $500 a month on an M3. However, I would first make sure that the hp to $ raio of the M3 is worth the extra 20 large (LOL).
-Getz
jnscheong
As far as M3's go, I need an everyday car that I can park on the street, at work, or whatever - M3 would offer a lot more than what I really need and unlike M3 Frank, I can't afford both a 330 and an M3.
Going racing - later
Today washed the 3er and dried it with one of those california drying tools (basically a big squigee) but have to admit that it made the job alot easier. Still had to hit the hard spots with a towel, but was very impressed otherwise. I bought it at COSTCO; they are also selling Zaino cleaning wax (2 bottles for 15$).
-Getz
$600.00 to have Wagoneer sp? truck it from the dealer's lot back to VPC then truck it out to my dealer.
Does $600.00 sound legitimate for this? or is he just blowing smoke?
Any one actually like this design?
http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/40043.html
By the way, I'm still very very very impressed with the handling characteristics of my 2001 M3. It is the most responsive steering I've seen. Even more than the 99 M3 and my 94 RX-7. Anyone living in California take the 110 freeway up to Pasadena knows there is this sharp curve that keeps turning before the Orange Grove exit. I took that at about 85 MPH the other day and stayed in one lane. Ha! I love it, can't wait to see how the M Coupe with 315 HP. Performance should be similar.
M3 Frank
M3 Frank
My 15 year mortgage on a 1600 square foot house with 5500 square feet of land in a good neighborhood in albuquerque is just a little more than that..Less if you count the tax break. I've considered refinancign now.. That would put the house payment to about $600 a month.
I'm sure i'd make a lot more money in mahattan, but i can do without! But i don't really see the attraction of big city life.
Too bad BMW's are expensive here ( one dealer, they insist on sticker ).
If things go well, i'd love to have a
dave
brave1heart : i hear what your saying about the recommendations, it just seems odd to me that every other manufacture and tire center recommends rotation. Hmph ,1st a 15k mile oil change,now no tire rotation.........i dunno
DL
Thanks again
I'm about to negotiate with BMW of Peabody for my 325i. I'm wondering what kind of deal they gave you? How much over invoice? I just want to know how much they are willing to offer...
My spec:
325i w/sports package
Topaz Blue w/Black -ette
In-dash CD
Xenon
Invoice: $27285, MSRP: $30210
Thanks in advance!
vic
http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/40043.html
You can mention to her that you know braveheart got $1,300 off and you want the same deal or better. Here's what I can do for you:
1. Send me an e-mail and I'll get you the exact same deal. All you'll have to do is walk in and discuss delivery.
2. Do the best you can on your own. If you do better than $1,300, great. If not, send me an e-mail and tell me how far you got and I'll back you up in the negotiations over the phone or I'll even come in with you.
Good luck - it's a great car and well worth the money and the wait.
The stretch of 110 you mentioned was my "rite of passage" when I first got my license. I just couldn't wait to conquer those curves...with a pickup. ;-) When I do pick up my 330i (currently waiting for transport), I definitely will revisit that stretch of road.
jnscheong
Remember: It's not the size of the tool, it's how well you can use it!!!
Did you get it from Assael, New Century, BMW of Irvine???? Is it on order?
I need to find more curved roads in SoCal...
M3 Frank
I had (yes I did) a 99 M3 with 240 HP and I knew that I could keep up with the big boys with 300+ horses (eg. 300 zx, C4 Vettes, camaro, etc.)
It really is engineering and BMW's do have it!
Braveheart, I too love to dust off the IS300s. In fact, I see a lot of them driving fast on the road. I toasted them with my 94 RX7 and the 99 M3 that I had. Haven't tried my 01 M3 on them, but I'll await a C43 AMG for that race.
M3 Frank
I don't see the $6000 difference for the extra 40hp on the 330 though. The HK speakers are also a non-issue for me.
M3 Frank