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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier
Welcome to the continuation of the BMW 3-Series
(Part 4) topic. Those of you joining us from that
topic are welcome to continue your discussion.
If you're new to this topic, you may want to
follow the above link for additional archived
posts.
Thanks,
L8_Apex
Sedans Host
(Part 4) topic. Those of you joining us from that
topic are welcome to continue your discussion.
If you're new to this topic, you may want to
follow the above link for additional archived
posts.
Thanks,
L8_Apex
Sedans Host
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Comments
The sales manager asked me about the alarm. Do I want to set it up with visual and sound or just visual.
Any comments on this?
Also, you do NOT want the alarm to disarm when the driver's door is unlocked with a key. Only with the remote and with the key in the ignition.
Remote and key in ignition?
Even with the door open the car will not start without the proper key. Unless you are Nicholas Cage looking to steal a 330i
Thanks for the help
Next Tuesday. Counting down the hours!
- The BMW kit would come from a BMW dealer. I put in the Morotola kit and bought it though someone on eBay who appears to be a dealer.
- I'm documenting my installation at http://how.to/startac The site is still a work in progress as I'll be adding more pictures and text descriptions over the next few days and weeks.
- Yes, it works well. The caller can tell they're on a speaker phone but it's not a problem. The BMW's speaker is pretty good.
I have just received a loan from my new bank-
First Financial Credit Union at 6.5%
BMW is offering 7.99%
Receiving the car on TUESDAY!
One person ran a couple of tanks of 87 and measured the change in MPG and found that it's actually cheaper to run 93, assuming a 20¢/gal cost difference, as the lower cost of regular is more than offset by the reduced efficency.
A new c320 was in the movie parking lot and was a sight to see. I never test drove the car.
Does anyone have any opinions on the new C320?
dparis, for what it's worth, I posted my first impressions of the new C Class last week. You can read it here:
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/engaged/edmund.cgi?&f=0&c=Sedans&t=3693&q=694
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@home.com
with sand leather, premium package, sport package,
xenons, Harman-Kardon system and in-dash CD. Also
has the steptronic transmission. So far we have
been very pleased with the overall performance of the car. It is extremely powerful, handles beautifully and is drop-dead gorgeous, the kind of
car that gets admiring looks and comments very, very often. Black cars are hard to keep clean and
this one is no exception, but it's worth it because of how good it looks when it's all shined up. If you are looking for a sports coupe in the
upper 30's, low 40's range look no further. This one listed for $41,710, and while the sales price
was only slightly less than that, I am confident that when it comes to resale time it will prove to
be a winner in that category as well. It's just an amazing car.
"on the highway the new 333-bhp M3 coupe has to work quite hard to pull away from the 225-bhp 330ci".
How is the handling and acceleration?
dparis1: In response to post #16; I test drove the Benz C320 a couple of weeks ago. Rollie was not too impressed, however, I was. MB's body style has been too conservative previously for my taste. With the redesign this year of the C class, they are doing better with the sport look and I became interested. The 320 has a lot of power, 215hp. It handled very well, hugged the road. The salesman allowed me to stomp the brakes when coming off the highway at about 60mph. The car stopped QUICK and straight as an arrow! The interior is very well thought out, the instrumentation nicely placed.
I test drove the 330i recently for a comparison before I ordered the 320, just to make sure. It is a hard decision for me. Personally, I like the 320 better. It is pricy, but has numerous features, more than the 330i. Actually, the price with options on both cars are very equal. The main difference I've found is the MB is luxury/sport. The BMW is sport/luxury.
I would like to know if anyone else has compared the 2 models and what your thoughts are. Hope to hear from you soon.
P.S. Rollie, you might want to take a drive of the C320, it might change your mind!! :-)
Overall, I think the car is just wonderful, I couldn't be happier!!! I am just waiting for the first snow to really put her to the ultimate test! Let me know if I can answer any other questions for you!
Taking it down to Richmond for a business trip tomorrow.(from Baltimore)
Will give all the details on the drive.
thanks in advance
firstbmw
firstbmw
regret is i didn't purchase the navigation system, looking how it works at www.bmwusa.com, the voice by voice navigation system look so
hi tech and cool with only additional $1800,
i could have sacrifice the sport package and add only $1000, so if any of you guys can give me an advice how the best way to get and install the BMW navigation system with an already built in cassette option interioror if anyone ever heard the navigation system that is used on z8, i think it's small enough to put under the climate control instrument, pls let me know, thanks alot i really appreciate it, anyway here is some advice for those who planning to buy new 3series,
no matter which one you choose 325 or 330, they both are very good cars, i wouldn't really suggest for 330 buyers to add sprot package,cause they didn't really get a wheel size upgrade, but for 325, the sport package 17" wheel look really nice in your BMW,
Last weekend I drove 300 miles one way to a family wedding, following my parents. What I found out, was that either their speedometer was wrong or mine was. This concerns me because I will push the speed limit however it is very important to know just how much I am pushing. They tested their car on a measured mile and it seems ok, while mine isn't right. I went to the dealer the other day to get the wheel locks and stopped by the service department on the way out to ask about the speedometer. I was a little taken back when they told me all speedometers are wrong, all vary, there is nothing they can do to fix it, so just don't worry. So I leave, not worrying, as much.
I am on my way home and get a ticket! Of course I try to explain the speedometer is wrong, which gets me no where as this guys is assuming I am a little rich girl driving daddy's car. Needless to say, I call service first thing in the morning wo tell me the speedometer can be off as much as 10mph! Reluctantly, they have agreed to check it out next week. (All I really want is the little slip of paper stating I was in for service on the speedometer for the judge.)
Any one have the same problem? Was there a fix? (To the "off" speedometer, not the ticket.)
If you have an interstate near you, checking your speedometer accurancy is trivial. All you need is a watch with a sweep second hand or a stopwatch.
Drive as close to 60-mph as you can (use cruise if you have it), while noting how many seconds it takes to go betweeen mile markers - it will be very near 60 seconds. Within a few miles, you'll have a good estimate of the average number of seconds you are high or low. How much seconds you are high or low is approximately your speedo error in mph. For example, if it takes 63 seconds, then your speedo is reading 3-mph high - you actual speed is around 57-mph.
Another option is to note your actual speed on a GPS.
If your car is like most cars, you will find that your speedo is actually reading a bit high. The average speedo error is about 5% high (speedo overestimates speed) on all vehicles, although my experience with german cars is that they are often much closer. This is a "designed in" tolerance to insure that normal variations in speedo accuracy don't cause any to read too low; it also has the effect of people thinking they are going faster than they are which makes the car appear to peform better.
If your speedo is reading significantly low (more than a few percent), I don't think you should have much issue getting it replaced as you could argue that it is a safety concern. But unless it is grossly high, you'll have difficulty getting it replaced, because high errors are fairly common.
BTW, don't assume the odometer error is correlated to the speedo error. Cars do have to meet tighter error tolerances on the odometers to avoid having warranties expire prematurely, especially emissions warranties. So it is common for the speedo to be reading 5% high, but the odometer to be much closer.
All bets are off if you've fitted non-stock wheels or tires.
Good luck.
- Mark
The car drives absolutely incredible. The seats in the sports package are way to comfortable. The engine power is there when needed. Putting the car in sport mode is a boost to the ego. Reaching 80 on the highway happens to soon.
I highly suggest the optional Xenon headlights. There is a big difference from the regular headlights.
The Harmon Kardon upgrade is worth it for the drivers who want the best sound available.(once you start messing with the original radio with other parts this can effect the cars warranty).
The wheels that come with the sport package are hot. They blow away the other wheels that are offered with the BMW and also the c230-320
The only negative so far is the front arm rest.
Not very long and very short on storage.
Looking forward to the next trip.
Anyone thinking of buying a BMW 330i----- you will not be sorry.
Have Fun!!!!!!!
firstbmw
Thanks.
I have a 325i without fog lamps. Wanted to find out if anyone had any experience putting after market fog lamps in the 325i. Any preferred manufacturer and cost estimates would be very useful.
Thanks.
aam1
There is some info on the BMW website and a calculator where you can plug in numbers for the different type of payments, including owner's choice. It is essentially a loan that looks like a lease according to my salesman (he sold me my first and I'm trying working with him to figure an angle to get a second one). You make payments for three years and a ballon is due. You can then either refinance the baloon amount with a new loan (at whatever rates the market bears at the time) or you can turn the car in.... Do you get any credit for equity when you walk away or was it then just a 3 year lease? I didn't think to ask that question the other day, but I'd guess it was just a lease in that situation,,,,right?
Now, how this works out in practice is what I would like to know, and I'd love to take to someone who did it 3 years ago and reached the decision point.
Can anyone help us with this one?
FWIIW, I just ordered a car with leatherette. I think it looks fine and I can do other things with the money, like get xenons and track schools.
Like you, I also didn't get a sunroof - every car I've owned with a sunroof found the sunroof unused. It is expensive, adds weight, is a source of creaks and rattles, and reduces headroom. The salesfolks always go nuts talking about how a non-sunroof car is impossible to trade or sale. I reply that I had a non-sunroof M3 and sold it in 36-hours after posting a note on a BMW BBS. Several people called me wanting it BECAUSE it didn't have a sunroof.
(Which brings up another rule of car shopping - NEVER believe anything a salesman tells you. My latest testimonial to this was last week when I went into a dealership to look at 325s and all they had were 323s. I asked what changed and the salesmans said "absolutely postively nothing - it is just a name change". Which, of course, is wrong - the 325 has a new series engine with 14 more hp, among several other changes. Very few car sales people know their cars very well and are honest in helping make good tradeoffs - they sell what is on the lot.)
Likewise, the 325 vs. 330 question has been gone over and over. If you don't mind paying another $4K or so (you have to add a few optional items to the 325 to get a true apples-apples) the 330 is the way to go. FWIIW, I got the 325. Given that the 330 is basically a 325 with different crankshaft throws, it is rather ridiculous that BMW gets so much more for it. I would prefer that they just sell the 330 for a price midway between the two and be done with it. They'd make the same amount of money. But given their pricing model, the 325 seems to represents a better value. The fact that you can only get a wagon in the 325 is also a factor for me as the wagon seems to have virtually no drawbacks vs. the sedan (except looks, but I like wagons), and lots of extra utility.
I wouldn't purchase a 3-series without taking a long/hard look at the Audi A4 and the MB C Class. Possibly even the Volvos as well, although I've never personally been much of a Volvo fan. The Audi probably represents a little better value and it has quattro. The new C class has an expensive look/feel and has that "hewn from solid rock" feel that I find only in MB vehicles. At this level, you're talking very minor preferences and look/feel and no car is clearly superior for everyone.
They are the Acura TLs and Lexus IS300 as well, although most folks who are interested in a Euro car won't look at the Japanese cars.
The ED price is negotiable although additional discounts are typically very modest (maybe a percent or two) because margins on ED are lower than non-ED. You could try and "spring it" after agreeing to a price, but the dealer will probably just revise the deal anyway. And he should have the right since it affects his profit. Most dealers won't get down to writing up a firm order until they know the details of your trade-in, financing, whether ordering, etc. I'd just tell them up front.
The warranty starts when you take delivery in Germany. This means it is ticking while on the boat. Given all the hassles of going over there, not having a car while yours is being shipped, worrying about it in transit, etc. it really doesn't make much sense unless you would enjoy the process and want to spend some time driving Europe. Which I heartily recommend. I haven't done ED, but I have driven Europe and it is a hoot.
Sorry for the long post. Good luck with your decisions.
- Mark
http://www.geocities.com/mariabmw330/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/mariabmw330/index2.html
(front spoiler or aluminum e-brake handle not installed yet)
Options: I won't join the leather/leatherette debate. I've got leather. I like it fine. Look at both and see what you like.
Xenons are another matter. I have them. They are excellent--better than halogens--but if you live in an urban area, you can hardly ever tell the difference. Also, BMW's halogens are very good.
The HK stereo is not awesome by any means. It's decent except for very poor bass. To me it was worth it because I didn't want to deal with aftermarket stuff but if you're an audiophile (I'm not) you won't be happy. As it is, I may feel the need to do something about the bass response.
Sunroofs: don't let a salesman make you get a sunroof. On a new car, the sunroof makes sales easier because many people come in wanting a car loaded up--and with a new car they will insist on getting exactly what they want. And sunroofs are popular. When you resell, people know they can't pick their options on a used car. My sunroof is hardly every used. On those few occasions, it is nice, but I could live without it. And I would have but I would have had to wait another 2 months to get the car. Last, the sunroof switch is very troublesome.
The 325 is definitely a better value but if you've got the money and it won't bother you to have spent it, go for the 330. No one ever complained that their car had too much power.
I did check out A4 and will be testing the New C240.
A4:
On the whole though the A4 is a better value, they don't offer ED and the brand name is definetly not as good as the BMW. For only - $2k more you get the "real" thing BMW - rather than get some "also rans" and "wanna be s".
C240:
The Merc is probably a better brand name than BMW.... But caters to slightly older crowd (I'm 24). It places a clear emphasis on luxury than sport. But I'm in the market for a sporty car that is also kina luxurious (read BMW). If you wanted real luxury you shouldn't be looking at this segment at all - rather at Jaguar or Merc S class or even BMW 7. Therefore that rules out Merc C240.
IS300:
The IS300 was decent competitor - but it "tries" SO HARD to be a BMW - so why not get the BMW itself - if it is supposedly what every car in this segment wants to be (except Merc.).
3.2 TL:
I had almost paid the deposit for the Acura TL.. but then I knew I was getting it only for the value and then things happend and I decided not to go for something and regret later that I could have gotten the "real" thing.
Ok about the 330i:
It would be cool to have the extra 40hp oomph...
but then that may get more tickets (already have 9pts) and eventually ruin the whole experience incl. possibly my life.
Therefore that rules out the 330i under sad circumstances.
and yeah I could use the extra $4k for my European trip. Thanks for your help on that.
Your response on Leather/Leathertte has left me undecided even more.
Can anybody clearly list advantages and disadvantes (with may be a weightage for each and possibly quantify).. I'll try in my next post and mebe others can jump in?
1. Touch/Feel/Luxury/Look (Weightage points - 40%)
2. Maintenance (Weightage points - 25%)
3. Durabilty (Weightage points - 25%)
4. Price (Weightage points - 10%)
Based on my above quantified weights:
1. T: Leatherette = 15; Leather = 30
2. M: Leatherette = 20; Leather = 10
3.
4. P: Leatherette = 10; Leather = 3
Total:
Leatherette= 65; Leather= 53
That would mean Leatherette wins.
But how would you all quantify this.
Feel free to jump in.
Specify your weightages and assigned points.
Thanks again everyone for the repsonses.
How easy is it to install an aftermarket CD changer? The salesman was talking about some "having to tune" and other possible problems.
What price are these compatible and easy to install "aftermarket CD changer" available and where?
IS it true that installing an aftermarket CD-changer would NULL the BMW warranty on the entire electrical system? If so, wouldn't that be unfair "trade practice"?
Does the BMW center installed CD-changer come with the same 4year warranty?
What is the Sunroof switch problem you are referrign to? DO the dealers fix it under warranty?
Any more such problems with the 3series?
After you dirve off the lot-------?
Thanks.