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BMW 3-Series: FAQ

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  • topdawgstopdawgs Member Posts: 7
    awd does help with getting out of the snow tho doesnt it? rather then have to be towed or pushed out?
  • topdawgstopdawgs Member Posts: 7
    I'm having a hard time deciding between the 325xi and the 325ci. I'm getting auto in which either one I buy, does one handle better then the other ? and I'm not planning on getting the sport package,so with that thought does one handle or drive better then the other or is it just for the appearance factor. thanks for your input.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    I believe it's safe to say that the Ci will handle noticably better, although the Xi would be no slouch compared to the vast majority of cars available. The coupes come with sport suspension standard. The additional weight of the Xi will also hurt it in a handling comparison. I'm not sure, but I would tend to believe that the Xi would have a more compliant ride.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    awd does help with getting out of the snow tho doesnt it? rather then have to be towed or pushed out?

    Yes, AWD will help you "get out of the snow", but I've been driving in Iowa and Wisconsin winters for 20 years and have never needed to get towed or pushed out. They plow the roads pretty well around here. If you go off of the road, AWD probably won't help you anyway, especially on a BMW.

    -murray
  • dolivettedolivette Member Posts: 17
    I live in upstate NY and I would not even consider a RWD 325 as a primary means of transportation in the winter. Sure, for most of the winter the roads will be clear and you won't need it. But, you will be happy when you're out driving and the snow starts coming down . . . or when you have to blast out of a parking spot and you don't have a shovel! And let's face it, you only lose .5 sec of 0-60 time by going with the XI (look on the bright side - maybe it will save you a speeding ticket someday).

    As for snow tires - the best are Blizzaks, but they wear out after about 2 seasons. And why deal with the hassle of having your wheels changed twice a year?

    I have a 2003 325xi on order. It should be here by early - mid December. Can't wait!
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    i LEARNED how to drive in northern new hampshire and maine when awd cars were non-existent, and we managed to get around somehow... although to hear people talk today, i'm still amazed that we ever managed to be able to leave the house in those days... :)

    changing tires twice per year (takes me a whole half hour) isn't exactly a "hassle"...

    it ain't the 0-60 time difference that matters...

    -Chris
  • dolivettedolivette Member Posts: 17
    I bet you drove a car when air bags were non-existent and seatbelts were rarely worn. There's nothing like progress, is there?
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    And let's face it, you only lose .5 sec of 0-60 time by going with the XI

    "Only"? How about you "only" lose $1700 in up front costs. You "only" lose 1-2 mpg regardless of the season. You "only" lose another 1-2" of additional center of gravity height. You "only" lose 300 lbs of additional weight.

    All in all, you "only" lose quite a few things that help the 325i drive like a BMW.

    As far as I'm concerned, I wouldn't consider driving my car without winter tires regardless of which or how many wheels were powered, but then again, we may not get as much snow here in Wisconsin. I just don't understand shelling out $1700 for AWD and not spending $600 for winter tires if the snow is that bad.

    Again, get AWD if you want to go, get winter tires if you want to go, stop and turn In other words, get winter tires if you want to avoid accidents and be safer.

    -murray

    p.s. I'm sure you'll enjoy your new BMW as I enjoy mine. The wait is maddening, isn't it?
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    for backing me up on that one...

    -Chris
  • dolivettedolivette Member Posts: 17
    2 on 1 . . . :)

    Anyway, to each his own. For me, the peace of mind justifies the $1700 premium. Maybe I'll see you guys on the side of the road one day and offer you a ride :)
  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    The AWD option at $1700 is the best bargain for the money in my opinion. While I haven't had the opportunity to try out my 325xiT in snow yet, I had an experience this morning when I unwittingly went through a huge puddle on the passenger's side at high speed, there was so much water splashed on my windshield that my front view was totally blocked for a few seconds. However, the car just continued to go on a straight line without wavering a bit. I am convinced of the AWD as a safety option, just like ABS, DSC,and traction control. However, snow/ice tires in winter will help in slippery condition for sure.
  • starlordstarlord Member Posts: 1
    Hi everyone. :) I'm a new poster who's interested in buying a pre-owned 2001 325i, and I've been following this discussion for a few days. I can't decide whether to take the 325i or go for the xi instead. I live in Wisconsin, so the rear-wheel drive is a concern. However, from statements on this board and from other BMW owners I've talked with, I'm less apprehensive about having to drive a 325i during our winters. Apparently, the traction control helps, and the people I've spoken to have not had problems beyond what a FWD car might encounter.

    However, I'm still undecided. I was hoping you guys and gals could help steer me (no pun intended!) toward the right one. And yes, I know the "right one" is really up to me, but still... I just want some more information from you BMW experts. ;)
  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    We lived in Winsconsin for a couple years before and I can tell you a good set of four snow tires is a must regardless AWD/RWD. I don't think you can get by with AWD with all seasons that come with it.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    In case you haven't noticed, I agree with the previous poster, it's not a matter of winter tires OR AWD, but rather winter tires with or without AWD.

    The simple question is "What do you drive now?" If you are fine with FWD and all seasons, I'm certain you will be better off with a 325i and winter tires.

    I've driven several RWD cars in snow: Datsun 510, Mazda RX7 & Miata and a few FWD cars: Ford Probe, Volvo V70 & Mazda 626. The FWD Probe was by far the worst primarily because of the fat tires not unlike my 325i w/SP. I was fine with the three RWD cars and I didn't get winter tires until the last couple years I had the Miata. That car was GREAT in the snow with winter tires, but the small size wouldn't be very good when a monster SUV was sliding towards me :-)

    The moral of the story is tires make the biggest difference, not FWD vs. RWD vs. AWD.

    Regarding safety & AWD, how does AWD improve safety. The example of the puddle sounds more like the benefit of DSC & traction control. Were you accelerating hard while going around a corner when you went through the puddle? AWD may help in that case. AWD only works when your foot is on the gas.

    -murray
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Yep, swapping the tires on my wife's E39 takes all of @45 minutes-and that includes cleaning the take-offs before sticking them in the basement. And how did we ever survive without FWD/AWD/4WD?
  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    You may be right in that the DSC/Traction Control might be the reason for keeping my car on a straight line going through the big puddle. After all, all these safety features work together to get us through potential trouble situations.
    I received the Consumer Report yesterday in which it compares the traction of AWD (Audi and Volvo) with all seasons and their FWD counterparts in both all seasons and winter tires. I was astonished by the test result, particular in that the AWD was able to get up to speed (I think to 40 feet) much quicker than even those with snow tires. In stopping on icy surface, the AWD with all seasons only took a marginally longer distance. These findings are quite contrary to those made by others (C&D or Tire Rack). I'll find out for my self this winter how the xiT holds up in New England winter. In the past, winter tires always gave me enough traction to go anywhere in my RWD BMWs. This article is interesting and helpful reading for those making decision between the two.
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    gonna do that "arduous" task this weekend, as a matter of fact... might as well do it on a nice day, rather than when it's snowing out...

    how did we survive? we were bright enough to realize that conditions were bad and we adjusted our driving accordingly...

    as far as the "pull me out of a ditch" comment... ummm... i'd bet my 3er that i see far more awd/4wd drive vehicles off the road than i see 3ers... again, awd helps you "go"... it does not help you "stop"... and the "stop" part is generally how folks end up in accidents or in ditches...

    yea, you probably can go through more snow than i can... but guess what? if there's 6 inches of snow on the ground, i stay home... frankly, if there's much more than 6 inches of snow on the ground, you are staying home too, because awd or no awd, you are going to be driving a snow plow at that point...

    -Chris
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    That's why I have a Jeep for the deep stuff! :)

    -Paul
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    I was astonished by the test result, particular in that the AWD was able to get up to speed (I think to 40 feet) much quicker than even those with snow tires

    In snowy conditions, I’m not concerned about my 0-60 acceleration. This is an indication of the ability for getting up steep inclines, but it’s not that hilly here in Wisconsin.

    In stopping on icy surface, the AWD with all seasons only took a marginally longer distance

    Was this compared to FWD with winter tires or all seasons or both?

    In the past, winter tires always gave me enough traction to go anywhere in my RWD BMWs.

    This is the key. If the conditions are terrible, I’ll stay home as should anyone regardless of their vehicle.

    It’s my impression that AWD gives you a false sense of security in bad conditions that lures you into driving faster than you should. Witness the SUV flying by you on the highway in a snow storm. I regularly “goose” the gas to test my traction when it’s snowing. With AWD, it takes more torque to sense the loss of traction, but the other aspects of driving are just as treacherous as with RWD/FWD. In other words, AWD will make your car feel more stable and safer when it’s not.

    I’ll have to pick up a copy of CR, it sounds like an interesting article.

    -murray
  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    The marginally longer stopping distance of the AWD was compared between FWD with four winter tires, so was the comparison of starting in snow. That's why I found the result surprising. I was going to get a set of winter tires, as I did with the other cars. Now I think I will wait and see how it fares in snow first. I have found winter tires on my bimmers tend to degrade handling on dry road.
    I think the false sense of security the drivers of the AWD is the key for many mishaps in winter.
    Heck, those SUVs are often driven so recklessly regardless of weather conditions anyway!
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    "I have found winter tires on my bimmers tend to degrade handling on dry road."

    now, THAT i agree with... :)

    but i live with it 4 or 5 months a year...

    -Chris
  • dolivettedolivette Member Posts: 17
    Just a question for all the AWD bashers - have you ever driven a car with AWD? You seem to tout the benefits of RWD with snow tires because you have experience with it. And that's fine, everyone knows that snow tires will give you better traction. But, if you have never driven an AWD car, what experiences/knowledge are you speaking from? It sounds like you are quoting the rhetoric from BMW dealers that were Audi bashing prior to the development of BMW's own AWD.


    Incidentally, I too have driven RWD and FWD cars and have actually never been stuck with either (with or without snow tires). I have also driven AWD and 4WD and found that the acceleration in bad conditions is much more confidence inspiring.


    And by the way, in terms of cost, the AWD might cost $1700, but Blizzaks will run you $500-600 and only last 2-3 seasons, whereas the AWD will last the life of the car (you do the math).


    For all of the comments like


    "how did we survive? we were bright enough to realize that conditions were bad and we adjusted our driving accordingly..."


    please remember that although you might be bright enough, the other drivers out there might not be. Also, though, do not be afraid of progress and technology. I mean, you were getting along fine without traction control, too. But now that you have it, you will probably want it on your next car. It's nothing to be ashamed of!


    Again, I would have to say to each his own. Check out this link, and whatever you decide on - you're driving a BMW - you'll have no regrets!

    I promise this is my last post on this topic!
    http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/techcenter/articles/43847/article.html

  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    I am sure you'll enjoy your 325xi arriving in December. We have owned several 3 series and this one with AWD is by far the most confidence inspiring with its sure-footness. I am actually looking forward to the snow to test it out more seriously this winter.
    In a December article of R&T in which they tested six AWD SUVs including AUDI, BMW, Volvo, Acura, etc. to "search for snow, traction and truth" as it described its goal. All these SUVs were equipped with tires as standard issues (all seasons). The test took place in the Upper Peninsula where snow mobiles are the winter transport, according to the article. All these SUVs did very well in the tests and the article never once mentioned for needing "winter tires". There is also a thorough discussion of the various AWD systems employed in these test cars. You may find it very informative and reassuring for your choice of the xi as they considered the BMW X5 the most favorable among the competition Your 325 xi uses essentially the same AWD system as the X5. Overall it is a very in-depth comparison article.
  • ccotenjccotenj Member Posts: 610
    we (or i, anyway) are not "bashing" awd... what we are saying is that it isn't this panacea for bad weather, and that there are other ways to help yourself in the winter... i also never knocked quattro... as a matter of fact, if someone wants awd they should get it... but they shouldn't be fooled into thinking this is going to make them invinceable on the roadways... and i've got about ZERO concern for "inspiring acceleration" in the cruddy weather... zero, as in none... there's plenty of other times to accelerate and be inspired...

    as far as the additional expense of the snows, i'd still have that with awd, because i'd still get snows for the winter... so much for that position...

    awd is going to be little (if any) help against "other drivers"...

    you can't take results from a suv comparison and say "it's the same way for cars"... it's not... different tread patterns from the factory, different centers of gravity, etc. etc. etc.

    i'm glad people buy the xi... but to buy one and then claim "dominance in the snow" (my phrase, essentially distilling all the comments from the awd folks) isn't correct...

    -Chris

    who is STILL wondering when folks will figure out that "going" in the bad conditions isn't the real issue, it's "stopping" that is...
  • rhmassrhmass Member Posts: 263
    I don't think people on this board were bashing AWD. Since I have both types of drives in my family and the two RWD 3series are all fitted with winter tires, I certainly recognize the importance of the winter tires. I haven't had the experience driving our 325 xiT yet in the winter and will find out in a month or so, if indeed a set of winter tires are needed. We have had some very stormy days lately and I do feel very secure in the AWD BMW. I just want to reassure dolivette he has not made a wrong choice. The report on the comparison in R&T actually included some wagons (Audi and Volvo). I think all on this board enjoy our BMWs and there is certainly more than one way to experience our "ultimate driving machine".
  • dolivettedolivette Member Posts: 17
    Thanks for the good debate everyone. I'm excited to be getting my car very soon . . .

    I checked on the website and it says that my estimated delivery date is 11/22. Does anyone know how accurate this is?
  • bimmer3ibimmer3i Member Posts: 48
    Based from my own experience, the website posted estimated delivery date of 10/11/02 but I was only able to pick it up from the dealer on 10/16/02.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    As one of the "AWD Bashers", I apologize. I don't mean to diminish your joy of getting a new 3er, I still enjoy just looking at mine!

    It seems that everyone thinks they need a big truck with 4WD these days. I just want to point out alternatives.

    Please, enjoy your car and don't let my comments get under your skin!

    -murray

    p.s. In your cost comparison, don't forget using winter tires reduces miles and cost for your summer tires.
  • zaritskyzaritsky Member Posts: 1
    I just bought the 325xi 2003 and love it - I also purchased an alpine CD changer online - does anyone know how to remove those plastic holders on the left side of the trunk (where the CD changer is supposed to go) so I can install this? Thanks!
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Check out either Cutter Motors or Pacific BMW online. I think you can get the installation instructions from there and it will walk you through it.

    e46fanatics.com may have information as well.

    -Paul
  • spombe7spombe7 Member Posts: 4
    Someone asked earlier what motor oil to use. My dealer told me that they use Castrol synthetic. I got the impression that any name brand synthetic should be good enough.
  • topdawgstopdawgs Member Posts: 7
    whats the best way to deal with brake dust
  • topdawgstopdawgs Member Posts: 7
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    whats the best way to deal with brake dust

    Wash the wheels. I waxed my rims and the brake dust washes off easily with soapy water and an old mit.

    whats the best wax for my bmw?

    I use Klasse All-in-One. Goes on and off easy plus it doesn't leave any white residue on black rubber.

    -murray
  • kennynmdkennynmd Member Posts: 424
    How tight is it with a child seat in a 4 door 325i?
  • ultrarunnerultrarunner Member Posts: 64
    I traveled 30 days in Europe, 3 Adults and one 14 month-old in a child seat and the back seat was at it's comfort limit.

    You might be able to get one child seat and 2 small children for a short run but I would not try it for any distance.
  • mschukarmschukar Member Posts: 351
    I have a two year old. Getting her in and out of the seat isn't bad. I have the child seat in the middle for safety. Sitting in the other two seats is tight for an adult.

    I would definately use a different car for a road trip for more than 2 adults and a child. For that matter, I couldn't fit the luggage for another person the way my wife packs!

    -murray
  • kennynmdkennynmd Member Posts: 424
    for the answers...therefore trying two children's seat (one behind the driver and the other behind the passenger wouldn't be comfortable?
  • rshaw11rshaw11 Member Posts: 52
    I have a five-year-old in a child seat behind me for ease of access. It's a little tight for his feet as he can't put them under the drivers seat like an adult. When we take a long trip, we usually use the van.
  • rwong1998rwong1998 Member Posts: 38
    I have a 2002 330xi with 2 evenflo booster seats for a 3 year old and a 15 month old. I am 6'2" and 190 pounds and my wife is 5'4" and 125 pounds and find the car is roomy enough for the four of us to travel in. Keep in mind that with this configuration, four is definately the maximum people you can take in the 330i or 325i.
    Fortunately our 15 month old baby is almost out of a stroller (I find the stroller takes up most of the space in the trunk).
    By the way the new "ISOFIX" "Latch" carseats are very easy to take in and out of the car.
  • jameswbcoxjameswbcox Member Posts: 17
    I have a 2000 323i wagon and at around 20k the brake pedal started to pulsate- sure enough new rotors and pads up front.
    At 40k-same thing, both on BMW.
    I'm now approaching 60k and sure enough -same thing, now I am out of warranty.
    We drive conservatively and spare the brakes cause I hate the brake dust--
    I was in the car business for 35 years (domestic)
    and never experienced rotor failure at these mileages-- somebody please help and tell me what you did.
    Jim B
  • billherrmannbillherrmann Member Posts: 108
    Ten days ago took delivery of 330xi w/auto trans
    Transmission has noticable pause when shifting into next higher gear. Seamless shifting it isn't.
    Hesitation becomes less noticable when motor/trans. warms up. Is this normal or should I be concerned.
    Thank you for your comments.
  • topdawgstopdawgs Member Posts: 7
    i'm picking up my new bmw next week, how long should i wait before i wax my car and is there already a clear coat put on the car at the factory???? thanks for your help
  • tgravo2tgravo2 Member Posts: 70
    There is a clearcoat. I would ask the dealer not to wash and wax it when you go to pick it up. I have heard many stories of them leaving swirl marks or other imperfections. I didn't have a problem, but I have titanium silver. I waxed mine the week after I bought it.
  • lponz7lponz7 Member Posts: 25
    I'm about to lease a 325i but I'm a little concerned with reports I've read that the climate controls heat better than they cool. I live in a very hot and humid climate. Can anyone comment on how well the AC works in extreme conditions? Thanks.
  • lponz7lponz7 Member Posts: 25
    Anyone know the approximate cost to have the dealer install an anti-theft system in the 325i? Thanks, LP
  • walter12walter12 Member Posts: 30
    My dealer sells the lo jack and the BMW alarm system. We bought only the alarm system. They were asking $899, but they will deal on it. If you have the time and inclination, you can buy it for $225 and install it yourself. Installation seems straightforward. Of course, you will need to take it back to the dealer for programming.
  • mrl11777mrl11777 Member Posts: 154
    Just have the clown nose programmed to blink when the car is locked. Looks like the car is alarmed, which is just as good.
  • lponz7lponz7 Member Posts: 25
    $900 for a theft deterrent system??!! That seems awfully steep. I know the audio system is protected, but is there any type of automatic ignition shut off or the like as a standard feature? If so, it would render an alarm system far less important.
  • jbailey6jbailey6 Member Posts: 13
    Yes there is an automatic ignition shut off (or engine immobilizer) that comes as a standard feature in both the 325 and 330 series. BMW calls it "Coded Driveaway Protection." With other vehicles, I've always had an Alarm system that just came with the car and included both the siren and automatic ignition shut off. However, the automatic ignition shut off is the most important component in cars. The Alarm System just has the blinking light and the audible siren, but does anyone pay much attention to car sirens? So I elected not to spend so much money on an additional alarm system.
This discussion has been closed.