BMW 3-Series 2006

shipo

"BMW has a tendency to announce their definite plans years in advance (see the new M5, M6, etc)."

Well... Yes and no. Certainly for new models your statement is correct, however, engine upgrades such as the following didn't benefit from the same advance notice:

- 2000 328i --> 2001 330i (and 323i --> 325i)
- 2000 528i --> 2001 530i (along with the introduction of the 525i)
- 2005 545i --> 2006 550i (well anticipated because of the 750i)

I'm thinking that we're very likely to see a 325i --> 328i and 330i --> 335i bump in either the 2007 or 2008 model year for a couple of reasons:

1) A displacement and/or power increase in the second or third year of an engine model is very consistent with how BMW has historically done things.
2) The upper level BMW management has publicly acknowledged that in the United States at least, "Horse Power SELLS!"

In my mind the only questions that remain are:

- How will the power bump manifest itself? Will the 335i sport a breathed on 3.0 liter mill or will it be a bored and/or stroked 3.5 liter engine.
- Will the 325i become a 328i with a 2-Path intake runner system?
- Will the 325i become the existing 330i (unlikely as it would annoy existing 330i owners)?
- Will the 325i be dropped if the new bottom of the 3-Series line will be either the 328i or the 330i?

Best Regards,
Shipo

dhanley

I've heard that there will be a "new" base 328 which will have a detuned 3.0L putting out 240hp, and a 335i. However, the 5-series has 3 versions, so i guess they could do it with the 3-series as well.

calif65gm

Hmmm sounds like you don't like your new 330 very much. :shades:

dhamilton

Do you know anything about the new M3?

shipo

Sorry, no more than anybody else. :-/

Best Regards,
Shipo

nkeen

Just ordered my 325i:
Alpine white
Black leatherette with poplar
Sport Package
Heated Seats
Sirius

I was going to order the base suspension until I got to drive the sport package on PA 100 at some speed. I was sold, winter driving concerns be darned.

Speaking of which, I was thinking of going for Blizzak run flats in 205-55-HR16. TireRack recommended dropping to a 16 inch rim. Anyone any thoughts?

raychuang00

Personally, I think BMW will likely offer the 335i here for two reasons: 1) it's gasoline-fuelled (so meeting ULEV Level-II emissions is only a minor issue) and 2) BMW probably wants to avoid the "grey market" import into the USA for European-only gasoline-fuelled models (a problem that plagued BMW for many years).

Given the likely considerable expense of building the N54 3-liter bi-turbo engine, for the American market a bumped-up displacement N54 engine of what I suggested (3.5-liter I-6 with three-stage induction) is probably pretty close to the truth. This keeps the costs down and BMW can change the six-speed manual and automatic gearing so the 3.5-liter NA engine will match the performance of the 3.0-liter bi-turbo engine up to 100 mph.

nyccarguy

Good luck with your car! Keep the options nice and simple...just how I like it!

shipo

Hmmm, interesting analysis... That having been said, I don't understand why some folks think it would be cheaper and/or more logical for BMW to build and certify a nominal 300 HP 3.5 liter version of the new N54 when they already have a fully developed 300 HP Sequential Turbo 3.0 liter N54 at their disposal.

Personally I've been a fan of blown engines for many years and my preference would be for the breathed on 3.0 verson. :shades:

Best Regards,
Shipo

nyccarguy

I agree...Love them Turbos! Developing 2 separate engines would be kind of cost prohibitive if they get you the same result.

ivan_99

Forced induction.

Also one other benefit is producing the stated power in less than STP conditions.

If it’s a little hot out, or humid you’re making less power.

If you’re driving a 330i in Denver you’re only making 215hp; the new turbo will make the stated 302hp

Plus 295 lb/ft of torque at 1500 rpm

dhanley

I think the issue with NA is that we're very picky about longevity, even while we tend to neglect our cars. EG, toyota getting cars back off-lease with the original oil inside.

I think the issue with a turbo for NA may be that BMW thinks a 3.5L NA will stand up to abuse better.

I say, nevermind people who won't change their oil. Give us the turbo. As the 3.0T is already produced, it needn't cost more.

295lb-ft @ 1500 RPM, please!

dave

corvette

I also have a 325i ZSP (17" summer wheels) and went with a 17" winter tire package. IMO, the 17" wheels visually fit the car better.

david22

You might rethink the Poplar trim...have you seen it in person? It is VERY light and I have heard through the grapevine most regret the choice. I personally considered the Poplar but switched to Burl at the last minute and was very happy I did switch back...just food for thought, to each his own....good luck.

carnaught

You might rethink the Poplar trim......It is VERY light and I have heard through the grapevine most regret the choice

Hmmm, to me the Poplar is richer and has more depth. The Burl is dark and looks fake. BTW, I don't regret my choice one bit.

blueguydotcom

both woods look awful in my eyes.

carnaught

both woods look awful in my eyes

Mrs.Carnaught agrees with you and thinks that Lexus and Audi do the best job with interior wood.

kaiserone

I bought a 2006 330i in July of 2005.

Riddle 1: The onboard computer tells me that my next oil change is due in July of 2007 (2 years after purchase date) or after 15,000 miles. So far, so good. But my service manual states that the engine oil should be changed at least once a year. I drive much less than 15,000 miles a year, so to me it is important to know which statement is correct.

Riddle 2: After 3,800 miles in quite light suburban driving (plus, I'm easy on my car), my engine oil level indicator says I have only about half the original amount of oil left. Is my car burning too much oil? At this rate, I will have to change my oil after less than 8,000 miles. Is this consistent with other people's experiences?

Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

corvette

Riddle 1: BMW USA used to provide an annual oil change at no charge if you drove 12 months without an oil service. They did not do this in other countries. Not sure if this is still their policy.

Riddle 2: The oil level indicator measures the amount of oil in the engine as there is no dipstick on the 2006 model to do this. When it gets down to the bottom of the graph, it will say "+1 L," which means you should add a quart of BMW-approved synthetic oil to the engine. The oil level indicator has nothing to do when an oil change is called for.

Regards,

corvette

kaiserone

Thanks for the helpful info, Corvette.

KaiserOne

david22

"Hmmm, to me the Poplar is richer and has more depth. The Burl is dark and looks fake. BTW, I don't regret my choice one bit."

Like I said in my first post, to each his own...but personally one word comes to mind when I see Poplar and its "EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW" lol :shades:

Firebird_EOU

If you lower the rear shade at night can you still see through them but just reduce the night glares better?

Is the 330xi suspension the same as 330i w/o sports package?

calif65gm

No the Xi's have their own suspension system different from their RWD and RWD w/SP bretherns.

nkeen

"You might rethink the Poplar trim......It is VERY light and I have heard through the grapevine most regret the choice"

Thanks for the advice. I thought I was going to go for aluminum, but saw it and it just didn't work for me. Too much, too stark -- works in photos but not in the car I sat in. I went for poplar because I wanted to give some relief to a very dark interior, and the burled (come on BMW, it's an adjective, not a noun) walnut is very dark.

alibajalajaula

I agree with your assessment. I too had a burled walnut wood interior on black leather, on my first 325i and always felt it was pretty dark. BTW, you know where does the "knock on wood" legend comes (as to wish yourself good luck)? It happens ancient greeks felt that since wood once contained the life of a living tree, good karma resided within, therefore, they felt knocking on wood was not out of order....just food for thought...

peccles

The N54 gets direct gas injection. I wonder if this technology will trickle down to the 330i and 325i by '08 MY at least. With the N54 putting out 300HP and 300ft-lbs of torque, would it cut into furture M3 sales? The 4.0L
V8 in the M3 won't put out any much more torque than the
N54 but the price difference will probably be about $10K.

carnaught

one word comes to mind when I see Poplar and its "EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Then don't get it! (LOL)

dl7265

I'll take a Turbo too please but, make mine a 330d !!

DL

ldock25

Hello

I am getting ready to purchase my first BMW. I wanted to get some opinions on the Sport Package. I am buying this car for the unmatched performance and not so much for the comfort factor. Is the Sport Package really nessasary and is it worth the extra $1600.00. I would love to hear some comments on this.

blueguydotcom

Yes, it's necessary. Go drive both and judge for yourself. You're spending 35-40k, so shouldn't you make this judgment from firsthand experience?

bdr127

1) Yes, the BMW full maintenance will cover an oil change after one year (and not a day earlier!) or when the indicator says it is due (and not any sooner!), whichever comes first. The 15k number is a rough guide for most drivers and is not a hard and fast rule. Some people get as low as 8k and some as high as 20k.

2) Yes, most BMW owners experience oil usage during the first 10k or so. Pretty standard... If it drops a little lower, pull it into a BMW center and see if they'll top you off. (Some are nicer about this than others.)

ldock25

I actually did just that today. The Sport Package seems to be the way to go. I just wanted some feedback from drivers who have some more experience with these vehicles than me.

ix1is1

can somebody tell me the ground clearance at the front bumper w/ sports pkg? thanks

corvette

Perhaps someone can give you an exact number, but from experience, I know it to be noticably lower than a 2002 Altima or 1999 Jetta...

nearlydad

I have been driving 325i premium package for 6 months. I did not take sports package because the road surface is pretty bad around my place. I think my choice was correct for me and especially for my wife who are always in my passenger seat. If road surface is good without pothole and covered with asphalt around your place, Sports package is very reasonable to take.

pegasus4

Okay.... I have a 330i with terra interior and the poplar wood. The lighter ( it's not that light..) and darker pattern of "knots" just sets off the terra leather. And as a side bar, this car was my 2nd order, as the dealer did not specify which color wood trim the "customer" wanted. The dealer quietly/not so quietly were very upset that I didn't take the car. The interior was too dark w/the burl and looked lackluster. The 2nd car's interior is beautiful and just pops with elegance. I am glad I took the risk of ordering something a little different, than what most dealers have the courage to have on their lots in the 1st place. I also have it set up w/the sports package. The car's handling is crisp and oh so satisfying !
The paint is Arctic metallic.

pegasus4

Have had my car 4 months, and recently discovered when applying tire dressing... a bulge on each tire of the left side of my car. Ended up at a tire shop ( dealer was not particularly interested in even taking a look at the car), they said both tires were damaged and had to be replaced. Potholes ! Even though I drive avoiding most of the roads hazards. Tires only had 5k miles on them !! Have seen some postings wondering about the merits of the tire/wheel insur. Glad I purchased it... has already paid for itself.
How are you all doing with your tires ?
pegasus4

luv2run

How are you all doing with your tires ?
I was doing great until I got a nail in one. I have the tire insurance ($199 for 3 years), but the car has been at the dealership for two days because they did not have one in stock. The dealership has been super friendly and they have given me a loaner car, but this shows the impracticality of these tires. What if I had been 500 miles from home and couldn't find a replacement. I can't believe that the dealer doesn't keep a decent inventory of this tire!!!!!

jabrolta

I currently own 06 330i, which I bought in 5/05. I was very disappointed when I discovered that BMW has a list of pre-approved phones that are compatible with BMW vehicles (I owned a 04 Acura TL and it was compatible with any Bluetooth phone). Despite trying to establish a connection with my phone (Motorola MPX 220), it would hold it for couple of minutes and drop the Bluetooth connection. Obviously I was frustrated because I paid over $40k and my hands free option did not work. :mad:

I recently took my car to get the software upgrade (I believe CIP 20) and I tried establishing the Bluetooth connection. Success at last!!!! The car holds the Bluetooth connection with my phone and now I have my hands free feature in my car. However, the phonebook does not display (MPX 220 has an Outlook contact and SIM phonebooks). I can live with out that (I will trying entering the phonebook manually through the car). I’m happy to see BMW is starting to accommodate to its customers after several months of complaining. Gotta love hands free calling!!!! :shades:

bdr127

A lot of the issues with Bluetooth is that for a "standard", it isn't entirely standard.... Different manufacturers and carriers are implementing Bluetooth differently and sometimes "crippling" Bluetooth features.

Verizon
Sprint
Crippling Bluetooth Editorial

Granted, BMW has worked hard to improve their cars' functionality, but it seems like there's been issues with other auto manufacturers, as well. Search for "Bluetooth" on the Acura TL forums, and you'll seem some complaints.

wco81

The Japanese makers seem to have fewer problems than BMW and the other German (maybe European) makes.

bdr127

The Japanese makers seem to have fewer problems than BMW and the other German (maybe European) makes.

Really?

Regardless, if that is, in fact, true, Acura et al released their cars with bluetooth capabilities after BMW, so it stands to reason they wouldn't have as many problems. However, for those that have bought a BMW with a production date of 9/2005 or later, they haven't had many problems at all, since they come from the factory with the newest software updates.

skobola

Let me just piggy-back on your post by asking if the insurance will cover a replacement of both tires or just one? Because, it is very unlikely that the puncture/damage will happen when the tires are not warn and/or warn equally, so the replacement with the new tire will not cause that one will end up with one new and one (pretty) worn tire. As much as I know, it is recommended that the tires be replaced all at once or at least in pairs (per axle). If the tire insurance allows for that, I guess then $199 is really not that much just to be sure. However, if they cover just for the damaged tire, and you have to pay for the other, well, than it seems that any tire puncture will still cost you at least one tire-price plus whatever (fees, mounting, etc).

carnaught

'06 BMW 3, now with 9000+ mi., I 've developed a rather severe and annoying rattle in the dash. It is seemingly behind the radio and glove bax. Pressure on the glove box door partially allleviates it. There is nothing in the glovebox that would cause it and it doesn't seem to be the cup holders.

Anyone else had or heard of this?

nkeen

Anyone any experience with South African versus German build quality on the e90 325i? The SA cars got some bad motoring press write-ups in the UK some years ago, but more recently the SA plant has won awards and many of the posts on bimmerfest indicate as good or better quality on the SA cars. No idea where mine, on order, is being built.

luv2run

The insurance does just cover the punctured tire. I only have 2,000 miles so the tires were not too badly worn. I might just have it patched next time, due to the fact that it took the dealer 2 days to get the tire and I would not want a worn out tire and a new one on the same axle as you point out. Even though I had a loaner car it was still a pain in the backside to deal with.

gone4aride

I need some quick insight and direction from the experts...

I am ready to pull the trigger on a new 330 tomorrow and I am having some last minute second thoughts on whether to xi or i and also whether to go SP or no SP.

While a 330i with PP,CP, Sirius and SP is my first choice, the fact that I live in Northern NY in snow country is making me question my decision to go RWD & with the Sports Pkg. I realize that with this configuration that I will have to buy a set of winter/wheels and snow tires for the car, but even so, I am now wondering if I should really be going with the xi????? I will have to drive the car in the snow and it can get deep and nasty here during normal winters. Suggestions please!!

pearl

There is no right answer to your question. If you value "go fast" above all else, buy the SP. If not, forget it and you won't look back. For the 1% of the time that you need this option, you will handle somewhat better/flatter, but give up a smoother/quieter ride. The standard 330i handles/corners better than the vast majority of cars out there today, the SP makes it a little better but gives up some ride/quietness to do so. I have owned both, but in my current situation, wouldn't waste the money on the SP today.

shipo

The above post from pearl is almost exactly my feeling as well, however, the last sentence from me would say:

"I have owned both (SP and non-SP), but in my current situation (living in snowy southern New Hampshire), wouldn't waste the money on the "xi" today, I'd go for the SP and a set of winter tires."

Best Regards,
Shipo

nyccarguy

and get a set of winter wheels & tires.