BMW 3-Series 2006

nyccarguy

I know they sell that over in Europe. They probably don't sell it here because it would probably canibalize X3 sales.

nkeen

re "They probably don't sell it here because it would probably canibalize X3 sales."

And to think that the X3 is no more a BMW than the Cayenne is a Porsche! Shame!

nyccarguy

Well, I don't know if I'd go that far. I can't comment on the Cayenne because I've never driven one. Actually the last Porsche I drove was an '89 944 Turbo :shades: a little over 12 years ago.

The X3 is definitely a BMW. If all things were equal (Price, suspension, Power...) I'd probably go for something like a 330iT. Since BMW forces you to get AWD with a Sports Wagon, does not offer a proper sports package, and only with the "weaker" of the 3.0L engines, I'd have to give the nod to the X3 (And I'm not a truck/SUV fan). You pay approximately a 200 pound weight penalty with the x3. You get a 260 horsepower 3.0L engine, Proper Sports package, and great lease support (so similarly priced X3 will cost less per month on a lease than a 325XiT).

What I say doesn;t mean too much anyway just because I'm no where near in the market for a new vehicle right now.

blueguydotcom

X3 has an e46's chassis and if I had to buy an SUV, I would opt for the X3 3.0 6 speed manual. Heck, finding a manual SUV is tough enough. I had one for 4 days and it wasn't an awful truck. A bit boring but compared to suvs it was a road-hugging monster.

ajfinoak

You referred to the 325 AWD wagon as not having a "proper" sport package. Can anyone clarify what is the difference between the sport package on the wagon and one on the sedan? Thanx

wco81

That's okay, let the diesel car makers jump through hoops to meet the most rigorous standards.

Diesel has been implicated in increased incidence of asthma in children.

ivan_99

I thought that the “new” clean diesel fuel, especially with the particulate filters, produce much lower emissions (I assume you mean smog/soot)…and the delayed introduction of the cleaner fuel was more of a political/lobby result than an automakers ability to produce a diesel with lower emissions.

jb_shin

sedan gets sports suspension and bigger wheel/tire set with the pkg whereas the wagon gets the same suspension but different wheel, etc.

nyccarguy

Only the (i) sedans & coupes have an available what we refer to here as a "proper" sports package which jb_shin mentioned above. The xi sedans & sport wagon only get what merely adds up to an appearance package. My guess is that BMW thinks most people opting for AWD on their 3 series want the "safety" of AWD and don't want a stiffer suspension with a lower ground clearance and Z rated performance tires.

0audilicious0

The 325ix that we ordered with the sports package gets you the larger rims, the sports seats and the sport steering wheel. To me, it was worth it for the wheels and seats.

There is no additional tuning to the suspension. However, the car is fairly low as we've scraped the bottom of the front bumper pulling up to curbs and parking stops before.

It is what it is... handles better than my A4 quattro with sports package and worse than my Carrera S.

Overall, I've been extremely satisfied with the wagon except for the tires... the Run Flats suck!

Karen_S

A reporter aims to speak with anyone who has owned a vehicle and found its controls to be complicated. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com by Monday, July 17, 2006, and be sure to include your daytime contact info and a few words about your experience.

Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

nkeen

re: "My guess is that BMW thinks most people opting for AWD on their 3 series want the "safety" of AWD and don't want a stiffer suspension with a lower ground clearance and Z rated performance tires."

I think the RE050s on my 325i SP are V rated. But I like the RWD handling -- wouldn't really be interested in the 4WD 325ix SP -- too much of a compromise, and doesn't it come with those nasty EL42s? But then, I haven't been through a winter with mine, so I may yet eat my words (I plan to get Blizzaks on 205-55-R16).

dl7265

A few months back in Roundel there was a blirp that Honda and BMW would bring their Diesel's over. When who knows ?

In the mean time I'm enjoying the 47 Mpg of my VW Diesel :shades:

DL

nkeen

I think that the advent of modern low emission diesels should be the end of hybrids in the US market. Even now they are not a practical proposition without government subsidy and preferential treatment (commuter lanes), and the true energy savings, including construction and disposal, are not proven. Prius = low to mid 20's for tepid performance, poor handling, drum brakes at the back. Like so much automotive design direction in the US, driven by the politicians. There should be more of a fuss about this missuse of tax dollars. Better to jack up fuel prices to conserve, place the same left lane restrictions on SUVs as apply to large trucks and buses, spend the cash on improved maintenance schedules and methods for the cracked and buckled snow belt interstates, and let the automotive design dust fall where it may.

I'd like to try a 330D (with manual and M-Sport).

mtbmw

I have a 2006 325xi. The stereo sounds great. I am very happy with it. (I will admit that our new Acura TL has a nice sounding DVD audio system.) My only problem with the satellite/radio system is that sometimes when I turn on the car all my satellite presets are gone. I will have 12 stations of the same thing. Any suggestions?

mtbmw

I have a 2006 as well. My air conditioning is working fine. I haven't had any problems. Do you have problems with your satellite presets? Sometimes when I turn on the car, all the stations are on the same one. The next time I turn it on, all the stations are back.

nkeen

I have had one or more of the presets disappear (twice, once they came back). Once everything went and then came back when the car was restarted.

cdnpinhead

Which VW diesel do you have?

I've poked around in a few sites since I got home & as nearly as I can tell, the only VW's available in the U.S. with a diesel are the beetle & the jetta.

I followed a VW Passat with the TDI insignia on it (from British Columbia) yesterday, so thought Canada might offer more vehicles with the diesel, but the VW Canada website says no.

I'm not sure, but I think the Jetta is the VW equivalent of the A4. The Passat is more A6. True or false?

My perfect next vehicle would have room to haul my bicycle inside the car, a manual transmission, a diesel, rear-wheel drive & luxury appointments, in that order. As I've said before, a 320d would be perfect, but I don't see it happening anytime soon. Even an A3 or A4 would be worth a look, but right now, VW appears to be all there is.

Oh well. . .

corvette

The 1999-2005 Jetta used the same platform as the Audi TT, which was given the designation "A4" (like E46 or E90 in BMW's language). The Audi A4 and VW Passat used to share the same platform (the B platform)--not sure whether the new Passat shares this platform.

owner6

Thats happened to my 2006 330i with the non satellite oem radio. about six times in the past year. However the dont come back.

circlew

The xdrive operates in rear drive mode over 90% of the time. Some posts have commented regarding the preferences/downsides. My 330xi with sp does handle better than the 330i which I drove so the plus to me is in wet/snow performance which I experienced last winter. Now that BMW is offering on 5 series also shows comp. with Audi.

The SP adds suspension tuning and a lower stance to the chasis and the control arms are steel as opposed to alum. in non-SP. The tires are EL42's and there is some concern with these but I have no problem with them.

I am very happy with the experience so far.

shipo

"My 330xi with sp does handle better than the 330i which I drove..."

Unless you purchased the optional tire and wheel package, it is very likely that the 330i non-SP would be able to rings around your 330xi. Why? The 330xi (SP or otherwise) is heavier than a comparable 330i and it has a higher ride height, neither of which enhance handling.

The SP adds suspension tuning and a lower stance to the chasis and the control arms are steel as opposed to alum. in non-SP.

Ummm, no. The 330xi SP does not get any suspension tweaks as compared to the 330xi non-SP.

Best Regards,
Shipo

erickpl

Again, Shipo is correct. The xi's Sport Package, at least how it was on my 2002 325xi, included different wheels, the sport steering wheel, sport seats (non-power), and a bit different lower edge along the bottom of the vehicle. Sport suspension was not included and it sat .75" higher than a comparable 325i.

-Paul

dl7265

Your right there is no Golf or "Rabbit" Diesel available for now. The passat in 2004 had the 2.0TDI higher output. But also is no longer available. And the Jetta is comming to an end for 2007 as well. I was lucky to snatch one up as I have been offered Over original Sticker price allready.

Boone Pickins was on nite line last nite said he expects $4 a Gallon within the next 12 months.....

Ah Sure love my Diesel....

DL

cdnpinhead

Thanks for the reply. That explains the Passat I saw over the weekend -- it was probably a few years old.

I doubt I'll end up with a Jetta, but at the moment it's the only show in town. Well, there's the beetle, but. . .

Oh boy.

corvette

I'll try to condense this as much as possible. Drop my 3-series off on Monday, July 10 for an annual oil service, some electrical concerns, a software update, and some rattles. Return home in the loaner. Discuss pick-up with my service advisor, as I am in a time zone an hour behind theirs, plus a little over an hour away, so I need plenty of advance notice to make it there before the service department closes at 5:30 (his time). He says no problem, if you can make it by 8:00, you can pick it up with the sales department. I agree.

I get a call that my car is ready on Monday morning (July 17). I'm talking to a different service advisor because mine is off on Monday. I explain that I will return the loaner after service is closed that afternoon. He asks for no clarification on that point, so I assume that the arrangement I had previously discussed was noted in my file.

I arrive at the dealership's sales department at 7:15 PM Monday night. No one approaches me and asks if they can be of assistance. I ask the receptionist who I need to speak to in order to pick up a car that service had left with the sales department. She looks for the keys in a folder designated for such purpose, and they're nowhere to be found. Various sales staff promise to locate the keys. 30-40 minutes later, they locate the second service advisor--the one from earlier in the day--on the phone. I ask him where my keys are. He informs me they're in the car, and asks if I have my spare key with me. I tell him that I do not have a spare key with me, and that this was not the arrangement for pick-up that was previously discussed. He offers to have someone come down this morning, pick up the key, then return later in the day with my car and retrieve the loaner. I agree, and leave the receptionist instructions to my office (70 miles away). Given the distance, I do not know why they didn't just cut a door key using the VIN and use that to unlock the car and get the key they locked inside, but I digress...

Their valet had my car returned before lunch. I drove it this afternoon, and before I drove 100 yards, the A/C blower started cutting out again (one of the problems that the service invoice notes as being fixed). The other electrical problem with the radio is still present, and all of my station presets are gone. :lemon:

The silver lining? I did get my oil changed. :sick:

dl7265

Well, keep racking up miles on their Loaner and gas bill ... I hope they make it right.

DL

primetime79

That is why I personally only buy Lexus.

I drive an IS 350 and have never experienced any difficulty. Obviously this is just one sample but it well known Lexus quality is at worst marginally better than BMW. Lexus representatives have called me and mailed me on numerous occassions to ensure my satisfaction. Only most car makers their service increases not decreased once the car is bought. They take service seriously.

corvette

dl,

I'd do that, but I don't have the loaner anymore! I talked to a few people, and decided that the civil thing to do is to wait a day or two, and send an inquiry to the service department via e-mail as to what can be done to fix the car, without bringing up any of the other things that happened.

primetime,

That's a nice thought, however, the same dealer group owns the Lexus dealership.

rlui1

I know what you mean. That's why I have one of each. The Lexus is for luxury and excellent service and the BMW for performance and driving experience.

graphicguy

Off topic, but the BMW dealers around me (have owned a couple of them) gave out loaners at the drop of a hat...even for routine oil changes. They also have the "starbucks" coffee, sodas, stocked fridges, free wi-fi....pastries, big screens, etc.

They too do relentless follow-up.

I think GM (especially, Cadilac), Ford and Chrysler can learn a think or two from the high line dealerships.

davidd3

I got BMW Assist as part of the Premium Package. I would not have paid for it as a free-standing option, but it sort of came "free" with the package deal on other things I did want. Anyway, I've come to realize that my purchase of the Premium Package included only a 1 year subscription to BMW Assist. I have a 3 year lease. 2 more years to go. The options seem to be as follows: (1) renew for 1 year @ $240, (2) renew for 2 years @ $450, or (3) drop it altogether. Since I've never had occassion to use BMW Assist in the year that I have had it and I have AAA anyway, I'm leaning toward #3. I'd be interested to know the views of other contributors to this forum about BMW Assist, worth it or not(if this subject sparks any interest).

carnaught

got BMW Assist as part of the Premium Package. I would not have paid for it as a free-standing option, but it sort of came "free" with the package deal on other things I did want. Anyway, I've come to realize that my purchase of the Premium Package included only a 1 year subscription to BMW Assist. I have a 3 year lease. 2 more years to go. The options seem to be as follows: (1) renew for 1 year $240, (2) renew for 2 years $450, or (3) drop it altogether. Since I've never had occasion to use BMW Assist in the year that I have had it and I have AAA anyway, I'm leaning toward #3. I'd

I've got one more year on my two year lease and I'm debating the same thing. The way I look at it is that it is a safety issue. If one god forbid has the air bags deploy, it notifies help for you. It is also helpful for theft to help track the location of the car. I use the car for business so this is a tax deductible expense for me. I couldn't care less about the "concierge' service it offers.

One caveat is to check the system once per month as I let six months go by without checking it only to find that it was not properly transmitting data and had to have a module replaced. I'm glad I didn't need it prior to then.

blueguydotcom

Seems like a lot of dough when a call phone will cover you. I think it's a cash cow for manufacturers like $2000 navigation systems with less than $200 worth of parts and software.

dl7265

Off topic, but the BMW dealers around me (have owned a couple of them) gave out loaners at the drop of a hat...even for routine oil changes. They also have the "starbucks" coffee, sodas, stocked fridges, free wi-fi....pastries, big screens, etc.

They too do relentless follow-up.

I think GM (especially, Cadilac), Ford and Chrysler can learn a think or two from the high line dealerships.

Well said. My truck lid trim was a little loose and I stopped in. I made an appointment and my SA said I'll line you up with a New E90 loaner. I said I would wait thinking it would not take that long. I arrived the day of the Appointment and they still had the loaner waiting. So I ran my errands on their dime that day. At $3 a gallon not a bad deal.

DL

corvette

The loaner form I got didn't really say who was responsible for fuel, but did show that the car was on "full" when I got it, as well as the number of miles on it. I tried not to put a lot of miles on it, as the trip home alone racked up about 70 miles. I filled it up before I tried to return it Monday night. I did not fill it up before they came and picked it up Tuesday.

mace242

I have an 06 325xi that I purchased in December of 05. I'm thinking of getting the windows tinted. I was wondering if anyone has done this through their dealer a few months after purchase. Did it come out nice? Was it really expensive? Was it worth the price? Just looking for some opinions before making a decision.

cdnpinhead

the cable went out this afternoon (& I'm on dial-up), I decided to see what Europe (or at least England) has to choose from when they go to the store to buy a 3-series.

I'm interested in a 3-series sports wagon, so found my way to that page. There were 18 3-series wagons. . .eighteen. In the U.S. & Canada, there is (count it) one. Since I was only interested in diesels, there were "only" four -- the 318, the 320, the 325 & the 330, but a couple were offered in two trim/suspension options. It worked out to 6 or 7 choices, just for the diesels.

This was for 3 series wagons. Never mind sedans, coupes, convertibles, all the other series, and all the rest. I took a quick look at 5-series sedans, and there were (once again) a dozen or two choices of basic configurations. Even if diesels are eliminated from the situation, there are still a multitude of choices available, each of which has a slightly different engine/transmission/suspension combination.

This on an island where diesel (& petrol) sells for ~99p/litre ($7.50/gal) with a population a significantly less than North America's and a mentality that doesn't include driving 500-700 miles per day on a routine basis.

Why can't (or won't) BMW offer such a choice over here? I hang in on the EPA & other government B.S., but I'm equally happy to blame something (or someone) else, if it can be explained to me what or who, using short words contained in short sentances.

Why should the country that has made the automobile a religious object, driven farther & harder than anywhere else on earth (except for maybe Australia) have to put up with such a short list of choices?

corvette

A blog I read indicates that BMW will offer a diesel in the U.S. within two years, using urea injection to meet emissions standards in all 50 states. It was either on cars.com or thehollywoodextra.

davidd3

Thanks to those who replied. I'm still mulling this one over, but will probably drop it unless Mrs. D insists.

bdkinnh

Why can't (or won't) BMW offer such a choice over here?

If they did, Americans (not me, but other ones) would complain that there are too many choices and it was too hard to decide. They would probably freeze like a deer in the headlights, and go buy something else.

shipo

ROTFLMAO! ;-)

ajfinoak

Getting info on any of the models to be offered is also a big unknown. I have been searching the Internet and spoken to various dealers in Northeren CA regarding if/when a 2WD 3 Series wagon will be coming- some speculate Fall, some say Spring, some say not likely at all. Not everyone in the US needs or wants 4WD in a wagon so rather than pay the premium for 4 WD when new and for less MPG, BMW loses customers. Not smart.

carnaught

I'm thinking of getting the windows tinted. I was wondering if anyone has done this through their dealer a few months after purchase. Did it come out nice? Was it really expensive? Was it worth the price? Just looking for some opinions before making a decision.

All I can say is the dealer wanted about $300 for the window tint and I found an independent who does tint for dealers, and he did a superb job for $150 with a lifetime guarantee. From now on, I'll use him for my cars. He does tints for Ferraris, etc.

So.....do your research. See who's reliable and who the BMW and other dealers use and save some money. Also check your local regulations to make sure the tint and its degree of darkness is legal in your area. By-the-way, a metallic component in the tint did not affect my BMW's satellite, am or fm radio reception.

bdkinnh

ROTFLMAO!

Sadly, I wasn't trying to be funny. I think a large number of Americans like to have their decisions made for them and like to only have a few options so they don't have to think as hard.

That way they can save time for more important decisions, like what ringtone best defines them as a person, and who should win American Idol.

I love America - I really do - but sometimes the population just makes me shake my head.

pat

I don't disagree with anything you said. :sick:

kyfdx

If it helps... I have the same dilemma coming in a few months...

We leased an '05 330Cic in November off the lot that had BMW Assist as a stand-alone option...

If the cost was under $100/yr., I might consider it, even though our AAA membership is only $89/yr for the two of us...

But, $20/mo. for a glorified cell phone that doesn't promise any better service than AAA? I'll have to take a pass.. I can still use my cell phone and call BMW Roadside Assistance... other than the airbag auto-call, and the GPS locator, I see no advantage in the BMW Assist... certainly not $20/mo. worth...

regards,
kyfdx
not the host here

corvette

...other than the airbag auto-call...

That's the big advantage I see to that. On the other hand, in some of the places I drive (in desolate areas where you would most need the airbag deployment notification), the cell service is nonexistent.

If my car is stolen, I don't care if it's tracked down and I probably don't want it back--I'd rather have it replaced than repaired--but it'd be nice if they caught the person who stole it.

rayainsw

... has apparently been released to dealers.
335i Base = $38,700.
Up $2,100 over 2006 330i Sedan.
Interesting .....
- Ray
Interested.

tinasbeemer

I recently had the problem of a warning light for the de activation of the anti-trapping mechanism. I have a 2006 325i purchased in November. There was no reason for the de activation. I now have to go to the dealer and have this reset. Has anyone else had this problem? The dealer said that this was unusual. Very irritated