BMW 3-Series 2006

bmwccc

Hey Guys

On the BMW AG Site now you can put different colors and rims on the 2006 330i. I like the upgraded ones they have been showing all along.

 

I however really like the interior on the new 330i but very much dislike the 5's interior. Just a matter of taste I guess.

 

http://www.bmw.com/generic/com/en/products/highlights/3series/sed- an/index.html

shipo

Hmmm, okay, 2003 it is:

 

Manual Transmissions:

2003 A4 3.0: 3252

2003 330i: 3285

 

2003 A4 Quattro 3.0: 3406

2003 330xi: 3483

 

Automatic Transmissions:

2003 A4 3.0: 3362 (CVT/Multitronic)

2003 330i: 3362

 

2003 A4 Quattro 3.0: 3550 (Tiptronic)

2003 330xi: 3538

 

Generally speaking, these cars are pretty damn near in their respective weights. The automatic Audis suffer from greater weight gain than do the similarly equipped BMWs, thus making them closer in overall weight. In the end, only the Tiptronic A4 Quattro weighs more than the matching BMW, and then only by a whopping 12 pounds. As such, I'm going to go back to my original statement, "...stat for stat, the BMW engines have always seemed to significantly out perform similarly rated Audi engines (except for the blown versions at altitude)."

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

designman

Things that are universally accepted as ugly:

 

Rhinoceros

Wild Boar

Slug

Centipede

Jersey Turnpike

Quasimoto

Edsel

 

You know where this is going!

hpowders

You left out Mrs. Manicotti doing the mambo.

andys120

"..stat for stat, the BMW engines have always seemed to significantly out perform similarly rated Audi engines (except for the blown versions at altitude)."

 

Correctamundo! I swapped a 193 HP A4Avant/Tip

for a 194 HP 528iA/Step and find the Bimmer to feel way faster, as if it had 30 or 40 more horses than my Avant. Both cars weigh about the same and the BMW is better on gas.

planoml

You have sat in and driven one, but not the other. I find it hard to judge cars without first hand experience. You may be more visually creative than I am, but I am withholding final judgement till I see an E90 in the flesh.

ivan_99

Those are BMW horses.

 

What I've read...when put on a dynamometer, BMW's in general have their published hp closer to the dyno's rear wheel hp results.

 

Making these results up...So an Audi with a 220hp would put about 180hp at the wheels and a BMW 330 (225hp) would put about 210hp at the wheels.

 

Remember engines don't work alone to create performance; transmission (ratios), tires, aerodynamics’(for higher speeds), unsprung weight etc.

 

As many BMW owners testify: even with an amazing engine, the engine alone doesn't make the car, it's the total package.

shipo

"As many BMW owners testify: even with an amazing engine, the engine alone doesn't make the car, it's the total package."

 

Yup, and I'm one of them. ;-)

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

psyran1

IMHO a new design is just that - a new design. If they do not make changes in the e-90 is it a "new design? I can't quite tell exactly what the new interior looks like since these are only pictures. What about the interior concerns you Jason?

nyccarguy

My Mom just picked up an '05 530iA this evening to replace her outgoing '02 Audi A6 3.0 Quattro. After driving the 2 cars back to back, the "butt dyno" reveals the BMW engine feels faster than its relatively insigficant 5hp advantage.

m4d_cow

"As many BMW owners testify: even with an amazing engine, the engine alone doesn't make the car, it's the total package."

 

totally agree w/ that

 

btw unlike US specs, the 330i i drove in HK have 235 horses, and bmw engineers there said its still about 90-95% of what the engines really capable of. i still dont understand why US specs engines are always scaled down on power (a4 3.0 rates 225 horses in HK)

dewey

http://www2.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=3751

 

Is the above a picture of the new e90 touring? It does not appear to be! Its a new model call 3-max. Love the styling!!! Quite a lot of Bangle design in this vehicle, but I love it anyway.

dhanley

I'd love a coupey hatchback, which is what this pic looks like.

 

dave

rqc

My boss got a first year 745. After two years of maddening problems, BMW finally bought him out of his car and put him into a 04 745 at the same price as his original car. Over on the Acura TL board are reports of problems with the TL's Nav/XM radio combo. On the Acura RL board, people are having problems with the AWD within 10 miles of leaving the lot with no timeframe for a fix. Many useful options became standard on the E46 over the life of the car, making the car a better value.

 

I've owned two first year cars and while I've been very happy with them, next time I'll start with the second year of a car's production run.

bmwdoug

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, and/or seasons Greetings to all. Do you think the new 3 series will take away 5 series sales? With the new engine in the 3 series, and increased rear seat room (hopefully it will be 35 inches, the current 2 is 34.2), great design, and looks like super handling ability, it could be ONE SWEET RIDE.

 

As it stands now, I would rather have a new 3 than a new 5. But, that is me.

shipo

"As it stands now, I would rather have a new 3 than a new 5. But, that is me. "

 

Errr, me too. ;-) In fact, I would WAY rather have the new E90 over the E60. However, I'm still of a mixed mind when I compare the E90 (as yet sight unseen in the flesh) to my current E39.

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

kyfdx

Shouldn't you be putting together toys?

 

regards,

kyfdx

shipo

Tehe, got it covered already. The fire is burning low and it's nice and quiet around here so I thought I'd unwind a little in front of the keyboard. ;-)

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

kyfdx

Yeah...same here.. all snug..sugarplums dancing, etc, etc...

 

Merry Christmas to you...

shipo

Thanks, Merry Christmas to you and yours as well. ;-)

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

wstevec

I was checking out the Autoweek site and they have quite a discussion going on about BMW Leatherette which I had planned on getting on the new 3 Series. It seems the vote is about 4 to 1 against it. Since I never sat in a BMW with Leatherette its hard to comment, but at the local dealer, it seems that 1/2 of the 3 Series come with it. Any opinions out there?

designman

You’ll always get the resale argument against leatherette but I’d have no problem with it. The BMW leather is hard and gritty anyway. If you are stressing a budget I see no reason not to go for the leatherette. It’s not like it turns the car into a Yugo.

kyfdx

I agree with designman.. but..

 

If you are getting a 325i with few options, it is crazy to spend $1450 on leather.. Other than the smell, and a slightly better feel, there isn't much difference... On a "stripper" model, it won't help resale much..

 

However, if you are getting a $39K 325i with sport, premium, cold weather, HK, etc, etc.... or getting a well-equipped 330.. then, it might be penny-wise and pound-foolish to skip getting the leather..

 

But, from your personal enjoyment, I doubt you will notice much either way.. Certainly not $1450 worth...

 

regards,

kyfdx

paule

Yet another agreement from the peanut gallery. I have leatherette on my car (no premium package so a fairly low optioned car but I do have the sport package) and every non-BMW owner who has seen the car thinks it's leather.

 

Having said that, I've also driven an M3 and there is a difference. I just don't feel it's worth $1450 unless it's pretty well optioned. I would have spent that money on other options if I had it to spend.

argelius

Does anyone have any idea if the 2006 3-series navigation system will be significantly over that in the current car? I've had three cars with Nav and the BMW is by far the worst of the lot (in terms of user interface, ease of use, etc).

 

Just curious if BMW may getting a Navigation sytem that is more in keeping with the rest of the car's advanced technology...

bmwdoug

Merry Christmas! And/ or Seasons Greetings! I have no information on the NAV, but I have the same question. However, I do have an opinion, I believe that the NAV and IDrive will be vastly improved, since they are putting a New Engine with new technology. I believe BMW has heard from its customer and I would be very surprised if the NAV and Idrive were not improved. The 3 series is over 50% of BWW sales. I think everything on the new design has to be improved. From the pictures I have seen and specs I have seen, I believe BMW will have a home run with the new 3.

novice

Season's Greetings to all...

 

What about buying in the first year, but near the end of the production year? I'd like to pursue a 2006 325xi which apparently won't be available until the fall of 2006, when 325i's should have been in production for a while. The only difference will be the all wheel drive. But the engine, et al, should have any kinks ironed out by then. Thoughts? I'm of course looking for the answer I prefer. But I can take the truth! Thanks,

 

Bruce

psyran1

Any insight or conjectures re: pricing for the e 90. Also, do you think BMW will continue with current trend (2005 models) of certain features (sunroof) being standard rather than optional. My guess is they will return to having the sunroof be an option and merely had them standard in 2005 to boost sales before model change. I would love to have a 330i but price may be significantly more than 325i. Any thoughts?

argelius

Would anyone care to speculate about the availability of all-wheel drive option (xi) on the new 3-series? I am assuming it will not yet be available when the car first launches in the US...

jstager

I should hope they offer the AWD relatively soon because I need to buy a new car before Fall 2005 and I'm pretty set on having AWD. Even when driving my Subaru today, I could feel the car sliding ever so slightly but the AWD kept it on track without even making me worry. It may be a security blanket, but I'll keep the pattern and get my next car with AWD.

dewey

"Would anyone care to speculate about the availability of all-wheel drive option (xi) on the new 3-series?"

 

Recenty checked with two different dealers in Toronto Canada area. They both told me xi versions should arrive about 3-4 months after the e90 intro. The awd e90 will be equipped with x drive(supposedly superior to what exist on the current model)

dewey

should hope they offer the AWD relatively soon because I need to buy a new car before Fall 2005

 

I am faced with the same situation. Refer to my last post regarding intro of xi. By fall I hope to be driving the new 325xi Touring.

dewey

What is all this talk about leatherettte. Why not cloth?

 

True sport sedans should have cloth seats---they are also more comfrotable than leather itself.

 

I have a cloth 99 323 and love it, would never consider either leatherette or leather. Go to Europe and you will notice a large % of cloth seats in BMWs. Nothing wrong with cloth!

 

Regarding resale values of cars with cloth seats or leatherette? For your $1450, if you cannot find a better return on investment in stocks or bonds, then invest in real leather. Just rememember leather seats will have a negative return--they do depreciate just like the rest of the car.

kdshapiro

"Regarding resale values of cars with cloth seats or leatherette? For your $1450, if you cannot find a better return on investment in stocks or bonds,"

 

Isn't that the ol' connundrum. Buy a Hyundai for cash and then invest the remaining $25K in stocks or bonds, you should be able to get a decent return and then buy a BMW.

designman

Actually, there are plenty of people who operate like that, although they rarely end up with a BMW.

 

"I had it, and I WENT with it. E-ZEE come, E-ZEE-GO!!!"

 

(Who said it? Person with first correct answer may get the yoodaman thumbs up award. Then again they may not... I may be too lazy to dig it out and post.)

wstevec

I am the guilty party that started the Leaherette talk, I too would prefer cloth as I have ordered on my last 2 two Audis, unfortunately cloth does not seem to be available with BMW at least for the U.S. market, it might be over Europe, I surely would order one with cloth if it was available here.

ivan_99

Very true...

 

We don't NEED the big TV, or fastest computer, or the comfy couch I'm sitting on...or the thousands of xmas lights I have to take down...

 

Spending $1450 for leather doesn't bother me as much as spending $3.50 for water at the airport.

 

As long as the retirement, kids college etc is fine...I say go for it, can't take it with you.

kdshapiro

/off topic on

 

big tv - can live without

fastest computer - need for company

comfy couch - needed for great nap

 

/off topic off

 

Perceived value of $1450 for leather is much greater than perceived common value of a bottle of water at airport at inflated prices.

 

Too true about can't take it with you whether you have the wealth of J. Paul Getty or not. Might as well enjoy life.

dhanley

I have the leather, and while it does have some benefits ( breathes, nice smell/texture ) it also needs care ( treatment ) and despite my care, has worn/cracked some. I'd put the 1450 somewhere else if it were an issue of money.

 

I recently sat in a new s40 with the cloth ( gore-tex ) seats. Man, that was nice. Wish my 3 had seats like that.

 

It's funny to hear this cant-take-it-with-you talk because i'm visiting my mom for the holiddays and she's horrified at the idea of spending money in general. "what---$10 for a shirt?!?!"

bmwdoug

This is a little off topic, but I had to post in this forum. I believe the new 3 will be a great car. I have been waiting, and waiting, but; I just test drove a Chrysler 300C today, and WOW!! I am now debating wether to wait for the 3 or buy a 300C. An, American Car Company finally got it right.

ivan_99

I thought they were kinda "different".

 

300C being the dragster

3Series being the F1 car

 

300C does look good, speaking only of the looks. It has the mean gangster look...pretty cool.

kdshapiro

/off-topic

 

On a recent trip rented the 300 and while it drove ok, it was no Bimmer not even close. IMHO. So while an American car company raised the bar a notch it is a fine alternative to some of the competition from Asia, but not for those who are expecting a BMW.

 

/off off-topic

m4d_cow

no american cars come even close to german cars handling, though some of them are better looking than the bland japanese designs, 300C and zephyr for example.

designman

I like comparing apples and oranges, but comparing the 300C to the 3-series is like comparing cigars and running shoes.

dewey

http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=abzEpZK- - - - - - BcLeU

 

The above site just proves one point. Most consumers do not want to focus solely on BMW's performance/handling. Most consumers demand to be dazzled with electronic/electrical luxuries. I mean how can you justify spending all that money on a BMW when it does not even have heating mats to keep your buns toasted(imagine such a deprivation). I live up here in frigid Canada and frost bitten buttocks was never an issue on my BMW 323's unheated cloth seats.

 

This seems to be an ongoing saga with BMWs---trying to get all the latest electrical electronic luxuries in their vehicles when in fact they lack the electrical engineers to design such gizmos. One of the key reasons for the above recall.

 

My suggestion: BMW engineers should just focus on the motor and the car itself and outsource all its electrical/electronic engineering from Japan and Silicon Valley.

kyfdx

I agree.... but, I don't exactly consider heated seats the latest electronic gizmos... Our BMW is the first car we've had with them, and they are one of my favorite features... Keeps the wife quiet...

 

Now, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming mirrors...etc....

 

(but, I like those, too)

ivan_99

hehe...lol

cartalk

I agree as well. I had heated seats on an '87 Saab.

moralecorrupt

Will re programing my computer module, changing exhaust and air intake void my warranty on my 04 330i? Heard using Dinan won't looking for a cheaper way?

kyfdx

But, you can guarantee that any problem you have that can be remotely linked in any way to air intake or exhaust will be deemed "out of warranty".. And, I'm thinking they could link almost anything to those two things....

 

I wouldn't do it...