BMW 3-Series 2006

sapparo

Go tell your friend to test drive an RX8 and report back that it's bland driving or doesn't handle well.. You won't see one on every stop light that's for sure. A guy at work traded his 325 in for one and the smile on his face is still there and he doesn't miss any work days anymore LOL.

 

I never knew or heard of the G35 being boring/bland looking, certainly isn't boring driving. A 3 series 4 door looks no better or worse than the others in the class.. Actually, I never even do a double take when one goes buy just like the similiar size Civic. The G35 coupe on the other hand blows away the 3 in looks. Even my pal Sal Zaino has a drop dead gorgeous red one on his site. The 300C will look good on the Sopranos that's about it. Tony gets a new car every season anyway.

 

BMW, Audi, M.B. let Tokyo do your electronics and you'll have many more happy campers. Germans do electric about as good as GM does interiors.

kdshapiro

There is a reason you don't see an RX8 at every light and it's not because it's that expensive, it's much more of a niche car than the 3 series. The G35 coupe never warmed up to it or for that matter anything Nissan is doing lately.

 

My friend is trading his G35c for a 3 series. Why do you think the 3 series continues to win every comparo, a 6 year old car against new designs, and be in the top 10 list of every automobile every year?

dewey

Sapparo,

 

I have never met a BMW 3 series owner who boasted about rear seat passenger space, but let a 3 series owner sit in the back seat of a RX8 and he will count his blessings.

 

The RX8 is one fine piece of engineering, but as kdshapiro pointed out this specific Mazda is just a niche car .

abqhudson

RX8 is a nice drive - I was surprised. But -- it doesn't have the build quality of the 3er and the gas mileage is ridiculous and the oil usage is ridiculous. YMMV. I've already made the mistake of buying something else - 2004 Acura TL. Just took a bath to get rid of it. Will get an e90 or a new 5er this fall. Back to two e46s for now.

bmwccc

So is our first official peak in the U.S. for the e90 going to be at the L.A. auto show, Detroit auto show or New York? By the way, when is the Geneva show again, I think it will be shown there first.

 

Thxs

richard2004

"I've already made the mistake of buying something else - 2004 Acura TL. Just took a bath to get rid of it. Will get an e90 or a new 5er this fall. Back to two e46s for now."

 

I was considering trading in my 5 speed 2002 330xi for a 6 speed Acura TL. I have 35,000 miles on my car and the warranty is coming up in 6 months and am concerned about the long term reliability of the 330xi. I do love the drive of the 330xi but the cost of the new 2005 TL after trade in should only be about $5,000 Canadian. The incremental extra room would be appreciated also because I have 2 small children and the DVD sound system would be much appreciated.

 

What were your major reasons for trading in your 2004 TL? I know my major concern I have with the TL is the torque steer I felt on hard acceleration. With my 330xi I could always floor the gas pedal and always feel nothing but the car hooking up immediately and accelerating.

 

I am also considering waiting for the new 2006 330i and the 545i interests me also but the $40,000 Canadian price difference between the TL and the 545 and the $25,000 difference between the 2006 330i and the 545 is hard to justify.

kenw1

To confuse you further, German Car Fans states that in March 2005 you can get the 5er with the new 2.5 and 3.0 engines, as well as xDrive. Also, a 530xi Touring.

 

See http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/NewsID/2041221.002/bmw/1.ht- - ml

 

There are also in depth articles on the new engines and M5.

wstevec

For those of us waiting to buy the 2006 3 Series with All Wheel Drive, its good news to see that the 5 Series will have the new xDrive system with the new 2.5 and 3.0 engines that will also be used in the new 3 Series, so hopefully the all wheel drive might be available a little closer to the introduction time for the Spring. As I have mentioned before, this makes a lot of sense for the New England regions since almost 1/2 of the currenct 3 Series are all wheel drive.

planoml

The Geneva show is in March, & the E90 is said to be debuting there. Not sure about which US auto show will host the E90.

abqhudson

I admit that the price of the TL was seductive. Simply put, it isn't a BMW. Things that I specifically did not like - Flat spotting tires: They were replaced but still seemed to vibrate some when cold after sitting; Vibration and harshness through the steering wheel. I think just something that all front wheel drive owners get used to - I didn't. Key fob/buttons drove me nuts - seat wouldn't adjust till the door was opened - had to wait. Had to get in the car to read the mileage - little weird nit-picky stuff. Large turning radius was bothersome in the parking lot. Leather on the seats was not up to BMW standards - seemed to be thin. Dash material seemed to fade/dry out just sitting in the garage. Ergonomics were not good for entry into the vehicle - I kept getting my leg wedged between the steering wheel and the floor on entry. The car had an odd vibration at idle (when the A/c was on) which I didn't like. The front brake rotors warped for no apparent reason. The memory seat controller had to be replaced. Torque steer was not acceptable to me. Ride - in an attempt to be sporty - was just "harsh" over road cracks etcetera. Ride in the rear seat was poor. I really grew to dislike the car. I note that this is all highly personal, and I bet the family guy who bought my car will love it. It just wasn't my deal. Again YMMV. I've been trained - I will stick to BMWs in the future.

richard2004

I agree that if all those "little things" bothered you it would make the car not a joy to drive. When you spend this kind of money on a BMW, Acura, or anything else you deserve to love driving your car.

 

I will take the Acura TL for a long drive with the wife in the next few weeks. The other side of my brain also tells me to wait to test drive the new 2006 330i first before I decide on changing cars. It is too bad I will have to wait until the summer of 2005 to test one out.

argelius

FWIW, I have a TL and have about all the same complaints --especially with the steering feel. I'd previously had a 3-series and was seduced by the raves in the press and the gadgetry of the TL. I've now come to the conclusing that 'torque steer' isn't just something that car nerds talk about -- it's all too real. I can't stand it.

 

So, I am going to hold out and get a 530xi this summer. (IF I can wait that long. I'm not good with delayed gratification...)

planoml

This might help with the waite. The BMW website has an updated collection of photos & video. Some of it a repeate. I've tried to paste the link. But, if it doesn't work, just go to the BMW site and look up the new 2006 3 series. I also have a copy of the options list, but don't know if/how I can paste it here.

 

http://www.bmwusa.com/BMW2003/Templates/MicroSiteHandlerNew3.aspx- ?NRMODE=Published&NRORIGINALURL=%2fvehicles%2ffuturevehicles%- 2fnew3&NRNODEGUID=%7bF446C022-6564-4244-8D0C-C379EC26D2A4%7d&- amp;NRCACHEHINT=Guest&bhcp=1

ctmax

I agree with the statement regarding the ride in the 2005 Acura TL. I first test drove the TL and to my disappointment found it to be quite firm, especially considering this is not an all wheel drive sedan. Then I test drove the 2005 325XI and to my surprise found the ride to be better than the TL. The BMW sales person attributed the better ride to the 50/50 weight distribution.

novice

I thought I posted this earlier but it didn't appear. But in brief, I have friends who own a G35 (over a year). Not very pleased. They were at first--but familiarity made the shine wear off. Negatives: harsh ride; external noise; poor radio sound. Every time I hop in my 325i (2003) I enjoy it immensely for lots of reasons. Hoping to upgrade to a 2006 AWD, bypassing the seduction of other auto promises.

usefulengine

Planoml, where did you find the options list you mentioned? Thanks

nyccarguy

So the E90 3 series will be an '06 model introduced in '05. Any idea how much longer the E46 M3 will be sticking around? Maybe until possibly 2007?

dewey

http://online.wsj.com/article_print/0,,SB110531231199821082,00.ht- - - - - - ml

 

Above is a great article about the e90 on the Wall Street Journal(Jan 10 edition for those who may not have access to the web edition).

 

What stands out about the article is the following quote a few years ago:

 

     

 

"We had to do something different," says Helmut Panke, BMW's 56-year-old chief executive. If BMW had continued on its old path, with the same three nearly identical sedans, "we would be in a dead end as a brand and as a company"

 

 

 

Here is a more recent quote this year by the same CEO:

 

     

 

"In the spring, the new-look 3 Series will debut. Mr. Panke says BMW "has listened to the feedback" about its recent designs and promises the new 3 Series is less of a departure from BMW tradition than the already-launched 5 and 7 Series. A slip-up with the new 3 Series, BMW's top-seller and the icon of its brand image, might force a re-think of the design direction. "This has to appeal to the BMW hard-core,"

 

 
Does this not sound like an admission of guilt! Years ago the CEO Panke was determined to radically differentiate models of BMW(different styling and electronics). A few years later the same CEO is determined to keep the new 3 series as traditional as possible(similar styling and less electronics).

 

  

 
I can predict with 20/20 vision( I am no Nostradamus) that the following decision will be another flop for BMW.

 

      

 

     "Later in the year BMW will decide if it is going to green-light a new vehicle that risks further stirring up purists in BMW's following. It seats seven passengers and is a kind of minivan, although Mr. Panke declines to call it that. Inside BMW, it's known as the "Raumfunktionales Konzept" -- space-functional concept. If BMW decides to go ahead with the car, it won't feel anything like a minivan, Mr. Panke says. "It will drive like a BMW."

 

 

A BMW Minivan! Uggggh! Or will people be gullible enough to call it a "space functional vehicle". A minivan with a BMW logo on its hood and a worthy 4.4l engine under its hood is still a minivan. I dont think Bangle or a few incompetent electronic engineers can do as much damage to BMW's reputation as a Minivan!!! IMO there is nothing wrong with minivans but not a BMW minivan

kyfdx

all through your post.. and it is the same thing people were saying about the X5, when it was under development in the late '90s...

 

BMW makes money selling passenger vehicles... I really don't care what they put their name on, as long as it allows them to keep building great cars...

 

Doesn't matter... if it is a mini-van, my wife won't be caught dead in it, anyway....lol

shipo

And now for an opposing point of view from another BMW fan:

 

From my perspective, a two time owner (well, actually I leased them) of BMW sedans, and also a two time owner of DC Mini-Vans (both of which we still have), I would certainly consider a BMW alternative to a Caravan to share my garage with my future E90. Would such a vehicle be a pure/true BMW in the traditional sense? No. Would it be sportier and more pleasing to drive than a Caravan? Most certainly.

 

Back when we were first considering our first vehicle that could tote more than four adults; we had a conversation that went something like this:

 

<fly on the wall>

 

Mrs. Shipo: "Well, I suppose that you have a point about needing more seats. Do Mini-Vans come with a stick-shift?"

 

Me: "Errr, well Dodge used to make a manual Caravan, however, I doubt that they still do. As for other manufacturers, I seriously doubt that they have ever even considered putting a stick in their vans."

 

Mrs. Shipo: "Well if that's the case, I'm not driving it, you'll have to."

 

Me: "No way, you'll have to pry my stick shift out of my cold dead hands. I'm afraid that you'll have to drive it."

 

</fly on the wall>

 

Might BMW produce a sporty multi-person hauler with three pedals? I certainly hope so. If they do, will I buy one? At this point, sight unseen and all, I'd have to put it at the top of the list to replace our Caravans.

 

While I seriously doubt that a Mini-Van(ish) type of vehicle from BMW would displace a nice sporty sedan (currently a 2002 530i SP 5-Speed) as our "Date Night" car of choice, such a vehicle would be well loved by my family.

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

dewey

Ok, ok a BMW space functional vehicle is acceptable as long as it solves the "Shipo family stick shift dilemma"

 

BUT who is to say such a vehicle will have a stick shift. You certainly dont have that choice with the x5 4.4. In fact I would rather drive a x5 3.0, because at least I can have my stick shift.

m4d_cow

means only one thing: bmws have gone nuts...

and soon they might start thinking of making trucks like mercedes does

pearl

well, as Car and Driver so aptly put it during their initial test of the E60 (while complaining about the I-drive and styling): "BMW is drifting off mission".

Amen! I was all set to trade my E39 on a new E60 but was utterly turned off by the new model, so I am now awaiting the launch of the '06 models from Lexus and Infiniti. I didn't really want to move down in size, but may also take a look at the E90 if it hasn't been too "Bangled".

shipo

My E39 goes away in two months and my intent is to replace it with an E90, which I understand has about the same interior room as the E39. I have yet to see any official dimentions to confirm this though.

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

kyfdx

shipo..

 

Did you see pen101's saga about turning in his 5-series lease, then re-buying it as a CPO unit?

 

Very interesting...

 

kyfdx

dewey

"an E90, which I understand has about the same interior room as the E39. "

 

A space effient 3 series---that would be a positive change! This should make driving more leisurely with my two kids in the back seat(well at least the first few miles)

dewey

Pearl,

 

I sat in a new e60 at a dealership and was not too impressed myself. Based on the pitures, the e90 does not look as Bangled. Not Bangled enough for me to think of the competition.

 

I am still drawn to the 3 series primarly for its crisp handling.

dl7265

The new E90 can be viewed in full 3D if you visit BMW AG and click on the link.You can choose colors,wheels ect.. sans the I drive, I think its quite attractive.Never was a fan of the black belt line trim, I prefer the monocromatic look of the E90.

planoml

Here's a list of the options, from another Cybersource:

 

Colors:

A22 Sparkling Graphite Metallic

A34 Arctic Metallic

A35 Monaco Blue Metallic

300 Alpine White

354 Titanium Silver

438 Electric Red

475 Black Sapphire

668 Jet Black

 

Interiors:

KAB4 Beige Leatherette

KASW Black Leatherette

LCAD Grey Leather

LCB4 Beige Leather

LCB8 Terra Leather

LCSW Black Leather

 

Packages:

ZSP Sport Package

ZCW Cold Weather Package

ZPP Premium Package

 

Options:

205 Automatic

217 Active Steering

417 Rear Electric Sunshade

459 Power Front Seats (std. 330)

465 Fold Down Rear Seat

494 Heated Front Seats

4AC Wood Trim

4AD Aluminum Trim

507 PDC

522 Xenons (std. 330)

541 Active Cruise Control (330 only)

609 Navi

639 BMW Assist

655 Satellite Radio

677 Premium Sound (std. 330)

693 Satellite Radio Prep

 

Options subject to change, and all options might not be available at launch.

usefulengine

There is some good E90 info on the UK BMW site. Go to www.bmw.co.uk and choose 3-Series Saloon (sedan). Click on "Build your 3-Series", then "Configure your new BMW". Several of the E90 models are there. You can check out what's being offered in the UK: paint colors, interior colors, options, and prices (UK).

dl7265

05 325i se 25,125

06 325i se 25,155

 

wow a mere 30 pound price increase! I was going to be supprised is USD pricing did not go up 2-3k...

 

DL

lgtt

perhaps... but during the last three months the exchange rate for the us dollar has not equaled the british pound.

dl7265

Its allmost 2-1, And there have been several reports that the slumping Dollar may lead to product increases from Europe, Asia ect...

 

DL

novice

Does the 325xi have more ground clearance than the 325i?

shipo

Unless something has changed in the last couple of years, then no, however, the 325i SP is lowered something like a half of an inch compared to the standard 325i and 325xi setup.

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

dl7265

Ground clearance

 

325i is 4.88inch

325Xi is 5.50 inch

 

DL

shipo

Hmmm, so are you saying that the 325i SP is 4.38 inches? I had a conversation with someone over at BMWNA a couple of years ago and they confirmed that the SP package on the RWD car lowered the ride height 0.5".

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

kyfdx

I think it is actually 4.29"... At least that is the number for a 330i, which has the same suspension as the 325i sport... Pretty close to 1/2" difference, but I'm sure they use centimeter/millimeter..

 

regards,

kyfdx

dl7265

4.29 for Sport ,according to BMWNA if you look under technical data on the web site, or in your brochure

shipo

Okay, to summarize:

 

Ride Height / Model(s)

5.50" / 325xi (both standard and SP)

4.88" / 325i (RWD)

4.29" / 325i (Sport Package)

 

Yes, no?

 

Best Regards,

Shipo

kyfdx

I think that is it... exactly..

dewey

http://www.germancarfans.com/news.cfm/newsid/2050118.013/bmw/1.ht- ml

 

Check out the site above. Go to the bottom and you will notice it has 12 pages of info about the 3 series (pardon me if this site was already discussed)

argelius

Does anyone know if the all-wheel drive version of the 2006 330 will be available at the product launch? (If if not, when?)

THanks.

dl7265

Great article, lends a few observations.

 

almost same size as former 5 series (for Mr Shipo)

i still can't decipher the fuel mileage....

 

And, are they getting to technical ? does any one want a car with no key ?

 

DL

dewey

http://online.wsj.com/article/0,,SB110617613514630671,00.html?mod- - =europe%5Fof%5Fspecial%5Finterest

 

The Wall Street Journal dated Jan 20, 2005 has a good article on the new BMW 3 Series. It is rehashed old news most forum members already know. BUT the article addresses the trade-off between performance and handling. It appears BMW is putting more emphasis on Performance versu Handling to satisfy North American tastes.

 

Here is just a few paragraphs from the article in case you do not have web access to WSJ.com:

 

That combination was at the heart of the 3 Series success. The company has always been willing to sacrifice a bit of horsepower to achieve precise geometric balance that enables its cars to negotiate corners better than most.

 

But in the past few years rivals such as Infiniti, Acura and Cadillac have beefed up their cars with bigger engines. Even with a larger engine in the 330i, it still is outgunned by Infiniti's G35 sedan, which gets 280 horsepower from its six-cylinder motor.

 

  

In an interview last week, BMW Chief Executive Helmut Panke acknowledged that "in the U.S., zero-to-60 [acceleration] is getting more and more important." He said that in response, the company will update its engines and put more emphasis on acceleration. "We will not have Infiniti or any of the other competing brands out-BMW BMW," he said

wstevec

According to the salesman I spoke with yesterday, the xi will be available in the summer, most likely towards the later part. The earliest cars produced for the first 2 months of production will be limited to the 330 followed by the 325 and xi models. I plan on placing an order for a 2006 325xi on Monday.

dl7265

Is there an advantage to ordering this early ? and what pricing have you been given? or are you not concerned with price.

 

DL

dewey

" xi will be available in the summer"

 

This confirms my info from my dealership. I am awaiting a e90 Touring xi which should be out late summer.

 

Wanted to place an order and two sales reps from two dealerships told me that they would call me when they are ready to take orders.

dl7265

Can you convert L/100km into USD miles per gallon ?

 

Thanks,

DL

Kirstie_H

You can try this converter.