BMW 3-Series 2006

307web

If equipment becomes standard that most people were paying extra for in options anyway, hopefully the net price won't be too much dramatically higher than the current models when equipped the way most people buy them even if the "base" price is much higher.
There is no reason for the cost of steel to affect a 3-Series price more than any other car from any other manufacturer.
With the 1-series for the US cancelled or delayed for years, if the 3-Series price jumps much, it only makes competing cars like the TL and G35 look that much more attractive.

kyfdx

Almost all competitors to the 3-series look more attractive based on price. BMWs have always been more expensive than the competition, and will probably always be that way.

You just have to decide if it is worth it personally to pay the extra money. They cost what they cost, and if that is the car you want, you have to pay it. Except for some rare exceptions on certain lease deals, it is almost always more expensive to get the BMW.

regards,
kyfdx

307web

It has been more expensive, but many people justify it by saying, "Well, if I don't put many options on it, it's just a little more."
The wider the price differential becomes, the harder it gets to justify for many people.
There will always be BMW fanatics who will pay "any price" to have a BMW especially if they want to be one of the first to own the new design.

earth777

Ok.. i just got back from my local dealer and he gave me a great deal (lease) on custom 3-series. I need to wait ~ 10-12 weeks for delivery from the order date. I am so ready to go for it but I am reading this thread and it seems like there is a chance BMW will change the model in October. I would really like to get the new model if they do change it soon but it would suck to wait for nothing.

Any thoughts?

Cheers!

cabbatan1

8 months is a long time to wait and then even if they do release the new model this soon,which I doubt,you will not be able to actually get one for at least 3-4 months. That's a whole year.
My thoughts are that they will release the new model in 2005 as a 2006 model. The current 3 series is still a hot seller for them and still surpasses newer model cars in most every respect so there is no real benefit for BMW to introduce the new model so soon.
As well,they just released the new 5 series and X3 and I'm sure they will want to see how the sales go for these models.
Leave your order in and enjoy the car. There's a good chance the new model will only be marginally better than the one it replaces anyway and judging by the new 5 series,I'm sure there are alot of happy previous 5 series owners who feel much better about their car now.
Good luck!

bretaa

... and remember, you said you got a "great lease." I promise you that if you get the new model as the first ones are rolling off the car carrier, you've pay dearly for being ahead in line. If I were you, I'd enjoy your sweet BMW now, wait for the new model to be out for 2-3 years, and that'll allow them to get the kinks out *and*, by then, off-lease models will be coming back and the prices will be more reasonable. That's my plan, at least.

- Bret

kyfdx

I'd be a little concerned about my great lease deal. BMWFS will only lock in those rates until May 31st. I would get with my CA and make sure that you can get your car by then. Lease deals may get better, but they usually peak in March.

I agree on not waiting for the new model... It could very easily cost you $100 more a month to lease in the fall, even if the car is the same as the current one.

regards,
kyfdx

bmw120

"to produce 5 times more E90s than Z4s considering what a total failure the Z4 is. BMW can't give them away. I've heard of people buying the Z4 for thousands below invoice. Ouch.

And the current gen 3 is produced at several plants too. What's the big deal?

Wait a second the Z4 is made in the USA. God I hope the e90 isn't made here. I like BMWs but buying American made cars is asking a bit too much... "

First off the Z4 is the number one selling roadster! True BMW is having a hard time selling Z4's as roadsters are not very popular right now but they are awesome cars.

The E90 isn't going to be made in the USA but the X5 is made here and only here in the USA and has been a HUGE sucess to BMW. I would love for BMW to build all cars here in the USA the engine is still from germany but I know I had a hand in building a BMW!

blueguydotcom

Z4 is a bust. and it has nothing to do with roadsters not being popular. If that were so we wouldn't see more roadsters hitting the streets soon...Mopar has the Crossfire and PT. BMW's got the mini, 1/2 series and 6 coming. MB just released a new SLK that's drawing raves. Audi's A4 cab is only a year old. VW is planning another sporty cab. Chevy just released a new vette convertible, nissan's the new 350z roadster, dodge has the new viper.

Yeah the ole roadster is dying on the vine...

I don't much care if the X5 has been a financial boon to BMW. It's an SUV, the less said about it the better. The less said about the X3, even better.

At this point from what I've seen and read about the 2006 3 series, it's gonne be even fatter than my ZHP. That's a damn shame. My car's already too big, so hopefully BMW will get it right with the 1/2 series. If they even release them here.

earth777

Thanks cabbatan1 & bretaa for the great advice. It makes sense.

kyfdx,

This is what BMWFS offered me. Let me know if it makes sense to you.

Order date 4/1
Lock the Lease on 4/30
Lease valid for 60 days till 6/30

This gives me 3 months or about 12 weeks which is enough time to get delivery of the vehicle.

Also, you mentioned lease deals peaking in March. Should I wait a month and order on 5/1?

PS. 325 Ci 36 month residual 60% and MF 0.0018. Can I do better? For the sedan, I was given a 64% residual with same money factor.

Thank you.

kyfdx

I wonder if they are locking the March numbers on April 1? The dealer probably has a better handle than me on locking the rates. But, if the rates change in April (for worse), then I would doubt you could lock March rates past May 31st. I wouldn't wait, though. Even if you lock April numbers, they are likely to be better than May numbers. They are correct.. If you lock during a month, you have until the end of the second month following to use those rates. I'm just wondering which rates you are getting.

The current money factor on all 325 models is .00125 I was under the impression that dealers could only raise that to .00165 by BMWFS. I would doubt they would know what April numbers are in advance. Also, and I don't know this for sure... I didn't think the spread on residuals was that big from the sedan to the coupe. I'd run all this info by Car_man on the Lease Questions board in the Finance section.

Residuals aren't negotiable.. they are set by BMWFS. Money factors can be marked up, and that is negotiable if they are. It seems more and more BMW dealers are marking them up. Car_man could verify all your numbers, but he usually doesn't have the April numbers until 4-5 days after they come out.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

BMW will waive the acquisition fee or the security deposit for an additional .00015 added to the money factor.. It looks like they are marking up the money factor the maximum from .00125 to .00165 plus adding the .00015 to come up with the .0018 money factor.

BMW comes out with new leasing programs on April 1st. I think they can only lock you until June 30th if they use the numbers from the new program. Since they are marking up your rate, it gives them some cushion, but if the residuals drop on April 1st, I think you'll get stuck with the new number if you want the lock through June.

The good part about it, is that if the numbers change in your favor at the time you take delivery (not likely), you can use the new numbers that are in effect at that time.

regards,
kyfdx

earth777

Thanks a lot kyfdx. I really appreciate your help and time!

Best regards.

wjsmiley

Does anyone know when the 4 series coupes will be released?

bagm

I've had an accident in my 2003 3 series and am now trying to decide what to do.
I have narrowed my choice of a NY area body/repair shop to Habberstad BMW collision center and the Little Garage. Would anyone be able to recommened one over the other? Are there any advantages to taking it to an authorized center like Habberstad? Little garage has an excellent reputation and uses only OEM parts. Thanks for your advice.

307web

Why post that here?
I thought someone might have some new info in the next generation 3 Series and it is a post about body shops in NY.

Kirstie_H

You probably want to visit our regular BMW 3-Series discussion, since this one is about the future model. Additionally, we have a good Maintenance & Repair board, where you're likely to find some discussions that fit your question (like Dealer vs. independent shop?).

argelius

Hey...I thought this discussion was supposed to be about the 2004 3-series (E90), not on the merits of the Z4 or American manufacturing... I came here cuz I wanted to see what is known about the E90...

Kirstie_H

argelius, the best way to steer a discussion back to the topic is to ask a relevant question. There is, in fact, a lot of 2005 3-series conversation in the discussion, but not a lot new to add lately.

argelius

My current 330xi lease is up July 1, 2005. Since I've loved the car, I'm hoping the E90 will be out in time for my lease end. I know nobody yet knows for sure, but what are the odds that I'll be able to get the E90 by July of 2005? (Also, any idea if the AWD version will be available at launch?)

I live in Chicago and love the AWD. (The other cars I'll be considering if the E90 isn't out will be the Acura TL (which is rumored to be getting AWD and the Infiniti G35, which is rumored to be getting a much-needed interior face-lift)...

earth777

Automobile mag had a short discussion on the new 3, the 4 and the M2.

3 Series will be availbale in Oct of 2005
4 Series maybe Oct of 2006

blueguydotcom

Most of what I've seen recently and from what BMW said at NYIAS points to 3 series as the name across the board. they can't afford to lose the M3 as it's a high level product that's been known for 20 years.

BMW, unlike many Japanese companies, recognizes when you have a brand with a solid rep, you don't want to mess too much with it.

Calling the Acura Integra...oops, that's right the RSX...lol

307web

What do you mean by "discussion" in a magazine?

earth777

They only had a picture and a small paragraph about it. Nothing too important.

307web

Anyone know if it will be expected to debut at the 2005 Geneva International Motor Show next March?

http://www.salon-auto.ch/en/index.html

blueguydotcom

Though the spy shots floating around have convinced me thus far that my current 3 will be my last. unless the engine's flat out amazing or they finally make a 4 door M again.

307web

The spy shots are just Photoshop renderings other than the ones that are so heavily disguised, you can't tell anything much about it.

There is a "picture" of a 4 series coupe floating around the internet that turned out to just be a Photoshopped image of a photo of the current 6 series.

Based on what the current 5 series looks like will likley give some idea of what the 3 will look like. It makes sense that there will be a family resemblance as usual. It might even look a little like the fake photos floating around.
The only new model I really don't like is the 7 series. The 5 series styling doesn't bother me.
I am more concerned about potential major price increases on the new 3 series body style than new styling.

sunilb

... is that in all likelihood, it's going to be longer and wider than the current 3. While that will make room for the 1-series and put the 3 on better footing against the G35 and new TL, it actually makes it less appealing for me (as bigger isn't always better).

They may keep the weight the same (through more use of aluminum), but I think it's a bit heavy as it is right now [is it possible to make something solid, feel safe and also lighter?].

I really hope they decide to bring us the 1-series... [a bit off-topic, I know].

blueguydotcom

Agreed all around. My 3 feels bulky and flabby often. I'd prefer if it shed about 400-500 lbs and about 10 inches.

sunilb

I look forward to see what they can do with the new 3... but I'm really hoping for that new 2 that Automobile had on it's cover this month!

I'm actually looking for an E30 right now (and sell my E46)... it should be tons lighter and still have a 2.5 I6. Plus, getting rid of the monthly payments will look better to the bank as the wife and I look for a house (the Bay area is brutal in this regard).

Oops... back to the topic at hand...

Is the new 3 going to have that funky variable speed steering that has been perplexing some journalists in the new 5?

ksoman

gawd, people need to stay awake to drive.... i can't believe something as simple as that should make people have nightmares. it needs a little adjustment, but come on, you aren't supposed to sleep and drive, we are not talking lexus here are we?

eu4ria03

Does anyone know when the new M3 convertible will come out? 2005 or 2006?

My current car is coming up on the lease, and I am deciding between a 330 convertible and an M3 convertible.

307web

It's very cool. You can make very sharp turns without all that arm-flailing and hand-crossing needed in normal steering.
Slick.

eu4ria03

Does anyone know when the new M3 convertible will come out? 2005 or 2006?

My current car is coming up on the lease, and I am deciding between a 330 convertible and an M3 convertible.

highender

I am in the market for a new 325i, but I am in no hurry either. Do you guys think it is worth it to wait another year ? for the new 2005 new model ?

I read that the mags did not like the variable assisted steering on the new 645i...they took big points off. I thought that previous pundits loved the X5 steering and said that BMW had overall one of the best steering responses...however, is this new type a step back ?

I like how the current 325 drives, though I don't mind the looks of the new one...

wstevec

Accordeing to AutoSpies.com, BMW's production schedule for the 2005 3 Series is scheduled for this comming August, so that should make it available by the end of this year. Hopefully, this will be the new redesigned 3 series.

307web

It seems more likely that the 2005 will be another year of the current body style with few, if any, changes. The new body style is expected as a 2006 model over a year from now.

blueguydotcom

no chance the next gen 3 will be released in the usa by the end of 2004. the car hasn't even appeared at auto shows yet.

cabbatan1

307,your information is in line with what I have been reading.. The source escapes me now but they had an excellent picture of the car and a brief write up. They said it will be 2 inches longer with a longer wheelbase and the engines although will still have the same displacements will be all new as well as the introduction of a 335 model. I believe it will be at least one year and probably 1 1/2 years before we actually see one in person. Hopefully they will have one at the Toronto International auto show next year for my viewing pleasure.

gordonwd

The problem with magazine testers is that they jump in and out of so many different makes of cars, driving them for a short time, that they tend to criticize anything that seems too "different" for them to learn quickly. They've been harping on BMW motorcycles for years because their switchgear is different from the "standard" found on Japanese makes, but if you actually own one you get used to it within a few weeks and never think about it again.

I think the same goes for I-drive, active steering, etc. It's strange at first, but with ownership you learn it and it becomes second nature.

blueguydotcom

so true. I only spent half an hour driving my bro-in-law's 745i but I found myself fairly comfortable with the idrive within about 10-15 minutes. Some trial and error, mixed with a little logic goes a long way.

kyfdx

Maybe this is going to be a big leap forward, but..... Steering is one place where BMW doesn't need to mess around. When your cars already have better road feel and steering response than the competitors, I think this is just needlessly adding complexity and cost.

regards,
kyfdx

dewey

I have been driving my 99 BMW 323 for the past 5.5 years. I would only buy a new 06 3 series if it is much improved . My criteria for puchase would be the following 3 criteria :

How much better and improved is the engine

The price especially compared to the competition

Will the upcoming 2 Series have the same engine options as the 3 series. If that would be the case, I would select the 2 series since gizmos and interior options is not what drives me to buy a car.

bretaa

Well, I think the most significant engine upgrade will be a 3.5 liter V8 (the 335I that's coming). As already noted, reports say the size and wheelbase will be up slightly. My guess is that the cost will be up too :-(...

The model I'm excited about is actually the M2 coupe that's supposed to be coming. I actually think my 3 series is about as large a car as I'd want and the recent 1-series "first drives" are saying that it might even be a more fun ride and better handler than even the z4 and 6-series. I'm guessing the price would fall into mid-range 3 territory (and hopefully obtainable without the I-drive, electro everything, etc...)

Garris
'01 330I

m4d_cow

335 sounds nice for sure, but im still worried about the styling. I mean I wont expect it to look like the new 5, especially the rear end, ugh...
And I obviously wouldnt want i-drive in it, or even worse: active steering... I tried 530i w/ actve steering and I found it overly sensitive, its harder to drive normally at slow speeds (nearly hit curbs twice).

Oh and i heard the new 1-series wont be on sale in US area, does anyone have any news about that?

sunilb

a 3.5 V8? Or is it supposed to be a 3.5L I6 for the 335i and a V8 for the M3?

wrt to the 1-series, it seems like BMWNA's answer changes every week. Latest that I've heard is that it's coming to the states, but only as a coupe (2-series).

307web

It could be possible that there could be an 8 cylinder 3-series to compete with V8 CTS-V, AMG C-Classes and the future V8 Lexus IS. HOWEVER, they have to have a lower end vehicle to take the slot of the 325i and compete with $30K V6 cars from so many manufacturers (G35, TL, base CTS etc.).

The 2 series cannot compete there. It is way too tiny.
There has to be a 325 equivalent for 2006 in around the same price range as the current 325i or they will lose thousands of sales a year to the competition. Entry level buyers don't want a $40K+ 3-Series and won't downgrade to a $30K 6 cylinder 2 series when they can get a G35 for around the same price.

kyfdx

I'm not sure I agree.. BMW has been selling cars at price points above the competition for years. I don't see that changing.

I also don't think the 1-series is tiny.. Just a couple inches off the current 3-series. It will draw people that want a BMW, but can't afford the new 3-series.

One thing I am positive about.. BMWs won't be getting any cheaper.

regards,
kyfdx

307web

They have been more expensive when loaded up to match the competion, but you always go light on options and get into something for around the same price. The $28K base 325i serves an important purpose and 325is in the $33-35K range with common options are volume sellers.

The 2 series is very small. The 3 series is a compact already, the 2-series is likely into the subcompact range.

sunilb

I'm not sure I agree.. BMW has been selling cars at price points above the competition for years. I don't see that changing.

Actually, until recently there hasn't been much competition. Prior to the arrival of the G35 and IS300, what else really competed with the 330?
I think this new competition will encourage BMW to either hold the line on prices or add more standard content.

Of course, the new 5-series definitely exceeded the prices of the last generation. Did I just counter my own argument? Man, I hate it when I do that.