BMW 3-Series 2006

wstevec

Around my area (Boston) the stolen Xenon headlights were pretty much limited to the Audis. If the car you are ordering does not come with them as standard equipment, I would not order them. Why give thieves another target? By the way, the price tag to replace the Xenons on the Audis was more than $2000-$3000 sometimes more if the thieves damaged the front end which was often the case. Just my .02.

giovanni1

Are the Z4 and X5 the only U.S Built BMW cars? Are all the 3 series and Ms built in Germany? TIA.

dewey

"any instances of stolen xenon headlights on BMW cars "

Stolen xenon headlights? Quite a few in our neighborhood had BMW x5s stolen (3 on only one street). The thought just makes me want to keep my 99 323i until it becomes a clunker of little value to any thief.

jayelleseven

No, no, the 325xi isn't at 34K! Not the base model, jus xi, no extra whatever. Right now the 05 is at 31 and change, so the 06 will not be more than 32 and change, plus tax, you'll be able to make it below 34.5K. If you want extras, thats where you'll need to make a good effort and make them offer incentives. Oh yeah no prob. about replyin to your first post.

kyfdx

Yes.. Z4 and X5 is it..

And, they also make 3-series in South Africa..

kyfdx

Okay.. I was reading the latest issue of Businessweek magazine this weekend.. (3/7/05 issue).

They had an article about the new 3-series.. mostly about all the new technical features..

Now, business magazines are usually the worst place to get info about new cars, but they mentioned price.. and this is the first mention of price that I have seen in any article..

They stated a starting price of $31,700.. No other info.. If this is correct, that is a jump of either $2400 or $1700 over the '05 model, depending on whether destination is included..

Of course, I have no idea if the info is correct.. but, it is the first info that I've seen published..

regards,
kyfdx

giovanni1

Thanks, does that include the M3 as well? I also had a dealer tell me that 3 series with the ZHP are built in Germany, curious if that is true? Thanks again.

kyfdx

I'm not all that familiar with the European plants, but I'd say your dealer is correct, as they only build 325i sedans in South Africa, at least up to this point...

regards,
kyfdx

maxcat2

For what its worth my 2005 330i ZHP was built in Germany.

eastwing

After some research and reading, I have almost given up the hope of being able to get a new 2006 325 xi with auto transmission (a must) and powered seats (very desirable) at $34,500 as bottom line price. This is my logic:

1. A 2005 325xi with auto and power seats has a MRSP of aournd $34,000.

2. Based on some reaonsable guesses about the 2006 model pricing (including the article about BMW 2006 3-series in Business Week), I think there will be a price rise of $2000 for the "i" model, and at least this amount for the "xi" model. This will bring the MRSP up to around $36,000. Add tax, title and destination fee up , the out-of-door MRSP will be around $39,000 !!

3. Assume the first new xi model will be out early fall, and I buy it before the first snow falls (Thanksgiving) - it will only been 3 monthis after and I don't think there is much room for price negotiation.

But $39,000 is definitly beyond my reach. I may have to decide between go for a different make (Audi A4 is a nice car, isn't it?), or buy a 2005 model, or buy a "i" model and a pair of snow tires. Any way, I wish I had a deeper pocket...........

shipo

You might want to consider European Delivery for your car. Not counting airfare, I saved just over $5,000 on my 530i, and even with the plane tickets (for both me and my wife, although we were going anyway so their price is kind of irrelevant) I saved around $4,000. I'm thinking that on a 325xi the savings would be more like $2,500, which would get you reasonably near your price target.

Best Regards,
Shipo

peakpro

Go with a 2005 325i and get the snow tires. You can get one with auto for 26-27K. Then get the snow tires. The snow tires will make up for the AWD and you will have a car that is a blast to drive in your price range. There is no guarantee that the AWD 2006 will give you a better driving experience than an RWD 325i.

Some other reasons:

I think it is wise to give any new model a year of two before buying.

I don't like the new style. I find it boring. But that is a personal preference.

I believe it costs more to keep an AWD car.

I tested an A4. Nice car but not a BMW when it comes to driving pleasure. Again, IMHO.

Good luck

andywuwei

Motor Trend Apr. 2005 Cover Story

... despite 330i and 325i badging, both will be powered by a 3.0-liter version of BMW's brand-new N52 inline-six-cylinder. The difference will be output: 215 horses in the 325i; 255 in the 330i...

2006 BMW 330i
...
ENGINE TYPE I-6, alumimum block & heads
BORE X STROKE, IN/MM 3.35 x 3.46/85.0 x 88.0
DISPLACEMENT, CI/CC 182.8/2996
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.7:1
MAX SAE NET HORSEPOWER 255 @ 6600rpm
MAX SAE NET TORQUE, LB-FT 220 @ 2750 rpm
WEIGHT TO POWER, LB/HP 13.3
REDLINE, RPM 7000
TRANSMISSION 6 speed automatic
AXLE/FINAL-DRIVE RATIO:1 3.64/2.51
...
0-60 MPH, SEC 6.3 (MT est)
...
BASE PRICE $37,500
EPA MPG, CITY/HWY 21/30 (est)
...

kyfdx

That fits with the $31,700 for the 325i..

The 330i has almost always been $6K more at the base price level...

akc

Below is an excerpt from todays NY times

"BMW will not announce American prices for the new 3 Series until the New York International Automobile Show in late March. But it said buyers should expect only a modest price increase, amounting to less than $200 for a 325i with a typical package of options. The standard 325i is currently priced as low as $29,995."

I hope it is true, because I am waiting for this model

andywuwei

Yes, sounds reasonable.

I am glad to see the 325i also has 215 hp, close to current 330i (225 hp I think). So, no more complain about 325i's power. :-)

blueguydotcom

Why not? My 330i Perf Pack has 235 hp and it feels decidely anemic at times.

They need to get with the program and give us around 300 hp.

kyfdx

They do... 333 HP M3..

You don't need rear doors that bad, do you?

ivan_99

and now the new 400hp M3. Which leaves more room for the 330 (or new 3.5L 335?) to grow.

Kirstie_H

Please stick to the 2006 3-Series. There are plenty of other BMW-related discussions around. Thanks!

blueguydotcom

Yes, I do. I don't like the way the coupe's chassis seems to flex in corners and I personally don't find the coupe nearly attractive enough to justify paying for the car.

Thankfully the e90 is supposed to have an M3 sedan. Thank God, they woke up and realized not all of us want a coupe.

One caveat, there's a rumor BMW will only put that SMG video game stuff in M models. That's a shame as the car should have three pedals. Without three pedals, I'll definitely pass on the car.

planoml

That sounds right, given the UK prices went up by about the same $200. I am still torn between the 325 & 330, given the same engine.

cartalk

UK pricing may have gone up about £200, however, I think the weak dollar may have a negative impact on pricing.

I believe BMW's currency hedge may be near its end as well.

bmwdoug

I guess there is still no info on leg room for the new 3 series. I am really curious as to how much front and rear leg room will be in this car. Also, curious about head room. Shipo gave a great explanation about how leg room is calculated. After reading Shipo's post I have been adding the front and rear leg room numbers up to get the true leg room numbers. Anyone have any figures on front and rear leg room in inches?

nyccarguy

One of the things that BMW prides itself on is profitability which enables them to keep pricing relatively in line with the previous model. Go through some old car magazines and check out the prices on some of the first E36 Coupes back in '92. It is also remarkable that they're only going to raise the price about $200 considering the weakness of the dollar versus the euro (bmw does its accounting in euros), the skyrocketing costs of steel, and oil hovering around the $50 per barrell mark (oil is used in manufacturing plastics).

giovanni1

This is from the April 05 MotorTrend:

Legroom, F/R, In: 41.5/34.6
Headroom, : 37.4/37.1
Shoulder : 55.4/55.1

andywuwei

Complete dimension data from Motor Trend (2006 BMW 330i):

WHEELBASE, IN 108.7
TRACK, F/R, IN 59.1/59.6
LENGTH, IN 178.2
WIDTH, IN 71.5
HEIGHT, IN 55.9
TURNING CIRCULE, FT 36.1
CURB WEIGHT (MFR), LB 3450
WEIGHT DIST (MFR), F/R, % 51/49
SEATING CAPACITY 5

HEADROOM, F/R, IN 37.4/37.1
LEGROOM, F/R, IN 41.5/34.6
SHOULDER ROOM, F/R, IN 55.4/55.1
CARGO VOL, CU FT 12
...

bmwdoug

Thanks for the leg room measurements. I am a little disappointed in the leg room dimensions. I believe it needed to have about 1 more inch of total leg room. But, that is just my humble opinion.

spfotey

i'm leaning towards the new 3 but the wife is still in love with Acura's. To get comparable HP i'll need to get the 330 and when you add Navigation, sunroof, etc i will bet the price will be $10k over the TL -- for still lower Horsepower. might be a tough sell...

giovanni1

My Gf has a TL and although it's a great car I personally feel the build quality isn't on par with the BMW plus I don't particularly like FWD.

dhanley

Why compare those numbers?

At a driving event, i had a chance to flog a 325i and a TL on a track back to back--and even my honda loving buddy said the 325 was more fun to drive.

Frankly, if you want HP and FWD and an automatic, look at a gran prix GTP.

dave

bmwdoug

Hey, I love BMW's, but I think the Acura TL is the BEST buy on the market, a comparable E90 325 with all options will run about $7 grand more, a 330 will run about $12, 000 more. I know the TL has FWD, but I test drove one, and the ride is pretty sweet, not as tight as a BMW, but darn nice, and the navigation and sound system are incredible. Now, if spending the extra cash does not bother you, and a little less leg room does not bother you, buy the E90, I don't think any car will be able to touch it in terms of driving dynamics.

dl7265

E46 dimensions

Legroom F/R 41.4/34.6

So a .10 gain in front.same rear

DL

jlbl

And, I believe, 3 and 5 Series in China through a joint venture for the Chinese market. I cannot remember now the name of the venture but I think I could find and post it if anyone is curious about.

Jose

kyfdx

Timeline for E90, ...etc.

March

Official 3 Series Sport Wagon photos to be released March 21
US Auto Show Debut - New York March 23
Official 3 Series Sedan Pricing to be announced March 23
Denver Auto Show March 30
April
Atlanta Auto Show April 8
Dallas Auto Show April 12
May
3 Series Sedan Demos arrive at BMW Centers Late April
Official Retail Launch Date - MAY 6... :-)
September 2005
MY 2006 325xi and 330xi Sedans begin production
MY 2006 325xi Sports Wagon begins production
note: 325i Sports Wagon (non-AWD) does not begin prod. until March 2006
MY 2006 E46 3 Series Coupe and Convertible production begins
***note: it is too early to announce the expected launch dates of the new 3 Coupe (E92), and the new 3 Convertible (E93)

I caught this on another forum...

regards,
kyfdx

planoml

I understand it to be USD $200, but that's a small difference. This is the first I am hearing about BMW's hedge being off-where are you getting your info from?

kyfdx

the increase only being $200...

We'll find out in three weeks... but, BMW often makes bigger increases than that even during the model year..

I say at least $1000 and maybe double that..

regards,
kyfdx

cartalk

Here is some info on the currency hedge situation:

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=101884

http://www.wintonsworld.com/cars/carnews/carnews-2004/bmw-comfort- able.html

blueguydotcom

[quote]i'm leaning towards the new 3 but the wife is still in love with Acura's. To get comparable HP i'll need to get the 330 and when you add Navigation, sunroof, etc i will bet the price will be $10k over the TL -- for still lower Horsepower. might be a tough sell...[/quote]

Uh, my 235 hp E46 PP 6 speed trounces a TL without breaking a sweat. I think you're enamored with numbers and not actual performance characteristics. Take the tL's 270 hp engine - the car's not as quick as a 330i pp. With 250+ hp, I'd guess the margin will grow even more. BMW's horses and gearing seem to make their cars do more with less.

Heck I just drove a 300 hp G35 the other day and my 330i felt just as quick. Plus far smoother.

webby1

I would not buy th TL if it was 1/2 the price of the 330I.....civic yes, but not TL !
Regards,
Webby

dl7265

Well... Audi PROMISED only a 2% increase on the New A4 and ended up at closer to 8%!

DL

ivan_99

I’ve read, somewhere, that BMW published output figures are closer to the numbers generated on a dynamometer than other manufacturers.

Therefore if a NON BMW is rated at 220hp, it may only put out 180hp on the dyno.
A BMW that is rated at 185hp may put out 175hp on the dyno.

This leads to the axiom “Those are BMW horses”.

I drove a 325 a few years ago and was amazing it performed as well as it did with "only" 185hp.

andys120

It's true BMW horses are stronger. My 528i
with 194hp clearly outperforms my A4 Avant 2.8 with 193hp (both cars weigh about the same).

giovanni1

Too many consumers are ill-informed and see numbers 300hp, 270hp etc and expect Car A with 300hp to be faster than Car be with only 235hp which is just not the case.

Drive train losses, power to weight ratio, gearing, etc all need to be brought into the equation to better understand the broader picture.

A classic example of this is the Lotus Elise which is 190HP and will dance circles around the TL with it's 300 HP.

Most people just don't get it and besides 0-60 times is really not an accurate measure of a cars performance.

Okay, I'm done ranting for now. :-)

planoml

I agree with you. I also wonder how many times we drag raced our 300hp cars. The only place the 0-60 and hp numbers come up are in conversations. That being said, I can't wait for the 1,000hp Nissan Skyline to get here:)

bigpapaluke

I could not agree more with the TL being outclassed by even the 325. Having test driven both in manuals, the transmission in the BMW is by far smoother, less jerky, and actually thrives on being pushed to the limit. And the 330i ZHP is even better.

I used to be enamored with the TL because of the price and the soft interior design. But having recently been in a BMW 330i with the performance package . . . it completely changed the direction of the kind of car I am looking for. Makes me drool with the rest of these BMW fanatics on the new E90.

And don't get me started on the G35. Personally, I thought it was junky on the inside and the gear shift vibrated as I drove. Felt weird . . .

djocks

I currently am driving a 330i. My lease is up in the fall and I will get a new 3 but question is which one?

After 2 and a half years I do not regret getting the 330i but I wonder if I would have even noticed if I did not get and saved the money with a 325?

Question 1.

With the new numbers looking good on the 325's I was hoping to get a feel if current 325 owners regret saving the money and not getting the 330i?

Also

What is the boards feeling on the performance potential of the new 325's compared to the 330i's in the new models?

thanks,
djocks

giovanni1

Now I'm not mechanic by far but if I recall correctly the Motor Trend article states that the difference btwn the 2 is a different intake and more aggressive software on the 330, so what is to stop a tuner such as Dinan from offering a software and intake upgrade for the 325 for a few grand less than the cost of a 330?

kyfdx

I think it is more than just the intake.. It is the whole engine head that has a different design...

Comparably equipped, there is only a $4K difference between the two.. I'm betting that the Dinan work would cost more than that..

I'm sure they can improve on the performance.. but, at what cost to driveability?

Usually, Dinan concentrates on the high end.. IOW, they will spend their time and effort making the 330i even faster...

Just my take on it..
kyfdx

hpowders

I leased a 2002 325i and I almost never regreted it. The power was more than adequate. Their inline engines are the best in the business. I do wish I had 3 inches or so more front legroom-I am 6'2"-mostly legs. Also the driver's seat screams out for lumbar support. I have leatherette and like it.
I am still undecided what my next car will be in August, but it will have more front legroom and lumbar support.
Regards,
hpowders