BMW 3-Series 2006

bimmer4me3

I agree for the most part. I'm still reeling, however, that the "one-with-the-road-feel" is lacking considerably relative to the e46 sport package. Does anyone else feel this way??

shipo

I don't know, maybe I'm missing something, but I cannot think of a single engine in the 2.5 - 3.0 liter range that has a fairly simple single stage induction system that has better power output per liter than does the new 325i. As a "for instance", the current Lexus IS300 has a 3.0 liter I6 mill as well, and has very similar horsepower numbers, however, if I'm not mistaken, it has a dual stage induction system, and its torque numbers seem to bear that out.

Any suggestions?

Best Regards,
Shipo

fedlawman

Thanks for the offer Shipo. I think we've beaten this thing to death, but I'm anxious to see these curves for my own benefit. I'm at the office now so I'll send you a regular e-mail.

Brian

hpowders

The key system is an interim transition to comfort access which will be available sometime in September. You keep something in your pocket and the door unlocks when you approach the vehicle and push a button to start the car pretty similar to smart key from Lexus.
If you want it, you better wait.

dhanley

The lexus does have dual-stage intake. However--that doesn't matter. Those intakes just optimize torque for specific RPM's--not torque overall. A short wide intake runner will move the torque curve higher, not increase/decrease the amount of torque ( by much ). We'd just see the torque high or mid-band, not see a reduction of 20%.

Honda's normal v6 is supposedly single stage intake and gets 240hp and 212lb-ft out of 3.0L. The hybrid's PR kit pointed out that it got a dual-stage.

jayelleseven

Man, aight the Maxima doesn't sound FANtastic but it sounds damn good. ill tell u this, the 3s sound does not beat it, when both are auto. No matter what, thats what it is, and im not being biased. The 3's engine gives you a nice lil kick, from which you can tell how the engine really sounds. But then it reminds me of a dogde Neon (the kick) , NOT COMPARING, but when you've driven a new G35 coupe, MANUAL, its hard to describe other engines, you know??

jayelleseven

Whats the diff? Is real leather that much better, I dont really know and would rather spend the money the Nav system. And is iDrive really that bad? I think you guys jus dont like gettin used 2 it. It would give my 3 more of a 'baller' status, if yall know what I mean. If not, wouldn't it look at least a bit more "sophisticated"? Plus, whats up with the new BMW assist? Its like On Star no?

tksung

>
>What dealership did you go to?
>
It was stevens creek. I'm now talking to a different dealer, and they talked me out of ED by giving me $1400 over invoice off their allocation. Email me if you are interested in info (tksung at extravert dot com).

tksung

>
> Whats the diff?
>
Leatherette is supposed to be much more durable. But leather feels more pliant on touch and definitely has nicer feel. I'm going with leatherette just so that A) I can tell people they didn't have to kill a cow for me, save $, and C) it won't fade like it did on my audi.

shipo

"A short wide intake runner will move the torque curve higher, not increase/decrease the amount of torque ( by much )."

Hmmm, while its been many years since I studied this stuff, that is sort of contrary to what it is that I think I know.

Then again, all of this comparing of numbers, while kind of fun, might well be irrelavant. Why? Well, the general consensus is that not all power measurements are relatively the same across manufacturer boundries. I have no problem comparing the torque and horsepower ratings between the E46 and E90 engines, but does anyone truly think that the 3.0 liter Honda V6 and the E90 330i I6 engine are as close as their published power numbers might indicate?

I for one don't. My neighbor just traded his 2002 V6 Accord for a 2005 V6 Accord, and I've driven both. While the newer Accord was clearly faster than his old one, neither of them felt as if they had any where near the acceleration of my 2002 530i, which is both heavier and less powerful (on paper) than the 2005 Accord.

Speaking of the Honda and BMW 6-Cylinder engines, please let me know if I got the following correct:

2002 Honda 3.0 liter V6: 200 HP @ 5,500 & 195 lb-ft @ 4,700 (Single Stage Intake)
2005 Honda 3.0 liter V6: 240 HP @ 6,250 & 212 lb-ft @ 4,700 (Dual Stage Intake)

2002 BMW 3.0 liter I6: 225 HP @ 5,900 & 214 lb-ft @ 3,500 (Dual Stage Intake)
2006 BMW 3.0 liter I6: 215 HP @ 6,250 & 185 lb-ft @ 2,750 (Single Stage Intake)
2006 BMW 3.0 liter I6: 255 HP @ 6,600 & 220 lb-ft @ 2,750 (Triple Stage Intake)

Hmmm, in both the BMW engine and the Honda engine, stepping up from a single stage intake to a multi stage intake seems to have bumped the torque. What am I missing?

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

Well how about that? We made the top of the top ten list today. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

tcn2k

Dealer just called me today to setup an appt. to see/drive the new 3series. Can't wait. Will post my review after....

psyran

Well, you willl have no repair or maintenance costs for the first four years/50k miles with the bimmer due to their maintenance program. So, I wouldn't be too concerned about that particular issue for some time.

jayelleseven

Thanks tk, imma prollie go with the leatherette. Save money n yeah, no fading. I think imma get the nav system cuz it has the BMW Assist, anyone know details on that??

kennynmd

I am thinking between a 06 3 series and a TL. I was wondering since the 06 is a new body style and new other "stuff", how has BMW been in the past for first year remodeled cars/engines? People say not to buy on the first year so the company can get all the quirks out. What do you all think?

dl7265

Well, I can tell you that I purchased an early model E46 ,and it was as reliable and well built as any vehicle I have owned. How well ? enough that I ordered a E90 sight unseen and before driving one. I ve heard that the 1999 models had a very good production run. I belive there have been a few nagging items over the life of the E46, sticky sunroof ect, but nothing major that I can recall.

DL

dewey

I confirm what dl7265 is saying. In 1999 I received my e46 during the first month of intro --NO COMPLAINTS whatsoever! The key worry about buying any first year model(not only BMW) is price bargaining. The longer you wait in terms of years, the better bargain you will get(in most cases)

wstevec

I totally agree. Before driving a 3 series with Leatherette I assumed it would have the plasitic feel of the 1974 VW Leatherette. After sitting in both the Leatherette and leather seats I actually liked the Leatherette better. With the money I save on the Leatherette I am going to buy some gas for my new BMW. LOL

consult77

Here is another take on this:

If you look at Consumer Reports the 1999 does seem to have more problems than the model years around it. A very different car, the Toyota Camry has more problems in the 2002 model (year of a new model) than the models around it. If you look closely, or perhaps it is my imagination, many cars show this effect in Consumer Reports data.

In the design and manufacturing process it is inevitable that the initial model year will have more problems. Cars are designed by humans who make mistakes. So is the manufacturing and assembly process. Problems in the design, manufacturing and assembly are fixed as the model matures. Also, no amount of pre-production testing can equal the variety of uses (and abuses) which owners give their cars. Seems to me that with any make and model of car you have more potential for problems the first year.

The car is only "new" once however and if you want the latest you have to take some risk that you are buying more problems as well. If you believe that BMW designs and manufactures quality products then the risks are likely manageable.

consult77

I've seen the same information on intake manifolds. I also found information about a:

Fully Variable Intake Manifold

on this web page at bmwusa.com

http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/BmwTechnology/Index

Click the item: Fully Variable Intake Manifold

Now I'm really confused.

consult77

This is really interesting information. Can you post a link or describe how to find it on the Internet?

Thank you.

stayfit50

Just came back from the BMW dealer where I had a look at the new 330i. Can't wait for a test drive next week!

Question on the headlamps. The 5 series has bi-xenon headlamps. According to the BMW sales guy, the new 3 series has xenon headlamps. After the sales guys conferred for five minutes, the answer I got on the difference was that the bi-xenon's operate somehow when the halogen high beams are on, whereas they don't on the 3 series, but they didn't seem to think it made much difference.

I'm confused. Anyone know if the bi-xenon's have real added value when the brights are on?

fedlawman

Thanks for the charts Shipo.

I have some knowledge and experience regarding modding cars with bolt-ons (from my tinkering on import (Japanese) sports cars).

In the case of the 325i vs. 330i, the charts and engine descriptions tell me that the aftermarket potential for the 325i lies somewhere in between what I first thought and what you believe.

The 330i's torque curve starts picking up a significant lead over the 325i at about 1500 RPM and maintains this advantage all the way to redline. Based on my knowledge/experience, I agree that you would need a highly tuned 2 or 3 stage intake to replicate the 330i's fat TQ curve. I don't know how much it would cost, but I think a skilled aftermarket tuner like Dinan or Turner could design an upper plenum (similar in design to the ones made for the 350Z/G35) to get much of the same benefit after ECU remapping.

Another more likely option would be to install a Cold Air Induction (CAI) system for about $200. It won't yield the fat bottom end gains of the 330i (say 1500 - 3000 RPM), but with an ECU reflash, I think you could see moderate midrange improvement and significant high RPM gains.

Here's my thinking - Since the 330i has basically a 1/2 second advantage in straight-line acceleration over the 325i, I think a 325i with CAI and ECU reflash (and considering it's 130 lb lighter weight) will match the straigh-line performance of a stock 330i

Definitely the way to go for the value conscious E90 buyer.

One caveat - one could similarly modify a 330i. While I don't think the gains would be as dramatic given the 330i's existing higher state of tune, it would still give an improvement that would again widen the gap between it and a modded 325i.

sjava

When will the SMG be available for 330i? I'd love to get a true manual but I have to share the car with my wife and I have a horrible commute traffic. I heard it kinda jerky. What do you guys think?

erickpl

I have driven the G35 manual (6MT setup in the coupe). I honestly didn't feel it provided THAT much different acceleration over the BMW 6. I KNOW I didn't hear it much at all and I had the windows open.

I know how to drive a manual (learned on one) and have been doing it for my entire driving life. The overall engine tone of the BMW may not sound as throaty as other engines, but the smooth sound and the pull of the engine in my own 3 (325xi) has me liking the BMW engine that much more.

That Nissan puts essentially the same engine across its and Infiniti's product line is a testament to the quality of the engine itself. That is not in doubt. But the smoothness of BMW's and the way it pulls makes me prefer it much more.

-Paul

Oh yeah, the G35 coupe with sunroof is VERY confining feeling. I was seriously thinking about trading in the BMW for it at one point, but after the test drive, I prefer my 325 to the G. Go figure.

dewey

If you look at Consumer Reports the 1999 does seem to have more problems than the model years around it. A very different car, the Toyota Camry has more problems in the 2002 model (year of a new model) than the models around it. If you look closely, or perhaps it is my imagination, many cars show this effect in Consumer Reports data. If you look at Consumer Reports the 1999 does seem to have more problems than the model years around it. A very different car, the Toyota Camry has more problems in the 2002 model (year of a new model) than the models around it. If you look closely, or perhaps it is my imagination, many cars show this effect in Consumer Reports data. "

True,

BUT,

let us focus on the BMW 3 series Consumer Reports Statistics.The 2004 e46 had its worst score in terms of overall reliability. All other model years were average or above average. In terms of reliability, the introductory 99 3 series stats indicates superior overall reliability than the recently dated 04 model year.

Also if you look at the CR stats what becomes obvious are that Lemons can be consistent whether you buy them during intro years or at the end of its model cycle. Examples of such models are the MB M series and E class, VW Jetta and Golf.

You are correct in saying that it all boils down to the confidence you have in a manufacturer's products.

Also is it not more exciting to drive a car that is new and improved from last year?

kdshapiro

Reliability? When I look at reliability from JD Powers or CR, I ask myself two question? Is the engine going to fall out? Is the gas tank going to explode if I get rear-ended?

If I can answer yes to either of the above two questions, I don't buy the car. Other then that I don't look at reliability ratings.

stayfit50

Foget my question on headlamps. Just spoke to BMW customer service who tell me the headlamps on the 2006 3 series are also bi-xenon.

dewey

"Is the gas tank going to explode if I get rear-ended? "

What a shame, because there are some pretty good deals on nostalgic Chevy Vegas

fedlawman

"Is the engine going to fall out? Is the gas tank going to explode if I get rear-ended?"

I think you have a narrow view of reliability.

For example, I had a Buick Rendezvous back in 2001 that had BCM problems from day one. This is a well known problem for this car that has caused engines to stop while driving, instrument lights to go out, alarms to go off without provocation, and many electronic features (compass, outside temp, rear back-up sensors, etc.) to fail.

How about an emergency brake that needs to be adjusted every 2 weeks or else it won't hold the car? What about a faulty mounting bracket that eventually punctures the AC Compressor causing it to fail? How about a defective steering rack or wheel bearings? What about a defective manifold gasket that allows coolant to leak into the engine?

Would you buy a car knowing that its model line has a well documented history of these kinds of problems?

These are problems that are not nearly as serious as an "engine falling out," but you will be severely inconvenienced, and likely suffer in the wallet after the warranty expires. You and others might not care about this type of information, but for me, this knowledge would be a deal breaker.

kdshapiro

Yes I do have a narrow view. Wanna know why?

The worst time I had with cars was 5 years of Nissan ownership. The cars went back to the shop every few months for air-conditioning adjustments, CEL, clunks in the suspension etc.

That's why there are lemon laws and warranties. I don't worry about reliability because buying a reliable brand does not guarantee a stellar ownership experience.

kyfdx

Didn't drive one.. but they had three on the lot...

Sitting in it, the flat dash doesn't bother me nearly as much as seeing it in the pictures.. Power window switches have moved to the driver's door, where God intended them to be..

Cupholders (I know, I know.. but I didn't drive) now pop out from little slots in the dash... Not nearly as nice as the two big ones in the console of the current 3-series.. You 5-series drivers will never notice, as your current cupholders already suck.

The only dimension of the car that looks bigger in person is the wheelbase.. The car just seems a lot longer, though I doubt that is the case..

On another note, they had both Arctic and Sparkling Graphite.. I really like the Sparkling Graphite... it is a little darker than the old Steel Grey, but I didn't see any of the blue/purplish tones in it that others have described.. It was outdoors and overcast..

Arctic is an interesting color.. but, I saw it inside under flourescents, so I couldn't get a fix on it... The sand interior color is now called beige... I'm still not fond of it... The trunk seems as large as the current one... it has a nice cubby underneath the floor, but it isn't big enough for a spare tire..

Didn't see the sport package.. it was out for a test drive.. The 330i now has 225/45-17 all around, so it looks a little more aggressive than the E46 with the 205/50-17.. The base 325i still rides on 205/55-16... which look a little small..

That's it... didn't drive.. can't buy a car this year, anyway..

regards,
kyfdx

wco81

Let me know if you pull it off. I live near Stevens Creek but I want to see the new IS too so I'm not ready to buy.

But it would be good to know if they're willing to deal. The dealer in Mt. View doesn't seem to be too willing.

blueguydotcom

NOT COMPARING, but when you've driven a new G35 coupe, MANUAL, its hard to describe other engines, you know??

Not for me. I don't like the 3.5 in the G35...it's got way too much NVH and the manual it's paired to makes the garbage in BMW's seem slick and sweet. Not even gonna touch that worthless tach and the stupid blinking light...

bmwccc

wco81

Heard Concord is dealing through another edmunds member here and I have been talking with the Monterey guys and they are willing to move as well.

Sounds like you are not ready to buy so I won't fill in all the details.

blueguydotcom

Power window switches have moved to the driver's door, where God intended them to be..

That's a change that infuriates me. I loved the power windows near my right hand. It was just so natural to drop from the stick and raise/lower the windows. I HATE how most cars have it on the left side...utterly worthless as I must now take my hand off the wheel to mess with windows. My right hand is almost never on the steering wheel, so it just makes more sense ergonomically to have the free hand be the window controller.

kyfdx

I compare it to I-drive.. If you drive the car every day (I don't), I'm sure you get used to it..

But, considering every other car on the planet has them on the driver's door... then that is where most people will reach for them..

It might be different if they actually grouped them together on the central console... It is nice that the front seat passenger has access.. but, spreading them out on all four corners of the console is just goofy...

Overall, I think it is an improvement (obviously).

regards,
kyfdx

hpowders

Me too. Always found them convenient on the center console.

tksung

>
> Heard Concord is dealing through another edmunds member here and I have been
> talking with the Monterey guys and they are willing to move as well.
>
Well, I wouldn't waste time with Concord. The fleet manager there said he has the car coming in and we agreed on a deal. When I asked for the production number, he was reluctant. Then he finally gave me one for an entirely different car, and then insists that the online data for it at oc.bmwusa.com will change over the weekend, from alpine white to jet black. I guess he thinks I was born yesterday...

shipo

If I recall correctly, my 1995 Passat GLX had the power window switches on or near the console as did my 1999 328i. When I got my 530i, I didn't think that I would like having the switches moved to the door, but for some reason it felt way more natural and I made the change over in my head so quickly that after my ED trip in the 530i, I had to go back to the 328i, and hated it. Go figure.

Best Regards,
Shipo

bmwccc

To all grinding / negotiating enthusiasts. My spec 330i with Silver Metallic, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather and Steptronic invoices out to $39,220. Msrp on this comes out to $42,850, difference being $3,630. In my opinion, splitting this difference would be a fair deal. Splitting would be Dealer Profit of $1,815, then add shipping, taxes and fees.

By the way, this has no hidden charges or agendas. No trade in, no lease, financing is with an outside lending company etc etc etc.

The reason I am asking is from all the posts I have read that have purchased the car, most are around $1,000 - $1,200 - $1,500 off msrp. I have not heard anything beyond that type of discount.

I am due to lock in the deal tomorrow and would appreciate any feedback you guys might have. Of course the feedback that I am looking for is from people that actually have purchased or negotiated the car already. Kind of hard to bank on someone's feedback that has not actually pulled the trigger and is only assuming what they could get.

Thanks

shipo

"This is really interesting information. Can you post a link or describe how to find it on the Internet?"

Errr, I'd be glad to help, but, ummm, which information?

Best Regards,
Shipo

novice

I sat in a 2006 325i today. Thought it was terrific. Not a big difference inside in terms of space, but it felt a bit roomier. But we couldn't find the radio feature that can be set to increase the volume automatically as the speed of the car increases. Did this feature disappear with the 2006 version does any one know?

Thanks,

Rusty

psyran

I have ordered. Car is heading toward a ship. My dealer tells me their allocation is so limited that to get anything off MSRP is unlikely, BUT I was able to get a measly $500 off and a program that will pay $1000 in 39 months with a voucher ( a gimmick of sorts only at this dealer). The other dealer in my area also said pretty much the same thing - no discounts. So, IMHO if yo get anything at this point you may be doing well. The key is the present supply and demand issue.
psyran

bartalk3

Who needs it? Another worthless gimmick. Are Americans getting so lazy they can't even turn the radio volume up?

bartalk3

I notice a radar option that beeps as you back close to an object behind and beeps continuously when the back bumper comes within 12 inches. Is this something new this year? Anybody have any experience with it?

Does it work? Might save some scratches on the back bumper and the kids' bicycles (or the kids).

webby1

I agree with you...I drive the Honda 50% of the time I had the 330i for a year now and still not used to it and always searching in all four corners.
Regards,
Webby

wildcatjon

I test drove the SG 330i today, no navi, auto, black interior with burl, non sport. It was very cloudy in Cincy today with light rain, and the SG looked pretty good. Not much of the rumored purple tint. I'll venture back when the sun is out. I also saw a black 325 nonsport on the showroom floor and the wheels make a HUGE difference in the look. The std. 325 wheels and tires look terrible. That said, the std. 330i looked very sharp, and much bigger than I anticipated. The SG was sitting near a black E46 and looked much larger. They also had a TiSilver, stick, poplar, black interior, no navi, sport. It looked absolutely gorgeous. Almost took my breath to be honest with you. I didn't drive that one, but it looked awesome. The Tisilver was sitting facing out right next to a black 530i, and amazingly, the width of the cars was VERY similar. The length of the 530i was obviously longer and the rear larger, but the width of the cars was very similar. Amazing.

Anyway, the logic 7 was a huge improvement over past bimmer stereos. I think it is a must. The driving mechanics were also awesome, although the roads were wet and I couldn't/didn't want to push it much. Cockpit seemed a little smaller than I anticipated, but the back seat room was a bit larger than the e46. Trunk was bigger than the e46 but not as large as it looks from the outside.

In all, a great experience. However, I would NOT get less than 17 inch wheels on this car. The small wheels make the car look terrible. But, take heart, with the sport wheels, the car looks AWESOME.

kgreggsc

I am in a similar situation. My 325 has leather/sport/steptronic/PDS, Edmunds.com says invoice is $32,825, Msrp is $35,745.
Told the dealer today I wanted $1500 off,he came back at $700 off, but Gen Manager said maybe $200-300 further, but no more, for total of 800-1000 off MSRP.
I am eliciting "internet bids" from not-so-close dealers, havent yet heard from them(seems like they always want to deal when I'm not interested, now they're too busy).I think $1000 is a pretty good discount, so I just might go back tomorrow.

novice

bartalk3,

No need to be so edgy. I'm not requesting that BMW ADD this feature. They included it long ago. Not unlike automatic windshield wipers (I live in Portland--it rains a lot here), it's nice feature. I guess I don't need power steering either. I could sing to myself instead of being so lazy as to need a radio at all. I simply asked if anyone knows if it's a continued standard feature of the stock radio. Others?

Rusty