BMW 3-Series 2006

kyfdx

You must have been at The BMW Store.. I stopped in at Sweeney.. They had a 325i in Arctic in the showroom.. I agree about the wheels..

dl7265

Why we gotta pick on the Vega ? How about the current Crown Vic ?

DL

bartalk3

Didn't intend to criticize the car or any of its features. It does seem that competition is driving manufacturers to introduce features that are of marginal value just because the competition does it or to distinguish their product from lower-priced vehicles. Genuine technical improvment is one thing, but marginal features (that can go wrong) are of dubious real value and just drive prices up. Of course one man's luxury is another man's necessity.

In the unnecessary category I would include keyless entry (how hard is it to push a remote), rain-sensing wipers (that usually don't go on when you want them to; I want to decide when my windshield is wet enough to need wipers--wipers can scratch the glass if it's not wet enough), intelligent cruise control or whatever it's called (that can possibly be very annoying as your car constantly drops back as drivers cut into your lane, etc. I guess I basically like hands-on manual control of my own car. We're still smarter than (most) machines.

Of course years ago I might have included power windows in the frivolous category. But yesterday's luxury is today's necessity.

Anyway, I hope someone is able to answer your legit. question.

shipo

Hmmm, the auto-radio volume thing has been around for decades. Blaupunkt (Sp?) if I remember correctly pioneered that little feature for the 911 back in the 1970s or 1980s. It was also on my 1999 328i and my 2002 530i, and speaking strictly for myself, I really like that feature. Less fiddling with the radio, especially in NYC area traffic that has a tendency to range in speeds from zero to eighty, and might make the entire excursion between those two speeds a couple of times in a single mile.

As for rain-sensing wipers. Had they not come with my 328i, I would never have wanted them. I got a taste of how well they worked by actually driving a car without them after having had my 328i for several months. One day, I happened to be driving Mrs. Shipo's car in wet conditions with spots of rain here and there and realized that I was changing the setting of the intermittant wipers every minute or two, and that that was very annoying. Now, if intermittant wipers are an option, I'll buy em. Period, full stop, the end.

Best Regards,
Shipo

tcn2k

Wow,
Test drove it today, very nice. I was on the freeway doing 97 mph and the rpm was still below 3000. Amazing what 6th gear does, enough torque for me to pass other, until the dealer guy said that the ticket would be on me. Had to take it down, but it sure does want to go. Taking the wife there tomorrow and see if she likes it. She wants an X5, sure hope she changes her mind. I really liked the layout of the radio compared to my current 01 325i. But the 215 horse power was great!

1000 of msrp would be great, but i am hoping 1500 off, but i really doubt I will get it; but worth a shot, have to start somewhere. Anyone else know of any discount on the west coast, drop a line here....

kennynmd

I talked to the salesperson whenre I had bought my 325ci from a couple of years ago about the price of the new 3. He said at the moment his manager wasn't discounting them at all. If anything, he said maybe deduct destination charge which is around $700. Probably gonna wait until things cool down and the MB c280 come out.

chatkat

I got a price for 330/Step/Navi/ActiveSteering/Prem/Sport/CWP and Sirius/BackupParking SG (Okay-gentlemen, I am a girl) but I have done lots of negotiating in my life.

MSRP before Tax and Lic is $47740 Wholesale 43735 ED 41860 My price $44260. where I bought my 2000 328i

Going to test drive where my husband bought his 7 and my friend just bought a 645ci. They promised to beat the best price I got by $1,000. since I brought my friend in to buy her 645ci. Will advise tomorrow which dealer is getting my $$$

PS: Will the 6 disk BMW CD Changer I have now in the trunk of my 2000 328i work in the '06 330?

sedmund

Yes the speed dependent volume has been there for sometime. My '96 E36 had it I really liked it. Another auto feature I remember liking was the speed dependent wipers. With the wiper speed set at higher levels, when I stop at a light the wipers would come back to the lowest setting. I wonder if the rain-sensing wipers also have the speed dependent adjustment (I guess the rain-sensing technology would automatically take care of this case?)

novice

Shipo,

Seems most responders like the feature--as do I. But do you know if it's been continued in the E90? I was in the car with the sales rep and he was showing me how the radio functions--but he couldn't locate that auto volume increase mode. I can find out in Decemeber when I get the car and the new owners manual--but was just curious about it.

Thanks,

Rusty

shipo

The rain sensing wipers sort of obviate the need for the speed dependent ones. The rain sensor is up where the Rear-View Mirror mounts to the windshield glass, and it works by aiming a beam of infrared light at the glass at an angle of about forty-five degrees. If the glass is dry, most (if not all) of the beam will bounce off of the glass into a properly positioned sensor. The wetter the glass, the lesser the amount of light bounces off the glass (instead of being refracted out beyond the windshield) and into the sensor. Instead of having a setting wheel/knob that instructs the system how fast your wipers operate at any given speed, it sets a level of sensitivity at which the wipers will wipe.

In the six plus years since my first BMW came with the rain sensing wipers, I found that I needed to operate the system manually because the rain was too heavy or too light maybe a total of once or twice per year. Other than that, I simply turned on the rain-sensor and let it have its way.

Best Regards
Shipo

bartalk3

Two questions, chatkat,

1) Where in the country do you live that you're getting these terrific discounts?

2) Would you care to negotiate a car purchase for me?

Who says women pay more for cars?

div2

The 1957 Thunderbird featured a "Volumatic Signal Seek" radio. It was a tube AM radio that increased volume as vehicle speed increased. If I recall correctly, the volume pot was geared to a cable coming off the speedometer head. The more things change... And I'm with you on the rain sensing wipers. I always thought is was a bit of overkill until I drove a X5 4.6is from the Greer plant to Lexington KY. I drove in and out of rain showers at wildly varying speeds(thanks, V1!) and the wipers kept up the rain and velocity changes without missing a beat.

shipo

Hmmm, as for being able to toggle an "auto volume increase mode" off and on, well, I don't think either of my cars had that capability, it is simply on full time, period, full stop, the end.

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

I guess I missed the '57 T-BIrd (I was still in the womb at the time). I just remember reading about the Blaupunkt in the Porsche way back then, and at the time, they were lauding the Blaupunkt engineers for figuring out how to "listen" to the ambient noise inside the car (which means filtering out the added noise of the audio system), and then adjusting the volume accordingly. Given the state of electronics of the time, I'm still impressed with their accomplishment.

Best Regards,
Shipo

chatkat

I am in Los Angeles area. I'm off to test drive. I have a price being emailed to me from another dealer who is known to undercut today.

bartalk3

You said that on your test drive at 90+mph the rpms were hardly 3,000. Do you have any idea about what it was at 60mph?

(I assume you were driving a 325, right?)

newcarman

I had gone to the BMW dealer a few days ago and had checked out the new 06 325I and i came away quite impressed. They had only 2 that came in and i was trying to get a feel for the car.

The sales woman was showing me the interior and it looked really nice. Get a load at this. Theres now oil dip stick under the hood. For you to check the fluid levels you have to turn the dial on the right side of the steering wheel right where the cruise control is and it shows you a line across the dash board with a full mark and Empty mark on the oppositie end.

Also, you have to order now if you want one and it will arrive in june os so.

The price with the premium package, auto sticked was about 36,000 and she said that she could do it for 34,500.

The only concern i have is that its a real wheel drive and im apprehensive about it due to a few snow storms we get here in new york every year.

Anybody have any ideas about rear wheel drive in the snow?? The car has all season tires and all the new safety features but with the rear wheel drive is it good enough??

The 325xi and 330 xi is coming in september.

Thank you

butch445

Hi Everyone,

I was at the BMW dealer today and they told me that there is no "holdback" money on the BMW's. They said if they sold it at invoice they would not make any money. Is this true? Could use all your advice

Thanks, Butch

kyfdx

Technically, there is NO holdback on BMWs... They do pay a bonus to the dealer based on customer satisfaction scores, but that isn't the exactly the same thing..

It is almost impossible to know at which point the dealer actually makes money.. But, the dealer is mostly telling you the truth.. Assuming no dealer incentives on the model you are looking at (and there aren't any), the dealer will lose money selling at invoice...

A very good price on an '05 330Ci coupe would be $800-$1200 over invoice. Not every dealer will sell at that price, but some will... Not only that, the lease numbers are very favorable on that model at this time.

regards,
kyfdx

bmwccc

Kyfdx, Shipo, Kdshapiro, Blueguydotcom & others...........

Okay, sat and drove in the premium pkg leather lumbar seats and sat and drove in the Premium pkg / Sport pkg Lumbar seats. For my comfy factor the non sport seats with lumbar were far more comfortable than the sport seats. Problem is I really like all the other options in the Sport package. I asked dealer if I could order sport package and just have regular Premium leather lumbar seats switched. Obviously answer was no but my question to you guys is there a way to have that specially done at the factory. Pay for the premium and sport package but just have them switch out the seats?

Is there a possibility that during the time when the smg comes out in sept orders, they might have the 162 sport rims available as an individual option as well as the sport steering wheel?

FYI, I also was intending to get the slush box and actually drove both today. Now I am wondering if I should get the manual instead. Seemed like more torque than the Steptronic.

What do you guys think?

Thanks

tcn2k

yes, it was a 325, and i didn't really notice what it was at 60.

bryncerdd

As have many other enthusiasts, I visited the local BMW dealer to see the new E90. They had four on the lot, two each of 325 and 330, one 330 withZSP. 1) I had the impression the interior was a bit more spacious (I am accustomed to a 328). Subjective observations, unsupported by specific mesurements, are not worth too much, I must agree. 2) Has anybody else noticed the compass in the rear-view mirror? I assume it's a part of ZPP. Very neat, but how necessary?. I have for years carried a small compas in the glove box which probably cost $3.95. It's not difficult to look at it, if one is really lost! Another example of electronic technology flourishing because it CAN flourish. 3) 330 with ZSP has very narrow sidewalls, 35 series, I think. Probably corners very well, considering the extra rubber in the sidewalls, but I cringe to think of what will likely happen to the rims, at least on some of the roads I travel. 4) All this causes me to recall my first BMW--a 1974 2002 which cost aaround $6500. What a change

novice

You're right--the radio volume/speed feature is automatic and does it all on its own--once it's activated. But, I had to activate that feature in my current 325i--it didn't come set from the factory.

bartalk3

newcarman: You mean you can check the oil by looking at something on the dashboard?

Please clarify what you mean.

pr325i

My dealer wants for 325i (leather, zsp, auto)

$35,320(msrp)+ 2,000 + taxes = $48,516 :mad:

jayelleseven

Well first off, you compared the G35 Coupe to a BMW 6, the price diff is like 30-40K no?? If the G35 is even comparable, it must be a hella of a car. And THATS why im having a real hard time deciding whether to choose the Coupe or the 325i (can't afford the 330!) I love the luxury of the 3 but the stealthy-ness and sportiness of the Coupe cannot be matched by a car in that price range! I know the BMW engine sounds smooth but I like power. Nissan makes a great engine, I know because I drive my dads 05 Maxima. I know everyone here will prefer the BMW but Im young, getting a 3 series is for when Im in my mid 20's or so. BUT THEN ill have a nicer car, like the 5 or even 6! Yup, baller status_

jayelleseven

WAY TOO MUCH. Base 325 is less than 31K! Your taxes might be real high but 48K?? If i get this car, Imma spend no more than 34K AFTER taxes!

mbojilov

I went to check out the new 3-series at one of the two dealers here in Minneapolis. It was after they had closed so I did not get to drive it. My biggest curiosity was about the steering wheel and whether its positioning has been improved relative to the E46 (I have a 2003 325i). It looked awesome - both shape/grip and angle. This kind of makes me mad because beyond that there isn't anything else that I like better about the new car relative to the E46. Unfortunately it did not become apparent and annoying to me immediately when I was buying it but the E46 (and all others before that) has a very ridiculous mounting of the steering wheel - one that makes me feel often that I am driving a Van rather than a car with a sporty character (not vertical enough for me). If I had noticed this right away during the test drive I would not have bought the car, regardless of how well it steers, corners, handles, etc. Frankly, I am amazed that I have not seen any people complain about this (maybe one or two only). Now this all seems to have been more than perfected with the E90, which makes me even more mad because I am not planning to trade in my old one for the new one (and knowing that the new one would definitely be much more fun purely for the better steering wheel positioning is totally frustrating).

Beyond the steering wheel, I agree with most people on this board that the car looks better in person than on the Internet or in magazines. However, it is still homely - a design that has nothing to do with the clean Euro lines of BMWs of old but just something between an American and a Japanese thing. The front looks better than the tail but is still overstylized and the lines look random. The tail looks too much like any Japanese car. Finally, I don't believe many people pay attention to this but the amount of plastic has gone up tremendously both in the front and back (in the front it seems that only the hood is non-plastic). Maybe it helps the car weigh less but more importantly it saves BMW money and I don't see how having more plastic as opposed to steel is good for the owner.

A lot of folks on this board say how great the car felt on the road when they test drove it but no one has really compared it to the E46 - does it steer, corner, handle, etc. noticeably better than the old one?

pr325i

I have no option only one bmw authorized dealer in my area.....

nyccarguy

Where do you live?

On this rainy and gloomy Saturday, I checked out the new E90 at a local dealer after work (yeah, I know it is Saturday). Overall I really like the car. Te dealer had quite a few, 2 in the showroom (1 325iA, 1 330iA), 3 demo vehicles, and a 330i ZSP with a 6 speed sitting in front of the dealership. I really like the design of the new bangalized BMWs (and I didn't at first). BMW styling (as other euro marquees) is widely copied and I think the newer cars are more progressive looking (even toyota has copied the bangle butt styling for the new Avalon) and look great (albeit in darker colors).

The car there that really caught my eyes was of course the 330i with the SP and 6 speed stick. It was Silver which wouldn't be my choice of color just because every car around (esp. euro cars) are all silver. I'll take mine in Saphire Black please. I love the way the Sport Package looks. The lowered suspension and bigger wheels make a killer combination. The 35 series tires scare me too, but you only live once. This thing must corner fantastically. The car seemed big on the inside (I'm also used to my '01 Honda Prelude). I like the sparse dash.

Originally my wife and I were planning a trip to Europe next summer and we were going to get her an E90 325iA, but she takes the train into the city every day so maybe I can convince her that I'll get a 330i . Saphire Black/Black Leather/6 Speed/Sport Package/Cold Weather Package for me. :shades:

radiantmatrix

well, i'm interesded in ED tho.... 2K off..... and i can have an excuse to go to europe.... lol

pr325i

Puerto Rico

dl7265

Well even tho my vehicle is at the VPC right now, I decided to stop and take a look at the 4 demo models since they were different than what was on the 3 across. At night time under the light's I checked out the Artic (baby blue) and SGM (purple) . I am very pleased I went with my trusty T. Silver . Not those are bad, just not my cup o tea. I was hoping to get an answer about the much touted 12% fuel mileage , only to see the mileage is no longer on the Window Sticker :confuse: .

Being as they were parked next to the 5er, I find it now confusing how the E90 has received such rave reviews and the E60 has taken a beating. To my eyes, there is very little difference in styling at least where major lines are concerned. Fortunately for me I like both (being a minority) It seems.

Regards,
DL

chatkat

Apparently for So Cal dealers they will lose their allocation if they are caught with people test driving before 3 across America event here.

There were two in the showroom and they were open. The car is quite beautiful. They had a black 325 with only steptronic on it and a big sold sign and they have a 330 with Sport and Premium in Titanium Silver. I like the console better than my 2000 328i; The wood is beautiful. The cup holders are awful. I use them all the time since I usually have a bottle of water with me and the ones in the dash are cheap plastic that seems too fragile to me.

The trunk is bigger, but the tool kit is gone and so is the compartment where the CD changer went. Don't know where the 6 cd changer is installed on the new 3 - anyone know? I hope I can move the one I already have to the new one when it comes in. The sparkling graphite is a magnificent color..

They are ordering me a car the way I want it - fully loaded for July. My neighboring dealer is beating the price I got from two other dealers and posted earlier, but, they will not do it for anyone else. I (my hubby)already bought a 7 last month and I referred two other purchasers there this month too one of them bought the 645ci at sticker plus so they already made their money from me.

dewey

"Don't know where the 6 cd changer is installed on the new 3 - anyone know?"

The 6 cd changer is an accessory that is mounted in the trunk just like the e46.

nab2

I stopped by to look at the same car here in the midwest, same MSRP (auto/ZPP/PDC, MSRP $35,995). They offered me $650 off (not good enough!) but I didn't negotiate it down at all, I will save that for next weekend when I test drive and am ready to buy...but if you're getting $1500 off it makes me hopeful.

As for RWD I asked the same question, and was reassured and given a copy of an article that basically says that this ain't my daddy's RWD car and it wouldn't be any worse than FWD. I did want AWD going in there and I even looked at the X3 (because I can't wait until the 325xi comes out), but I'm now more or less convinced that AWD isn't a 'must have'.

I am wondering if this dealer will go down to $34,500 or less...does anyone know how much of a better deal you can get if you pay cash? Or am I misinformed about dealers preferring cash?

rad211

Interesting comment, I am in Southern CA and test drove both the 325 and 330i on Friday and Saturday. I also ordered a 330i, the way I wanted it and it will be here the end of May. I drove the 330i and then the new Lexus GS300, no comparison, while the Lexus is quieter, the 330i had much better steering, brakes, handling and acceleration , it made my decision pretty easy. Maybe I'll own a Lexus when I turn 65.......

bartalk3

The EPA mileage of the 330i, auto, is 21/29.

kyfdx

Interestingly enough... it is exactly the same for the new 325i auto, as well..

dl7265

Thanks guys. Interestingly enough my former 323i (2.5) was rated at 19/28.So no change. However with a 45hp boost I should not be complaining. Perhaps the new model is more accurate. I got 23 every tank on a 50/50 mixed cycle,and a ONE time high of 29 on a extended road trip.

On another note I was reading this issue of Roundel that talks about how was got a 3.0 instead of the 2.5, for carb reasons as you reasoned allready. Then again they said there is no 525ix or 525ixt in NA, which is not correct.

DL

kyfdx

They got part of it right.. There is no 525XiT in the USA.. The only 5-series wagon coming is the 530XiT..

buulu

A dealer 3 days ago accepted my offer for $1400 over ED invoice on the 2006. And we're planning to file the documents tomorrow Monday.

Well another dealer half a mile (and closest) from me, who earlier on appeared uninterested in my above offer called me this afternoon to make a deal on a 2005 they have in stock. I told him I'm leaning towards an ED with another dealer. Guess what he offered to do the ED for me for $1200 above ED invoice to get my business. Sweet!

I'd be going to sign the papers with them instead tomorrow. (and hopefully I don't get another call that beats this latest one. hey when dealers compete ... I like to I smile)

tksung

>
> well, i'm interesded in ED tho.... 2K off.....
>
I got mine done at $1000 over ed inv with local dealer. Email me if you want info.

tksung

> Interestingly enough... it is exactly the same for the new 325i auto, as well..
>
Not only that, it's exactly as 525i and 530i. Go figure.

weno2

Do you mean the dealer is going to do the paperwork so you can fly to GE and pick it up, or the dealer's going to sell you a 06 from their stock $1200 over the ED invoice?

indiana97

I too had considered the GS300. Did you feel there was as much room in the 330i as the GS300 and better vision looking out the windshield (GS300 line of vision for a tall guy is not good).
Did the 330i you drove have the Sport seats? Also, I really want the SP wheels (great look) but not the sport seats because of the side supports. I am 6'4 and feel that side seat (not back) supports make the SP seat too tight and push at the side of my thighs. My 2002 330i did not have SP package because of the sport seats but I bought the SP (OEM wheels/tires) on Ebay and used them in the summer. When I sat in the new 330i yesterday with SP seats I still felt the side supports push on the outside of my thighs. The dealer I talked to about ordering a 2006 330i said they could get me 330i SP wheels but "would have no use for the 330i non sport wheels/tires". I can not order SP package without the SP seats. SP wheels would be over $2000 from the dealer as dealer add on, not to mention the cost of the tires. Anyone have any thoughts.
Thanks

buulu

>>"...Do you mean the dealer is going to do the paperwork so you can fly to GE and pick it up..."

Yes!.

adamwod

How did you mange to do that? I thought there is no ED option in Canada?

newcarman

Yes Bartalk. According to the saleslady and from what she showed me, there is supposedly no more oil dipstick under the hood for the 06's. To check the oil level you have to turn the switch on the left side of the steering wheel where usually the head light on off use to be and now where the cruise control switch is also. When you turn the switch to the right position a graph will appear on the dashboard like some sort of line with a F mark on the right and E mark on the left.

Thats the deal with the new 06.

bmwccc

Indiana97

You and I are in the exact same situation, I also want the sport pkg but not the sport seat. I find the sport seats uncomfortable and actually might prevent me from purchasing the car at all. My ideal situation would be to have the sport pkg and swap out for the regular premium leather seats with lumbar. Those seats feel great.

My dealer wasn't even sure if he could get me the 162 sport rims. I am sure i could but what about the sport steering wheel and the sport suspension?

Anyway, let me know if you find out any info.