BMW 3-Series 2006

blueguydotcom

Polarized sunglasses aren't rare and certainly among the BMW type driver you'd expect a large group would have such sunglasses. Shrug, weird oversight.

nab2

I really don't understand...is it that one inch from 17 to 16 that turns a car from amazing to hideous-looking? My dealer didn't have a non-sport, but I've seen pics and I don't think it's such a big deal. 17s look better, yes, but not THAT much better.

Is your preference for the feel of driving w/ sport package influencing how you see the car when it's parked?

Is there anyone else out there that thinks the standard 325 looks fine? From the comments so far it doesn't look like there will be many.

kyfdx

No matter what they do with an LCD display, it will "disappear" at some angle with polarized glasses..

The polarization lines in the glasses are horizontal.. The LCD display is at a 45 degree angle to these lines... if you tilt your head one way, the LCD display should disappear completely, the other way, it should be crystal clear... It even works that way in my Honda..

I get the feeling that if they made the lines horizontal or vertical, then depending on your sunglasses, the display would either be perfect or non-existent.. I'm not sure how else they can do it.. Or, what would make the BMW any worse than any other car..

regards,
kyfdx

wstevec

I saw them (standard 325 wheels) in person yesterday, they looking fine to me. Its not like they are K-Mart wheel covers like some people say. Besides, once you have the car for a few days, you rarely even notice the wheels, at least I don't. Good Luck.

mark20

I had my ignition coils go out yesterday also (2003 325i 40k). I sat in a black 325i. The interior was better than expected. I thought it looked modern especially the new gauges. The exterior in black looks really good. The std. wheels look blah.

jayelleseven

Because, the rims and tires of a car are like shoes. You dont wear a nice Armani suit with busted up shoes or sandals! Replacing the wheels or having nice ones 2 begin with makes a big difference. The 325's jus look BAD, too small and makes the car look smaller. Its not like you need shiny, expensive rims but why do you think so many people are putting chrome rims on SUV's and trucks now? Sure its common but for the few that get just the right look, it looks fabulous! Come, you gotta be rollin on somethin fly_ haha

dewey

"BMW type driver you'd expect a large group would have such sunglasses."

Only in California!!! Up here in Toronto they wear accountant's spectacles! :shades:

shipo

"Because, the rims and tires of a car are like shoes. You dont wear a nice Armani suit with busted up shoes or sandals!"

Hehe, I don't know about that. A friend of mine got married in a formal black tux with tails, however, he also wore red Converse High-Top Basketball shoes with it. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

corvette

***325's jus look BAD,***

I was thinking about getting a set of stock 16" wheels for winter tires, but I think they would near six months of use here in Kentucky if we continue to have weather like we have in the past year.

I haven't really visited this topic, but I have a 2006 325i with sport and cold packages on order.

On the other subjects of criticism:

Starship Enterprise Start button - it is kind of goofy, especially if you have to depress both the brake and clutch to get it going. I think a real key would be more appropriate for the models without Comfort Access. I think I'll get used to it. The thing I worry about is, how hard is it to shut down the car when it's in motion? And, this system almost certainly means that the steering wheel column lock is electronic. GM had a *ton* of problems with this on the Corvette (natch), some of them resulting in the electronic lock activating while the car was being driven. Most C5 owners who know about it have removed the locking mechanism. Really scary for a car with a top speed of 149 mph (in the case of the 3-series)...

Lack of coolant gauge - the only thing I use my coolant gauge for is to let me know when I can turn on the heat blower without blasting myself with cold air. Modern coolant gauges are nearly worthless because they are calibrated so that they stay centered over a very wide range of temperatures. A lot of the "overheating car" stories I hear involve the sudden loss of coolant, so a gauge would do no good. If it's slowly overheating, the car will give you plenty of warning. And, I know that after a mile or so, the car is sufficiently warmed up to drive it hard--if I for some reason need to drive it hard before then, I don't fret about it given the technology of modern, multiweight, synthetic engine oils. And the climate control is automatic, so my sole use of the gauge is no longer relevant.

Lack of dipstick - I really like this. Not only a low oil level warning, but an oil level readout, without getting my hands dirty. No more worrying about whether the dealer overfilled (or, less frequently, underfilled) the oil. If I'm curious, I can check it, without opening the hood. You can't tell much from the oil's color on the dipstick, anyway. I hope the sensor responsible for this measurement doesn't fail (and if it does, I hope it has a fail-safe mode to alert you of the problem)!

Active steering - I didn't order it. I might like it, but I might hate it...

Rear turn signals - if they are indeed red on the US model, shame on BMW! Of course, many drivers here refuse to understand the operation and use of turn signals, so I guess BMW collectively threw their hands in the air and gave up... The new Mini Convertible has red ones as well.

dl7265

Hmm well heres a link to all the wheels. http://zoouz.free.fr/wheels.htm

For my money the New 156 is a Huge improvement over the old 45's. Also the original E46 did come with "hubcaps". Then again im not into 26" wheels on an escalade , your complainers probably do....

DL

planoml

They look just fine. I will be picking up my 325i with the 16" wheels, in about two weeks. The 18" wheels look great, but I am happy with the 16s for now. I would like to drive it for a bit, before making up my mind on the whole run-flat thing. I might get a set of OEMs. I'm also waiting to see what the new M3 turns out to be like, as I may be in the market for one in '07. Judgeing from the way things are going, there will probably be a 30" wheel as an option:)

dl7265

Enjoy your trip. Also the New 156 look very similar to my original Sport 54 wheels. They could be a pita to clean tho, I should have switched pads out and saved myself some grief...

kyfdx

Anyone know if the wheel offsets are the same for the E46 and E90? If the wheels are interchangeable, there will be a big selection of used factory OEM wheels that you could buy for your winter wheels.. Those look a lot better than the aftermarket, IMO..

regards,
kyfdx

derfo

I had the same thought, since I have a 325i, on order for my wife. Will have it by late June. I'm going to buy 4 wheels, put Snow's on them for this winter.
Fred

corvette

Even if they're not the same, I predict OEM 16-17" E90 wheels will be available on eBay shortly. The last time I checked, a few days ago, Tire Rack did not show any fitments for the E90, nor did they show the OEM tires (although they had the tire sizes). I also do not like a lot of the aftermarket wheels, although some of the simple 5/6/7 spoke wheels look "close" to something that would be an OEM wheel--I think some people even put BMW center caps on them. Would be really easy to order a convincing fake from Tire Rack with the snow shoes already mounted and balanced. They used to sell OEM take-off wheels from popular cars, but I don't think they do anymore.

There is someone down in the Carolinas selling his factory 325i SP wheels and tires, and it would be easy for me to pick them up when I get my car, but then I would have an extra set of summer tires to store. I'm not sure what the wisdom on snow tires is--is a staggered fitment preferable, or should I try to keep them the same width front and rear?

div2

I live in the Louisville area so I have a set of winter tires mounted on dedicated rims for my wife's E39 boat. I swap the winter set on no earlier than December and I usually refit the summer rubber on no later than mid-March.

kyfdx

You can do the same thing with the E90 that you can do with the E46..

If you have the E90 325i sport package, you have staggered 17" wheels... You can get a set of stock E90 330i wheels (17 X 8, all around), and get winter tires for those...

That gives you a nice aggressive look all year round (225/45-17 on the snows), and you don't have to downgrade to 16" wheels for the 4 months of winter driving..

Granted.. you give up a little traction over the 205/55-16 size, but not a lot..

But, if the E46 wheels fit, you have a plethora of 17 X 8 choices from any of the E46 325i sport packages from the last 4 years...

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

I usually go from Thanksgiving to April 1st... or something close.. Sometimes it depends on if I have a day off... same general geographic area..

shipo

Geez, you southern Gents get on it early. Two of the three winters that I used the winter tires here in Southern New Hampshire saw me mounting them mid to late December, even though we had our first snow in October (such as it was). My "off" date was apparently early as well, seeing the summer rubber making it's return as early as mid March during those same two years. The third winter, I ran them from October to May. Go figure. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

planoml

dl-thanks. Probably right about the cleaning part. Any ideas on dust covers or wax treatments for the wheels?

Kyfdx-you could be on to something. If the E46 fit, that would be the best.

shipo

Dust Covers = Hot Brakes = High Brake Fade = Warped Rotors (maybe) :P
Wheel Wax = Dirty Hard To Clean Wheels (Been there, done that, got the Tee-Shirt) :P

If you want clean wheels, then from my perspective at least, get some clean pads. The folks at PBR/Axxis told me that they will be tooling up for the E90 brakes this summer with initial shipments taking place sometime this fall. That means that they should hit our shores late this year/early next year.

I put these pads on my 530i, and they worked so damned well that I'm actually thinking of taking a set with me to Munich next April, and putting them on in the parking lot of the ED Center. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

Hmmm, now that my aforementioned 530i has apparently been resold, I'm wondering what the new owner will do when it comes time for new brakes. He or she will probably not think twice about how nice and clean those beautiful 2-Piece Type 42 stay under normal driving conditions, so, assuming that they take it to the dealership for new brakes, they're going to get OEM pads put on as replacements.

I can see it now; two weeks after the brake job the new owner will bring their precious 530i back to the dealership and say, "There is something wrong with the brakes that you put on my car."

Dealership: "Why do you say that?"

"Because before you folks worked on it, my wheels stayed perfectly clean, and NOW look at them. They're a mess, covered in nasty black dust that doesn't come off very easily."

"I'm sorry madam/sir, they all do that, it's just the nature of the beast."

"But it didn't do it before you replaced the brakes!"

"I'm sorry; there is nothing more we can do."

Then that very irate owner is going to find the 5-Series discussion here at Edmunds and rail against the crooked dealers and the way they screw up our cars. Hmmm, maybe I should have put the old pads back on before I turned the car in. Nah! Where's the fun in that? ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

designman

You could be underestimating the buyer. Perhaps he skulks around here, already knows it was owned by the Shipster and bought it because of this.

;-)

corvette

It would be cool if the E46 wheels fit, I love these wheels (on the E46's I've seen them on), but they'd be a bear to get the brake dust off of. They appear to be 17 x 7's, and not 17 x 8's, however.

tdiddy

for anyone tall out there who has sat in the new 3 series how is the front headroom?? Specs say its increased but it really depends on sight lines and actually sitting in it.

corvette

Offset is 40mm on the Hartge wheels (except one or two that are 46), can't find the bolt pattern yet.

jayelleseven

Its not bad, at all. However, I am only about 5 '10. I didnt adjust the seats to my liking, jus went on a quick test drive. Jus remeber, its a 3, not a 5 or the ballin' 7. I might end up with a G35 Coupe, either way, small cars that are NICE_

Headroom's the LAst you'll need to worry about driving these kinda cars, know I mean? haha

jayelleseven

he also wore red Converse High-Top Basketball shoes with it.

Haha, if he was wearin jordan's then Id say hell yeah. The Converse are pretty tight tho'

In any way, gettin fly shoes is that finishing touch, if you get it right_

tdiddy

I'm 6'10", so headroom is really important, it actually comes down to sightlines more then specs, I can't drive the G35 sedan (let alone the coupe) cuz the windsheid is too slanted. The old 3 series is better then G35 cuz its less aerodynamic, if it had another inch it would definetly be do able.

I really want a car in this market so I'm hoping for this one, the bigger bimmers are out of my price range, I feel too young (21) for a family sedan, and I really don't want to go the SUV route.

shipo

Michael Jordan was not yet a household name (he was still in college) back when this wedding took place. Nevertheless, the red high-tops were very cool looking what with the wedding taking place on a roof-top in Manhattan.

Best Regards,
Shipo

corvette

On Tire Rack, fitment info is now available...
If I select a 2006 BMW 325i, I get 17 x 7.5, 17 x 8, and 17 x 8.5 wheels with 38 or 40 mm offsets and 5 x 120 bolt patterns.

If I select a 2005 BMW 325i, I get a similar assortment of 17" wheels with the same offset and bolt pattern.

Don't take my word for it, check with someone who's actually tried it--preferably someone who has an E46 and then purchases an E90 to go along with it...

shipo

Headroom is a relative thing, even on the 3-Series. My 1999 328i "Officially" had 1.4" more headroom than the 2005 E46s and 1.0" more headroom than the 2006 E90s. However, under further examination it turns out that that isn't really correct. Why? In 1999, the moonroof was an option, as such the official measurement was done in a car sans moonroof. Since I ordered my car with the roof, it had the same actual headroom as the 2005, which is 0.4" shy of what the new E90s sport.

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

I talked with a rep at TireRack about this very issue a few weeks ago regarding the winter wheels that I have for an E39 5-Series. Apparently the offset and bolt pattern is identical between the E60 and the E39 and I was wondering if I could sell them to an E60 owner. Unfortunately the rep told me that those were just 2 of some 30 criteria that determines wheel applicability and that my wheels were not approved for the newer 5er. What are some of the others? Hmmm, other than caliper clearance, I cannot think of any offhand. Anybody?

Best Regards,
Shipo

dl7265

Had a guy at a Audi/VW center tell me he sold a local basketball player about your height a Beetle seems it has the best headroom around even including a A8 the guy came to look at. Go figure.

I called tirerack this after noon to get the scope on the Run flats.

the Turanza EL42 16's are $168.00 each
the RE050 18's front are $245.00 each
the RE050 18's rear are $311.00 each (ouch)

Thats mail order prices not including shipping. Store prices slightly higher....

DL

corvette

I thought offset determined caliper clearance? I know just enough to be dangerous...

paule

I bought a set of knock offs off of Ebay for my wife's '05 xi and I am completely satisfied with them.
Here's the link: Style 68M wheels

$653 for a set of 4 including shipping. The wheels look exact right down to the OEM center caps that are included.
I would definitely consider it for an option considering how much you can save.

shipo

Offset only determines caliper clearance between the inside of the dish of the wheel (the vertical component) and the outside side of the calipers. Having said that, not all wheels of a given diameter (ie. 16, 17 or 18) have the same inner diameter, hence a second criteria for caliper clearance.

Wait a minute, as you were. Thinking as I type...

Nope, I don't believe that offset has anything to do with caliper clearance at all. Offset, if I'm not mistaken, is a measurement that determines where the tire (or probably more accurately, the wheel rim flanges) sit(s) in relation to the wheel hub. Too large of an offset and the rubber protrudes beyond the wheel well. That means that even if the offset is correct, the inner vertical surface of the wheel dish may still not clear the caliper.

Best Regards,
Shipo

shipo

Pursuant to our recent thread on acronyms, our favorite has just been used again:

paule, "BMW 3-Series Sedans" #28415, 3 May 2005 9:54 pm

Best Regards,
Shipo

skimo

Hey !

I checked out the 06 325i. In short - I liked everything but the wheels (no sport package). I would pay the extra to get a sport package (and bigger wheels) but then I would have to special order. Unfortunately I do not have the luxury of time.

The question I have is, how hard is it to upgrae to 18" later for a non-sport 325i? I read from forums that I would need to lower the car to acheive the "good looks of an 18"). Would it just cost me too much? (buying wheels seperately and lowering car) I do not know too much about this. :confuse:

What are options as far as getting the 18" from the dealer? Would they still give me the orginal 16" ( in a big paper bag hehe) and add the 18's ? How does it work?

Thanks guys!
Skimo

corvette

shipo - Thanks for the cautionary advice...

skimo,
The sport package includes a sport suspension which lowers the ride height by a small amount (an amount that many people would not notice), larger wheels and tires, and sport seats. So, you would be getting more for your money than just the larger wheels (17" on the 325i). Buying a new set of wheels and tires for your car and lowering the suspension would probably cost more than just buying the sport package from the factory. If you only want the wheel and tire upgrade, expect to pay $800-900 for 18" runflat summer tires alone, plus shipping, based on the quote above. Wheels would be extra. If you are paying the accessory price for the wheels, you would keep the original 16" wheels and tires, which you could then sell yourself. Many dealers may "forget" to offer you the original wheels unless you ask, however, and they may offer a discount if you do not wish to keep them. Good luck with your purchase.

skimo

Thanks Corvette. Actually just after posting, I checked the accessory price on the bmwusa website for the 18"....WOW $3550 for wheels only? While the 17" are at 1400.... did not expect them to be that much. Obviously, a sport package (although just 17"...not 18 ) makes more sense. But I need a car within a month. I wish I could find dealer with Manual & Sports 06 in texas area. Now I am stuck with non-sports ( but its manual yahoo! )

Would you recommend after market OEMs ? Anywhere I could start looking?

Thanks
Skimo

chance6

I usually go November through mid-March with my Bridgestone Blizzaks on my 2000 M Roadster. Some call it suicide, I call it fun! But this may be my last year with the little beast...I finally went and checked out a new 330i in person. I like the silver with the Sport Package. Very nice interior, much improved. And of course, 255 hp is where it needs to be.

It's either that, a new S4, a Z4 3.0, or a Cayenne S.

dl7265

There are some Dealers in Cali that comes to mind that offer pretty decent discounts on wheel and other items. As I recall in the 2 xx something each range for wheels. Then as mentioned if your going with run flats I think you looking at about $1600, the cost of the entire Sports package I just realized. Unless your dealer would give you a good "trade in" on your new unused factory delivered wheels/tires.

Good luck,
DL

corvette

Z4, 330i, Cayenne S....

Dude, you are all over the board!

bartalk3

On the window sticker of the '06 3s is something called, I think, BMW Assist. What is that?

buulu

Someone alluded to a 1000 over ed invoice on this thread

I just finished ordering mine (1200 over ed invoice):

2006 325i
Titanium Silver Metallic
Black leatherette
Heated seats
Burl Walnut trim
Logic 7 sound system
Power seats with driver memory

I can't wait to lay hands on this babe in munich

jayelleseven

I want to say that its like On Star, yet better. Jus check out the 3's flash site on bmwusa.com One of the sections has a subsection where the briefly describe BMW Assist. Thing is, I think you need 2 get iDrive if you want it (since its displayed on the nav system console screen) Think of what the ladiez will say tho'... BALLER, haha

chillnyc

You do not have get the navigation system in order to get "BMW Assist". It is included in the premium package and just like On Star you pay a yearly subscription after the first year which is free.

Regards,
chillnyc

erickpl

Those wheels you linked to on eBay are the same wheels I have on my 325xi. Great wheels and actually fairly easy to clean with the right brush. They are 17x7.

-Paul

planoml

You can also get Assist as a stand alone option. The coolest feature is the bluetooth.