BMW 3-Series 2006

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Comments

  • planomlplanoml Member Posts: 244
    Let's just agree to disagree and move on
  • njmarcynjmarcy Member Posts: 16
    Thank you for the info. So the AWD's and new colors are in sync. Great!
  • planomlplanoml Member Posts: 244
    I have a 10-year old E36 with ette that still looks like new. I will be picking up my E90 next week, and that has ette. Aside from the cost, I have other reasons for not ordering the leather. My experience has been that leatherette is tough, and holds up a bit better, but is also a little less comfortable.

    Don't get something just because the dealer doesn't happen to have it right there and then. Shop around, sit in both both types and decide for yourself.
  • njmarcynjmarcy Member Posts: 16
    Trade assist is bmw pays up to 12% to dealer to help offset the cost of returning a vehicle that is basically a lemon and gets you into a new vehicle.

    have been all over the net, and this is all I was able to find......my question is, would this hold true with owning an 05 and purchasing an 06? Does anyone have a better definition of this?

    tx ...once again for all your assistance.!
  • cicerocicero Member Posts: 51
    I agree. Time to move on. I am still curious as to which country Nab was referring when s/he stated that there are prohibitions in place for women wearing seat belts? And I was also wondering whether the refusal to belt up applies to air travel as well? Just curious.
  • bmwfrevrbmwfrevr Member Posts: 27
    Hello,
    well after a frustrating pick up of the first E90 sold from a dealership (you know the normal tricks played on you when you do not have the price negotiated 2 days ago on paper and the surprises you get at pick up time).
    I really love my jet blk 325i with manual 6sp., sport pkg,xenon,power seats and I would like to thank everybody from this forum who said "you got to get the sport pkg. on any BMW" and I will add especially the 3 series it is not as rough as I thought it would be but on the other hand firm and nimple when manuvering kudos to BMW.
    the beige letherette looks awsome I will challenge 90% of normal population to notice the difference vs leather, the dark wood looks a little too dark I wish I had seen the lighter wood before ordering I think I would have changed my mind.
    standard stereo system is amazingly powerful almost as good as H/K on my previous E46 although I am still frustrated from changing from function to function it is a little more complicated but I like the idea of having the trip computer info being displayed on the stereo system screen or the odometer screen.
    the car cabin is definetely quieter than E46 especially engine sound "I do not know if this is good or bad"
    braking, well not as resposive as my previous 330i well I have 325i E90 now!
    these are just some first impressions after driving it for 2 days.

    p.s. I ended up selling my 330i with 39K for $20.5 thanks for the people who encouraged me not to trade it in but selling it private and I did in 2 days.

    regards,
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Hmm , interesting, My E90 Ive been driving since monday has no said "play" . Its just as firm as my pre 2001 the model with the steering dibockle. Are you sure that car did not have the active steering option ?

    On the 'ette issue. I was hesitant to get a black interior in TX ,much less the 'ette. But after seeing how it looked brand new in a friends 11 year old E36, I decided to take a chance. It has been in the mid 80's here this week and I can report the New "ette is very comfortable. Im glad i spent the $1450.00 somewhere else..

    Regards,
    DL
  • bmwfan2bmwfan2 Member Posts: 13
    Thanks for the info. That would help me to decide on the ette which doesn't have the leather smell (a plus).
    May I ask you how much discount did you get? as well for others who already ordered the car? that would help me get an idea to negociate. I live in So CAL.

    Thanks.
  • planomlplanoml Member Posts: 244
    One other point on the interior-my dark green E36 has the beige, and the Graphite E90 is black. I've heard that marks show up more on the beige, but I keep my cars clean so that hasn't been much of a problem. The choice was based more on the combo of the exterior with the interior.

    The general agreement on this board is a base price of about $1,500 over invoice. This is more easy with European Delivery than a regular purchase. So CAL should not be any different than the rest of the country. Best of luck.
  • arizonajoearizonajoe Member Posts: 123
    I drove a 2006 330i, liked the key, didn't notice the seatbelt chime. Enjoyed the drive, although this vehicle lacked the Sport Package. Couldn't find a manual either.

    Not wearing seatbelts is probably the most wildly irrational behaviors I've ever encountered. There is almost no context in which it would be rational to do so (and short trips is not one of them).

    Laws forcing people to wear seatbelts are among the most irrational abuses of government power I've ever encountered. I have to disagree with Shipo. Driving is not a privilege. Driving is a right, or should be, as all peaceful activity, by default, should be.

    Don't make the common mistake of taking your own pet peeves and automatically seeking to legislate them.

    I sure wish BMW would make manual transmissions again.
  • mbojilovmbojilov Member Posts: 7
    No, the car did not have the active steering on it (that was my first guess too, but I double checked it afterwards).
  • is3ooguyis3ooguy Member Posts: 68
    Question for you people....
    Just test drove the new 330i at my local BMW dealership. They only had an auto demo although I wanted to try a manual.... Anyways, has anyone else noticed how slow it is to downshift when you floor it? I know it was going down a couple of gears but the couple of times I tried it, it seemed to take 2+ seconds to shift down and go. Is that normal?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249

    I sure wish BMW would make manual transmissions again.


    They do. I've only driven three automatic equipped bimmers in my life. :D
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    I agree with your post in it's entirety. And I also agree with Shipo on the seat belt insurance issue. Don't want to wear a seatbelt? Fine, but don't expect the insurance company to cover any medical bills accruing from those who didn't wear the seat belt.

    Sure there are fringe cases where the person who wasn't wearing the seatbelt was thrown from the car. But one hears more about the critical injuries that accrue when an unbelted occupant goes flying around in the car at highway speeds.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    "Laws forcing people to wear seatbelts are among the most irrational abuses of government power I've ever encountered."

    Hmmm, I tend to agree, however, it is the government that approves (or revokes) your driving privilege, and therefore they should be the primary entity for setting the "Rules of the Road" as it were. That said, the seat belt issue is a bit of a gray area, better dealt with by the insurance companies in my opinion.

    "I have to disagree with Shipo. Driving is not a privilege. Driving is a right, or should be, as all peaceful activity, by default, should be."

    Hey, don't shoot the messenger. Driving has been a “Privilege” since way before any of us were born, and like or don't, that ain't gonna change any time soon.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    Can we drop the seat belt thing? Jus wear it or don't, its ultimately your choice.
    So, have any of you seen the new 3 out on the streets?? (And I dont mean your own) Does it look like a beast?! I wanna test drive a manual but the dealership never called back! (Im a youngen) Anyone here get a stick 325i??
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Good point the Demo Beige car looks horrible allready. Granted who knows how many have been in and out of it. But im pleased with the Black. When do you leave ? Your going to hate waiting on it after driving, to be shipped back :(

    DL
  • sunilbsunilb Member Posts: 407
    p.s. I ended up selling my 330i with 39K for $20.5


    wow... what year is that? is that the going price for an E46 these days?
  • planomlplanoml Member Posts: 244
    dl-Thanks for the input. Leaving next Thursday. If it weren't for the million other things going on in my life, I would be very excited. Everything else aside, I am looking forward to driving the car in Europe. Thanks for remining me about the inevitable wait. :(

    Tranny-Has anyone heard about the 3 getting DSG? I would prefer that over the SMG, unless it's a M.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Well unless they broker a deal with VW. Unlike the tip that was a Porsche venture the DSG is a VW product. I think you will be happy with the newer 6 speed Step tho. I noticed the difference while i was test driving the 5 for a while. It makes the entire power band a little wider so the shifts are smooth yet precise. Also the extra gearing will hopefull result in better fuel mileage as well.

    Enjoy the trip,
    DL
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Ah but the 6 speed step is still a lousy automatic. The DSG is a real manual. night and day difference. I'm totally smitten by the DSG. Exceptional tranny matched to one of the best engines I've ever had the pleasure of controlling. I so prefer the feel of that 2.0 FSI to my 330i's engine and the new e90's 330i. No comparison for me. the 2.0's like butter.
  • peakpropeakpro Member Posts: 65
    I have seen one and it is definitely not a beast.

    IMO it looks like many other cars now out there. Nothing flashy.
  • planomlplanoml Member Posts: 244
    I've heard a lot of great things about the DSG. I swear I heard that BMW was working on something similar-one can only hope.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I've heard the same thing. The problem is that I cannot remember where or what the particulars were. :-/

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • planomlplanoml Member Posts: 244
    we're getting old too fast.....memory is the second thing to go with age..... :)
  • planbplanb Member Posts: 16
    Thoughts on the value of an extended warranty?

    Am buying (not leasing) my new 330i, which arrives early next week. The extended warranty can apparently be transfered, which could be valuable for resale, though not if it's traded in when I buy the next car. I won't be putting very much mileage on the car (probably less than 10K/yr) I also understand that I can buy the extended warranty at any time during the intial warranty, though the prices go up each year. Should I wait?
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,541
    Congrats on your new e90. Glad to hear you're happy with the 6spd stick/SP combo. Can you post pics of your car? What made you go with the 325i this time around instead of a 330i?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    So you going with an A3 ? It is a sweet combo. I can't say that id prefer it over my powertrain tho. I myself don't use the step mode. Its gimmicky, but to satisfy other drivers the Step , like life is a compromise

    DL
  • xkssxkss Member Posts: 722
    It just didn't say "drive me." It looked too similar to the revised 7 series parked right by it.
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I don't quite get what you mean. Step is an automatic - torque converter. DSG is a manual. The shifts occur in a flash. the car actually shifts into neutral as yu come to stop. weird feeling. And I love the feel of vw turbo. instant power and seemingly more than any 3 series i've ever owned or driven.

    I won't go for the a3 though. too heavy, too sloppy in corners. i'm anxious to try the next gti - less than 3k lbs, 2.0, dsg, msrp under 25. straight speed wil be comparable to my 330i but it'll have far more get up and go than my car has ever had(unless I'm in 3rd at 7 mph). heck, the a3 pulls with authority. plus, i won't feel bad putting 30k miles a year on a car that price. that'd make it easier to justify a used miata too. :D

    Last week I swore by manuals. After driving a dsg, I can't say I'm convince any more. one review of dsg actually knocked it for being too good. weird world.
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    i just went with an Infiniti instead of the new 3...! BMWs got some real competition. Well ill get a BMW when im older, like 22 or 23, ill get a 5 Series then, BALLER_ haha good luck with your cars fellas_
  • sedmundsedmund Member Posts: 93
    blueguy,

    Have you driven the BMW's SMG? If so, did you like it? Is the DSG significantly better than the SMG in your opinion?

    Thanks
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    Why would you sell your RWD 330i for the FWD GTI? The benefits of rwd are quite obvious, especially if you do not live in Canada!
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    Because B.G. likes torque steer :P
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    As I am patiently awaiting the intro of the new e90 touring, there appears to be a lack of compelling wagon options from BMW other than the 325 touring in the near future:

    1 series touring---I read repeatedly that a wagon version will not exist in North America.

    5 series touring--Too big, too costly and prefer the styling of the 3 series.

    Upcoming V5 and X6---based on the pictures, these vehicles look like minivans. BMW is trying to avoid the minivan label by keeping maximum passenger capacity to 5 people for both vehicles. I guess these cars are catered to supersized passenger volume? These vehicles dont excite me at all.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "Well ill get a BMW when im older, like 22 or 23, ill get a 5 Series"

    Likewise, I hope to get a BMW 5 Series when I am older! I will have to wait until I am 50- something. That is when my two children will be teenagers and they will be old enough and wealthy enough to buy my wife and I a pair of "His" and "Her" 5 series! Preferably a pair of 7 series :P
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    It is really the carpeting that's the problem since the seats can be easily wiped clean.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,343
    Yes. I would have gotten the beige leatherette *if* the carpet were black. I think the two-tone look would be fine, but they don't offer it that way. I went with black instead. Shows lots of dust, but it won't show dirt or scuffmarks as badly.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,343
    I assume you are talking about the BMW factory extended warranty. The price is quite steep. If you will not come close to exhausting the 100,000 miles in six years (two additional years of coverage), it is probably not worth it. You can always wait and see, but I don't believe the price goes up every year. The danger is that it could go up.
  • sky2sky2 Member Posts: 4
    I am driving maxima with bose system.
    Comparing to my current bose system, e90's stock will be horrible???
    If they are about to same quality, I don't mind having a stock audio.......
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    Well yeah, when im in my early to and before my mid 20's I expect to have somethin like a 5 Series. Im very ambitious, Im 19 and already have an 05 Infiniti G35 Coupe 6MT ( and no my dad didn't put a penny down, he'll help me when I need it) As for you guys, i know its not easy when you have a family, thats why I plan to stay single! haha, that and i jus dont think ill ever find the 'right' one. Anyway, the Bose System in the Maxima sounds pretty damn good (05, my dads) as for the BMW, it didnt sound bad tho' (good bass, thats what i like!) The G35's is pretty good. Jus check it out, a lot of ppl will be gettin the 3 so you'll check it out eventually................
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,343
    Am I the only one who noticed that this message got cross-posted from at least two other forums (I didn't check Toadfly)?

    The stock E46 system was nothing to write home about, but it was the last thing I thought about when I was driving one of them. I am not familiar with the Harman Kardon system that was offered in the E46. There is no premium audio package in the E90, so you might infer that the base audio system is upgraded from the old model, and it is no longer necessary for them to offer the H/K system. They may introduce such an option in the future, however.

    Audio quality is highly subjective. Your mileage may vary. But, if you must have the absolute best factory radio, you need to be looking at a Lexus with the Mark Levinson system. With a Lexus, the nice radio will be the only exciting thing about the car.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,343
    I am also young and single for the foreseeable future, but prefer four doors. The G35 is a car that looks a lot better in coupe form, however. Nice choice--enjoy it!
  • quarlesailorquarlesailor Member Posts: 2
    My 2002 325i with 52000 (Black Leatherette) that I purchased thru ED (Munich) still looks great 3 years later. Dirt scuffs are a little more difficult to clean but no wear. However my wife's 2003 Z4 has Black Leatherette and it does not look as nice. Also has the same dirt scuff problems. I will probably order another new 3 series next spring with leatherette and definitely another ED delivery!!
  • raleighraleigh Member Posts: 98
    Help! I am trying to decide between the "old" 330 CI coupe with the performance package and the new '06 sedan with the sport package. Equipped the way I would like, the coupe would be a little more expensive. I like the lines of the coupe, but may be giving up quite a bit versus the new sedan and it looks like it will be quite a while before a new E90 coupe comes out. Any thoughts? Has anyone out there driven both? :confuse:
  • jayellesevenjayelleseven Member Posts: 150
    Why thank you corvette. Yes I got a black on black one, 6 speed so i got the aluminum forged 19 inch rims and it looks stellar. I like four doors but whoever wants to ride prollie wont mind gettin in the back (the seats move automatically too) jus stay single man, haha Single Life Babeh!!
  • 307web307web Member Posts: 1,033
    There is a premium stereo available in the E90. It is called Logic 7 and people say it is excellent.
    The base system is much better than the base E46 stereo was, so most people will think it sounds pretty good and won't bother upgrading.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    No highs, no lows-it must be Bose!
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Hey torque steer is more fun than a trip to six flags.... :shades:

    DL
  • jeffhoujeffhou Member Posts: 23
    I ordered a 330i with Premium and Sport Packages. The car is in but before deciding to purchase it, I test drove the demos - one with Sport; the other without Sport. I found the Sport seats too snug...like someone putting their hands firmly on my back... I know they are intended to keep you in place...but I found them to be almost uncomfortable. I only drove it for 20 minutes. The non-Sport package felt very similar to my 2003 Premium non-Sport which I like but wanted to step up to the Sport this time for its looks and handling. I like the Sport model in every way...except the seats. Any chance the seats eventually break-in to fit the driver? I am not that fat...5'9 and 190 pounds. I could stand to shed a few pounds but can't see how that would help all that much. Anyone else have any similar concerns about the seats? or their weight?? Thanks!!
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