BMW 3-Series 2006

odessit

I truly do not think that presence or absence of sport package should make any difference – please look at the official BMW3 brochure, just take it either from bmw website of from any dealer. On the last pages where they list all the optional and standard equipment and features it is very straight indicated that storage nets ARE standard on both 325i and 330i without any regard to sport or non-sport seats.
Still waiting on the sales person to give me an answer on this one.

sedmund

That's true, when I test drove a 330i, I did notice that the brakes very unusually touchy for a BMW.

shipo

Well, I've spent the better part of the last six years driving a BMW (less time out for a badly broken right leg, couldn't work the clutch and brake and gas with just my left leg... yeah, yeah, I know, I'm such an amature), so I'm fairly used to BMW brakes. Having said that, when operating under cruise control, and when I cannot get to the cancel button with my hand, I simply tap the clutch pedal. The added benefit of that is that the brake lights don't flash, which could tip off an officer that is approaching from the rear. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

dl7265

At 455 miles (break in 300) At the last stopping point very grabby still. Ive done no hard emergency breaking to warp rotors or anything like that. I don't recall my E46 feeling that way even on break in. Then again 6 years ago perhaps I forget :confuse:

DL

hrc

Hello All,

My name is Danny. I currently drive this 1999 white Honda:



I'm in the process of trying to sell it for my new car. Funny thing, I've had a little BMW taste in this car for awhile, notice the E46 projectors?

I am about ready to buy a E90 with a 6 speed manual, Graphite Metallic, Bk Leather, SP and PWR Rear Shade.

I just wanted to say hi, and I think this is a great forum!

Danny

hpowders

I think it had about 30 miles on it. I see that the 330i inherits the annoying turn signal indicator from the 5 series where if you push it up or down once, it keeps blinking.

hpowders

Well it looks like we can kiss good bye the 3 series as we have come to know it.
Saw and drove it for the first time yesterday. Very disappointed with how the car looks.
And then the grabby brakes which you corroborate at 455 miles and gimmicky turn signal indicators.
What have they done to my car, ma?

sedmund

I actually liked that feature. It blinks for about 3 seconds after the signal indicator is let go and I thought it will be useful during lane changes.

odessit

Don’t laugh but I don’t know how exactly to use the automatic transmission in manual mode. I mean that I do understand that I need to push the lever to the left and then push it slightly up or down when I need to upshift or downshift. This is about it. Although I am originally coming from Russia where majority of vehicles have manual transmission I never had real experience driving one with manual. I guess my question is what technically happens inside the transmission (STEPTRONIC transmission) when I change from M1 to M2 and so on? At what speeds and/or RPMs is it recommended to change from one gear to another? And do I need to release my foot from the gas pedal when changing gears? Please anyone who knows exactly how to operetta STEPTRONIC in manual mode I’d appreciate your input or any suggestions on how to use this automatic transmission in manual mode.

planoml

If you're asking-how to operate it, it's very simple. + for upshifts, - for downshifts. I would not redline the car everytime, just up/down shift when you would a manual. As with most of us here, I prefer a stick, but will be stuck with a step until BMW developes something similar to a DSG. Don't worry-you'll get used to it soon.

I will leave the technical aspects of the step to the experts.

planoml

Heading off to Munich in a few hours. I'll have a pint or two for you. Catch up with you guys early next month. Wish me luck.

odessit

Thanks planoml and good luck in Munich (whatever you’ll be doing there – european girls are GREAT:))
Still need more technical info on STEPTRONIC please – never had real experience driving real manual. So I am afraid to break my steptronic in manual mode by doing something stupid. Any guidelines or rules on how exactly to use it – what speed and/or rpms must I upshift or down shift? Must I depress the acceleration pedal when shifting? Any other suggestions/rules? Please.

kyfdx

1) Even in manual mode, the transmission is still an automatic.. You can't over-rev...

2) When you move the lever to the left, you are still in fully automatic operation, but you have put the transmission into sport mode.. this will cause the transmission to shift more aggressively... Winding out farther before upshifting, and downshifting sooner during deceleration...

3) Once you have moved the lever to the left, you can manually select which gear you want to be in... but, the transmission will not let you downshift if you are going to fast for the lower gear, and will upshift automatically before you over-rev..

Basically, you can't hurt your car by using the manual shifting feature.. You can only have more fun and decrease your gas mileage.. nothing to worry about.

regards,
kyfdx

amt7565

DL-
So you have had the 2006 325i for a few weeks now. How do you like it so far? How would you compare it with the previous 325i you had? I noticed, that to learn the true abilities of a car you have to drive for 3 days or more. Just test driving once only gives you only a basic idea.....

imadrone

I'd like some advice :
Ordered a 2004 325iT and picked up in Munich in Oct. 2004. After 4,400 miles in Europe, and another 18K so far, we are ecstatic with the Sport Wagon (steel blue/gray leather, SP, H-K, 5-speed manual) and had planned to keep it another 15-20 years (our '83 320i is still beautiful and fully functional). At the time, neither the 6-speed manual nor the 3.0 liter were available, but are now standard on the 2006. We are seriously considering swapping for the newer model, assuming the rear end does not look quite as awkward on the wagon as on the sedan. Question is, given the glitches often evident on German autos during the 1st year of a new model, would you recommend waiting until the 2007 comes out? The new engine looks to be a vast improvement technically, but would hate to have the problems that the 333HP M3 had. All thoughts from everyone will be appreciated.

Many thanks,
Richard

nyccarguy

Nice car. I've got an '01 Milano Red Prelude Type SH that I'm going to figure out how to part ways with next summer for an E90 330i (MT & SP). I'll be interested to hear your thoughts on the E90's driving dynamics as compared to the Prelude (even though yours seems heavily modifdied). The E90 obviously has a distinct advantage in the power & torque department in either guise. The RWD and characteristic 50/50 weight distribution will also make it feel more balanced. I'd like to know your take on the shifter, clutch take-up, and how it feels carrying around the extra weight as compared to the Prelude.

Drop by the Prelude forum here on TH too, we'd love to hear about your car.

shipo

Personally I'm not too worried about year one glitches. My 1999 328i was a year one car (in fact it was something like a month three car, produced in late 1998), and the only two problems that I had with it were two burned out taillights, which I fixed myself for a total of about $1.00. Furthermore, I am currently planning on doing the ED thing again (Mrs. Shipo and I did it for my 530i in 2002) next spring, to pick up my second year one 3-Series.

FWIW, I saw a spy shot of the E90 Estate Wagon somewhere, and the tail end is quite pleasing.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx

You've got a nice car... and rare.. manual shift sport package wagon.. Why get in a hurry to trade? You kept the last BMW for over 20 years, and you want to trade this one in two years?

Maybe the first year E90 will be perfect.. maybe it won't... Why worry about it? It isn't like you can get a 330iT with 258hp... That might be worth trading for...

regards,
kyfdx

corvette

Or, an M3 / M5 wagon...

dewey

Why are you so excited about the 3.0l engine in the 325i. It's output is merely a replication of the 2.5l engine in Europe, if I am not mistaken (please correct me if I am wrong) ??

I myself am interested in the 325it, BUT I do not feel compelled to buy a e90 wagon . I think I will keep on driving my 99 323i until BMW wil have other versions of the wagon like a 330dT or 330iT.

A M3 Touring---dream on, dream on. Although such a vehicle goes beyond my budgeted transportation costs.

dl7265

Oh, I kiss it, but seriously other than a counter intuitive radio preset sequence , and the brakes, its all better. If they don't improve soon as Axxix has some pads available ill prob switch over, if nothing else to reduce the dust...

DL

dl7265

Ditto on my former E46.

DL

dl7265

Hey bud, Well I was very partial to my E46 Sport. Having said that an extra 45hp is hard to be fair about. Other than the 2 issues mentioned above , Its improved in every way. But your 330i Sport still has a good torque advantage... still hope in the not so distant future I could do a ED on a 330i Sport 6 speed...

How is your Sapp/Natty brown ?

DL

sachsi

That's a nasty "feature". I recently drove a rental car with this kind of turn signal lever for a few weeks over in Europe (the Opel Vectra). Tap it once and it blinks, tap it the other way and it stops ... unless you tap it too strong and it signals the other way. It was very hard to find the right amount of pressure to apply without turning the opposite side signal on; it drove me nuts, not to mention those drivers behind me.

sedmund

Why do you have to tap the other way to stop it, it stops by itself after about 3 seconds in the BMW.

chillnyc

What is the best brake pad out there to reduce dust for a 2001 5 series with SP? Thanks for your help in advance.

Regards,
chillnyc

kyfdx

dustless pads

amt7565

I really hope you are enjoying the new car then! I drove it and liked it as well, but got the 2005 330i primarily for the huge discounts and the higher Torque.

I am really loving my car. I was driving a 99 Accord and all of a sudden a majar upgrade. And finally I am getting noticed(LOL) with those admiring glances. Now I really look forward to driving everyday.

I had 4 of my friends at work test drive it and now all of then want a bimmer too.

Let's stay in touch.
AMT-

shipo

I've always enjoyed tossing my keys to friends who are self described car nuts, especially if they like to habitually talk trash about BMWs. ;-)

Two years ago I tossed the keys to my 530i to a guy who worked for one of my clients. This guy, Mike, in a previous life made his living slamming (mostly) Japanese cars to within an inch of their automotive lives, and was as much of a Japanese car, tire, component and upgrade bigot as I've ever met. When the keys hit his palm he said, "Oh no, I shouldn't."

"Why not Mike?"

"Well, it's not really fair, I mean, this will be the only BMW I've ever driven, and since it is an underpowered 530i, I'm sure it will be very disappointing."

"Ahh, knock it off and give it a spin."

Given that their offices were within a mile of some very nice two-lane twisty roads, he had ample opportunity to wring my car out a little, and when he came back he had kind of a foolish grin on his face. "I can't believe that's a bone stock 'Six' in there. God what I could do to that car with a blower and some suspension parts and some tires. And then there's the brakes... Wow. Are you sure those are the factory brakes?"

"Yes Mike," I said indulgently, "the entire car is 'bone stock' to use your words."

At the time he was driving a heavily slammed Civic, and one quick look at his car revealed why he was so impressed with the brakes on the 530i. There, inside the 18" wheels (protected from the road by what looked like black rubber bands), were the factory brakes. I swear, the rotors and drums looked like they were maybe only eight or nine inches in diameter.

Epilogue: I happened to be over to that client's office a few weeks ago, and Mike now has a late E36 328i, and while he has modified it, most of the mods are hidden (as opposed to the bespoilered and ground-effected Civic he used to drive). He has even joined the CCA and is planning on some driving lessons. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

tcn2k

You do NOT need to depress the acceleration pedal when shifting. Bad idea cause you might get a jerk. Remember, steptronic is basically still an automatic transmission....

dl7265

I spent all day Tuesday, stripping the factory wax and cons moline sp? off and laying down a nice coat of P21s. I found a couple of factory defects. On the rear trunk lid the weld on the left side is "slightly" larger than the right. On the front left fender on the hood corner theres a small defect. Not bad really im "very" particular. I have pretty good lighting in my garage but its never enough, Especially doing Silver. Its daily rewarding looking clean, but not as rewarding after a day of waxing as say a Black Sapphire might be :shades:

DL

branco327

I recently test drove both the 325 and 330. I expected the 330 to perform well and it did but I must say it's the 325 that impressed me more because I was pleasantly surprised with the acceleration from it's smaller 2.5L engine.

Overall, the best bang for the buck has to be the 325 (with the sports package only) but I must also confess I wouldn't buy either one at this point because I haven't warmed up to the overall exterior and interior looks of these cars yet. I still much prefer the look of the E46 with an M package.

I understand that the M package will not be available for another 3-4 years on these E90s. Until then, this car even with the 18" wheels just doesn't have the "wow" factor for me.

By the way, eventhough the E90 330i has had a big jump in horsepower over the E46, somehow I was not convinced it was quicker than my 330ci M with 235 hp. :confuse:

corvette

I was pleasantly surprised with the acceleration from it's smaller 2.5L engine.

Actually, both the 2006 325i and the 330i have a 3.0L engine in the United States. The 325i version is detuned and has a single-phase intake manifold as opposed to the 330's three-phase manifold.

andys120

Just do it!

Try shifting the a/t in the manual mode a couple of times and pay some attention to how the car responds and how it feels. Eventually you'll get a feeling for the mechanics of the thing and a natural feel for when to shift up or down.

Be aware that there's little benefit to exercising the Steptronic on roads that are crowded or straight and flat, it's for going up and down hills or thru curves.

Having said that straight flat roads are a good place to start getting a feel for how the car responds to the input from the tranny. Once you have the hang of it
let 'er rip on any road that looks interesting. Remember it's a BMW and it's about you being in control but you have to learn to trust the seat of your pants.

dl7265

The E90 M wheels style 195 and 196 are out. As you know the Performance pack was kind of a stop gap on the E46 with the E90 comming out to fil a HP void. Im going to check them out, but the real cost is going to be the Huge offset run flats

DL

sachsi

That's after a light tap. After a firmer tap it stays on. ... anyway, a pretty lame gimmick as far as I think but again, it may be better than the one I had in the Opel. Anybody else experiencing the same annoyance?

blueguydotcom

By the way, eventhough the E90 330i has had a big jump in horsepower over the E46, somehow I was not convinced it was quicker than my 330ci M with 235 hp.

I'm guessing you're canadian as we don't really have a decent m package in the US. my e46 has 235 (zhp package here). compared to an e90 330i...well there is no comparing for me. the e90 corners flatter, the engine pulls more strongly, the car's far more grounded and is all around better performer. to me.

as for the appearance. don't care. don't like the looks of my e46 and I'm not digging the e90 either.

hpowders

Same here. Test drove a 330i and was disappointed to find the same stupid turn signals as on the 5 series.
It seems more and more, driver control is sadly becoming a thing of the past with BMW.
They have lost sight of their mission.

dl7265

OK edit that. What i meant to say was 193 and 194 wheel's.

Also why all the hate for the turn signals ? One nudge for a 3 blink lane change whats so hard about that ? 2 weeks and 600 miles Ive not had one signal "mishap" Me thinks some people would find somehting wrong with a free M5, sigh*

DL

branco327

I'm guessing you're canadian as we don't really have a decent m package in the US. my e46 has 235 (zhp package here).......
as for the appearance. don't care. don't like the looks of my e46 and I'm not digging the e90 either.

Do you have the coupe or sedan? I find the BMW coupes some of the nicest looking cars out there and based on people's comments that I get it seems many agree. I don't care much for the looks of BMW's sedans. The new M5 and M6 is another case in point. I find the M6 much nicer looking.

That's too bad about the lack of a good M package in the States because here in Canada the M package is drop dead gorgeous with the body kit and 18" M wheels. Here's a picture of my car and look at what the M package does to the exterior of the car, not to mention all the fine upgrades to the interior too:

http://img196.echo.cx/img196/5314/004700120kw.jpg

treepusher

Free M5s? Free M5s? Send me one immediately! I *promise* not to find anything wrong with it...

blueguydotcom

Do you have the coupe or sedan? I find the BMW coupes some of the nicest looking cars out there and based on people's comments that I get it seems many agree. I don't care much for the looks of BMW's sedans. The new M5 and M6 is another case in point. I find the M6 much nicer looking.

I prefer the looks of the sedan, as coupes i find even more bland and impractical. Plus the coupes have lower torisional rigidity, thus their handling isn't as sharp. FWIW, the 5 series, to my eyes, is the only sexy looking car in BMW's stable. The 6 reminds me of a Camry Solara. Hard for me to tell them apart.

That's too bad about the lack of a good M package in the States because here in Canada the M package is drop dead gorgeous with the body kit and 18" M wheels.

M package is what the ZHP is here. ZHP - m bumper, side sills, alcantara interior, 18 inch rims (up to this point, silly, worthless visual details), revised headers, new ecu, new muffler, different cams, different differential, short throw six speed, top end of 149, lowered, different springs/suspension. 235 hp.

We have the same bits on our cars - M/ZHP. The m package/ZHP car's decent but can't hold a candle to what the e90 sport package can do. An e90, properly driven, will eat a ZHP/M package car for lunch.

hpowders

There's nothing hard about it. That's not the point. BMW shouldn't mess with things that have stood the test of time. idrive, idiotic turn signals, active steering, grotesque styling. When will it end?
Change for the sake of change is just plain stupid.

branco327

The M6 looks like a "Solara" and the 5 is the "sexiest" BMW????

Hmmmm....to each their own I guess. For me the 5 is the ugliest Bimmer and the M6 is by far the sharpest looking one!

branco327

I was under the impression the 325 was a 2.5L but it actually is a 3.0 also here in Canada. :surprise:

corvette

Kind of tricky, but they've done it before (not making the xx in 3xx correspond to the displacement).

potemkin

In this business, sitting still equals going backwards.

webby1

"Change for the sake of change is just plain stupid"

Keep fixing it until it is broken !
Regards,
Webby

dl7265

Nice car. Silver Grey ?

DL

m4d_cow

assuming the new 3er wont have too many bugs to deal with, i might consider one, im curious about the prices though, as this is a brand new model.

i read some posts saying they ordered their new 3er for only around $1000 over invoice, is this true? to be honest it just doesnt make sense to me. any comments appreciated, thanks