BMW 3-Series 2006

hpowders

Why in heaven's name BMW couldn't have the keyless comfort access in place with the first 3 series cars to come off the boat, I'll never know.
I tested a 330i demo last week and the stupid key fob had to be inserted in a slot.
The keyless comfort access should be available on September deliveries but I wouldn't be surprised if they screw that up too.
I wouldn't get the car without the keyless comfort access even if I had to wait.

dl7265

The asa which i know nothing about ,look pretty simular to the 545i Sport wheels. I think they would look decent on the E90.

So, the 8width will accomidate 225/40 or 235/40 ? I though usually you would + size and that would drop your side wall from say the 40 to 35? Im so lost. :confuse:

Btw, even though they are expensive I like the ala cart ordering guide that Europe gets.As someone on another thead posted trying to do dealer exchanges is a nasty business..

DL

shipo

"So, the 8" width will accomidate 225/40 or 235/40?"

Yes, both tire sizes will fit on 8" rims.

"I though usually you would + size and that would drop your side wall from say the 40 to 35? Im so lost."

As a general rule of thumb you are quite correct, however, if you look at the actual calculations, in this case, it seems to me to make more sense to "Plus Size" and keep the aspect ratio the same. Consider the following:

225/40 R18 = 25.09" diameter (330i SP Front Tire Size)
235/40 R18 = 25.40" diameter (the "Plus Size" of my choice)
235/35 R18 = 24.48" diameter (the "Plus Size" according to the "Rule")

So, the two options for "Plus Sizing" up to the 235 section width tires are either to increase the diameter 0.31" or decrease the diameter by 0.61". Given BMWs well known speedometer error, I'm thinking that I'd rather stay with the 40 aspect ratio and achieve a more accurate speedometer in the process. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

hrc

After placing the deposit, I recieved a production number to *track* the process of the manufacture of my car. I feel like I almost own it!

Anyhow, has anyone seen the video "Evolution of an Icon"? I just finished watching for the first time and the E90 looks ACE!!

Danny

dl7265

OK, clear as mud. Im with you on passing on the 35 sidewall "ouch!"

DL

drspence

Just wondering what the overall opinions were of the 325's ride quality were, with the standard suspension (no performance pkg). I've read that it is jarringly harsh. I certainly don't mind a sporty, aggressively tuned suspension, but I also don't want it to jar my teeth out. And if it is true, what must the performance tuned suspension be like?!

Also, on a trivial unrelated issue, can anyone tell me what color their '06 3 series key fob is, solid black or two toned black with silver/alum buttons? Just curious, because it's been shown both ways on BMW's site and I just wondered what they ended up with.

Thanks!

drspence

odessit

325i standard suspension –ride is all right, don’t worry about your teeth:) It’s not Vovlo of course in terms of comfort ride but it is very pleasant ride quality. But a lot depends on what you expect from the ride. I like it so far, actually like it a lot. Don’t have any regrets that I bought this vehicle.
Key fob is black with silver buttons.

kbhockey

just signed on the dotted line-
325, 6spd, SP, Heated seats, Active Steering
Grey/Black

only downside is having to wait until tuesday!

excited to finally get my first bimmer--

cheers
kbhockey

mikeg3

My wife and I bought a new 325i and are scheduled to get it on June 30. Can't wait! Acually, it's for my wife so she's the lucky one I guess. She picked the Alpine white w/ tan leather. I haven't seen the 2006 models in white other than the pics on their website. It's looks nice but I'm anxious to see what it looks like in person. The 2005 325i at the dealership looked sharp in white so I'm hoping for the same. Has anyone else picked this color? What seems to be the most popular color with the 2006? I know the dark gray (can't remember the exact name) model that we test drove looked great.

carnaught

Saw the Alpine white/ tan side-by-side with silver today at the BMW dealer. Even though silver is usually the most popular with Bimmers and Mercedes, IMHO, the white looked better....verrrry nice, clean looking. You'll like it

307web

Where did you read that the standard suspension had a jarring ride? That makes no sense since people are saying that even the sport suspension has an OK ride and the standard suspension is obviously softer.

I have not seen any articles, reviews or owner comments anywhere saying the standard suspension has any ride problems.

drspence

It was a consumer review posted on Edmunds, dated 5/11. Just go to Edmunds home page, there's a 'feature spotlight' on the new 3 series, then go to consumer reviews.

My thought was that this person just wasn't used to a Euro tuned suspension. But I wanted to get some feedback to see what others thought...

dl7265

Im sorry for your buyers remorse . In a galaxy far far away...... I once too was sucked into the fwd is better in rain, foul weather ect. ect... Basically it is cheap to build and Expensive to repair ! I quickly learned my lesson and now its proper drive only. Your going to love you new ride.

DL

kdshapiro

I went into Manhattan over the weekend to see a show. On 8th ave in the mid- forties BMW NA was there with 3 series: 330, 325xi and 325. I think all colors were silver-ish. Filled out a name and address form and got a tee-shirt. Got a chance to poke around in the 330.

They had the windows open and the stereo blaring, it had i-drive. Bottom line, I loved the interior. Very functional, clean, high quality materials. Loved the exterior except for rear, which surprised me. I like the sharper lines of the old E46 better.

All in all the car from a looks perspective gets an A+.

wildcatjon

Thanks DL. What are you driving?

dukat

How do you get into the car/start the car if the battery in the FOB dies? I know there is a little key inside for locking the glove compartment. Can that be used to open the door?

burry

Does anyone know if Comfort Access (when available) can possibly be a Dealer implemented option for the cars that have already been built ? Remote Start is an aftermarket toy so why not Comfort Access.

dl7265

2006 325i Silver/Black/Walnut. 750 wonderful miles.

DL

dl7265

Yes, you can unlock the drives door and then there is an adapter in the glove box to insert into the dash.

So, yesterday it came a flood, (typical Memorial day weekend). And i was able to evaluate a few new features, to me at least. Rain sensing wipers. I can say I was a little skeptical, I was afraid they might wipe when to dry and not wipe when not wet enough, Wrong ! perfect. From very heavy down pour to mist they worked great. The other was the brake drying feature.I went through a few area's of pretty high water ( would have preferred not to do) and braking was excellent and could not tell in any way the brakes were being lightly applied to dry the rotors. The last was the EL42 tires. Which have less then staler reviews on tirerack. The wet weather traction and stopping were just fine. All in all i am very pleased to get to sample some of the neat features of the vehicle. Just waiting to try the dynamic cruise control. Only 500 more miles til break in is over

Everyone have a safe holiday,
DL

dukat

Dip sticks are no longer included with the 3-series. How do you change the oil yourself? Is there a mode on the radio or center console display that tells what the oil level is at?

Thanks

amt7565

I drive the 330i. I also test drove the ZHP version. The ZHP had a stiffer ride. But not sure if it is due to the tuned suspension or the lower profile tires or both. Ride is definitely smoother on mine.

AMT-

corvette

Is there a mode on the radio or center console display that tells what the oil level is at?

The on-board computer or iDrive system (depending upon how the car is equipped) will provide a readout of the current oil level. I think the oil capacity is 7 quarts. Scheduled maintenance is included for 4 years or 50,000 miles.

odessit

It seem like we are in synch on mileage How are the breaks – grabby like at the beginning or smoother? Do you have a storage nets on the back of front seats on your 325i?

mike

drspence

Has anyone noticed the ambiance lighting provided for the rear seat passengers? Is it the same cool reddish glow provided by the front?

ds

drspence

Sorry, also forgot to ask about the Logic 7 system. Anyone out there have this audio system, and if so, how is it?

ds

dl7265

Actually they are better im pleased to report. It was the one thing that was concerning me. I guess they just took a little longer to break in, no pun intended. And i am net less. All i would have in there is a brochure of my car anyways..

Congrads to lil Miss Patrick for a #4 finish in the Indy,

DL

justconvinced

Speaking of remote starters, do any individual dealers offer that as an option? My friend recently bought a Honda pilot, and they did the remote start as opposed to a third-party vendor. Living in NY and having gone to school in NH, I've been in "too cold to snow" weather. :sick: Cold is a bigger issue for me than snow, and I hate sitting in a freezing car (only time I don't like touching the leather).

Also, if the only remote starter option is aftermarket, how would that affect a lease?

odessit

I’m glad the breaks are better. Mine are also much better and smoother than at the beginning but still a little bit grabby at the very end of the breaking distance. Maybe I am applying it not the way I am supposed to, I don’t know. Or maybe, like you said break in period for breaks are a bit longer than 300 miles as they say in the book. Too bad I don’t have any friend in my area with similar vehicle – it seems that I am the first one to drive off of the dealership parking lot with new 3 in my area:)

And about missing nets – I won’t let it go like that, it's a matter of principle for me. Already communicating directly with BMW of North America regarding this issue. Will post entire email thread when I have some results. Why do all of you who are without those nets are silent and don’t care about it?

mike

planoml

I've got a few (300) pics from my ED, I'd like to share with you guys. How do I post them here. Forgive my ignorance, I only know how to drive.

kyfdx

Brochures often have incorrect info, as many of them are printed even before the final product is shipped.. Info in a brochure is never going to be construed as an enforceable contract.

If every other car like yours (325i non-sport, 330i sport, etc.) is missing seat-back netting, then that is just the way that model is equipped.

In answer to your question... Most people save matters of principle for issues much bigger than seatback netting. I think the overwhelming lack of response to your question confirms that.

I have an '03 325i, and without getting up and going to the garage, I couldn't tell you whether I have netting or not.

regards,
kyfdx

div2

Give me netting, or give me death! Get with the program kyfdx- It's just not a real Bimmer without seatback netting...

corvette

I prefer seatback pockets. Netting looks cluttered if there's anything inside it. Apparently, neither is standard on a $30,000 BMW, but there are so many other neat features that make up for the lack of seatback storage that I am willing to overlook it.

dl7265

OK, someone help me out with this . tirerack shows the E90 filament as 5-120 bolt pattern and 40mm offset. So would any wheel with these specs work ? I read on another thread that the 330i Sport had a +34mm front and +37mm rear offset ? So is there a range ? I though they had to be exact?

Thanks,
DL

kyfdx

So... I checked today.. '03 325i Sport.. I have netting..

'05 525i non-sport loaner.. has pockets..

For your edification...

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx

The 330i Sport has two different width wheels, front and back.. So, they require different offsets..

If you have the same size wheels all the way around (16 X 7?), and the wheels are identical front and rear, then the offset will be the same..

Also, offset usually doesn't have to be exact.. But, it needs to be close..

regards,
kyfdx

dl7265

Ok, so do you know what the standard non staggered offset is ? And how much can you deviate ? Im looking at 17" and 18"s non staggered set up.

Thanks,
DL

Oh also I received a call from BMWNA R@D being an early customer they want my opinion on future E90 development. Is there any thing any one wants to submit? And No Net questions!

kyfdx

No, I don't know the offsets.. But, they could be different for different width wheels.. So, it isn't so much how big your wheel is (17" or 18"), but how wide your wheel is (8" or 9"). If you have 16 X 7, and want to upgrade to 17", check out the size and offset of the front wheel of the Sport package 17"... Those will work all the way around..

My guess is... the guys at tirerack.com will already know what fits...

regards,
kyfdx

shipo

If you are going to use an unstaggered setup (with the front end wheel sizes), simply use the front offset all of the way around.

FWIW, I was told by a consultant at TireRack that diameter and offset were only two of as many as twenty criteria that determined whether a wheel would fit any given car. Case in point, even though my 16" winter wheel set (for my former E39 530i) has the same diameter and offset as the 16" wheels that come on the new E60, the folks at TireRack were pretty sure that they wouldn't fit on the E60. :-/

Best Regards,
Shipo

andresh

YES IT'S IN THE CENTER CONSOLE DISPLAY...INSTRUCTIONS IN OWNER'S MANUAL.

dl7265

OK thats what i was wondering. It looks like the 17x8 and 18x8 front Sport's have a 34mm. So I think ill stick with that all the way around.

Also, when your plus size 1, the overall diameter stays the same correct ? other words, the gap in the fender.

DL

shipo

Plus sizing is an inexact science at best. Your goal should be to as closly approximate the overall diameter of the OEM rubber as is possible. On TireRack, they have a full table of available tire size specs, including the outer diameter, for each tire that they carry, that is a good place to start. Simply find the OEM size, check the diameter, and then look up the section width you want and see if any have a similar diameter.

Late occuring thought... Before ordering a set of 235 width tires for an E90, I'd check with the consultants at TireRack to make sure that the rubber will be narrow enough to stay within the wheel well AND not rub on the inner fender liner. I'm thinking that since 225 is the standard size for SP tires, 235s are probably safe, however, beyond that is iffy at best.

Best Regards,
Shipo

kyfdx

Your best bet, again.. is to stay with the stock size of the front sport package wheels.. I believe that is 225/45-17 on a 17 X 8 wheel.. This is the set-up that the E46 325i Sport package has all the way around, and should work well with your E90.

In theory, when you plus size, the overall diameter stays the same... you are correct.. There can be slight variations..

Fender gap... the fender gap will stay the same, but with a bigger wheel, smaller sidewall, it will give the illusion of being bigger.. Other than handling, this is one reason why sport package cars are lowered.. Going plus one will not show this as much as plus two...

regards,
kyfdx

potemkin

1995 318ti E36/M42 - Nets? - Check.
2005 325i ZSP - Nets? - Check.

Next.

dl7265

OK, big thanks to Dale and Walt. I finished negotiating a great deal on what you guys recommended. 225/45/17 330i wheels. My other option was 162' take off's But I decided the 255/35 was just to extreme for our roads..

if your wondering why the heck I didn't just buy a 330i Sport to start with? Well I hope to do that later via ED and save $$$$. And graduate the 325i to the lady, whos stuck in a bad lease for now :mad:

Now all i have to do is move my stock wheels/tires. Any one have a Snow forecast ?

DL

selm

Went to the dealer today (5/31) and tried to work my ED lease for Sept/Oct. I got the usual starting price of: ED MSRP + high doc fee + 825 Acq fee + bumped money factor. Any word on the new June lease programs (325i, 36 mo 10k miles per year) since I obviously did not sign that wonderful offer???

erickpl

Nothing but net!

-Paul

timoth31

Happen to be in/around DC? I got a terrific deal on my ED lease, and the sales experience has been first-rate to date. I put down earnest money for the car last week and have just confirmed a mid-July pickup date in Munich.

Tim

selm

Not in DC. I am in Southern California. Once I get the June rates I am going to do some serious comparison shopping. What did you end up ordering?

amt7565

Yah..howbout BOSE stereo instead of HK? Tell them that!!!!!

AMT-

corvette

I was being facetious, but you can never have too many storage spaces.