BMW 3-Series 2006

odessit

Here is the response from bmw of north America regarding the iPod integration with the 06 3 series:

".....Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding your 2006 BMW 325i. We hope your BMW is serving you well.

I am sorry, the site you are referring to has not been updated and the wording is vague. The website indicates that the iPod is only available for 2002 and newer model year 3 Series, X3, X5, and Z4s. They are referring to the previous, or "old" E46 version of the 3 Series. Your vehicle is the "new" version or E90 3 Series. The wiring in the E90 3 Series is the same as the 5,6, and 7 Series vehicles and the complexity of these models does not allow for iPod integration availability at this time. I apologize that the information on the website is misleading.
 
At this time, we have no information to suggest this might change; however, we are always looking to make our products more exciting. We urge you to keep in contact with your local BMW center and our website at www.bmwusa.com for the latest product updates.
 
Regarding your questions on the key and vehicle memory features. At this time we do not expect the software update, which will allow for these features, to be available before September of this year. I hope this information is helpful.

Thank you for choosing BMW. If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time.
 
Sincerely,...."

dhanley

"I wish I drove bmw in my 20."

I bought mine when i was 27.

The thing was, it was CPO'd and not THAT expensive, but people really acted as if i'd "done something." But no one would have made a peep if i'd bought an equally-priced, for instance, camry.

Now that i'm getting ooolllllddd(32) i'm thinking maybe i ought to just get a boxster.

odessit

"Now that i'm getting ooolllllddd(32) i'm thinking maybe i ought to just get a boxster."

Yeah, yeah, get a boxster. What next - Rolls-Royce in a few years? I still prefer bimeer at my younuuuuuuug (33) age :P

windowshopper

I'm looking at my first BMW and I took a 2006 325i out last weekend and liked it. However, a number of people that I talk to (some BMW owners, some not) say that I'm crazy not to go with the xi for the all-wheel-drive.

I consider myself a capable driver and grew up driving RWD sleds (I'm only 37...) in the winter without much trouble. However, this will be my daily driver and I can't just leave it in the garage when it snows.

Any thoughts?

davidd3

Yeah, buy a Jeep! Just kidding. At most there would be several days per year where you might regret not getting AWD. 98% of the time you'll enjoy better acceleration, better gas mileage and presumably better handling. Also, you'll save about two grand on your purchase and you can get a new car now rather than waiting. If you think it necessary, you could always do the snow tire thing (do they make snow tires in run-flats?), just like our fathers did before us in days of old when knights were bold. You should certainly consider AWD, but you wouldn't be crazy to brave the winters without it.

kasperghost

I called the salesperson and he said that we would be grandfathered in due to the 1k deposit. Frankly, I was suprised. I used to work at a Ford dealership in my teens and was amazed at the stuff they pulled. w/out the manager OK, it is worthless.

Thanks for the feedback-

erickpl

Are there any pics of the upcoming E90 coupe? Preferably inside and outside..

-Paul

kyfdx

I've only seen highly disguised mules, or photoshops... Nothing worth pointing you to..

3rdgin

odessit,

An easy fix is to go out and buy a wireless remote adapter for the i-pod. It does work through the armrest and the remote is about the size of a 50 cent piece. This works well and is a cheap way of doing it. Cost is about $50. However, it does not show what songs are playing through the stereo, pick genres or any other capabilities that you might have if it is integrated within the audio system. Anyway, it works for me.

odessit

Thanks for the advice. Actually I do not even care about the display of the current song. I thought that if it is integrated I could control what song is playing by pressing the button on the steering wheel. But since it is not even possible to integrate this thing with the built in audio system (according to the bmw response) – I guess I’ll simply settle with even cheaper solution: just connect the iPod to the aux without any remote controls and turn the shuffle on. This is how I do it now with a cd with more than 100 mp3 songs anyway. It just sucks that previous year models have that adapter and 2006 year model does not have it. Go figure:)

chamdia

What is the best monthly payment in the Chicago area for a 2006 325i. Automatic, metallic paint, and heated seats as the only options. Sign and drive lease. I wanted the lowest payment I am not concerned with the monthly terms and yearly miles.

jeffhou

I have a 2003 330i...but just purchased/ordered a new 2006 330i and trying to make a some comparisons with regard to the subject items. Specifically, can anyone tell me:
1. Can the dealer activate daytime running lights that are always on when you are driving?
2. Can the dealer program the car such that locking and unlocking the car can be confirmed by the side marker lights flashing once (to lock) or twice (to unlock) as my current model works?
3. Can the car be programmed such that the door locks lock after about 10 mph like my current model does.
4. What is the deal with the compass? It does come on the Premium Package which I ordered - are people on this forum implying that it won't work without the alarm system?
5. Will the red light under the mirror blink if all of the above are activated...on my current model, it did not blink until I had the lock/unlock confirmation logic turned on... So - it now looks like I have an alarm...but I don't... which is I like a lot!

Please respond with any info.... I just ordered the car and am trying to decide if I want to get mad before it arrives - or after!!!

Thanks!

odessit

Jeffhou,
Don’t get mad now:) Better wait and see what options will become available with time. This is what I know after my recent visit to the dealership to program my car.

1) Daytime running lamps. Yes. Can be activated and I activated this option. It does work.
2) locking/unlocking blinking. Did not even know that it is an option. My car does blink once (the side marker) when I lock it, and twice when I unlock it.
3) locking the doors after 10 mph. I asked for it to be activated. The answer is no. They said it is still not available for programming.
4) The compass… ok… I’ll skip this question :shades:
5)red light under the mirror. No. I was told that they can not program it without the alarm being actually installed. Although I’ve red some posts here from people saying that they got it programmed. So I don’t know what is the deal with this thing. I did not want to argue with the service department until I am 100% confident.

mike

jeffhou

Odessit,
Your response was most helpful and I appreciate it immensely. You covered the topics that would have most set me off!! In particular, the running lamps and the confirmation blinks of the side marker lights.

I get the impression from your response that programming may become available for the door locking at a certain speed?? I wonder what they'll charge to download that when/if available.

If history repeats itself.... on my 2003, the red blinking light began to blink once the confirmation blinking was turned on...it did not blink before that. It was just a nice surprise when it started! Now - if you already have the confirmation blinking and the red light is not working, it probably never will.... but, like you said, we'll see!!

I can live without the compass if you are implying that I'll be disappointed...but, if that's the case, they have some false advertising going with the Premium Package.

I have about 6-8 weeks before I get the car. I'd best just relax and wait for it to come in. I'm looking forward to it!!!

Thanks again!!

Jeff

odessit

Jeff,
Yes, I think that the programming for many options will become available some time after September. This time they did not charge me anything for that. I asked about the price and their answer was very vogue “…well, we wont charge you this time since you just recently bought the car, but if you were to come year later and asked for the same thing then…” In my opinion they must have told me about the availability of those programmable option the second my car arrived on their lot. But like I said, I did not want to argue with them. So, even before the car arrives I suggest you chat with your sales person and make it a part of a delivery.
In general I don’t think many dealerships have any idea about those options for the new 3er. Good example is the iPod adapter. Until I actually emailed bmw of north america and they finally told me that it is not available at all despite the pretty exact language on the ipodyourbmw.com website. So, to be on a safe side simply contact them every time you have a question just to make sure that the dealership is telling you the truth.
mike

barry626

3) locking the doors after 10 mph. I asked for it to be activated.
The answer is no. They said it is still not available for programming.

Not true, it is available as I set it on my 330i.

odessit

Is it possible it is available on 330 but not on 325??? I am puzzled now.
Anyone, any idea?

bmwboy29

My guess guys is that the major programming will not be available until September when the xi's come out and I think by that point they will have all the "kinks" worked out of all the programs. It seems like BMW is treating eveyone like a gunia pig and trying to see what people want and then they will set up "fixes" It sucks... I ordered my 325xi in May and I cant wait for mine so I hope by that point we ALL wont have to worry about anything and they will help us customize our cars the way we want! :shades:

davidd3

I hate to think about winter, but has anyone looked into snow tires yet for his/her new 3?

Could someone give me a rundown on the pros and cons of snow tires in general, and for the 3-Series in particular?

I'm thinking about snow tires for my new 330i, which I expect to take delivery of in early September. I am not getting the Sport Package. So my car will be coming with 225/45-17 inch all-season run-flat tires. This will be my first BMW. I live in NY. I've somehow managed the last 3 winters with RWD and all-season tires on an Infiniti G35. It doesn't take much snow to make the car go sideways, or not go at all, as the case may be. Thankfully it is only a relatively few days of winter where RWD is a major handicap in my area. I've never done the snow tires thing before. I'm wondering how much of a difference they would really make and whether the improvement over all-season tires would justify (1) the costs of purchasing and changing tires and (2) the inconveniences of additional service appointments and having to store whatever set of tires is not being used at the time. For those days when roads are dry (most days of winter), do snows ride and handle as well as all-seasons? Since this car has no spare tire, I suppose we'd be limited to run-flat snow tires. Presumably there is such a thing. I'd appreciate some opinions and suggestions. Thanks.

nearlydad

I hope the bluetooth on the 06 3 series needs to be improved immidiately. Voice recognition is not good and need to be programed once. My cell phone does not require programing with real voice. The bluetooth function of the BMWs should become just like bluetooth earpieces. No programing but relys on the function of the cell phone The connection with the cell phone (motorola V710) is not good but my bluetooth earpiece (motorola HS850) is perfect. It means it is the problem on the BMW side. One possibility may be using a docking cradle. Is there someone who uses the cradle and improved the connection with your cell?. Suprisingly, the user's manual says, do not use bluetooth without using docking cradle. But it is option.

nearlydad

Jeffhou,

The compass works without alarm. Do not worry.

chatkat

I pick up my new car tomorrow with both the docking cradle and I also have a V710 phone. A friend of mine has a 6 series and the reception is not too good. But then neither is the connection on my husbands 745i (2002) with his BMW Motorola specialty phone. I have the HS850 headpiece and I think it's exceptional for in car and other use.

nearlydad

Chatkat
You may not be able to sleep tonight. Congratulations! Please let me know connectivitiy with the cradle. In my experience, the Bluetooth BMW side could not find the V710 sometimes (without cradle). It may be cause of programing of the system in the car, I guess. Because if I switch off the Bluetooth once and switch back on, it finds the V710 always. Are you picking up 325i, btw?

mkco

I can tell you I wouldn't be without them (here in Michigan for Nov.-April). My Dunlop WinterSports just carve through the snow (better than my wife's FWS minivan). As far as handling goes, it sounds crazy but I like 'em better than the Dunlop Sport 2000's that came with the car's Sport Package.

davidd3

Do you know if those snow tires are available in a run-flat?

kyfdx

Right now... I don't think any run-flat winter tires are available in the stock 325i size...

As we get closer to winter (October), you may see some become available, but I wouldn't bet on it..

You may just have to "settle" for non runflats..

regards,
kyfdx

frisconick

Excuse my ignorence, but what are runflats?

kyfdx

Run flat tires... Extra sidewall reinforcement.. allows you to drive on them for up to fifty miles after a flat.. Negates the need for a spare tire..

They have been on sports cars for quite awhile.. Now, standard equipment on just about every BMW.

chatkat

It is really beautiful, despite the fact they ordered the poplar wood instead of the darker wood. I don't hate it so much that I wouldn't take delivery. I got everything on it but the heads up. $2000 off msrp, but, they would send most people walking to do that. I got it only because I sent a few others to buy there.
330
Steptronic
Sparkling Graphite with gray leather (it's beautiful!)
Premium and Sport and Cold Weather (yes, I am in So Cal)
Chrome Wheels (shoulda had 'em on the old 328i)
Sat Radio (WOW!)
PDC (I back into our garage otherwise I'd have to remove the trash cans and fridge)
Active Steering
Run Flats are Bridgestone
Parts Dept was closed but I also ordered the Car Phone Cradle, cargo net, and the trunk drawer and the gear shift knob and break handle to match the dashboard wood trim). The gear knob to match was standard - why would they put the metallic one on with the wood trim when it doesn't match?
Seems they fixed the car start without the key in the dash
I could have bought a 5 for what I spent, but, it wouldn't fit in the garage with the 7 we already had and I like the zippy feel of a 3. Did consider a Z but then the dogs couldn't go with me.

Will take the car back tomorrow for a lesson in the I Drive and to set up the Sirius Radio. Too excited to absorb it all now.

kdshapiro

Congrats and good luck with it!

davidd3

Thanks, kyfdx. I'll check with tirerack.com. If it may make a difference in availability of tire size in winter runflats, I'm getting the 330i, not the 325i. I believe that the 330i comes standard with 225/45-17 inch all-season runflats.

I'll also revisit the availability issue as we get closer to winter. No need for me to do anything until after Thanksgiving, I hope. There should be more and more posts on this forum on this subject as we get closer to winter.

Since this car has no spare tire and no well-defined place to store a spare tire, it seems to me that owners are, as a practical matter, just about forced to select from winter tires that are available as runflats.

michaeln1

dont feel bad about the cold weather package. i got it in mine and im in orange county. after the temps. this past week i though i was crazy. my 330 is in production so i still ahve a little bit of a wait.

by the way- which dealership did you use?

mike.

chatkat

I bought my new car from Rusnak in Westlake. We've bought 4 cars there for us over many years (4 Bmw's and 1 Audi) and have always been happy there, although they sent me elsewhere for my 2000 328i - they wouldn't come close to the price I got via internet manager. This time they wouldn't let me walk away. I have also developed a great relationship with the saleman we bought our 7 (used) from earlier in the year. I missed out for the last 5 years on getting free loan cars and other perks from buying elsewhere and servicing there.

planoml

Congrats. NIce set up. You will love the SG, as it "changes" in different light conditions.

planoml

Are you there mate? I have some info on the Autocross at the TMS. Does your profile have an e-mail address?

davidd3

Sounds great, chatkat! I ordered the same color (Sparkling Graphite metallic), but with black leather and aluminum trim.

Wishing you much enjoyment,

David D

e90sed

Preliminary results are

Temp - 77 to 88
Humidity - 85 to 55 %
Wind - Less than 10mph
Terrain - Flat to Rolling Hills
Roads - Rural highways 70%, Interstates 30%
Stops - 14 traffic lights

Odometer - 1,681 miles
Distance - 131 miles

AC on AUTO(70deg), one person, 3/4 tank of 93 octane gas

Onboard Computer -
Avg. Speed 59.5 mph
Mpg 34.4

I have not started with a full tank and re filled after a trip to verify yet.

I would hope the onboard computer is fairly accurate..

rbmw60

I've been using octane 91 in my new 330i. Does anybody know if there are distinct advantages to using higher octane gasoline?
Thanks

ivan_99

only $'s

planoml

There was an article (somewhere) about how the same grade of gas differed at different companies. They had a website where they rated the gas. Sorry, don't have it. It appeared the major lines had better gas. I get the best grade for both my 2006, and 1995. You spend so much on buying the cars, it's just not worth the risk IMHO.

e90sed

OM for the 325 says 91 octane.
Where I live there is 87,89,93 so I use 93.

BTW Gasoline begins loosing it's octane rating after 30 days.

dl7265

Im still around , just been very busy.I just added it for you.

DL

rs1157

So how do we upgrade to from 215 to 255 hp? Any one hear anything about it???

shipo

My bet is that the aftermarket parts (if they ever show up on the market) to achieve the bump in power will cost more than the $3,300 real world difference between the two. You'd be better off ordering the 330i in the first place.

Best Regards,
Shipo

blueguydotcom

It's more than software. The engines are set up differently from what I've read elsewhere - 3 injection ports v. 2, I believe.

dhanley

Doubtlessly, there's going to be a chip that will make up SOME of the power difference. 184lb-ft is a very low number for a dohc 3.0L. How much of the power difference is open to speculation.

In general,i agree that if you're going to tune for more power, you might as well get the more expensive car.

inq

Ever since i bought my 330i in May 2005, i have not been able to use the blue tooth function. I've been too busy to take the car back to the dealer & it seems to me that the problem is with the car and not the phone (Razr). I've tried to re-set the BT function using the handbook/manual tha came with the car but...
Anyway, i don't think i'll be able to get to the dealer any time soon. Wondering if anyone can explain how to re-set the BT function or suggest a solution?

Is there a way to fold-in the side mirrors using the remote?

bmwrule

According to BMW offical website, the new 2006 BMW 3 series has the "Handy Vehicle & Key Memory features, which can activate special convenience and safety features already programmed in the 3 Series. Vehicle Memory offers the choice of:

1. activating/deactivating Daytime Running Lights
2. activating/deactivating an anti-theft motion detector
3. activating/deactivating "Pathway Lighting" - headlights that stay on for 40 seconds after turning off the ignition.

With Key Memory, up to three keys can be separately programmed to individual preferences. Choose to unlock just the drivers door or both doors with the first press of the keyhead remote.

4. Key Memory can also be programmed to relock the vehicle automatically when it reaches 5 mph.
5. Key Memory can return the drivers seat to the same position as the last time that key was used; similarly, it can return climate control to the previous setting used."

Does anyone have any luck programming or setting up these features successfully with their 2006 3-Series? If so, could you please share your experience with us? For some reason, we cannot set these features for our new car. Please help! Thanks in advance.

chatkat

I took my car in yesterday to have the salesman show me the features and to program my preferences in. I did get I drive so most features are programmed via the I drive. The memory key was not part of what I learned, but, from my 2000 3 series, the dealer set everything except the seat and the car just remembered the seat position last used with each individual key. So if my husband used the car and my key I was forever re-adjusting the seat because he would move it and by using my key it would remember his settings.

For Blue Tooth, I do have a Motorola V710 and it would not recognize the car because the phone's software needed to be updated. I have Verizon service and took the phone to them to do that. Took about 45 minutes for them to upload the software onto the phone. I am now able to have the car recognize the phone after pairing the car and phone.

03celica03

I looked at the ipodyourbmw.com and seems to me that the 149.00 adapter for the ipod which is suppose to let you change between tracks and playlists with a digital readout on your radio with steering wheel controls is not available on the 06 3 series. Now how about a redesign that is going backwards in technology! I just went to radio shack and got a $5.00 adapter and can hear it through my stereo but you must turn the volume on your ipod to full so that the volume control on the steering wheel will make it loud enough for you. No luck with the changing of tracks or playlists , just have to set the pod to a good playlist and leave it there.Also noticed that it works with 3rd gen ipods and ipod mini only when you have that bmw $149.00 adapter,so even if the new 3 series could use the bmw ipod adapter I have a 4th gen 20gig ipod ,which does not support the bmw adapter as of yet.So I guess I will be opening my armrest a few more times than what is considered normal. Also dont have the red light blinking for alarm but do have the side marker confirmation after lock/unlock.Still waiting to see if the 5-10mph automatic locking function will be able to be programmed.