BMW 3-Series 2006

yobyot

I wonder if you are among the first to get the "September" update which is rumored to fix RDS on iDrive E90s and also add MP3 playback capability on iDrive cars. Also, there's supposed to be a fix for the "creep after soft-stop" problem.

I hope it's both. I picked up my car in Munich in July (it's on its way here now) and I would love to have these issues resolved via a simple software update

stevenh7

This may already be talked about so sorry if I am asking again. Any dates when the Coupe will be out next year? Any links to pictures, etc? Thanks.

stevenh7

Never mind. Someone showed me how to search this forum and my question was answered several times over - Steve.

bdr127

Figure on your fuel bill going up 50% with the 540i...

FYI:

2003 330i: Manual: 21 mpg / 30 mpg, Automatic: 19 mpg / 27 mpg
2003 540i: Manual: 15 mpg / 23 mpg, Automatic: 18 mpg / 24 mpg

tvcrider

When ordering a 2006 325i is there anyway to get the 17" wheels/tires that come stock on the 330i without ordering the Sports package?
Thanks in advance.

selm

Are those 540i numbers right? I have almost never seen automatics get better mileage than a manual.

shipo

Yeah, they're correct. The 2003 E39 540i actually came in three versions, two with the automatic (SP and non-SP, different final drive ratio), and the 540i 6-Speed (only available as an SP version). Both versions of the SP were saddled with the Gas Guzzler tax, however, the 6-Speed version did get better highway mileage than the automatic version. Consider the following:

Model -------------- City/Hwy
2003 540iA --------- 18/24
2003 540i6S ------- 15/23
2003 540iAS ------- 17/21

Best Regards,
Shipo

saigonboi21

owner's manual says not to go over 4500rpm or 100mph. I freaking did like 103mph right after i left the dealership. Is this bad for the engine?? just wanted to see if anyone knows wut it does. thanks guys

kdshapiro

Just take it easy on the car and you should be all right. There is a reason they call it a: "break-in period". Use their definition, not yours.

bdr127

Are those 540i numbers right? I have almost never seen automatics get better mileage than a manual.

Many of BMW's vehicles get "atypical" gas mileage with manual vs. automatic. There are also "atypical" gas mileages for varying engine sizes.... For example:

325 & 330: Manual = 20/30; Auto = 21/29
525: Manual & Auto = 19/28
530: Manual & Auto = 19/29
X3 2.5: Manual = 17/24; Auto = 17/23
X3 3.0: Manual = 17/25; Auto = 16/23
X5 3.0: Manual = 15/21; Auto = 16/21
X5 4.4: Auto = 16/22
X5 4.8: Auto = 16/21
Z4 2.5: Manual = 20/28; Auto = 21/28
Z4 3.0: Manual = 21/29; Auto = 19/27

Pretty wacky, huh? Changes your "typical" way of thinking......

odessit

If you do the steps I did you will find that Pirelli tires. I agree – if you do the straight search for the size of tires for winter run-flats – nothing will come up. I have no idea why. Maybe it makes sense to call them up and confirm that this is what in fact they have in stock.
1. On the front page (tirerack.com) select make and year right in the center of the page (bmw, 2006).
2. Click “Winter” below the selection.
3. On the next page select model – I choose 325i Sedan. Click “Continue without saving vehicle”.
4. On the next page select “Base Model”. Click “Go”
5. On the next page click “16’’ Package” under the “Build your own package” title.
Next page will show a list of tires. The Pirelli will be the last on the page. Here is the link just in case:
link title

Let me know what you think. Hope it helps.
mike

planoml

The standard 17" on the 330 is style 159. The 17" on the 325 SP is style 161. You should be able to order either as an option. IMHO, the only wheels I like a bit are the 18" on the 330 SP. You might want to consider getting a previous model 17". This topic has been covered by the board gurus.

kyfdx

I know what the EPA numbers are...

But, anecdotal evidence suggests that in real world driving... the disparity is much greater..

selm

Thanks Shipo and bdr,

I guess I never really looked at it that closely because I would never drive an auto! (unless bad knees etc. in the future).

-selm

anthonyp

We got a new stationwagon 5 and of course idrive comes with it...I was very hesitant due to all the complaint, but we took the chance.....At first it is important to mess with it while parked....After a couple of weeks it becomes much easier, but not easy so far.....Ironically it is a challenge, as the bmw also is a challenge...One to pay for it, and the other to use it so you appreciate it`s wonderful handling....I am sure I can say that given time you wouldn`t want to go back to anything in the past..This is just my opinion.....Tony

manybmws

I had 2 Acura Legends in the 90s - great cars. I drove the new RL - low-end torque was better on my '99 528! The car weighs several hundred pounds more than an E39. Also felt the suspension just DID NOT absorb bumps and rough road surfaces like a 5-series or even 3-series. Acura just stays more mainstream with their cars...careful not to push the performance factor too hard.

Now as for the BMWs - I think all the tires need to be replaced on the factory cars. That said - the '03 540 will have the better ride and is bigger inside than the new 3. And definitely more low end thrust. If you can get it for $35K that would clinch the decision for me personally - since you will still pay $37K+ or so for a new 325. The 540 will hold its value if you keep the miles down. This car prolly sold for $48K in '03 when it was new just as a point of reference. I was looking at one new in 03 when I bought my 530. Car would have to be dent free with a mint interior.

nyccarguy

It sickens me that a 540i6 was assesed a gas guzzler tax, but the F150s & Suburbans that are being used as everyday vehicles (not work trucks) are not.

I'm a big skeptic when it comes to used cars. If the car is till under factory warranty w/ full maintenance, BMW's CPO coverage looks pretty good on paper. That 540i6 is one sweet ride.

shipo

Hey dude, you wanna see me get real mad? Just start trying to justify why land barges such as Excursions shouldn't be dinged with a $5,000 or more Guzzler Tax, especially in light of the tax levied against the E39 540i6. Grrrr! :mad:

I guess that means that we're both singing from the same page of the song book. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

planoml

Forget a guzzler tax, most SUVs can get a tax break for business use.

Did that get you mad?

is3ooguy

That's insane they don't have to pay gas taxes on big SUV's! Someone really needs to take another look at this....
I guess the only revenge we get on them is handling, performance, and of course their gas bill everytime they fill up
@ 13mpg

kyfdx

Yeah.. something tells me that the SUV drivers are paying a lot of taxes on gas..

untrue

I paid something like $2000 on my 2001 740i Sport. That got me mad. Actually the tax is levied on BMW. It's not supposed to be a consumer tax. It's just that the manufacturers pass it on.

CZ

myob

We owned not one but two E39? 540's. We just got a new E90 325i. My first impression was that it "felt" about the same size as the old 5's. I looked up the specs and it actually is rated as having more rear seat leg room than the 5. It's about an inch narrower. But, since I like my seat set way back, there really isn't much rear leg room in either car behind my seat. Tons of room in the front passenger seat, so a rear passenger behind that seat would do fine.

The 540i w/ sport pkg was the best handling car in terms of solid feel and no body lean that I've driven. Maybe not as nimble, but for real world driving very confidence inspiring.

For the same price I'd go with the new car. The '03 is two years old and they do start to have little things go wrong as they age. It's also a little risky these days buying used cars, sometimes you get a problem car. I'd make sure the 540 had a 100K extended warranty if I got one. Both of ours had them (paid for by previous owners!) and they saved us some money.

I agree the 325i non-sport wheels/tires are too small for a sporty car. I'm looking for 18x8.5's.

kruntal

Northeast has been pretty dry weather last few days, and I got to turn off the AC in Auto mode (wierd, my Accord turns on or off AC in auto mode) in my 325 i. The difference is huge. The extra power is amazing. I could cruise one higher gear without AC. I wonder if that's the difference between 330 & 325.

Car is sweeter with AC off. The song of the engine is sweeter. Handling seems crisper. Gear shifts are also crisper.

odessit

A while back I was asking how exactly to drive with the Steptronic transmission and I appreciate all the responses. I gave it a try lately and I guess I got used to it too much:) Few questions though.

What gear I should actually start driving from 1 or 2 ? I mean when I drive and stop at the intersection for example. The gears automatically change down and stop at 2, not at 1.

Is that ok if I change all way up to 6 and keep driving at a city speed (35 –40 mph)?

It seems like the gas consumption is higher in manual mode than in auto. Is it generally true or it is just my driving?

I know that user manual says that it has safeguards and I wont damage the transmission. But still sometimes I forget to shift up, just a second or two. And the engine starts to make high pitch sound (which I like:)) I correct myself even before the electronics has time to intervene, but still concern if things like that can damage the transmission. What is the safest way to use manual steptronic?

mike

kyfdx

In normal driving mode, the Steptronic starts off in 2nd gear... It only downshifts to 1st if you floor it...

So, if you are in Manual mode, do whatever you want... you can't hurt it... If you feel like taking off in 1st, then by all means, do so....2nd is okay, too.. The transmission will not stay in a gear that is inappropriate for what you are doing..

And.. I'm sure that your fuel consumption is increasing in manual mode... You are substituting your judgement for the computer... That is the price you pay for having fun..

regards,
kyfdx

kdshapiro

"Is that ok if I change all way up to 6 and keep driving at a city speed (35 –40 mph)?"

You're lugging the engine. 35-40 should be 4th or 5th tops.

mcb74

What is the value of the maintenance plan on the 2006 325i? Are there things that are not covered? I hear that maintenance on a BMW can be quite expensive and if you don't do all the maintenance they deduct the cost of it when you go to trade it on a new BMW.

I'm leaning toward the 325, but am considering everything to try and justify the 5K difference with competitors.

bdr127

The maintenence plan is great..... Everything is covered: oil changes, scheduled maintenence, brakes, wiper blades, lightbulbs, etc. The only thing you need to do yourself is tires and tire rotation. (I can understand this, though, because if BMW covered tires, people would be burning those things off! :P ) That FULL maintenence is good for 4 years/50,000 miles. Since it's free, you might as well do it -- no reason to skip it....

Which competitors are you comparing to? When comparing Apples-to-Apples, some competitors are actually more, and don't include maintenence. Mercedes just pulled their full maintenence plan this past year.

kyfdx

The Steptronic won't let you lug the engine.. it will downshift automatically, if needed... even in manual mode..

kdshapiro

Nah. You can lug it if you try.

odessit

Hey, guys. Can you come to a consensus here? Will it or will it not lug the engine? Seriously, I start with 2nd gear (usually). Then I change gears when I hear engine kind trying to pull (don’t know how else to explain but you know what I mean). At about 30 –40 I am usually on 5th. And then, even if still doing 35-40 or 45 mph switch to 6th. My rpms drop a bit and I don’t feel that engine is working harder then it should. I realize that Steptronic will correct me if I am doing something stupid. But the question is will it hurt the engine and/or transmission if I make a lot of mistakes or Steptronic is really smart enough to compensate for all the mistakes without any adverse effects in the future? I wish I had someone who can just sit next to me and show how it should be done:)

Another good idea would be if the indicator on the dashboard would show the current gear even in the auto mode –that way driver would know how computer treats this or that situation.

kyfdx

Agree with kdshapiro? NEVER!!!

Anyway.... when you get up to 40 MPH and shift into top gear, take a look at the tach... As long as you are over 2000 RPM, you'll be okay...

As I noted before, if you need to accelerate from there, the transmission will downshift... I guess if you were really, really working hard at it, you could screw up the car while in manual mode on the Steptronic... But, not likely... Just go by feel.... if you find yourself trying to accelerate, but the car isn't responding or downshifting... you are probably lugging the engine.. at least in a manual.. I still don't think you can do this with a STEP.

regards,
kyfdx

michaeln1

What does lugging the engine mean?

kyfdx

Running at too low of an RPM.. causing the engine to struggle to accelerate, instead of shifting to a lower gear.... Very bad for your engine....

Applicable to manual transmissions...

glaker

This past weekend I attended the Drive for the Cure event at the local BMW dealership. Following the event, I participated in the transport of the 15 or so vehicles to the next city which was 140 miles away. Anyway, during these two instances, I noticed that the BMW owners were not interested in taking out the new 325. People were jumping at the chance to drive the convertibles as well as the SUVs, 5s, 6s, and 7s, but not the 325. During the actual event, whenever there were idle vehicles, they were always the 325s. People inquired about the new 330, but there were none assigned to the east coast team, so we were outta luck and very disappointed. On the day of the transport, vehicles were assigned to BMWCCA members on a first come, first served basis (I was kinda late, but still got the 4.8 liter X5 which was a lot of fun for the 140 mile trip on the interstate). The last vehicles to be spoken for were the two 325s and the 2.5 liter X3. I know the sales figures for the new 3 series are good, but I wonder for how long?
P.S. The lead car in the vehicle caravan, which was driven by the Drive for the Cure team leader set her cruise control for 65 mph which was VERY FRUSTRATING!. The other memorable piece of the trip was when the rain started to come down hard and all the lucky stiffs who were driving the convertibles got wet. That’ll teach them - next time let ME drive one of the converts!

bdr127

They probably don't get the attention at these events because they are more popular/common. This is many peoples' chance to drive something expensive and exotic. You might as well go all out! The 3-series is a terrific car, but if you get a chance to drive a 7-series for free, I'd pick the 7!

michaeln1

thanks buddy.

chatkat

Well, when I got my new 330, I ordered the Chrome rims and the poplar wood stick shift knob and brake handle.(Also got my phone docking cradle and the trunk tie down net) The wrong wheels were sent and I had to wait. But they were installed today and oh my! She sure is a beauty! wait until we take her out on the road and we start turning a few heads!!! WOW

div2

Do you know if they make chrome wheels for a 1995 Three Series? Nobody looks at my car anymore. Might have to find another car to wear.

mcb74

Looking at the Audi A4 and perhaps the new Lexus that's coming out.

jb_shin

I believe someone, either here or some other forum, that she/he saw the Drive for the Cure BMWs being driven in reckless manner at very high speeds on the road during transport like the one you participated. I am sure BMW did not want to have negative publicity come out again and made sure that they are driven in "safe" manner.

Then again, my sales guy in Berlin told me about the time when a dozen or so M5 were driven to LeMans for a BMW corporate event one year in a caravan and just about all of them received speeding ticket from photo radar...... doing way beyond French autoroute speed limit.

odessit

So after all it turned out to be a good thing that I missed that event, eventhough I planned to go and registered for it. I can not imagine myself driving 65 on a highway:) not in any car

bdr127

FYI: Just maintenance costs for 36 months from Edmunds True Cost to Own for the A4 and IS300 (I presume this is the car you're referring to? Or the new IS330, at least?) is $334 and $1357, respectively. Factor a few hundred dollars more for that 4th year of BMW maintenance and the bimmers are looking pretty good.... especially when you factor that in with the amazing drive.

corvette

Don't know how the gearing is on the Steptronic, but if I am in slow-moving traffic, I can shift to the next higher gear once I've hit 2000 RPM, then continue slowly accelerating without lugging. Normal, everyday driving uses little of the car's capabilities...

corvette

Maintenance costs on the A4 should be $0 unless you need a new set of tires, in which case it would be more than $334. Audi also includes a maintenance plan similar to BMW's.

odessit

I went to the dealership asking what they have for the winter tires for 325i 2006 and was told that the only thing BMW stocks this season is a package –wheels + tires = the same wheels that come original with the car -16’’, don’t remember the style number and Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 DSST (Dunlop Self-Supporting Technology run-flat tires). Price per set (tire + wheel) 425. Price per original bmw wheel alone, in case I want the wheel but different tire, is 336 each.
I asked if it is ok if I bring my own wheels that I can possibly buy cheaper than 336 per pop. I said, I was concerned if aftermarket wheels can coexist with the tire pressure monitor. And was told that it is not recommended, they advice original bmw wheel, etc.
My question to you is that true? How can wheel possibly depend on the tire pressure monitor? I thought that they have indirect tire pressure monitor, is that right? Or they just were trying to sell more stuff to me than is really needed?
Mike

P.S. after some research it seem that 425 per set is not overly expensive considering that you are getting original wheel. Your opinion?

chatkat

If they don't make them, I bet you can find them - try ebay!

div2

I can't believe the dealer is offering a set of four tires/wheels for $425; the steel wheels and snows for my 5er cost more than that.

shipo

I'm thinking that the $425 number is for a single wheel/tire, meaning that a set is more like $1,700.

Best Regards,
Shipo