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That is about the only thing that the free maintenance does not cover.... (tires, rotations, gas)
That's a good idea. Do the rotating at the two times per year you have to deal with changing tires anyway. Then there's less to keep track of.
But my usage is not close to 50/50 like yours. I think I'd use the winter tires for 4 months and the OEM all-season tires for 8 months. I figure I'd put about 6,000 miles per 4-month season on the snow tires and about 12,000 miles per 8-month season on the all-season tires.
Rotating the snows from front to back on an annual basis should work out just fine. That would work out to 6,000 mile intervals.
But as for the OEM all-seasons, do you think that 12,000 miles would be too long to wait between rotations? Perhaps I should do a mid-season rotation on an annual basis, which would have the effect of rotating the tires at 6,000 mile intervals. My sole purpose for wanting to rotate the OEM all-seasons is to better the chances that my OEM tires will not wear out and need replacing near the end of my 3-year lease at a cost of around $1,000. If I get a winter package, at the end of my lease I'll have about 36,000 miles on the OEM tires. Maybe that's a low enough mileage point that I need not go to the trouble of annual mid-season rotations.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I just ordered a winter package from tirerack. My first winter package. Looking forward to it. Dunlap Winter Sport M3 RunFlats on ASA JH3 Silver wheels. No BMW center caps, contrary to what a tirerack rep told me a few weeks ago. $1,197 delivered in an estimated 2 biz days. There's now a $50 mail-in rebate on the Dunlap tires. A little procrastination actually worked to my advantage. That said, I did find that the cheapest wheel option (they used to have something for less than $90 per wheel) is sold out and no longer available.
I'm now inclined to rotate each set of tires just once per year at the times when I change from all-seasons to winter, and vice versa. That'll be 6,000 mile intervals on the winters and 12,000 mile intervals on the all-seasons. Well, actually, since I took delivery in early Sep, my all-seasons will only have about 5,000 miles on them when I remove them for the first time this December. When I put them back on in April, I'll rotate from front to back and then let them go 8 months and 12,000 miles before the next winter removal and spring replacement/rotation.
Per all of the documentation (press releases and brochures) and the BMWUSA web site, only the 330i SP gets the "Sport suspension calibration". When you order the 330xi (SP or no, 18" wheels or no), you get the standard non-sport suspension which has a higher ride height and milder spring rates. I've also heard (although I cannot remember where) that the non-sport suspension has smaller diameter anti-roll bars, allowing the car to lean more in a corner.
To check for yourself, go to the "Build Your 330i" and "Build Your 330xi" links on the BMWUSA web site, pick colors, and then on the next page, under "Packages" click the text that says "Sport Package+". For the 330i it explictly says "Sport suspension calibration", there is no such reference for the 330xi.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I verified this with the salesperson at the dealership when ordered my xi. You are correct, the 330xi gets the same suspension with or without SP. A difference that may distinguish ride between the 330i and the 330xi is given in a small footprint in the xi description at bmwusa:
"325xi and 330xi have steel lower arms and a steel subframe, plus an aluminum thrust plate"
Dom1
It's tough to pin that on the dealer because the package never actually offered it. It's not like the dealer promised to install a 6-CD changer and is now backing out.... However, BMW USA should answer your question. Regardless, it'll come back to be a hassle for the dealer since they are the "face" to the customer (you).
Out of curiosity, what is the exact wording from your print out?
I live in NJ and am interested in a 2006 BMW 325i 6 speed transmission. Options: folding rear seats, Xenon lights only.
I've recieved a 36 month lease price of $532.06
Out of Pocket: 2,090.36
MSRP: 32,870.00
Residual: 17,800.70
Mileage: 20,000
Can someone tell me if this is a good deal or can I do better? HELP.
Is the price for the car fixed (per bmw website) or is there room for bargaining especially on the options (I live in SF BayArea)?
So far I’m looking at premium and nav sys and maybe xenon, SP and comfort access (in order of importance) and I would stick with the manual transmission.
In the case I opt for a late summer/fall delivery will incentives be available for 06 models? And also is it out of the question to try to do ED during the upcoming World Cup as all slots might be already taken?
Also, people often mention bmw CCA incentives? Can something expand on this?
thanks
p.s. where can I check out bmw wheels and their prices online(aside from bmwusa.com)?
Best Regards,
Shipo
Why would anyone want the all wheel drive unless they're in snow 3 mos out of the year and the other 6 months are in rain beats me... the traction control on all new 330 BMW's are spectacular. :shades:
I verified this with the salesperson at the dealership when ordered my xi. You are correct, the 330xi gets the same suspension with or without SP. A difference that may distinguish ride between the 330i and the 330xi is given in a small footprint in the xi description at bmwusa:
"325xi and 330xi have steel lower arms and a steel subframe, plus an aluminum thrust plate"
Dom1
The sport suspension on the 330i is completely reworked. Imagine a e36 M3 from 97 or so; same setup but with Aluminum control arms front and back. The 330i ALSO sits .6 Inches lower.
2. Don't know about incentives.
3. As to the World Cup, probably more to do with a lack of hotel rooms than delivery slots. However, on another forum someone is planning to do a pick-up during the same time period.
4. CCA discount is if you been a member at least a year prior to delivery.
For more ED info, I'd recommend that you join bimmerfest.com. A whole forum there on doing EDs and great info.
The car is great but even "premium" sound systems on econo-boxes have a six cd player included and in the dash at that.
For 2006 models, BMW has realized that many younger (<50) people are switching over to portable MP3 players, hence the aux. input in the armrest console.... I think that is far more valuable than a changer.
Oooohkaaay......that explanation helps.
Thanks
I'm purchasing the car for the looks as well as the performance, but don't see myself really pushing the car to limits all that often. It will be a back and forth to work and weekend drives car for the most part, so I really don't want to get the sports package if the ride really stiffens up and transfers alot more rough road or noise to the cockpit. I do like the idea of 17 inch instead of 16 in wheels and the wider tires, but don't think the looks suffer that much - handling may be a different story though.
Last concern with the sports package is the seats - I'm a pretty big guy - 6'4" and 230 - and the sport seats are pretty tight. I really preferred the feel of the standard seats during my "seat test."
Any feedback / advice will be greatly appreciated.
I can relate. All I can say is that I am very satisfied with the non-sport 3-series and would recommend it with your personal scenerio. I do think the sport seats for you will be tight. The 17" wheels aren't great when you have to replace them with their price premium. The sport pkg. with BMW's is nice to have but not for everyone.
Oooohkaaay......that explanation helps.
That wasn't an "explanation"... just a fact. Regardless, there was a bunch more in my post, including a couple questions which you didn't answer.
All the cars I've ever driven have had alloy wheels. If I go buy an "econo-box" Honda Civic, will I drive it home and be upset when I discover it has wheel covers? Should I have a bad taste in my mouth or feel ill will toward my salesperson because I assumed that all half-decent cars should come with alloy wheels?
As a side note, I find it funny that your salesperson told you to "check the glove compartment" for the CD changer..... I would think even a relatively new BMW salesperson would know that a 3-series CD changer is installed in the trunk. Strange.....
1. Xenon adaptive headlights - do they really make a difference and, if so, is that difference worth $800.00 - I don't wear glasses and my night vision is fine.
2. Park distance control - helpful? Any noted technical glitches?
3. Considering fold down rear seat - any noted problems or change in rear seat comfort? - I know this is 'nitnoid' but you never know until you ask.
vr,
Truk37
As far as the suspension, it is noticeably stiffer than the non-SP but no worse than my wifes Ford Escape (not sure if that's a compliment or not
The pros/cons of SP/non-SP have been debated here recently both with valid points. Basically what do you want the car for? If you want the maximum fun factor then SP is the way to go, but non-SP is not that much of a sacrifice--if it can even be called that.
Xenon adapative headlights are optional on the 325 and standard on the 330. I have them on my 330. But before deciding to get the 330, I was considering xenons on an optioned-up 325. Where I came out on it is that I wanted the lights, though I was struggling to justify them on the 325 as an $800 option. Xenon headlights are clearly superior to halogens. That's well established. Simply stated, they light up the road a lot better. The adapative feature provides more light in the direction of a turn than stationary headlights. I'm thinking that this will become a standard safety feature some day. When making turns in a car with stationary halogen headlights on roads with no overhead lights, we've all experienced the uneasy feeling of creeping into a turn onto a street that you cannot yet clearly see until you have substantially completed your turn. If you've had xenon headlights before, it is difficult to go back to halogens. My family's other car is a Honda minivan. It has halogens. It's such a difference that sometimes I find myself double-checking to make sure the lights are on.
Since you are considering putting so many options on a 325, a 330 might be a consideration for you since it includes as standard equipment some features which are costly options on the 325. That's how I ended up with a 330. I preferred the price point of the 325, but ended up splurging on the 330 to get what I really wanted. Not only the features, but also the extra performance. Although the base price of the 330i is a whopping $6,000 more than the 325i, if you would be adding to the 325i options which are standard on the 330i, the difference in price drops to something in the range of $2,000 to $3,000. That's what you're paying for the extra performance.
My problem was on the highway. The HID’s were very bight, but had a defined “line” where the light cut off. So you could see EVERYTHING within this zone but nothing beyond. Since the highways where we drive are always busy, you never have the opportunity to turn on your brights. It left me with some very nervous driving almost like driving at 75mph with only fog lights on. I was constantly scanning the “horizon” to see if something was going to jump in front of my car.
I had the dealer angle them higher, but they said they could only go so far because they are so bright they’ll start to annoy “blind” other drivers.
2. it’s useful in my mini-van not sure about the 3.
My option request included a 6 cd changer and the salesman and I both (incorrectly) assumed they were included in the premium/Logic 7 sound system. He also incorrectly thought it was in the glove compartment. I told him I accepted 30-40% of the blame for this oversight. I didn't think it was overly generous but appropriate for them to split the cost of the cd changer with me, since it is a short term lease and they (BWMFS) really own the car. I am paying for only 24 mos. of use for this extra item.
Public relations to them should be very important as I've BOUGHT eight cars from this dealership.
I dont know where the guy is getting 28 days from. From what I heard it takes 42-60 days for the car to be delivered from the date of order.
I read a recent article somewhere that says people hate looking into the xenons because they contain more "blue lights". It's the shorter wavelength lights that are more "blinding". The article also says that there are places that are working to outlaw them. I am sure this thread has been discussed to the death somewhere else?
DL
While to me it appears that HID's have more lumens, CR has compared HID's to Halogens. There are pros and cons.
The enormous amount of light, the longevity of the bulb, and the lesser strain on the electrical system are all PROs.
The sharp cut off, amount of glare to oncoming drivers, and cost are CONS. replacment cost would be another con, and the enormous temperatures at which HID's operate.
In addition, not all HID's are created equal.
abfisch
I am in Europe - Belgium, purchasing through the Military/Diplomatic sales at SHAPE.
I did consider the 330, but I wanted to stay closer to 30 than 40K.
And for the (almost) final decision: it's a sparkling graphite 325i with the premium pakage, satellite radio prep, PDC, and . . . . probably the Xenons. Other than the lights is the decision between the 'classy' beige and wood interior or 'sporty' black and aluminum.
I thought my mind was made up on the interior, but my wife saw a sport version with black and aluminum, and much to my surprise - - she really liked it.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed on the Barrique Red. It went into production in September, and this car is the first Weatherford has seen of the color. My salesman says I'll like it. He had been non-commital until he saw it.
Does anyone know if they replace the seat back or just attach the nets to the existing seat back?
Thanks.
Also FYI the cars don't come from London, they come from Germany (thank god).
The ship also has to stop at other ports, go through the Panama Canal and then often stop in San Diego before reaching Port Hueneme (LA).
:mad:
Would someone help me understand this one? It has me puzzled. I am comparing 0-60mph time on four cars with automatic transmissions (325xi, 330xi, 525xi, 530xi). All four cars weight within 70 pounds, have about the same drag coeff. (actually the 5's have better Cd and are slower), and have the same gear ratios. The 325 & 525 have the same hp and torque as well as the 330 and 530 do. Then why is the 3 series 0.5 sec faster to 60 in both engines? :confuse: (To add to my confussion, the 5 series have a more optimal weight distribution than the 3).
This info has nothing to do with my decision to purchase a car. It just helps me understand performance figures better and gives me good ammo to make fun of a friend that just purchased a 525xi (I purchased a loaded 330xi which was $2K cheaper than his). He is bragging that he got a 5 series for about the same $ of what I paid on my 3 series.
Thanks,
dom1
DL