BMW 3-Series 2006

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Comments

  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Yeah, I don't quite buy that .00x stuff.

    It's like lauding the advantages of ABS, but yet there is not one study anywhere that actually shows an advantage to having ABS over not having it. Yet my insurer provides a discount and most of us would not be without it.


    Yeah...it does seem a little strange. One would think you could easily make that small difference by keeping your eyes on the road…working on your reflexes…wearing thinner shoes…pretty silly.

    I did think the LED’s are very good when viewed in the sun. I was following my wife once while the sun was shining directly on the brake lights and you could see them clearly.

    Funny about the ABS, I was just watching C&D TV this weekend and they mentioned (while reviewing the benefits of stability control) that there is no evidence that ABS does any good (paraphrasing).
  • odessitodessit Member Posts: 140
    Heartone,
    You are right. MP3 player does not have to be iPod only. It can be any audio device with line output like iPod for instance has. It just happened that I personally own iPod that is why I used it as an example. But feel free to use any audio device that you can connect to the AUX input of the car.

    Let me know if you need any more info

    mike
  • manifoldmanifold Member Posts: 57
    Man, thats an expensive sealant! The Klasse stuff sells for some $30 and the pros use it on the most expensive cars(ferraris etc). The sealant just seals the paint. The wax brings out the color to give the car a show room quality.
  • heartoneheartone Member Posts: 12
    Thank you, corvette.
  • heartoneheartone Member Posts: 12
    Thank you, Odessit. :)

    (I was just confused by the announcement made by BMW and Apple. I thought the iPod would be the one and only. If it's just an AUX, they didn't have to team up and made an anouncement. Did I miss anything?) :confuse:
  • odessitodessit Member Posts: 140
    Let me clarify. It seems that your confusion is in two methods of integrating iPod with BMW. The one that I showed is good for any audio device. It simply plugs into the AUX input.

    The one you are thinking about is true integration of iPod from Apple into the BMW. It allows you to have full control of iPod through steering wheel and radio controls of the car itself. Basically iPod hardwired to the BMW radio and you keep the iPod in the glove compartment where is it connected to the car electronics. This integration cost something like $150 if I am not mistaken. But the thing that sucks is that it is NOT available for the E90 (new 3 series) models! Yes, it is available to the previous year models but not for 2006 model. Go figure. ipodmybmw.com site has a disclosure about it – they state that it is not available for the 2006 3 series model.

    So, for now, only the AUX connection is available. Hope this explains everything. Let ne know if you need any more details.
  • burnmanburnman Member Posts: 3
    good point. I guess it's the old "what the market will bear" thing.
  • jmarounjmaroun Member Posts: 151
    Hello,

    I just bought a 2006 BMW 330i with Premium and Sports Package. I live in San Diego. I've noticed that this
    car has consistant poor FM reception, AM seems to work fine. The radio is very sensitive to the weather which is normal to some extent, but this car's radio gets static if the wind blows and sometimes when it doesn't too. My previous car, Totoyta Camry did not have this problem.

    I spoke to the dealer representative and his first assumption is that its not really an issue, and that if I feel strongly about it, I should bring it to the dealer. Duh.. I'm definately bringing this to the dealer. Even my friend's 14k Corolla get's better reception.

    Am I the only one with this issue? I've heard it mentioned here and there.

    Joseph
    San Diego, CA
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Once again, todays paint consists of three layers. Primer, pigment, and clearcoat. The cleacoat layer is PERMANENT and is designed to protect the pigment. It is part of the paint, and does not wash off.

    Trouble is, clearcoat can be damaged by acid rain, bird droppings, scratches, etc. This is why we apply a layer of TEMPORARY protection on top of the clearcoat. Whether you choose a man-made sealant, carnauba-based wax, or even both (one on top of the other) is up to you.

    Know the benefits and pitfalls of each, and definitely don't pay the dealer $500+ for his space age snake oil. You can buy a quality man-made sealant like Klasse for about $30.

    Some good links...

    http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?L1=L1_1000&L2=L2_1005
    http://www.properautocare.com/wax.html
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    It's like lauding the advantages of ABS, but yet there is not one study anywhere that actually shows an advantage to having ABS over not having it. Yet my insurer provides a discount and most of us would not be without it.

    What do you expect to be the advantages of ABS? It is pretty well-known that you won't necessarily stop in a shorter distance.... but that isn't what they were ever designed to do!

    Anti-Lock Braking System. They don't lock up... That's what they are designed to do (or not do).

    If your brakes are locked up, there is no way you'd be able to control and steer the car in the direction you want. As long as your brakes are free, you'll have a much better shot at avoiding an accident than you would otherwise.

    Think of ABS as "Ability to Brake and Steer." :)
  • manifoldmanifold Member Posts: 57
    Right. The thickness of the car paint is only some .004 to .006 inches thick despite todays multilayer paint jobs(clear coat included). Unless maintained the color(pigment) will still fade and detoriate(via oxidation and the elements) , though todays paint jobs probably last longer because of the latest advances.

    As for sealants,wax etc, sealants definitely last much much longer than wax. For some sealant maybe enough. Combined with regular washing the car will look polished. But if you want that deep "wet" glossy look, nothing will bring that out except carnauba wax. Klasse wont bring that out. As far as I know show room cars (particulary blacks and reds) are always waxed. Hence why I use both - becuase I own dark cars. I use Klasse (All In One and Glaze Seal) to seal, and then carnauba Pinnacle to wax and touch up . Of course I seal much much less often than I wax.
  • manifoldmanifold Member Posts: 57
    forgot to add...

    Clear coat is just paint. Its just another layer and suffers the same deterioration as paint with pigment.
  • potemkinpotemkin Member Posts: 195
    Depends on which BMW you're looking at. I've read that Consumer Reports has given failing grades to the 5 & 7 series BMWs in the past (haven't looked myself), but I know the 3 series has received their highest rating for reliability for some time now. Some people like to lump all makes together to give the impression that certain vehicles are unreliable, but it really varies by model.

    I own a 1995 318ti that has been the very model of reliability. The only mechanical failure it ever sustained was the ignition switch going out at about 90k miles. It costs me ~$275.00 (parts & labor) to have it replaced. All other costs have been routine maintenance and/or "elective surgery".

    If reliability is your biggest concern right now, check out CR (they're not perfect, but they're pretty much all we've got). Keep in mind that there's no way to guarantee that you won't get a "problem car" no matter what make/model you buy. All you can do is reduce the risk.
  • potemkinpotemkin Member Posts: 195
    "Do some research and you'll find that each bottle costs about $500."

    I don't know anything about this particular product, but I do know that just because the manufacturer says the retail price is $500.00 doesn't mean that the buyer is paying anywhere near $500.00.

    We've got nice glossy price lists from our suppliers that say the price is $500.00 per unit too, but the typed cover letter stapled to it Is there to let us know that we get a 90% discount on everything inside.

    Don't be surprised to find out that the dealership paid $50.00 for that bottle.
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,582
    Recently I noticed that when I have my cell phone activated, a small icon of a cell phone appears in the center of my iDrive screen to the left of the signal strength bars. It was not there initially after I originally paired the phone, but appeared. Now I don't have the icon but I still have the signal bars and the phone's Bluetooth performance is unaffected.

    Any others out there with Bluetooth? Do you show the cell phone icon or not and what is its significance besides showing an activated phone, (also shown with the signal strength bars) ?
  • bryncerddbryncerdd Member Posts: 29
    Many times in posts read here I have encountered concerns about the reliability of BMWs, experiences which are entirely contrary to my own. I have ownded two BMWs: a 2002 which, in four years, needed to have the window winding mechanism replaced, and an E46 which, after more than six years's fairly vigorous driving, has needed a thermostat. That's all. We all recognize that there are "problem cars" from every manufacturer, but it is misleading to apply the "sourness" of one Lemon to all other cars of that make.

    Also, we have read in recent posts of "drivers" (?) redlining an engine in the early days of its use, that is, running the tachometer up to 7500 before the engine has been broken in. All the modern technology taken together cannot negate the laws of physics, chemistry, and material components which collectively serve in an internal combustion engine. These are machines, and when handled in such a manner, it seems to me malfunctions are to be expected.

    In short, make sure it is the machine and not the driver who malfunctions.

    Bryncerdd
  • kdshapirokdshapiro Member Posts: 5,751
    You don't have to sell me, I'm sold. As I said, my insurer provides a discount for ABS brakes. ABS and my cars handling enabled me to avoid what could have been a very bad accident. I will never get another car without it.
  • dfosherdfosher Member Posts: 26
    I noticed the same thing yesterday driving home. It made a beep and a cell phone icon appeared next to the strength bars. It is very strange. This morning the icon wasn't there. I'm also curious to why it appeared for only one day? I have a Motorola E815 phone.
  • tturedraidertturedraider Member Posts: 159
    posted this on the 3 v IS board; thought I'd share here, too.

    I just read on a bimmer board info from a self-proclaimed BMW employee/insider that BMW is coming out with a 310hp, 335i for the 2007 model year.
    ----------------------------------

    fwiw- What the guy said was, that the current 325 would get a boost to 235hp and be badged a 328 (to fall between the 325 & 330 and hopefully keep those owners happy), the 330 moniker would be dropped and the new 335 would have a 3.5L with 310hp.

    He also said he had the opportunity to actually hold and inspect the new lightweight magnesium alloy block. He specifically looked at the bore and stroke and he believes there is enough "room" to get 3.5L out of it.
    ------------------------------

    He says he's comfirmed it's what BMW has planned.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,340
    Here is a post from a detailing-specific message board:

    "I'm an F&I Manager at a car dealership, and I'll tell you that the product is immaterial, and it could be Souveran, or 5-Star, or Klasse, or Orange Juice. The value is in the warranty, but the game is played in such a way that the customer never wins.

    Here's the deal.

    You are in the office, and you're excited about your new car, and you want to protect it, and it only costs another $8/mo. So you do it. And all you have to do to keep the lifetime warranty is bring the car back for a checkup once a year.

    Uh, how many people do you think remember to come back for the checkup?

    NONE. NEVER. NEVER ONCE. NO ONE HAS EVER. As soon as the customer hits the door, he forgets about the paint sealant.

    Now, I don't offer paint sealant, so don't jump on me, please! But, we do actually use a paint sealant on our cars on the lot; we use a product mentioned by the original poster, ResistAll, which is a generic aminofunctional silicone polymer that has high resistance to acid rain. We are in coal country, and a lot of people here burn coal for heat, and we get a lot of acid rain and snow. We don't charge for the stuff, though, and we don't warrant it. We do it for us. The appearance isn't all that great, but it gives us several months of protection."
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Could you provide a link to that information, please?
  • scrumhalfscrumhalf Member Posts: 27
    I've been using Kit Car Wash with Carnuba. You get it at Autozone in a 64 oz jug and it is yellow.

    That stuff is great. I hand wax my vehicles once a year and use this stuffer every time I wash it and I have no issues with bugs or even pine sap. For pine sap I use turtle wax bug and tar remover.

    I had a Murano for about a year before I started using the Kit Car care stuff on both the Murano and my new accord coupe V6 6MT. The front bumper on the Murano was already a bit trashed from bugs. After 38,000 miles the accord bumper and paint looked like brand new.

    As soon as I got the 325i home I washed it with stuff and we went on a 2000 mile trip in the middle of love bug season here. No problem getting the bugs off and the finish back to new.
  • heartoneheartone Member Posts: 12
    Thank you, Odessit.

    You did explain everything. Even my dealer doesn't know about this. After all I love BMW performace more than iPod, so I can live with that. Actually I found today my CD player can play MP3. My dealer doesn't even know about this either.

    Again I appreciate your help.
  • odessitodessit Member Posts: 140
    My dealer also had no clue about what is going on with the iPod. Took me hours and hours to find that info about iPod not being actually integrated with new E90. In most cases, we, bmw enthusiasts, are more knowledgeable in many aspects of our cars than people who sells the cars :)

    mike
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,340
    At the request of the host, here's the thread.
  • barry626barry626 Member Posts: 78
    When ever the cell phone appears means u missed a call.
    Just go into missed calls list & phone number should be there.
  • dfosherdfosher Member Posts: 26
    Thanks barry626. That makes sense as I did have a missed call.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    They might have dropped them because of not being able to have the lights lined up properly. Every on that I've seen has a few crooked bulbs.

    I, too, was shocked that they don't have them even on the 330i. LED bulbs are cool looking and super bright.
  • selmselm Member Posts: 122
    Well, once my Zaino arrives, I will let everyone know my results.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    Forewarning. You will NOT be wowed initially. Zaino has to "bake" for a few days on your paint. After your first application, it doesn't look any better than any other quality wax. It'll take about 3 days to really set in. During that time, you need to be diligent about dusting it and following that up with their Detail Spray. If you want the most awesome shine, you HAVE to try their Grand Finale!! That stuff is abso-freakin'-lutely amazing!! On top of that, it actually reduces the amount of dust that sticks to your paint.

    They're Z7 Detail Spray dust reducing property claims are a bunch of bunk. Other than that, it's still a great product.

    A word of caution. Meguiar's Quick Detailer spray and Zaino polishes don't mix! I tried it once and the Meguiar's, for whatever reason, stripped the Zaino right off. Don't ask me how or why. Maybe it was a fluke or maybe I didn't prep like I should have before applying the Zaino.
  • amiramir Member Posts: 115
    i just got my 330i on friday and the dealer wanted me to buy a tire insurance for $340. he said my car has run flat tires and they can not be repaired so it will be good to have the insurance. it covers tire damage for 5 years. do u guys think its worth getting it?
  • texasmerqtexasmerq Member Posts: 86
    I'm not saying it can't or won't happen but I would wait for an official press release before getting to excited by a claimed industry insider. Plans can change at a moments notice even if it was once strongly considered. Look at GM with the Zeta platform. It was guaranteed, cancelled, and now it's back on again all in a 6 month window.
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    NO! That's just money in their pocket.
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,532
    Anybody know when the E90 325iT wagon sans AWD is coming here? Is it ever?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • jeffhoujeffhou Member Posts: 23
    Anyone noticed when you are following another car, that it appears the the xenon lights either flicker or bounce around a little - sorta like a strobe light effect if you are looking at the reflection in someone's license plate for example. It seems to just bounce around with the vibration in the car - on rough roads or running over those lane markers, etc. I don't think the light is actually flickering but hard to tell...seems to be just vibrating with the car. It is somewhat annoying but it may be okay and something you just get used to...hopefully!
  • tayl0rdtayl0rd Member Posts: 1,926
    I noticed that on a test drive of a 330i Sport. It happens because the lenses aren't rigidly attached to the light housing. They sort of "free float" to accomodate the auto-leveling function.
  • heartoneheartone Member Posts: 12
    Exactly. :)
    Thank you!
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    "orewarning. You will NOT be wowed initially. Zaino has to "bake" for a few days on your paint. After your first application, it doesn't look any better than any other quality wax. It'll take about 3 days to really set in. "

    Exactly. By that time you may be able to rationalize that you haven't been ripped off.

    ;)
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    I am planning to go to Lake Tahoe for the weekend. I was wondering if my 330i can make it there. Im not planning to drive on snow or anything like that. Just wanted to know if it will slip or not be able to make it there and back. Please comment on this. THanks
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    Don't forget to pour a little Z7 in your fuel tank- and put a few drops in your breakfast cereal while you're at it. Zaino works on everything. Praise Sal!
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Sure - my dealer has had this info since last summer - the RWD version should be in our market no later than 2Q '06 - could be a bit sooner. I think production starts in Feb or March for the USA market. I thought this was also part of BMWUSA's original press release when the E91 was first introduced, but that was quite a while ago and I can't easily locate the text. Anyway, less than 6 months....
  • dom1dom1 Member Posts: 22
    Are you planning to use the clay bar? I've never used it and am concerned on what it might do to the finish.

    Has anyone used the bar in their E90 just out of the dealer? I plan to apply Zaino the 1st day that I drive it from the dealer. Is it smart to use the clay bar at that time? Or is it unnecessary since it's brand new?
    Thanks,
    dom1
  • selmselm Member Posts: 122
    I am planning on using the clay bar and I too am a bit concerned as I have never done it before. I will just be really careful.
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    It is suggested to use the clay bar right away--new cars often have rail dust on them.

    Be _really_ careful with the clay, keep it clean, and use lots of lubricant.
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    You should definitely use clay before you wax the car for the first time. Otherwise, you'll just be grinding all those surface particles into your paint.

    It's very easy to use, but like dhanley said, use a lubricant. Here's the clay and lubricant I use...

    http://www.griotsgarage.com/catalog.jsp?&SKU=11302
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I'm not sure I understand what you are asking. If you are not going to drive on any snow, then how or why are you envisioning a problem?

    That said, if you have a 330i SP with the OEM rubber and it does snow, you would be well advised to turn around and head back home (assuming that you're not already there), and if you are already there, you're gonna spend an extra day or so waiting for the roads to get cleared off.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    Actually, last time i clayed my car, my 3-year old nephew helped me. I tore off a piece for him. It was adorable.
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    Shipo,
    I guess i meant to ask : will my car be able to make it from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe? It doesnt have the SP. Will the car slip IF there's some snow on the road? Im not planning to drive the car where the roads are filled with snow. I heard that RWD cars tend to slip in the rain so im afraid it might not be able to make it to Lake Tahoe. Please advice. THanks
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Hmmm, okay, for starters, a RWD car is no more inclined to slip in the rain than a similar sized and tired FWD car, maybe even less so given its better weight distribution. That said, if it starts snowing, you do have All-Season tires with a M+S rating, so an inch or two shouldn't be too much of an issue, more than that in the hilly parts and I'd start looking for a place to stop.

    One thing I will caution you on though is descending a hill and using a low gear (engine braking) to keep the car slow (as opposed to using the brakes) in the snow. In that scenario all of the DSC and ABS in the world won't be able to help you. Why? Well, if urges the car to go faster than the rear wheels are willing to let it go, then they might loose traction and then the back end will come around. Not good. This happened to me one snowy night in New Jersey in my non-SP 328i, and I damn near creamed a mail box when the back end came around. It actually took my brain a few ticks to comprehend why I was in a spin. Once the fog in my brain made sense of the situation I stepped on the clutch pedal and the car instantly snapped back in line. I've never made that mistake since.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • saigonboi21saigonboi21 Member Posts: 150
    One thing I will caution you on though is descending a hill and using a low gear (engine braking) to keep the car slow (as opposed to using the brakes) in the snow.

    Pardon me for this but it's a little vague to me. From what I understand you were using a low gear but wanted to speed up so the back end came around. So you're saying that it's better to use brakes???
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