BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

kominsky · February 2002

It's been one year since I took delivery of my Topaz 330Ci (SP, xenons, moonroof, H-K, and In-dash CD). I thought I'd fire off a post with some miscellaneous ramblings, opinions, and experiences...

Dealership; My entire experience with my dealership (Daniels BMW - Allentown, PA) has been very pleasant. The buying/ordering/delivery all went as well as I could reasonably expect... the only bad part was "the wait" between order and delivery. The service dept. has also been first-rate. I have heard the horror story's of bad experiences with dealerships and feel quite fortunate that my findings do not mirror those!

Driving experience; Does it get any better?! I can find nothing to complain about from an ergonomics point of view. The seats are great, the interior materials are great, even the switch-gear is all first-rate. When driving, the steering (post-retro fix), brakes, shifter, and suspension all seem to say "Come on Candy Butt, next time go a little faster!". The power (and music) from the 3.0L is addicting, but like all things in life, familiarity breeds contempt... "Honey, look I got the new M3 brochure" "POW, BANG, THUD, WHIZZZ (for those of you who are single, that's the sound a frying pan approaching at mach2 makes)"

Lighting; I have a love/hate thing going on with the Xenons. On level ground they are great, but due to the abrupt verical cut-off, approaching uphill sections of road can be a little scarey. I really like the fact that the low-beams stay on with the high-beams (is this a BMW thing or a xenon thing?). And the high beams are intense! The reflection off a new speed limit sign can be painful when viewed from the right (wrong?) angle. One bad thing I've noticed is the moths coming from miles away to commit suicide on the front of my car. I'm thinking about replacing the high-beam bulbs with those yellow bug-light things during the warmer months.

Problems; I've had three problems to date (~14,500 miles), only one of which interfered with DRIVING the car. I've had a rattle from the H-K subs, a rattle in the C-pillar from the seatbelt retractor, and the infamous notchy gas pedal.

I thought I'd throw in a little advice for new owners and potential owners. If you have short legs and sport-seats, get in the habit of moving the seat back before entering/exiting the car. Within the first week of ownership, I tore the piping on the seat (at the bolster) when the back pocket of my jeans caught on it.

Can I logically justify spending nearly $40K on a car? No. Would I buy it again tomorrow? You betcha!

Sorry for the length of the post...

ds2k1 · February 2002

Great post. I'm coming up to my 1-year anniversary (3/19) and share virtually all of your opinions. By then, I will have put about 14,000 miles on mine and couldn't possibly (or reasonably, I should say) be happier with a car. The 3.0L engine is a feast for the senses and everything about the car seems perfectly designed, except, of course, the seat belt retractor on the driver's side. Small complaint. But alas, as you, I've been having many M3 dreams lately and am anxiously looking forward to my 3-year anniversary so that I can assess my financial condition and see if a step up is feasible. I'll make sure to look out for (or, perhaps, hide) the frying pan when I break the news to my wife. Since she's now the proud owner of an X5, I'm hoping she allows me a little wiggle room, if you know what I mean. I can't tell you how many times I've already been to BMW's site so that I can "build my own" M3 already. It's a sick addiction, I know, and I do feel guilty for being such a selfish brat. But not too guilty, I guess. Ahh, topaz blue with black leather interior, sun roof...

derprofi · February 2002

You're right. I never knew about the 1200 mile service thing until this morning when I was at the dealer getting a screw removed from one of my tires. While I waited, I checked out a white M3 and a smurf blue M3 and right on the center armrest of each was a sticker reminding the eventual lucky owner to bring it back at 1200 miles. I glanced at the window sticker and couldn't believe that M3 owners have to pay extra for leather, HK stereo, xenons, etc.

Saw a 745 in the shop and one parked out front, and the more I see it the more it just doesn't grow on me. To me, the lines just make it look like an Audi or super-sized Passat instead of a Bimmer. Fortunately, my eyes fell upon a grey vision of 2002 540i pulchritude replete with sport package and I felt at peace with the universe. But I couldn't help but wonder when they'll go and screw that one up too ;-)

youts · February 2002

now I understand what I've been reading here for so many months. This is my first "new car" buying experience, and it sure is comical. I test drove a TL-S and came away with the impression that it was a nice car and I wouldn't go wrong buying one. But then I go to the BMW dealership, and of course the salesman has me drive 330 sedan, SP, PP, automatic (please defer transmission comments for now, okay). Lets just say it took an hour to come down from that experience.

And then reality hits...I'm trying to buy a new BMW in Dallas, Texas. I've got no leverage. So please, any of you with a positive dealer experience in Texas, email me at lyouts@yahoo.com. I'm getting quotes from Garlyn Shelton in Temple, Mike Pile in Tyler and Joe Pistocco in Wichita Falls.

I've enjoyed lurking here for many months, and look forward to becoming a BMW owner.

abcnyc · February 2002

abcnyc · February 2002

I've seen a lot of posts concerning the seat belt retractor on the drivers side. When does this problem occur ? Right away or does it take some time ?

topspin627 · February 2002

I recently brought my 01 330i in for a service and didn't notice the notchy gas pedal until I was driving the 00 323 loaner. I realized that the gas pedal on the loaner was smoother, so I called the tech and told him about it. He said they could find nothing wrong but that they lubricated it. It now feels better but is that the total fix or is their something else they can do to insure it doesn't come back? After a few days I sensed that the familiar notchy feeling may be returning.

nerd · February 2002

My wife had a great buying experience with Mike Pile in Tyler. In case you haven't talked to the salesman (who is also the BMW sales manager since he is a one-man show) - his name is Dave Hill. I can recommend him. (Mention the recent sale of the 2002 electric red 325Ci). His toll free number is 1-800-306-8891, Ext. 307. Happy buying!

hspark · February 2002

Hi all,
Today I signed on my lease contract. This will be my first bimmer. It is 325i with steptronic, rear air bag, wood trim, and metalic silver. The dealer was Orange County BMW in NY. Someone post this name previous post and I checked them out.
They are GREAT! Sami who is general manager and owner of Orange County BMW was fantastic guy. I did not need any negotiation. He was so up front.
I paid a grand over invoice. I leased for 36 mos.
MF is 0.00202 and 62% residual. I can not be happier than today because it was my dream car.

Thank everyone in board.

gwunj · February 2002

The bagel place is Bagels And ... in the Crispin Square shopping center. 73S past 295 & Tpke, left alongside the Exxon onto Church Rd (opposite Copperfields). The Square is in the right at the next light. Go ahead and make fun of the intersection of Church Rd and Church St. (Idiots)

Kominsky - You wouldn't happen to have any pics anywhere, would ya? I'd like to get some of the Topaz Blue and you have almost everything I'm looking to get. Kudos!

Glenn

butmywife · February 2002

Not Wenatchee but outside of Yakima. Are you in the NW too?

kominsky · February 2002

ds2k1 - Maybe we can get a volume discount on our M3s. I made a deal with my wife (who is definitely NOT a car person) that I wouldn't talk to her about cars or bring any more auto magazines/brochures into the house for 3 years and she wouldn't nag about how much I spent for the 330... neither one of us holding up our end of the bargain. ;-)

topspin - I took my car in for the H-K rattle and I wanted them to check the pedal. I forgot to mention it, but the mechanic noticed it when he drove the car into the garage. They took it upon themselves to replace the assemby. The service manager told me that it was a common problem and there was a service bulletin about it. He also said the new pedal assembly was improved. Since then, however, I've been told that BMW, while aware of the issue, has not come up with a solution yet... I'm not sure what to believe. I do know that the new pedal is very smooth and the problem hasn't returned yet.

gwunj - drop me an email at kominsky@agere.com and I'll email you a few.

nyccarguy · March 2002

Where in Orange County? WOuld you mind posting the terms of your lease on the board? Cap Cost, Monthly payments... Did you pay a cap cost reduction (down payment)? Thanks!

nyccarguy · March 2002

And congratulations on your car! Enjoy it!

ds2k1...You're wife's X5 had to be more expensive then your 330 and almost the same price as an M3. You should complain to her! LOL!

Kirstie_H · March 2002

Is anyone out there participating either in a formal or informal "car-sharing" deal? I'm looking for folks (other than spouses) who co-own luxury vehicles. If you fit the bill, or know someone who does, I'm hoping you'll contact me by Wednesday, March 6 with your contact information, the type of vehicle you share, and your city and state of residence. Thanks much!
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com
jfallon@edmunds.com

ds2k1 · March 2002

Actually, we got a great deal on the X5, so it cost just a bit more than my 330i. We got a base model X5 3.0 and added only sunroof and steptronic. Otherwise, it's bare - well, as bare as a $40K car can be, I guess. Now I know why everyone raves about BMW's leatherette. A long time ago, I was scratching my head (figuratively, of course), wondering why so many people on this board were opting for the leatherette. As surprised as the person above is to find that you have to pay extra to get H-K, xenons, etc. on the M3, I was even more surprised that people would contemplate getting a 330 without leather. Vinyl on the Ultimate Driving Machine? Blasphemy! Now I know why. The leatherette is awesome and I wouldn't hesitate getting it again and using the $1300 or so on something else.

As to the M3, I think we should coordinate all interested parties at the right time and create a purchasing consortium. We'll get about 50 people together and approach BMW with one big purchase order and get a whopping discount. Right. BMW will say, "Yeah, thanks for making it so easy for us, pal. That'll be $5K over MSRP for the lot of you. Now step aside." Actually, the dealer I've worked with on both the 330 and the X5 has promised to sell one to me with no premium over MSRP. What a guy. Maybe I'll name my first child after him. On second thought, "Shark" doesn't seem like a good name for a boy or a girl.

petrarch · March 2002

After many months of on and off searching in the Bay Area, I finally found a good deal and placed my order:

2002 BMW 325i
Manual Transmission
Jet Black
Black Montana Leather
Premium Package
Sport Package
Xenon Headlights
(BMW floor mats & wheel locks included)

Invoice: $31,150
MSRP: $33,995
Agreed price: $32,345

$1,650 off MSRP... not bad! Many thanks to all the regulars on this board, and to NOBEE and Charles L. for discussions offline.

Now I'm just praying I don't get laid off...

brave1heart · March 2002

stgreen · March 2002

I signed the papers today on a 2002, steel blue/grey leather, AWD 330xi with PP, SP and CWP. The front end doesnt have the smallish, fog lights but what looks like bigger, pre 2002 ones.

Are the fog lights 'bigger' due to the sport package?

thanks

rdl40 · March 2002

What dealer did you buy from? Got mine at east bay BMW.
Mine is steel blue/grey 330i with sport pkg, style 72 wheels and leather.

postoak · March 2002

I think I started to get one of these once and balked because they wanted me to mail my passport in to them. Have those who have done EDs done so with only their regular driver's license -- and done okay?

kdshapiro · March 2002

I took my 2002 330i in for a service call today. I wanted to get the alarm installed and to have to dealer fix the rattle/buzz in the speakers. The alarm cost $400 installed and the dealer didn't fix the rattle. On the customer statement, they said the tightened the connection at the antenna amp, but it didn't solve the problem - although the extent of it was lessened. I have had the car for two weeks and have 650mi on it. I got the CWP, PP, Steptronic, moonroof and H/K. For the day they gave me a 325i as a loaner. Here is my take on the 325i, which was my first time ever driving one. BTW - this is my first Bimmer.

1. Steering - must have been the 2001 "tweaked" steering. I hated it. If I didn't know they fiddled with it in 2001 I would have wondered why it was so light. I'm glad BMW redesigned it for 2002.

2. Gas pedal - noticed that it wasn't smooth. But I drove the car almost all day, before I realized it.

3. H/K Upgrade - definitely worth the money. Makes the sound in the car more lively and bassy. The loaner car didn't have it and the sound didn't have the quite the panache.

4. Performance - obviously the 3L has more oomph, but it has more oomph at the lower end. However the 2.5L is not slouch and extremly peppy. Once you get in the higher RPMs the thing moves like a bat out of hell. If I had only driven the 325 I would have to say the 2.5L has plenty of power and pickup, more than I need. I would not throw the 325i out of my garage by any means. The 330i also sounds gutsier.

However, that being said, once I got back into the 330 I noticed the difference immediately. I was happy to be back in my own car. My conclusion is those of you who don't need the absolute most in pick-up or performance you will not be sorry getting the 2.5L, which then you can load up with every option of your choosing and then go out to eat and celebrate. I took the 330i, because I didn't know any better and the dealer made me an offer on that car that I couldn't turn down. A friend of mine has a 2002 325i without the H/K and with the Xenons and he's paying 60/mo less than me, for basically the same cash turnover to his dealer, in fact more.

Either way, they're both awesome cars.

Ken

gwunj · March 2002

When I went to Spain a couple years ago, I went to my local AAA and got a international DL. You had to pay about nominal fee and it was only good for a year. I don't recall anyone mentioning a need for it in any of the write-ups.

Kominsky - Gorgeous car. Please feed me the bigger pics too.

Glenn

shipo · March 2002

Precious few countries in Europe require the "International Drivers License" these days. In fact, I cannot think of even one. I have driven in England, France, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium, Holland, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, and not one of them require said license. If you are going beyond those countries, call the AAA and find out, I highly suspect you will not need one.

Best Regards,
Shipo

postoak · March 2002

Thanks!

Shipo - you mentioned all 5 of the countries I'll be hitting, so I should be okay.

Next question: I know it's been asked before but I don't remember any good answer -- on an ED, how do you lock in an interest rate if you are financing through BMW FS, via the dealer?

The problem is that when getting your financing through the dealer, which is especially desirable on an ED, you have to know the interest rate when you agree upon a price -- otherwise you won't be able to compare one dealer's offer to another one's. BUT, you don't actually consummate the transaction until 60 or more days later. (I say or more because I don't think there is anything that prevents you from agreeing to a deal more than 90 days out.) I know of no way to make the dealer honor his quoted rate. Does anybody else? The only think I can think of is to arrange the best alternate financing you can, with a hold range that extends through the purchase date and use that as a threat to keep the dealer in line. But it won't be much of a threat if it's a higher rate than the dealer offered. Anybody got a better strategy?

derprofi · March 2002

Well for my ED trip I only drove in Germany and Austria so I limited my research to those countries, but I am certain that Austria requires an International Driving Permit. At the time I confirmed this on an Austrian Embassy site as well as on the site of the US Embassy to Austria. Of course, you also need to pay for a road tax sticker at the border in order to legally drive in Austria but many neglect to do that and don't get caught, just like many go without an IDP and don't get caught. I suppose if you have the tax sticker then you've eliminated the primary reason most tourists get pulled over, and probably also eliminated the need for an IDP. But in the end you have to ask yourself, "Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya punk?" <g>

Only took about 15 minutes and $20 at the local AAA office for me to have a passport picture taken and walk away with my IDP.

PS, thanks to @Home's bankruptcy my perpetually incomplete ED page is now here.

nobee · March 2002

butmywife, Raised in Portland-Seattle area and got my bachelors at CWU. Now, I'm in Germany courtesy of the Air Force. I know Yakima well. I used to go down there at least twice a month to shop, visit friends, and park cars during the Yakima state fair

.

"Of course, you also need to pay for a road tax sticker at the border in order to legally drive in Austria but many neglect to do that and don't get caught.."
Actually, You only need the tax sticker to drive on their "autobahns" and do not need one for the regular roads.

I just found out my next assignment will be overseas (korea) again...Can anyone recommend what the heck I should do with my brand new bimmer? I'm thinking about storing it for two years or take it with me to Seoul??!! Thoughts?
-nobee

derprofi · March 2002

Actually, You only need the tax sticker to drive on their "autobahns" and do not need one for the regular roads.

I recall that the shortest/quickest route from the ED center to Salzburg went via Autobahn. So are you offering to share some back-road knowledge?

But seriously, we're talking about what, $30 or $35 bucks here for an IDP and tax sticker. If someone wants to consider these items unnecessary "insurance" then that's cool. Personally, I wanted to enjoy my trip in my new Bimmer without having to worry about getting pulled over. Oh and FYI, you are also welcome to hop the trams in Amsterdam and the subway in Munich without buying a ticket, just be prepared for a fine when you're caught.

genie1 · March 2002

I could offer to "store" your brand new bimmer in my garage - if you'd agree to let me "exercise" it occasionally.

Of course I'd also define "occasionally" by my own terms.

Dave330i may have some input about the road conditions in Seoul...

nobee · March 2002

You're right, the quickest way to Salzburg would be to stay on A-8 (aka E52 and E60) straight to the city, but you can get off on Exit 115 and take the the back roads from there (this is how I get to Salzburg from the Kitzbuhel area) thus avoiding the tax. All in all, it's probably not worth it, but to me it is! LOL. I just hate how these countries nickel and dime you to death...but the A-bahns are worth every euro!

genie, is your garage heated?

For now, I'm thinking that Betty IV (wife named it) will get stored and the 5-series will get shipped to Seoul. It's in pretty good shape and I only paid $5500.00 for it so I won't die if I find a ding on the body.

Anyone read the latest Motor Trend about a driver "mooning" the photo radar while speeding through Bonn? I thought that was pretty funny...

Dave330i, any suggestions on the car thing?

-nobee

brave1heart · March 2002

Good write-up. fwiw, the 325 manual will be very close to the 330 step in terms of acceleration. BMWNA just published Feb'02 sales (see link below).

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e46/forum.php?postid=430916&page=2

Overall, 325 sales seem to be holding up much better than the 330's.

genie1 · March 2002

We have a two car garage and cars take precedence by age/prestige/ownership. So my brothers new C230K and my 98 Bimmer will be garaged. Our leased 2000 JGC will bear the brunt of the elements. Of course your baby will oust mine from its bay.

seivwrig · March 2002

IDP is required in Austria and Greece. Italy, Spain and Portugal require a translation of your license or an IDP. In France, GB and Eire, it is not needed. For other countries, it is not required but highly recommended, especially if the policeman that pulls you over does not understand English. For $20 at the AAA, it is good insurance.

I seems to me that the loan with BMW NA is locked at the time you sign the paperwork. But I guess I am confused by the question. You don't make the first payment until about 60 days from the initial down payment or about 30 days from ED pickup. At the time the vehicle returns to your home dealership, then you arrange for the insurance. I am trying work on my website but I am not good at that stuff. I will probably have some info before I leave for Munich on Wednesday for my ED 325i. I will try to send photos by Friday.

Nobee, what is the weather like in Bitburg/Spangdahlem right now? Hopefully there is no snow on the roads. I do have one question for you. Are the P/N for the CD changer and alarm the same as the US. E46 alarm kit P/N:65-73-9-416-520 and Alpine CD changer P/N:82-11-0-026-418.

kdshapiro · March 2002

Interesting link you provided. Regarding differences between the 325 and 330 I also noticed BMW changed the sense of the Steptronic up and down shifting between the two years. 01 up was higher gears, 02 up is lower gears.

I think it's also interesting the Infiniti G35 forum can't stop comparing the G35 to the 330i. One of the posters says the G35 will eat the BMW 6 bangers for lunch. We'll see. Edmund's own road tests, show the 330ci (I think) beat the MB430 in the 0-60. I've never driven a car with so much oomph before. Yes it is expensive, but to me it represents a no-compromise performance machine, as differentiated from a wanna-be near-luxo entry almost performance machine. Not that those cars are deficient by any means. For example, the loaded 2002 Maxima fairly expensive..upper 20's, great car all round good performer. G35 couple of grand more. Probably will be a great car. Maybe even will outperform the 330i in some respects. But once you've owned a Bimmer and driven it for any length time, you realize it's like driving in heaven. Especially compared to it's competitors.

Ken

kominsky · March 2002

Looking at that webpage I noticed something I consider interesting. In sedan form, the 325 outsells the 330 by roughly 3:1. For the coupes, the ratio is much closer to 1:1... anyone want to speculate why this is? Thinking about it, I would have guessed the opposite would be true, since I would've thought that coupe buyers would be younger with less disposable income, especially lately with Tech/Internet companies taking a pretty big hit, economically.

postoak · March 2002

I think you are right -- coupe drivers tend to be younger. They are also the speed-at-any-cost crowd.

postoak · March 2002

Maybe you don't understand the question because I am confused about the process. I thought that you had to sign an agreement to buy (at a given price) 90 or more days out. At 30 days out, you signed the actual papers and the loan papers. At 0 days out (more or less) your first payment was due. Isn't that the way it works?

Do you have to be a AAA member to get an IDP from them?

seivwrig · March 2002

I never signed a single piece of paper until the 30 days before pickup. I ordered my car about 90 days out but I did not put down a safety deposit or sign. But there were times that I did not think my salesman knew much about ED. He still is not good at answering my question. I even blindsided him when I got the price brought down. I had to get another quote from a dealer outside of Houston. He wanted to keep my business, so he met the price. But generally, at the time you order you put down a deposit(about 90 days out). You could do the loan papers too. 30 days from pickup, do your down payment and sign paperwork. Then about 60 days from signing your paperwork, you make your first payment on the loan. If you do you loan papers early, your rate is good for 90 days.

As far as the IDP, you do not have to be a AAA member. It is $10 for the photo and $10 for the IDP. If you can get passport photos for less than $10 elsewhere, just bring them when you go to AAA. That way, you only pay the $10 for the IDP.

nobee · March 2002

The wx here has been surprisingly clear but don't let that fool you! It did snow last couple of weeks but melted the very next day. Expect scattered clouds with light rain w/ temperatures hoving around 40-50 degrees F.

Once I get back into work, I'll let you know if the P/N's are the same. If you're looking into buying the alarm and the CD changer, I'd suggest ordering it now through Schaal (local dealership) and setting up an appointment. I can do this for you if you'd like. Let me know! This will definitely be cool to see another Edmunds poster in GE!
-nobee

postoak · March 2002

You make it sound as if you could transfer your order from one dealer to another. Unfortunately, if your salesman is savvy enough to get a deposit from you (yours wasn't), you would lose the deposit if you did that.

When is your pick-up date? I noticed that you, too, are in the greater-Houston area. Do you mind giving the name of the dealership and salesman you used?

sunnybrook · March 2002

So if you decide to do ED are you unable to use peoplefirst's "blankcheck" process? What discount lenders and banks will allow you to take the loan out before the car is titled in the united states??

bmw323is · March 2002

Brave, thanks for the link to the sales figures. I was surprised to see the difference in sedan and coupe sales. I suspect your average 3 series buyer is mid/late 30's, married with young children so the sedan wins out. Generally, older than late 30's people will also buy the sedan. Coupes are probably more popular with 20 somethings, but new BMW's are probably not within reach of most 20's folks except for the few with good post-college income streams (and these are the 330ci sales).

When I was in my 20's, I would not have been caught dead in a 4 door car (could never have afforded a BMW anyway). However, sedans have obviously changed alot and so has the perception of them. Even though I'm 45 I still find the coupe's styling very attractive, but now common sense is my primary focus when choosing between the two. And here is another old man-ism, insurance is cheaper for the sedan!

bmw323is · March 2002

I have been looking at the 5 series more closely now that my 323 is two years old - thinking about my next BMW. I do like both cars visually, however I keep coming back to the fact that the 5 is $7,000 - $10,000(?) more. And since interior room is very close, except for width, what else drives people to the 5? Shipo, I know you said back seat room was a significant issue along with more "goodies". Anything else? Could it be that BMW has somehow made those of us in our 40's and 50's feel "funny" about buying a 3 series? Especially a second 3 series? I think that is why I'm eying the 5 for my next car. It's very strange, I love the 3 series, don't need any more room, don't want more weight, yet a 530 keeps calling to me. HUH!

shipo · March 2002

I know! It's the new Angel Eyes headlights. ;-)

On the other hand, it might just be the age thing, I will be turning 45 a week or two before my 530i makes it here to the states.

Best Regards,
Shipo

derprofi · March 2002

Yup, the BlankCheck will not work for ED. I learned this at the worst possible moment (30 days ahead of my pick-up date). However, perhaps one could use BMW Finance for the initial buy and then someone use a PeopleFirst loan to pay off the BMW loan once the car is titled in the US. This may count as a "refinance" and therefore mean a higher 6.49% rate, I'm not sure...

postoak · March 2002

To me, the major difference is the luxury level. The 3's interior is just NOT that luxurious -- even with the PP. Also, although the interior space isn't much different, the 5 has a 4.1 inch longer wheel base, which isn't an insignificant amount. This should make the 5 a better highway peformer. Coming from a Miata, the 3 seems plenty big to me though.

postoak · March 2002

That's an idea. But I can't figure out who would guarantee to Peoplefirst (to their satisfaction) that the car title would be placed in their name. Currently, as I understand it, the auto dealer's bank performs this function. The dealer delivers a draft from the lender along with the manufacturer's certificate of origin (I think that's what it is called) to his bank and the bank applies for a title registered in the financial institution's name and then deposits the draft amount into the dealer's account.

thatbytes · March 2002

We (okay, really just I) have been dreaming of buying a BMW for a while now. We have strongly considered another SUV but it is hard to buy one when we can get a 325i for about the same money. I know they are apples and oranges in comparison but I still get hung up on if I am going to spend that much money why not buy a BMW.

Can anyone with experience of a baby and a 3 year old give me pluses and minuses of the 3 series and kids? (preferably good stuff because my wife has provided everything not supporting it). Our other vehicle we will keep is a Ford Supercrew so that takes care of the SUV/4wd necessities.

Thanks in advance. Hopefully something said here will sway her to the BMW. I know she loved the test drive!

wacka · March 2002

Hey everyone, I was considering the 325i as perhaps my next vehicle purchase but I am curious about the need for an all wheel drive sedan.

I always picture a use for an all wheel drive vehicle as something that climbs mountains or something, and begining to think that perhaps it is not neccesary for what I need.

I 'd like to get some owner feedback here on what you people think is neccesary. I live in a suburb of DC and would be using my supposedly 325 for roadway driving and commuting. However I will take it out for a road trip to Canada about 1500 miles away west at some point.

And since I am watching my budget I am wondering if I need to shell out for all wheel. I only test drove a 325xi not the regular 325i (and yes it is awesome).. and I am beginning to think that perhaps an all wheel drive is not needed for me and my type of driving.

Please give me your thoughts guys/ladies on this I'd really like to hear your opinions before I consider buying.. Either post or email me at 'selffate@yahoo.ca'

Thanks

mschukar · March 2002

I am beginning to think that perhaps an all wheel drive is not needed for me and my type of driving

I agree with you. I live in Wisconsin where we get a handful of days each year where AWD would offer a benefit. A set of winter tires (if necessary) will cost much less and offer real safety when compared to AWD which helps only when your foot is on the accelerator.

Yesterday we had 6" of snow here and, since it was the first real snow of the year, I hadn't put the winter tires on our 2WD Volvo. I was limping all over the place, but the traction control and winter driving mode allowed me to get where I needed to.

If I had the AWD Volvo, I'm convinced that I would have driven faster and with more (false) confidence.

-Murray

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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