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Brakedust: Never had problems with them. They do get dirty quick, but considering how hard I brake, it's not surprising. I usually take my car to the local car wash, and they make the rims shin like new without any problems.
M3 raffle: Mailed mine yesterday. Now the waiting game starts. Still debating on attending Octoberfest in July.
The mild vibration I felt last night turned out to be a 5.2 earthquake. Interesting experience.
What, no grey hair or Ricky Martin outfit - I don't seem like a buyer? At Lexus, MB and even Acura dealers - I found much more attentive sales reps. Is this an indication of how it is in the service departments as well?
We had an Acura and found them to have great service - attentive and they even washed the cars after simple things like oil changes etc.
In general, how would you characterize BMW service departments? Do they stress high quality customer service?
Thanks in advance?
Email me if you have anything to say about dealers or particular sales agents to avoid in the MD/DC area.
http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/e36/e36.microfilter.htm
I think the brake dust removal issue has more to do with the design of your wheels. I have smooth 5-spoke rims now, and brake dust comes right off with a sponge (provided you don't leave it on there for a month). I had the lace-type wheels, like the 330i, on my old Grand Prix GTP. They were beautiful, but finger wrenching to clean. I swore I'd never buy lace-type wheels again. It was so tedious, that one of my major considerations when buying a new car is how difficult the wheels will be to clean.
What, no grey hair or Ricky Martin outfit - I don't seem like a buyer? At Lexus, MB and even Acura dealers - I found much more attentive sales reps. Is this an indication of how it is in the service departments as well?
We had an Acura and found them to have great service - attentive and they even washed the cars after simple things like oil changes etc.
In general, how would you characterize BMW service departments? Do they stress high quality customer service?
Thanks in advance?
Email me if you have anything to say about dealers or particular sales agents to avoid in the MD/DC area.
What, no grey hair or Ricky Martin outfit - I don't seem like a buyer? At Lexus, MB and even Acura dealers - I found much more attentive sales reps. Is this an indication of how it is in the service departments as well?
We had an Acura and found them to have great service - attentive and they even washed the cars after simple things like oil changes etc.
In general, how would you characterize BMW service departments? Do they stress high quality customer service?
Thanks in advance?
Email me if you have anything to say about dealers or particular sales agents to avoid in the MD/DC area.
Alex
What do you think of them?
I bought my 2000 328 in August 1999, but my dealer says I won't get a 2003 until late Sept / Oct.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Maybe a neon light will be standard on the underbody and will pulsate with the beat of the music on the HK... ooooh. ;-)
While it is true most of the cars on the lot have the premium package and more, I know I can do better. Can anyone help me out? I will go to a neighboring state (Georgia, Kentucky, etc.), if necessary.
Thanks.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Although most are, not everyone on this board is a true "gear head." I'm not. I know these guys have you believing that if you don't get the SP and stick, you won't experience what BMW is all about. That's just not true. You have to compare apples to apples. Compare a 325i and an A4 (1.8T or 3.0) without the SP and with the step/tip. I hazard to guess that the BMW will win hands down. But you be the judge.
The 325i I've owned now for 3 weeks (1,300 miles) has the step and does not have the SP. I couldn't be happier! I wouldn't have done anything differenty, it is still "the Ultimate Driving Machine!" (BTW, it doesn't have the PP, leather, or HK either and I still wouldn't have done anything differently!) I know you too are a Maxima owner and as such, I have to tell you that my new 325i, as is (i.e., step and no SP), will run rings around my '97 Maxima SE (also an auto).
I can tell from your posts on the A4 board that if you get anything other than the BMW, you will indeed suffer from BMW envy! There just isn't anything to compare it to, not Audi, not MB nothing!
I considered the Ed option until I priced out the flights recently. The cheapest I found was about $1100 which cuts into the overall savings. Unless I'm missing something, the average ED savings for this car would be about $3000. The cost of getting to Munich, etc. would leave me with about a net savings of $1500 which is barely worth the hassle unless this is a planned vacation. If I took the wife and child, there would be no savings at all other than a cool vacation. Please let me know if there is more to the ED option than what I know.
Thanks.
You can save a little more than $3000 on the car via European Delivery. Instead of making it a vacation, make it a long weekend (Arrive Friday morning, Drop the car off Monday Morning, Fly out Monday afternoon). I belive shipo's recent European Journey cost him somewhere in the $400s for airfare on SAS airlines (Newark to Copenhagen, Copenhagen to Munich) round trip. My guess is it may be more expensive to fly internationally out of Tennessee. Many have posted they've found good lodging for about $60 a night. If you go for a 325i with some options and ED, then you could save yourself a bundle. Especially if you want a 5 speed (this is a good thing), you owe it to yourself to test drive a 325i with a stick and Sport Package; you'll be pleasently suprised.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thanks,
J
Kelly
I drove the Altima...uh-uh. Very nice, but wouldn't get it, too soft for me. It might be less $ & I know Nissan makes a good product, but that wasn't enuff to make me want one. Looks-wise, it's nice but lacks the qualities that makes the 3-series so desirable. I like both the coupe & the sedan, the former is of course racier, the latter is more conservative, easier on passengers, and still a looker all the way around.
I love the A4 3.0, and I was very impressed with the CVT. I hated the 1.8T - too dead on launch, and I don't like the turbo feel. Its totally different with an automatic, as opposed to my friends Passat 1.8 w/manual, which has far less lag. With the A4, you just get soooo many little details that you don't get w/the 325i.
Interior storage is vastly superior, with the best glove compartment I've ever seen, the floor mats are included, the gauges have those beautiful chrome rings, the base stereo is much better, there is this neat ambient light over the console, the trunk has a bunch of nets and storage cubbies, the base tires are 215-55-16, instead of 205-55-16, the leatherette is even more convincing (although BMW's is fine), the climate control is dual-zone, etc, etc, etc...
I don't doubt that the BMW will feel great, that's why I'm waiting. But, it had better FEEL much better, or I may go A4. The cars I want are within $250 sticker of each other, so they are essentially the same price (although I can probably deal better on the Audi).
Incidently: I have seen a number of 325's come into my dealer to fill special orders (they sit there on the lot teasing me, and I'm not allowed to test drive them). I have yet to see one with SP. They all have had step, PP and heated seats (what's up w/that?), and most have leather, and HK.
Coupe vs. Sedan. The coupe looks better but it depends on personal taste. I also feel the same way about SP. I did not go with SP because the seats hug me a bit too tightly. I guess if I could get the M-seats, I'd be in business. Consider what you want to spend and go from there. In my case, my wife determined the criteria: no 2-door, no 2-seaters and nothing too flashy translation: no S2000, no Z3, no BMW 3er coupe. I did ED but I lacked the expense of most people. Most of my expense was on two plane tickets and a ferry ticket. ED is a good consideration if you can spare the time. Time is the only true factor in considering to do or not to do. My target was $35K before tax and this worked well. My 325i is Jet Black with Black Leather,PP,Split Seats,Nav,HK,Bi-Xenon and Step. I installed a BMW alarm, CD changer, wheel locks and luggage net. I have two sets of floor mats (a pair from ED and rubber set for daily use). ED throws in a set of floor mats (your dealer may or may not do this), first aid kit and safety triangle. The 330i has more horses but do you need them. Test drive as many variations as possible before you pull the trigger.
Add a nice dark window tint to my new red with natural brown interior 330i and I could be a very happy camper.
I need to check further into the flights to Munich from TN. I know the timing during the year makes a difference. I think if I could fly there and back for around $700-800, it would probably be worth it. Add to that my love of German beer and the trip could be a beautiful thing.
I appreciate your comments!
My husband and I just moved to the Lakes at Country Place on April 1 and we are loving it as well. We are trying (one of us more than the other!) to wait for a 2004 330i. Your 330i is probably one of the ones I drool over as I do my morning run through the neighborhood. I would like to get a 2003 but Scott being the more reasonable of the two of us thinks I should wait a year. Rats. I can't wait to get it, though, because the straight shot into the medical center would be so much fun in a 330i SP, PP, manual. Oh, i can't wait...
Sheila
Regarding power, my wife and I took our first weekend trip in our 325 last week. At one point, there was a gentle downhill and ample room to pass, so I left it in fifth gear to pass in a 55 mph zone. My wife yelled at me when she noticed I was doing 90 mph!
Don't forget the wider tires with the SP offer better handling. I also like the sport seats as well.
BTW, Travelocity showed several flights from Nashville to Munich for under $800.
-murray
Check out the True Cost to Own feature on Edmund's new car info. The BMW comes in at less than $6k more to own over 5 years than the Altima. Remember that all maintenance is covered on the BMW for the first 3 years so you're less likely to have unexpected expenses.
My friend's volvo with over 100k miles just needed a regular servicing for $2,000
Seems like a bargain to me! Consider that the Altima will run you $18k for depreciation and financing during the first 5 years! That's over $3k a year and you haven't even started to pay for maintenance. I assume your friend's car is over 5 years old and paid off so spending a couple grand a year to keep it running is a bargain.
Bottom line, the BMW will cost you more. If the Altima seems like a fine car to you, buy it. I'm certain you'll enjoy the 325 more, but only you can put a price on that.
-murray
- Exterior styling: Altima is a wedge with bizarre taillight cluster. Not terrible, but definitely not something to write home about. The 3 is one slick baby. You'd be hard pressed to find a better looking car. Especially the coupe (I'm biased). I think it is quite possibly one of the best automotive designs today (Ferrari 360 Modena crushes just about everything).
- Interior quality: Definite workmanship issues with the Altima. Very cheap and poorly assembled. Even owners on Edmunds agree on the Altima's poor interior build quality and appearance. Heck, compare it to the Accord and Camry, if not the Bimmer. In its class, the Altima is trounced. The BMW's interior is fantastic (okay, Audi is tops). Everything in the BMW is designed with the driver in mind. Form follows function, and nothing is done in excess. Everything has a purpose (okay okay, so the blasted coin holder needs help).
- Driving experience: This cannot be measured. Drive an Altima, then get in a BMW. It's like wearing wooden clogs, then slipping into a pair of Nike Shox. This comparison doesn't even do it justice. Driving a BMW does something to you--it is a true driver's car. Pooh-pooh the status symbol aspect. Jettison the name and the fancy roundel. Take it for the pure driving enthusiasm that you take in through your eyes, your hands, your feet, and your oh-so-happy butt cheeks.
Yes, with the Altima, you will get a good car. You may even be very very happy with it. Yes, you will save money. No one can knock you for being fiscally wise. But if you can afford it without being irresponsible, then go for the BMW. Drive it, and you will surely know.
patratpak: The problem with buying a BMW is that you will probably never want to go to any other brand after that...you will probably get the funk like the rest of us and be hooked for life unless you really get some big cash and start dropping over a 100k on really high performance cars. The bimmer though will help keep you out of a midlife crisis and it is a lot less than a psychiatrist. Just think about the 30-45 minutes of therapy you will receive every day that you are able to drive it to work. The Altima is just another car. I mean look at ddblue above -- pretty sick huh? Almost all BMW owners though say these kind of things -- the numbers don't matter -- you cannot sum up the human experience with numbers and there are no vehicles on the road in the 30-40k price range that offer an experience that is comparable. I did not feel this way at first when I bought my car, but over a 6 month period of time I began to appreciate the true car that it was -- it is all sports car and all luxury. The commercial says that in this car you will have thousands of moments each second and they are not lying. Every moment, the car is telling you something about the road and it is a symphony to your senses. There are few things that can compare.
1pierce - If the couple of extra thousand dollars was important, the A4 step really gives the 325 step a run for the money. The 330 though is a totally different story.
my two cents: If I were more money conscious, I would get the 330 with manual and no options over the loaded 325. The HP boost, stiffer suspension, and larger tires really adds a lot to the total performance of the car and I would rather skip the sunroof and leather and get these things if money was tight. Of course I live in Houston and the sunroof is only appreciated about 3 days out of the year here. Please do not misunderstand me though, the 325 (which I now own) is a terrific vehicle to drive. It is a total performance vehicle too, but it makes you work a little harder to squeeze the sweat out of it. If you do not mind giving it a squeeze, then there is no problem. All of the things that I said above about the shrink and the driving experience would apply, but I would give up some extras to get the additional boost.
I joined the BMWCCA now and need to contact them to sign up for the M3 raffle. If you haven't joined yet AND you are looking to buy a BMW, then you should give it strong consideration -- they give you $500 off any new 3 series or certified pre-owned BMW after you have been a member for a year.
Please drop me an e-mail, we can exchange addresses! Wow, can't believe what a small world this is where two of us live in the same neighborhood, considering there are less than 500 homes. Did you buy new construction or previously owned? We bought new and back up to Clear Creek and the woods. We moved in on April 19 and only have a couple of neighbors within spitting distance right now.
I leave for work pretty early (about 6:45 am these days), so don't know if you see me in my 330i. We have been playing around with traffic times to find the best times to leave in the morning. We both work downtown and I am happy with the fact that if I leave around 6 pm to go home, I have a straight shot 20 minute drive.
The only thing that is depressing is that they dropped the speed limits to 55. It is very hard to keep the 330i at 55-62 mph. She so wants to drive much faster! I was able to get some room to accelerate yesterday evening. She hasn't seen that speed in a while.
leenelsonmd: You know, hint, hint, if you moved into Countryplace, I bet you would cut a significant amount of your commute (unless you work in the other direction). Living right off the freeway and closer in that the rest of Pearland makes it pretty nice!
I will e-mail you and come look at your grass. As first time homeowners, we are trying to take care of everything and it is a lot of work. But, with the pool construction, we have been unable to get our irrigation system in yet. Hopefully they can start on that next week.
Happy driving!
Kelly
Kelly
CPO seems to add extra cost onto the purchase price $1,500-2,000. A year 2000 has not CPO extended warranty - but assuming mileage is reasonably low - it will have two years remaining on the bumper to bumper warranty.
If I have the facts straight on the CPO premium and the basic warranty - what do you think is a better way to go?
Thanks.
J
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD