Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The 330Ci comes with the upgraded Harman Kardon audio system as standard equipment.
Best Regards,
Shipo
How funny (or sad) is this line?
Colt.
I also found that if, prior to mounting, I left the bra in the hot sun for 15 minutes the upper part fit better on the hood. It was more snug.
One other suggestion is to be sure to tighten the straps as tightly as possible and after driving the car several miles, re-tighten them again. Never leave the bra on for long periods of time as wetness can cause paint to fade.
If I were to do it all over again, I would probably order a Colgan bra through Autoanything.com. I did get mirror bras from them that really work great. I did this because the mirrors on one of my other cars really got chipped coming across the desert. Hope this helps. Funny what a little ductape will do!
I found that putting the top part in the clothes dryer for a couple of minutes heats it nicely. Heating it did make installation easier, but it still flapped at high speed especially in a headwind.
I used ductape on the velcro tabs under the front of the car too. You could also go to a dry goods store and buy some velcro that you could leave on the underside permanently. You can attach the tabs to the velcro each time you mount the bra. Good luck.
a BMW 325Ci with SP, Moonroof, Xenon, Power Seats, OBC,HK and paint with D&H $28770 invoice + 1500 = $30270. (With NAV $31910).
a BMW 330Ci with SP, Moonroof, Xenon, 18" wheels, paint with D&H $33640 invoice + $1500 = $35140. (With NAV $36780).
If you are not married skip the NAV.
Note: With the NAV, you will have to buy a CD changer. BMW sells this for $595. This does not include installation. Also with ED, you will get floormats, a first aid kit and a safety triangle. If you don't do ED, try to negotiate for free floormats and other things, if possible.
IMHO, NAV has a relative value depending upon the person. In my case, I don't think I would pay $200 for an integrated NAV system in a car (even though I would gladly pay $12,000 for an integrated GPS "Moving Map" Nav/Com for an airplane). On the other hand, I would gladly pay $1,200 to $1,500 for an integrated NAV system for my wife's car. While I consider Mrs. Shipo to be a genius in many ways, she has actually gotten lost driving to work, a place where she has worked for many years. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
I looked at the Colgan mask at autoanything.com. They appear to have heavier weights on the hood cover - might be less prone to flap.
I think I'll get a pair of the mirror masks.
Thank you again for all your help. Especially for taking the time to post your experiences and opinions. I personally feel that the 3 series coupe is one of the most beautiful cars on the road, and the handling is just superb. I don't mind a little road noise, and a reasonable premium ($3300 diff. between 330 and 325) for some power. I was wondering if I had to sacrifice a quiet ride. It seems engine roar comes more strongly in the 330ci, so I needed to hear some other opinions... more informed opinions.
I'm wondering if anyone could tell me when the roar stops in the tach range on the 330ci. Is it throughout the acceleration, or just in the low ranges? And I forgot to mention that I will be getting a Step... the traffic in Boston is just too slow... Does this affect people's recommendations?
Anyway, I am planning on doing Euro Delivery, since I live in Boston, and the fares here are reasonable to Munich. Thank you again everyone, for making this such a useful and friendly board. You guys are great.
Jeff
Also, how is it different from the standard European Anthracite Cloth? Thanks
My brother-in-law is still very sore with some fractured and/or displaced ribs and pinched nerves in his neck so that his right arm/hand/fingers are numb (which is worrisome because he is a composer and pianist), but, he is alive to tell about it. :-) He is absolutely convinced that the BMW saved his life, and were it that his enjoyment of his previous car wasn't enough, he says that he will absolutely replace the E30 with a newer E36 or E46, if for no other reason than the safety aspect.
Now all we need to do is find him a "Cream Puff" that he can easily go and fetch from the LA area.
Best Regards,
Shipo
FWIW, I weighed the "cost" of traveling a few hours against the convenience of location. My break point was probably about $1 per mile (although this is completely arbitrary). I think it squares well with postoak's comment that the out of town dealers have nothing to lose by giving you a good deal, particularly on ED since it's not part of their allotment as I understand it. It seems also that most places have a designated internet salesperson who is generally willing to give a lower price than a floor salesmen, but this is just an impressions I got from talking with both (could be coincidence). Although the guy I bought from works the floor.
Finally, definately do ED. I think the experience alone is worth it even if it eats up all the money you save (although it doesn't have to). If price is an issue stay out in the country and avoid the cities. Parking is too hard to find in the cheap places and I wasn't prepared to leave my new ride on the street. There's also no other legal way (except maybe in Montana) to see what your car can do!
Good luck!
to the person who asked "why did bmw lighten the steering in the first place"... please reference all the posts about people wanting it to be quieter... your answer is in there somewhere...
geez, and i thought mine was too quiet, and even with the m3 catback it's still too quiet...
-Chris
Sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. VERY happy to hear he is alive and recovering. Safety is probably the main reason I opted for the 3'er.
Safety features to me:
AWD
8, yes 8 airbags (2 front, 2 front side, 2 rear side, 2 head)
Sport suspension
Hopefully he recover quickly from any soreness or injuries.
Why don't you, him, and Mrs. Shipo come out here in October to find a good car and you can take in the EAFB air show with me and my family!
-Paul
Is it better to Phone, E-mail, or Fax?
Is it better to make an offer or let them make you an offer?
Any insights will be greatly appreciated.
-Mark
I e-mailed two dealers, telling them that I was looking for a 325i, and wanted them to call me to arrange a test drive. They both called within a day. After I had test driven a few cars, and decided what I liked, I e-mailed the remaining dealers in my area and setup appointments to talk deals. I then went to each (there were four and I got through three), with a written offer sheet. Nobody would make my deal ($1,500 over invoice + floor mats + plus plate bracket removal). Each got closer, though, until I settled for a little over $1,700 over invoice because I was just too fried to continue.
I'm not sure I'd advise this for everybody - its pretty stressful. I just wanted to do the best I could do locally, and pull the trigger that day. I also visited them in reverse order of where I wanted to buy, anticipating that subsequent offers would get better. I ended up buying from my preferred dealer, where I had done most of my test driving.
I probably could have gotten the car a wee bit cheaper, but what is $250 spread over 36 or 48 lease payments? Its newspaper change, so why drive 4-5 hours for it and then not get a loaner and a wash when the car is in the shop?
I actually find road noise (tire rumble) and wind noise MUCH more objectionable than engine noise. Neither of those were a problem to me, with the 325i base tires. Of course, if you want SP handling/tires, you have to make the trade off in road noise.
Thanks!
BTW, I hit a variety of backroads this week. Some of the roads had very old pavement - uneven, bumpy and very poorly marked. I was amazed at how composed my 3-er was on these roads - it never lost composure and it stayed balanced and predictable even on the bumpiest switchbacks. Over a year and 21K miles into my ownership and I am still amazed by it!!
Check Kelly (KBB) web page for current lease money factors and residual or check on Edmunds discussion on leasing and ask the moderator for the numbers. Don't accept other MF from the dealer, they should honor the BMW FS numbers, anything more is extra profit for the dealer.
Read and learn the math, don't forget taxes.
I haven't had the 20 year plus wait to buy my first Bimmer of some on the board, but I have been looking and shopping (and driving my wife crazy) for almost 3 years. I was pulling the trigger a year ago, when a move suddenly became very expensive and the plans went on hold.
To echo the impressions of so many others, since I picked up the car, I've had a permanent smile every time I'm behind the wheel. Even with the steptronic (the inevitable compromise to stop and go traffic and a non-stick driving spouse), the acceleration is incredible, and the 3.0L engine just sings. While I can't confirm the manufacturer of the transmission as ZF, I can say that my sticker (unlike one "older" car on the dealer lot) shows Germany as the origin and I notice a difference (not better or worse, just different) from the cars I test drove.
The car handled wonderfully on a weekend trip through the Sierra foothills. I don't believe I would have noticed a significant difference between my sport suspensioned 330 and a sport packaged 330. That's not to say other's won't; I just probably won't push it that hard.
This board has been a wonderful source of information and I've vicariously driven each of your Bimmers. Now I finally get to drive mine. Thanks!
German executives commenting on the outstanding low noise levels inside the new L series, admitted that a total of almost 500lbs of sound deafening material was used.
Also, due to the poor HP rating measured on the new restrictive exhaust, a new larger, powerful albeit heavier engine was planned to keep up with the competition and keep 0-60 in the 7 sec range.
When the BMW executives where asked how would this affect the legendary BMW 50/50 distribution, and how, with the addition of the new spectacular "magic carpet suspension" would BMW legendary handling change, the interview was interrupted abruptly.
A second group of BMW representatives exalted the new super light steering. Test done on the nurburgring with selected nor Americans especially flown to Germany for this test, showed how they where able to apply make-up and shave while comfortably turning the steering using only ONE finger!. None of the subjects crashed, demonstrating once again, the higher skills and experience the North American subjects (drivers)had.
BMW executives confessed that the L series was inspire by monitoring the discussions at Edmunds Town Hall.
When one of the reporters asked how will the new L series fit with the traditional BMW costumer/ sports car aficionado, this was ignored due to the appropriate intervention of one of the exec inviting everybody to the cocktail party.
Although we were not allowed to drive the prototypes, after a few cocktails, one of the German engineers praised the new RECORD number of 57 cupholders to be found in the car.
I could not translate several of the paragraphs but as soon as I do, I'll keep you updated.
P. D. Also coming soon, the new, fabulous BMW "RTHV", so don't change your channel.
Best Regards,
Shipo
I would recommend you go to the dealership you would find most convenient to get service from and take your test drive(s) there. Then, after you've got the best email deal, give that salesman the chance to match -- he probably won't be able to, but at least you'll have a clean conscience about using his time.
That seems like a sane and reasoned approach.
-Mark
Opinions welcome on Harmon Kardon, Step, and Leather too. I hear the HK is not worth the upgrade and that the leatherette may be better in a ragtop! I would prefer the Manual, but wife may have to drive once in a while.
Not many ragtops on the lots in Virginia, but there are a quite a few that can be built to specification for August delivery.
Thanks.
325i, PP, Xenon, HK, Steptronic, no metallic paint (electric red). MSRP $33,095. Paid about $32,150.
36 mo, 12,000 mile lease, with $2,000 upfront cash. Please remember, BMW Financial requires first month's payment, a security deposit equal to one month's payment rounded up to the next $50, and an acquisition fee of about $500. My down payment offer only put about $500 toward lowering the finance amount.
Bottom line: If you end up financing at or over $30,000, expect to pay over $500/mo to lease. Also, 4-year leases through BMWNA cost more than 3-year (they apparently want the car back having been fully maintained, and with a year of warranty left).
I haven't actually finalized financing yet, because my car isn't here, but I'll be using my credit union's neo-lease program, called "MAPS". It has no acquisition, security deposit, or 1st mo payment required, plus no excess wear and tear clause. The whole upfront money goes toward reducing your loan amount. This savings is partially offset by the need to pay sales tax on the whole car (but there is then no lease tax), and a slightly lower residual (57% vs 60%), but in the end, the payments will be slightly lower, and having no wear and tear clause is big. If you have access to such a program, do a serious comparo. You might find its a better deal than BMWNA.
The HK is worth it IMO. I listened to both, and if you have an ear for fidelity, you will definitely notice the extra sound reproduction range of the system and speakers. The base system killed my jazz music.
Don't sweat the step. It is very smooth, and seems tailored to the power band of the 325. It also has a sport mode and is fun in manual mode. I got it. Hell, MOST people get it. Its not a substitute for a manual, though, so don't kid yourself on that. Its a little expensive. I would have liked to save the $1,275, but I have the same convenience/wife issues as you. Manuals are hell with a cell phone.
You better have a strong constitution, though, if you plan to hang around here - these guys are merciless on cars w/out manual and SP.
Took delivery. Salesman said a lot of orientation-type things. I heard none. I was on sensory overload. Just kept looking at the car. Thinking "Gimme the keys. Gimme the keys." Got the keys. Like holding a newborn baby. Afraid to break it. Drive carefully everywhere I go. More nervous than joyful.
Day 2:
Walk into garage. See new car. Still seems like someone else's. "My, that's a pretty car," I think. "Hey, that's mine!" Still nervous, but having a little more fun. Getting on freeway a much more exhilarating experience. The permanent smile begins.
Day 3:
Yeeeeeeeeehaaaaaa! That's my car! It sinks in. Couldn't sleep the night before because I was so anxious to get up and drive to work. I completely understand those that say driving their bimmer is like therapy. It so is. Sit inside with the black lthr interior, "metal" trim and nav. Beautifully simple and elegant. Heck, I don't even care if the nav system works, it looks awesome with this combo. With smile plastered on my face I get on the freeway with glee. 4500 RPM comes so quickly. Too quickly. Must take 1,134-mile road trip soon. Get rid of this darned break-in period.
Day 4:
Today. Went to bed with visions of my car in my head. Woke up with that silly grin. Can't wait to go some more. Planning trips to the mountains, the beach (one of the good things about SoCal), anywhere. What am I doing here sitting at my computer? Gotta go...
BTW, whatever happened to that offer by a poster to host a website where we could post photos? I would love to see shots of your 3.
Click above for a closer look
About how long did it take for your cars to arrive after they went into "Awaiting Transport" stage? Anyone with an SA build who can comment?
It looks like you have different (and IMO) much nicer wheels with your 2001 SP than those that are available on the 2002 SP. Its hard to tell for sure in the photo, though. I like the base 2002 325 wheels better than the 2002 325 SP, but I love your wheels. And the "M" wheels on the 330i SP - awesome.
Did you guys have this done prior to pick-up, or did the dealer discuss this with you when you arrived? I'm tempted to get on the web site owner's manual, find out what my options are, and write a memo to my dealer in advance of my cars arrival, telling him how I want it programmed.
Did any of you do something similar? How do you think it would be received?