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erickpl - The slower you accelerate, the easier it is to feel the gas pedal stickiness. If you sink your foot in, you can't tell regardless of the weather and humidity. When you move your foot slowly, you feel little notches in the clutch travel - mmm maybe about 5-7 notches for every inch of clutch travel. It does not really hinder performance but it is hugely annoying once you are aware of it.
brislance1 - vanity should be the 8-th deadly sin ) I hope BMWNA does not pay for replacing leather that is "a tad" worn out prematurely.
When did BMW improve the traction control of the car? Were the changes in 1999 or 2000?
Can you provide some history of the 3 series performance in poor weather?
All fancy words for an excellent traction system. In my opinion, I'd rather drive this car in snow than a FWD. However, I highly recommend a set of good snow tires. And ground clearance is a factor for any car in deep snow.
I've been driving for over 30 years. In the 70's (before FWD), living in Wisconsin, it was assumed that everyone switched to snow tires in the winter (back then, only on the rear wheels). Today, even with huge advances in snow tire technology, and far superior traction, most people (even in bad weather climates) don't want to buy snow tires. We truly are becoming a society of one-size-fits-all.
check this out...
if you are at 66k with it, it should have had an inspection 1 done at 60k...
if you don't have any service history on it, i'd at least get the brake fluid and coolant flushed, as well as an oil and filter change...
and of course, as always, have it checked by a bimmer tech before you buy...
-Chris
Sad but true.
laurie, where in the northeast do you live?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Thanks for clarifying this. I thought I was feeling the same thing, but wanted to make sure so I don't look stupid when I go to the dealership.
Did you have the TSB number for this so I can refer them to it when I take it in? It's not that I don't trust the service department, but the more I can give them, the less they have to think about it and more likely to get it right the first time.
Thanks,
-Paul
I don't have the TSB number but twoof1 posted these parts a few days ago: "My receipt shows 2 parts as follows (this is for a step equipped car not sure if it is the same for a stick)
35-40-6-762-480 Pedal Module
35-40-6-756-720 Adaptor Plate"
BTW, I hit the backroads last night and had a lot of fun - it was a nice cool evening, just perfect for driving! I discovered that the only thing more fun than driving on desolate backroasds in the woods is driving on desolate backroads at night with the high beam on. The road was narrow and there were tall trees right off both sides of the road - it was spectacular!!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
i hear ya on the high beams though... amazing the difference it makes....
-Chris
when you go to get your 35mm film developed, ask about having it put on kodak photo cd. it's cheaper than prints as I recall... don't remember for sure honestly.
-Colin
To answer your question, I'm in the NYC tri-state area. So we get snow, rain, and a mix of ice, snow and rain. I'm getting out of my A4 lease and am said to see it go. Going from Quattro to RWD SEEMS like a big adjustment, but is is? Do the tires really make the difference?
....AND...will I really notice a difference between a 99 or 00?
Tires make a HUGE difference. My friend who has a 2002 Audi A4 3.0 Quattro w/ Sports Package (Z rated Tires) can't go anywhere with his car in more than a dusting. Quattro with Z rated tires means that all 4 wheels will spin instead of just the rear wheels.
The snow tire debate has been gone over quite a few times on this board and in my opinion it is a good idea to get a second set of wheels with snow tires.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Some of the past snow falls where my Jeep would just laugh at the snow, I might have to think twice about taking the 330i out. I would defintely feel safer with a 300xi, but I choose not to go that route. The traction control should help the fishtailing somewhat in the snow.
brave, I also heard about the felt lining fix, but cannot remember where I read it - on here or on the 5 Series forum. Maybe the 3 series problem forum might have something about it. Yeah, the drive at night with trees blazing by ya... nothing better. Just watch out for animals and idiots.
-Paul
I am in the market for a new car. So after researching, I came out with
2003 Honda Accord EXV6 - too simple
2003 Nissan Altima V6 - Poor interior material
Passat GLX - why not 325xi if just few grands more
325xi - Wowww....
All those car are good in their own way, but my dream car is a Bimmer. We are just 2, so we don't care for cargo space.. I live in Colorado, so I am sure I need AWD with traction control.
Questions:
1. What would be the least price I can get 325xi for? If it is going to be quite a bit less than MSRP, I don't mind going for 2002s. I live in Colorado. So if I get a good deal, I don't mind picking up in about 500 Miles radius. The lowest offer I got was $1400 less than MSRP for a 2002 325xi.
2. What is really needed and not needed in additional packages? My requirements( I think ?!!) are,
- Leather
- Heated seats
- Sunroof
- Folding rear seats ( for my skiing trips)
- Navigation ( I don't know if I really need it though !)
- Memory seats would be great since my wife is 5.5 and I am 6.1
Please let me know you thoughts and suggestions..
Thanks
Which one did you buy and how much did you pay for it?
I actually got mine BELOW invoice, due to some issues with how they built it (they left off the premium package, which had the memory seats). It worked out, so I can't really address the pricing.
If you live in Colorado, you might also want to consider the Audi Quattro's. Their AWD system is excellent and it is a nice car. So you should feel confident driving in CO winters and on your ski trips. It was our second choice behind the BMW.
If I were you, I'd probably opt to get the roof rack that bolts into the roof. Much easier and cleaner to haul skis and boards. You won't get snow, salt, gravel, etc inside your car when transporting your winter toys.
I will second the choice for the SP. With the twisties you get in the CO mountains, you'll never regret it!
Leatherette is a good choice for saving a big of coinage, and it looks great. I opted for leather though (wife's choice).
If you get the premium package, you will get your power seats, sunroof, the wood trim, and center armrest (for 2002). The package changed a bit for 2003, but I can't remember what all beyond the center armrest. With the power seats, you get that memory setting you want.
The sport package will give you great seats, a sport suspension, a few little cosmetic changes, and 17" wheels which are REAL easy to clean.
The cold weather package will give you the folding seats (which I really like) and the ski bag (which I have never used). You also get the electric bun warmers and the spray thingie for the headlamps. Cool thing about that is when it sprays, it is actually heated a bit to help melt snow/ice, that may form while driving in adverse weather.
If you want a better nav system, opt for a 2003. It will be DVD based in 2003; 2002 is CD based and from what people on here have said, not the best. The Japanese cars offer better nav systems. You might want to consider an aftermarket one instead if you choose a 2003.
When considering 2002 vs 2003, remember that while 2003 is a bit more, you also get an additional 1 yr/15000 mile extension to the base warranty... something to consider.
Whichever your purchase, enjoy it. Consider YOUR needs and wants over what anybody on here, including me , say. Some will tell you that to have a true BMW you have certain things, but go with what you want and need and can afford. Any way you go, you will love it. And when you consider an option, consider the costs over the life of the payments you are making. It may cost a bit more now, but over the x years you are paying, how much does it contribute to your payments? Consider that one.
Good luck and enjoy your choice!
- Paul
http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_ (my 325xi).
2002 325xi
Oxford Green/Natural Brown
SP, CWP, 1/2 PP
xenons
XM radio, tint
They took two otherwise identically-equipped Audi A6s, one quattro and one FWD, and tried them with and without winter tires. The bottom line is winter tires made a bigger difference than AWD, although AWD+winter tires would be generally best. However the extra weight of AWD negatively impacted braking vs an identical 2WD car. Winter tires may be non-optimal if your winter includes several thaws and extended above-freezing periods. The article also discusses that.
Here's another recent article on AWD vs winter tires in Car and Driver:
http://urlizer.com/00/1365/
-- Joe
The reason the Porsche did well is the same reason FWDs do well. The weight of the engine is over the tires.
I haven't had it long enough to begin a critical analysis, so I'll defer that for a week or so. I am still getting used to the feel (which is dramatically different than my Maxima), and am still in that hypersensitive new car driving mode where you can't totally relax and appreciate all aspects of the vehicle.
In honor of finally being a BMW owner, I vow not to engage in this round of AWD/FWD, Snow/All Seasons, and PP/SP/Luxury/Sport debate. I make no promises about the future, though. All that I will say to those posing questions is: Your initial thought about what options/configuration to order is probably the one that will make you happiest in the end. Don't get talked into something you don't really want/like/or need.
Congratulations.
I'm trying to get a service appointment next Monday, but was looking for info. Any ideas about whats wrong?
1. It is a solidly built/ safe car.
2. The BMW has a high resale value.
3. The car has great handling/performance reviews.
4. The BMWs are fairly reliable.
After driving the car for a day and a half, I now relate to the posts on this board and just have to say "WOW!" Maybe it was driving my Honda Civic for 150,000 miles that did it to me, but I'm having so much fun. The car is Black/Sand with a five speed, sport seats, sports suspension, 16" alloys, Leatherette (which I preferred in Orlando), moonroof (wouldn't have got it if it didn't come with it) power seats, memory, xenons, in dash CD, etc.
Just want to thank everyone on this board for all the info and let you all know that "now I know" what you are all speaking of when you talk of the "ultimate driving experience." There is only one problem: I can never go back!
Be well,
Joe
That was then. Now my girlfriend is 5'3" and my M3 has manual, massively adjustable seats. It's hell... power memory would be nice!
-Colin
Sport Package
-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio, and accessory phone5 controls; 12-way adjustable front sport seats (includes 2-way headrests and thigh support); 8-way power front sport seats with 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; 3-driver memory for exterior mirror and seat positions; automatic tilt-down of passenger's side-view mirror when vehicle is shifted into reverse gear1; 17 x 7.0 Radial Spoke (Styling 73) alloy wheels, 205/50R-17 all-season tires
maransm--even without the sports suspension, I'd still get the sports package on the xi. As many have stated, the seats are wonderful and I like the look of the sport steering wheel better than the standard one.
I use Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner on the leather and they work great! But what should I use on vinyl??? How about Lexol Vinylex on vinyl? Anyone recommend it, or any other brands?
Thanks.
genie: Thanks. And it is gorgeous.
sunroof/memory seats: I'm using the sunroof more and more in the morning when it is cooler, and on the highway when I want air, don't wind rush, and don't need the AC. My wife likes a VERY different driving position than me, and I'm kind of anal about my seat position staying exactly the same once I find the right spot, so memory seats are something I appreciate.
Its been so darn hot here in Pgh this week, I haven't had the chance to drive the BMW during the day with the windows open, yet. I actually don't like AC - because it drags on the engine, and I like fresh air. But, its been soooo humid that I sweat with the AC off, and when it isn't hot, its raining too hard to open the windows.
brave: w/regard to power seat adjustment, some people have more tolerance for inconvenience than others.
I use Lexol leather cleaner and conditioner on the leather and they work great! But what should I use on vinyl??? How about Lexol Vinylex on vinyl? Anyone recommend it, or any other brands?
Thanks.
All I want to do as soon as I get home is to take the oil level dipstick and admire its aerodynamic shape.
I wonder how many hours of wind tunnel testing took the German engineers to shape this thing!
Now I know how they got the Idea for the movie Signs!, the whole design came right out of a corn field!
My son believes it is a spaceship and wants to play with it all the time!
Now, if BMW doesn't mind, how about a simple stick with to marks, H and L, and send me a $10 check for the savings, so I can buy a couple of bionicle toys for my son in exchange of my oil level
and pierce1, it sounds bee-YOU-ti-ful, with the accent on the second syllable. I love red, were it not for my last car being bright red and the fear of getting nailed by the CHP I would have picked it for meself. Congrats (finally, now, how exciting!) and best wishes to you for logging many satisfying miles in it.
All I want to do as soon as I get home is to take the oil level dipstick and admire its aerodynamic shape.
I wonder how many hours of wind tunnel testing took the German engineers to shape this thing!
Now I know how they got the Idea for the movie Signs!, the whole design came right out of a corn field!
My son believes it is a spaceship and wants to play with it all the time!
Now, if BMW doesn't mind, how about a simple stick with to marks, H and L, and send me a $10 check for the savings, so I can buy a couple of bionicle toys for my son in exchange of my oil level
genie1: It could be something as simple as the pads being worn down. I'd check them, just to be sure.
Moonroof: I use mine regularly. It's great for cooling the car before getting into it.
Memory seat: With 12 different adjustments, not having it would bother me. It took over a year to setup my current driving position, and I'd hate to lose it.
Color: For me, red is a little too flashy. I prefer to blend into the back ground while driving on the HWY. M3 is a different story however.