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We might try Savage, although I think she's thinking of someplace reasonably on her way from Corona (home) to Costa Mesa (work). Funny, Savage just sent me a postcard for my car welcoming me to the BMW family and suggesting that even though I didn't buy my car from them, to please consider them for service needs. I was mpressed by their marketing savvy and it couldn't have come at a better time. Hope their marketing savvy bites into Riverside's business.
I'll pass on the good reports about Crevier. Maybe we'll give them a try. Thanks again.
Hope all is well.
Thanks for all your insightful posts.
You are a most valued resource for this forum.
The guys at Savage are pretty sharp. Good luck and please post what you decide to do.
Good luck
p.s. to Soverypoornow, that is one long commute!
tenet1,
Purchased the bimmer in late May 2001.
et al,
I'll post my comparison notes in a few weeks after I get this thing properly broken in. 2 days and already at 350 miles so it won't take long!!
As far as Dinan goes, it is a "Factory Authorized" aftermarket company. Your warranty is in tact as long as a BMW dealer (Only certain ones carry Dinan mods) or Dinan does the work. Some Dinan stuff, particularly their suspension tuning, is pretty impressive.
All this sounds great, but I'm wondering if anyone has any real insight into what it does to the performance of the 330. Is it worth the $3900 sticker? I currently have an E36 M3 sedan, and this is apparantly as close as we will get to a 4-door e-46 M. Should I give up my aging M? I'd love to see some test data if anyone knows of any. Comments?
I didn't realize there was an Infiniti dealer there now. Do you mean Lexus? One of the reasons I didn't even consider the G35(BMW purists: not that I would ever again, now that I've seen the light) because the closest dealer was so far away from home.
The Infiniti dealer is directly accross the street (not the main street, but the access street) from Riverside BMW. It's a pretty good center if you want to test drive because they have the following dealers:
Acura, Lexus, MB, BMW, infiniti, Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and a bunch of domestics. There are some very nice areas to test drive in the hills behind the dealerships. Tell them you want to drive up into the orange groves on Madison ave. there are a few good twisty sections up there. Can you tell I was born in Riverside?? (raised in Yorba Linda)
Does anybody know the approximate cost of this model? The Roundel doesn't say anything about the price. BMW is now working on getting this model here in US.
I've been lurking around this group for a few months now, since this is the most knowledgeable, civilized BMW board on the Internet, I just know you can help me out :-) After months of painful waiting, I just took possession of my first BMW, a silver 325i, PP, HK, Xenon, black 'ette. Currently teaching myself to drive my manual transmission (my poor clutch...).
Anyhow, I was hoping someone on this board had any info about the new Stereo Auxiliary Input that BMW talks about of the '03 models. I have an iPod and would love to be able to connect it to my stereo -- do I need an expensive adapter kit? How does this work? My dealer does not know anything about it and I haven't found much info on the net about it.
Many thanks for any info!
I'd drive a 330i with SP to see if it appeals to you - the PP isn't going to be much different. The E46 platform is heavier, smoother, and more luxurious, but most think that it doesn't have the sharp reflexes of the E36, particularly the M3. So you have to be ready to give up a little on the sport side to get a smoother car.
Is it worth $3900? Well, the PP includes the sport package stuff and 18" wheels that cost about $2K, so you end up end up paying about another $2K for the extra hp, suspension, alcantra, interior bits, and other stuff. This seems reasonable to me, but it depends on whether this stuff appeals to you or not. Given what BMW charges for stuff like sunroofs, xenons, and folding rear seats, this seems like a fairly substantial upgrade for $2K.
- Mark
How did your 3 like that drive up 395? Did it handle the grade out of Bishop well?
We are going again in a couple of weeks (go during the week - a LOT less crazy) and plan on taking the 3 with us (no kids!). We live about 30 miles outside of Mojave, so it is a shorter drive for us.
Where did you ski out of - Canyon, Main, or Eagle? Canyon is really fun, but we are going to hit Main Lodge this time.
-Paul
Harman Kardon vs. the standard sound system. I hear about odd vibrations due to the HK system but I'd really like to have a quality sound system as I have an unbelievably long commute to work and I'm always listening to music.
Any thoughts?
I've been underwhelmed by the BMW HK systems that I've heard, but I haven't seriously evaluated a 2002 or newer system.
You have to try the two of them back to back to see if you hear the difference. Me I recommend the HK Upgrade for any who asks.
Good luck and let us know.
I got rear-ended yesterday. The guy hit me pretty hard. My glasses flew off and my head snapped forward. There wasn't a mark on my car - even though his headlight and grill were smashed. That is one tough little car.
chaaaosss: I got the HK and the leatherette w/PP. I would not buy the leather after having the 'ette. The 'ette is so easy to maintain. I just wipe it down with a damp towel when I wash the car, and dry it, and it looks like new. It also gives the car that traditional "new car smell", while the leather gives the car a "leather" smell. The seats are shaped identical to the leather seats, and everyone who rides in the car thinks they're leather. Put the $1400 to better use - get xenons and HK.
HK is not great - but as said above, it has far better sound reproduction than the base system, which is really flat. Also, w/HK you get the subwoofer, which really boosts base, the auto adjusting volume, and the DSP - which creates a much richer sound. Overall, even the HK sound system is subpar for this quality of car. But,...its all we have to pick from. Despite the cost, I don't regret getting it a bit. I know I would have hated the base system.
For those of you who are considering or have already done after market stereos, I wonder... can you still use the steering wheel controls? I guess it depends what kind of stereo you get as a replacement but this is sort of a big deal for me. I like not having to reach for the controls on the dash.
All four brakes/rotors replaced. Wiper nozzle jet had shorted out and melted. Replaced. Smashed fog light fixed. Oil service. Wiper blades replaced. $1,000. And still no loaner.
Darned nice new facility, though. Reminded me of Crevier or Irvine. And I did eye the Infiniti dealer right across the street.
And while there is disagreement about the relative sound capabilities of the HK upgrade it does tend to have a nice flat sound that doesn't overemphasize highs or lows.
For $650 dollars what kind of complete custom handpicked stereo can you get that will provide more sound quality than the hassle and expense of the installation could be worth?
"Dinan's warranty matches whatever period remains on the individual New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 4 years or 50,000 miles...
And the installation of Dinan products will not affect your new car warranty coverage. So you are covered mile to mile, year to year and bumper to bumper"
If I'm reading this properly, Dinan warrants it's own product for the same amount of time your factory warranty is valid and BMW will cover the rest of the car even if the Dinan part creates problems.
About the leather vs. leatherette - I plan to buy a 325i witht the leatherette seats - personally, am not in favor of shelling out $1500 for the leather seats. I couldn't tell the difference between the two.
Although I understand this is sort of an odd reason to get the tape deck or to figure out how to use the AUX-in just to ensure I have music to listen to on our European roadtrip, agian, it would definitely suck to be without the iPod.
pierce1 - sorry to hear about the accident. Good thing your car is intact. You must be a little sore, uh?
HK - It's plenty good for me, although I'll readily admit that I'm not a stereo buff. If I had to drop one option in my car, that would be the HK but not because of its quality - it's because I drive with the stereo off 90% of the time and listen to the engine instead.
I passed 36K miles on my car this week. Goodbye free service. No warranty issues at all in the past 15K miles or so. I'm glad I had the brake pads replaced at ~ 29K miles.
I had my first kart race for over a year tonight. I got bumped hard and spun off 2 out of 3 runs losing a lap each time and the third run was mediocre. Better luck next time. Don't know how many G's those little karts pull but I think I'll be sore again for a few days. I was beginning to get track withdrawals. Registration for Lime Rock opens on 2/3 for Boston CCA members - I can't wait to go to that one!!
http://www.bimmerfest.org/forums/showthread.php?s=86487dcac5d581d- - d3d829be6b9405e82&threadid=18387
Essentially the AUX-IN does exist, it's all possible, etc. etc. I'm going to get my BMW with an in-dash CD changer and have my cake and eat it too. Woo hoo!
I just wanted to ask a question. I have a friend in the market for a newer car under $25K. He is looking at a 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with leather pack, auto, sunroof, bose. He has been cross shopping other cars. So far he has came up with a Linc L.S. V8, a 2001 Acura CL coupe Type S(asking $20,900 for the CL), and a 2000 BMW 325i sedan. All cars have between 20-30K miles on them, except the BMW, it has 40K. All except the Maxima and Acura(it's at a dodge used car lot) come with a certified pre own warrenty. The big selling point for the L.S. is 3.9% rate up to 60 months. The Maxima is the cheapest out of the group at $ 20K. A lot of car for the money, except it doesn't have a pre own cert warrenty, and it's up at 36K. Out of all of the cars, we would just like some imput from the smart people on edmunds. Love to hear any comments.
Ben
As far as the leatherette issue. I am waiting to pick up my electric red 330i with sport package, moon roof, xenon's and heated seats. When it came down to it, I was on a budget and I know the leather is of better quality, but the amazing sport seats were what I wanted. 'ette will be fine and I know personally I will not miss the added cost. The 330i was on the lot packaged this way and the dealer was aggressive in wanting to move it. I could not have been luckier!
As far as the HK, I am with the fella up top. I am not a huge stereo guy and I am sure either of the systems will be fine for me.
One last note. I do not work for a dealership or know anyone who does. Driving a BMW especially finding a way to get a 330i rather than the 325i (not to say the 325i isn't great b/c it is!) has always been a dream of mine. Because of that I did an extensive amount of research in the pricing area! I live in Connecticut and we have 8 dealerships in this little state. There is a lot of money here, I only wish I had a little more. At different times I contacted every dealership in the state, even using many of the buying strategies from this web-site. I am not going to disparage any other dealership but I must say that County-Line BMW of Watertown is far and away the superior dealer in Connecticut. They were courteous, real and understood both my dreams and budget restrictions. They even sold me a set of once used snow tires and will have them mounted when I pick the car up on Wednesday for more than a reasonable price. Truly first class, and I cannot recommend them enough!
In MY2000, it was the 323i. 325i came out in 2001.
kdshapiro: I agree that you can't upgrade the base stereo aftermarket for anywhere near $650. So, in that respect, the HK is not a rip-off. Its probably equal to the Infinity system in my Caravan. That said, once you've listened to the premium stereo in a Lexus, which I did at the local autoshow last year, you realize that not all premium audio systems are created equal.
climate control: The 2000 BMW must be a 323i - I don't think they changed to the 325 until 2001. That means it has different engine specs than a new 325i. Despite that fact, even if it has 40K on it, if it is decently equipped, it is clearly the best car on your list - and it comes with a CPO warranty. I had a '99 Maxima, and it did not have one mechanical problem in 42,000 miles - those are VERY reliable and somewhat sporty cars. The CL looks like the best deal, since its fairly new, has very good performance and equipment, is a coupe (which I love), and has Honda reliability.
Still, if it were me, I'd use the mileage and the fact that GM, Ford, and Chrysler have killed the used car market to negotiate the price on the 323 down a little and buy that. Until you own a 3-series, you can't imagine how superior they are to drive compared to all the cars on your list.
All of that said - every time I look at a G35 Coupe or a Cadillac CTS (from the outside - I hate the inside of both), I just can't take my eyes off them. I know its a matter of taste, but I think those cars, each in their own way, are stunningly beautiful. Sorry, but I can't say the same thing about the new 5-series, 7-series and Z4 coming out of BMW. And, have you seen that X3? What's up with that? This could be a bad omen of things to come.
I like the trunk on the 7 series.
The Z4 doesn't visually stir me, but after driving one I was totally amazed. Unbelievable car. BMW again redefines the roadster.
Looking for a little help people.
I am looking for people's experiences with recent BMW's in the snow. I am picking up my 330i with snow tires on her on Wednesday here in Connecticut.
Can anyone please provide what they have experienced both positive and negative as well as some helpful tips....
Thanks, djocks