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I saw a grey green metallic 330Ci SP today. The color looks great on the coupe I muct say. It is the first I've ever seen on one.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
On my 325i trade, the dealer ignored the added value of the mud guards. Do you think it would be good idea to move them to the new 330i ZHP, or will that ruin the aerodynamics of the wheel?
Finally, what's the scoop on the fact the speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (by voluntary agreement between german car manufacturers)and not 128 mph as the other 3 bimmers? Is this true?
div jr. is on board, and so is Mrs. div. I guess that my continual talk about buying an 1150 GS paid off; it now seems she'll agree to most any vehicle short of a minivan-just as long as it has four wheels...;)
How about frequency and cost of tire replacement?
My car came with Potenzas. I have 14k on them and the fronts are fine. The rear tires won't last more than another 1k. I've owned the car for 10 months and it's mostly freeway miles.
Is it true you need to open an escrow account especially to get those 255/35 ZR-18 Michelin Pilot Sports?
I'm going SA-03s on my rears and through costco it'll be $480 including tax, install and road warranty.
How about the clear bra in the hood?
Maybe it's needed somewhere. No marks on my car beyond a little feelable though not visible road rash on the bottom of my air dam.
is it a better value 3 years down the road to have rock chips marks on the hood or a probably faded away clear bra?
Never had a bra and never had a car with marks. I'd guess this is a problem in areas with lots or snow or rain that tears up the roads. Shrug.
On my 325i trade, the dealer ignored the added value of the mud guards. Do you think it would be good idea to move them to the new 330i ZHP, or will that ruin the aerodynamics of the wheel?
Aerodynamics of the wheel? Not sure. I've not seen a ZHP with mudguards. People at bimmerfest might have though...
Finally, what's the scoop on the fact the speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (by voluntary agreement between german car manufacturers)and not 128 mph as the other 3 bimmers? Is this true?
Supposedly. But unless you've got a track, where are you gonna prove it? never broken 120 on the freeway (in the middle of nowhere and at 3 am so I'd die all alone).
Has anyone ever had to change a lightbulb on a front turn signal light on a '01 325i?
It is my front (passenger-side) turn signal (blinker) indicator light. The manual says that there should be a "hook" that I can pull back and the casing will pop out so I can switch the lightbulb. I can't find a hook. The only thing I could find that resembled a hook was a plastic part sticking out which I tried to push and almost broke. After that I decided to leave it alone, but it is bugging me and I don't want to leave something minor like this for the dealership.
Thanks.
I am wondering how it compares to the sand leather. People have mentioned that the leatherette is pretty good but i am wondering about the light colored sand.
I am toying with getting oxford green with sand leatherette. If the sand leatherette looks cheap, then i may end up with a different color with black leatherette.
Any recommendations/comments about the letterette or good exterior colors?
-Paul
As for the parts, I bought mine from Steve at the Ultimate Garage in Emerson, NJ. You can buy all you need via his web site:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/bmwparts.html
I hope this helps.
Best Regards,
Shipo
And just as a helpful suggestion to find any other information that may have been previously discussed, the "Search This Discussion" feature is fabulous! If anyone has not tried it, you really should just to see what you can do with it.
e46fanatics.com has a good write-up on pad replacement in its DIY section. Also try http://m3.madrussian.net/ - the pics are pretty good.
I don't know if BMW's leatherette is equivalent, but that's what I'm getting on my 325i, in Sand. Again, a lighter color might be safer in leatherette than leather. My wife's car has a very light tan leather and it's a hassle keeping it clean (and we do not eat or drink in our cars!).
Oxford Green with Sand sounds like a really nice looking and distinctive combo!
many thanks !
Westy
Tire Protection
Gap Insurance
Floor mats were included.
Maybe a third-party extended warranty, or a tire/wheel insurance program... say no to both.
BMW also offers an extension of the free maintenance plan to 6yr/100K.. Without passing judgement on the value, pass on this also.. as it can be bought at any time before the original free maintenance is up.
Good luck!!
kyfdx
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BTW, a friend just bought a new car and proudly told us how she bought the "teflon" protection inside and out. There goes $400 dollars.
As a general rule I get GAP on a lease but not on a purchase because with a lease your payments are much lower than the depreciation and the gap is higher. BMW leases include Gap Ins. This is for starters. The financial gurus in this forum can tell you more.
All: I need some advice. I currently have a 2001 325i 5sp that I use to commute, and, ocassionally I floor it to 100, for 30 seconds on Beltway 8 South, right past the huge ramp coming from I-10 that climbs and then falls deep into a Nascar-like, six lane gorge, in H-town (at 5 AM with no cars around). Even without the sport package (just premium), this car gives me my adrenaline rush. The car still grips well at 40K on Continental CH95 91H all season tires. On the way back, I just take regular commuter traffic. I don't mind shifting in traffic, as long as I can get my bursts of acceleration. In all, it's about 40 mile roundtrip each day. Does any one believe this experience can be topped by a ZHP with high performance tires? Will it be considered car cruelty to subject a ZHP to such regime? Pending a business decision, I could be the market for a better Bimmer, with the Xenon, heated seats, etc, and more power, but I am also concerned about the 18" of the ZHP. I've never had that worry with my 16s on the 325i. Not that there are a lot of potholes in H-town, I-10 will be undergoing construction for the next 5 years, and paving becomes irregular in some spots. I test drove a 330i with a 6 sp tranny and a 330i ZHP. In both cases, it took me a while to locate the gears, especially, downshifting from 5th to 4th to 3rd, maybe because they are more separated than in a 5 speed tranny, so the error margin is less. The salesman said it was something you get used to. Sorry guys, seems like I'm rambling a bit.
Bottomline:
a)I intend to keep my next BMW as long as possible. Between a ZHP and a 330i 6sp sport package which one could offer a better long term reliability, and resale value, say 6 years down the road?
b)Does any one out there has the impression 325is are as thrifty as it gets? I love the car I have but I just want to get some feeling from out there.
c)I read "its better to drive a slower car faster than to drive a faster car slower". Does anyone think that based on above driving habits (we do not have Southern California or West Virginia nice winding roads, H-town and surroundings are flat as a pool table, so you use the turnpikes, and excellent freeways), am I better off with the 325i than upgrading to 330i/ZHP?
NVH = noise, vibration and harshness. the ZHP suspension and tire choice transfers more of the road into the cabin. It's not as quiet or docile as a standard 330i.
Also, what exactly tramlining on 18" wheels mean?
Tramlining is when the tires, usually wider tires, cross over uneven pavemenet and cause the car to pull suddenlt from one side to another. San Diego freeways have many seams that run the length of lanes, thus driving in thos lanes with seams can be taxing as the car is constantly getting pull left or right.
Can you get a single wheel replaced or are you forced to buy the set?
I've had one blowout thus far. 255/35 18s are thin tires, so not much is left to protect you if things go bad. You can replace anything you want individually btw.
this car gives me my adrenaline rush. The car still grips well at 40K on Continental CH95 91H all season tires. On the way back, I just take regular commuter traffic. I don't mind shifting in traffic, as long as I can get my bursts of acceleration. In all, it's about 40 mile roundtrip each day. Does any one believe this experience can be topped by a ZHP with high performance tires?
What's funny is you said your current car gives a rush. So why go a new direction? If your 325 is filling the cookie jar, enjoy that fact. The ZHP is a louder, more raucous vehicle. For my money it's still not fast enough but that's just me.
Will it be considered car cruelty to subject a ZHP to such regime?
It's just a car. A luxury item. You buy it and it will fall apart and lose value.
a)I intend to keep my next BMW as long as possible. Between a ZHP and a 330i 6sp sport package which one could offer a better long term reliability, and resale value, say 6 years down the road
I'd guess the 330i would age better as it's a softer package and the components aren't subjected to some of the same rigors. Resale will probably be wretched on both cars. It'll be an old design and faster, better Bimmers will be out by then.
b)No idea.
c)I read "its better to drive a slower car faster than to drive a faster car slower". Does anyone think that based on above driving habits (we do not have Southern California or West Virginia nice winding roads, H-town and surroundings are flat as a pool table, so you use the turnpikes, and excellent freeways), am I better off with the 325i than upgrading to 330i/ZHP?
Man, none of us can answer that for you. Whatever fun and value you see in the cars is what matters. It's your coin.
Heres my $.02 on leather vs. leatherette. I think they are both good for particular reasons. Leatherette doesn't crack and wear down nearly as easily as leather, but leather looks great. Not everyone can tell the difference between the two. Also, leather isn't the easiest to keep clean, especially when its black.
~Erin
Here's the wording from the BMW web site:
"The warranty period is for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, and begins on the date of first retail sale, or the date the vehicle is placed in service as a demonstrator or company vehicle, whichever is earlier. "
The interesting thing is what they consider a "demonstrator". When I was shopping various options, whenever I mentioned wanting to try, say, a manual trans or sport package, the sales rep always said "I have one of those you can drive", and he'd bring a new car around that I would take out for a spin. These always seemed like brand new cars (<50 miles on the odo) and I wondered a couple of times if they just let people drive anything in dealer stock that would later be sold as a new car. I always take it easy on a demo drive, but I'm sure there are some who do not.
So I wonder if by my taking a new car for a drive, it went "in service" and the eventual buyer would lose the time on his/her warranty. Another reason I'm glad I custom-ordered mine!
regards,
kyfdx
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regards,
kyfdx
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dolandgab - I encountered a similar issue when I was trying to negotiate a deal on a new 330i which was a 2002 model but had been sitting on the dealer lot for 9 months. The dealer said that it was brand new with 70 miles on it and had never been titled. But he also said that after a while, the dealer has to buy the car from BMW and thats when the warranty starts. Therefore, almost 6 months of warranty had gone off on the car. It sounded fishy to me and so I called off the deal.
You should also look over all your original purchase agreement information. See if you signed any waivers or disclaimers. The original paperwork might help establish in service date.
If I was you, I'd get the dealership to explain to you in writing their position.
2. I noticed that there's isn't a key whole on passenger side of my car (I also noticed this on a current gen Jetta). Not that it matters but I'm just curious as to whether this is a standard practice and whether BMW has been doing this for years.
Don't think there is any need. Can't remember if my '98 540i6 had a passenger-side keyhole or not. Or my former '00 323ia. But don't think I ever used a key on the passenger side. And in over 50,000 plus miles of driving in both,don't think I ever used the key in the driver's door. Proves their point.
The use of keyless entry in nearly all cars today is minimizing the need for 2 key holes.
Then either contact the Consumer Protection Division of your State's Attorney General's Office or see if you can get a lawyer to represent on a contingency.