BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

kyfdx · October 2004

List price to move from 3/36 to 6/100 is $1384.. So, he isn't jacking it up.. I think there is only about $100-$200 profit built into that..

You can buy it from any BMW dealer.. I've heard of Carbone BMW in Utica, NY discounting it.. I think most of the savings would be on sales tax from buying out of state.

How many miles on your 330i? Will you likely make it to the 60K service by the end of three years?

If you are hesitant, you could extend it to 4yr/50K for about $400.. That gives you another year to consider pushing it out to 6yr/100K.

regards,
kyfdx

mitchs3 · October 2004

My 02 330 has 27,500 miles and 2 months left on lease and 3/36 maintenance. I am probably going to purchase at residual $23,800 as in excellent cond, low miles and may keep 3 more years. The dilemma I face is that I may not reach the miles to get Inspection I done under coverage as the car must be within 1,000 miles on the maintenance indicator to get done. The indicator reads 3050 miles this am. I am driving it as much as I can to get this $400.00 service done "free". It sounds silly but driving extra miles may actually save me money. At 6 years I may also be shy of Inspection II , though for sure will get brakes... I understand to go from 4/50 to 6/100 is $1095 so I will be penalized $100 to ultimately do this in two steps. If my miles fall short of inspection I under 3/36 the $400 will cover this but likely nothing else except wiper blades....

kyfdx · October 2004

Unless the price has gone up... the extension from 4/50 to 6/100 has a list price of $995. Maybe your dealer is trying to put a little "pressure" on you to buy the whole thing.

I'm guessing your Inspection I would cost close to $400 all by itself.. The $400 would be relatively cheap insurance, just to preserve the ability to buy the 6/100.. It doesn't sound like you'll make it to 60K for Inspection II...

If you are sure you are going to buy the car, then I'd go ahead and get the 4/50 bump, and quit trying to "use up" the first 30K miles. That way you'll have Insp.I covered... Who knows.. maybe you will need brakes sometime in the next year..

regards,
kyfdx

mitchs3 · October 2004

Thanks for the advice.....Sounds reasonable....

paule · October 2004

2 questions for everyone:
I am now in the waiting period for my car to be delivered. I think I saw somewhere that you can enter your VIN on the shipping company's website and track it across the ocean. Can someone help me with this?
Also, does anyone have experience with buying BMW knockoff wheels on Ebay? Prices look good and as far as I can tell, the wheels look the same as the OE wheels. I need to purchase wheels and tires for winter driving and OEM wheels are just a tad too expensive if the Ebay wheels (some company out of Florida, I think?) are reliable.

Edit: Company is OE Wheel Distributors out of Sarasota, FL

kdog · October 2004

Has anyone experienced having condensation inside their bimmer's headlight covers? I noticed my new 330i's Xenon headlight had condensation on the inside cover. This occurred at night when I turned my headlights on. The temperature was only 55 degrees outside. Is this normal?

kyfdx · October 2004

Knock-off wheels.. Most complaints seem to be due to yellowing of the finish..

I'd rather shop for a used set of OEM wheels. If you are looking at ebay, there will be always be 5-10 sets of used 3-series wheels at any time.. Unfortunately, you have to page through thousands of knock-off listings to find them.

A good set of used OEM wheels can be had for under $600.

If you follow any of the BMW specific forums, most have a classified section, selling used wheels also.. that is how I found mine.

regards,
kyfdx

kyfdx · October 2004

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=33744&item=7926567975&rd=1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=43957&item=7926182939&rd=1

You can't use these on your 325xi, but this is what I bought for mine..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=43957&item=7926364506&rd=1

imadrone · October 2004

I learned of tirerack.com by reading Edmunds, and was able to complete the necessary research on their excellent website in a quest to upgrade the wheels and tires of my wife's ancient but pristine '83 320i. Settled on 15" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza G009 205/50s to replace the OEM 13" with 185/70s. Ordered them yesterday about noon, and they arrived early this afternoon. Mounted, balanced, and I'm heading to the garage to put them on. Tirerack offers great selection, excellent research, very good prices, and superlative service. I'll be using Tirerack again when our '04 325iT is due for new tires, and can highly recommend them.

Richard

div2 · October 2004

I agree Tire Rack is a first rate operation. I haven't bought tires anywhere else for over 12 years. I noticed you were considering Bilstein Tourings; you may want to consider HDs as they are a bit stiffer and work great. A 21 year old car could probably use a new set of springs as well. For your purposes a new set of stock springs should work fine. My 1973 Bavaria 3.0 was transformed by a fresh set of springs and Bilstein HDs... BTW, remind me to tell you how an idiot in a Z28 actually knocked a hole in his oil pan trying to keep up with the old Bav on a very bumpy county road...:)

kdog · October 2004

Has anyone experienced having condensation inside their bimmer's headlight covers? I noticed my new 330i's Xenon headlight had condensation on the inside cover. This occurred at night when I turned my headlights on. The temperature was only 55 degrees outside. Is this normal?

m4d_cow · October 2004

it never happened to me, and during the winter here the temp can go down to below 32 degrees, there might be a leak in the cover's seal

ddrake30 · October 2004

I have an E46 323i that developed condensation in the headlight assembly. My dealer confirmed that it was not normal and replaced it under warranty.

gordonwd · October 2004

Is there any hope of silencing that $%#*@ beeper that goes off when the temp drops below 37F? It's getting in that range in the mornings here in Michigan, and it still makes me jump and look at my instruments every time it goes off. Yes, I know it's cold -- it gets that way this time of year in these parts!

IIRC, my A4 would display a snowflake symbol in these conditions, but no beep. The only time it beeped was for a low-fuel warning, which is the first thing I think of when my 325 beeps at me almost every day. I guess I'll get used to it...

paule · October 2004

I'm assuming you're referring to the 8.5" width? That is the exact style (68) that I'm looking for. I have the sport package so it already comes with 17" wheels.

kyfdx · October 2004

Well.. the M68s are staggered.. 8.5" wide in the rear and 7.5" upfront.. You wouldn't want to use those for winter wheels or on an AWD.

The last thing you need for winter traction is wider wheels.. Aren't yours still 17 X 7, with the Xi sport package? You either want that for your winter wheels, or 16 X 7 off of non-sport 325.

I use the M68s for my summer tires, and use the stock 325i sport wheels (17 X 8 all around) for my winter wheels.. But, I don't have AWD.

Technically, you could use M68s on an AWD, but it really isn't a good idea.

regards,
kyfdx

nomoacuras · October 2004

After owning 3 Acuras in a row, I'm ready for a change. The 04 TL transmission problems are driving me away from Acura. Anyone out there had experience going from Acura to BMW 3 series?

paule · October 2004

I should have been more specific.
I would use the stock 5 spoke wheels that come with the xi sport package for winter wheels. You're correct; the stock sport wheels are 7" wide.
I would then purchase the M68s (all of them 7.5" wide wheels), use the tires that come on the car with the M68s instead of on the stock sport wheel and buy winter tires for the stock sport wheels.
I would then purchase wider tires for the M68s once the original stock tires wear out. I believe the stock tires will work on the slightly wider M68's.
I do not know however if the offset will be correct on a 325xi. I'm assuming it would not be great enough to affect the fit enough to cause a problem.

kyfdx · October 2004

If you can find four 7.5" M68s, that should work fine.. I'm not sure if your stock size (205/50-17?) will work on them, but they probably will..

But, if buying used, the M68s come staggered.. they are from the sport package on a 330i. So, you might have to buy more than one set and then sell off the extras.. In your favor.. the spare wheels are the 7.5" as well.

Both good and bad?: They are popular.. so you'll find a ready market... But, they are a little more expensive than other models...

The stock 330i wheels are easy to find and much cheaper.. as a lot of those owners try to upgrade.. those are the same size as your stock wheels.

I can see why you like the M68s... they are my favorite wheel also..

regards,
kyfdx

paule · October 2004

It seems like it's making more sense to try a set of the knockoffs. They sell them in sets of 4 all of the 7.5" width variety.
I guess I really don't need to make a decision 'til next spring anyways.
The M68s are a sweet looking wheel!
Thanks for the feedback.

chrono · October 2004

Well I went from Honda to BMW. I did test drive the new TL as well as many other cars in it's class. I have a 330i with steptronic and it's unbelievable. The transmission is solid and very tuned to the engine. It will redline every gear if you wish without a hiccup. I've only had the car a few thousand miles but it gets better every time I drive it.

webby1 · October 2004

went from 2002 Accord Coupe to 330i and I am glad I did....tested the TL, TSX, Audi and other.
Have 11,000 km and it is a joy to drive a rear wheel drive again!

chymer · October 2004

I'm considering purchasing my first BMW, 323i, 2000 sedan and I have a few questions I'm hoping someone can help me with. I live in Minnesota, so I'm concerned about winter driving -- how does this baby handle in the snow? How are the maintenance costs? And would you recommend this vehicle? Thank you for any info you can give me.

kyfdx · October 2004

If you put on a set of Blizzak winter tires, it will handle great in the snow..

If you use a dealer for service, maintenance costs will be very high... you need to find a good independent.

I also wouldn't buy a used BMW unless you can get all the service records.. Religious maintenance is the key to a good BMW.

regards,
kyfdx

paule · October 2004

Kyfdx,
Any opinion as to whether the Blizzak WS-50 would be better than the LM-25 if you never plan on driving near 100 mph and the biggest thing you're looking for is maximum snow traction with good tire wear?

kyfdx · October 2004

Yes.. the Blizzak WS-50 are the best choice given those needs.. If you want to maintain the dry road handling that you have with the all-seasons, then I'd go with the LMs or Goodyears or Dunlops.

The WS-50 are fine even up to 100 MPH.. They just won't handle like the stock tires.. but, the car is still a BMW.. it will still be more stable than 95% of the other cars on the road.. It won't turn into a pig, just because of the WS-50s.

regards,
kyfdx

ek01 · October 2004

Anybody have any experience with the Kumho winter tires? Thanks.

phoenix · October 2004

Just purchased a CPO 2004 325Xi with 14,000 miles, hoping for a long and happy relationship. Very nice machine. Handles well, excelerates fast enough, nice night time interior, Pretty color. Life is good.

ballfire8888 · October 2004

Hi All:

We will be taking delivery on a brand new 2004 325i next week ... sapphire black with tan ette interior.

Are snow tires a necessity on these fine vehicles?

If so, Michelin X-ice a good choice?

Thanks!

nyccarguy · October 2004

congratulations on a well deserved victory and good luck in the series...Just got back from the stadium:(

I really can't wait to see the next gen 3er up close and personal. I truly love the design of the E46.

gordonwd · October 2004

If you check the archives, you will find that this question comes up a lot. The short answer is that "it depends". If you live in a really snowy area, snow tires are a very good idea. But many people who just have occasional snow, and not much of it at once, get by just fine on the standard all-seasons, especially if you don't have to contend with a lot of hills, you live where they regularly plow the streets, etc.

But if you are willing to put up with the expense and tire/wheel-changing ritual of a set of snows, then you will certainly be better off with them than without.

div2 · October 2004

I advocate buying a set of winter tires mounted on 16" steel wheels. You can then make the changeover yourself in less than an hour. The Michelin X-Ice is a good tire, but it is best suited for mundane FWD appliances such as minivans rather than a serious sport sedan. The Pilot Alpin PA2 is a much better choice for your car. The Tire Rack price for four Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2s mounted on steel wheels is only $648+shipping. A set of Genuine BMW E46 wheel covers(part # 36131094870) will cost @$100 with your CCA discount. Thus, for less than $800 you can be fully prepared for serious winter driving.

dhanley · October 2004

I will verify what with the stock tires, my 328i is a bit scary in the snow. With blizzaks, it's an ice warrior. I purchased the blizzaks mounted on nice rims for $350 through the local BMW-CCA journal.

OTOH, i learned firsthand they seem somewhat prone to hydroplaning.

dave

beemer4me · October 2004

Anyone catch the article on the front page of Edmunds?
http://www.edmunds.com/advice/specialreports/articles/103183/arti- cle.html?tid=edmunds.h..wkedmunds.features.2.*

Very interesting article imo.

kdog · October 2004

After talking to a BMW service advisor about my 2004 330i's light having condensation inside the headlight covers, he said that it's normal and as long there is no puddle of water then it's ok. BTW it's a xenon. Comments from anyone who also experienced this? Thanks.

330blast · October 2004

I have a 2001 330i, bought as CPO last year. Now it is approaching to the first inspection, I am wondering if the computer differentiate inspection I and II on the screen? For example, if the car is due for inspection II, will the display panel show inspection II? It is now showing just "Inspection", does that mean inspection I?
Thanks

ballfire8888 · October 2004

After reading previous posts regarding the sand interiors and dirt issues, I requested black floor mats for our 325i ...

Dealer said they will provide " black winter mats".

What is that???

div2 · October 2004

The SI sequence is: Oil Service-Inspection I-Oil Service-Inspection II. The SI indicator will only show "Inspection". How many miles are on your car? If it has @30K on the clock then you probably need an Inspection I.

div2 · October 2004

The "Black Winter Mats" are probably the rubber versions which are designed to keep the ice/mud/slush off the carpet.

530ir1150r · October 2004

Where can I find BMW steel wheels and wheel covers?

ballfire8888 · October 2004

That's what I thought so I told them "thanks but no thanks unless you were planning to lay the winter mats over the conventional carpet mats!"

The rubber winters look cheap in a vehicle like this.

ballfire8888 · October 2004

Dealers have them for approx $600 Cdn without the rubber!

Aftermarket retailers sell nice spoke alloys for same price.

div2 · October 2004

Tire Rack has steel wheels for @$50 USD each. The BMW wheel covers are only available from the dealer. I prefer the steelies for winter use; the wheel covers are easier to keep clean and look fine. In fact, most people think the OEM covers are alloys- and they're also cheaper to replace should you curb one in the icy muck...

kyfdx · October 2004

A set of new black BMW mats is only about $129.

m4d_cow · October 2004

$129? you actually have to pay for them? thats odd, i got my set of rubber mats free of charge

alibajalajaula · October 2004

Just wanted to stir some conversation in this forum. Couple of weekends went to see the flick "Taxi", twice, to detail the bimmers the brazilian robbers where using as a getaway cars. At first it looked to me like a souped up M3, but when I saw it the second time I realized it was a four door, so, must've been an M5. However I got stumped when they say that it was a ...V8 745...it sure did not look like one..Any opinions? The two convertibles at the end were , without a doubt, M3s on 18 inch wheels.
I remember another flick, The Transporter, which featured a black 745iL, in a spectacular chase. And of course, of the the recent Bond movies had another 7. I wonder how much this advertisement costs?

ballfire8888 · October 2004

Do the rubber mats retail for more or less than the conventional carpeted types?

Do you agree the rubbers would look tacky without the carpeted mats underneath them?

Dealer has agreed to throw in mats but may be trying to sneak in the rubbers! :-(

robopop · October 2004

I have a 2001 530 that had one headlight with similar condensation within the first year. The dealer replaced it as soon as I pointed it out, no talk of being "normal" and no more condensation. I would press them for a replacement, water and electrical parts don't mix well.

530ir1150r · October 2004

Thank you for the information.

Tire Rack always responds with alloy wheels when I e-mail them and BMWNA never says if BMW wheel covers are available or not. I'll check with the local dealer. I thought I saw BMWs in Europe with body colored wheel covers and possibly a trim ring, somewhat like late 60s early 70s MBs and Audis.

I've never had to drive our 530i in the snow, but I need tires, have a slightly bent wheel and sold our third car last month. I try not to fight fate.

kyfdx · October 2004

I was referring to new carpeted BMW mats.. You can buy a set of black ones for a little over $100.. I think they are about the same price as the winter mats.. If you want black carpeted mats, instead of the winter mats, just tell them.. They will probably give you whichever you want... I doubt it makes a difference to them.

regards,
kyfdx

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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