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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • dresnickdresnick Member Posts: 5
    I know that this might not belong on the sedan board but after lurking for the last couple of months and seeing how this family generally gets along, I feel like a cousin at a family reunion watching the other kids tussle on the floor.

    I am going to purchase a 3'er convertible in the next month or so and by my math, the apples to apples comparison of the 325cic to the 330cic works out to exactly $3000 (MSRP on the BMWUSA web site). I test drove both the 330i and the 325i (the dealer didn't have any manual convertibles in stock). I drove the 325i first and was amazed at the car. I drove the 330i next (both had the sport package) and couldn't believe the difference between them. The 325 was an awesome car with great handling and poise. The 330 took this and added a whole lot of vroom. Yes, the difference in price is mostly in the engine. Unfortunately, in the 325 convertible I'd have to get the premium package for the power top which unfortunately comes along with a lot of extras (BMW make this a stand alone option please!) that I *don't* want. The fact that this is standard on the 330 greatly narrows the price gap between the 2 cars.

    There have been a lot of live and let live posts attached to this argument and I think that that is the best take on it all. When I see any other BMW on the road, I will feel a kinship and know that the owner and myself share a passion totally unknown to most people.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    What's a Mac???
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    ooops, horsey poo-poo. You think Pat would be OK with this?
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Now that I think about it, I remember what it is:

    Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onion on a sesame seed bun.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • macdude44macdude44 Member Posts: 30
    Apple Macintosh, G4, with the ultra modern, ultra slick new OSX.........THAT Mac! Geez! You car nuts really need to get out there more!
  • twoof1twoof1 Member Posts: 308
    Children Children Children!!!!!
    Shame on you guys!!
    Everyone go to your room for a time out!!
    this comparison stuff is just dumb. I'm in sales and one thing you learn is that buyers buy for buyers reasons. It doesn't matter why. You will drive yourself crazy tryng to figure out why and rationalizing it. Why do you think therapists make so much money?
    Can't we all just get along?
    Remember Friday is group hug day
  • dundedunde Member Posts: 32
    Well I m not at all into if 325 or 330 is better. I m excited that BMW Owners Circle Web Site is now showing that my 325 is shipped. I wondering how long will it take to reach my dealer in Albany NY. Will I be able to ride it in June sometime or will it be July. Could anyone share there experiences ?

    Thank You
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    This is from one of our friends on the board. I am not sure if the author wants to claim ownership of this incredibly funny write-up just yet but I really wanted to share it with you. I think we can all appreciate better what we have with the 3-series and also, what we don't have. Enjoy!!!

    While sales of the Chevy Metro were sluggish last year, in 2001 the Metro came back with a bang!
    Backfiring aside, the 4 cylinder powerplant works up a
    sweat to produce a healthy 103 Horsepower, with 18 ft lbs of torque.
    Available only in automatic the transmission almost telepatheticaly
    downshifts to overtake roadcones, dead mammals and seniors riding lawn
    tractors.
    Brakes are provided only on the front wheels and are controlled directly by
    the pressure of the driver's foot through a small hole in the floor, rubbing
    against the spinning wheel. This however means that only one of the wheels is
    braked resulting in the car pivoting on it's axis-GM designers suggest that
    it is better to hit an oncoming obstacle with your rear and makes insurance
    claims easier as the Metro driver can prove he was "hit from behind" in a
    frontal collision. GM is also the first Detroit manufacturer to include among
    the many safety features a prayer mat which is contained in the trunk.
    Drivers are recommended to use the mat before starting the car for the first
    time each morning. Also, a nice touch, is the inclusion of a compass to allow
    drivers to face Mecca while in prayer.
    THE DRIVE
    Following improved safety ratings by the automotive media Chevy has this year
    introduced seats for the driver and passengers, replacing the commodes from
    last year's models. "We felt that drivers soiling their underwear on the way
    to a business meeting or trip to the opera was not part of the "Ultimate
    Driving Experience" said a spokesman. Thoughtfully though the Metro airbags
    when deployed (as they surely will be) drop into the driver's lap a fresh
    change of Jockey underwear and a set of rosary beads.
    Accelleration is (eventually) attainable as one presses the pedal all the way
    to the floor and then waits for the powerful motor to leap forward. We
    measured it at 14 seconds (GM claims only 12.5 sec on the track) and then the
    car moved forward.
    The auto shifted smoothly through the gears as we applied throttle-1st, 2nd,
    3rd, back to 2nd, 4th, suddenly into reverse as the airbags exploded and the
    clean underwear dropped down from the visor-too late in my case. I cranked
    the handle on the window to let in some air but the window fell into the
    doorwell and smashed.
    Now on the road, trailing parts of a bush from the driveway(the steering has
    rather a lot of play) we headed South along Collier Boulevard on Marco
    Island, Florida.
    The sound of the stock A.M radio was ample enough to drown out the
    encouragement of passing motorists (some of it sounded like expletives but
    above the steady whine of the engine I could not be sure) and the vomiting
    sound from the passenger seat.
    I flicked on the air conditioning and the car ground to a halt. We reccommend
    that if driving in a hot climate (ie anywhere south of Alaska) you drive for
    a while and then stop to turn on the air conditioning. While stopped you can
    toss a coin to determine who drives next.
    CORNERING AND BRAKING The manual suggests that you do neither. Should you
    come to a bend in the road at speed the manual advises that you try the
    brakes and IF they stop you, suggests you turn around and return home
    (slowly). I found it rather disconcerting, upon reading the manual, that when
    I came to the page marked "BRAKING WHILE MOVING" the only information was "GM
    does NOT reccommend braking in this vehicle".
    I took their advice.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    At last count, we have a Mac upstairs in our spare bedroom (my wife claims that someday she is going to us it as an office). In the last 12 months, I think the Mac has actually been turned on for about 25 hours. We also have the following x86 machines:

    486/100, Win98 (computer for my 4 year old)
    K6-2/500, Win98 (computer for my 7 year old)
    Pent/133, SCO UNIX (Informix server)
    K6-2/500, Win2K Server (CORBA server)
    K6-3/400, Linux (Sybase server)
    Athlon/1000 Win2k Pro (development platform)
    PIII/600 Win98 (Wife's Laptop)
    PIII/800 Win2K Pro (my Laptop)

    I still think that the Mac tastes pretty good. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    How do they feed the squirrels?
  • lewparker1lewparker1 Member Posts: 21
    really like!

    How's this for a pisser: OC says my car is at the dealer, but my dealer says he hasn't seen it. The car left NJ on Wednesday. There is a maximum of 8 cars on each truck. Even if this guy is dropping off one car at 8 different dealers, I can't believe that it takes 3 days to drive from NJ to Maryland.

    I called BMWNA and I was told that it is 'very strange' that the dealer says he doesn't have the car. Usually, the dealer updates his inventory into BMW's system, so the system status is supposed to be not just an estimate, but based on actual dealer input, sort of like a FedEx package that gets scanned when it's delivered.

    I don't know what to think at this point. I'm sort of wondering if my dealer is messing with me or if he honestly doesn't know what's going on. He also got a little bit testy with me, which I don't like. I told the guy that BMW says the car is at the dealer. He tells me I can come down there and look around if I want, but that he doesn't have it. Jeez, I wasn't trying to be obnoxious, I just figured for sure he had it based on OC, and was surprised when he said he didn't have it.

    Gurumike, what's the deal?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    That Mac you have left over - did you get that at MacDonalds too? Oh, so if we go out more often then we'd know what a Mac is? Too bad there's only a Burger King next to me.

    I don't know how the feed they squirrels. How do they do that?

    Oh, for the record, Pat, BMW's rule!!!
  • postoakpostoak Member Posts: 537
    Macdude44 - your post was hilarious and right on. But we're all supposed to pretend that status has no place in our lives, right? Anybody who would buy a car even partially for status has pathetically low self-esteem! I'm sure you've read posts like that before.

    Lobs - I think the math is too simple for me to have made a mistake on it. I think the reason we are coming up with different numbers is that the more optioned out you get the 2 cars, the less the differential is. In my case, I am only getting the SP, metallic paint, and xenon. Since destination charge, dealer markup, metallic paint, and xenon are the same price, we only have to take a look at the differential of invoice, SP, and the sales tax. This works out to:

    325i: $24,450 + 1,275 = 25,725 x 1.0625 = $27,332

    330i: $30,750 + 1,020 = 31,770 x 1.0625 = $33,755

    That's a difference of $6,423! I came out with a slightly lower figure before because I was using the European Delivery numbers. There's a smaller differential there. If I'm doing something wrong in the calculations, I'd like to know it. I also realize they only apply to me. I agree with shipo's earlier comments about the differential.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    MadMax talking to braveheart - stay out of the mad cow stuff, buddy!
  • trejos28trejos28 Member Posts: 93
    What's everyone's experience with cars "on order?" How long did yours stay this way? When did you finally receive your car?

    I fear it might quite awhile as I just placed my order on this past Tuesday (5/29).

    Thanks.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    In YOUR individual case, upgrading to the 330i for $6,423 would get you the engine, power seats, armrest, aluminum/chrome trim inside-out, M badging (u-la-la) and bigger brakes. I might have missed something but these are the major differences.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Can we please conclude debating the whys and wherefores of 330i vs 325i. Anyone fortunate enough to be able to drive one of these fantastic cars will be totally thrilled with their ownership, regardless of engine choice (remember, it wasn't too many years ago that a 325i was the "top of the line" BMW). Get over it, everyone! Their both great. Some people pick the 325, others the 330. Just be greatful that these cars exist and that we can afford to drive them.

    Brave1Heart - The suspense is killing me. Yesterday before you went to bed, you asked which Accord was quicker to 60 than 7.0 seconds (325i stick). I commented that the Type R, not sold in the USA, is the quickest Accord I'm aware of, managing 7.1 to sixty. So what is your answer ????

    PS - NO MORE PRICE COMPARISONS, PLEASE !!! Let's debate something more constructive.
  • dundedunde Member Posts: 32
    Well I m not at all into if 325 or 330 is better. I m excited that BMW Owners Circle Web Site is now showing that my 325 is shipped. I wondering how long will it take to reach my dealer in Albany NY. Will I be able to ride it in June sometime or will it be July. Could anyone share there experiences ?

    Thank You
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    One of the reasons we have SO many posts on this board is because new people to the board keep asking the SAME QUESTIONS OVER AND OVER!

    I don't have a problem with people asking the questions. In fact, I am happy to answer them. In addition, I don't blame anyone for not wanting to dig through 4000+ posts just to find out "What is the BMW Owners Circle?"

    This is simply meant to be a constructive post to let you know many of the questions asked have been answered countless times already!!! (Probably even this post I have written!)

    I write this as I am about to reply to someone about how long a car takes to arrive at the dealership once it has been shipped...for the fourth time!!!
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I too have noticed that a number of similar questions are being asked here on a fairly regular basis. Can we start a "3-Series FAQ"? If we do, I am sure that our group (MadMax included) will put a whole host of stuff in there.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    Not sure if you know this or not, so I apologize if you're already aware of it...

    Now that your car has been shipped, you can call BMWNA and ask for the name of the vessel it is on. Then you can go to www.wlna.com and track that ships schedule to the VPC. My cars journey from Bremerhaven to Charleston took 14 days.

    From there, it depends on several factors as to how quick the vehicle arrives at your dealership (ie how many other cars must be processed, how many other cars are going to YOUR dealership, etc) I would add another 7-14 days for this stuff.

    Therefore, I would say you have an outside chance of being in you bimmer by the end of June, but would count on 1st part of July to be safe! Hope this info helps. Good luck!
  • reubencahnreubencahn Member Posts: 102
    What do you think of the Athlon? My wife works a lot with Autocad and related programs and needs a new home computer. Can you compare it to the PIII or 4?
  • langley2langley2 Member Posts: 24
    about 5 1/2 weeks. Tomorrow is exactly 9 weeks since I placed my car order, and my Owner's Circle status just flipped to "in transit" this morning. However, I called my dealer earlier in the week and he told me that the BMWNA web site status is usually 3-4 days behind actual status. If that's true, my car has probably been on the water since Monday or Tuesday. I'm probably looking at a mid-June pick-up.

    I know ... seems like a loooong wait !!!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    There aren't any Accords that are faster than the 325i manual at 7 seconds flat. It was a trick question challenging those who were worried about the Accords in their rearview mirror.
    The European Accord Type R would really be badged as an Acura if it were sold in the U.S. and as you pointed out, even that "Accord" is only good for 7.1 sec 0-60. Believe it or not, there aren't TOO many cars (models maybe - that's different) out there that would do 0-60 in 7 sec flat. Those that have the engine and power-to-weight capabilities would typically be purchased with an auto tranny (96% of U.S. market!!!) that would push them over 7 sec. And as you said once, it's better to drive a car at 10 out of 10, right?

    As far as pricing comparisons, I don't see a problem if people want to continue discussing these, as long as it helps them make a better-informed decision. It would be nice if we keep it civil and friendly, but just discussing that is not wrong. Edmund's is a shopper's site for the most part anyhow.

    MadMax
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Send me your E-Mail address at shipo@yahoo.com and I will provide you with my analysis of the Athlon machine. I build my own machines, so if you like, I will provide you with the parts list as well.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    I just found out that my 325i is completed and awaiting distribution (BMWNA rep is unsure of the vessel yet), but does anyone know how much longer it will take if it comes from South Africa. Otherwise, I never really got any responses on cars manufactured from that plant, but has anyone received one and any concerns?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    This is from a bimmer.org poster and I tend to agree with it (I've driven both). Don't like everything he says but you do need to keep the 325's RPMs above 3,000 to get the most juice out of it.

    * The main difference I noticed in driving the 2.5 and the 3.0 is the torque down low. To really drive the 2.5, you have to keep the revs above 3500. To drive the 3.0, you just jam on the gas anywhere in the revs. Thus, the 2.5 has a Honda -ish sensation compared to the 3.0 because of the relative lack of torque down low. But both are really adequate as far as driveable, fun power.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Ever since we moved from our old platform to Web Crossing, we've been promised a new and way-improved Search feature from the WebX folks. They are still working on it and I don't know when it will be ready nor do I know what the functionality will be. I'm sorry - all I can suggest is just hang in here and wait with the rest of us.

    I think a discussion on the Owner's Board for FAQ's is a terrific idea and would be very helpful. Shall I ask Karen to create it for you?

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
  • kchanuskchanus Member Posts: 27
    Just have my 330i with step for a few months, I still can't believe my eye during a 50 mile freeway trip gas mileage. I achieved a gas mileage of 31.3 mpg without air con. on a average speed of 71mph. It's amazing.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Yep, that is amazing. The new valvetronic engines that will be put in 2003 models are supposed to be even 10% more fuel-efficient than their current respective engines. Very impressive indeed!!
  • erricksonerrickson Member Posts: 130
    about delivery time from SA. I have been told it takes as much as twice as long as the journey from Europe (which takes about two weeks).

    I guess it makes sense, when you look at how much further the journey is geographically....but nonetheless, I know you must not be pleased.

    I am sure guru can add/correct any information I might have mis-stated. good luck!
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    Why qualify your question, "Which Accord is faster than a 325 STICK?"! This is absurd since most 325s will be purchased as an automatic. How about an auto-to-auto comparo?


    Which BMW 325 auto will beat an Accord six cylinder 0-60?


    Your answer is here


    Other magazines' results are similar.


    BMW's website claims an 8.1 0 to 60 time.


    If you bought your BMW for what it's intended for, you'll be delighted.


    However, if you bought a 325 for it's sprinting prowess, you'll be disappointed as you watch the Accords, Tauruses, and Grand Prixes pass you at each light.


    And be thankful Honda doesn't offer a stick in any of its Accord sixes in the U.S.

  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    My 325i is stick and that's all that matters to me. As it is, the best Accord is at 7.4 sec 0-60. Come back if and when they have enough enthusiasts that are interested in driving them and Honda starts making them with manuals. Which of the other models that you mentioned would you like to try next? I want to make sure that I am worrying about the right one when I see them in my rearview mirror. - LOL
  • danadana Member Posts: 36
    Good news about the Search feature! It is almost complete. As of now, you can enter a member's name and see where they have posted and the technical folks at WEB Crossing are hurrying to complete inputting all of the information (i.e. words in discussions) so that you will be able to find specific discussions in your Search. As you know with over 2000 active discussions, this is no easy feat. Please know that it is almost complete and thanks for being so patient!

    Dana S. Livingston
    Manager, Town Hall
    Edmunds.com
  • danadana Member Posts: 36
    I agree with Pat and think a discussion on the Owner's Boards for FAQ's is a really great idea. I'll ask Karen to set that up on all the Owner's Clubs. Thanks for your fantastic idea!

    Dana S. Livingston
    Manager, Town Hall
    Edmunds.com
  • jnscheongjnscheong Member Posts: 66
    Can you please check on the status of my car again? It is a Steel Grey 330i with black leatherette interior, 5-speed manual, sports package, in-dash CD, and Xenon headlight going to Crevier, California.

    Thanx a bunch.

    jnscheong
  • macdude44macdude44 Member Posts: 30
    Dude! Our ship has come in!

    Now if I can just figger out how the hell to get to Lafayette!

    Ooops......sorry Nurse Ratchett......how the HECK to get to Lafayette!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Bad, bad boy. What the HECK were you thinking?

    Hey, I hope you get your car soon - you seem really excited and enthusiastic about it

    MadMax
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    FAQ discussion is here on the Owner's Board. You can follow that link to get to it directly, or just locate it on the main discussion list in your Owner's folder. If you are subscribed to the entire folder, you will also be subscribed to that discussion.

    So have at it! :-)

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    You may beat a Taurus if you launch your car at 3500 RPM. It will surely be faster of the line, otherwise.

    As for the Grand Prix, it comes only with an auto and has a 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds, faster than a 325 stick and auto. You won't need your rearview mirror if you decide to race him, since he'll be if front of you.

    http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?srv=review&act=search&mkid=40&mdid=379&yr=1998&x=14&y=17

    If you've ever been to a drag strip you know nobody uses a manual.

    It's funny how facts make for a "weak argument".

    Really, the Taurus and Grand Prix were just picked at random. After all, it isn't the Ultimate Dragging Machine.
  • jasonkureejiijasonkureejii Member Posts: 210
    Thanks. I think I've heard that before (an additional couple of weeks). Hopefully, it will be shipped next week sometime. BTW, since you live in Houston, right, how long did it take for your vehicle to be driven from whatever US port to Texas?...not that there aren't enough timeline questions about delivery, right?!?
  • JingleJillJingleJill Member Posts: 120
    I know this is off subject, but do any of us actually work? The board sure is active today.

    :o)

    Stacy
  • macdude44macdude44 Member Posts: 30
    Dude! Our ship has come in!

    Now if I can just figger out how the hell to get to Lafayette!

    Ooops......sorry Nurse Ratchett......how the HECK to get to Lafayette!
  • reubencahnreubencahn Member Posts: 102
    Can't seem to get an e-mail through to you.
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    Great "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" reference. I love it!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Yep, the 260 HP in the bubba-mobile will whip me by about half a second from the start line. At least till the first turn. For cornering and braking, refer to the Metro write-up posted earlier. Oh, yeah, here are a couple of excerpts from that same article:
    "It was a bubba-mobile -- red, loud, fast, lacking in certain graces, totally out of place in effete Washington circles."
    "On one level, it's all silly stuff, an ode to varooming adolescence. "
    Come to think of it, I'd be laughing so hard as I see them take off, they may beat me by MORE than half a second.
    BTW, I've never been to the dragstrip. I do mostly everyday driving except for my entertaining foray into go-carts on Monday nights. Those only go up to about 45 mph tops. The new ones go to about 65 mph but I haven't tried them yet. I'll make sure to post their 0-60 time when I do :o)
  • goody4goody4 Member Posts: 55
    I simply thought the 0-60 comparisons were a bit silly.

    My specs:

    -- '00 328i
    -- 5-speed manual (it's more fun to drive, not necessarily faster)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I can't honestly say I have. Unless you count my work here :o) Ask me again on Sunday from early dawn till midnight, though.
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