My wife and I have a 100+ year-old house in a older, well-respected neighborhood. Most of the homes are about the same age and therefore many do not have driveways, let alone garages (most of the higher-end homes do, but we're talking more land and 500G's on up). We both park on the street. Although I personally hate not having a garage, I have had no problems in the 3 years I have lived and parked here. I do, however, target certain areas along the street that are less prone to bumper scuffs (adjacent to a driveway, for example, so only one car is adjacent to Gretl) and are more secure (under a street lamp). Also, I tend to wash and wax (though I have not hand-waxed yet!) more often to compensate for the increased exposure to the elements. I would probably be walking on eggs in the unlikely event of a hailstorm, though I've been fortunate enough not to have to deal with that yet, either.
Although I can fortunately say that I've personally had no problems parking on the street, our next house will most certainly have a garage, for the additional security, protection, and peace-of-mind that it brings.
YIKES...now i don't have sympathy for your cars but those rental prices, wow i thought the Dallas area had high real estate, not even close.....
for 2500.00 id have 3500 sq ft and a 3 car garage..
really it's a product of the area's livestyle or preference perhaps, thats why i asked the question, out of curiosity not to seem rude.
i kinda like mowing and home work. its relaxing and in 10 more years , my property will be free and clear , ext taxes, repairs, ect... best investment ive made.
You brought up TWO good points, i hand wash my cars at least a few times a week, i really enjoy it, i read someones article that they use a california duster and havent washed their car in years ..ughhh
The other is HAIL ive had 2 cars totaled prior to being a homeowner in some SOFTBALL size hail storms!!
No -- any car panel would have dented under the same circumstances. And it really is a SMALL dent -- barely noticeable until the light hits the surface just right.
Think of it like this. It probably takes about 10lb of force to close the trunk lid. When I closed it, I accidentally exerted a bit more force than needed, say 20lb. But most importantly, rather than the force being spread across the area of a surface (my hand), it was spread across the area of nearly a point (my elbow). Assuming the area of the contact point between elbow and trunk surface is 1/4" x 1/4" (1/16 sq in), we are talking about a pressure of 320 psi, based on these assumptions. Add to that the fact that the contact occured in the CENTER of a relatively large area of sheet metal where deformation resistance is weakest (versus near an edge or corner, where resistance is strongest), and you get a nice dent.
That's how ice picks, chizels, and high heels work, too.
LOL - your parking strategy is a lot like mine. Hey, that dent - now you know what my excuse for not cleaning the car often enough is. Didn't know even engineers were capable of that feat ) Agree on the garage, especially one connected to the house - would be great to have it, no question in my mind.
denright - it's not weird. I remembered exactly what you did last weekend - we were chatting on Sat. night, remember? So I used that as a real-time reference. Besides, you and I are very similar age-wise, family-wise, and not surprisingly - views-wise (never thought you could hyphonate views and wise and I still suspect that you cannot). As I said, I can't rationalize our spending preferences very well - most of my friends think it is unwise and I couldn't be more convinced they are far from the truth. Again, think of it this way: real estate is going down; cars are not. The most important thing that matters is getting in the first time. After that, you are always buying high, selling high, or buying low, selling low, unless you move out and rent which rarely happens. So the timing of the first purchase is critical. What can I say, I'd come up with any excuse to bum out on weekends a little longer )
You think rent is high - wait till you see real estate prices. My project manager lives in Dallas and she just bought a house in the suburbs. We were comparing prices and I am convinced that the Boston area is at least 30-40% more expensive.
That is a steep rent!! Now, I feel better about my $1000.00 rent! I have a question for you: Suppose one gets the Euro plates (front and rear), how do you get the tag # to go on it? Who does the inscribing? Also, the rear plate area is a broad square, how would it accomodate a long rectangular plate? any comments would be appreciated. veekay1(325xi sapphire/gray/on the boat)
just breezing through. I didn know others shared my pain. I would really love to buy a new car now, a 3 series being one of the options, but I want to buy a place (at least a condo) and right now I only have street parking. In my neighborhood if I don't get home by 6 Im parking a few blocks away, and I'm never home by 6.
Stop complaining about rents, I think, outside of manhattan the bay area probably has the worst rental rates. I recently found myself thinking what a bargain my apt in Cambridge, MA was my last year of school. It was only $1800 for a two bed two bath and all new.
On the 3 series: has anyone had the opportunity to compare the steering feel/response on a '99 328i vs a new 330i after BMW supposedly changed the steering? Is there a noticable difference?
Also, anyone else heard rumors about an M version of the new 3series compact?
Sorry had to take a break to go wash the 3 . Even after 2 years I still get caught looking back one last time before enter the house
TIRE ROTATION: it seems I never read that in my manual but , I see it now I have always rotated about same time as oil changes 4-5k miles or so and gotten great wear for it. Now BMW says I am compromising safety ? because of the way real wheel drive wears ? how does everyone else interprete this ?
There have been many posts about the steering. I'll give a quick recap...
When the 2001 models came out (June 2000), there was a high level of steering boost. The steering became very light with a numb on-center feel and road feel was all but eliminated. At some point in January '01, BMW implemented a change which improved road feel, but the steering was still very light with on center slop. Cars being built as of some time in April have returned to the 2000 steering.
I test drove a couple of 2000 models before ordering my 2001 car. The difference is drastic. BMW is making a huge Customer Relations statement and retro-fitting cars built between June and April with the 2000 steering... at customer request. There are several people on this board and many others I have spoken to in person who think the 'bad' steering is quite nice and won't be having the retro done.
DL - I wish... Of course we don't get paid 30-40% more than Dallas if getting paid more at all. On the plus side, you have a lot of job security living here because I could get a similar-paying job with a lot of other companies. That's gotta be worth something.
trejos28 - I'm sorry if it came out I was showing off or something - I didn't mean it that way. A rent that high is not something you can impress people with - it's typically something to laugh over. I'm not pretending that money is not important to me, especially because I grew up poor and had to make my own tracks in life. The key thing is that it's not the end goal; it's just a means to help me achieve my goals in life which also include helping my parents financially and sponsoring my cousin who just finished his junior year and kicks butt in college.
tire rotation - I can't figure that out either. I am not planning on rotating if BMWNA recommends against it, though.
steering - the post-April retrofit uses parts from the original steering rack and it should be VERY close to the original steering. I want to emphasize that the steering issue is not road feel-related; it's purely assist-related and a lot of people do like it better with the assist. I am planning on definitely getting the retrofit but I have to honestly admit that I got used to the lighter steering now after a month and it does not bother me as much as it used to in the beginning.
M compact - I read somewhere that the compact will likely be followed by an M version after its initial introduction.
I drove my new 325 to work today for the first time. Parked on the street around the corner from some road construction - that was nerve racking. On the way home, I was on 495 getting ready to head north on 95 when some bleeping idiot merged across two lanes of traffic right in front of me at about 40 mph. I hit the brakes hard, felt the ABS kick in, and held the wheel straight. Those brakes are kick [non-permissible content removed]! I narrowly avoided said dumbass, and then noticed that someone was locking it up right behind me. I quickly switched lanes and got the hell out of there.
Can you imagine getting into an accident on day 3? Up until that point it was a great drive home: windows open, moonroof vented, radio playing! I think I'm going to like this car ;^).
Scary, scary stuff... I'm glad to hear that you got out of that guy's way - that's some seriously good driving. Can you imagine an accident on your third day? arrggghhh... Yeah, the brakes are incredible - every time I've had to brake hard I've been more worried about the guy behind me rear-ending me than avoiding the car in front of me. Hey, that guy going at 40 mph in front of you - you didn't happen to see if it was M3 Frank, did you? Didn't know you were in the Boston area too - we should all get together some day. Maybe drive down to Austin and meet that big group of fine BMW enthusiasts )
Here's what you'll get with the SP on a 330xi: Double Spoke Alloy Wheels(17 x 7.0 front & rear), All-season tires(205/50R-17 front & rear), 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel, 10-way adjustable front sport seats and M aerodynamic package. MSRP: $900.
As someone who owns a 330xi with SP, I agree with denright that it doesn't offer any improvement performance-wise, but if performance was all that I after I would've bought a 330i with its SP, which I clearly didn't because I wanted an AWD for winter driving.
I test drove both SP and non-SP cars and here's why I decided to include the SP: 1. This is my personal opinion, but to me the SP's rims just look better and I'd take them any day over the standard ones. 2. I also like the sport steering wheel much better than the standard one. 3. Finally, I absolutely fell in love with the sport seats. Once I sat and drove in those, I knew right away I had to get them. Again, this is just a personal, perhaps biased opinion but to me the difference in comfort level between the sport seats and non-sport seats is like night and day.
Now, to the matter of "is it worth it?" IMO, it all depends on your budget. If you are on a tight budget, and you only like the sport seats part of the SP, then you probably shouldn't go for it. If you are not on a tight budget and you're also only fond of the sport seats, ask yourself this question, "Do I like the other parts of the SP enough to justify shelling out $900 to get it?" In my case, the answer is yes.
yikes, Why don't you reduce your monthly expenses by pulling a mortgage on a $200,000 home and put the extra $500 a month on an M3. However, I would first make sure that the hp to $ raio of the M3 is worth the extra 20 large (LOL). -Getz
The 20 large covers my cousin's leftover tuition for a couple of years - I got my priorities straight. You can only get a little more than a trailer home for 200K around here. And talk to your wife more - $2,500 would be about equivalent to owning a 500K home with 20% down when you compare the after-tax cash flow. There are a lot of advantages to where I live, including a central location. Believe me, that is a lot of help when your next assignment could be in a 50-100 mile radius of Boston )
As far as M3's go, I need an everyday car that I can park on the street, at work, or whatever - M3 would offer a lot more than what I really need and unlike M3 Frank, I can't afford both a 330 and an M3.
The manual says "to break-in the separate parking brake drums, apply the parking brake lightly when coasting to a standstill... To avoid corrosion, repeat this procedure from tiem to time. The brake lamps do not come on when the parking brake is set." I tried this. However, the parking brake indicator came on and I heard beep. My car has steptronic transmission. Did I do anything wrong? Thanks!
I, too, have the Step and followed said procedure to break-in the parking brake. What you described is EXACLTY what should happen (you wouldn't want the light on with brake on -- would run down a parked car's battery, and the warning beep is simply letting you know you're moving with the parking brake on). I also do it every here and again (when I think about it) to keep the drum corrosion-free. When I see a red light ahead with no traffic around, I'll put the tranny in neutral and use the parking brake to gradually slow from about 20 mph to standstill.
Sorry about my weak money knowledge, I admit it is very lacking. I try to listen to my wife about such things, but usually fall asleep when she uses big words like amortize, or brings up topics that relate to house of GAAP. It's great that you can help your cousin with tuition, and I sympathize; coming from a house with a extremely modest income (3 kids and Dad who's a nurse). If it wasn't for baseball scholarships and fin aid I would of been a grunt in the marines. Still wouldn't it be wise to spend five hundred thousand and by a double wide trailer and then rent out half? Just kidding. Today washed the 3er and dried it with one of those california drying tools (basically a big squigee) but have to admit that it made the job alot easier. Still had to hit the hard spots with a towel, but was very impressed otherwise. I bought it at COSTCO; they are also selling Zaino cleaning wax (2 bottles for 15$). -Getz
I located a car equipped exactly the way I want. I am in so. Cal, the car is on the lot at a no. Cal dealer. My local dealer says he can do a dealer trade. However he says it will cost $600.00 to have Wagoneer sp? truck it from the dealer's lot back to VPC then truck it out to my dealer. Does $600.00 sound legitimate for this? or is he just blowing smoke?
Just found this picture on the "other" site. Haven't seen it on this site yet. Glad my car (which is almost at the VPC) is a 2001 model! Any one actually like this design?
Hey Braveheart, I'm insulted you said I was the guy going 40mph in front of lewparker. Maybe I was going 140mph.
By the way, I'm still very very very impressed with the handling characteristics of my 2001 M3. It is the most responsive steering I've seen. Even more than the 99 M3 and my 94 RX-7. Anyone living in California take the 110 freeway up to Pasadena knows there is this sharp curve that keeps turning before the Orange Grove exit. I took that at about 85 MPH the other day and stayed in one lane. Ha! I love it, can't wait to see how the M Coupe with 315 HP. Performance should be similar.
WOW. I had a great place in wisconsin.. Old building, fantastic neighborhood, 1600 square feet, 1000 feet of attic space, 2 car garage, wood & stained glass.. $820 a month.
My 15 year mortgage on a 1600 square foot house with 5500 square feet of land in a good neighborhood in albuquerque is just a little more than that..Less if you count the tax break. I've considered refinancign now.. That would put the house payment to about $600 a month.
I'm sure i'd make a lot more money in mahattan, but i can do without! But i don't really see the attraction of big city life.
Too bad BMW's are expensive here ( one dealer, they insist on sticker ).
$600 does seem just a little higher than I would have guessed with Wagoneers. But quite frankly I don't know and if you're talking San Fran to an L.A. or south area dealer then it could quite easily be $600. It probably has to go via the depot in Oxnard, get loaded on to a different truck for delivery to your dealer. It would certainly be well in excess of that if they had a local company send a flatbed to get it. $600 really isn't disagreeable if it is the type of distance above.
i got the squeege and gave it to my bro in law ,for him to use on the family van. To me the 3 has way to curves to be really usefull. I still just use 2 soft towels.
brave1heart : i hear what your saying about the recommendations, it just seems odd to me that every other manufacture and tire center recommends rotation. Hmph ,1st a 15k mile oil change,now no tire rotation.........i dunno
Thanks for the response. They are using the reuglar trucks to bring it from VPC to my dealer. I think the only special run was from the Bay area to VPC Oxnard. My dealer is trading them a car that is on the water now so it will just ship direct to the other dealer. Thanks again
I'm about to negotiate with BMW of Peabody for my 325i. I'm wondering what kind of deal they gave you? How much over invoice? I just want to know how much they are willing to offer...
My spec: 325i w/sports package Topaz Blue w/Black -ette In-dash CD Xenon
I was running late for the race tonight and I pushed it hard on my way there. Race to get to the race, sort of funny. So about 10 min before I got there, I stumbled onto a bright yellow IS300 going (hmm-hmm) in the fast lane. I waited there patiently for a few seconds but he would not yield. So I downshifted and passed on the right with a precise maneuver. He tried hard to run with me but I got him. Well, you can imagine the rest because I really can't share all the details here but let me just say that Shtroumpf Muscle broke a couple of old high in the next couple of minutes. When all was said and done and I had to take an exit, the IS300 was about 1/8 mile behind me. Shtroumpf Muscle let out a happy growl off the ramp - he was all well fed and ready for rest. I can't possibly figure out why a 184-hp car would be faster in mid-range and top end than a car with the same weight and 40 horses extra. The most significant difference that comes to mind is the fact that I have the manual and the IS300 has the slush box. It must be losing some HP and torque at the wheel because of the torque converter. Most of all, the manual allows me to keep the car in the right gear at all times, which in this case meant anywhere betwen 4 and 6K. At any rate, it was serious fun and very gratifying taking the checkered flag. I had my butt totally whipped at the go-carts race (bad day there) but at least I got one out of two. A big one. I think you all would've had a lot fun watching a bright-yellow shiny IS300 gasping for air behind a wimpy 325i SP manual. Not sure why they are comparing the IS300 to the 330i - that would be like playing cat and mouse if the 330i is equipped with a manual.
I'M not sure if this style is going to exist in reality, but the 3-mini I've seen has rounded headlights. This is the first non-mini possility that I"ve come across.
I got my 325i SP manual from Mary Galvin. The MSRP was $32,800 minus change, I got it for $1,300 off MSRP on March 12. I'd think you should be able to get a better deal 3 months later ($1,500 or more). Your car has fewer options, though, so you may have to settle for $1,300 off. In addition, she threw in free mats and paperwork processing, as well as free wheel locks and a T-shirt later. Oh, and 5.9% financing but I had to ask for it - she had offered 6.9%. She is very easy to deal with - nice person, very upfront and trustworthy. Not very good at taking notes and follow-ups but she tries hard. You can mention to her that you know braveheart got $1,300 off and you want the same deal or better. Here's what I can do for you: 1. Send me an e-mail and I'll get you the exact same deal. All you'll have to do is walk in and discuss delivery. 2. Do the best you can on your own. If you do better than $1,300, great. If not, send me an e-mail and tell me how far you got and I'll back you up in the negotiations over the phone or I'll even come in with you. Good luck - it's a great car and well worth the money and the wait.
Hey Frank, so you live in L.A.! I moved south to Lake Forest (Orange County) last year from Monterey Park.
The stretch of 110 you mentioned was my "rite of passage" when I first got my license. I just couldn't wait to conquer those curves...with a pickup. ;-) When I do pick up my 330i (currently waiting for transport), I definitely will revisit that stretch of road.
I have noticed with all BMW's it is not necessarily the horsepower, but how efficiently it is transfered to the rear wheels. That is where the true engineering genius is. I have driven many cars with a lot more hp and they felt much slower. IMHO BMW is MUCH more efficient in transfering the power to the wheels with very little loss along the way. Remember: It's not the size of the tool, it's how well you can use it!!!
You are exactly right about "I have noticed with all BMW's it is not necessarily the horsepower, but how efficiently it is transfered to the rear wheels. "
I had (yes I did) a 99 M3 with 240 HP and I knew that I could keep up with the big boys with 300+ horses (eg. 300 zx, C4 Vettes, camaro, etc.)
It really is engineering and BMW's do have it!
Braveheart, I too love to dust off the IS300s. In fact, I see a lot of them driving fast on the road. I toasted them with my 94 RX7 and the 99 M3 that I had. Haven't tried my 01 M3 on them, but I'll await a C43 AMG for that race.
I'm already talking to Jon deMont about my 325i, He's also a good guy... I guess I'll first try to negotiate with him myself, and see what I can get. Thanks alot.
I'll check how much the double-wide trailers are going for. I'd seriously consider it if I can find one that has a powerful motor, is a RWD, manual transmission, and good comfort features. A bath and a dishwasher would be nice too ) I really like your twisted sense of humor. Hey, take it for what it's worth: there is nothing better than having the feeling that you have made it on your own. It's very fulfilling and in 3-4 years you'll be a well-respected doctor pulling in the big bucks. It feels great when you look back and say "Damn it, I made it in one piece".
It is a great dealership. They only sell BMW's so they are good at it. Do one thing but do it well. I hope you are getting a good deal. How far are you in the negotiating process?
I haven't really started negotiating yet. I just test drove a 325i w/sp and a 330i the other day. Great cars! I was flying down 128 and passing every other cars.
I don't see the $6000 difference for the extra 40hp on the 330 though. The HK speakers are also a non-issue for me.
So, when do we think we'll know something concrete about the 2002 3-series? I was planning on waiting until the new model year to buy, as I didn't want a new 2001 model to be considered a year-old car in September. But some of the pix we've been seeing make me think I should buy the 2001 b/c it looks better.
Comments
Although I can fortunately say that I've personally had no problems parking on the street, our next house will most certainly have a garage, for the additional security, protection, and peace-of-mind that it brings.
for 2500.00 id have 3500 sq ft and a 3 car garage..
really it's a product of the area's livestyle or preference perhaps, thats why i asked the question, out of curiosity not to seem rude.
i kinda like mowing and home work. its relaxing and in 10 more years , my property will be free and clear , ext taxes, repairs, ect... best investment ive made.
Regards
DL
[:+)
The other is HAIL ive had 2 cars totaled prior to being a homeowner in some SOFTBALL size hail storms!!
DL
Think of it like this. It probably takes about 10lb of force to close the trunk lid. When I closed it, I accidentally exerted a bit more force than needed, say 20lb. But most importantly, rather than the force being spread across the area of a surface (my hand), it was spread across the area of nearly a point (my elbow). Assuming the area of the contact point between elbow and trunk surface is 1/4" x 1/4" (1/16 sq in), we are talking about a pressure of 320 psi, based on these assumptions. Add to that the fact that the contact occured in the CENTER of a relatively large area of sheet metal where deformation resistance is weakest (versus near an edge or corner, where resistance is strongest), and you get a nice dent.
That's how ice picks, chizels, and high heels work, too.
denright - it's not weird. I remembered exactly what you did last weekend - we were chatting on Sat. night, remember? So I used that as a real-time reference. Besides, you and I are very similar age-wise, family-wise, and not surprisingly - views-wise (never thought you could hyphonate views and wise and I still suspect that you cannot). As I said, I can't rationalize our spending preferences very well - most of my friends think it is unwise and I couldn't be more convinced they are far from the truth. Again, think of it this way: real estate is going down; cars are not. The most important thing that matters is getting in the first time. After that, you are always buying high, selling high, or buying low, selling low, unless you move out and rent which rarely happens. So the timing of the first purchase is critical. What can I say, I'd come up with any excuse to bum out on weekends a little longer
I have a question for you: Suppose one gets the Euro plates (front and rear), how do you get the tag # to go on it? Who does the inscribing?
Also, the rear plate area is a broad square, how would it accomodate a long rectangular plate?
any comments would be appreciated.
veekay1(325xi sapphire/gray/on the boat)
Stop complaining about rents, I think, outside of manhattan the bay area probably has the worst rental rates. I recently found myself thinking what a bargain my apt in Cambridge, MA was my last year of school. It was only $1800
On the 3 series: has anyone had the opportunity to compare the steering feel/response on a '99 328i vs a new 330i after BMW supposedly changed the steering? Is there a noticable difference?
Also, anyone else heard rumors about an M version of the new 3series compact?
Sorry had to take a break to go wash the 3 . Even after 2 years I still get caught looking back one last time before enter the house
TIRE ROTATION: it seems I never read that in my manual but , I see it now I have always rotated about same time as oil changes 4-5k miles or so and gotten great wear for it. Now BMW says I am compromising safety ? because of the way real wheel drive wears ? how does everyone else interprete this ?
DL
When the 2001 models came out (June 2000), there was a high level of steering boost. The steering became very light with a numb on-center feel and road feel was all but eliminated. At some point in January '01, BMW implemented a change which improved road feel, but the steering was still very light with on center slop. Cars being built as of some time in April have returned to the 2000 steering.
I test drove a couple of 2000 models before ordering my 2001 car. The difference is drastic. BMW is making a huge Customer Relations statement and retro-fitting cars built between June and April with the 2000 steering... at customer request. There are several people on this board and many others I have spoken to in person who think the 'bad' steering is quite nice and won't be having the retro done.
trejos28 - I'm sorry if it came out I was showing off or something - I didn't mean it that way. A rent that high is not something you can impress people with - it's typically something to laugh over. I'm not pretending that money is not important to me, especially because I grew up poor and had to make my own tracks in life. The key thing is that it's not the end goal; it's just a means to help me achieve my goals in life which also include helping my parents financially and sponsoring my cousin who just finished his junior year and kicks butt in college.
tire rotation - I can't figure that out either. I am not planning on rotating if BMWNA recommends against it, though.
steering - the post-April retrofit uses parts from the original steering rack and it should be VERY close to the original steering. I want to emphasize that the steering issue is not road feel-related; it's purely assist-related and a lot of people do like it better with the assist. I am planning on definitely getting the retrofit but I have to honestly admit that I got used to the lighter steering now after a month and it does not bother me as much as it used to in the beginning.
M compact - I read somewhere that the compact will likely be followed by an M version after its initial introduction.
Can you imagine getting into an accident on day 3? Up until that point it was a great drive home: windows open, moonroof vented, radio playing! I think I'm going to like this car ;^).
Didn't know you were in the Boston area too - we should all get together some day. Maybe drive down to Austin and meet that big group of fine BMW enthusiasts
Double Spoke Alloy Wheels(17 x 7.0 front & rear), All-season tires(205/50R-17 front & rear), 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel, 10-way adjustable front sport seats and M aerodynamic package. MSRP: $900.
As someone who owns a 330xi with SP, I agree with denright that it doesn't offer any improvement performance-wise, but if performance was all that I after I would've bought a 330i with its SP, which I clearly didn't because I wanted an AWD for winter driving.
I test drove both SP and non-SP cars and here's why I decided to include the SP:
1. This is my personal opinion, but to me the SP's rims just look better and I'd take them any day over the standard ones.
2. I also like the sport steering wheel much better than the standard one.
3. Finally, I absolutely fell in love with the sport seats. Once I sat and drove in those, I knew right away I had to get them. Again, this is just a personal, perhaps biased opinion but to me the difference in comfort level between the sport seats and non-sport seats is like night and day.
Now, to the matter of "is it worth it?"
IMO, it all depends on your budget. If you are on a tight budget, and you only like the sport seats part of the SP, then you probably shouldn't go for it.
If you are not on a tight budget and you're also only fond of the sport seats, ask yourself this question, "Do I like the other parts of the SP enough to justify shelling out $900 to get it?"
In my case, the answer is yes.
Why don't you reduce your monthly expenses by pulling a mortgage on a $200,000 home and put the extra $500 a month on an M3. However, I would first make sure that the hp to $ raio of the M3 is worth the extra 20 large (LOL).
-Getz
jnscheong
As far as M3's go, I need an everyday car that I can park on the street, at work, or whatever - M3 would offer a lot more than what I really need and unlike M3 Frank, I can't afford both a 330 and an M3.
Going racing - later
Today washed the 3er and dried it with one of those california drying tools (basically a big squigee) but have to admit that it made the job alot easier. Still had to hit the hard spots with a towel, but was very impressed otherwise. I bought it at COSTCO; they are also selling Zaino cleaning wax (2 bottles for 15$).
-Getz
$600.00 to have Wagoneer sp? truck it from the dealer's lot back to VPC then truck it out to my dealer.
Does $600.00 sound legitimate for this? or is he just blowing smoke?
Any one actually like this design?
http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/40043.html
By the way, I'm still very very very impressed with the handling characteristics of my 2001 M3. It is the most responsive steering I've seen. Even more than the 99 M3 and my 94 RX-7. Anyone living in California take the 110 freeway up to Pasadena knows there is this sharp curve that keeps turning before the Orange Grove exit. I took that at about 85 MPH the other day and stayed in one lane. Ha! I love it, can't wait to see how the M Coupe with 315 HP. Performance should be similar.
M3 Frank
M3 Frank
My 15 year mortgage on a 1600 square foot house with 5500 square feet of land in a good neighborhood in albuquerque is just a little more than that..Less if you count the tax break. I've considered refinancign now.. That would put the house payment to about $600 a month.
I'm sure i'd make a lot more money in mahattan, but i can do without! But i don't really see the attraction of big city life.
Too bad BMW's are expensive here ( one dealer, they insist on sticker ).
If things go well, i'd love to have a
dave
brave1heart : i hear what your saying about the recommendations, it just seems odd to me that every other manufacture and tire center recommends rotation. Hmph ,1st a 15k mile oil change,now no tire rotation.........i dunno
DL
Thanks again
I'm about to negotiate with BMW of Peabody for my 325i. I'm wondering what kind of deal they gave you? How much over invoice? I just want to know how much they are willing to offer...
My spec:
325i w/sports package
Topaz Blue w/Black -ette
In-dash CD
Xenon
Invoice: $27285, MSRP: $30210
Thanks in advance!
vic
http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/messages/40043.html
You can mention to her that you know braveheart got $1,300 off and you want the same deal or better. Here's what I can do for you:
1. Send me an e-mail and I'll get you the exact same deal. All you'll have to do is walk in and discuss delivery.
2. Do the best you can on your own. If you do better than $1,300, great. If not, send me an e-mail and tell me how far you got and I'll back you up in the negotiations over the phone or I'll even come in with you.
Good luck - it's a great car and well worth the money and the wait.
The stretch of 110 you mentioned was my "rite of passage" when I first got my license. I just couldn't wait to conquer those curves...with a pickup. ;-) When I do pick up my 330i (currently waiting for transport), I definitely will revisit that stretch of road.
jnscheong
Remember: It's not the size of the tool, it's how well you can use it!!!
Did you get it from Assael, New Century, BMW of Irvine???? Is it on order?
I need to find more curved roads in SoCal...
M3 Frank
I had (yes I did) a 99 M3 with 240 HP and I knew that I could keep up with the big boys with 300+ horses (eg. 300 zx, C4 Vettes, camaro, etc.)
It really is engineering and BMW's do have it!
Braveheart, I too love to dust off the IS300s. In fact, I see a lot of them driving fast on the road. I toasted them with my 94 RX7 and the 99 M3 that I had. Haven't tried my 01 M3 on them, but I'll await a C43 AMG for that race.
M3 Frank
I don't see the $6000 difference for the extra 40hp on the 330 though. The HK speakers are also a non-issue for me.
M3 Frank