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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • aculexaculex Member Posts: 25
    Don't laugh but wait a few years when these cars are on the used market - then the kids will get at em and do far more unspeakable things to them .. do they make sticker-proof paint?

    Anyway, I recently saw a site (forgot the URL) by a guy who had a REALLY bad experience with his M3 .. somehting like dontbuyabmw.com? Anyone have bad times with their M3s? From the sound of it it's not the most reliable car out there ...
  • langley2langley2 Member Posts: 24
    You made my day !!!! First, because I'm glad to hear that the car as a whole is everything you had hoped it would be, and second because of your comment on the stock cassette stereo. I am something of an audiophile and have what most many would refer to as a "high end" stereo in my house. Nevertheless, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was my budget, I didn't opt for the HK stereo upgrade in the car. After reading all the posts on this and other boards about the HK system, I was really beginning to worry about not having ordered it, and began to convince myself that the stock system was going to be a big disappointment. I feel a lot better now.
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    I think the paint is sticker-proof but not the glass. Nothing like 10-inch H-O-N-D-A lettering across the top of the windshield to obscure the outward vision of a less-than-safe [non-permissible content removed]/driver even further...

    Do you have a 2001 M3? If so, I'm green w/ envy. Perhaps the only car I covet more is the M5. Although I doubt reliability was one of the key criteria in your purchase decision, I wouldn't worry too much. Surely the enjoyment of driving this fine piece of engineering/machinery anytime you please is worth a few extra days in the shop. :)
  • aculexaculex Member Posts: 25
    Oh no, I don't have an M3 .. I couldn't afford it! If I had that much cash I'd buy an NSX for sure. And I wouldn't be putting stickers on that either .. however I like to think I will have one by next year.
  • denrightdenright Member Posts: 285
    Ok, so my beautiful car has reached the "body shop" stage of the production process. How long, generally, does it take to get from this stage to "waiting for transport"? Can I still expect mid to late July delivery? Does July 20 sound like a good ballpark estimate?

    Guru, your insight requested again. Thanks!

    Roc50, you might want to check your status since our cars have been running neck and neck.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I agree that subtracting passengers wouldn't affect the WD as dramatically because they add weight to the MIDDLE of the car. Adding passengers to the TRUNK will make the car more tail-happy. I'll let you know if I can convince my wife to hop in the trunk for a couple of miles :o)

    genie1 - don't worry, you'll be fine in snow. Perfect weight distribution does not help the Bimmer in snow b/c traction is where the weight of the car is. FWD cars tend to be much heavier in the front, where the drive wheels are, so they have good traction in snow. For a 50/50 WD, it's much better if the rear wheels drive the car b/c the weight shifts towards the rears during acceleration. It also helps with braking b/c that's when the weight shifts forward and for optimal braking, you don't want a front-heavy car. I know that adding weight (or passengers, esp. spouses) to the trunk would help traction significantly but you shouldn't have to do that. Another advantage of RWD is that it allows you to steer in snow much better than FWD.
  • genie1genie1 Member Posts: 398
    convince my brother to ride in the trunk in winter...in exchange for driving the car in summer.

    I think I worry more about winter than its worth. I've been driving in it long enough and I'm a fairly safe driver. Now if I could just get rid of the idiots with whom I have to share the road.

    I don't get the car until Thursday, but I've had this huge grin on my face for the last couple of days. My family doesn't want to hear any more about it, so I have to rave here. I can't wait to take her/him around. (don't know what to name my new toy)

    Personalized plates: Tacky or statement?
  • burrsrburrsr Member Posts: 255
    Although my parents have always had silly, witty personalized plates (not the cheesy stuff, like the C THRU U I saw on an obviously proud radiologist's 330Ci), I'd rather get whatever the DMV gives me. Especially in a BMW -- why permeate the stereotypical image?

    If you lease, I believe you have no choice (at least not in OH) -- you get whatever comes next in the "secret plate sequencing" algorithm. :)
  • jimbresjimbres Member Posts: 2,025
    I've just learned that my 330i should reach my dealer early next week & that I can expect to take delivery on 6/28 - a week from Thursday. Woo-hah!!

    My salesman is offering me wheel locks & the BMW alarm system for a total price of $629. Does that sound reasonable to you folks?

    He's also trying to sell me a protective coating of some sort - made by 3M, he says - that covers & protects the headlights & fog lamps. Price is approximately $350. Does this have any value? (Reminds me of that great 80s ripoff, paint sealant.)

    TIA for your advice.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Mine put in the BMW alarm for $400 and threw in the wheel locks for free. You can buy the alarm on-line for $225 and have any dealer install it and activate it for about $100. Non-key wheel locks (the ones you should get) are $25.

    I would not even give this protective coating stuff a second thought and honestly, I'd probably be looking for a different dealer. It sound like you are making a very good living and the dealer knows it :o)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    If it wasn't for this board, I'd probably be divorced by now and have no friends left.

    If I were your brother, I'd take the deal - it sounds fair to me if that's what I had to pay to drive a BMW.

    I don't mind personalized plates - it all depends on whether they are offensive or put a smile on people's faces.
  • chuasanchuasan Member Posts: 42
    My cousin just bought a used 99 323. He's trying to find out what's the proper tire pressures for tires. However, the sticker on the door is gone and the car did not come with user manual. If anyone owns a 99 323 with stock rim (195/65/15). Please post the tire pressure for me. Also it would be helpful if you can post the max tire pressure for the OE tires. Thank you

    Chris
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Recommended is 30/35 F/R and about 5 psi more when fully loaded with 5 psgrs and luggage. Max would have to be around 45 - try inflating the tire till it blows and let us know - we'd like to know too :o)
  • chuasanchuasan Member Posts: 42
    Dude, thanks alot for the quick response. I think my cousin got a set of tire with max. 51 psi. Do you think he should stay with the OE recommend pressue or inflat a lil more?

    Chris
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    Well, got my car roughly over 2 weeks, and finally got a speeding ticket. Damm cops! I wasn't even going that fast, apparently the flow of traffic was going 42 mph or something in a 35 mph zone, dang lady cop pulled me over and said i was going 45. Now i have to waste my time going to court over this! I think they single me out because my car still has the temp. plate and it is a 3 series bmw!

    Okay, on the lighter side, i have a question. For the windows safety features, if you your hands or body part touch the contact strip, the window stops. I got this to work on the windows, but what about the moon roof. i tried putting pressure to the glass on it's half way point - nothing. I can't find the contact strip for this either. Can anyone help?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I always trust BMW recommendations. I actually use 31/34 F/R on my 325i and I find it very comfortable for everyday driving. Some owners typically bump up both F and R by 5 psi if they are running their car on a track - the car may be accelerating marginally faster if the tires are overinflated but it won't handle as well as low-pressure tires b/c the sidewalls would not be able to adjust as well when cornering aggressively. You get marginally better gas mileage with overinflated tires at the expense of ride comfort. It's like a basketball or soccer ball - same concept. More air, faster bounces, less control.
  • drcrdrcr Member Posts: 87
    I didn't get anything more than the tape. I plan to put a chnager in the trunk as soon as I have some time. I am fine with the sound. It doesn't blow doors but it is adequate. If I were to upgrade it would be beyond the HK. I just couldn't justify the HK cost benefit.

    The plates. Its such a fine line to walk. I wouldn't do it. I'm in accounting and I saw INDBLK which I thought was creative.

    drcr (debitcredit)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Sorry to hear this - there's nothing that ruins my day more than a speeding ticket. Check out the NMA's web site - they have pretty good tips for fighting tickets. Also check speedtrap.com.

    My roof pinch protection works fine - you do need to apply a little more pressure than with the windows. Try pushing hard against the roof as it's closing and you'll see that it works. I tried it with mine.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    drcr - Maybe it's all common sense for you but outside of the accountants' world, not too many people would guess that. Unless I got it wrong, I dunno.

    The H-K could definitely be better but for the money I think it's OK. And you get the speed equalization too. For everyday driving, it meets my needs. I typically listen to the engine sound anyhow unless I'm stuck behind a cop or something.
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    Does the roof have contact strip like the windows do? The manual says it does, but i seem to can't find this strip.

    Also, does the window respond in the same way, if you put pressure on the window instead of the contact strip? The manual only mention the contact strip, nothing about the windows itself.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Not sure - I think the window pinch protection only works when an object is stuck between the frame and window and the window cannot continue moving. I guess that means that the contact strip is on the frame (door) itself - not sure. But I do remember pushing the roof back hard as it was closing in about halfway and it reversed direction. I didn't look for the contact strip - I'd be guessing it's along the whole side of the roof.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    When I first started looking at BMW's, the salesman I was dealing with was highlighting the features of the cars and told me about this wonderful safety feature. He mentioned that if my kids had their heads out the sunroof and I tried to close it (?!?!) they would be okay. I politely asked him to stick his head out the roof and let me try to close it... he declined. He did stick his arm through the opening and told me to close the roof. It appeared to give him a pretty decent squeeze before backing off. In fact, I saw him covertly checking his arm, for a bruise I assumed, while we were looking at other cars.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    Are you guys sure there is a contact strip or is it possible the motor circuitry senses the resistance and reverses?
  • raybearraybear Member Posts: 1,795
    When I was selling BMW's I used to push the button for the window or the roof while talking to the prospective customer, pretending not to notice that my hand was still in the way. It was great fun watching the client's eyes pop out as my hand was increasingly close to being crushed, then the inevitable "watch out!" just as the window closed on my poor unsuspecting limb. I broke a lot of ice doing that, and never had the system fail.
  • bgritzbgritz Member Posts: 139
    My parents have the 3M (clearmask I think it's called) on their newer Passat. I think when we get our 3-series I will do the same.

    A friend has a Passat he purchased at roughly the same time as my parents, and after only half a Colorado winter, he has numerous nicks from rocks and gravel, while theirs is spotless.

    It functions just like a clear bra, but doesn't change paint appearance, get wet, collect debris, and is removable if you need to take it off.

    Regarding the lights, 3M also makes a heavier product (still clear) for them as well. I installed it on our Pathfinder lights and on our '96 Jetta. Both lights on the Jetta had both broken within 2 years. At $130 each, I thought it was worth the $25 to put the covering on them. A year later...not a scratch!

    It is NOT the same trick as with the good old "undercoating".

    Gritz
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    The contact strip is on the windows, it is the black strip that runs around the frame, even before your hand hits the window, push that strip and the windows stops and backs off.

    But not sure if the moon roof has this or not, the manual said it does, but i can't find it.
  • kominskykominsky Member Posts: 850
    I'll have to give that a try. If it causes me undue pain and stress, I'm calling my lawyer! ;-)
  • tcn2ktcn2k Member Posts: 277
    perhaps gurumike can help answer post 5821!
  • dantlodantlo Member Posts: 106
    If its drive by throttle, why is the pedal more sticky when it's hot outside. I drove my car just now, it was about 90 degrees outside and it was quite severe. I thought I asked before I take it in to the dealer again!
    Dan
  • emilykemilyk Member Posts: 49
    I've been lurking in and out of this board for several weeks now, but have had my car on order since April 7th. My dealer just called to inform me that I can pick my car up tomorrow morning at 10am! It seems almost unreal that my car is finally here. Somebody please pinch me!
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    2002 nissan altima 240 hp
    2002 nissan maxima 260 hp
    2003 infiniti G35 240hp + rwd

    2002 BMW 325i 185 hp

    My proposed line up
    2002 BMW 330i 224 hp same pricing as 325i
    2002 BMW 340i 255 hp same pricing as 330i

    lets pass it on to BMWNA ...... ;)

    Regards,
    DL
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    "damn cop " ? Funny how adults cannot take responsibilty for our own actions isnt it ? And im sure if you were in a chocolate brown 1973 nova you wouldnt get any more singled out, oh and i forgot about the one were Officers stop people in RED CARS... id like to know who thought that one up < chuckling >.

    Regards,
    DL
  • emilykemilyk Member Posts: 49
    I found out that I have to travel to Hopkinton on July 10th to visit my customer. Is this anywhere near your neck of the woods?
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image

    Topic: Those Little Annoyances - what really bugs you?
  • tchootchoo Member Posts: 93
    Its true, a lady friend of mine sold off her Red Honda Prelude after being pulled over and harrassed by cops too many times. e.g. followed for 2 miles by cruiser on the highway while going 55mph (in a 55 zone), busted for doing 35mph in a 25mph zone, and pulled over just for fun. After getting a white Accord coupe, she hasn't had a single incident.
  • christoforichristofori Member Posts: 16
    Well, I am a first time owner of a beautiful 330 xi. I was sold on all the hype about the legendary engineering and after sales service of BMW. I am beginning to have doubts.

    I took delivery in Munich in April. While going to Hannover, I had to pull my car aside due to the over heated engine, which was spewing coolant. I took it to the dealer in Hannover, who said it had a faulty thermostat.

    The rest of the trip was fun.

    I took delivery again last week. Today, I went to look at house during lunch time (the baby needs a nice garage). For some reason, I thought that the AC was not working. I looked at the dash, and saw the temperature gauge lit up like a Christmas tree!

    I went back to my office (does not seem to have any over heating problem when it is on the highway). My dealer asked me to call the BMW Roadside Assistance and get it towed to the dealer who is about 40 miles away. I told him that I could drive it, but the service manager was against it. Well, I called BMW Roadside Assistance number. Even after 2 hours I am still unable to get through. It keeps on repeating - "Due to heavy volume ...". Either BMW should get rid of the agent or see a Maytag commercial. Hope these guys do not run any ambulance services!

    I sincerely hope that this is not an indication of things to come. I love the car - it is a beautiful piece of machinery. But two episode in two weeks - after plunking 40+k hard earned money! I am not sure.

    I am an engineer/scientist by training. I do understand the law of averages. My two previous cars were Fords. In 18 years, they never stranded me or give me any problem, other than rare hiccups. One, I drove 300 miles after hydroplaning and hitting the middle wall on Pennsylvania turnpike. It was bashed up. I had tie the hood with a bungee card.

    Like I said, I love the car. Even now, I would go back and buy the same car. If I were BMW, I would get rid of the Roadside Assistance agency. I also wonder what is all the hoopla about 3 million points of inspectioon (well, I am exaggerating it).

    I do hope this is not my last BMW. But there is only so much patience! I am happy for all of you guys who do not have the same problem.
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    I think I've figured out the confusion about the Transmitter(s). There are two different ones but they're both for the E46. The difference is one is for car WITH sunroof (mine), and the other is for car WITHOUT sunroof (allano). The Circle BMW site has factory instructions for both, while the E46fanatics.com site story is just for the sunroof car. Allano, does that seem right?
  • bmwagonmasterbmwagonmaster Member Posts: 150
    While I'm here, my sympathy for your troubles. It appears that you were unlucky enough to have one bad fan part replace another before BMW was fully aware that all the parts could be bad. Wonder how many other owners had the same "bad for bad" repair...?
  • parumpparump Member Posts: 65
    Here are some observations regarding the 325i and possible options.

    The standard package now includes the "infamous clown nose," vanity interior lighting, net storage on the back of the front seats, fog lamps, automatic climate control, and lighted vanity mirrors. I think that some of these standard options are not listed on the BMW homepage.

    I would recommend ordering power seats for the simple reason of infinite adjustments. In general the seats (non sports package) are very comfortable.

    The automatic climate control is quite useful. This was actually an upgrade about which I wasn't happy until I tried it. It works very well.

    The quality control of manufacture is excellent. In dash CD player is a nice option considering the amount of "garbage radio."

    Fold down seats are also a very useful feature - ninety percent of the benefits of the wagon with the advantages of a sedan.

    Universal Homelink recommended for convenience.

    Sports package, premium package, xenon headlights, 330i, CD changer may be of benefit to some.

    Some people order the moonroof. I have never used this option except for ventilation when parked. Opening all of the windows a small amount accomplishes the same effect.

    Alarm is probably not needed if the primary concern is automobile theft. The passive anti theft devices are excellent.

    I hope that these observations may be of help to those contemplating an order. Keep in mind that the omission of many of these options can significantly lower the purchase price if you decide to order a car.
  • aaron330iaaron330i Member Posts: 136
    Quite bored since there are not kids to play with (or wife), no movies I want to watch, and no BMW to break in (yet).
  • christoforichristofori Member Posts: 16
    Thanks bmwWagonMaster! I have been tryiing the 1-800 number for over 3 hours now. Each time I held on for about 10 to 20 minutes. I keep on getiing the same annoying message: "Due to heavy volume ...". Thank god I am home. Also, I was thinking of cancelling the Roadside Assistance option in my auto insurance!. If I were BMW, this certaiinly is not something I would be proud of.
    Oh! But I love my car!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    It sounds like heat and/or humidity is causing your clutch stickiness and it isn't all due to the drive-by-wire throttle. Again, I've heard that the electronic throttle may cause a bit of stickiness but if it varies with temperature, it sounds like something mechanical. Sorry I can't be more help with this - maybe Shipo can help you better when he catches up.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I'm wondering if HP with cars is getting as cheap as processing power for computers. I mean c'mon - 240 HP Altima?!? 260-HP Acura and Maxima? I'm beginning to wonder if soon enough we won't be driving around with too much power. Can you imagine a world where every car is 300 HP and speed limit is predominantly 55 MPH? I dunno, to me the 325 has adequate power even for my driving style, at least for everyday driving. Of course, another 100 horses won't hurt - I'm just wondering how it's possible for Honda and Nissan to sell these cars for 30K and turn a profit. Cheap yen? Anyone?
  • varigvarig Member Posts: 99
    I am considering a 330xi. Liked the test drive, but I am concerned about problems that some have discussed. I know that there is no guarantee of a 100% trouble-free car but am I going to be straddled with problems. Appreciate any comments that can be shared.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Hopkinton is about 40-45 min West from Boston. It's an up-and-coming area - one of the last suburbs within a bearable commute to Boston where they still have land left for new developments. My best man just put a down payment on a 650K house in a new development there and I wasn't able to stop him from his lunacy. I've only been there to golf - it's a popular area for that with all the woods around. There's only one reason for a Westie to go see a customer in Hopkinton - EMC is located there and not much else from what I know. You can stay anywhere you'd like, Boston including, if you have a rental car, although you'd probably prefer to stay closer to Hopkinton. Let me know if there's anything that I can help you with. We are going on vacation this Sunday and coming back on July 5 but I should be around after that.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Actually i totally agree, its odd that at the peak of fuel prices , these cars are being pushed instead of say a diesel VW Golf.

    Honestly, the last FWD that i had pulled the wheel outta my hands, i cant imagine 260 ponies, that being said the G35 with RWD looks interesting.

    Regards,
    DL
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    <<< I would recommend ordering power seats for the simple reason of infinite adjustments.>>> I didn't know power seats allow you to adjust them better than manual seats. How exactly does that work? Are you referring to memory options or seat adjustment??

    <<<The automatic climate control is quite useful. This was actually an upgrade about which I wasn't happy until I tried it. It works very well.>>> I can't seem to get in the habit of using mine. Maybe I should read the manual again to make sure I know how to use it correctly...
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    ... for the stereo. Do those of you who have them use them regularly? I keep reaching for the dash and somehow it seems that the steering wheel buttons need to be pressed too hard to respond. Wondering if it's just my car...
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Stay in school, buddy.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    It's unacceptable for a 40+grand car. There is no excuse on BMWNA's part. All I can say is that if you're stranded and can't get through Roadside Assistance, you should call someone else for help. BMWNA will reimburse you if you get a receipt. It's better than being stranded. Hopefully it won't happen again..
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