BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

bmwagonmaster · July 2001

See my post 6432. There's a couple of other posts around it that also discussed tinting. Hope this helps.

derprofi · July 2001

Thanks Platypus. I caught up on some old messages and realized that this had already been answered so my apologies to all for not RTFM.

Re: the feature changes, ouch! I like the sound of the CD, bi-xenons, rear airbags and natural brown leather (hopefull similar to the baseball glove leather on the Audi's) and these option changes make my decision between '01 and '02 that much harder.

The clear lenses on SP I don't feel too strongly about because I think a splash of yellow looks very nice on most of the body colors. However the apparent narrowing of the headlights the change on the "corner of the eyelid" from triangular to oval is something I really wish they had not done. Platypus, I'm actually comparing your ED pix to the new ones from BMW and those little yellow corners on yours just look SO much better. Anyone think there's a chance there will be a backlash against the new '02 styling as there was with the boosted steering and that BMW will give in and go back or offer a retrofit?

Yeah, I figured not.

I almost wish I had gone ahead with my planned May purchase so that I wouldn't have to be dealing with this right now! I know, I know...life is real tough when one of your biggest worries is choosing between an '01 3er and an '02

parump · July 2001

Thank you very much for the reply.

I am searching for information concerning tint material that blocks infrared radiation. Although many websites feature tints that block the uv portion of the spectrum, few tints appear to block infrared radiation with minimal darkening of the windows.

I have learned about two different products that block infrared radiation without a significant penalty in window darkness.

The first is vkool. Their website does not have a valid e - mail link, and I understand that there have been problems with delamination of the film.

The second is Solar Zone cool steel 70%. Evidently, Mercedes uses a similar product that is incorporated during the manufacture of the window glass. From the outside, it has a slightly green - yellow appearance.

Bottom Line: I am seeking positive feedback about infrared blocking films - especially when the tinter is charging $550 for five windows - yikes!

eug · July 2001

I'm looking for the same info. Edmunds has a tinting forum also. You may find more info there.

As I've posted earlier in the week, V-Kool is at http://v-kool-usa.com

Huper Optik, http://www.huperoptik.com is the another manufacture that makes IR and UV reflecting tints. They use a ceramic coating vs. metal coating. They seem to have a bigger selection than v-kool.

Let me know if you find more info. I haven't found an installer that uses it yet.

platypus · July 2001

Clears are a personal preference. I like them, but only on certain colors. I am planning at some point to put them on my Titanium Silver 330i. Here's a link (not my car) with some great pics of a TS '01 330i SP with clears --> http://www.330i.com

I prefer the '01 styling for the reasons I mentioned in a previous post, but I'm probably biased since I just got my car.
What colors are you leaning towards?

Whatever choice you make, you're right - life's not that bad when your troubles are which 330i to buy. ;-)

carpevino · July 2001

I know this was discussed previously but here it goes again. Any solutions to the sticky/stiff gas pedal. At first it wasn't too bad but now it is a bit dangerous. Rabbit like starts in heavy traffic. 330i step 2001.

kiski · July 2001

Thanks for the input. Did you do this through the dealership? Cost? I am inclined to try this option in the 330i and see how it goes, luckily money is not a big issue as I want one unit in each car. I still have the Valentine in the Lexus that can also be used by my wife in her Accord.

tchoo · July 2001

Just wanted to share an experience a good friend of mine had with his Valentine1. He was going 90 on the Masspike (I-90) 2 weeks ago when he was pulled over by a trooper using laser. The Valentine1 never detected it. Not even when the trooper was 10 feet in front. Of course this is not a problem with the valetine. No radar detector is effective against the pencil thin beam of a laser. They are getting very common here in Mass. For regular radar though, the V1 is great, you can tap your BMW's universal transmitter power plug for it and avoid messy wires to your cigarette ligher. As for myself, I'm buying a Passport 8500, its cheaper, and its almost as good as the V1. No directional arrows though.

gurumike · July 2001

I had a local specialist do it. I've had them do my last six cars and they're familiar with these cars. I would recommend looking for a professional stereo shop for that type of install.

j330i · July 2001

I just ordered my 330i yesterday. I got the in dash CD, metallic paint, SP, PP, and Xenon. MSRP for this was 39910, invoice was 35880. I also got lug locks, floor mats, and extended maintenance plan. I paid 38000. Hoe does this compare to other deals?

bmwagonmaster · July 2001

Check posts 5701,5706,5737,5741,5742. (No search function, I just happened to be in the neighborhood recently!) But you'll still have to ask "dantlo" if he ever got his pedal fixed...

frank69m · July 2001

You should have been paying $1500-$2000 over the dealership invoice of whatever the car price is + options. That is what most people have been getting. I'm talking about the 3 series and not M :-)

M3 Frank

mule714 · July 2001

I also ordered mine yesterday. $1800 over invoice (and I could have done better.. just wanted it over with!)

330i - Steel Blue w/ Sand leather
Steptronic
PP
CWP
Xenon
Navigation
CD Changer

aaron330i · July 2001

That's why I love the Rizzo method. No fuss, no muss.

drempt · July 2001

j330i · July 2001

Can anybody who currently owns a BMW tell me what is the best way to maintain the interior leather and the exterior metallic paint?

adam68 · July 2001

derprofi · July 2001

I think the 3er is one of very few cars that looks great in just about every exterior color--must be those fantastic lines. I could personally think of at least 5 that I could live with and enjoy. Most German cars look great in black, of course, but we've already got a black '01 SLK and figured we'd try something different.

At the moment I _think_ we've narrowed it down to steel grey and titanium silver. However, if BMW offered the anthracite grey available on the 5er or the Z3 sterling grey, I'd take those over steel grey because I think they look a bit classier.

j330i · July 2001

Does anyone own a steel blue with grey interior? Looks like a great combo.

shipo · July 2001

Colees,

Oddly enough, I was not in the market for a BMW when I first started shopping to replace my 1995 Passat GLX. Initially, I wanted a 1999 Passat GLX with a 5-Speed, and VW obliged me by eliminating the Manual Transmission for 1999 only. After a few letters to VWOA and VWAG, and receiving the usual circular double speak in response, I set my sights further a field.

After reviewing several small to mid-sized sedans with available 5-Speed transmissions, I found that the 3-Series was just a little smaller in the back seat area (I need to schlep my two kids around) than the Passat (surprising), a WHOLE LOT more FUN to drive (not surprising), got better gas milage (surprising) and a three year lease was only $25.00 per month more expensive (very surprising). Suddenly, I would not have gotten a new Passat even if it was available with the equipment I wanted.

Lochness,

I live in the NYC area and have a 1999 328i with just the standard issue all season tires and I have no problems at all driving the car in all but the worst/deepest of snows. One item of note, in really the slippery stuff and moving up a steep incline, do NOT turn off the DSC, you WILL spin if you do.

Best Regards,
Shipo

pat · July 2001

starts here:

dantlo Jun 18, 2001 11:15am

Hope this makes it easier to find.

pat · July 2001

This is just a suggestion in case any of you would like to try it. I think we've talked here previously about the difficulties with message numbering system and using the "Go To" function.

What you may not realize is that each post number is actually a link to that particular post. If you want to reference a post made earlier, the best thing to do is to right click on that link (which is the post number), choose "copy" and then "paste" that link into your message.

When you post, it will appear as the "dantlo" message in my post above. Any reader can then just click on that and go right to the post.

No messing around with "Go To" or absolute vs. relative post numbers!

(I did run into a problem, though. I tried to link several of the posts that bmwagonmaster found and got that silly "no words longer than 115 characters allowed" message, when of course nothing was that long. The only thing I can figure is that more than one link with no text in between caused that. I figured that the starting point is good enough to find the rest of the messages, at least I hope so.)

I just thought I'd pass this on - maybe it will be helpful in the future.

Pat
Host
Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards

derprofi · July 2001

I think the 3er is one of very few cars that looks great in just about every exterior color--must be those fantastic lines. I could personally think of at least 5 that I could live with and enjoy. Most German cars look great in black, of course, but we've already got a black '01 SLK and figured we'd try something different.

At the moment I _think_ we've narrowed it down to steel grey and titanium silver. However, if BMW offered the anthracite grey available on the 5er or the Z3 sterling grey, I'd take those over steel grey because I think they look a bit classier.

platypus · July 2001

Your color preferences are similar to mine. I had narrowed down my choices to Steel Grey and Titanium Silver. Initially ordered grey, then later changed it to silver. Like you, I would have preferred Anthracite, if offered on the 3er, because I think it shows better in the sunlight (richer color than Steel Grey) and looks great at night, being very close to black.

burrsr · July 2001

BMW was supporting the Z3 thru June with $2,000 factory-to-dealer incentives for the 2.5 (($2,500 or $3,000 for the 3.0, I believe) and lower money factors for lessors (0.0023 or 0.0025, I believe). This coincides with a nationally advertised lease promotion for $299/mo, $2,500 down, 10K miles/yr for a stripped down 2.5. However, since strippers are VERY rare (not many come from the factory like that; you'd likely have to order), that exact deal would be hard to find. My dealer had a Sterling Grey 2.5 with PP, CD, metallic, and heated seats coming in and offered $300 under invoice, which is about $800 less than some other dealers in the area had offered. Great deal, great time to lease, given the terms. With the cash back, they still made some money on the car, and I got a good deal. Combination of homework and good timing -- the deals end July 2, at which time the MFs may go up and the factory-to-dealer cash goes down.

My wife and I have driven over 100 miles around town over the past two days -- the car is an absolute pleasure to drive with the top down. On sunny weekend days, the choice between the Z3 and the 330i is a no-brainer: Gretl has not been driven all weekend. Can't wait until the 1,200 break-in point, although tooling around at 2,500-3,500 os fun, too.

deepdarkblue · July 2001

Please bear with me in this rather lengthy description of my experience with my new 325Ci ("Lena"), which I received yesterday afternoon:

Walked into the dealer with a friend 1/2 hour before my appt, wondering where they'd put my car. There was a Steel Grey 325Ci in the showroom, but for some reason, it looked too good to be mine. My salesperson walked up to me and said, "Whaddya think?" "This is mine?!" I asked. She nodded. Me and my friend flipped out. In a word, "Beautiful."

Several people came by and tried to get inside. I proudly (and courteously) stopped them and said, "This one's already sold." I quietly loved the fact that everyone who walked by it stared longingly. Something about the Grey on black combination that just looked stunning. The transaction was seamless, and I was out of there in less than 1.5 hours. She threw in mats, wheel locks and a nice key chain. Not worth a lot, but they go a long way as far as professionalism, in my book.

The car has been a dream and runs like "liquid poetry." I started the engine, and the 184 hp just growls. I know, it's no 225 like the 330, but it sounds powerful. I have barely made use of the sound system, and it's so much more pleasurable to hear the rumble of the engine. The shifter is like butter, and running through the gears is sweet. Power across the torque curve is very linear. It feels amazing.

The sport seats feel very comfortable (I'm 6'2" and 210). The interior is beautiful (black leather, high gloss black trim). I thought the black trim would look very '80s, but it works well, and the interior looks stealthy/sophisticated. I'm very happy with it.

Needless to say, the exterior is just perfect. I wouldn't change a thing. My friend noticed that everyone was staring at the car as I was driving. He said, "HTQ, or Head Turning Quotient is a 10." As I was driving home, everyone who pulled next to me just gawked, especially the guys who were driving SUVs. The SP wheels draw a lot of attention, and they make the car look powerful and very aggresive.

Drawbacks:
1. Not much storage space, compared to my Accord. Who cares, though. If I wanted space, I would've bought a minivan.
2. The high gloss trim attracts dust and fingerprints like Clinton attracts scandal.
3. HK upgrade is not very impressive. Rock and roll sounds a bit muffled (not very crisp), but jazz sounds wonderful. I know the sound system has had its share of critics. I'm not hugely disappointed, just now WOWed.
4. I can now no longer go back to anything but a BMW (sigh).

I'll be posting pics in the next week. I'll be the guy with the big goofy grin on his face.

derprofi · July 2001

I wouldn't say the moniker "great mind" applies to me

but it looks like we indeed think alike on our color preferences. Interestingly, a month ago, titanium silver wasn't even on my list. Then I noticed a neighbor of mine about a block down the road has a titanium silver '01 330ci with SP and I've passed it on my way to work for a couple weeks now. Much to my suprise, it's grown on me steadily to the point where it's a serious contender.

Re: '02 pricing, what I've read elsewhere indicates about a 1.5% price increase, offset somewhwat by the fact that there's about 2.5% worth of extra standard equipment in there.

PS--Great story, deepdarkblue. Stahlgrau is a great color choice.

tchoo · July 2001

I loved your story, I should be picking mine up on Monday or Tuesday. I spent the whole weekend moving into my new apartment. It was a nightmare, U-Haul shafted me big time. Reserved a truck weeks b4 for Friday and Saturday. Friday came and went and so did most of saturday. Had to shift most boxes by car and finally begged a guy to rent me a truck for 4 hours for $80! U-Haul still hasn't allocated me a truck! But I finally moved everything, seconds before a ferocious thunderstorm hit. Phew!

deepdarkblue · July 2001

Sorry about the painful move. You must be relieved it's over. Now for the good part--you'll be lovin' life this week, once you get your 3. Like brave said, you'll just feel like the car isn't yours, as if you were just renting it for the weekend. It is unreal.

Make sure you go over the pickup checklist. It really helps you to calm down and be a wise buyer. Test drive it before you plunk down the dough. Look it over with a fine-tooth comb. I did find one problem--the right side mirror won't angle down when the car is in reverse. That will be fixed sometime this week, nothing urgent.

I'm about to head out the door again to take Lena for a spin. I've spent most of the weekend in the car. Already logged 200 miles.

You gotta give me the skinny on your car once you get it. Can't wait to share the JOY!

aaron330i · July 2001

Of course, Silver Savanna may be a bit too obvious.

fajoza45 · July 2001

what do you guys know about the 318 vehicle, i know it lacks power but is for my girlfriend, how does it handle , does it have a history of engine or mechanical problems

aaron330i · July 2001

The 318 is a BMW in every way, shape, and form...it just lacks the oomf of the inline-6, that's all.

fajoza45 · July 2001

i've been looking all over for this car, where do you think would be the best place that i can find one, since am buying it from a dealer. am also in new york but i dont mind traveling to find a good deal..

burrsr · July 2001

DDB - Congrats on the pick-up! Enjoy the ride...

Faj -- I've offered my opinion on this a few times before. One of BMW's hallmarks and cempetitive advantages is its inline-sixes. Not getting one would translate (to me) to not taking full advantage of the BMW experience. All else is the same (handling, braking, etc.), but the 1.8 four is no different than any 1.8 four produced by Honda, Toyota, etc.; probably worse. No one on the planet does inline-sixes like BMW. Again, that's just MY $0.02. It may not matter to your girlfriend. But I'd certainly recommend spending the extra cash for the 2.5. You'll do well either way, but the 2.5 you will NOT regret.

gurumike · July 2001

Like having a Golf GTI (I know, not quite as quick) but such a great car to live with. Best/most fun handling older 3 series short of M3. I would get one in a heart beat for the wife (and, secretly, me too) preferably with a stick, but auto would be fine. Great all round car and very inexpensive to own. Go for it!

jk26 · July 2001

Do you know if I can still order a 01 325 the last week in July? I am finally finishing grad school and want to buy one but I don't find out my salary until the 21st of the month. Until then my hands are tied. Will ordering one that late in the month depend on the dealer?

JK

gurumike · July 2001

.... July 3rd is the latest date ANY 2001 MY will be modifiable. I heard this from a good source at work, but this would differ slightly from the norm. Having said that, the first week of August is the last production week for 2001 MY cars, so even by normal standards, only cars slated for build in the last week of this month and first of next would still be changeable anyway. We've already been allocated Septembers production for 5 series, I expect we'll see 3 series soon.

Better move quick if you want to get a special spec car ordered. We can modify a car on the spot so your dealer can too. Now's still a good time to get a 325, should be good enough supply available to get a deal at under 2 grand over. We sold every last 3 series we had in stock this week end! The 2001 supply is drying up fast. Anyone who thinks they might wait until August/September to "get a deal" will find there can't get one at any price!

gurumike · July 2001

BMW 3 series took "Best European Car" and "America's most loved car". Not bad given they, and best Asian/domestic, were the only categories.

I would have to say that I'm blown away by have extrodinarily good my new 3 series is. I've driven them for years but this is the first time I've owned one. It's even better than I realized.

lt1vette16 · July 2001

I'm getting an E36 ('92+) either 318iS, or 325iS. Any advice? This will be my first car. I'm gonna get whichever one I find that's the right price.

frank69m · July 2001

I know the pictures of the ugly tail lights of the upcoming 5 series is a hoax so I was wondering if anyone had an idea of what the new upcoming 5 series will look like?

M3 Frank

stgreen · July 2001

Recently put down payment on 330Xi. Dealer gave me production number, but after i log in on owners page and hit 'track order' link a blue screen comes up with no words, pictures or any info at all...

anyone else have this situation?? it seems that im getting the link but its not uploading correctly.

thanks.

jk26 · July 2001

Looks like I won't be able to order an 01 325 exactly like I would want to since I will have to wait that long. I don't particularly like the 02 front end and will probably not buy one for that reason. It may not be the greatest reason, but if I am going to spend 30k+ on a car, I want it to be an "extrodinary" car, not just "ok." Looks like I will be driving my Accord for a while longer and saving up more to buy a 5 series in a year. Seems like the consensus on this board is the 01 model is highly prefered over the 02, wonder why they had to go and mess with a perfectly beautiful machine that was selling like hot cakes!?

JK

allano · July 2001

My post with the suggestion to turn the Climate Control temperature down to 59 degrees and vent wheel to three dots was in response to bmw323's statement that the output of his A/C was not cold. I suggested the above conditions as a test to see if he could get cold air from the vents.
I'm sorry if I miss-let anyone into thinking that those are normal operating conditions for climate control -- they are not.

jrct9454 · July 2001

OK, since no one else seems to be willing to speak up in defense of the [very modest] changes to the '02, let me be the first: I think the styling tuneup looks fine, don't understand the negative reaction, and CERTAINLY would not make a buy-no buy decision based on that alone. One of our current cars, incidentally, is an '01 Accord EX V6, so I know there are plenty of good reasons to stick with the Accord if you are otherwise happy...we think ours is just wonderful...but it is hard for me to believe the modest changes from 01 to 02 on the 3er get this kind of reaction. Makes me wonder what the reaction to the new 7er is going to be...storming the gates?

I bought my first BMW, a 1602, as one of the first cars unloaded on the West Coast when the 1600 was introduced in '66, when Hoffman had the USA franchise. Three others since then, all 3ers. I am also mystified at some of the negative reaction to the E46 from long-time loyalists, claiming the car is too soft, too refined, blah blah...what my 87 325is could have used was a good dose of refinement, thank you very much. You want hard-edged, the sport pack is there to give it...some of us want a real touring car, and the base suspension of the E46 is probably the best compromise between ride and handling on the planet.

Anyway, here's at least one vote for the '02...I don't think it solves any "problems" because I thought the earlier iterations were fine, but don't understand the vituperative reactions...

megrdh · July 2001

Hi,
Does anyone know where I can get a folding type sunshade other than from BMW. From the dealer and circle BMW, there is letters on it which I don't want. Thanks in advance. Meg

gurumike · July 2001

I just got mine this last week. It's the best! It was about $48 but it's worth it. I don't know if you can "scratch off" the BMW letters, but they really don't seem that obnoxious. I wouldn't get a different type just to not have letters on it, the sunshade is that good!

megrdh · July 2001

Yes, but it has letters "BMW" on it and I am afraid some will "hate" me for showing off too much. ^^

aaron330i · July 2001

Oh how I want it so bad. How long from VPC to Texas?

wong911 · July 2001

"one problem--the right side mirror won't angle down when the car is in reverse".

Maybe you already tried this:
make sure the mirror switch is switched to driver side. Otherwise, the right side mirror won't move when in
reverse.
Hope it helps.

errickson · July 2001

because the transport company got my car from the VPC (in Charleston) to my dealer in Lafayette, LA in 3 days!!! I would think yours would not take much longer!

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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