Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Anyway, I do remember who you were. The young lady was holding the white terrier, right?! I'll be at the office on Wednesday after 2pm. I can't talk business on the board so perhaps you could phone/email me.
Thanks !!
-Michael.
Others, have you seen the new Car and Driver Magazine that rated the:
Boxster S vs.
Corvette (regular version) vs.
Mercedes AMG SLK 32 vs.
the new 315 HP M Roadster and
they rated the M Roadster Last....Blah....I don't believe that. They also rated the 0-60 speed of the vette and M. Roadster as 4.5 seconds which I also fail to believe. Every other magazine rates the vette at 4.7-4.8 seconds with the regular and non-convertible version. Convertible version is heavier. I'm quite disappointed....
M3 Frank
Also, how do you like the new 530 and 525 with the round circle glowing day time running lights. Looks cool...
M3 Frank
I don't know about the dealers in Richmond or VA Beach however...the folks down south may still be willing to deal. Anyway, I just had an email today from another dealer in the DC area saying they could still get me an '01 330i to my specs for ED. But I'm still on the fence re: going for '01 or waiting for '02. Decisions, decisions.
Have you tried www.eurobuyers.com? Steve Diamond may be able to do a little better for you if you don't mind driving a bit out of your way.
The post number for someone's very nice review of the ED process is in the low 2400's.
I am a wannabe 3-series owner myself, in a few months (fingers crossed), and the ED and the Performance centre delivery at South Carolina both sound like fun and very viable options!
You can also read more about both options at the BMW website, its linked at bmwusa.com in the top menu under Virtual Center. I'm sure others have posted about it at bmwfanatics.com or bimmer.org (I think, maybe .com)
Here's a weird one. I was driving my 5sp 330i on the freeway last night, and since it's still in break-in (about 500 miles on it now), I was shifting back and forth between 4th and 5th gear to vary the RPMs. On one particular downshift to 4th, my Service Engine Soon light came on, followed by a significant loss of power and the car vibrating noticeably more. I turned off the AC and radio, and that didn't do much good, so I pulled over to check under the hood. All the fluids were in order and I didn't see anything broken (like I would really know anyway), so I tried starting the car again. The light was now off, and the car was running smoothly again. It didn't happen again for the rest of the night, despite more downshifting.
The same thing happened again this afternoon as I was downshifting from 4th to 3rd getting off the freeway (RPMs went from about 2800 to 4000). Like before, all I had to do was restart the car and everything was fine again.
I guess I'm taking the car into the dealer sometime soon. Anyone else have a similar problem, or might know what is wrong? Thanks.
I'll e-mail you our website if your interested in some vino.
In addition to the standard ED savings, I have found at least two dealers that will discount the european delivery price even further (i.e. comparable to the discount they would give on a stateside delivery). My estimates are that I could get a 5-series for $1200+ under US invoice and a 3-series for $700+ under US invoice.
I have ample frequent flier milage and would turn the trip into a family vacation, so I don't count those costs that against my savings. Also, I would be paying all cash and don't need to sell my current car until after I actually get the BMW back in the states, so I am not concerned about financing/payment/timing issues.
As I've posted previously, I am not sure why ED appears to be much more popular on the 5-series board, but 3-series buyers are willing to wait for months on a stateside delivery order without considering ED. My guess - not intended to offend anyone - is that 5-series buyers as a group tend to be a little more sophisticated and willing to plan ahead to take advantage of the program. Also, the savings don't look that great until you find a dealer willing to give added discounts to the ED prices, which takes some research.
I am not going to be doing anything until late fall (October/November). But I stongly encourage you to investigate further. Also, check out the website www.eurobuyers.com for additional info.
Good luck.
Has anybody heard any info of model changes to the 330ci for 2002, also price changes? I'm looking to order a 2002 330ci early fall.
thanks in advance
Jim
Brave1heart,
Welcome back and congratulations on your pregnancy. I hope you do not have the same problem that I had when my wife was pregnant with our first child. For the full 9 months, she wanted just a little dinner and then a HUGH serving of apple pie alamode for dessert. I of course felt obligated to join her in this "Temporary" period of gluttony and gained twenty pounds in those 9 months. People laughed at me and told me that it was called "Sympathetic Pregnancy", fortunately, while we were expecting our daughter, I was able to avoid that condition.
Gurumike & fellow AV8OR in training,
I have a 1999 328i with a build date of 12/98 equipped with PP and a 5-Speed and regardless of the position of the mirror switch, the right side mirror does not tilt down, no way, no how. I suspect that BMW added that feature sometime after the E46 went into production. Now you have me curious, when did the "Tilt-A-Mirror" become available? Inquiring minds want to know. ;-)
Best Regards,
Shipo
Regarding the dealers in the area, I have had favorable experiences with most in the area via the internet to include Richmond, Fairfax, and another in Md, with Richmond and Fairfax being the most proactive. Nevertheless, I have read here and on other message boards of visitors to Fairfax being treated similarly as derprofi described. Poor dealers, it only takes one or two vocal criticisms to gain a reputation!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to take care of the inside of the car i.e: the black interior (not the -ette) and the wood trim? Any recomended products? By the way - I have been using Armorall wheel cleaner and it works fabulously on that pesky break dust.
While this can seem like a no-brainer, I can tell you from personal experience that for this to make real sense, you have to actually want to drive the car on your vacation over there, or be going for some other reason [like using flyer miles] that keeps the total cost of trip + car to no more than you would pay for the car here. Fortunately, in the case of the 3er, the math does indeed suggest that if you are going anyway, you should do it if the timing can be made to work for you vs your need for the new car.
BMW and Volvo are about the last of the EU delivery programs where pricing results in real savings; MB now gives you no worthwhile price break for Overseas Delivery [they only waive the US destination charge], VW killed their program altogether, etc. It's a good deal if you are going anyway, were going to buy the car anyway, and are confident about your driving skills, which will be tested in the EU in ways that never happen here in the land of the slow and stupid.
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to take care of the inside of the car i.e: the black interior (not the -ette) and the wood trim? Any recomended products? By the way - I have been using Armorall wheel cleaner and it works fabulously on that pesky break dust.
Check out www.bmw330ci.com or similar sites for actual experiences. Other here on the board probably have more precise information, as well.
The armrest came with no instructions, and the instructions I printed from circlebmw.com leave a bit to be desired. I also checked the FAQS on e46fanatics, and it has install help on everyhting BUT the armrest!
If you know of any links, or can provide insight, it would be appreciated. It's just three pieces, so it can't be THAT difficult (unless I am missing something)!
Thanks in advance...
As for good deals, I have dealt with some dealers in MD and some in VA including Fairfax (they do seems a bit uninterested) but found a good dealer in BMW of Arlington, and they are passing along good deals for this market. So give them a shot.
Also try Rick Buckley at Russel BMW in Baltimore. They do a lot of dealer deals in the area and should be able to find you your ideal car.
Now for the killer wait..
Are you still taking your car in for the gas pedal? Do you plan to get it fixed before you go on the trip?
Mine is at the dealer since Saturday, but they still told me yesterday that they could not feel the problem. I will keep you posted!
Dan
jrct9454, don't forget Saab - they also discount their cars significantly (and throw in 2 airline tickets) last I checked. (Of course Saab also discounts their cars significantly at the dealerships so maybe their Euro delivery discount doesn't count!)
Thanks.
-rdo
rdollie@worldnet.att.net
I cannot think of ANY reason why the engine would seize due to bad fuel or mis-fueling. Years ago I had to tear apart a small block Mopar engine that had Diesel fuel (real low octane) accidentally added to the tank instead of standard Gasoline. While the valves on said engine were toast, the lower end (the part that can "Seize") was in fair shape, I performed a standard "Valve Job" and put it all back to together. The last I heard, the car was still running well after another 50K miles. I think you should demand that she put you in touch with someone who knows what the hell he/she is talking about.
As for what caused the problem, tough call that. Low quality fuel MIGHT be the cause, some gas stations put cheap (low octane) fuel in the Premium tank to boost their profits. The last time I checked, you could not find fuel in the USA that is both High Octane and Low Quality.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Just start w/ step one and when complete, step 2 seems clear. I guess I'm trying to say is that the instructions are much easier as you are performing the steps instead of trying to envision the steps.
My whole install took less than 1 hr. One glitch is when bolting the armrest to the floor slide (in the bolt tracks) as far to the rear as the track will allow. This will prevent the armrest from rubbing against the plastic covering when the armrest is raised. You will understand when installing.
They do provide more parts (bolts, clips) than are required. I guess in case you lose one. A template is included but is only required with convertible.
drcr (titslvr/sedan/5 spd/sport/ gray leather/moon/wood)
drcr
I will give it a shot. thanks for the tip on bolting the armrest to the bolt tracks.
I suppose I went out to e46/faqs hoping to see an install with pictures, etc. (like I saw with the alarm install). Thanks again.
By the way, they detailed my car for me. I can't beleive that!
I am wondering if the dealer will supply me with a production number or how this process will work. I am also doing the performance center delivery. Is there a checklist that I need to have when I pick up the car?
Also, the car's MSRP was $36,035 and I bought it for $34,000. I pay tax and title only. I feel this is a good deal. What do you think?
I appreciate the info and can't wait to drive the car.
tcnk2 - thanks for the info on the slide-out. I will have to remember to ask for it when I go in for service.
MSRP: $36,035
330iwaiting's price on 2001 car: $34,000 (very good deal on stateside delivery)
Standard European Delivery Price: $33,655 (insignificant savings over current deal)
Discounted European Delivery price from dealers willing to negotiate (I've identified at least 2) = $1,500 over ED invoice = approximately $31,900.
You could still take delivery at BMW performace center. You would be ordering 2002 model at this point (supposedly no significant price changes).
This is my first car and the whole process is new to me. I figure I have a month left before my baby arrives. Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated. Once again, thanks.
Honestly, feel free to ask any questions and I'd be happy to answer them the best I can.
The cup holders, change wheel, hazard switch etc all pop out and click into the new peice. Just remember that nothing needs to be forced. If it doesn't come out easily, there is probably a tab or the like holding it in place.
Also, the leather covering over the e-brake has a plactic zip fastener holding it on from the inside. You'll see it when you take it apart. The directions call for it's removal in order to remove the old plastic assemble over the e-brake. I left it on (didn't have a replacement fastener) and was able to wiggle the old plastic assemble out over it. When i say "fastener" i'm referring to the plastic fasteners you would use to clamp a hose or hold a wire to a support.
drcr
"Can't duplicate the problem" seems to be the usual first response. I had a Maxima with a bad bearing that the service department couldn't reproduce for two months, although I heard and felt it all the time.
Good luck and keep me posted.
Also, does anyone know what changes will be made on the 2002 model? The dealer said I may be able to order a 2002 model starting in Sept. Does that sound right?
Thanks a lot!
Thanks
A month ago or so, $1500 over invoice was more achievable. From what I've read here and on other message boards you cannot order a 2001 now. You will have to buy off the lot or modify an incoming 330Ci a dealer has previously scheduled to arrive.
For 2002, manufacture in Germany commences in September. The factories take off the month of August. My source again are the message boards.
I cannot confirm changes for 2002 except in aesthetics. Cinnamon brown leather will be available, for one. I understand modifications to the exterior appearance are less drastic than those of the four-door. I predict what BMW eventually incorporates as standard equipment for 2002 will depend upon the competition's success in eroding 3-series market share.
http://www.bmw.com/bmwe/products/. go to "specials" and "the new BMW 3 series".
deepdarkblue - pretty car! I got a topaz coupe, but even after I placed my order, I contemplated changing it to steel gray.
I'd be interested in hearing about any experiences good or bad regarding any driving school available anywhere on the east coast.