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Comments
However, prior to that, I did have a detector, which I believe was indirectly responsible for the two tickets I did receive within a 6-month period. Both were not excessive (71 in a 55, 76 in a 65, I believe). In both cases, all the detector did was tell me EXACTLY WHEN I got nailed. Interestingly, both were LIDAR guns.
The moral of the story is that detectors may lead to a false sense of invincibility and a numbing of the senses one needs to effectively be a more aware (and safer) driver.
My theory is that a false sense of security is better than perpetual paranoia and anxiety!
To anyone else thinking about installing the armrest....I was semi-leary to dive in and dismantle the entire mid-section of my new 35K auto, just so I could have a place to rest my arm while driving....However, the entire process took less than an hour, and was pretty straight forward. I am guessing I saved $200+- by doing the install myself, and buying the part online.
Thanks again drcr for the install tips! ...next project are the clears!
They change the entire gas pedal assembly supposedly containing some new parts inside.I think the problem is gone forever.
Thanks for everyone who had posted their inputs on this subject! Special Thanks to carpevino!
Dan
Just spent an hour reading the last weeks posts as I spent all last week driving up and down the Lakeshore with the sun roof open... all work related trips of course
With the Molson Indy in town this weekend the Rice Boys were out in force. I love the way this car looks...I noticed that people who would usually cut me off in their SUVs actually backed off...very nice. People don't cut in front of this car either...Several people actually "changed their minds" about changing lanes...I could get used to this.
I find her a bit slow to take off from an intersection...don't know if I'm just a light foot...she is only a 1.8l baby anyway...But once she gets going...WOW...she has pulled me out of a couple of tight spots...
After hauling boxes and equipment all week long, she needs to be restored to her pristine self again...She deserves it.
Are you planning on taking any pictures of people? I've found that fleshtones are still way off...which is why I am sticking to film for the next few years until the technology improves. Digital is convenient and ideal for product and landscape shots but the results for any portraits leave a lot to be deisred. JMHO, but I am picky about things like that.
Does anyone have a clue as to when the 2002's will begin to roll out in the U.S.? I live in the Cleveland area.
Are there any web-sites where one can find information on the 2002 325i?
Is there a significant difference between the two models. Please let me know. Thanks.
My dealer said they do not offer that option.
Anyone have trouble with a fan kicking on occasionally during acceleration (and draining gas mileage)?
I noticed the post about the center armrest. We bought one but can't figure out installation without messing with the emergency brake. Also, the instructions mentioned some tool, like a v nut--how do you get one/do you even need one?
Lady(proud owner of 2001 Audi TT coupe quattro and 2001 325xi sedan)bugnova, to answer the who is john galt question.
I did have to "mess with the emergency brake" (e-brake). At the base of the e-brake, you can loosen it, and the leathery piece will 'lift up' or 'pop out'. This will allow you to move it around and slide it through the replacement console piece. Then the e-brake leathery thing pops back into place at the base....I hope this makes sense. Please let me know if you need additional info. Definitely makes more sense when you are looking at it.
Other random notes from my install:
I think my install MAY have been a bit different b/c I have the Step. (?) The Step shifter has a little "clicker" thing below the knob? That
would have made removing the knob a little trickier I think. Anyway, the entire plasticy base piece (holding the window switches, hazard, etc) "popped out" all in tact. We did have to disconnect the hazard so we could lift up the base high enough to slide the new armrest piece in, but that was about it.
Everything pretty much "pops" in/out (ashtray, cupholders, change wheel, etc). The toughest part was "lining up" the two main bolts that secure the armrest to the e-brake and the front of the console. However, once those two bolts were in, it was clear sailing.
I found the instructions that came with the armrest really were fairly straight-forward....As for the additional tool required.....Don't have it, never heard of it / didn't need it!
Lady(uselss on car repairs)bugnova
V-Kool-metallized film-ruins FM reception if installed on the rear window. This applies if your antenna is "built-in" to the rear window (aka mine- 2001.5)
To combat this, they are going to use Huper-Optik 'Stark 40' on the rear window. The Huper is a 'ceramic' film, that will not affect reception. The two films look similar color-wise, and are about equally effective. I think the V-Kool is a little more effective, hence getting that on the sides.
Not worried about the install....This place does BMW's, MB's, Porsches, etc....
Talked to the guy at www.autotint.com (not sure the exact site-name) It's the site that describes all the types of films. Told him I wanted the absolute best I could get, regardless of price, and he said he was about to install V-Kool on five $250,000 custom buses purchased by some Shiek from the Arab land. I figure it's good enough for my piddly 35K Bimmer.
Will keep you posted!
I've been very pleased with my DC4800. I don't know about flesh tone problems (perhaps my eye isn't trained) but film-realistic photos are very possible. This camera's only weakness is that the automatic mode can choose settings poorly sometimes, mostly in indoor low-light settings. This was helped by a firmware upgrade, but not totally fixed. Considering you have full manual control available, however, this isn't a big deal.
If you don't mind spending more money, there are certainly better choices, like the Canon Powershot G1. I chose this camera because it offered such good quality for such a low price. www.dpreview.com helped me greatly when I was looking for cameras. Good luck!
I know that many of you out there are anxiously awaiting your cars. What do you think....should I drive mine until it can get fixed, or play it safe and keep it in the garage?
Thanx for any info.
jnscheong
Good job erickson, bug- I have the manual and no real problems. the unique tool? I never heard and didn't need either
drcr
I saw a 325 silver/sport like mine w/ silver vs wood trim. looked great wish I knew this could have been a special order vs the wood. oh well
Brave1heart,
I just finished writing a forecasting system for the "Electronic Imaging Division" over at Fuji and the Big Cheese for the division says, "Save your money this year, 2002 will finally yield cameras (from all manufacturers) that are both cost justifiable against conventional cameras and have storage/resolution that will serve in all but the most demanding situations." So, hang in there and borrow a camera or scan in pictures from a conventional until next year.
Radar Detectors,
I used to have one of the Remote style detectors back in the late 1980's and made the mistake of driving with it turned on up in Ontario, Canada on a trip to the top of Lake Superior. On a delicious empty stretch of road somewhere several hours north of Sault Sainte Marie, I got tagged by the OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) NOT because I was speeding (I was) but because he had a "Radar Detector Detector", and he knew that I had a Radar Detector. He was very polite while he explained to me that what I did was a NO-NO and that (the then) standard policy was to remove the offending device and destroy it. He then asked me to open my hood, reached in pulled the unit out, put it in a tough little bag and stomped on it until it was quite beyond repair and handed me the bag. Apparently the penalty if I was a Canadian resident would have been much worse!
MFeldman,
I plan on sticking to the standard oil change regimen as put forth by the BMW engineers due to the fact that with over 9 quarts of Synthetic oil in the crankcase, I suspect that the interval could actually be more like 25K miles and still not be a problem. FWIW, it is my understanding that the oil BMW uses is a special blend, I do not know if it is better/worse than Mobil 1, just different.
Unboringuy,
Drive it. So what's up with the 30-July appointment? Did ya'll have a freak ice storm and all of the good body shops are full?
Best Regards,
Shipo
From what I gather, Web Crossing is looking at the problem. If you experience the problem, please report it in either that discussion or here (I'll pass it on), including whatever detail you can.
You can tell approximately when it happened by noting the date and time of the last post read via Reading Subscriptions and the next new post when you discover the problem.
Meanwhile, hang in there - they ARE working on trying to sort it out.
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
- front receiver (radar and laser) installed - $710
- front and rear receivers (radar and laser) - $1,100
- laser DefuserPlus (additional $300)
In short, I can't justify the premium over V1, which I just ordered for $440. This price includes a small Concealed Unit, which is very similar to the K40's Overhead Control and it can just as conveniently be placed behind the wheel, in front of the dash. 30-day money-back guarantee - I figure you can't go wrong with that. I think as long as you don't have a tinted windshield, the two systems should be as good in detection and the V1 would even be better in rear detection, unless you get the front and rear K40 receivers ($1,100). In addition, the V1 is portable and can be used in any vehicle, while the K40 is custom-built in your car. The V1 offers similar features with its Concealed Unit at 1/3 the price of the K40. I may get the laser DefuserPlus, though, I'm not sure. It looks like a license plate frame and it essentially replaces your front plate frame. Not sure how legal it is and how easy it would be to steal it, though. I'm guessing it could get you in trouble with the law and it would be relatively easy to steal it without breaking into the vehicle. I am planning on using the V1 primarily in rural areas and only as a supplement to my senses.
It was a nice day yesterday here in Michigan with the temperature in the high 80s and I was just coming out of this supermarket and ready to go home.
As usual, I needed some cold air to cool me off a little so I turned the AC on. After about 5 minutes, I began noticing that the AC was blowing hot air instead of a cold one. As I was about to drop the AC temp further down and increase the fan speed, I watched the temp needle swung very fast to the right side and it had just reached the red zone when I turned off the engine.
I immediately popped the front hood and checked everything. Luckily, nothing spilled, there was no smoke although there was a slight burning smell. Called the roadside assistance and had the car towed 70 miles to my dealer. Got a call today from the dealer saying the fan has been replaced and picked it up ASAP(it was less than a day but I already missed it that much:-)). I was surprised they got it done so quickly since I've been reading that there's a nationwide backlog of order for the replacement part, I tried to match the part number with the one I got from bimmer.org(to make sure the dealer has replaced it with the correct one) and I was relief to see that they matched(which is 1-17-11-7-516-813, for those of you who care).
I have known that my car is part of the recall ever since Fred on bimmer.org posted the list of VINs, but I refrained from making an appointment with the dealer because:
1. Fred posted an update about the first batch of customers to be notified by BMWNA and my car isn't part of it.
2. I knew eventually the fan had to be replaced but I thought it could at least hold until BMWNA notified me to go to the dealer. I mean I've driven the car in all kinds of traffic situations(stop-and-gos, short drives, long drives, long traffic jams, you name it) and I have never had any problems. Guess I was wrong, it's just that I had so much confidence in the car.
Finally, my advice to you fellow bimmer owners whose cars are part of the recall, DON'T WAIT! Go to your dealer and insist of making some kind of appointment to replace the fan even though you haven't been notified by BMWNA. My dealer told me that they are going to replace pretty much all E46s they sold. I forgot to ask them which model but I would assume all E46 2001 models.
Later...
What do you year about the 2002 330i SP? On the bmw.com international web site they have pictures with a very M3 looking aero package in front. Some on bimmer.org claim this is not coming to the US.
As for 2002's, there will be minor trim changes but iam not sure on the price. Most dealers I spoke with said that they will probably want close to MSRP for the first few months. Also, I believe that the first 2002's will hit the dealers in October.
Hope this helps.
Haven't had issues in Florida with police seeing it on the windshield.
Just hope my baby made the voyage without incident and in perfect condition. I also hope I never have any sticky gas pedal or overheating problems. Crossing fingers...
So, they get booked up!
Also, do you have the specs. on the V-kool tint? Their web-site doesn't have it available.
*visible light transmission 70%
UV rejection 99%
visible light reflectance 8%
*total solar energy rejected 55%
infra-red rejection 90%
(* = combo 70% vis. lt trans combined with 55% tot solar energy rej. is supposed to be a big deal)
"Why not do Huper all the way around?" Not sure. I know the V-Kool is more of a clear tint, while maintaining its effectiveness. (But, the lady said the two were very similar in color???) I will find out the answer tomorrow, and let you know. This place deals with only V-Kool and Huper, and I can't find any reason why they would favor one over the other...but I will let you know....
unboringuy: Your story is the most tragic of them all. We should set up a special collection for you. Did BMW give you a 3 series loaner at least while your car is out of order?
I heard bad things about the k40's performance.
What about the passport SR1?
How does the concealed option unit work for the V1, does it get the unit off the dash?
Thanks
Josh
I'm trying to decide between a 325 vs a 330 stick sedan. I know there is a difference of 3-4k between the two, with more standard features and more horsepower in the 330. But my question is this: which is more "fun" to drive? I'm not looking at racing times and stats like 0-60 or lap/slalom times, but more like the subjective "feel" of the drive.
I'm thinking that possibly the 325 would be more fun to drive than an equally equipped 330. I know that the 330 would go faster, whether in the corners or the straightaways, but I'm reminded of one of the "truths" (for lack of a better word at this moment) in driving. That "it is more fun to drive a slow car fast, than to drive a fast car slow". I suppose this is because it is easier to reach the 10/10ths limits sooner in the 325 than the 330, given the city/suburb driving environments that we mostly drive in ie. non-track. And isn't part of the fun of driving is to test and push the limits of your car and your driving skills?
What are some of your thoughts on this?
Of course, this is JMHO, so please don't start flaming...
That said, I want my car to last, regardless of whether it is for my benefit or the next persons down the road. As far as the oil change schedule is concerned, I was taken to task back in May over in the "BMW 3-Series (E46) Problems" (Posts 144-146) board because I stated that I was sticking to the schedule, below is a reprint of what I said at the time:
Consider the following points:
Modern LEV and ULEV engines running with modern fuel produce a mere fraction of the combustion gunk (a very technical term ;-) that is) generated by an engine from just 5 years ago, the result, extended oil change intervals.
Synthetic oil has a far superior ability to hold said gunk in suspension when compared to conventional oil, the result, extended oil change intervals.
BMW has seen fit to almost double the amount of oil in the reservoir when compared to other engines of similar displacement, more oil means more ability to suspend particulate matter and protect the engine, the result, extended oil change intervals.
All of which makes frequent oil changes a waste of money and harmful to the environment.
In addition to the above statements, I would like to add that having that much more oil in the crankcase means that any given unit of oil spends about half the time in the actual engine when compared to an engine from another manufacturer of similar displacement. Once again, that increases the interval before an oil change is necessary or even beneficial.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Although I am definitely a novice, I believe that the 325i engine is not utilized to its fullest potential by many drivers. The average person will observe that the 330i is more responsive when compared to the 325i at comparable throttle positions. However, one challenging aspect of driving is to maximize the torque curve, so that car provides the greatest power for a given situation e.g. acceleration at the 40 - 60 mph range or the ability to exit a corner at 20 mph ready to increase speed.
Some drivers evaluate an engine's power based upon the throttle response. However, the ability to anticipate, coordinate, and execute the engine power band of the vehicle probably defines the truly gifted driver.
A good driving course will assist you in identifying your skill level, and which engine is best matched to your abilities.
Cops: I've personally known just a couple and they were both nice, fair people. There are good and bad people in every profession (save for lawyers, which are all good )) - why should the police force be any different? In my experience, if you treat them with respect, they'll typically treat you back the same way. However, the wife of one of the cops that I know (he avoids the subjects) keeps picking on him about how 4 or 5 of them would drive from NJ to mid-Ohio for a CART race at triple-digit speeds in his Maxima and every time they get pulled over, they all just flash the badges and keep going. She doesn't complain too much, though, and says the Benevolence Police Association sticker on her card and card that she carries with her have saved her from speeding tickets the couple of times she's been pulled over.
BTW, I understand that "Driving is a privilege". Just wondering what exactly the second amendment says about carrying guns - doesn't it say that it's every man's RIGHT? If that's the case, owning guns is a right but driving is a privilege? Go figure. At least you can force drivers to stop when you're suspended and need a ride.
Oil change - I own my 325i and have no plans to change the oil before the service interval is over. I'm not planning on topping it off either. I'd just trust the engineers and worry about more important stuff.
325 vs. 330 - both really are a lot of fun to drive. Have not driven the 320 but I'm sure it's also up there in the same entertainment category. I do drive the 325 at 10/10-ths most of the time and I love it. I remember the power in the 330 to be absolutely effortless, esp. below 3K RPM's; it also had a little more growl. For everyday driving, the 325 manual is plenty fun. I'd love to have the 330 on the track, though.