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Comments
aaron,
How is that Zaino product working? Eventually, I'd like to see how that product works out. Anything to provide another good seal would be fantastic. I'd like to keep the dash the way it is, that is, non-glossy. What's a good product for that...how about those Armor-All wipes? If anything, I love the new-car-with-leather scent more than anything.
Anyway, a couple of observations:
- Someone referenced (a few hundred posts back) a 328i with Step. I believe this is an anacronym. The 328 was produced thru 2000 only, at which time the Step hadn't been offered -- Steps debuted in 2001. So a 328 with Step would be an impossibility, unless there were special circumstances...
- I also saw a reference to getting PP and leatherette as an option combo. The PP INCLUDES leather (at least it did in 2001), so disjoining the two would have to be a special order, if it's possible (maybe it is for 2002).
Kominsky: regarding BMW manuals. I used to have a 1995 GS-R that had a clutch/shift mechanism that could not have been any more perfect. The clutch was light, and take-up was short. Engagement was very linear, right in the middle of pedal travel where you'd expect it, and not grabby. Clutch felt the same at Mile 42,000 (when I sold it) as it did at Mile 1. Gear shift movements were very short (shifter was more of a "joystick" than a gear shifter) and very precise -- slick with the right amount of notchiness feedback to ensure you were not "halfway in" a given gear.
By comparison, the Z3's clutch is a bit heavier, and clutch pedal travel is much longer. Engagement, however, is just as smooth and non-grabby as the GS-R's was. I think one of the difficulties people have is that the engagement occurs when the knee is bent more, making fine-tune movements a bit more demanding. Hondas tend to engage lower, requiring less leg and more foot, while higher BMW clutch engagements require more leg and less foot. As for the shifter action, both the throws and the shifter are longer. The shifter also lacks the same weight as the other controls, detracting from shift confidence somewhat. Also a bit more notchy, with a less positive gear engagement, as if the transmission fluid was replaced with molasses.
Overall, the Z3's is a very rewarding shifter to row, and the clutch take-up is as smooth (if longer) as anything available. Just not quite as daily-driver friendly as the GS-R's was, requiring a bit more leg and attention to the gear engagement (although I have yet to miss/grind a gear).
I spent 2 hours at the dealership (BMW of Peabody) to go thru all the paperwork and stuff. Service was great and they threw in free floor mats, gave me a "3" keychain, and a bmw baseball cap.
Like Jason said, it is really tough to keep under 4500rpm, but it has enough torque at the low end without having to down shift too much. Shifting is smooth, the sports seat is comfortable, even the sports suspension is good (I havent driven any Lexus or Benz so I can't compare). It is such a beautiful car that I had to look at it a few times before I got into my office building.
It feels so much different from my previous 89 Accord, which is pretty worn out. I just need to get use to it. Driving it more often will definitely help! : )
The zaino topic is filled with true zealots but you don't have to take it that seriously to get beautiful results that last much longer than wax. Zaino's own site, www.zainobros.com, has lots of info and is worth a look.
The 328 was offered with step the latter half of the model year.
I showed my car to some of my colleagues, and they all liked it, esp the color! Jason, that's definitely a good color combo... : ) Can't wait to try the xenons tonite.
the big silver sports wheels look extremely aggressive on the dark grey body. I wanted this car to be as sporty as possible, so I didn't pick those "premium" features such as wood trim, navigation, or heated seats, etc.
I'm planning to read the manual thoroughly, any suggestion on which part to pay more attention to??
http://www.printroom.com/ViewAlbum.asp?userid=aarona&album_id=32810
As for the dash, get some 303 Aerospace Protectant, it doesn't leave a gloss:
http://properautocare.com/303-16.html
I don't think Armor All wipes have the UV protection you want.
Also, get a few Miracle Towel micro fiber towels, they pick up dust and lint like you wouldn't believe.
I've been spending a lot of my time lately on the Autopia detailing forums at:
http://www.autopia-forums.com
Just be sure to protect your car now! Not after the paint's been damaged.
Picked up from BMW of Peabody also. My sales rep spent about an hour going over the features with me. All the paperwork was already taken care of. Took about 30 seconds to feel at home in the new baby.
Man it feels great! Love the way the console seems to wrap around you. Like hippo, can't wait to try out those Xenons tonight. The test drive was nice, but driving your own is a real experience. Gotta go play with it some more now.
Hope you have fun with it tonight hippo.
Thanks again to brave for all his help.
I obviously don't know if this info applies to your recent xenon experiences, but it might help.
And while I'm here, for ANYBODY reading this, you should seriously consider joining the BMWCCA-- even just to get Roundel. If you like this Board, you'll love the magazine!
Congratulations on yours too! Have fun!
aaron,
Thanks for the info on all the products! I'll take them in consideration...and yes, I agree...taking care of the exterior now will save you plenty later....
sunnybrook,
Yes and no. It is a vinyl leather that is similar to Montana leather in texture (not smooth...more ridges). You will most likely not tell the difference at first glance. Pleather is what I've seen on my girlfriend's '94 Altima, very plasticy, glossy and smooth. I think the leatherette is a bit glossy and of course does not feel the same, IMO....however, I really can't give you adamant reasons to spend ~$1400 on the leather. I did, solely because I love leather in cars.
daswolf, thank you very much for your kind words - I am happy that I have been able to help another brother in arms. I was at the dealership this morning between 10 and 11 to drop off the Shtroumpf for the retrofit and I talked with Mary Galvin for about 15 min. I told her I was very disappointed that she did not return my calls on the financing rate and she said she's been out for a couple of days. She also claims that contrary to what we've heard, the official rate is not 6.5%. I forgot to ask her what the rate was, though. I'm sorry I wasn't able to help you in that regard but it seems that you got about the same rate through another bank, right?
Well, enjoy your cars - I wish you many safe, fun-filled miles and the best of luck to you.
P.S. It would be great if we all got together for a weekend drive with hippo, tchoo, and the other BMW owners in the Boston area some time this fall. We go to the Mohawk Trail in Western Mass every fall with my wife and we should all try to do something like that together. Can you imagine a dozen 3-series in a row going through a myriad of bright colors on a twisty, winding road - whoa!!
P.S. "The BMW Thing" still alive and kicking?!?
i just bought the V1. i haven't really had time to test it out yet, but i'm having serious second thoughts about it. i read from other posts and other web sites that the passport 8500 was the best new detector out on the market now, and it's $299.00 ($100 less than V1). i'm gonna call up valentine tomorrow and see if i can return their unit. it's supposed to have a 30 day money back guarantee.
zaino: i just received my zaino. i'm gonna put it on in another week or two when i get a chance to wash my car. one thing though, the clay bar is a lot smaller than i thought it was going to be. i thought it was going to be the size of a chalkboard eraser at least, but it turns out they send you 2 tiny little clay bars the size of hotel bar soaps. is this gonna be enough for my whole car (330xi)? sure doesn't look like it right now.
driving: as some of you know, this bmw is my first stick shift car. as foolish as this may sound, i've always wanted a stick shift car, but was not able to afford any car on my own until now. i thought i better learn how to drive stick now in the bmw instead of learning it on a porsche or something like it down the line. well, yesterday, i thought i was beginning to get the hang of it, so as i was accelerating on to the highway going from 3rd to 4th, and then trying to go to 5th rapidly, i mis-shifted (i think i either didn't push the clutch completey prior to the shift or i moved the shift knob diagonally upwards and rightward at the same time instead of going completely to the right and the up) and felt that terrible gear grinding sensation shoot through my arm an into my body. ughh!!!! continued===>
i'm sorry and ashamed to tell everyone on this board about the terrible treatment and dis-service i'm giving my brand new baby, but i thought i had to share my pain with you all so that i could get some guilt off my chest.
i also have to confess that although i'm not having as much trouble or fear as i used to driving my car, i have yet to have a whole day of stall-free driving. sometimes i feel like just going around the block once and parking the car back in my garage for the rest of the day just to say that i did have a stall free day.
i never expected driving stick to be so difficult. i thought it would be a few days of practice to get fairly good at it, but it's really a lot of practice and some art. for now, i will keep practicing and asking my friends who drive stick to give me advice, but to this day, i have not been able to fully enjoy driving my ultimate machine. one day.....
http://www.bimmer.org/3series/messages/archive/msgsy2001w29/92567.html
Basically, flatten the bar out into a pancake, lub with a spray bottle mixed with water and Dawn or Z17 (I think that's the shampoo). As you use it, periodically fold it in half and keep folding it in half as you go and it flattens out.
One bar, provided you don't drop it, should last a long time.
Finally, I have to observe that the advice to rent something cheap to do some intensive practice over a weekend sounds like a good idea...if you can find the right car. It will take some phone calls.
It's a rare driver who, if as brutally honest as you have been, has not missed a shift now and then. Since you are so determined to do this, you'll get good at it over time, and then wonder what the fuss was about.
I sent in for the Zaino products, including the leather conditioner (Z-10)...how is the leather conditioner? Does it leave that new leather scent and hopefully is it not too glossy? I tried to opened your pics, but the server failed.
Can anyone give me their take on downshifting techniques...I just want to ensure that I'm not doing too much, especially from 3rd to 2nd...BTW, everything with the car is just fantastic after one tank of gas. I wish I were driving right now!
One recommendation though, use the conditioner right away as I think it comes from the factory needing to have the oils replenished. The first time I conditioned my seats it just sucked up the Z10 like there was no tomorrow.
radar: anyone got any opinions about V1 vs. passport 8500???
FWIW, I usually downshift when my engine speed falls below 1800 RPM. Please don't take this as a recommendation. It's just a longstanding habit of mine.
aaron,
Thanks for the previous links, too...hell, I'm even starting to get excited about giving the car an initial wash and polish!
jimbres,
Thanks for the input...that sounds reasonable...
My car has been attracting dust like filings to a magnet and it's been driving me crazy. I also have the most horrible water spots. Zaino's claims that the Silicone oil in regular polishes attracts dust (my experience seems to bear that out). So I'm ordering Sal's magic potions today in the hopes that my car stays glossy black.