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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

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Comments

  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    I have been driving RWD cars in snow for over a quarter of a century and do quite well when it is all white and shiny outside. Having said that, my 328i without the SP (ie. Stock All-Season rubber) is about all I would want to deal with here in the NYC area in winter conditions. My car is quite stable and predictable when driving with the DSC engaged, however, turn it off and LOOK OUT. Also, when you add a low traction environment to and area where level terrain is rare, DSC or no, making it up a steep hill is problematic. That was a long way of saying, get the snow tires for your 330i, a single trip to the body shop will more than offset the cost of four new wheels and tires.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • dantlodantlo Member Posts: 106
    You are right!! Number wise they might be very close, my point is the 528 is an excellent car with adequate hp and torquer for the size. After owning it for 3 years. It was the best car we ever owned. We are looking forward to see the new body change and will probably get into one again when it comes out 2003?? right?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Had to use them for the first time this morning (it's 50 degrees here in Albany, NY) and I felt like was in a massage parlor or something :o) Very nice. I especially like the fact that they heat up just seconds after you start the engine.
  • drcdrcdrcdrc Member Posts: 5
    Hey all,

    I am considering getting a 2002 325xi. I'm just looking for some general feedback as to thoughts/experiences anyone has had with the car. The all wheel drive is important to me which is why I chose the xi model. I'd also appreciate some thoughts on the ongoing automatic/stick debate. I can't decide what I want, as I drive in rush hour traffic every day and currently drive an automatic which makes life easy. But then the driver's side of me is screaming "How can you get an automatic BMW???". So I am somewhat torn. Also, I'm interested in hearing any experiences you've had with dealers in the Southwestern CT/Westchester County NY area, who's good and who's not? Additionally, if I special ordered this car exactly as I want it, how long would it take to arrive? And lastly, any reliability concerns with this vehicle? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks...-Dan
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250


    Listen to the driver's side of you! My $0.02: The I-drive-in-traffic-therefore-need-a-step thing is a bit of a cop-out. If you are an experienced stick driver then working the clutch/gas/stick becomes second nature and it doesn't matter whether you're going 2mph or 100mph. You should have heard the belly laugh from my German-born BMW salesman when he told me how often he hears that one since moving to the States, because in Europe you'd never hear an excuse like that.

    If the people using that excuse can truly drive a stick but choose to buy the ultimate driving machine with an auto, then I must conclude they're doing so in order to have one hand free to diddle with a laptop/PDA, make a sales call on the cell phone, sip coffee, shove an Egg McMuffin in their mouth, put on makeup, check hair, reach around and break up the fighting rugrats, wipe drool off the baby, etc. :) Let's not blame it on traffic.

    So unless a person drives an auto for one of the above reasons, the only remaining excuse that still holds water with yours truly is "I just can't drive a stick" and even that one can be worked around with some patience and effort.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    A Lexus would be just as good.
  • drcdrcdrcdrc Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for the feedback. Well...the car would be in a lot of traffic during the week but on the weekends would be traveling on the open road. All I was getting at was that I know how to drive stick just fine but never owned a stick car, so I am not sure how I would like it as a daily driver, that's all. I am sure you are right about it becoming second nature. I'd considered some other brands as well but I like the styling of the BMW the best and there aren't that many all wheel drive sedans out there to choose from. When the time comes, I will test drive both auto and stick and take it from there I guess.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    "But, you know, I would say we do have one of the best engines, if not the best."

    Don't miss the Indianapolis F-1 race on Sunday!!
  • vishnu11vishnu11 Member Posts: 59
    Could you give me your email address? Love to talk to you regarding your deal with BMW of Peabody.

    FYI, for the folks in the Boston area, BMW of Peabody, Gallery (Norwood) and FMW Natick seem to come out best with customer experience. Universally, it appears that Herb Chambers experience is not good, but my test drives went without incident there.
  • jrc330jrc330 Member Posts: 15
    Prefer not to post it to the board, thanks...
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    Good point. Actually, if I were always stuck in traffic I wouldn't get a Lexus or a BMW. I'd either be in a Ford Focus or other cheap beater, or I'd be riding on public transportation.
  • gurumikegurumike Member Posts: 442
    Where you're always stopping and going and your preference would be to drive a clutchless shift, get a steptronic. The car is just as enjoyable the rest of the time and just a much nicer place to spend time in the real world traffic that you may have to deal with. Buy what ever you think is best for you.
  • vishnu11vishnu11 Member Posts: 59
    My email address in profile. Thx!
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    vishnu11,
    If you live in a north-west Boston suburb, I would suggest you try Tulley BMW in Nashua, NH (not to imply anything is wrong with Peabody). Although my salesperson is not longer there, the business and sales manager were cordial and competent. I continue to be impressed with their service center (recall fan came within a week).

    drcdrc,
    The combination of the electronic throttle, tight drive train (even AWD) and standard transmission is quite easy to drive in stop and go traffic. I typically don't accordion drive with everyone but rather run the car at some 'average' speed between dead stop and jack-rabbit starts trying not to leave too much room between me and the car in front (i.e. annoying drivers behind me). At idle, the car moves _very_ slowly in 1st without bucking, pulls smoothly from idle and returns smoothly to idle. With a good CD, it is almost enjoyable.
  • orientblue330iorientblue330i Member Posts: 10
    Well, the service dept at my dealer says it takes 2.5 hours to install and program the alarm....
    @90/ hour, 225 bucks for the install, which is how much circle BMW wants for the alarm....
    they quoted me 525 bucks for the alarm and installation at my dealer....
    I guess its time to find a dealer willing to program it if need be....
    thanks for the input!
    -Ken
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    I too started using heated seats just last week and got used to them awfully quickly. I did not choose this option in my original order but the sales person called when he knew I would be out of the house and convinced my wife to give this option as a surprise birthday present (expected delivery was in the same month). Now that I have tried them, I would not want to be without.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    That's exactly what I do in traffic as well and it's never bothered me at all. One thing that I find extremely annoying about autos in general is the creep they build into them. To me, it's unnatural to have to keep my right foot on the brakes so the car would not creep up on its own.

    Tulley BMW in Nashua, NH is a good choice but keep in mind that the state transfer may be hassle if you live in Mass. One more thing: avoid BMW Norwood like the plague. I had a bad experience with them.

    DSC: I am getting in the habit of switching it off (electronic braking included) often lately and every once in a while I'd go find a nice isolated back road and toss the car (325i SP) in corners just to slide it. It's so difficult to slide it for more than a couple of inches... I'd pick up a lot of speed and then toss in the corner and think "Oh, here we go" anticipating the slide. This thing just exits the turn with high speed, perfect oversteer at the exit and refuses to slide.. Unbelievable...
  • allanoallano Member Posts: 175
    Brave,

    If you haven't already, check out the F1 drivers' comments at http://www.bmwnation.com/home.html. Select "News" in the top boarder and then "Motorsports" at the top left. In the next page's left boarder, choose the top article F1: US GP Preview.

    It is interesting that the Mischlens are a risk factor. Ralf S. claims that his 3rd place performance at the Italian GP was caused by tire blistering.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Driving to work earlier this week, I found myself taking a detour around some heavy traffic and wound up on a narrow 2-lane road that I had never driven before. This road wound around and up over a small gap in some local hills and because it was completely tree covered, the sun had not yet dried it from the rain the night before. What a blast, I finally found a road upon which I could induce a slide (DSC and such switched off) at less than double the posted limit. When I got to the end of the road, I turned around and did all 6 miles of it down and back again. I walked into the office 30 minutes later than usual with a big silly grin on my face. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    when I autoxed, I had the DSC & other stuff turned off, but I still couldn't get the car to slide much. For anyone who thinks BMWs aren't worth the money, they should autox one.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    allano - thanks for the link. Check out www.formula1.com for more exciting news on the F-1 race.

    shipo - it sounds like you're having a blast. One of the things I love about the 3-series is the way they convert oversteer to understeer on the way out of the corner. The car is very forgiving - even if you realize that you're exiting the corner way too fast and need to let off the gas to reduce the oversteer, the car is perfectly composed and never loses its balance or much speed either. The only time I've been able to slide it for more than a couple of inches at a time is on wet roads and man, what a blast that is!! I'd think that it would be easier to slide it with the 328 and especially the 330 engines because they have a lot more power than the 325, though.

    dave330i - autoxing is what hooked me up on the 3-series. I've wanted one for years but I had not pushed one to its limits of adhesion till one of those Ultimate Driving Experience events that they organize. They set up a short circuit (about 16-18 secs a lap) and I was so amazed by the car's handling that I knew I was getting one. It was just a matter of deciding when. Great stuff... I'm planning on autoxing with BMWCCA next spring.
  • platypusplatypus Member Posts: 192
    Thanks for your replies!!

    Good to see that some of the regulars are still around.

    I'll plan on moving ahead with the retrofit given the positive feedback, and let you know how it turns out.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    course I ran was pretty long (fastest was high 50s). I couldn't believe how well the car behaved with the DSC & ADB turned off.

    The Ultimate Driving Experience is coming to the SF area. I know I'm going to go check it out.
  • silverprincesssilverprincess Member Posts: 75
    I've been parking at work in a little uphill position for a couple of weeks now and I've noticed that every day, when I drive away the "low windshield wiper fluid" comes on and then goes away after a few minutes. But in the last two days the light just keeps staying on, even after I've stopped parking in that slanted position, and started the engine several times and have been driving on flat roads. Any ideas how to make it go away? I checked that the fluid level is fine. Thanks.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Please give us some tips and share both your positive and negative experiences with autoxing - i.e -
    - tire pressure recommendation
    - how much gas do you carry
    - do you have to wait all day to get out on the track for one minute, etc.

    Thanks
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Being provocative is good, especially when you're sincere. German cars are about excitement and comfort. There are exciting Japanese cars but none that blend excitement and comfort as well as BMW's - it's that simple.

    There are better dealerships than BMW - especially Lexus. But we love the cars; the donuts you get while shopping for the car and bringing it in for maintenance are nice but a lot less important. All luxury dealerships tend to be stuck up, especially with younger buyers. You think BMW dealers are stuck up? Try Cadillac and Jaguar. If you love driving and can afford a BMW, do get one. If you think it's overpriced, VW is a good substitute - I had a VR6 for 4 years before I got the 325.
  • bmw323isbmw323is Member Posts: 410
    Our club's auto cross was just held. We do it in a pro sports stadium parking lot - it's long and fairly narrow so we go out and back with a lot of serpentines. Average time was about 45 seconds and everyone got 7 runs. Three in the morning were for practice (although still timed) and 4 in the afternoon that were used for official best time. We had about 75 cars. The nice folks at SCCA help us out by designing the course and timing/annoucning the event. They do a great job. I would suggest about 40 psi in all tires to start. My E46 pushes a bit so I drop the front pressure down a couple of pounds. That probably makes more difference at driving school than at auto cross. My opinion would be that most novice auto crossers just work at being smooth, watch the next set of cones and start slow and let yourself get faster as you get more comfortable. I think it's great fun to watch the other cars run. The M3's do very well. This year we had one E46 M3. That car is VERY fast, but he did spin several times on the course (he is an experienced auto crosser). We had about 10 non- BMW's at our event (usually the SCCA guys that help us out). This year a Porsche Boxster S was very fast, but fast time went to a modified 95 M3 (a national racer). About 1/3 of the group there changes from street tires to racing slicks. Another word of advice would be to take an instructor with you in the early runs, if available. These are ususally very experienced people and they can provide great tips. And don't forget to have fun!
  • bmwnewbiebmwnewbie Member Posts: 2
    I'm interested in purchasing a 2001 325ci but I like the rims on the 330ci. Does anyone know where I can get these? How about after market? Can anyone also suggest any other cool rims to get and where? how much will it end up costing me? What should I do with the stock ones that are on the car now. Will the dealer trade it in?

    Also I like the way the lower grill (where the fog lights are) stands out on the 330cibetter because it's painted silver rather than black. Has anyone heard of painting it?

    Any cool sites to get aftermarket goods for the 3series?

    I'm getting a sweet deal on the 325 or I would go for the 330.
    Thanks!

    Ron
  • whichone1whichone1 Member Posts: 11
    I have been lurking here for the last couple of months and I am getting closer to ordering a 325I. As I live in Canada, I was wondering if someone from Canada could give me any tips and suggestions as to what type of pricing to expect. ie. how much over invoice and what other charges did the dealer apply. Such items as freight, dealer prep, ads etc. Also I see some of the dealers have a few 2001 325Is with around 15,000 KM that they are asking approx. 40K CDN for. Does anyone know what they would realistically take for such a car. It doesn't seem like much less than retail. Anyway, all help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
  • shawn325ishawn325i Member Posts: 100
    I leased my 325i in Oakville. Purchase price was $38,470. The only option I put on this car was heated seats. Frt & PDI $895.00, first and security, plus a few small charges and that was it. The only "deal" that this dealer was willing to do was to waive about $800 in dealer charges, some deal.

    I love the car!!!
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    ... for the autoxing tips. I think now I understand better why dave330i described it as a humbling experience.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    Brave1heart: It was my first autox, so my advice will be limited at best. If you have 17" wheels, I recommend 40+ psi on all four. I had my front at 38, and that was too low.

    Our course was quite long (ave time was mid 60s), so we had 6 runs total (2 timed practice, and 4 real). If you enjoy watching cars race, it's pretty fun event. It's amazing to see some of the better drivers blast through the course.

    I had no problems being smooth at low speeds, but as soon as I tried to speed up, what a mess.

    Ride with one of the experienced drivers during their practice. You can see what they do, and try to do it yourself.

    Have experienced driver ride with you during your runs. This time he/she can point out stuff to you.

    Walk the course. It's easy to get lost in the sea of orange cones. Try to memorize the course, and find the best line.

    Try to think 2 turns in front of you. If you only worry about the turn in front of you, you'll most likely screw yourself up for the one after (easier said than done if you're complete novice).

    That's about it. If more experienced autoxers on this board have more to add, and any corrections to my points, feel free. I'd love to learn more.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Thanks for the tips, guys.

    The psi needs to be that high for low-profile tires so you don't end up cornering with your rims, is that the idea?

    How about the amount of gas that you carry - what is the minimum safe level that you should take?

    How fast do you go in the fastest section of the course?

    Is it a full-day event typically?
  • ajvdhajvdh Member Posts: 223
    That auto-x would have been the one at Coors field, right? And the guy in the '95 M3 was probably Bob Tunnell, I'll wager. I wanted to go, but had major kid patrol issues that weekend.

    Bob's pretty interesting to watch on a track, too. During "instructor time" at the spring driving school, I was in the passenger seat of a modified mid-90s turbo Audi A6 (serious HP, capable driver). Bob passed us. In a 4-cyl Z3 with a stock engine. Yeesh.

    He and his co-driver Jim run an excellent independent BMW shop in Broomfield called Bimmerhaus. Probably the best place in the Denver area to get your 3-series aligned. I'm going out to 2nd Creek Sunday to, uh, evaluate the job they did on my M3.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I think not cornering on your rim is part of it. I noticed that I rode on you side walls a bit, which means pressure was too low. A good trick to finding the right pressure for your front tire is to chalk it. Chalk the area between your tread and side wall at 2-3 locations. After your run, check the chalk. If the chalk on your side walls rubbed off, pressure's too low.

    I think someone on this board mentioned 1/4-1/2 tank of fuel. I think I'm leaning more toward 1/4 tank. You don't want too much loose weight in the back.

    I'm not sure exactly how fast I was going (hard to keep track of speed & the course at the same time). I was in 2nd through out the course (other than start), and from the engine noise, it sounded like I was hitting 40 to 50, maybe.
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    42 mph is the highest speed I've hit in a go-cart at the F-1 track here in Boston. Those weigh < 200 lbs, though. It will feel very different doing a similar track in a 3,300 lbs car.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I'm just guessing at my speed. Only thing for sure was those corners coming much faster than expected.
  • jthaijthai Member Posts: 15
    I'm looking to buy a 3 series soon, and was hoping to get some comments on the dealer in Oakville (I assume it's Budds you're talking about). Could you drop me a line at james_thai@hotmail.com so we don't disturb people here? Thanks...
  • novcenthusiastnovcenthusiast Member Posts: 80
    Are you sure the Ultimate Driving Experience is going to be out here soon? I just checked BMWUSA I didn't see any scheduled for CA.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    I'm a little confused about that one as well. the BMWUSA doesn't list the Bay area, but if you go to the Golden Gate Car club web site, it says it's coming in October.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Some posts in violation of the Membership Agreement and some responses to those posts have been removed.

    If anyone has any questions, please feel free to drop me an email.

    Pat
    Host
    Sedans Message Board
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    I'll repeat the on-topic pieces of the last couple posts I made (which apparently got cut merely for responding to the trouble-maker...) Fortunately I still have a PDF I generated so as to capture Ed's comments for posterity.

    bmw323is, Have you ever damaged any part of your 3-er while autocrossing? Does anyone offer "private lessons" for those who may not want to suffer the embarrassment of a newbie run through the cones while everyone watches? :)

    Everyone else, In poking around at the SCCA.ORG, I can't seem to find many BMW 3ers mentioned. How well do these generally fare in their class?
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I got curious and I also checked the amateurs' results at


    http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/nationals/2001/results/index.html


    It's incredible... driver skill seems to make the biggest difference, especially among amateurs. You have Neons pulling in better times than Vipers and S4's.

  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    I got curious and I also checked the amateurs' results at


    http://www.scca.org/amateur/solo2/nationals/2001/results/index.html


    It's incredible... driver skill seems to make the biggest difference, especially among amateurs. You have Neons pulling in better times than Vipers and S4's.

  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    and why I asked about private lessons! Imagine showing up in your spiffy 3er, only to be burnt badly by some fantastic driver in a $500 LeCar :)

    Somehow, the Vipers and S4s getting beaten by a Neon doesn't surprise me. Surely it's much harder to properly "modulate" all that power at relatively low speeds?
  • edward5555edward5555 Member Posts: 15
    Derpofri,

    I want peace man!! Sorry about my last post directed towards you. All I was doing was trying to foster a healthy debate about the German v. Japanese cars. I love Bimmers, and hope to get a new one soon. (All I have ever had was used). I would really value your opinion, and the opinion of others here regarding the merits of the Bimmer, particularly since the Japanese cars are hot on their heels!! I love cars too, man, so let's make peace before Pat comes back in here. :)
  • brave1heartbrave1heart Member Posts: 2,698
    Gotta start somewhere... I plan on starting out slow next year and just keeping the car on the track till I get very comfortable with it. Last season, I finished in the second half of the ROOKIE F-1 league. This season I'm second after two rounds and I intend on staying on the podium throughout the season. It's a learning process, just like anything else. As far as getting beat by a Neon, yes, that would be embarrassing but it works both ways - I'd sure get a kick out of beating a Porsche Boxster S with my 325i once I get good at it.
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    BMWCCA also hold Car Control Clinc as well. Good place to learn how to control your car at extreme conditions. They were talking about making it a requirement for next year's autox in my club.

    I wouldn't worry too much about looking foolish on the course. I know I did, but at leat I'm making an effort to becoming a better driver.
  • derprofiderprofi Member Posts: 250
    Car Control Clinic sounds like just the thing I need. Now if only BMW would hurry up and actually get my car built! I can't complain, actually, since my dealer came through with a ED date just 9 weeks away (now 8) from the day we made the deal.

    brave1heart, ha...yeah, I guess that would work both ways wouldn't it?

    Now really showing my ignorance... Someone I was chatting with today claimed that a 3-series would run through tires, particularly on the rear, faster than his Maxima SE would. That seemed wrong to me, if only because 2 wheels "pushing" would seem to get as much wear as 2 wheels "pulling". Am I missing something?
  • dave330idave330i Member Posts: 893
    If you want to talk about Germans vs. Japanese, try the vs. board, or the sportscar board. I'm sure several members of this board will be happy to discuss the merits of different cars, and makers, but in their repective boards. This board is about 3-series.
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