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BMW 3-Series: FAQ
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Comments
They appear to be the same, except maybe for the overall size>>
(IMO) The 5 is heavier, somewhat bigger and somewhat plusher. If you'll be driving long distances with 3 others along, consider a 5. If you and a passenger often head out for the weekend on a winding road and you like a lighter, sportier handling car, consider the 3 series (ahhh, maybe the coupe?). Sounds like you owe yourself a test drive in both.
P.S. Both are very well built, safe, and very, very capable (more so than most of the drivers that own them). I had (2) 5 series cars a few years back, and more recently (2) 3 series cars. I try other makes (goodbye, Saab), but keep coming back to BMW. Good luck in your search.
Larry
Can anybody here share the experience about the 325i built in South Africa? I really do not have the idea of its difference with German built BMW. From percentage point of view, how many 325 are built in SA?
Thanks
Interesting that the pull is always to the right. Some say that the dome of the road causes the pull. However, if you drive down the wrong side of the road, the center dome would cause a pull to the left, where my car still pulls to the right (uphill over the dome).
Anyone have an answer?
I currently have a Lexus with Navigation and LOVE it (the Nav system...the car bores me to death which is why I looking at getting a 330i). I'm not interested in a debate on the merits of Navigation (been there, done that!)...just would like to know what people think of BMW's version.
Also, does anyone know if it is scheduled to be upgraded to a DVD-based system (or otherwise improved) for 2003?
Well, as from my personal humble opinion, the power of 325 is pretty good with stick shift.
Sports package is a must.
BTW, does anyone know how to open the power windows by remote control? The manual tells that hold unlock button should do it. But it doesn't work. And aslo, seems the sports seat is maunal control one, is that mean no key memory function for the seats? Thanks.
I noticed the same lack of key-based seat memory on my car the other day. Haven't found the answer however.
only used it a few times, but wait till after dinner , while everyones standing around admiring your ride and descretly hold it down and watch them react, lol
DL
Well, I'm leaving. Roads to drive!
As for the black fingerprints, I haven't found a good solution yet myself. Anyone have one? I don't recommend anything oily or with silicon as they tend to streak, which is a variation of the same annoyance.
It has a few problems already, and I don't know who to turn to. Tried one mechanic in Davis, G & R, and I absolutely do not trust them. My door panels are loose and causing damage- is my most pressing problem. I'm desperate for a trustworthy mechanic, for this as well as a few electrical problems.
Thanks!!
We own a 01 325Ci. My cart and clubs just about fill up the total trunk space. I can get two sets in the trunk without a cart. If you have a large bag, you may have trouble. My one bag just fits across the trunk. But, we did not buy these cars to be golf carts, did we?
The trip to the course is much nicer now.
I just got a 325xi a week ago, no sports package, and did not get a good answer from the dealer.
Thanks for the reply.
I drove a 325i while my xi was in for it's 15,000 service. The suspension did feel a bit different, but I think it felt more since just because my wheels are a bit narrower on my xi and my ride height is .7" higher (on the xi).
But there indeed is a different suspension. As for 2003, I dunno.
-Paul
http://community.webshots.com/user/skimblz_ (My 325xi)
It sounds like it turns down the treble or something when you turn it off. But what does it actually do? I have no clue I leave mine on the side with the bigger speaker picture.
Actually, the rims are very easy to keep clean. I have a tool that I picked up at the auto shop to get between them. You can also use a soft paintbrush to clean between them. Works well for me.
As for the XM, I am wishing a bit that I had gotten the Terk antenna and mounted it up on the roof, but I wanted magnetic mount so I could hide the antenna when I wasn't in the car or in a bad area. I had somebody install it. The shop is the only place around that my BMW dealership will honor warranty work on. So if something goes wrong with my head unit, BMW will still work on it. That was very important to me.
As for mounting the display where I did, it was a bit of work. They made a custom piece of plastic to fit the display unit, then brushed it and added some trim work to make it match the rest of the car. That was the longest part of the installation. But well worth it. I only wish I could have tilted it just a bit so it was easier to read. The remote stores perfectly in the armrest.
Another issue with the installation was making the RF unit fit into the dash. Apparently, the space back there is a premium, so it took some packing. Do NOT go to a place like Best Buy to have it installed for 'free.' You will get what you pay for. My installation, while not perfect, is much cleaner and there is not 1" of cable to be seen in my car at all (except for the antenna in the trunk).
-Paul
Anybody out there change out their factory CD player to an aftermarket one, anyone have pics of it??
I am really worried how it will look sitting right above the A/C controls because it looks so clean right now, It fits together well, also I have the H/K system, it is 12 speakers and the cd players are listed as 50x4 for 50 watts for 4 speakers, anybody know if a new CD player will not improve sound quality because of the number of speakers, and also if I get a CD player with preamp outputs and a subwoofer output, can I use this subwoofer output with my factory amp and subs???
Also has anyone ever replaced the factory amp for a better one, anyone know the location of the amp on an 02 325 with H/K, and anyone know the specs on the amp.
Sorry for so many questions, I just got this car, thanks for all your help guys.
I just got my 330i last Wednesday. After 3 days of driving the car for about 100 miles, there are considerable accumulation of brake dust on the rims. I used orange cleaner (degreaser) and paper towel. I think I spent more than 30 minutes.
A appreciate any suggestion/help on this matter.
Thanks.
-Ron
I promptly threw the stuff out, so I couldn't tell you the brand.
I've been using it for a year and a half and have not noticed any ill effects. It also works great on removing bugs and road tar from the front bumper
I think it cost something like $3.00 for a nice sized bottle at Pep Boys.
-Josh
What brand of wax would you recommend?
I personally use Zaino. It's a non-abrasive polish. Makes the paint look like glass, lasts a while, and applies/removes fairly easily (as long as you let it thoroughly dry).
Click the link below to see a (relative) closeup of my car's paint (only one I have that close up). Keep in mind this is almost 5 year old paint. Also, since the car's yellow, it doesn't give that mirror-like effect of black paint. But, I think it looks pretty good! The paint really feels as smooth as it looks, too!
Paint Pic
Also, anyone there that had installed the alarm in their 3 series? Is it really easy? Any website on this topic?
TIA for all your help.
Ron
http://e46fanatics.com/faq/alarminstall/index.html
Thanks again, really appreciatte it.
-Ron
Simple physics, AWD only works when your foot is on the accelerator while winter tires offer benefits in accelerating, braking and cornering. Have you ever been in an accident because you couldn't accelerate? I haven't Plus, you can take the winter tires off in the spring while your stuck with the AWD (with the added weight and reduced gas mileage) all year 'round.
On the other hand, I haven't driven my 325i in the snow yet, but we use winter tires on our Volvo wagon and they make a huge difference.
-murray