BMW 3-Series 2006

rs1157 · July 2005

DOes BMW provide a loaner car, when we go in for servicing or is it a dealer perk?

bmwccc · July 2005

Hey guys, I am having a hard time picking between the e90 and the e46 330Ci. I need to make a decision by the 4th qtr of 05' and have a couple questions for the rumor mill.

First for the e90 - when they start their later production cycle ( 4th qtr 05' ) what will they add or offer as options or accessories that will make it different from the current car today. I heard maybe more exterior color options and a couple accessories, but what about the SMG? I heard is being squashed. Any thoughts on them offering the SMG II currently used in the M3's? If so when is that supposed to be available? Why oh why take this away, this was my saving grace tool for the wife compromise!!!!!!!!!! Arrrhhhhhhhhhhhh :mad:
p.s. - a dealer said they would have it available for jan 06. Guy was a turd so not sure if he knows or not.

Second for the e46 - What do you think the differences will be for the 2005 330Ci vs. the 2006 330Ci? SMG question again looks like the SMG I is being squashed. SMG II? If so when? What do you guys think they will offer for the last year of this production run for this vehicle? Exterior colors, interior options, performance options ( maybe some 'M' options? )

Thanks for the help! :shades:

bmwccc

jb_shin · July 2005

M3 uses different hardware and software for its SMG. (Getrag transmission vs. ZF for non-M) I would venture to say that it is more expensive and BMW is unlikely to add that to the non-M version cars.

tha_ng · July 2005

Chat,

Is 48K includes tax & fees or is is before? If is included then that is a good deal.

bmwboy29 · July 2005

Thats awesome! I think I am #4 on my dealers list. He keeps tellin me September sometime but I like to see what other people have been told. I cant wait either! I wish we could rush it cause the weather is so nice and neighbors here are all buying new cars and I am feeling left out. So what did you decide on? I ordered the 325xi titanium silver with gray leather interior with premium package and cold weather package and all options except the advanced cruise control system. I wonder how I will really like the I-DRIVE? I played around with it a little in one of the 5's at the dealers and it didnt seem bad but I dont know how it will be when driving. What have you heard about it?

blueguydotcom · July 2005

Any word on the zsg (double clutch manual like the dsg)? I've scoured the net but only found rumors. The idea of an m3 sedan with zsg is super appealling...and one that could get me to drive something else in the interim, while awaiting the eventual arrival of such a beast.

blueguydotcom · July 2005

I-drive is easy to use if you take the time to learn it. being curious and willing to try new things is important too. my first drive in a 745i I was comfortable with i-drive (the most dreaded version) within 10-15 minutes.

bmwboy29 · July 2005

even though I have ordered the xi I am still wondering if I should have just gotten the i instead. I live in Massachusetts and we get some nasty weather so thats why I thought it best if I waited but UGH its bothering me so much to have to wait! Anyone else dealing with the same? or anyone want to shine some light on the pros and cons to having the AWD version? :confuse:

wstevec · July 2005

I also live in Mass. and ordered a xi as well. Since I have owned 2 Audis with AWD I would never get a car without it since I have to drive some 35 miles to work each day regardless of the weather. The extra wait for the xi is a pain but September is only 2 months away!

planoml · July 2005

Blue,

I'm with you. I told my SA to call me as soon as he hears about the zsg (he actually knew what I was talking about). The August edition of C&D noted the M3 with a SMG though?? It also said it would be out at the end of next year. I thought the M3 would be out in '07. Remember the E90 debut? Here we go again.

planoml · July 2005

Like to hear anyone's experience with these events. I am set for the one in Dallas at the end of this month.

bmwccc · July 2005

KYFDX, Bluguydotcom & other leasing specialist

Hey guys, I need a little leasing tutoring. I am going in to make an offer this weekend on a:
2006 330i
Silver Metallic
Black Leather
Steptronic
Sport Package
Premium Package
Cold Weather Package

My question relates to the current MF, residual and all the other info. I would need to know about a leasing price. I live in Calif. so tax rate is around 8%. I want to put little or no money down, lease it for 3yr/45k miles. MSRP comes in at $43,545 and Edmunds invoice comes in at $39,915. I am looking to pay $1,000 - $1,500 over invoice. So worst case scenario please configure your numbers based on a sales price of $41,415.

Thanks in advance for your help!
bmwccc :shades:

kyfdx · July 2005

I haven't seen the new numbers for July.. They will probably be posted before too long.. If you go to Lease Questions and ask Car-man for the money factor and residual, then we can work it up...

regards,
kyfdx

bmwccc · July 2005

Thanks KYFDX, i will now and come back with that info.

The dealer told me the rates were not that great because the car is in such demand. Not sure if I believe him or not; probable setting himself up to get me in the factor area if i grind him on price or look like a hero and have something to offer or negotiate down to. Either way I need to be very prepared.

bmwccc

kyfdx · July 2005

Residuals are good... money factor is market-rate.. at least it was last month.. No over-riding reason to lease over finance, unless you just want to lease..

davidd3 · July 2005

Maybe I can save you the trouble. Just yesterday Car_Man gave me the July info for a BMWFS lease on the 2006 330i. On a 3 year lease with 15,000 miles per year, the base money factor is .0025 (that's a 6% interest rate by my x2400 calculation) and the residual is 59% of MSRP.

It may or may not interest you to know that the 325 is currently a better lease deal than the 330 because the residual is higher (61% vs. 59%). By loading up a 325 you could get most of what you get in a 330. The difference in performance is not what it used to be, now that the 325 comes with a 3.0 liter engine instead of a 2.5 liter engine.

kyfdx · July 2005

Good info.. thanks!

kdshapiro · July 2005

I guess what I'm confused about is which Subaru handles better than the old E46, given the E46 is the benchmark in it's class. As far as I can tell from my test drives the Subies sure do drive nice and some are dang fast. But none of them have the nice feel and handling of an E46. Not a Legacy GT not a WRX not one model.

Some Subies might be faster, but that's different than saying it handles better.

genemachine · July 2005

Go to www.cars.com
It has an excellent section on leasing, residuals and even a link to software to buy to aid you in the various "deals". In short, unless you can deduct it for taxes you are better off buying it.

0audilicious0 · July 2005

After test driving (and loving) the new sedan, I'm leaning towards ordering a 325 wagon, but am not sure if the rear will give us enough space for all the requisite kids stuff. According to the dealer, the rear space in the wagon has the same length and width as the current sedan trunk, but offers more volume in height.

Is anyone using their sedan with young kids today? How is it to put a stroller (larger than an umbrella stroller) in and out of the trunk? Any other general comments about the car with young kids?

Thanks.

pat · July 2005

Uhhh, there's some durned good leasing information and advice right here: Leasing Tips.

odessit · July 2005

In my opinion the new 3 sedan is ok for everyday driving with young kids. I’d preffer to drive with young cheeks

but instead I drop off and pick up my 3 and a half years old boy at day care plus some other short trips with him during the day.
I use Britax Advantage carseat in the rear seat behind drivers seat. There is enough space and legroom for him. When he climbs in the carseat he does touch the back of the front seat so the plastic backing is kind of dirty a little bit because of his shoes.
Don’t use stroller anymore but just to answer your question I tried to put a good size stroller, Peg Perego Milano XL. It does fit, but this is it. Not much space left for anything else. The best way is to take the stroller that you have and go to a dealership and try to fit it in. Just see for yourself.
For lengthy trips when I need to have more things with me I use my other car – Honda Odyssey. My bmw is 325i, not a wagon.
Let me know if you have more specific questions. Hope this helps.
mike

bmq · July 2005

Just got my August 2005 issue of Road & Track in the mail, and they reviewed the 330i. A very positive review, but they mentioned that the 330i was available with the SMG transmission. When I went to the BMW website to try to "build my own" 330i, the SMG option is not there. I really want SMG and may end up going with the 530i just to get it.

What gives? :confuse: Does R&T have it wrong? or is it simply missing from the website?

Is there or is there not the option of getting the SMG transmission with the E90?

Thanks for your help

bmwccc · July 2005

No SMG available at all this year for 325 or 330i. The thing sucks and has had problems. The SMG II used on the M3 is totally different and will continue to be used on the M series.

There is talk of bmw coming out with a new version called ZSG, uses a double clutch. Same sort of system as audi's DSG ( it think it is called ). Anyway, maybe it will be out next year, maybe not.

FYI, the steptronic is only 2/10 of a second slower the the manual or the SMG times 0-60.

bmwccc

blueguydotcom · July 2005

No, the legacy gt can't hold a candle to a 3 series in terms of handling. or fit and finish. powerful engine but that's about it.

bmwboy29 · July 2005

I just thought I would mention that you should bring your car seat and stroller to the BMW dealer and try it out and see if they fit. It may help you with your decision. I know that most dealers would be happy to oblige. I did something similar when checking the stereo in which I actually brought my Cds to see how they sounded. I wish you luck!

bmwboy29 · July 2005

Does anyone have any feedback on what GAS to use in the new 3? I know they say premium but does anyone here recommend a certain octane to stay away from or is anyone using 87 octane due to the fuel prices? Any info would be appreciated.

got_vtec · July 2005

They should have good "fit and finish"....???

I am not a fan of the Legacy's styling, so, for me, if I had to compare a Subaru to a BMW, I'd probably be comparing a WRX to the 3 series. (Am I weird? :-) ) How would the WRX handling compare to the 3 series? Performance-wise, it's probably faster (than a 325i)...

But the BMW just looks classier than most cars, IMO.

I am also considering looking at "slightly" used models, but with the improvements in the 2006 325i, I wonder if it is worth it. I mean, would I want an older 330 to match the higher-performing engine in the '06? And then wouldn't the price be so close as to be not worth it? At any rate, I think that the 3-series is a bit more money than I want to pay for a car, and I don't know what it'll take to convince me, but I'm willing to try a test drive. (Still haven't gotten to it...)

irnmdn · July 2005

legacy gt can't hold a candle to a 3 series in terms of handling. or fit and finish.
Your are comparing two totally different cars, However, imagine how many candles you can buy by getting LGT which also has better performance than 3. Legacy also looks cleaner sans all the wired creases on 3.

planoml · July 2005

From what I know, SMG is available in Europe and not in the US. As other's have pointed out, it's not the same SMG as the one in the M3. Go test drive a Z, and you will see what I mean. I would not want it on a 330.

I think ZSG will be out sooner than later, as BMW has to keep up with Audi, & Porsche (DSG). We should hear something around the normal model year update time in the Fall. If you simply can't wait, go with the 6-speed.

bdr127 · July 2005

FYI: SMG will be an available option ($1500) on the 330i in the fall. As many have pointed out, it is not the same SMG used in the M3.... In past years, both cars had different SMG transmissions, too.

stickguy · July 2005

I'm pretty sure that it requires jpremium. If you can't afford the extra $.15/gallon, I don't think you should be looking at a car this expensive

davidd3 · July 2005

It helps that the new 3's gas mileage is really very good, maybe best in class. About 20 city and 30 highway. It requires premium gas, but what sports sedan doesn't? I'm getting only 22mpg overall with my 2003 Infiniti G35. The new 3 will be a big improvement in this regard. Also, I paid a lot for maintenance on my G over the course of a 3 year lease, while maintenance is free on the new 3 (even brakes!). My lease is up in September and I'm getting the new 3.

blueguydotcom · July 2005

Your are comparing two totally different cars, However, imagine how many candles you can buy by getting LGT which also has better performance than 3. Legacy also looks cleaner sans all the wired creases on 3.

No, I'm not. Subaru has been very clear that they believe the Legacy GT is a competitor to the entry lux class. Personally, the 3, while not nice looking does stand out some. On a scale of 1 to 10 for physical appearance I'd give the e90 a 4 (mild ugliness helps it) and the Legacy GT's jelly bean Taurus-like styling a 2.

Straightline acceleration is better in the sub. but handling on the GT is sloppy and the interior's bargain basement even if Subaru has other aspirations.

blueguydotcom · July 2005

The new 3 will be a big improvement in this regard.

Uh, the mileage is pretty much unchanged from 05. My 03 e46 was rated at 20/21 city and 30 highway. I average 22 mpg.

davidd3 · July 2005

That's a bummer, blueguydotcom. But I recall reading many a promising post from new 3 owners in this forum reporting experiences of 30mpg or thereabouts. So I'm expecting/hoping the new 3 will easily surpass the 22mpg I have been averaging with my '03 G35 (and you have been averaging with your '03 e46). That said, I have a 2004 Honda Odyssey in my family that averages only 18mpg despite a rating of 18/25 or thereabouts. And in the case of the poor gas mileage this minivan is getting, a lead foot is not to blame.

Hey new 3 owners out there, give us an update. Some of you must have put on a few thousand miles by now and gone through many tanks of costly gas. What's your average mpg? And does the 330 really get the same gas mileage as the 325?

planoml · July 2005

I get 18mpg, but you should hear the engine near redline.

rbmw60 · July 2005

This is my first BMW, a 2006 330I I've had for about one month. Thanks to all the posters, great information by knowledgeable people helped me make my choice - titanium silver, premium, 6 speed stick, no active steering or i-drive, grey interior. I tend to focus on the main positive aspects of the car, namely, the strong engine and the handling characteristics. For me, those items make ownership an awesome experience. Sure, there a few little design flaws, but they don't impact the fun I'm having with the new 330i. Latest highway gas consumption is coming in at 29.5 mpg (that's US gallons). I haven't calculated the city driving rate yet. On the subject of winter I expect to not drive in the snow and salty slush. On those days I'll take the truck to work. Here in Calgary, BMW owners all seem to buy four additional wheels\tires. I don't want to go to that expense and bother.
Regards to all

ger3sf · July 2005

The SMG option will only be available on higher-end models (5/6-series) and M3/5/6-series (with SMG II). Not sure about Z4...maybe it's also not "high-end" enough.

I love the SMG on my '04 330CiC. Only took 5 minutes to get used to it (from the time I drove it out of the Munich delivery center to the nearest autobahn). Guess I'll have to upgrade when the lease is up, or buy it out. When I get in my '99 Z3 Coupe, I sometimes wish it has paddles for shifting, but it's nice to have a car with "old tech".

dhanley · July 2005

"My 03 e46 was rated at 20/21 city and 30 highway. I average 22 mpg.

"

Well, c'mon, blueguy. You'd probably get 25mpg in an insight.

I consistently get over sticker MPG on my 3. I have my fun, but drive conservatively in traffic.

dave

tdibob · July 2005

I would like to hear from people who have extended warranty on BMWs and their experience especially "easy care". Thanks

bmwboy29 · July 2005

Congrats on your new 3! you mentioned a "few little design flaws..." would you care to elaborate?
What is your thought on the road noise that I keep hearing is such a bad thing?

blueguydotcom · July 2005

That's a bummer, blueguydotcom. But I recall reading many a promising post from new 3 owners in this forum reporting experiences of 30mpg or thereabouts. So I'm expecting/hoping the new 3 will easily surpass the 22mpg I have been averaging with my '03 G35 (and you have been averaging with your '03 e46).

Whoa, I never complained about my mileage. not at all. on long freeway drives at 95-100 I still get 30+mpg. It's around town and on local freeways I do so poorly.

snsn · July 2005

I have had my '06 325i for about a month. I already have 1700+ miles on my car. I average between 23.5-24 mpg out and about town. I use premium gas and fill up my tank about once every 6 days. Coming from a Toyota Sequoia, I am ecstatic about my gas mileage since I averaged about 12 mpg and had to get gas every 3 days.

Will driving in DS or manual mode increase my mpg?

amt7565 · July 2005

No.
Driving in Sport-D or Manual mode will decrease your MPG. That's because the steptronic is not a real manual mode transmission. It simulates.

I mostly use 'D' mode. But quite often do use S-D and Manual mode when I need it.

kasperghost · July 2005

A side note from Colorado: High altitude comments from my '01 Pathfinder/250hp/10.5 to 1 compression (I think) manual: "In most parts of North America, you should use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at least 91 AKI (Antoknock Index)... However, you may use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating as low as 85 AKI in these high altitudes over 4,000 ft, (1,219 meters)..." and they list a bunch of states. After using the low octane (85) for a while, I noticed that low RPM clutch let outs tend to produce a little bit of knocking (I tend not to use the clutch when it is not needed and have had to add a few RPM's to correct the issue).

I am going to try the low octane in my car when it comes in and see how it does. Does the e90 manual make this kind of statement? Or G35?

e90sed · July 2005

I have a 325 with 1700 miles.
From day one until now my avg 27 mpg. That includes breakin driving and approx 70% city driving. I would expect 30 on the highway a little later on.

e90sed · July 2005

Stick with 93 octane and a good brand (Chevron, Exxon)unless you are trading your auto.

No I don't work for an oil company just believe in taking care of a driving machine.

e90sed · July 2005

Sport D increases the shift points of each gear. Higher RPM, higher torque thus a sportier feel also more gas needed per mile.

dl7265 · July 2005

LOL! too funny. 2750 miles 24.5 city, one road trip 29.3mpg. Better than my former 323i smaller engine ever got.

Hey, i Just got back from the Florida Gulf Coast

. in the nick of time. IS the event going to be held at the TMS ? i attended the last three there were a blast. I have not received an invitation yet tho

DL

BMW 3-Series 2006

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