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BMW 3-Series 2006

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  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    I know the Lexus system is probably more invasive, but I don't feel the need to kill the DTC/DSC every time I start the car...

    I also can't see comparing the E90's ride softness to a Lexus (not you, I think another poster said that).
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I know the Lexus system is probably more invasive, but I don't feel the need to kill the DTC/DSC every time I start the car...

    I don't either- I'd prefer to do without the systems entirely. Still, if I'm going to be stuck with the things it would be nice to have the ability to program the car so that the systems would remain off once you switched it off. If it was possible, I suspect too many morons would trash their cars and then blame Munich.

    I also can't see comparing the E90's ride softness to a Lexus

    I agree, but I do find the ride quality to be more 5er than 3er. I guess I'm in the minority, but I prefer a more visceral and involving driving experience.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    600 miles in 11 month's ? Im at 12k. In any case let me add a few to Blue's list.
    Likes:

    1. Climate control worlds better then my E46 ( read TX heat!)Including the read A/C duct's and cooled console.

    2. Improved heated seat's ( for the bad back)

    3.Rain sensing wipers work perfectly

    4. Electronic oil gage is VERY accurate, and I check it 2-3 times a day now , at stop light ect..

    Negatives:

    1.NO CA at launch :mad:

    2.Trim fell off back window

    C8 again window lifts wrong placement and difficult to reach ( except for Larry Bird)

    3. Consumed 1.5 quarts oil ( E46 none in 40K miles.)

    4b. How about a dipstick WITH the electronic gage ?

    DL
  • jmarounjmaroun Member Posts: 151
    I'm one to believe that Dynamic Traction Control and DSC are there for a reason. As an engineer, my guess is that such systems are absolutely required for aggressive driving no matter what your skill. Choosing not to use them is basically risking your life.

    We're talkin about a 255 horse chariet here!

    Under a controlled envirnoment, such as on a track or known smooth road, perhaps it may be ok for a skilled driver to remove these control systems, otherwise, I feel you are playing with fire. I'd bet a huge number of macho BMW drivers do turn these systems off. And I'm sure they'll dissagree with me when I say, not very smart in my opinion.

    Control is key.

    Joseph
    in San Diego
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    Hmm... I wonder how much tire pressure affects the ride with run-flat tires? (I would think not much due to the stiff sidewalls, but my thinking isn't always correct.) My tire pressure is cranked up to the highest of the choices in the manual--something like 38 front, 41 rear.
  • daddy0daddy0 Member Posts: 1
    I will probably be buying a 330i next week
    I have seen a demo (13,000 km) with these installed options:
    Active Steering, Sports Package, Premium Package and HEA Spec.
    I'm not sure what HEA Spec is.
    Also, I also wanted the Comfort Access - can this be installed at this time?
    The negative posts re run flat tires scare me a little..
    should I be concerned???
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    It's not possible to retrofit Comfort Access to a car that doesn't have it. Don't know about the other stuff. I have almost 13,000 miles and have had no issues with the run-flat tires. Closest I've gotten is that one of my winter wheels lost a wheel weight. :)
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    How about this? :)

    http://www.dension.com/icelinkgateway500.php

    -Paul
  • dhanleydhanley Member Posts: 1,531
    "I'm one to believe that Dynamic Traction Control and DSC are there for a reason. As an engineer, my guess is that such systems are absolutely required for aggressive driving no matter what your skill. Choosing not to use them is basically risking your life. "

    Yes and no. I'm a huge fan of stability control. I think it's the most important safety feature you can get. I would _not_ buy a car without one. It's one of the reasons i want to trade in my e36.

    That being said, i want to turn it off sometimes. Occasionally, i want to have fun. The thing is, i can have this fun when i _know_ what's going on. I'm in a safe environment. I've planned to slide the car around a bit. I'm not on a crowded road, ever, when i have my "fun".

    Alternately, i might want to dig myself out of a little snow/slush/gravel.

    On my 300 mile drive to a weekend in wisconsin, the stability control stays on. If i have to avoid a deer/accident, DSTC may save my life, especially if there's bad weather.

    That's one of the problems with the lexus on/off procedure. It's not a little button i can press on and off for a moment of joy.
  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    I'm one to believe that Dynamic Traction Control and DSC are there for a reason. As an engineer, my guess is that such systems are absolutely required for aggressive driving no matter what your skill. Choosing not to use them is basically risking your life.

    You're kidding, right? Absolutely required? Give me a break. Maybe if your have abysmal driving skills. Me, I'll just keep on cheating fate in my E36 deathtrap.

    We're talkin about a 255 horse chariet(sic) here!

    Wow! 255 horses? My 1988 M6 had more HP at the rear wheels(it's amazing what a track pipe and a JC chip will do to an S38). At Memphis I could hit 130 before I had to brake for the Carrousel. And all that sled had was ABS. Boy, was I living on borrowed time...

    People became convinced that FWD or AWD was absolutely necessary to survive in anything short of clear and dry conditions. Sadly, now it looks like electronic driving aids are going to be the next "necessity"- turn them off and die! The dumbing down of the US driving population continues unabated.
  • s4lvr1s4lvr1 Member Posts: 12
    Just ordered a Mystic Blue 330i with the following options:
    6-spd manual
    Black Leatherette
    Sport Package
    Nav
    Comfort Access
    Satellite radio
    Heated seats

    I am told we are set for a Week 17 production date, which is end of April. When could I expect delivery?

    :shades:
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,485
    Congrats! Good luck! Nice car. Ooooo, mystic blue is a great color.

    Keep ordering those 6-speeds people!

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • div2div2 Member Posts: 2,580
    That's about the same option list I would choose. Congrats!
  • getwirednengetwirednen Member Posts: 50
    Anyone know where I can find a Front European License Plate frame for the 3 series? I'm not looking for the cheap plastic ones that you can buy from most places that sell european plates, but for the BMW OEM ones that are attached under the bumper (i believe). Anyone found these for sell in the US? I haven't been lucky looking it up on Google.
  • carnaughtcarnaught Member Posts: 3,575
    Anyone found these for sell in the US?

    EBay?
  • getwirednengetwirednen Member Posts: 50
    no, no luck on ebay, but I did email this place. They carry them for most BMW models, but not the 2006 3 series. Hopefully they will be able to let me know when they plan on offering this for the newer model.

    http://www.bimmian.com/EPH/46/1
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,485
    BMW display was one of the most crowded (as it is every year). They had lots of cars open (M Roadster, M5, M6, M3 CiC) to sit in. They had an E90 325xi wagon in blue that particularly caught my eye. My wife happened to like the color. With our first child due in September, we're probably going to have to ditch her 2000 Mazda Protege ES sometime in the next 2 years. I'm very anti-SUV and pro wagon because you get the extra cargo capacity (compared to its sedan counterpart), better gas mileage (than an SUV), and most importantly car-like handling (because it is a CAR...DUH). My problem is that the Sport Wagons (or tourings) are only being sold in the USA with X-Drive which means I won't be able to get one with a proper Sport Suspension, just some cosmetic stuff in the Sport Package. The lady there said that BMW has no plans for the RWD Wagons in the US...bummer. If you're going to make me settle for AWD, then please give me a lowered suspension with firmer shocks and bushings. BMWNA are you listening?

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • tommynatortommynator Member Posts: 4
    I really liked my new 2006 BMW 325i with full options.
    I live in San Diego, but I bought it from OC. I added a Navigation (idrive) but can anyone tell me "How to activate Alarm"? Color is Alpine White...
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Ummm, if your car has had an alarm installed, then it's probably active. If you have the alarm and it's inactive, take your car back to whoever put the alarm in and have them activate it. Needless to say, if you don't have the alarm, then you cannot activate it.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    there isn't an alarm on a 325i unless you bought it as a dealer add-on. BMW's don't come with alarms simply because there is zero need for one.

    I'm in San Diego too...you don't need an alarm at all. your car, not to be callous, is a dime a dozen here and too hard for joe average thief to steal. he'll take the toyota nearby over your bmw anyday and twice on sunday.
  • erickplerickpl Member Posts: 2,735
    Perhaps the Audi Avants would be more to your liking. European wagon / touring vehicles just look incredible!

    -Paul
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Anyone have a guestimate on the value of the following car:

    06 330i
    6 speed
    sport package
    leather
    pdc
    comfort access
    1500 miles

    I picked it up in munich, drove it for 10 days, dropped it off at the port and I'm really not digging the car. I prefer my 03 330i ZHP - faster, more aggressive, more raw and far more fun. I got home, started my 330i and within seconds I fell back in love.

    Do you guys think I could get 36k for the car used?
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Try asking in our Real-World Trade-In Values discussion. Be sure to include all the necessary information itemized above the post box.

    Your review should appear on Thursday or Friday, btw.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    Sorry your new car isn't the car for you... Are you going to buy the ZHP out of the lease or get something else?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    My review? Review of what?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    I'd like to buy my car but I don't know how reliable it will be. So much fun though!

    The likely candidates right now: Mazdaspeed3, 07 G35. Mazda may be it - fun engine, great chassis, good space, still small, light, tight handling, just all around fun car that has some zip.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    How about the AWD 2007 2.0T S3 (with or without the DSG)? ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Is that confirmed? I saw one in Avignon the other day. Yummy. Little heavy but with a chip that thing would be a screamer.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    "Is that confirmed?"

    E-Mail me and I'll direct you to my source. For the last couple of years the individual in question has been consistently right on the money regarding all things Audi, and I have no reason to start doubting him now. ;-)

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Someone using the name "blueguydotcom" submitted a review within the last week or so of a 3-Series ... that wasn't you?
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Yeah that was me. LOL Sorry, thought you meant a review of the 06 e90.
  • patpat Member Posts: 10,421
    Okay - well, I'll say it again. Your review should appear Thursday or Friday or so. :P

    I just submitted it today.
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    I'd like to buy my car but I don't know how reliable it will be.

    You're worried about the reliability of your BMW, but you're considering an Audi?

    If you're that worried, for a small fortune couple thousand dollars, you can get the Original Owner Protection Plan from BMW, which is very similar to the 6/100 CPO warranty.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    pre-owned Boxster S with low miles...

    How will you get out of the lease ?

    DL
  • nyccarguynyccarguy Member Posts: 17,485
    Have you thought of a low mileage '05 CPO 330i ZHP?

    I think you can advertise your car in the back of ROUNDEL for free if you're a BMWCCA member.

    2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD

  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Any Source , when I can pick up a New Alfa ? here ? :shades:

    DL
  • blueguydotcomblueguydotcom Member Posts: 6,249
    Lease swap. A guy at bimmerfest has already expressed interest in my sub-$500 330i lease. Actually, someone assuming the lease would be my best option.

    Boxster is out of the question though. I wasn't won over by my cousin's Boxster...too big outside, too small inside and pretty much not a drive style I liked.
  • dl7265dl7265 Member Posts: 1,381
    Im sure it will go fast. Perhaps you can buy out your ZHP until the 335I is introduced ?

    DL
  • snsnsnsn Member Posts: 56
    I purchased my '06 325i in June of 2005. I have never been a leather fan; but, leather came with the premium package. I have noticed two or three very small areas where it looks like the leather has been skinned or scuffed off. Is anyone else encountering this? My little one is rough; but, not as rough as my sister's kids are on her car. My sister has an '06 Honda Accord and the leather is in great shape.
  • shiposhipo Member Posts: 9,148
    Where is the scuffing? You mentioned your "little one", is the scuffing by the car seat (i.e. child safety seat)?

    If so, I've noticed that not all car seats are car seat (as in the actual seat in the car) friendly. I've had car seats in our last 5 leather equipped cars (fortunately my youngest is now just old enough so that my next round of car seats will be for my grandchildren), and I make it a point to buy car seats that are smooth on the back and bottom sides, preferably available with a "seat saver" option. In the case where the "seat saver" wasn't available, I used a towel between the child seat and the leather to minimize/eliminate the scuffing.

    Best Regards,
    Shipo
  • tommynatortommynator Member Posts: 4
    Blue! thanks for letting me know. By the way, what is the Red thing underneath Back Mirrow. I thought it's supposed to be blink while car is locked. do you know how to activate this thing?
  • corvettecorvette Member Posts: 11,269
    It will blink only if you have the accessory alarm installed.
  • JingleJillJingleJill Member Posts: 120
    Does anyone know when the new 3 Series Coupes are coming out? I know they finally released official pictures.

    Thanks,

    Stacy
  • hfb1hfb1 Member Posts: 3
    I am contemplating purchasing a 330xi with the Sport Package and would like to get this Boards opinion on the Wheel and Tire options.

    I test drove the 330xi with the Sport package with the standard 225/45/17 tires - the ride was great. However, when I look at the 330xi with the standard wheels and tires, the car looks a little "under tired" to me. Therefore, I am curious what impact moving to the larger 18 inch wheels with 225/40/18 tires on the front and 255/35/18 tires on the back would have on ride quality (the dealer I am test driving with does not have any 3 series with the larger wheels/tires to do a direct comparison on). I realize that the xi sport does not come with the sport suspension so the increased tire size should be the only impact to the driving characteristics.

    By way of background, I am presently driving a 2002 Audi A4 3.0 with sport package and 235/45/17 tires.

    Thoughts and comments appreciated.
  • snsnsnsn Member Posts: 56
    My "little one" does not require a car seat. She's eight. My sister's kids get in her car wearing soccer cleats, sandals, etc. Her seats do not show any wear and tear compared to mine. The scuffing is on the back seat, where your knees hit the seat when sitting.
  • mrdude1mrdude1 Member Posts: 2
    I note that the new coupe pics show the chrome 'eyebrow' on the grill has been removed and the headlight design refreshed as well. IMO this a huge improvement in the front end design. Lets hope that these changes propagate to the 2007 sedan.
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    Check this out...

    RealOEM.com M Front Bumper

    This is from the European E90 M3 (which we haven't even gotten here in the USA yet). #5 looks like the bracket you are looking for, right?... It is strange, however, that the European E90 regular 3-series does not show that same bracket, so I don't know if the one for the M3 is compatible with the 3-series. :confuse:

    Anyways, I have no idea if your local BMW dealer can get this from Europe, since it's actually a European part for cars that don't come to this country. :confuse:
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    I note that the new coupe pics show the chrome 'eyebrow' on the grill has been removed and the headlight design refreshed as well. IMO this a huge improvement in the front end design. Lets hope that these changes propagate to the 2007 sedan.

    I noticed and wondered the exact same thing... It seems strange that they would have two different grills for the sedan and coupe. :confuse:
  • designmandesignman Member Posts: 2,129
    BMW just issued a press release and pics today. The coupe will hit the streets in September. Wow, substantially different look from the sedan. They finally nailed one on exterior styling IMO. I’d buy this in a finger snap. Can’t believe after three years of slamming BMW on styling, there is one that turns me on again. Apply this look to the 5-series and that’s definitely the sequel to my E39 530. If they don’t I will have a hard time talking myself out of this one. Screw the back doors.

    ;-)
  • bdr127bdr127 Member Posts: 950
    Woohoo! It's official from bmwusa.com (which is what I was waiting for... I don't trust chat forum hearsay. ;) )

    Scheduled for September release, they'll have the 335i coupe with a twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 300 ft-lb of torque! They'll also have a 328i coupe and 328xi coupe with a naturally-aspirated 6-cylinder engine. This will be the first BMW coupe offering AWD. (Note, however, that they give no indication of displacement for either engine. :confuse: )

    2006 BMW 3-Series Coupe
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