|
|
|
|
|
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Search | Today's Posts | Mark Forums Read |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Prospective 325xi buyer questions
|
|
01-10-2006, 02:45 PM | #1 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
Prospective 325xi buyer questions
I am an 03 Audi A4 1.8T owner looking to change cars. I have been very happy with my A4, and I am also considering the new A4 2.0T. I drove the 325xi on Saturday and enjoyed it very much.
I do have a few nagging questions, I have searched through this and multiple other forums, but my head is starting to spin. I have a lot of questions and I welcome answers to any particular question in this long list. Section 1 - Tires It seems these run-flats are causing a lot of controvesy. 1A: There seems to be some debate on whether they can be repaired, thoughts. 1B: I have read about the dealer offering tire/rim insurance. 1Bi: Did you get it? 1Bii: How much did you pay? 1Biii: What limitations of the insurance are you aware of. 1Biv: Do you suggest an alternative source of insurance. 1C: I am reading reports of needing to replace the tires after 6000 miles. 1Ci: Have you had to replace tires or show visible ware already? Or just the opposite. 1Cii: Do the tires come with any kind of manufacturer warranty? (BMW Customer Service were unable to give me this information). Section 2 - Alarm The car does not come with an alarm, or the option of an alarm. 2A: Did you get a dealer installed alarm/ How much? 2B: I assume the car cannot be driven away even if someone breaks in, is an alarm even an issue? Section 3 - iPod Regarding the dealer installed iPod integration 3A: Do you have this integration, and how much did it cost? 3B: How happy are you with it? Section 4 - Purchasing 4A: I imagine I will need to order it from the factory to get it the way I want. Does that weaken or strengthen my bargaining position. 4B: It sounds like $1000 over invoice is a pretty good deal. Sorry for all the questions, hope you can help. Last edited by u2jrmw; 01-10-2006 at 03:14 PM.. |
01-10-2006, 02:56 PM | #2 |
Captain
38
Rep 699
Posts
Drives: 2013 F30 335xi
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ashburn, VA
|
I'll answer what I can:
4A: Ordering from factory does not affect your bargaining position in any way. 4B: $1000 over invoice is decent. You can do better though. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 03:00 PM | #3 |
Lieutenant
38
Rep 407
Posts |
I don't have my 3-series yet, but I will tell you this about Audi: I have a 7-week old A4 2.0T that has been in the shop for 5 of those 7 weeks.
Regarding section 3 of your post, the iPod integration is built into the car by way of an auxillary port in the center console. You only have to buy an adapter to provide power from the cigarette lighter and a connection to the auxillary port. Those connectors don't seem to be expensive. See http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=belkin+ipod. Keep in mind, those solutions require you to pick up the iPod to change tracks and playlists - only the volume control on your steering wheel will work. You also will not be able to see track names on the head unit or navigation display. We are waiting for an aftermarket solution to this problem. See http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10500. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 03:35 PM | #6 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
Because I love my Quattro, I love that I can push the accelerator in the wet and not worry about slip. I am pretty much an AWD only buyer at this point.
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 03:41 PM | #7 | |
Lieutenant General
1311
Rep 10,185
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 03:59 PM | #8 |
Major General
82
Rep 5,732
Posts |
Questions 1:
-the runflats can be repaired but not everyone is willing to do it. If you roll for extended time on flat tire (or leave car parked with flat tire) then the sidewall integrity can be compromised and you need to replace. The cost of RFTs is higher and , for the moment, the selection more limited. Tire wear - 6,000 miles is the limit IF you order sports package plus the extra high performance summer tire option and THEN drive the s&*t out of your car. There is no difference in tire wear due to runflat nature of tire (not that I am aware of). Alarm question - alarm IS a dealer-installed option (audio). The car does come with a standard anti-theft system so alarm only adds sound. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 04:06 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant
38
Rep 407
Posts |
What "in glove-box dealer installed solution" are you talking about?
As far as I'm aware there is NO such option for the e90, unless you're taking about the solution that's pictured here: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10070. To me, that's not a solution. Anyways, it doesn't work with cars with Bluetooth or navigation anyway. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 06:44 PM | #10 | |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
Quote:
Not perfect, but not bad. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 06:46 PM | #11 | |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
Quote:
I guess an audible alarm is not that important these days. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 08:28 PM | #13 | |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
Quote:
3 Series 2002-2005 (Explicitly excluding 2006!!!!) All X3 X5 2002+ Z4 All M3 2002+ This is inexplicable! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 10:39 PM | #14 |
Colonel
97
Rep 2,041
Posts
Drives: e93-35 May08 ED
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: SF, CA
|
Alarm is a dealer-installed option. My dealer is charging $589 for it.
Without the alarm, you don't get the chirp/sound when locking/unlocking.
__________________
5-2-08 e93-35 ED Montego w/Jade Grey, Step w/Paddles, PP, SP, CA, hot seats and iPod.Awaing re-delivery soon.
Debadged 330xi ED 11/14/05 Auto/Mystic Blue/Gray leather with Alum/PP/SP/CA/Fold-down rear seats/Alarm. Sold to Carmax on 6/7/08 with 50,624 miles on clock |
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 10:53 PM | #15 | |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 11:21 PM | #16 | |
Major
197
Rep 1,180
Posts |
Quote:
I think that the alarm system is one more deterent to the potential thief. My son is an RCMP officer and he confirms that various studies show that car alarms do deter thieves. But, if your vehicle is always going to be parked in a secure area, then, there is obviously no need to alarm your car. By the way, non-factory alarms do not activate the clown nose. There might be the odd exception to this, but I have yet to read about one on this forum. Good luck with your decision. The 325 XiT is a very impressive machine. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-10-2006, 11:36 PM | #17 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
So the red light only flashes if you install the after-market audible alarm? And to be clear the only difference is this thing makes noise if your car gets broken into? My car is parked in a secured garage most of the time, but of course I do drive it and park it from time to time. I imagine this kind of alarm really only protects the contents of your car.
I hate that damn red light, I hate it even more now I know it doesn't do anything without spending an additional $600. This car is begining to feel like a money pit compared to the A4. I keep trying to convince myself, that I should get the BMW, but the Audi keeps pushing back making me feel like it is a better deal. I am still concerned about having to replace tires at 10k miles and considering buying the tire insurance. Just seems I keep adding costs in. |
Appreciate
0
|
01-11-2006, 07:41 AM | #18 | |
Captain
10
Rep 715
Posts |
Quote:
Now, an AWD car will go though tires faster than a RWD car. Typical OEM A/S tires should last you 25-30K on the XI and 30-35K on the I. If you end up putting summer performance tires on the car, expect to get 15K, but you are going to have a second set of tires (and rims) for the winter. Keep that in mind. FYI If you still feel an Audi is a better "deal" then get it. One thing about BMW is that they are more expensive, but the people who buy them (esp on this board) are not looking for the best car "deal" but the best car by the seat of their pants and are willing to pay for it. Good luck in the decision.
__________________
E46 325xi Oxford Green/Sand Leatherette/Myrtle Wood Auto ZCW - Retired
E90 330xi Mystic Blue/Black Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZSP/ZPP/ZCW/CA - Retired F22 M235i Mineral Gray/Red Leather/Aluminum 6sp Manual ZPP/ZTP |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-11-2006, 12:06 PM | #20 |
Enlisted Member
0
Rep 46
Posts |
But is there a shorter life on the run-flats? Do they have a manufacturer warranty?
To be honest I don't feel a huge difference between driving the A4 and 325xi (the BMW dealership general manager said the same thing to me), so really I'm just looking at the BMW because it will feel more like a new car than another A4. But I don't have a desire to buy 4 new expensive tires every 10000 miles. |
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|