[u2jrmw]

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.

[kobechrome]

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.

[bsjd00]

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.

[u2jrmw]

BMW do offer an in glove-box dealer installed solution, that was what I was asking about.

[E90Fleet]

Why a xi and not a i ??

[u2jrmw]

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.

[E90Fleet]

Originally Posted by u2jrmw

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.

Ok, didnt know your model was Quattro

[Bimmerista]

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.

[bsjd00]

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.

[u2jrmw]

Originally Posted by bsjd00

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.

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93879#1

Not perfect, but not bad.

[u2jrmw]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

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.

So on a standard 325xi under reasonable driving they should last 30000+ miles?

I guess an audible alarm is not that important these days.

[bsjd00]

Sorry, but I really don't think that part you linked to is compatible with the 2006 3-Series. I wish it were.

[u2jrmw]

Originally Posted by bsjd00

Sorry, but I really don't think that part you linked to is compatible with the 2006 3-Series. I wish it were.

it's weird if you look at the compatibility chart it works with:

3 Series 2002-2005 (Explicitly excluding 2006!!!!)
All X3
X5 2002+
Z4 All
M3 2002+

This is inexplicable!

[CALIF65GM]

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.

[u2jrmw]

Originally Posted by CALIF65GM

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.

Anyone have any good reason for getting the alarm?

[DerekS]

Originally Posted by u2jrmw

Anyone have any good reason for getting the alarm?

Yes. I have the factory alarm, which, when activated, causes the red clown nose (under the rear view mirror) to flash until the alarm is deactivated. When an alarmed E90 is parked next to other unarmed vehicles (no flashing lights), guess which car will likely not be broken into ?
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.

[u2jrmw]

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.

[espo]

Originally Posted by u2jrmw

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.

The only way your will have to replace the tires at 10K is if you do donuts in the car. And also the "tire insurance" will not replace a worn tire, only road damage (read blow out).

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.

[Bimmerista]

Actually, a RWD car will wear out the rear tires faster than than an AWD car will because all of the torque goes to the rear.

[u2jrmw]

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.

[Bimmerista]

With the all seasons that come with the xi you won't.

[u2jrmw]

Just want to bump this and see if i can get any more answers.