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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

30250 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 11:51 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 2926 of 3025

#29251 of 30250 Definition of a sports package versus a sports suspension? by amybee

Mar 27, 2006 (10:11 pm)

I have a 1998 bmw 328is and I am not sure if it has a sports package or not. Some websites for prices ask you to choose whether you have a sports package and also a sports suspension. If you have one do you automatically have both?
I have a rear spoiler and ground effects, but I am not sure how to tell if I have a sports package. I am trying to sell the car and do not know whether to list as a sports package or not. Can anyone help me?

#29252 of 30250 amybee by nyccarguy

Mar 29, 2006 (8:46 pm)

A few things could help you out:
 
The wheels should be a dead giveaway. They are a split 5 spoke 16" wheel if you have the Sport Package. Your car will also have Sport seats which have thick bolsters on the side and a aport steering wheel with just 3 spokes.
 
Edit: If you have the Sports Package, you have the Sport Suspension

#29253 of 30250 Re: 325 or 330 [maulana] by nyccarguy

Mar 29, 2006 (9:03 pm)

Replying to: maulana (Mar 27, 2006 6:36 am)
I wasn't trying to patronize you (or be sarcastic for once in my life), and I'm sorry if my post came off that way.
 
I currently drive a 2001 Honda Prelude Type SH. Great handling car. Lots of fun to drive (especially with my new W rated Yokohama EVS100 summer shoes). All the power in my car is at the top end. When I drop from 5th to 3rd at 65-70mph, it rockets past the car I'm trying to pass. However I rarely drive above 80mph.
 
I drove an E90 325iA (there was no stick to drive on the lot when I went for a test drive) and felt the car was more powerful than my Prelude and it would be more than enough for my needs. I was also impressed with the balance and handling. Although I felt it to be a bit on the soft side (even with the SP).
 
I had the pleasure of driving a 330iA SP at a Lexus driving event and was very impressed with the power (even with a slushbox) and balance of the car.
 
Even though a 330i is way more car than I need for my driving abilities, if I could afford it I would get it. It comes with a few things that are optional on the 325i (xenon headlights, power seats, upgraded stereo...) that bring the price difference much closer (if you were to load up your 325i with options).
 
In the real world the difference in payments could equal a set of winter wheels & tires and maybe a new set of summer tires over the life of a lease, so the practical side of me(the one that plans on keeping the aforementioned Prelude for a few more years) would probably go for a minimally equipped 325i.

#29254 of 30250 Re: 325 or 330 [bdr127] by potemkin

Mar 30, 2006 (6:15 am)

Replying to: bdr127 (Mar 27, 2006 12:38 pm)
I'm mostly 3) and a little 4). Put down at 3.25)

#29255 of 30250 I'm looking into buying a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles need advise by joan0424

Mar 31, 2006 (7:59 pm)

I've always wanted a bmw because it's reliable even after hundreds of miles... I'm interested in getting a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles on it. One owner and he has all of the service documentations... car fax came out good... the owner said he just changed the battery, tires, and fixed the power windows. He did mentioned that when he start the car in the morning it will not start right away until he pumps the gas a little... but after that he can start and go with no issue. Is it the fuel pump? Is that expensive to get fix? Also, he said that when he first starts it the airbag lights turns on but will turn off shortly after you start driving... should I worry about that? Other than the two issue mentioned the car seems to be good... the price he is asking is $5500... please advise.
 
Thanks!
 
Joan

#29256 of 30250 Re: I'm looking into buying a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles need advise [joan0424] by div2

Mar 31, 2006 (9:49 pm)

Replying to: joan0424 (Mar 31, 2006 7:59 pm)
Joan, you really need to have an experienced BMW tech inspect the car before you purchase. A properly maintained 328i would be a great deal for $5500; a neglected car will be a money pit.
Several things could cause the cold idle problem-most are easy and inexpensive to fix, but you won't know until a good Bimmer tech checks it over.
If the airbag light stays on for 2 minutes after starting the car the problem is most always either a bad seat belt latch or a defective sensor pad in the seat cushion.

#29257 of 30250 BMW- 325i question by pjp9999

Mar 31, 2006 (10:10 pm)

I am tossing around the idea of buying a certified pre-owned 2004 or 2005 BMW 325i with around 10-20k miles. I've only owned Japanese cars in the past and I don't want a moneypit of a car. Not sure if a BMW is the car for me because engine may be too sophisticated? Would appreciate any feedback re: dependability, service, CPO vs. leasing new, etc.
 
thanks.

#29258 of 30250 Re: BMW- 325i question [pjp9999] by armand

Apr 01, 2006 (5:19 am)

Replying to: pjp9999 (Mar 31, 2006 10:10 pm)
As the owner of a '05 325XiT and an '04 Acura TL I can tell you nothing is as reliable as a good Japanese car or as much fun to drive as a BMW. I like both my car for different reasons. By the way the TL is fun to drive but not as much as the BMW and the reliability of the BMW is OK but not like the Acura.

#29259 of 30250 Re: 325 or 330 [nyccarguy] by maulana

Apr 01, 2006 (1:04 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 29, 2006 9:03 pm)
NO problem at all. I know email sometimes does come across weird.
 
I have noticed about a 4k difference in 325 and 330's that are being returned from leases, so I think I might go for a 325.
 
thank you everyone.

#29260 of 30250 And I also goofed by nyccarguy

Apr 01, 2006 (2:57 pm)

by giving my analysis of an E90 325i vs E90 330i, not the E46 modle you're looking at.
 
Brave1heart has a 325i (modified) that he autocrosses and r5an car & driver's 1 lap of America with. I don't think he longs for the extra power of the 330i at all.
 
Blueguydotcom has a ZHP 330i that he loves driving. He's said many times he knows someone with a 325i and he doesn't like driving it.
 
EDIT: div2 has an E36 318ti that he could probably run rings around most of us if we had an M3.
 
It is all personal preference.

Messages Page 2926 of 3025

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