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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 818 of 3026

#8164 of 30250 Black Paint/ Zaino by reubencahn

Jul 24, 2001 (7:04 am)

I remember reading in some official BMW publication that all paints including non-metallics were clear-coated. And it seems unlikely that any cars are being produced today without clearcoat. On the other hand, nothing shows scratches and dirt like jet black. I've owned one black car, a 1990 RX-7. It was beautiful but an incredible pain. And as much as I love dark colors like black and steel grey, I don't think I'll ever buy one again. I just don't have the time.
 
Also, somebody asked about Zaino on white. I have silver not white, and I think the effects are less dramatic on light colors. The shine is still excellent--better than any wax I've used. But what I like best is the durability (Here in the hot Florida sun, I get three months between applications) and the way it sheds rather than attracts dirt. I don't want to overstate the case for Zaino. It will not change your life, but for my purposes, it is a significant improvement over any carnuba wax I've used.

#8165 of 30250 SA build by twoof1

Jul 24, 2001 (7:27 am)

There is a nice article in the current issue of BMW magazine titled "Think Globally, Act Locally" that talks about BMW's involvement in SA and how they are trying to help the local economy by doing more than just employing workers. They are investing more than $5,000,000 into a project to build new schools and medical centers. It is a very enlightening article.
BMW has been building cars in SA for more than 25 years. This is not new to them. Yes they recently expanded the production facility to increase output to the USA and abroad, but you are still getting BMW engineering and QC. BMW cars are only built in 3 places Germany, south Carolina and South Africa.
My 325i (sp, pp, step) was built in April '01 in South Africa. I had no hesitation on buying a SA built car. The build quality is excellent. I also had a Z3 (built in south Carolina)which had more build quality issues than my 325.
From a social responsibility standpoint, it feels good to know that my car was assembled by people who really do need some help. South Africa faces some very serious challenges, and they are trying to get over decades of racist ignorance. This is not an easy transition....but I digress.. sorry for the rant.

#8166 of 30250 twoof1.... by jasonkureejii

Jul 24, 2001 (7:38 am)

Rant all you want! This IS a place to voice opinions on matters that also stretch beyond BMWs, right? Thanks for the input. I think you were the one that told me some time ago to quit worrying, right? What issue is that BMW magazine...maybe I should start subscribing...anyways, the more I hear impressions from owners like yourself and rel and hopefully others, the more I will quiet down a notch on this issue, if it's an issue at all...BTW, were you able to track the ship name by chance and how (since it's coming from SA)...bet you weren't even conerned about that...anyhow, thanks again!

#8167 of 30250 Zaino by aaron330i

Jul 24, 2001 (8:58 am)

I've just finished my fourth application of Z2, and I can tell you that my Silver 330i looks fabulous. Being a lighter colored car, it doesn't have the reflectivity of darker ones, but when parked next to the *other* Silver 325i in the parking lot, the different is staggering.
 
And with a few cotton towels and some Z6, the need to actually wash the vehicles is reduced. In fact, I haven't washed mine in two weeks. I just use Z6 on it every 2 to 3 days. I do wash the wheels once a week as the brake dust accumulates fast.
 
From what I've read, if you properly take care of the vehicle, you should only have to use Z2 once a year.

#8168 of 30250 Sapphire Black by gordonsgirl

Jul 24, 2001 (8:59 am)

I too ordered Sapphire Black sight unseen. My first view was when I picked it up at the Performance Center. The main differences for me are the way it sparkles in the sun. In the garage they are very similar unless you get up close. Also, I perceive that it doesn't look as dirty (might be my imagination) but I park next to a jet black and mine always looks cleaner. I prefer metallic paints in general so I am probably biased. But bottom line is I am very happy with the decision!!!

#8169 of 30250 Intake/Software Dinan Question by sandecki

Jul 24, 2001 (9:04 am)

DOes anyone have the experience with installing an intake for 330i? Is it worth it? How does it affect fuel economy? Also - same questions for Dinan engine software download - is it worth it?
 
Alarm by nbnjbimmer - I got mine from Morristown BMW for $350 installed at delivery. I think your dealer might be 'ripping' you a little.

#8170 of 30250 Talk about whatever you want... by killer99

Jul 24, 2001 (9:21 am)

I was certainly not trying to be bitchy, I'm sorry if it came off that way.
It just seemed to me that it would be more direct for this to be handled in email... Then if there was a change the owner-to-be could post that on the board if they wanted, rather than every reader be party to the conversation(s) between gurumike and said owner-to-be.
 
I do subscribe/read this board and most of the other BMW boards here at Edmunds (and have for at least a year). I mostly enjoy reading about the more technical aspects of the car and the driving experiences, rather than the 'what color combo do you like', 'what kind of wax do you like', etc. But to each his own.
 
I currenly do not own a BMW, but I dream about them every day. I have driven (not owned) 4 different BMWs on a few occations (Z3 1.9 (my Stepmothers previous car), E30 318ic (a friends), E46 323i 4 door, Step, with SP (My Dad's loaner), and E46 330ci Step, with PP (My Dad's). I think that they are amazing cars. They set a fire inside me that won't extiguish. I would like to own, love, and cherish any of the BMWs that I have driven, but I would spec my dream BMW out like this: Convertible + Sport Package + 5 speed + Inline 6 (The more displacement the better, as $ allows). I also want the Power Top, and I understand that the Premium Package is required for that so it must be added to the must-have list. I am not real picky about the color... Not big on red or white, prefer the metalic slivers, greys, blues, but when I'm driving, I can't see much of the color anyway.
 
Unfortunately, my wife's car must be paid off before I can buy my dream. And even still I will be looking for a CPO to keep the cost within my means (man, do kids have a way of sucking the means!) But mark my words! A BMW will be my next vehicle!
 
Sorry for the long post, but it seems that an introduction was in order. My name is James (Killer99 is meaningless, just needed a login name and that is what came to me).
 
I'll be lurking.
Thanks,
James

#8171 of 30250 jet black exterior by genie1

Jul 24, 2001 (9:28 am)

Mine has a great coat of wax that beads beautifully ... Like morning dew on a rose ... But water spots look horrible when dry. They seem more like spots of sticky dust that i have to scrub out when I wash the car.
 
I can understand seeing spots after the polluted rain we have here. But they also appear after I wash the car. Is it just a case of hard water and me not wiping down properly? Is there anything I can do, short of using distilled water for the final rinse? I may just not be washing/drying the car right way.
 
I've also noticed some scratches on the car that I didn't see before. (They could have been there all along) Could it be my poor cleaning/waxing techniques? Is the paint that fragile?

#8172 of 30250 sunnybrook - 2002 orders by Andy98

Jul 24, 2001 (9:34 am)

I ordered a 2002 330xi this past Saturday. I should be getting it towards the end of October, early November (I hope). As far as price goes, I was only able, after many rounds of negotiation, to get about $900 off sticker. Some have gotten much better. I guess it depends on several factors (number of dealers in your area, average income in your area, etc.). Anyway, I'm still very happy and can't wait to get it. Hope this helps.

#8173 of 30250 I GO THE RETROFIT CALL by mfeldman

Jul 24, 2001 (9:36 am)

At first I didn't think I needed it. But then I noticed the left right imbalance in steering resistence, so I figured I might as well get the retro fit and get the good heavy steering. I can do it next week. I,ve heard lots of positive feedback on it. Does anyone have regrets?

Messages Page 818 of 3026

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