iDrive and the 3-Series

Replying to: is3ooguy (Aug 23, 2005 7:17 am)

The 3-series before and after September will be the same.... except for the price. For all vehicles arriving at dealerships before September 1, they will have the "old" pricing (the pricing that is in effect right now). After September 1, there will be a price increase of roughly 1.5% (varies with model, options, etc.) If you ordered your 3-series before July 20, you could have "locked-in" the old pricing, even if your car comes in after September 1. At this point, it looks as though you'll be getting the new, higher pricing.

Replying to: is3ooguy (Aug 23, 2005 6:25 am)

Replying to: is3ooguy (Aug 23, 2005 6:25 am)

Thanks for all the input from everyone.
 
I am also being $$$ conscience. Ironically the reason for the IDrive consideration is the need for navigation in my work. I can get one of the hand helds but I would love to work with it through the car.
 
I am going to order something this week. I went for a great test ride the other day. A 330i sp, 325i non-sp, and an '03 540i. I wanted to do the 330i before the 325i because I figured it might be harder to tell the difference going down rather than up. I agree with is3ooguy, in that the difference is hard to make out. The 330i is faster but not by much. I really wish BMW put some good looking tires on the 325i non-sp. The base 325i tires do an injustice to the appearance of the car. I am leaning towards the 330i because the options important to me are stock on the 330i, especially the radio.
 
Last I drove the 540i. OH MY GOD!.. It was the first time ever I actually backed off of a car because of acceleration. What an awesome car. I am thinking long and hard about it but it would push my budget, even though I keep telling myself I would have equity at the end.(The 3-series would be a lease).
 
One last think about the BMW's. Maybe I am a total fatss, but I feel more comfortable in the regular seats. I am coming out of a lease of an 03 330i with sport and I never got used to the seats. When I get in the regular seats I feel more at home. And I know I am not 18 anymore but geesh, I don't think I'm that out of shape.
 
Finally I know I am going to get crushed for this, but I am getting close to having a local Acura dealership come down on the money to match the lease package of the 330i. I know I have to pay for oil changes, but if I can get them to match I might do it. The RL is just more of a family friendly car, and it comes with very cool toys that from what I read are superior to BMW. I know behind the wheel will never be, but with AWD and more room I might opt to think about the 3 of us (wife, child and myself) rather than the 2 of us (my maniac alter-ego and myself)!
 
Thanks again for the posts...
djocks

Replies to this message:
• shipo (Aug 23, 2005 6:06 pm)

Replying to: djocks (Aug 23, 2005 4:02 pm)

"Finally I know I am going to get crushed for this, but I am getting close to having a local Acura dealership come down on the money to match the lease package of the 330i. I know I have to pay for oil changes, but if I can get them to match I might do it."
 
Crush you? No. Offer a little advice? Certainly. Just take another test drive in that 540i6 immediately after driving the RL.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

Replies to this message:
• erickpl (Jun 12, 2006 7:08 am)

Replying to: borg1of2 (Jun 09, 2006 1:28 pm)

Operating Nav with i-Drive is very easy. If you have voice command, you can do it that way too. I-Drive's database for things like restaurants, hotels, etc, isn't as easy to use as something from Lexus or Acura, but it does have one.
 
It seems quite a few makers are using something similar. BMW has i-Drive. Audi has MMI. MB has something I can't remember the name of.
 
You will find most reporters hate these kinds of interfaces. Ask the owners who have lived with them for a while and your responses will be more favorable. However, there are some owners who still hate it. I grew up with technology and it doesn't bother me at all. I rather prefer having the one spot for most of my needs.
 
-Paul

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• borg1of2 (Jun 13, 2006 9:16 am)
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Replying to: jabrolta (Jun 12, 2006 9:12 am)

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• erickpl (Jun 13, 2006 9:51 am)
  • bdkinnh (Jun 13, 2006 12:46 pm)
    • erickpl (Jun 14, 2006 4:45 am)

Replying to: borg1of2 (Jun 13, 2006 9:16 am)

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• bdkinnh (Jun 13, 2006 12:46 pm)
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Replying to: erickpl (Jun 13, 2006 9:51 am)

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• erickpl (Jun 14, 2006 4:45 am)