325 xi arrives in October!!

X

xi guy

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#1
Hey Everyone,

I'm a newbie to the group. I live in Westchester County NY and placed an order for a 2004
325 xi several weeks ago. Orient Blue Metallis, sand leatherette, stick, sport package, premium package. Website says its "scheduled for production". WIll take delivery sometime in mid to late October. I'm psyched!!!![:D]

I've never owned a German car. I always wanted a BMW. Of course, I have alot of questions,
but I would just like to hear from other owners regarding the reliability of the cars. Are 325's
historically reliable and not prone to problems? Has anyone had adverse experiences?
For xi owners, are you satisfied with the all wheel experience?

I look forward to hearing from the group!

Warm Regards!
 
P

pydo82

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berkeley, ca. & Cypress, ca.
#2
welcome to the board! I hope you find this board as informative and enjoyable as I have. First off congrats on the purchase. Secondly, as far as your reliability question, I think the 325 is pretty reliable. I know the e36 model has done well and lasted for a long time. there are people on this board who have had their e36 for a long amount of time and will tell you it is still running great. The e46 so far had not had any problems I have heard of, other than minor things here and there which can be easily remedied and are to be expected frm any car. everyone seems to be satisfied so far, however some say that the long term reliability of the e46 has yet to be seen since it hasnt been around for that long yet . I guess nly time will tell. I dont really know about the xi, I have never driven one before (i own a 04 325ci), but I havent heard of any problems with the rear wheel drive, just some complaints on it's slower speed. I also hear from many people that the xi or bmw's all wheel drive is not the greatest out there. Many say it would be worth it to forgo the xi, because the rear wheel drive with good winter tires suffice without sacrificing the speed. Thats my input. Sorry i coundnt be more helpful.
 
MrElussive

MrElussive

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Welcome to the forum! What I like to advise to people is, if you treat your car well, your car will treat you well, and BMW's are well-built cars, they will last for a long time (with proper care). Hang around this forum, you'll learn a lot of stuff about your car, and I'm sure you will be able to offer advice as well. Congrats on the order, and post pics as soon as you get your car. [thumb]
 
X

xmas63

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Congratulations on your purchase---I think you will be extremely happy with your decision, and the more you drive it, the more you'll enjoy and appreciate it. I've always been very impressed with BMW's quality and reliability. My previous one was nearly 10 years old with nearly 100K miles and I never had a major problem. When it came time to get a new car (after my previous BMW was totalled), I just went straight to the BMW dealer for another one!

I also don't have personal experience with the xi (I am firmly in the RWD-plus-snow-tires camp), but my parents have an xi and are very happy with it's performance.

BTW, where in Westchester are you?
 
X

xi guy

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#5
Thanks so much everyone for the advice so far. I'm not a rich guy so this is a big
purchase for me, but I know I did the right thing. When I see these things on the road,
I shudder with excitement that I'm actually going to own one! The days are dragging....

I'm in Northern Westchester.....Yorktown NY.
 
C

chsu74

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Westport, CT
#6
xi guy said:
Thanks so much everyone for the advice so far. I'm not a rich guy so this is a big
purchase for me, but I know I did the right thing. When I see these things on the road,
I shudder with excitement that I'm actually going to own one! The days are dragging....

I'm in Northern Westchester.....Yorktown NY.
Click to expand...
Hi XI Guy!

I own a 325XI for the past 39K. Its a 2001 march production picked it up in 1st week of June. Loced it ever since. This is my all season car and will pick up a summer car in a few years. Aside from the normal problems with the 2001s, its been great. Not having to pay a dime except for gas and oil changes every 7500 miles between their scheduled services. It is not as fast as the RWD but it rides much better on the highway because its heavier.

I hope you picked up a manual because the auto sucks out too much power.
Problems:
1. The tension pully has been replaced 3 times.
2. Xenon light went out and replaced the igniter.
3. Front signal lights burned out around 30K.
4. There is a thread on new XI differential problems; I did not encounter it. I have had a slight gravel rattling sound engaging and disengaging clutch since 15K when engine is cold. They could not find the problem though... Its still going strong.

If you don't have the space or effort to store winter tires, this is the way to go. I drove back from Boston Christmas day last year and had no problems at all.

Overall:
Fun car to drive. I kept the tire pressure according to spec and have found my treads wear too much on the outside edges on the front tires. I now keep them both at 40 PSI and handling is much crisper with more even wear.

Enjoy the new toy...... It makes you want to take more back roads than ever in the snow.

Chao
 
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