Buying a new 325i...

[dfantom]

Hi Guys!!! I'm new here so bear with me...hehehe Anyway, I'm planning to get a new 325i '04 any feedback so far about this car. And my other concern is about the Lojack...any idea how much do they cost in BMW dealer...??? [???1] Not sure if I need to buy that. The car that I'm getting is 325i with premium pkg and steptronic. To bad my wife doesnt know how to use stick shift...hehehe
Any inputs from you guys is highly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[codex57]

LoJack and the alarm are questionable in value. To steal a BMW, generally it needs to be towed away. As far vandalism, the stock alarm doesn't have a shock sensor. That means, someone could beat the hell out of your car and the alarm still wouldn't go off unless they went inside or opened a door.

Personally, there are so many 325s in SoCal, I don't think any of that stuff is necessary since my car isn't particularly fixed up. I had the dealer program my car to flash the lights like it has an alarm when I lock and unlock it. The "clown nose" or LED underneath the rear view mirror blinks also. It looks like I have an alarm. I'm just going with that.

 

[dfantom]

Thanks codex for your inputs.

 

[hustler]

don't buy it. Wait a year for the new E90. [|)] I hate the black trim around the car on the current 325i.

 

[landshark]

I have a 2003 325i with steptronic, premium, and a few other options. It's a nice car. I use it as a daily driver now and am not too concerned about increasing performance--something that seems to be a central focus of members on this board. As a daily driver, the 325i has plenty of power and acceleration. The car is quite refined, and the ride is nice.

I recently had a 330i as a loaner, and that car exudes much more performance. So if additional performance is what you need, opt for the 330i.

Living in Southern California, I see many BMW 3-Series and don't think anyone considers them to be so special that they'd want to steal or vandalize them. I didn't even consider the Lojack or a more comprehensive alarm system on the 325i.