Consumer reports & the 3 series, now recommended

flashinthepan · Nov 10, 2003

Not that Consumer Reports matters much more than the "National Enquirer",

But, they have made the "2004" BMW 3 series a CR "Recommended" vehicle.

This comes after a few years of leaving it off the recommended list due to reliability.

SexInTheBMW · Nov 10, 2003

Since this is the last year for the E46, I'm glad BMW has resolved the reliability issues. I'm thinking about buying a 2004 325Ci myself.

bmwrocks · Nov 11, 2003

SexInTheBMW said:

This is not the last year for all the E46s. The sedans will be new for 2005 but the new coupes and convertibles won't be out until 2006. They will be released as a "4" series. At least thats the info I have. Anyone else reading the same thing?

PuShAkOv · Nov 11, 2003

So how would you guys exlpain all the problems people are having with 2004 330CiC?

donmbmw · Nov 12, 2003

Yeah, lets not be too quick to assume the reliability is up to par. Check out the steptronic thread. Theory.....BMW sales have seen dramatic improvement in recent years. Could it be that their zeal for increased market share has overshadowed QC?
Hmmmmmmmmmm profit over quality?.............................NAAAAH [hihi]

landshark · Nov 12, 2003

I narrowed my decision to either a 2003 or 2004 325i sedan. I'm going to the dealership tonight to make the deal happen.

Now I read a few posts about reliability and quality. What are typical problems--if any--with a 325i?

PuShAkOv · Nov 12, 2003

325i --> people change and a lot of the times they start craving HP. Just like when I first bought my first car I could care less about perfermance... and was I wrong. If you think you might become a speed junkie... I would consider 330Ci.

codex57 · Nov 12, 2003

like all E46 models, the window regulators and moonroof fail at a disturbingly high rate. That's the main problem I've heard of. Other than that, yeah, the lack of speed gets annoying after a while. I suppose it wouldn't be so bad if the car didn't handle so damn well.

flashinthepan · Nov 12, 2003

My new car flaws:

2004-330Cic

Climate control -
The climate control was a very simple re-programming fix & not a problem on the cars made after july 21st. Mine was corrected - 1 appointment.

Shock mount -
I had a shock mount rattle, corrected.

Speaker vibration -
Front speaker vibrates with loud volumes of bass, dealer will insulate behind speaker and correct when I go in next time, this is only with the volume cranked, but I will have it fixed.

----------------------------------------------

Mechanically my car has run very soundly, paint finish was perfect, interior perfect, no problems to speak of other than those listed, I chose the 6-speed manual.

Hope this helps !

I chose the 330 over the 325, I liked the value in the larger motor and standard equipment.

But -

I was also impressed that the 325 is very responsive and accelerates very nice as well.

Good luck !

EdwardsD57 · Nov 14, 2003

My 2001 325iT with 56,000 miles has had no defects or failures other than the "sticky" accelerator pedal - a design problem. It was replaced under warranty when BMW came out with a redesigned unit. In fact, my car is still on its original tires, brake pads and rotors. It has only required routine maintenance per the service manual. As with my '94 E36 325i, tires wear perfectly evenly and have a long life, too (my '99 C280 chewed through a set of front tires in less than 12,000 miles). If this is sub-par reliability, I'll take it.

Don

lizattwu · Nov 14, 2003

Hey flashinthep, my speaker vibrate even tho the bass control is a notch back from the middle________+||_________. I thought that was normal at first, but its starting to get annoying. So YOu think I can get it fixx..

flashinthepan · Nov 14, 2003

Yes, all the stereo speakers are under warranty, I would take it in. The dealer will tighten & insulate from what they told me. Take advantage of your warranty. My upgraded HK system sounds very deep & nice compared to older versions I have heard, The vibration is more from the door design & not the speaker.

I keep the Bass way up !! lol

Good Luck ! [:D]

lizattwu · Nov 14, 2003

How did you get the upgraded system, how much did that cost you ...? Yea, I thiink Ill give them a call this Mon, so they can check my speaker out. Thanks much

Bryan330i · Nov 15, 2003

bmwrocks said:

I am not sure. A guy at the dealership told me the changes will start to appear in spring and by next fall (November-December) all the new 3 (4) models will be out for 2005.

I have seen other information that is saying more like spring 2005 before all the new changes are out, not fall 2004. Who knows? They (BMW) may not be sure themselves.

bmwrocks · Nov 15, 2003

Bryan330i said:

I am not sure. A guy at the dealership told me the changes will start to appear in spring and by next fall (November-December) all the new 3 (4) models will be out for 2005.

I have seen other information that is saying more like spring 2005 before all the new changes are out, not fall 2004. Who knows? They (BMW) may not be sure themselves.

I read my info in Roundel.

Bryan330i · Nov 15, 2003

bmwrocks said:

Is that a BMW publication from the company itself?

flashinthepan · Nov 15, 2003

http://www.bmwusa.com/vehicles/3/330cicoupe/features.htm?dNav_loc=_root.c3.c330cicoupe.features

Liza,

You have the newer HK stereo, click link above. I put an Alpine changer in mine, cheaper than the factory one. The dealer should fix ya up. The coupes are beautiful -

Good Luck !!!

[;)]

mscoins · Nov 15, 2003

Bryan330i said:

Roundel is the monthly publication of the BMW Car Club of America. Consider joining.

Consumer reports & the 3 series, now recommended

flashinthepan

Active Member

SexInTheBMW

New Member

bmwrocks

1000 Post Club

PuShAkOv

2000 Post Club

donmbmw

Member

landshark

New Member

PuShAkOv

2000 Post Club

codex57

2

flashinthepan

Active Member

EdwardsD57

New Member

lizattwu

Member

flashinthepan

Active Member

lizattwu

Member

Bryan330i

2

bmwrocks

1000 Post Club

Bryan330i

2

flashinthepan

Active Member

mscoins

2