Planning to order a 330ci in 2 weeks

Theone

Theone

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#1
Hi everybody,
It's been a few weeks that I've been reading the posts on these forums, pretty informative.
I live in Toronto, Canada

I'm not totally a newbie but as I'm getting closer to lease a 2004 330ci, I had some questions on my mind that I felt like asking, any help would be really appreciated.

1) Should I get the 2004 or wait till fall and get the 2005

2) Should I go with SMG or Steptronic, well I've test driven the steptronic and it was pretty good at least during the test drive, the reason being I've seen so many people complaining about the problems with steptronic and some had to get their transmissions replaced.

3) As you may know it gets really cold and snowy during long winters in Toronto, so one of my concerns was the fact that coupes are rear wheel drive and I was wondering if that might 'cause me any problem in winters, or am I gonna be fine by simply getting a set of winter tires? and roughly speaking how much do they cost?
Personally I like the look of the coupes far better and I'm reluctant to sacrifice that and get a 330xi sedan.

4) Does anybody recommend any specific dealership in Toronto, in terms of better after sale services and/or having better incentives?

5) Any other recommendation(s) for a first time Bimmer buyer would be highly appreciated.

Cheers,

Andrew [driving]
 
H

hosagod

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1. I would wait for the 2005 (october I've heard).

2. SMG (I have steptronic - 0 problems).

3. You'll be fine with winter tires, not sure of the cost though. I like the coupes too.

4. Not familiar with Toronto, sorry.

5. Make sure you get to activate all the options that you would like to get activated in your car. Many ppl purchase their BMW and don't even know that their salesman is supposed to check in with them with a list of options they would like to get activated e.g. Reverse tilt down passenger sideview mirror, daytime running lights, illumination upon locking/unlocking, and such...

Also, I got my tint thrown in for free after some pleading! :)

I would recommend Titanium Silver for your car because its gorgeous on BMWs and looks clean/shows no dirt. Really a nice color if you cannot wash your car every week...

All in all, I have a 2004 330ci and I can tell you that a BMW is a FINE automobile and you'll have a great time with your vehicle as will the people staring at you drive by... :)

Good luck!
 
gene2598

gene2598

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2004 or 2005

I am ordering my 330ci on Saturday and I've talked extensively with my dealer about it. There are NO changes between 2004 and 2005 for the coupes. the 4-door version is getting a face lift to make it look more like the 5 series. The 2-door models get their face lift in 2006/2007.

SMG? Don't know, have heard about maintenance problems and I've also been told that the difference in acceleration isn't that much (.1 sec faster?).
 
Bmw 325i 7803

Bmw 325i 7803

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If they're changing the sedan for 2005 to look like Bangle..... Then thank GOD I got an 04' 330i the last sedan to look like a classic BMW ever. [burnout]

I have heard about an SMG stalling problem, maybe if you search the threads you might find it.
 
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lramponi

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I've seen this on this board, and others before, the 330ci is an absolute sled in the snow. Maybe slightly better with snow tires. i've been told by a dealer - do not take it out in the snow.
 
codex57

codex57

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1) Just get the 04 if you can get a good deal on it. Or wait til the fall/late summer and pick up a leftover 04 for the better deals (usually). This is assuming you're going for a coupe.

2) I'm gonna vote Steptronic. Yeah there were problems on early 04s, but I believe they're fixed. Besides I have not heard very good things about the non-M3 SMG. I'd rather take my chances with the tried and true Steptronic.

3) I hear snow and a 330 does not mix. You can try snow tires though.
 
L

lramponi

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330i may mix, ci - no way. The only reason i say it because it is dangerous, i have one and you can lose control very easily no matter how good of a driver you are. Last thing you want is to take a new bimmer out in the snow and wreck it. Just because you put snow tires on a car doesn't mean you magically transformed it into a 4 wheel drive.
 
M

mgeb

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I ordered 2004 330ci ZHP in April - getting it end of this week or Monday of next week.

Leasing it from BMW Experience Centre in Whityby, even though I live downtown as they gave me the best deal - ask for Kai.

Winter driving - good tires make a difference but coming from the east coast I feel experience means alot. Take the car out to an empty parking lot during the first storm and let it rip - you'll learn how the car reacts in certain situations. All in all just drive slower in the winter.
 
Theone

Theone

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mgeb said:
I ordered 2004 330ci ZHP in April - getting it end of this week or Monday of next week.

Leasing it from BMW Experience Centre in Whityby, even though I live downtown as they gave me the best deal - ask for Kai.

Winter driving - good tires make a difference but coming from the east coast I feel experience means alot. Take the car out to an empty parking lot during the first storm and let it rip - you'll learn how the car reacts in certain situations. All in all just drive slower in the winter.
Click to expand...
SO mgeb you think 330ci is ok for toronto, 'cause I'm a good driver besides I'm pretty sane :)
'cause you live here and in terms of toronto winters you know what i mean and I really like to get the coupe.
 
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