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Joseph, OR Car Consumer Discussions

BMW Gadgetry

by jmaroun on Tue Oct 14 11:14:51 PDT 2008

BMW's auto windshield wiper is neat, but should you turn it on in normal mode (non auto sensing), it's a non trivial experience turning the darn thing off. I find BMW's refrigerated compartment under the arm rest some what quirky. Such a small volume is nearly useless. They should either increase usable volume ( I guess make it deeper) or eliminate the thing alltogether. After 3 years with BMW's fancy turn signal invention (started in 06 models), I still fall victim to an induced back and forth left/right juggling of the lights. It's very embarressing since people behind you can see the lights. Still I like the idea but they've got to improve the interface. A glove compartment that could fit at least the car's user-manual, registration, and insurance documents would be appreciated. BMW should either enlargen its glove compartment or shrink its elaboratly dressed German styled user manual. With my 06 330, I enjoyed the compass meter embedded in the mirror. I also enjoyed the electronic folding mirror. This time however, with my new 335i :blush: , I've opted to live without these items that come with the $2000! Premium package. Walmart sells a $15 electronic compass that mounts smartly on your mirror. Life isn't so bad without the folding mirrors..and BMW's black leatherete is quite a good, if not superior, substitute for its leather seating. A really cool feature in a BMW these days, IMO, is the cruise control. It has a most natural and pleasing electro-mechanical interface. I especially like how the cruise control maintains itself while I down or upshift (6spd manual). Very well done! Unfortunately, most gadgets in the car lack such brilliant enginering grace. Example Primo: Unfortunately,... I found BMW's navigation / iDrive interface too cumbersome and most importantly, too intrussive to the driving experience. The thing doesn't shut up. The screen is always on..even when blank, it dominates the cabin. Such devices should hide themselves away or be way in the background IMO. That's why I feel a portable Navigation device like a Garmin would be more effective, much cheaper, and less distracting from the experience (you can turn it off and tuck it away). BMW has a long way to go to convince otherwise. Joseph San Diego

new S4 >?335i>?M3Re: S4 vs. M3 [rlee6462]

by jmaroun on Mon Nov 17 11:27:27 PST 2008

Something tells me you're on to something enlightening. I would've bought an S4 had it performed equally with 6 cylnders instead of its thirsty 8, was lighter by 200lbs and had improved mpg. I chose the next best thing, an 08 335i sedan with manual. The new M3 styling was as numb as it's steering feel. I considered an 06 M3 with competition package but its body style is dated and I figured the 335i might hold its value long enough if a superior car came along while offering a near equivalent experience. I'm delighted with the 335i but am dissapointed with its clunky and quite rattley clutch / manual transmission. (google bmw clutch rattle. this was observed by bmw mechanics and claimed to be normal) First and second gear in the 335i are rarely pleasant experiences unless you go all out full throttle. :) Furthermore, symptoms of HPFP (fuel pump) failure are loomming (lately, my ignition times are intermittently taking upward of 5 to 7 seconds!). I figured that after more than two years, BMW would fix this well known and wide spread issue..but it seems that even my late production 08 model (june 08)..one of the last produced before the 09 LCI, may become part of the statistics as well. That said, it isn't surprising that I've got my heart's hopes set on the new S4 comming out early to mid 2009. A 6cyl superchaged awd S4. It boasts better hp and torque than the 335i while weighing nearly the same (that is about 200lbs lighter than the current V8 S4)! Judging by early release pictures, the S4 will easilly out style any BMW. I hope to trade or sell my 08 335i for the new S4 After reading the reviews..I eagerly await Edmund's review which is usually unbiased, informative and fair. :shades: Joseph San Diego

Coming probably sooner than later according to VP elect

by ruking1 on Wed Nov 12 13:32:19 PST 2008

Joseph Biden...... link title And the USA protects European oil logistics, when even they do no like us? ;) :lemon:

S4 Vs M3 ... meh

by jmaroun on Sun Nov 09 23:47:54 PST 2008

I'd like to chime in with the following observations and opinions.. - The current S4 shouldn't be compared against the M3..since the RS4 and or S5 are much more appropriate. The S4 compares with the 335i. Yes, 6cyl with tts can be > 8cyl. - The new E92 M3 is less fun (and elegant IMO) than the E46 M3. Especially when comparing the 06 E46 with competition package against the E92 M3. Frankly, I'm already looking forward to the next generation versions of the M3. Something tells me that BMW will revert back to its roots..and focus more on a lighter car with better low end torque while not interferring with driving feel (steering feel on this M3 has been criticized time and time again as being numb). I believe that a new redesigned M3 will come way sooner than the usual 7 year cycle..even with the current economic situation. I hope that Audi follows through with their present movement in the right direction with their new 2009/2010 S4..with its super charged V6 S4. The world NEEDS lighter BMW M3's and Audi S's since it seems the only other avenue available in a comparable $$ ball-park is a used P-CAR...and they'll still run you upward of $50k with two less useful seats! Lighter, more low end torque, more fuel efficient. In a word or two.. down scale matter, up scale mind. This is a trend I hope all auto-manufacturers will pursue... Above all, I hope they remember the golden rule and purpose... FUN! Joseph San Diego

very pleased

by husker13 on Thu Nov 06 10:56:39 PST 2008

Hello everybody, this is my first post...i recently purchased an 08 element EX awd (gray) on Oct. 15, 2008...The sticker price was 23,860 but my cost was only 20,200 plus doc fee of 200 for a total of 20,400 excluding taxes and plates...The dealer said the mark-up was only about 1600 and there was dealer cash of a 1000. There was no trade. I sold toyotas for 2 years and learned alot about the car business during that time...Many times I sold vehicles for well under invoice, sometimes even under holdback...To get these kinda deals everything had to fall into place just right...For example, year-end model, slow day, manager's mood, they need to move a car for future allocations...However, it never failed the biggest winners were the shoppers who were either threatening to go outta town for a better deal or had just driven quite along way to get a better deal than what they found in their hometown. And while the internet is a great way to get a good price you will still get the best price negotiating in person. Here's how it all went down...I live in Omaha and got my best price at all three locations, the best quote was 20,860..The quotes varied by as much as 700 between those three..I then went to Williamson Honda in Lincoln(50 miles away) and they matched my best price in Omaha...Still not satisfied (I know traveled miles equates to dollars saved), I called a Honda dealer in St. Joseph, MO and told them the price I was trying to beat, they essentially said they could match it and I asked them if they could beat it, to my surprise they said yes by a couple hundred dollars and the next day I drove down(about 150 miles)...Being in the car business before I wasn't going to settle for their quote of 20,660, so after driving the element we went inside and I told them during the presentation of numbers that the total I was willing to pay was 20,400 including the doc fee ( find out what the doc fee is before making your offer)...It took a while but they eventually accepted my offer especially knowing if I left they would never see me again... remember, never act to eager!!!