Re: 325i Impressions and 200 mile review..I got it (archive)

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I will be purchasing one really soon. Do u think I should buy the sports package? Is it worth $1400? Thanks for ur input.

Well, on Friday I finally picked up my 2001 325i. It was a week 18 build. All the hassles from my dealer, and delays I went through to get this car were well worth it. I put 200 miles on the car this weekend, and I am still smiling!

THE CAR
325i sedan
Steel grey Metallic
Black Leatherette
In dash CD
Harmon Kardon Sound

THE PICKUP
Delivery went smoothly....much faster than I thought. I did get to do everything I wanted, but was a bit rushed. I let the car run to check the fan, checked to see if everything worked, and had my salesman show me how to operate all the features. I then sat down with the finance manager and got my 5.9%!! He tried to sell me all kinds of stuff, from paint protectant, to alarms, to lojack, to extended warranty's, and I passed on everything. I still have time to think about what else I might want.

THE COLOR
Steel grey metallic can be summarized in one word......AWESOME. I was so afraid that I would not like this color after seeing a few drab looking dirty ones on the highway. When I saw it in the sun sparkling, it looked absolutely incredible. In the sun, it has a hint of blue, at dusk, a bit purpley, and at night, metallic grey. With so many silver BMW's around here in north jersey, I really feel that steel grey is one of the best colors. Next week I will be giving it the full Zaino treatment, and will post "after" pics........

ENGINE
The 2.5L really has some balls! I was afraid it would be underpowered for me coming from a Z-28, but not so! The engine is sooooo smooth, it almost makes up for the lack of low end torque. But as soon as it hits 3000 RPM, the car jumps and really get's up and goes....especially in first gear. The same is true for all other gears. Since I am still in the break in period, I have been keeping it under 4K rpm's, but if power builds to redline....man...this is one quick sucker. I also found it has PLENTY of passing power around 70-80 mph in 5th gear with no need to downshift. All and all, and I am 100% satisfied. I only wish the exhaust note was a little throatier!!

SPORT PACKAGE
I love it. The sport seats are really comfy and look great. It did take a long time to find a good, comfortable adjustment though. I love the type 44 wheels, and the suspension is "just right." It rides smooth, and handling is incredible. I have not even come close to the limit....this car can handle more than I can throw at it for now. I think driving school might be coming soon!

THE STEERING
The steering is fine. At low speeds it is tight, and takes a good bit of effort. It loosens up at high speeds, but not so much that I can not control the car. I don't think I would go for a retrofit, I think it is perfect. It is softer then the 2000 328Ci I drove, but heavier than the January Build 330Ci I drove. I guess it was just as I expected it to be....maybe even a bit tighter.

Premium Package
The best part is the power seats with memory and the moonroof. I love the moonroof, but sometimes It looks like it is open and tilted up when it is not. I guess I have to get used to it. I also really like the myrtle wood trim on the black interior...it's a very nice scheme. The auto-dimming mirror is great too. It makes the headlights of other cars look green. At first I thought the rear window was tinted, but then I realized it was the mirror.

STANDARD HALOGEN HEADLAMPS
Before I took delivery of the car, I was starting to regret not getting xeonon lights. After driving home tonight (first time at night), I don't regret not getting them at all. The standard halogen lights are very bright, and better than I expected. The xeonons might be brighter, but I am very happy with the stock setup...no more regrets.

LEATHERETTE
The leatherette is nice. Everyone I showed the car to so far thought it was leather. The seats don't smell funny, or cause uncomfort on hot sweaty days. This weekend was in the 90's and they were very comfortable. I did try to condition them with leather cream, and it didn't work out so well. I couldn't get the finish to be consitant. I recommend sticking to vinlex for the leatherette. Bottom line...glad I saved the 1200 bucks and didn't get leather.

SOUND SYSTEM
I am a little disappointed with the harmon kardon sound system. Some songs sound good, and some sound like crap. It seems like every CD I put in, I have to adjust the controls to get it to sound right. Some songs sound too bassy, and some lack midrange and clarity. I am happy with it....don't get my wrong, but I just expected a little more from a 35K dollar car and a 675 dollar option. The monsoon system in my Z-28 puts it to shame.

2. The auto climate system is kind of annoying. It seems like it has a mind of it's own. I override it by hitting the fan speed button, and that shuts off the auto light in the display. I have not read the manual yet..so perhaps I just need to play around with it some more.

3. DSC.....when I push it once a dash light comes on to show that it is off....if I HOLD it a light comes on that says BRAKE. I am not really sure what each means yet..hopefully the owners manual will explain it.

4. Computer - So far It says 39 mph average and 22.5 MPG. I have been babying the car...I would of hoped to get a little better than 22.5 mpg doing mostly highway driving. Perhaps it improves with the first tank??????

5. Wind noise and rattles - Others have complained, but I can't hear any windnoise (except if the sunroof is open), and no rattles to date.....knock on wood.

6. Clutch - Is it just be or is this car difficult to drive? I have been bucking it all day....the clutch is tough to master starting out in first gear, and the 1st to 2nd is even harder without bucking the car once.....I guess I will get used to it.

All and all, I am very satisfied.....I will post another review in another couple of weeks, and will post zaino pics next weekend.

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