I did the unthinkable...

voltron1011 · 05-19-2005, 06:15 AM

Well, since I still have at least a month till my 325 is built, I made a major config change today. I cancelled the SP, and decided for Nav instead. I know, I know... I must be crazy. I know that the car just doesn't look right without the SP (especially on the 330), and I consider myself a 'High Performance' guy. However, I began to think about what I was getting with the SP. Originally it was for the seats, then suspension, and lastly the wheels (not a big fan of those flower rims). I liked the sport seats because my long legs (Im 6' 3") would be supported by the thigh supports. However, after sitting in sport seats on my current Opel Omega (company car), I notice that the actual seat itself begins to pinch my hips over long drives. I went back to my dealership and sat in both SP and non-SP cars, and I found that the standard seats are actually very nice and comfortable for long drives, for people who are actually bigger than the average Hobbit. The sport seats are actually too narrow for my frame (I weigh 225 lbs, solid), both seat and seat-back.
The next issue was with the tires. I wish that they had an option for all season tires for the SP rims because I really don't want to fork out money every 10-15 thousand miles for new tires. Plus, with the money I save in not getting the SP, that could go towards some really nice rims/tires down the road (no pun intended). Then there is also the wife factor. She will be driving this car as well. Although my wife is a fine driver, she tends not to pay too much attention to tire sidewalls. I would hate myself if she ever hit a speed bump, pot hole too hard; or scraped the curb parellel parking.
As far as getting the Nav, I already have a preapproved loan, so I might as well spend the money that I saved on the SP. Since I will be here in Germany for at least a few more years, the Nav will pay for itself. Germany is one of the few countries where Nav is a MUST. I am not sure how much I will use it when I am back in the US, but it is still a neat gadget to have.

bozo5521 · 05-19-2005, 07:10 AM

Hey I know a guy at Ramstein who is selling a couple DVD's for Europe..If you want I can get you his name and email address...

As long as you're happy with your car, go for it..So will you be upgrading the Type 156 wheels that come as standard? If you do, I would buy the other wheels separate instead of trading..You could sell the 156's quite easily...If you 're getting a 330, you wont even have those ugly a$$ 156's...

ldpantoja · 05-19-2005, 07:38 AM

I don't mean to be nosy but which DVD?

Voltron, where in Germany are you???

voltron1011 · 05-19-2005, 07:42 AM

Actually, the Military Car Sales is giving me the Europe DVD(s) at no extra charge ($300 normally). As far as rims, I will probably go to Tirerack and find some nice aftermarket 17's. I can find a whole package (with 50,000 tires) for less than $1300 w/shipping. I still think that 17's are about as big as you want to go with rims. 18's are beautiful, I just couldn't forgive myself if I hit something in the road.

:mad:

voltron1011 · 05-19-2005, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldpantoja

I don't mean to be nosy but which DVD?

Voltron, where in Germany are you???

Stuttgart.... And you???

A61 · 05-19-2005, 08:10 AM

voltron,

did you order your e90 thru pentagon sales? I go to Patch about once a month for site visits. I'm at Heidelberg, Germany.

bozo5521 · 05-19-2005, 09:19 AM

Have either of you guys been to Rhein? I just wondered what their customer service was like compared to Pentagon or Patch.

Good idea on the 17's by the way Voltron....

ldpantoja · 05-19-2005, 11:23 PM

I'm getting mine from Rhein. Their customer service is good but I am not getting the damn DVD for free, lol

Oh, and I'm down in Vilseck

deutschmann59 · 05-20-2005, 12:55 AM

Hey voltron, don't feel bad. I did the same exact thing. I had a choice of either the SP or the Navi, and went with Navi, even though the sport package was something I couldn't do without. Now, I don't think I could do without the iDrive. I think the low mileage on low-pro tires probably turned me off the most. The stock 16's really aren't that bad. Everyone says they are, but I think the make the car look great (not as good as the 162s but it still looks awesome). Plus, all seasons are more practical in the mountains. That doesn't mean I shouldn't still look into a set of snow tires for the winter, though.

voltron1011 · 05-20-2005, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldpantoja

Oh, and I'm down in Vilseck

I am getting mine through 'Cars International' outside of Patch. They are pretty cool folks. What I like is the fact that we have the HUGE German dealership across the street. Anytime I need to test anything out on the new 3, I just go to them. Did any of you guys get a build date yet? Mine is supposed to be for the 19th of June, however I have heard of people getting their vehicles earlier than the build date... I am kind of frustrated because I am going on vacation from July 1 to July 15, and I just KNOW that my car will be ready during that time.

We need to find all of the forum guys here in Germany. Once we all get our cars we should meet up for some kind of drive and photo op.

voltron1011 · 05-20-2005, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharp1183

The stock 16's really aren't that bad. .

Yeah, I have to agree with you. The more I see them, the more I can appreciate them. They look better in person than in the pictures.

bozo5521 · 05-20-2005, 01:47 AM

Are you guys having a "driving event" this weekend? .It seems as though all the military sales up here are having one this weekend..I know Pentagon is having one as well...My rep told me I could have had one 2 weeks ago, but they dont want to get rid of all 8 inventory cars before the kick off this weekend...If you havent ordered yet, you should look closely at the pre-configured cars and see if they meet your preferences..you could get a damn good deal..Thats on top of the 325's starting at 26,900 and the 330's starting at 30,300...

Pentagon is giving a instant $200 rebate for any loans processed this Friday, Saturday or Sunday....

voltron1011 · 05-20-2005, 01:56 AM

Yeah, they are having one as well down here. I think they are mainly doing it here so people can finally test drive an American Spec'd 3. Up till now, we had to drive the German ones. Apparently I am the first new 3 buyer (orderer?) down here.

ldpantoja · 05-20-2005, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by voltron1011

I am getting mine through 'Cars International' outside of Patch. They are pretty cool folks. What I like is the fact that we have the HUGE German dealership across the street. Anytime I need to test anything out on the new 3, I just go to them. Did any of you guys get a build date yet? Mine is supposed to be for the 19th of June, however I have heard of people getting their vehicles earlier than the build date... I am kind of frustrated because I am going on vacation from July 1 to July 15, and I just KNOW that my car will be ready during that time.

We need to find all of the forum guys here in Germany. Once we all get our cars we should meet up for some kind of drive and photo op.

Hey Voltron, that's a good idea!!!

I emailed my sales rep and told her how some dealers are giving out the DVD or floor mats to their customers and she replied in less than 10 minutes telling me that she was going to give me the DVD.

As for meeting up. According to her, delivery should be during the second week of June. If anybody wants to meet up for some kind of Photo op just IM me.

I'm down in Vilseck which is kind of far from everything so I need a good heads up on the event!!!

ldpantoja · 05-21-2005, 02:39 AM

I almost did the unthinkable myself. Went over to Military Auto Exchange right next to the base. They had a fully loaded 06 A4 3.2L Engine 255 HP 243 Torque. I'm so so tired of waiting for my 330i that I actually started the paperwork to leave the dealer with my new A4. When the guy at the dealer statred talking crap about the new BMW I realized what I was doing and walked out.

But I tell you this. The A4 feels really really good too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AskNiko · 05-21-2005, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldpantoja

As for meeting up. According to her, delivery should be during the second week of June. If anybody wants to meet up for some kind of Photo op just IM me.

PCS also gave me a 2nd week of June pick-up date. Been trying to squeeze a build date but still couldn't get it out of them. All I can get is end of May, dang, it is already the 21st. :mad: I'll be coming up from Naples, Italy. If we are there at the same time, a photo op would be a great idea.
Niko

JBOO · 05-21-2005, 03:51 AM

Yeah, but Audi doesn't offer any deals like you get through BMW. That's about the only reason I haven't bought one in the past, but I'd take a new 3 over the current A4 anyday.

voltron1011 · 05-21-2005, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBOO

Yeah, but Audi doesn't offer any deals like you get through BMW. That's about the only reason I haven't bought one in the past, but I'd take a new 3 over the current A4 anyday.

I was just about to say that.... In fact, I had a friend who absolutely had to have an A4 Quattro. Since VW/Audi Group don't offer any deals for servicemembers, he actually ended up spending more than if he had just bought one in the States. I have heard REALLY bad things about Exchange Auto Sales as well. I would stick with SAAB, BMW, and Volvo out here because they are the only companies cutting us a break out here.

ldpantoja · 05-21-2005, 06:43 AM

Yeah, I will never get another car from Exchange Auto Sales. That's were I purchased my "Baby Lex" (2003 Toyota Corolla) 2 Yrs ago. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/443686

Every time that I had an issue with the car, they sent me a this Toyota dealer in Weiden that really sucked.

Anyway, I'm really happy that I didn't change my mind about the 330i

bozo5521 · 05-21-2005, 05:01 PM

Exchange sucks! I went in there last year to test drive an Audi..those idiots were offering 300 bucks over MSRP!! Im like, what the hell? They said there is no negotiating either..You could get one A LOT cheaper in the US...

05-19-2005, 06:15 AM	#1
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	I did the unthinkable... Well, since I still have at least a month till my 325 is built, I made a major config change today. I cancelled the SP, and decided for Nav instead. I know, I know... I must be crazy. I know that the car just doesn't look right without the SP (especially on the 330), and I consider myself a 'High Performance' guy. However, I began to think about what I was getting with the SP. Originally it was for the seats, then suspension, and lastly the wheels (not a big fan of those flower rims). I liked the sport seats because my long legs (Im 6' 3") would be supported by the thigh supports. However, after sitting in sport seats on my current Opel Omega (company car), I notice that the actual seat itself begins to pinch my hips over long drives. I went back to my dealership and sat in both SP and non-SP cars, and I found that the standard seats are actually very nice and comfortable for long drives, for people who are actually bigger than the average Hobbit. The sport seats are actually too narrow for my frame (I weigh 225 lbs, solid), both seat and seat-back. The next issue was with the tires. I wish that they had an option for all season tires for the SP rims because I really don't want to fork out money every 10-15 thousand miles for new tires. Plus, with the money I save in not getting the SP, that could go towards some really nice rims/tires down the road (no pun intended). Then there is also the wife factor. She will be driving this car as well. Although my wife is a fine driver, she tends not to pay too much attention to tire sidewalls. I would hate myself if she ever hit a speed bump, pot hole too hard; or scraped the curb parellel parking. As far as getting the Nav, I already have a preapproved loan, so I might as well spend the money that I saved on the SP. Since I will be here in Germany for at least a few more years, the Nav will pay for itself. Germany is one of the few countries where Nav is a MUST. I am not sure how much I will use it when I am back in the US, but it is still a neat gadget to have.
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05-19-2005, 07:10 AM	#2
bozo5521 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 336 Posts Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Hey I know a guy at Ramstein who is selling a couple DVD's for Europe..If you want I can get you his name and email address... As long as you're happy with your car, go for it..So will you be upgrading the Type 156 wheels that come as standard? If you do, I would buy the other wheels separate instead of trading..You could sell the 156's quite easily...If you 're getting a 330, you wont even have those ugly a$$ 156's...
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05-19-2005, 07:38 AM	#3
ldpantoja Lieutenant 15 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 330i (E90) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	I don't mean to be nosy but which DVD? Voltron, where in Germany are you???
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05-19-2005, 07:42 AM	#4
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Actually, the Military Car Sales is giving me the Europe DVD(s) at no extra charge ($300 normally). As far as rims, I will probably go to Tirerack and find some nice aftermarket 17's. I can find a whole package (with 50,000 tires) for less than $1300 w/shipping. I still think that 17's are about as big as you want to go with rims. 18's are beautiful, I just couldn't forgive myself if I hit something in the road. :mad:
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05-19-2005, 08:10 AM	#6
A61 Private 11 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	voltron, did you order your e90 thru pentagon sales? I go to Patch about once a month for site visits. I'm at Heidelberg, Germany.
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05-19-2005, 09:19 AM	#7
bozo5521 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 336 Posts Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Have either of you guys been to Rhein? I just wondered what their customer service was like compared to Pentagon or Patch. Good idea on the 17's by the way Voltron....
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05-19-2005, 11:23 PM	#8
ldpantoja Lieutenant 15 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 330i (E90) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	I'm getting mine from Rhein. Their customer service is good but I am not getting the damn DVD for free, lol Oh, and I'm down in Vilseck
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05-20-2005, 12:55 AM	#9
deutschmann59 Captain 174 Rep 737 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: e90post.com iTrader: (0)	Hey voltron, don't feel bad. I did the same exact thing. I had a choice of either the SP or the Navi, and went with Navi, even though the sport package was something I couldn't do without. Now, I don't think I could do without the iDrive. I think the low mileage on low-pro tires probably turned me off the most. The stock 16's really aren't that bad. Everyone says they are, but I think the make the car look great (not as good as the 162s but it still looks awesome). Plus, all seasons are more practical in the mountains. That doesn't mean I shouldn't still look into a set of snow tires for the winter, though.
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05-20-2005, 01:47 AM	#12
bozo5521 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 336 Posts Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Are you guys having a "driving event" this weekend? .It seems as though all the military sales up here are having one this weekend..I know Pentagon is having one as well...My rep told me I could have had one 2 weeks ago, but they dont want to get rid of all 8 inventory cars before the kick off this weekend...If you havent ordered yet, you should look closely at the pre-configured cars and see if they meet your preferences..you could get a damn good deal..Thats on top of the 325's starting at 26,900 and the 330's starting at 30,300... Pentagon is giving a instant $200 rebate for any loans processed this Friday, Saturday or Sunday....
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05-20-2005, 01:56 AM	#13
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Yeah, they are having one as well down here. I think they are mainly doing it here so people can finally test drive an American Spec'd 3. Up till now, we had to drive the German ones. Apparently I am the first new 3 buyer (orderer?) down here.
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05-21-2005, 02:39 AM	#15
ldpantoja Lieutenant 15 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 330i (E90) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	I almost did the unthinkable myself. Went over to Military Auto Exchange right next to the base. They had a fully loaded 06 A4 3.2L Engine 255 HP 243 Torque. I'm so so tired of waiting for my 330i that I actually started the paperwork to leave the dealer with my new A4. When the guy at the dealer statred talking crap about the new BMW I realized what I was doing and walked out. But I tell you this. The A4 feels really really good too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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05-21-2005, 03:51 AM	#17
JBOO Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 286 Posts Drives: BMW 535d Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Netherlands iTrader: (0)	Yeah, but Audi doesn't offer any deals like you get through BMW. That's about the only reason I haven't bought one in the past, but I'd take a new 3 over the current A4 anyday.
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05-21-2005, 06:43 AM	#19
ldpantoja Lieutenant 15 Rep 582 Posts Drives: 330i (E90) Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Yeah, I will never get another car from Exchange Auto Sales. That's were I purchased my "Baby Lex" (2003 Toyota Corolla) 2 Yrs ago. http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/443686 Every time that I had an issue with the car, they sent me a this Toyota dealer in Weiden that really sucked. Anyway, I'm really happy that I didn't change my mind about the 330i
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05-21-2005, 05:01 PM	#20
bozo5521 First Lieutenant 17 Rep 336 Posts Drives: '04/E53/X5/3.0/PP Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Exchange sucks! I went in there last year to test drive an Audi..those idiots were offering 300 bucks over MSRP!! Im like, what the hell? They said there is no negotiating either..You could get one A LOT cheaper in the US...
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