New 330i

[Paul330i]

Hi there everyone. I just purchased a Metallic Silver 2003 330i with Tiptronic auto, HK sound, and Premium Package. (Power moon roof, all the goodies..no Nav though)

Anyways, I just wanted to know if you all could help me out with some advise/warnings seeing as this is my first bimmer and all.

For instance: How is the tiptronic meant to be driven. That is to say, without destroying your tranny. Is it ok to use it to burn people off the line, or is it just for dropping down to hit the power band on the freeway?

What kind of interior/exterior cleaning habits are best (cleaners, frequency, etc.)


Most important of all; what kind of performance enhancements can be added without voiding warranty? and does Autocrossing void anything?

Just trying to get aquianted with the world of the BMW. Looking forward to posting with you all.

 

[Kirby]

Welcome to the board and congrats!

You can drive the Steptronic (Tiptronic is what Porsche calls it) any way you want, no damage will be done.

The detailing forum contains tons of great info on cleaners, waxes, etc. Everybody has an opinion!

From what I know adding performance parts MAY void the warranty, but only on that part of the car. That is, if you add a supercharger, the drive train warranty could be void, but the rest of the car is still covered.

Technically, if the car is used for any type of racing, the warranty can be voided. The only exception is if the event is sanctioned by BMWCCA, then you are still covered.

Of course, the dealer would have to know and prove you were racing!

 

[MrElussive]

Congrats on the car, post up some pictures when you can, and welcome to the forum.

Regarding the cleaning advice, it's best to try to keep your car on the clean side. The more you wash it, the easier it will be to wash (less dirt and crap to get rid of). Also keep on eye on the brake dust that forms on the wheels...BMW brakes are designed to vent the brake dust and crap out at the wheels. The longer you let the dust sit there, the harder it becomes to clean off.

 

[Average Jae]

welcome Paul, and congrats.

as Mr. E mentioned, bimmers are notorious for brakedusts. that's one way to tell who really takes care of their bimmer..

as for driving the steptro, it is a very capable automatic, and is even better when in sports mode. (when you tilt the shifter to the left of the drive. you'll get m/s meaning manual/sports mode.) in the S mode, the downshifts come quicker, and it also holds the gear longer to keep the car in the power band longer. (once you manually shift tho, inorder to get back to the s mode, you have to go back to drive, by pulling the shifter right, then pull the shifter back left into position.) i only mention that because it took me a while to figure out wth it was in my parents car.. in my defense, i barely drive it

 

[Paul330i]

Congrats on the car, post up some pictures when you can, and welcome to the forum.

Here are a few pics. I tried to put more on the hosting site but for some reason when I try to upload anymore It crashes my net...

I'll figure that out later.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/Paul330i/DSCN0797.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/Paul330i/5905e7b5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v327/Paul330i/5882c523.jpg

 

[Tom]

Sweet ride and welcome aboard.

You can also add your car images to the gallery here.
http://www.bmwboard.com/gallery/

 

[MrElussive]

The car looks great!

 

[selavia]

Welcome; love those rims...reminds me of the alpinas

 

[HornyHornet]

Very kewl car. Have fun cleaning those wheels. I know I do.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Yeah nice car. I've yet to drive a 330i but I will get there!

 

[Paul330i]

welcome Paul, and congrats.

as Mr. E mentioned, bimmers are notorious for brakedusts. that's one way to tell who really takes care of their bimmer..

as for driving the steptro, it is a very capable automatic, and is even better when in sports mode. (when you tilt the shifter to the left of the drive. you'll get m/s meaning manual/sports mode.) in the S mode, the downshifts come quicker, and it also holds the gear longer to keep the car in the power band longer. (once you manually shift tho, inorder to get back to the s mode, you have to go back to drive, by pulling the shifter right, then pull the shifter back left into position.) i only mention that because it took me a while to figure out wth it was in my parents car.. in my defense, i barely drive it

Thanks for the tips. I didn't realize the S mode was a sports auto mode before. Very cool, I've used it a couple times now. With 3 modes of driving (auto, sauto, manual autostick) this car will provide more fun than I even bargained for.

I am also very impressed with the power. I don't think that the 7 sec 0-60 it's rated at does it justice. I'll have to grab a friend with a stopwatch and see if I can't prove that statistic wrong!