When is the 2003 3-series info coming?

[CaliChris]

ANyone know? I heard end of June.... I'm waiting so I can order my 330CI already :dunno:

[JPinTO]

I don't know about the 330, but here is some 2003 X5 hot news from last night:

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e53/forum.php?postid=757978&page=1

-----------------------

essage Title: Back from BMW NA: MY '03 changes +
Posted by: Alpina22 on 2002-06-15 at 00:22:28
(posted from: Host: bgp397534bgs.jersyc01.nj.comcast.net IP: 68.36.82.101)

Message:

I'll get straight to the point here. The changes for Model Year (MY) 2003 are as follows:

DVD-based NAV (about f-ing time!)

Auxiliary output for MP3 (on the back of the head unit)

In-dash CD with NAV

Montana leather replaced with Dakota leather

Brake Force Display (variable intensity brake lights)

Rear head airbags

Adjustable ride height suspension with the sports package

V-rated all season tyres w/unrestricted speed limiter on 4.4i SP

The Valvetronic 4.4i engine as fitted to the e65/e66 will NOT be offered for MY '03. NONE of the dealers in the US are aware of these changes so expect them to look confused if you ask them about any of the above. All these features are significant IMO and are the biggest changes yet seen since the e53 introduction. No mention of Angel eyes b/c they won't be offered either. Tom Salkowsky (M brand manager) pointed out to others pushing the V12 LMR into the PTG BMW trailer, "Look at those lights!" "Oh man, look there's another one!" This was in reference to seeing TommyX and gr8wall's Xs leaving BMW NA. Martin Birkmann (e39/e53 brand manager) mentioned me and EM IV in front of the large crowd too. In addtion, it was a pleasure to meet Hudson479 for the 1st time as well as seeing Chris F. again.

That's all for tonight. Pictures to come on Saturday.

Alpina22
00=oo=00

[JPinTO]

Since DVD nav is coming to the X5, it's possible the E46 will finally get it. Strange, I didn't expect DVD nav on BMW's until the turn of the decade.

[WILLIA///M]

Originally posted by JPinTO


Adjustable ride height suspension with the sports package

V-rated all season tyres w/unrestricted speed limiter on 4.4i SP



hmm... adjustable ride height with the sports package, maybe BMW is taking AWD more seriously after all, I like the sound of that:thumb:

[JPinTO]

Originally posted by Topaz330xi


hmm... adjustable ride height with the sports package, maybe BMW is taking AWD more seriously after all, I like the sound of that:thumb:

Huh? Adjustable ride height wasn't available as option with the sport pkg??

[WILLIA///M]

Originally posted by JPinTO


Huh? Adjustable ride height wasn't available as option with the sport pkg??

You're right obviously JP, it was. It was just something I wasn't aware of. I hadn't ever paid much attention to the specs for the X5.

[JPinTO]

I don't know much about them option wise, but I thought the adjustable was available. I guess the change is that it's included in the sport pkg now, as opposed to a separate chargable option.

[CaliChris]

Hmm, my dealership said they were expecting sometime within the next 3 weeks... Neways, if there is a DVD nav coming on the E46 (i'm assuming the E65 will have it as well since its the flagship model) then I will probably go w/ the 330CI over the G35 Coupe, i'm also assuming the 2003 will have the new body kit as shown by that pic that was posted before.

[SONET]

If they change the Nav to DVD, does that mean just 'more of the same' (i.e. covering more/all regions) or would it also mean additional navigational info/features?

Just curious...

--SONET

[JPinTO]

Originally posted by SONET
If they change the Nav to DVD, does that mean just 'more of the same' (i.e. covering more/all regions) or would it also mean additional navigational info/features?

Just curious...

--SONET

It's probably more of the same, it just means no disc flipping... all data on 1 DVD.

[SONET]

Originally posted by JPinTO


It's probably more of the same, it just means no disc flipping... all data on 1 DVD.
If this is the case I won't feel so bad. :D

One thing that I think the current system is lacking is restraunt/hotel reviews. One vehicle I drove had a system that had this (was it an Acura?). It was brief but seemed to be really helpful. I guess having the phone number that the BMW system provides is pretty helpful too, since you can just call and ask what type of menu they have. But having the ability to seach for a restraunt in the area based on ratings/cuisine would be even better.

--SONET

[bmwguynj]

I am waiting for the 2003 330i also.

After reading the X5 update, I truly hope the CD will be intergated with the NAV, so you don't have to buy the CD player as an option. How could you own a car without a CD PLAYER?

I think this is the only thing making me wait now. All else should be the same or similar. I can't wait to find out and it's only the end of June!

[bmwguynj]

OK, it's only mid July now and have to be patient to find out what will be the changes and new cost for the 2003 330i model.

What stinks is that, it will take another 2-3 months for the car to get in once you place the order.

I think some people already have reserved allocation spots, but it's just tough for me to put down money on something you don't know all about yet, especially the price.

This patience business is killing me!



:D

[Jinky206]

If anyone has any info on any changes for the 2003 3 er please don't hestiate to post as I'm sure other members are curious.

thanks,

Jin

[bmwguynj]

Originally posted by Jinky206
If anyone has any info on any changes for the 2003 3 er please don't hestiate to post as I'm sure other members are curious.

thanks,

Jin

Check John Shafer's info / tread in the GENERAL FORUM. It is most helpful and at least some confirmation of what changes are being made for 2003. He is the source!

[Jinky206]

Thanks "bmwguynj" and "Jon" you guys are great!:thumbup:

[bmwguynj]

Originally posted by Jinky206
Thanks "bmwguynj" and "Jon" you guys are great!:thumbup:

Jon Shafer is the one to thank - with his info we know what's going on before a lot of the other dealers do. That is the best part about it.

[lib]

All I want is photographic proof of the in-dash CD player with NAV.

I have been waiting 23 months to hear about the in-dash CD.. and now that I'm hearing more on the matter, I want proof. The second I have proof, I will order myself a new car.

The lack of CD in NAV is the only thing that makes me hate the 2002 3-series.

[IndyMike]

Originally posted by lib
The lack of CD in NAV is the only thing that makes me hate the 2002 3-series.
Well, not to be too greedy but it also would be nice if they'd make the 6 disc in-dash CD changer a factory option as well.

Oh well, maybe in '04? :dunno:

[bmwguynj]

Originally posted by lib
All I want is photographic proof of the in-dash CD player with NAV.

I have been waiting 23 months to hear about the in-dash CD.. and now that I'm hearing more on the matter, I want proof. The second I have proof, I will order myself a new car.

The lack of CD in NAV is the only thing that makes me hate the 2002 3-series.

It's here, my local dealer says it and Jon Shafer also posted it a while back:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/news-story.php?news_id=7

[IndyMike]

Originally posted by bmwguynj


It's here, my local dealer says it and Jon Shafer also posted it a while back:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/news-story.php?news_id=7
I think lib is talking about photographic proof and not just lip service from BMW.

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words.

[bmwguynj]

Originally posted by IndyMike

I think lib is talking about photographic proof and not just lip service from BMW.

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words.

I hear you on that one, I even have more Official BMW print outs that say the CD is in the NAV system, but seeing is believing.

People are already ordering the 2003s (which I will do so soon), so they should know for sure, since what they buy is what they are going to get.

[lib]

Originally posted by IndyMike

I think lib is talking about photographic proof and not just lip service from BMW.

Sometimes a picture is worth a 1000 words.

I don't know why I can't bring myself to believe it without that photo.. but I suppose the photos should be online in September on the BMW site.