Thought i would share for future buyers.






Product Planning and Strategy
Ken Bracht - 3 Series Manager

Product Planning and Strategy Bulletin - 2003 Model Year 3 Series

As the 3 Series enters the fifth year in its lifecycle, it continues to set the standard in the segment. The vehicles continue to claim awards from automotive magazines reaffirming its position as the benchmark. This is impressive considering the number of new competitors that entered the segment in the last year. However, as we enter the new model year, we anticipate the competition to get even tougher, as they aim directly at the 3 Series. With this in mind the following option and package changes have been made to further enhance this vehicle and add value.

All 3 Series:

•The navigation system will be upgraded from CD-ROM to DVD. In addition, the navigation system will now be available with in-dash CD-player or cassette player.
•The sound system head unit now has a new auxiliary input.
•Sedans receive third rear headrest and 3-point seatbelt.

325 models:

•Rain sensor and automatic headlight control will now be part of the Premium Package.
•Front armrest will be standard in the sedan and sport wagon.
•Moonroof will be standard in the sport wagon.

330 models:

•Tire Pressure Monitor replaces the Flat Tire monitor on vehicles with run-flat tires. The alarm display and button in the middle console remain unchanged.
•330xi with Sport Package will come with 17" all-season run-flat tires with styling 98 wheels (same as the current run-flat tire option).

Emission regulations established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) require BMW to sell vehicles with new emission standards in California, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. In order to comply with these regulations, starting MY03 BMW will sell Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) in these four states. The only difference between SULEV and non-SULEV vehicles is the emission rating.

BMW will offer three SULEV models in the states mentioned above: 325i sedan, sport wagon and coupe equipped with automatic transmission. There will be no AWD SULEV models. For ordering purposes in the four states mentioned, these three SULEV vehicles will have their own model designation.

 

When the hell are they going to offer an in-dash 6 disc changer?

 

Meh.

 

Sounds good,now it'll be even more overpriced Gotta love them bimmers

 

They started mid year in 2001 for the 330's. I don't know about the 325's though.

 

so what about styling changes?!

 

I imagine only the 3 series coupes will get styling changes as the sedans just changed in 02. but wouldn't BMW want to wait another year sine the 3 copue/conv. will become the 4 series?

 

Are you sure? An in-dash CD changer? I haven't seen it as an option anywhere, just the trunk or glove compartment mounted changers.

 

I dont think there gonna change the looks of the 3 series coupe or convertable for a couple years being that the new M3 just came out.With the new design of the 3 series the M3 would have to get a new design also.

 

Why didnt BMW add some more hp to the lineup. Looking at the competition they should add about 15 more hp to the 330i, so it stays competive with the G35 and CL-S 6 speed.

 

"Stays competitive?" Not to light this firecracker again, but a 330i / ci is more than competitive against a G35, CL-S, or TL-S.

But I agree, they didn't do anything big for the 2003 model year. I doubt we'll see any big changes until the next 3er arrives.

 

Unless they have a 6+1 CD setup, I'm pretty sure (not a 100% though) you insert the CD's from the head unit.

I'm 100% sure that the 325's are pre-wired for an EXTERNAL CD-Changer though.

I could be wrong about the 330 though.

 

I could use rain sensing windshield wipers... I always have a hard time trying to figure out if it is raining or not

-Ash

 

The Aux input is off the chain!!!! I wish our cars had one. And a better navi too, hmmm sounds good. I wonder if anyone knows how to do a DVD conversion on a beemer?

 

i never understood the purpose behind rain-sensors either... if ur too lazy to turn on the wipers when its raining then ur too lazy to do ANYTHING!

 

Another thoughtful accessory.

 

Well whats so great about speed sensitive wipers that are on the TL/CL? It basicly the same idea.

As for the CD player.. BMW doesnt have a 6-disc IN-dash, its just a single.

 

there is nothing offical on that yet. BUt there were some pictures going around with a new front lower bumper. Thats it.. headlights stayed the same as so did the rear of the car.


Why would BMW need to boot HP? They are running times the same as the G35 and the CLS 6-speed.

 

marketing & image.

thats what horsepower wars are all about... its not about speed.

 

to stay ahead of the competition as they have been doing all these years

 

After reading Car & Driver's July issue comparo of the 330Ci and
CL-S, I can see why BMW would want to add to the goodies with
improved navi, in-dash changer etc. The ratings gave the edge
(which should have been bigger) to the CL-S in the "Value"
category. As those of you who saw the article know, the editors
gave a "razor-thin" edge of 1 lousy point to the bimmer in the
overall rating with the explanation that the "skinny" rubber on
the Acura kept it from scoring even better. As it was, even on
the Michelin Pilots, the CL-S tied the 330Ci in the "handling"
category. I was surprised to see the C&D rear-wheel drive proponents admit, and I quote, "The Acura CL is simply the finest-handling front-drive road car we've ever tested." They love the
new helical limited-slip differential in the 6 speed and summarized
the CL-S high points with the comment: "World-class quality,
dazzling engine, the best front-drive system anywhere, any time,
bar none." The magazine editors leave their readers with this,
"But the question nags, is it (the bimmer) worth the extra
thousands?".

 

Nope. Look carefully at those pictures. The rear end loses those gay little lights under the rear bumper. Also, it looks like the rear diffuser is gone.... more of a smooth look to the rear.

Also, I wouldn't be surprised if the wheels change too.....

 

That's what I thought. :shakehd: That's a simple upgrade BMW should've added. Even Mustangs come with in-dash changers now.

 

Actually, it is not really to determine if it is raining but how hard it is raining. It uses an IR detector to determine the severity of the rainfall and adjust the intermittent speed automatically.

In truth, I love this feature particularly when the rain is sporadic. In other cars I am constantly adjusting the intermittent speed frequently and never get it right.

 

So when are they going to start rating them as SDULEV, Super Duper Ultra Low Emission Vehicles...

 

No offense buddy but the G35 is one hell of a car. I have a 330i sport sitting in my garage, so I am partial to it. Simply stated the G35 is faster in a straight line

 

so is one of you assholes gonna post a pic of that spy shot?

 

SIR YES SIR!!!

Tom2 you are right.. the rear bumper does look smoother. I alreay got colored replacements for those ugly red reflecters front and back. But the car is nothing for me to want a 2003 is what i really meant. As long as there were no engine upgrades then im still happy.

Adam... its calling your name............

 

Well put And the answer is NO, imho.

 

Wow, such a GENTEEL and LUVING ruler we have... we, peasants, bow down to u Oh Great One!

 

You know, you could say the same thing about rolling down the window, or unlocking the door, or opening the sun roof, or turning on the headlights, or sliding the seat back, or pulling the seat forward for someone to get in the back, or pulling over to read a map, or reaching down to turn up the radio,

you get the idea. Gadgets are fun, cool and sell cars. The more the merrier.

 

There isn't a single item on that list that would entice me. They'll probably bump up the price by a few more thousand.

 

BIG difference buddy... for all those things u mentioned, one has to physically do something to make em happen, whether its just flicking a switch for the lights or opening the door. But the rain sensor wipers are something which the owner doesnt have to lift a finger to do - which i think is for the lazy and very unnecessary IMO.
And to think about how much it prob adds to the MSRP just so it can say "Rain Sensor Wipers" on the windor sticker trying to make the car seem like its all fancy-dancy.... those punkass salesman will take ANYTHING to make the car SOUND good :thumbsdn: :shakehd:

 

Yeah, you do. I'm pretty sure you gotta hit a button to turn the rain sensing on or off. Also I think you gotta turn it on every time you start the car if you want it on.

 

My car choice right now would be between a 330 coupe and a CLS 6 speed. The 330 is sportier, sexier, more appeal, but less room, less luxury and much more money. The CLS has more features, but is the now bland Honda styling, not sporty enough, but a much better price. My thrill of driving wants a 330 but my bank account says CLS. The G35 styling seems too funky for me but I will look at the coupe. In this price range nothing hits the sweet spot for me like my Legend Coupe did, but I do want a new car too. The CLS 6 speed comes closest. I drove one when they came out and it was sporty enough I guess but didn't have enough character, the Legend spoils you but I'd take a CLS for the features and for something newer. The Legend has been so much fun to drive and the build quality is fantastic, the CLS feels like an enhanced Accord, efficient, with all the extras but they left out the fun, sport, and sexy style. I'm just frustrated cause I've loved my 2 Legend Coupes and been waiting for many years for a new premium Acura coupe. FOr CLS drivers, trading my Legend for a CLS is like you trading your CLS for an Accord coupe. The CLS is more of a Honda than what an Acura could be but it'll do until Acura offers a true premium class coupe, the type only they can build.