First BMW (via ebay)....How'd I do?

[regattagirl]

Hi. This is my first BMW (first non Chrysler so I'm in shock). This is also my first post. I am going to have lots of questions.

Road tripped on Saturday from Minneapolis to Chicago to get it. Oh my! What a ride! It certainly didn't feel like 440 miles.

This is the ebay item number link: 2484179078

I've already made a list of things to do but first I need an owner's manual. Does anyone know if I can download it online? And so far I've only found the owner's manual to purchase for "i" and not "is". Is there a difference?

Thanks,
Lisa (regattagirl)

[Max-97CivicEx]

Congrats. Looks nice. I just recently got a 96 328i (my first one too), and I have to say it is definately an awesome experience. If you want something looked up in the "i" manual, PM me.

A few random non-obvious things you may want to know:

Pushing IN turn signal will control the display on Info computer, pushing it in and holding enters the programming mode (selects order in which remote control flips through settings)

Pressing and holding the "m" button on radio right after turning on ignition (and radio) will enter radio feature mode - the most usefull setting in programming mode is VAL (?) - which adjusts volume based on speed. I believe 1 is least adjustment and 6 is most.

Pressing and holding tripometer button with ignition off untill the display changes (starts showing different milages - not sure what they mean) and then turning on ignition to II and letting go of the button will activate the instrumentation test mode. Kinda fun to watch, but not very usefull unless you suspect a bad gauge or light.

Pressing and holding the "note" button on radio will reset the bass/treble/fade/etc modes to center.


"Code" button on info computer can be used to disable the car so that only person with code can start it again. But you must program it each time you use it, and this it is not too usefull unless someone has your keys but you do not want them to drive.

Dealer will charge as much as $50 for a spare key :-/

Check out www.unofficialbmw.com for a lot of info.


Enjoy.

[jeffreyb4me]

Great tips 'Max-97', the only real difference between the 'i' and the 'is' 4-door or coupe, you've got a coupe and I love'm too............................jb.

[regattagirl]

I thought that the difference between "i" and "is" was the "s' was sport suspension....and NOT the difference between a coupe and a sedan.

I just want to know if the "i" owner's manual will serve my purposes.

Thank you.

[jeffreyb4me]

Well, that was very true in the early '80's when BMW had few body styles, my '80 320is is an example, rear sway bar, limited slip differential, but it also had the begins of what came to be the main differences, Recaro seats, sport streering wheel, mesh style road wheels, then with the intro of the E30's, they now had a 'small' four door car and not all coupes were 'is' models [added cost options] as BMW still had few. As time past, all the two door 3 series cars [due to some need for destinction from other luxury import coupes] became 'is' as part of the model designation, with little mechanical difference from the sedan, BUT, they really don't need any changes as these are quite the handling automobile........................................ .......jeffb.

[Max-97CivicEx]

So, what is the difference between 328is vs. 328ic ? Both are coupe versions of 328i and I will assume have same m52 engine. Is it purely trim differences or is there something more substential?

-M

Originally Posted by jeffreyb4me

Well, that was very true in the early '80's when BMW had few body styles, my '80 320is is an example, rear sway bar, limited slip differential, but it also had the begins of what came to be the main differences, Recaro seats, sport streering wheel, mesh style road wheels, then with the intro of the E30's, they now had a 'small' four door car and not all coupes were 'is' models [added cost options] as BMW still had few. As time past, all the two door 3 series cars [due to some need for destinction from other luxury import coupes] became 'is' as part of the model designation, with little mechanical difference from the sedan, BUT, they really don't need any changes as these are quite the handling automobile........................................ .......jeffb.

[jeffreyb4me]

I'm answering dorm my phone @ nhra nationals here
more info monday.

[jeffreyb4me]

well, back again.....the difference is BMW's decision to 'change' designations, again, going back to the 70's this time for something 'new'....c=coupe/convertible/2-door,4-seats............the is was dropped with the new E46 and now convertibles and coupes are not iC or iS but both 'Ci'....it doesn't get ant better..........does it?............................jb.