Just bought my new car..have questions

[punkman79]

I finally ordered my new bimmer and I am new to the list. I can't wait until the 8 weeks. I got a black/black 325ci with nav and the H/K upgrade. I have heard from people that the H/K upgrade isn't all that great. Did I make a mistake getting it? I listened to it and although it didn't sound that much different from the standard system, it still was worth the 675 for me. What do you guys think?

I am also mulling over going to Germany to pick it up but that will delay the amount of time it takes for me to get my car in the states. Anyone have further comments? thanks a lot...

[agapehme]

Hey there punkman79, congratulations is in order. Listen, I don't know what the big fuss is about the HK system. Yes we all know there are better sounding systems around. However the HK is not bad at all. If you want BOOM, add a sub box and an amp in the trunk, and even then boom depends on the type of music you listen to. If you want fairly balanced clean mid volume private listening, it should do you just fine.

Good luck.

-agapehme

[punkman79]

yea. thanks for the support. i listened to the standard system and the H/K system did add some quality to the sound. Although I do like some whoomp and bass in my music, the H/K system did give it enough so I can enjoy it without menacing the neighborhood. I also did not want to spend time and money getting an aftermarket system. I am already being patient enough waiting 8 weeks until my car comes! Does anyone know if these cars come with some type of built in alarm and wheel locks?!?!?!?

if anyone has bought a 2002 325ci, feel free to tell me anything about it please. thanks.

[flyingtoaster]

The HK system is well worth the money for me. The quality is perfectly fine for my not-so-sensitive ears.

The alarm and wheel locks are not standard items, but can be installed quite easily at the dealership once the car arrives. If you will garage your car, alarm is not worth it in my opinion.

Also, I would advise you to read the following link. It may make it easier for you during this phase

Bimmer Ownership Phases (very long)

[UltimateBMW]

I like the HK. True, it isnt deep in its sound like aftermarket products are. But it is nice. And if you want a better sound and dont want to put a big box in the trunk for the subs, you could always upgrade the door speakers. You wont get a hard hitting bass sound, but it could up the quality of the overall sound. i also have an explorer and i put MBquartz speakers in the door. they sound great and they only cost $130 a pair. I have been thinking of moving them to the bmw but dont want to bother the original design the guys from bavarian motorsports created.

[pod13]

Originally posted by punkman79
Does anyone know if these cars come with some type of built in alarm and wheel locks?!?!?!?

Like flyingtoaster said those are not standard equipment. The wheel locks are easy of course, just buy four and put one on each wheel. Highly Recommended.

The alarm isn't that hard from what I hear. Here is a good DIY. Decide for yourself.
OEM Alarm DIY

[JetBlack330Ci]

The Monsoon system in my VW GTI VR6 was better than than the HK in my 330ci, but I am getting used to it. I do get some rattling from the rear speakers when there is a lot of bass though...

My car came with wheel locks, I mean the dealers fitted them included in the price. No alarm but there is an engine immobilizer, so nobody can steal your car (cannot drive it away anyway) unless you leave your keys in the car.

I know how it feels waiting for your bimmer, I was so impatient too. I kept reading and posting on bimmer forums

[punkman79]

yea. i guess you don't really need an alarm. i guess its more of a visual deterrent for people who want to break into your car to steal things, etc.. What do you think? I'm just paranoid because I have had my current car broken into once and stolen on a separate incident. man you must have a really nice dealer for him to throw in the wheel locks. my dealer is putting a price tag on friggin floor mats. The wait is really killing me but you are right, the forum helps.

[agapehme]

I believe the alarm is a good idea. Yeh, it may be a deterrent, however why have them stay longer than they should. If a break-in should be attempted I would rather the alarm go off and minimize the extent of the damage.

-agapehme

[pod13]

A couple more options for ya.

You can have the dealer enable the clown nose even if you don't have an alarm if all you want is a visual deterrent.

I've heard you can get a cover for the key hole that prevents (maybe) a common buglary technique on BMWs. The caveat is that you can only use the remote entry to get into the car. (unless you want to climb through the trunk)

[punkman79]

yea, a cover would be an excellent idea. i would think its a permanent fixture right? where would I get one from? also, can only the dealer enable the clown nose?? thanks a lot guys...these suggestions are great...especially with my bad car karma....

[pod13]

Here are the part numbers for the key hole covers that I stole from another board:

51 21 7 002 227 (pre 9/00 coupe)
51 21 8 241 401 (post 9/00 coupe)

51 21 8 216 119 (pre 9/00 sedan)
51 21 8 253 477 (post 9/00 sedan)

...and yeah you have to get the dealer to program the clown nose, unless you know someone with one of these:

[ostarr]

can a dealer really activate the "clown nose" without actually having an alarm in the car? I'm leasing a new 325i- and was pretty upset it didn't have an alarm... they want to charge me $500 to put one in. But the service guy said I really don't need it. I would be happy if the little clown nose would light up though... I just can't see paying $500 for a car that BMW will get back in 3 years anyway!

[RaceRocket]

good choice on the car. . .congrats

[Greggy]

Yes. I have a 2001 325i that was the dealer loaner car. At first I thought it had an alarm because of the blinking light, but it turns out they just activated the light. The manual tells what options the dealer can program.