Jalopnik: 328i

Complexity Creep: BMW's Electronic "Dipstick" Causes Oil Grief

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 12:30:00 EDT

What happens when technology answers a question nobody asked? Sometimes billions are made. Other times, needless technical complexity makes for a more complex experience. Such is the case one Car and Driver reader made in the mag's July '07 issue. In a letter to C&D, he directs our attention to the BMW 328i, whose oil dipstick has been replaced with a sensor and on-screen alert icon. But according to the writer, the system has resulted in owners overfilling their crankcases. And according to two dealerships, the only way to check the oil accurately is thus:

I was told the proper way to check the oil is to return the car to your BMW dealership and it will put the vehicle on a rack, drain the oil, measure it, and then reinstall the oil in the car.

It's not a new problem, and BMW isn't the only one; Porsche uses a similar system, which includes an oil-level readout on the dash. Still, if car companies want to be software developers, maybe they should start offering pre-production cars to Beta testers. – Mike Spinelli

[via NASIOC]

Related:
Let's Interface: Mini to Get BMW's iDrive [internal]

Hello Coup-ay: 2007 BMW 328i For Sale on eBay

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:26:15 EDT

Want to be the first in your planned community to have a new BMW E92 coupe? Get on this, what could be the first offering of a 2007 BMW 328i on eBay. The price stands at a hefty $40,420.00 (MSRP: $35,300), and there are no bids yet. Specs are as follows:

2007 BMW 328i Coupe in Jet Black with Creme Beige Dakota Leather includes Premium Package, Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Heated Front Seats, Light Poplar Natural Wood Trim.

Go, early birds, go. [Thanks to Ari for the tip.]

2006 BMW : 3-Series 2007 328i [eBay]

Related:
More on the BMW 3-Series [internal]

Spy Photos: BMW 3-Series Convertible, Top Retracted

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 10:41:48 EDT

By early 2007, BMW's 3-Series retractable-hardtop convertible will roll into showrooms, smug in the satisfaction that it's both 328i coupe and convertible. At least, that's what the talk has been among those Bimmerheads who are waiting on the next E92 models hungrily. We'll see at the Paris show.

BMW 3-Series Cabrio Top Down [World Car Fans]

Related:
Spy Photos: BMW 3-Series Convertible [internal]

BMW's Turbo Six to be a $3000 Option

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 14:47:46 EDT

An upright citizen of matchless character has posted BMW's pricing sheet for the 2007 335i coupe on e90 Post today. According to the sheet, that spanky new twin-turbo mill is putting $3000 psi in upward samolians pressure on the 3-Series:

· 2007 328i: $35,300 (+$3,000 over 2006 325Ci)
· 2007 335i: $40,600 (+$3,000 over 2006 330Ci)
· 2007 328ix: $37,100 (N/A)

Give unto Bimmer, and all that. [Thanks to Jason for the tip.]

E92 Coupe Pricing is Here! [e90 Post]

Related:
More on the BMW 335i [internal]