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BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

30250 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 11:51 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

#21086 of 30250 kdshapiro by newtoboston

Dec 10, 2002 (7:30 am)

It's interesting that many people bashed BMW owners by saying we're yuppies and we bought it to impress others. Hmmm, I would say most people think the term "yuppie" is a derogatory term so how could buying a car which so many people mistakenly associated with yuppies also impress people at the same time.
 
If anything, I bought this car in spite of the negative reaction I knew I would get from my friends and family. It had everything to do with my first test drive back in 1997.
 
Sorry all, just venting because I can't vent in that closed thread!

#21087 of 30250 Quick poll by mg330ci

Dec 10, 2002 (9:28 am)

What would you rather see in the future:
 
A.- A world full of yuppies driving BMW's
 
B.- A world full of mothers and non yuppies driving free falling fat men, sorry, I meant 4-ton "safer" taller heavier vehicles
 
Sorry for the little humor, I just saw the Dodge truck hemi commercial (probably the scarriest commercial ever created, I now have nightmares everyday) and got me started.
 
I can imagine their next TV commercial, talking about safety and showing how their trucks can vaporize crash dummies strategically positioned in front of them. "Yeah baby, not a single scratch, now lets try ramming that family driving a Corolla"

#21088 of 30250 kominsky - by brave1heart

Dec 10, 2002 (10:18 am)

fwiw, I lose about 10-12 mph in corners with the M2s and dry traction doesn't begin the compare with the summer tires even in the coldest temperatures (like ~ 5 F). It's VERY easy to get the DSC to kick in compared to the Sumis and Contis from last year. They are exceptionally quiet on the highway, though, and I am glad I'll have them for the few days that I'll be driving in snow.

#21089 of 30250 brave by kominsky

Dec 10, 2002 (10:25 am)

Maybe the 225 vs 205 makes a big difference. I believe I'm hooking up better with the Dunlops, especially within the first 10 miles or so.
 
Are you guys supposed to be getting the sleet/freezing rain up there that our forecasters are calling for? I'm looking forward, in a sick kind of way, to driving my car on ice to see what the tires can do.
 
" 70-90 mph in 5.5 seconds (4-th gear) - not bad for a wimpy 2.5 ltr."
 
I tried matching that with my manly 3.0L but couldn't. The closest I could get was 5.3 seconds... up hill... with two plug wires pulled... and no tires. hahahaha!

#21090 of 30250 bmw323is - G35 by joes230

Dec 10, 2002 (10:35 am)

I own a 2003 330i SP 5-speed, and have driven a G35 sedan extensively. The G35 handles and goes very well -- chassis and engine dynamics are true sports sedan caliber. It has lots of room inside and is cheaper than a 330i. Personally I thought the interior was OK. However overall it's not as refined as the BMW.
 
On paper the G35 automatic sedan is roughly as fast as a 330i 5-speed. Actually driving them feels very different. The G35 has an exaggerated throttle tip-in, making it initially feel very fast. Then progressing to full throttle, not much else. Then at about 4500 rpm, a big kick. At higher rpm, engine is much louder than the 330i.
 
By contrast the 330i power delivery is very smooth and linear. It takes more throttle angle, plus engine is quieter so may viscerally feel slower than the G35, but they're about the same. I wouldn't choose cars based on acceleration this close.
 
Handling-wise G35 has good turn-in and grip. Nice, fast steering response, yet not darty. However chassis isn't as communicative, and above 8/10ths in corners you're not as secure. But the highway ride is better and it tramlines less than a 330i SP.
 
Infiniti did a great job on chassis and engine dynamics. But here are some G35 missing refinements: no telescoping steering column, no fore/aft adjustable headrests, no lighted steering wheel buttons, no self-leveling xenons, no adjustable thigh support, seat heaters slower and less coverage, nighttime instrument illumination either too bright or too dim. Individually these seem small, but collectively they make the 330i SP cockpit a nicer place.
 
But despite any G35 flaws I highly recommend anybody in the market drive it. I think it's the best 330i sports sedan competitor.
 
-- Joe

#21091 of 30250 kominsky - by brave1heart

Dec 10, 2002 (11:12 am)

I'd be curious to find out how fast you can go 70-90 mph in 4-th on a flat road.

It probably is the tire size more than anything else.

The forecast is for lots of rain but the temps will stay above freezing at least during the day. I wish it were snow instead :o( At least I hope the rain will wash the snow off my yard so I can finally rake the leaves :o)

#21094 of 30250 how'd you time it? by kominsky

Dec 10, 2002 (11:20 am)

#21095 of 30250 Holding my wrist watch in front of me - by brave1heart

Dec 10, 2002 (11:21 am)

It isn't nearly perfect :o)
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