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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

Messages Page 2338 of 3026

#23363 of 30250 Future Exclusivity? by riez

Jun 03, 2003 (2:20 pm)

sunilb... I wonder if some aren't buying due to the potential exclusive nature of the beast. Limited production. Anyone know how many BMW plans to make?
 
Might be a bit more valuable in future than average 330i with Sport Pkg. For someone who wants something a bit different, this might be an affordable it. Closest thing to a factory E46 4-door M3. The coolest BMWs to own are often the rarest high performance models. Check out the mid-1990s M3 MSLs (lightweights).

#23364 of 30250 325 w/ SP ride by victord1

Jun 03, 2003 (3:32 pm)

I guess each to our own. Many have praised the legendary BMW rides. So I expected it. But after a test drive in that 325 w/ SP, I left with a so-so feeling. I thought that the ride wasn't all that different from that of the '03 Maxima SE--the car that I'm looking to replace. Maybe the tires were over inflated or something, i dunno, but it was kinda jittery. It curved out corners and stayed flat, though.
 
Yesterday I took out a regular 330 w/o SP for a test drive, just to counter my previous experience w/ the 325 w/ SP. This time it was much much better. A compromise of ride and handling was well balanced, IMO. Yet, I noticed another thing; exhaust note. Now why does it sound 'throaty' all the times, even when with a light touch on the throttle? I don't mind the sound if I'm flooring it, but even just to creep along the traffic? It was kinda loud too.
 
I'm not picking on BMW or anything. I was willing to live w/ the sound and ready to deal. The final deal was stunning (I think): 2002 CPO 330i(8000 miles) w/ premium, winter package, and xenon for $30,700. But when I told them I wanted to trade, the dealer started low-balling my Maxima. So, now I'm off to another dealer.

#23365 of 30250 victor by blueguydotcom

Jun 03, 2003 (3:37 pm)

If you think a regular 330i is noisy stay away from my ZHP! My car grumbles like a V8 when it's started or revved hard. Only when cruising does the muffler quiet down.
 
Guess it's where ya come from because the standard 330i seemed spooky quiet to me. Everybody who rides in or drives my car comments that it's more sports car than luxury sedan.

#23366 of 30250 there is something called a relative terminology by ksoman

Jun 03, 2003 (4:57 pm)

bluedot
my point was, rates are either purely due to a dump sales strategy or if its not a dump as much as you can, then its purely based on regional statistics...
 
and fedlaw, my point was not to diss acura, i personally think they are excellent price/value ratios, but, i find it amusing that people use $ as a reasoning ball park and then compare cars that really don't fit together.
 
kssomaniac

#23367 of 30250 oh and yes my wife got a 325, but by ksoman

Jun 03, 2003 (4:59 pm)

a convertible, which puts it in a different price range altogether

#23368 of 30250 ksoman by kdshapiro

Jun 03, 2003 (5:13 pm)

The problem with the price/value ratio, is that value is extremely subjective, and hence the debate. The debate is much more closely aligned with 330i vs G35, than 325i vs TSX. To riez, for example, value holds very little with FWD cars. To others FWD may make it a determining factor. I like both plus 4WD/AWD, but I have to say I've grown quite enamored with my RWD Bimmer.

#23369 of 30250 Value & FWD Platform by riez

Jun 03, 2003 (6:12 pm)

kdshapiro... Not sure what you meant by, "To riez, for example, value holds very little with FWD cars."
 
I loved my two Infiniti G20s. My old G20t was a wonderful handling FWDer. She just lacked torque! I value fun to drive cars. The synergy of engine (prefer I6 or V8), manual transmission, and fully independent suspension (IRS a must!). Needs to be a reasonably roomy & practical sedan (have a family). And, where possible, LSD. My old G20t had it all but the engine.
 
Some interesting FWDers (like prior generation Maxima and last generation G20, though not mine) lacked IRS. Has sometimes been hard to find many V6 FWDer sedans with manual transmission (scratch the nice 3.2TL Type S). Too many can't seem to properly control torque steer, possibly my biggest gripe with FWDers. Good equal length half-shafts, LSD, and good performance tires needed for all FWDers!
 
I can't wait to see how the TSX comes out in comparison tests. Might make a nice work car. I'd love to drive a Honda Accord V6 6-speed coupe as a work car! Too bad Saabs still seem plagued by torque steer. (But you're right about one thing. I couldn't imagine buying a FWDer with an MSRP over $30,000.)

#23370 of 30250 by kdshapiro

Jun 03, 2003 (6:57 pm)

riez - let me explain. While you have had a number of FWD drivers in the past, I believe, based on your posts over the last year, you would chose a RWD over a FWD car every time at this point. Of course I could be mistaken, but I think it highly unlikely based on your posts, your next set of cars, if going to be FWD. So hopefully I didn't misrepresent you, nothing meant by it. Therefore it is one thing to have a birds eye view of the market, test drive a number of vehicles to understand the handling characteristics. But when it comes down to brass tacks, I believe you are now a RWD type of person for your driving pleasure. Whether your next set of wheels is BMW, we'll see. :O

#23371 of 30250 My Fleet by riez

Jun 03, 2003 (7:51 pm)

kdshapiro... I have a varied personal "fleet". (I normally own 3 cars. My two of which I use for work). I strongly believe that an ultra-high performance car has to be RWD. Ever since I could afford one, I have had at least one powerful RWDer. But since I live in the snowy midwest, I try to keep at least one FWDer. And one has to be an automatic (for my wife, who can't drive a manual). Now that my kids are getting older and I'm ripe for my mid-life crisis, my next car is likely to be a 4-passenger coupe. I've never owned a Honda. The Accord V6 coupe 6-speed appeals to my practical side. But I'd love a CPO 330ci or M3. Kids want me to take 'em out in a new RX8. And I can't wait to test drive the upcoming Pontiac GTO. Choices. Choices. I'll likely be in market summer of '04.

#23372 of 30250 money factor question by nyccarguy

Jun 03, 2003 (8:18 pm)

OK, this may seem like a simple question, but how do you get the interest rate from the money factor? Please use Blueguydotcom's 0.0003 as an example. Is it equal to 1.1%? Sorry for asking a stupid question.

Messages Page 2338 of 3026

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