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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16252 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 4:39 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1319 of 1626

#13177 of 16252 F30 328i by nkeen

Feb 22, 2012 (9:15 pm)

I drove an F30 328i last weekend - a Sportline with 8 speed auto. My current car is a 2006 E90 325i with sport suspension and 6 speed manual. Thoughts:
1) The steering is lighter but also feels oddly disconnected on the new car -- it has lost that firm directness I like on the E90.
2) The N20 four banger is powerful but has some lag. Not as sweet as the less powerful unboosted six.
3) The sports seats in my car can seem like instruments of torture at times. The new ones are no better -- two pointy things jutting into my kidneys. Why can't BMW get this right? VW does in the GTI.
4) Although the base pricing is not much more higher than the E90, getting the options I want means buying a lot of superfluous stuff that I don't (for instance a $3,600 package to get HID headlights), so the car ends up being a lot more expensive.
I drove a Camaro SS manual with Hurst shifter and FE4 suspension and a Subaru WRX on the same day as the F30. Both, in their respective ways, were much more fun to drive -- the WRX was a thrill to toss around and had real character. I'm afraid that BMW might be losing the plot for the sake of the see-and-be-seen audience in the US and anticipated sales volume in China.

#13178 of 16252 The new F30 3 series by nyccarguy

Feb 22, 2012 (9:15 pm)

We see it is very easy to push the price of an F30 328i to $45,000 +. The enthusiast in all of us needs to consider that for the same $45K, you can find yourself a CPO (or just plain used) 2008 M3 Sedan.

#13179 of 16252 Re: The new F30 3 series [nyccarguy] by nkeen

Feb 22, 2012 (9:16 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Feb 22, 2012 9:15 pm)
There was a 328i Modern Line on the floor listing for over $50K.

#13180 of 16252 Re: F30 328i [nkeen] by nyccarguy

Feb 22, 2012 (9:26 pm)

Replying to: nkeen (Feb 22, 2012 9:15 pm)
Thanks for your F30 328i write up. How many miles have you racked up on your E90 325i? Have you had any problems with it? How come you are looking at the F30?

#13181 of 16252 Re: F30 328i [nyccarguy] by nkeen

Feb 23, 2012 (5:01 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Feb 22, 2012 9:26 pm)
Low mileage -- 48,000. One problem -- the thermostat failed around 20K -- I guess causing it to run cold, but no symptoms -- found during inspection at the dealership. I also had the dealer replace the driver's seat under warranty as a crease in the leatherette was starting to show fabric webbing. The first round of run-flats were a bit brick like, but the technology seems to have improved a lot with the newer tires (Bridgestone RE050As).
 
Whatever its faults, I've owned the 325i far longer than any other car I've had. It's a beautifully built car, and really still looks close to new. It feels as though it were made to be driven fast safely, which it was. I like the original E90 better than its mid-cycle refresh, which seemed to complicate and compromise the lines a bit. Its predecessors were an Acura TL and a GTI. I started to dislike the TL almost as soon as I had it -- good engine, but clearly not engineered by people who really understood handling and feel. Horrible clutch and steering. I liked the Brazilian built GTI to drive, but it just fell apart piece by piece (transmission, trim, you name it) -- perceived rather than real quality.

#13182 of 16252 Re: BMW 328xi wagon [flightnurse] by dino001

Feb 23, 2012 (6:53 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Feb 22, 2012 7:59 pm)
I have one, including the stick shift. Slightly different in options: 328i (no "x", it is RWD) and it doesn't have M-pack (regular sports pkg for RWD already has sporst suspension and staggered tires, just like M, the difference is in wheels (17" vs 18") and some aesthetic treats, like no badging and front grille). It also has the rear spoiler. The long sunroof is the coolest.
 
Most people are surprised how sporty it looks. Deep see blue, just like the one on the photo (or is that one Le Mans blue, which is available only on M-packs?). I smile every time open the door and sit inside...

#13183 of 16252 Re: F30 328i [nkeen] by flightnurse

Feb 23, 2012 (8:23 am)

Replying to: nkeen (Feb 22, 2012 9:15 pm)
The HID headlights are a standalone options for $900. Take look at BMW's web site. The steering can be fixed with the M steering option, however if you wait until July when the M sport package is available that will solve the problems. Before flying out to New York my partner and I stopped off at Chandler BMW, they have two F30's a fully loaded Sportline 335i 57K and a Modern for 48K. Before I give judgement I want to drive one with the M sport package, since my 2011 has that package. Of course the big push the salesman kept telling us was, you have more power and better fuel economy with the new engine.

#13184 of 16252 Re: F30 328i [flightnurse] by dino001

Feb 23, 2012 (8:51 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Feb 23, 2012 8:23 am)
All of this confirms to me never buy a "all-new" model in its first or even second year. Dealers will act like they're doing you a favor, manufacturers act like it's a such a breakthrough that it overshadows Moon landing, you have teething issues and the list goes on. Couple of years from now and silly options/packages either disapear or get more reasonable pricing. Base model usually costs about the same, or even more by a couple of hundreds, but more popular/valuable options get bundled in much more attractive packages. No more expensive wheels forced down your throat if you want a certain color. Certain thing also become standard of no cost options. This way you can get a $50K+ MSRP down by a few thousands. Best deals are usually mid-life "refreshed" models. Bugs worked out, aesthetics, improved and couple of things made standard.

#13185 of 16252 Re: F30 328i [dino001] by sweendogy

Feb 23, 2012 (10:54 am)

Replying to: dino001 (Feb 23, 2012 8:51 am)
i agree- just hearing 57k for a loaded 335 is unreal- the 335xi will be 60k- for a ELLPS- thats a joke- its a great car, dont get me wrong but at that cost you can buy a street in detroit these days.

#13186 of 16252 Re: F30 328i [flightnurse] by nyccarguy

Feb 23, 2012 (11:11 am)

Replying to: flightnurse (Feb 23, 2012 8:23 am)
Ive tried to "build my own" 328i on BMW's website. It will not allow you to choose the Xenon headlight option without checking off the $3600 Premium Package.
 
If you drive the F30 328i M Sport & love it, you'd consider trading in your way cool M Sport Equipped '11 328i (6 Speed Stick) already?

Messages Page 1319 of 1626

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