[fabaudio]

Byteme

 . The styling of the 3 I'm not totally crazy about and I've heard quite a bit of reliability issues with it from households that own both a 3series and a G35

   According to statistics gathered by Consumer Reports there were reliability issues with BMW's up to 2001.

[jackman]

Great thread, I can't believe it's still going!  Anyway, I like things about the G35, I own a 325i (silver with black leather), and have driven pretty much everything in the thread (I live near several car dealerships!).  A friend of mine recently picked up a used A6 with a V8 engine and 4wd.  It's an automatic but is still very powerful and fun to drive with a sports suspension.  The styling isn't cutting edge anymore but it doesn't look too bad on the street.  He picked up a 2002 with two sets of wheels (18's), less than 20,000 miles and a 100,000 mile warrantee along with 0% financing from the dealer for pretty reasonable price.  I think it was around 30K.  Don't know much about long-term reliability but it's a really fun car to drive with decent back seat room. It gulps gas like a thirsty elephant but there are no free lunches.  

I like my 325 because it's fun to drive.   It's an everyday driver so I didn't want to put up with a harsh ride and wanted something that got decent gas mileage that was reliable.  I just drove the new '06 325, base model with six speed, and really liked the car.  It's a bit more luxury inside than the '05 model and I like certain things more (steering wheel, interior door handles, window controls on the door handles where they belong, styling, etc.).  It felt responsive and lively but didn't have the "push you back in the seat" power of the G35 or the Audi A6 with V8.   Overall, I think the B'mer guys did a nice job with the new 3 series.   I'd take it over my E46 in a second.  The body is supposed to be 60% (or so) stiffer, and they use more aluminum parts in the suspension, oh, and the rear seat has a bit more room...but it's still a bit cramped for normal sized people.  At least it doesn't have that ugly-ass "shelf" on trunk (like the the 5 and 7)and the slanted eyed  "Dragon" headlights like the 5.

Another I enjoy driving is the Audi S4.  The latest model has that hot V8 and 4wd.  A friend from work has one and has already gone through a set of tires in less than 6.5K miles.  Back seat is cramped but the car hauls ass and looks cool (at least to me).  Plus, the interior is very nice, and chrome mirrors give it a very agressive look.  

I've seen the new GS series and think they look pretty cool.  Lexus isn't as sexy as the German cars they emulate, but they make very solid cars that run for a long time.  IMO, the styling of their new cars (the GS at least) has changed for the better.  Infiniti makes nicer looking cars than Lexus, overall, but the gap seems to be closing a bit in my opinion.  Can't comment on the sound of the engine or value because I have no idea about these areas.

The G35 has a very good engine and is a lot of fun to drive.  The coup seemed a bit cramped but not too bad.  If the sedan had the cool looking rear end of the coup, I would have bought one because I was in love with the car before ever seeing one in person.  I didn't like the interior on the first year model but I believe they changed the plastic to not look so "plastic-ky".  The Nissan folks did a great job on that motor!  The 3.5L may be the best engine Nissan has ever made and one of the best bangs for the buck in all of car-land.  

Cheers,

J

[Hantra]

Yeah man. . . If I had that new S4, I don't think I could get 6k on a set of tires.     Audi's AWD system is second to none.  Nothing I've driven comes close.  My wife had a WRX and their AWD system is a JOKE compared to the Audi system.  In fact, the AWD in the Subaru almost killed me a few times.  Well not really. .  But it scared the hell outta me.  

[Carlman]

Thanks for stopping in, Jackman..  Your offline advice was much appreciated as well back in the decision days.

Thought I'd chime in and say I just had a couple of dudes drop by and look at my old car that I've been trying to sell.  They were ready to transfer money to my account... but my bank wasn't open...

So, it's on for tomorrow.  woohoo!!!  Oh, and I got what I wanted for it.  Times are definitely good.  I won't be totally relieved until tomorrow, though....

[Bemopti123]

has anyone talked out the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution EV X?  Supposedly for unadurated fun, it kicks some serious performance parameters.  Not comfy, but powerful with a long history in Rally racing.  That would be my dream car for the future.  Affordable for what it is and some mean looks.  Okay, more Rally oriented in looks than civilian sedan.

[The Killer Piglet]

Bingenito, I last went car shopping in 2001.
Looked at al the "usual suspects" (5 series, E-class, Q-45) and ended up with the GS 430.

Compared with the others, it is hands down far superior in fit, finish, and quality of materials. The Q was the second best, and very close to the Lexus.

The German cars had interiors that did not match their price tags. Even if you were willing to spring for the upgraded interior bits, they still felt very cheap compared with the Lexus.  

The second you sit inside the Lexus, you know it is a different class of car. With similar levels of equipment, the Lexus was about 5-10k less than the other cars, making it the bargain in this group. Doubly so, as I felt it was the better car.

Bumper to bumper traffic? No problems. It's all you'd expect from Lexus inside. Sit back, play some tunes, it's more comfortable than most living rooms. Open road, it is quiet and silky smooth no wind or tire noise. It is, like the Mercedes, more to the luxury side of the equation, which is what I prefer.

Need some power? It will pin you back and snap forward like a rocket. With no fuss or hysterics. And the brakes... you can get a nose bleed from how quickly the car stops.

I love the GS, and I am considering getting one of the new ones, but I will probably keep my 2001 for a couple more years. It has been 100% trouble free, not even a squeak or a sagging arm rest.


KP

[jackman]

Thanks for stopping in, Jackman..  Your offline advice was much appreciated as well back in the decision days.

Thought I'd chime in and say I just had a couple of dudes drop by and look at my old car that I've been trying to sell.  They were ready to transfer money to my account... but my bank wasn't open...

So, it's on for tomorrow.  woohoo!!!  Oh, and I got what I wanted for it.  Times are definitely good.  I won't be totally relieved until tomorrow, though....

Hi Carl,

Very cool!  It's good to hear you are happy with your decision.  Buying a car is always a pain but it's a lot easier to swallow that payment when you drive something you like.  I like the 3 series more than any other B'mer.  I have a friend who still has his '93 325 with 150K (although he has replaced the AC compressor, clutch and front wheel bearings) that he still drives every day.  The BMW mechanic offered to buy it from him the last time he had it in.  Partly because it's in perfect shape and partly because he has already replaced everything that could possibly go wrong.  

Best of luck with the new ride.  I don't care for BMW's 15000 mile oil change interval so I change it myself at 5K.  I'm probably nuts but it's a hard habbit to break.

Cheers,

J

[zybar]

I last went car shopping in 2001.
Looked at al the "usual suspects" (5 series, E-class, Q-45) and ended up with the GS 430.

Compared with the others, it is hands down far superior in fit, finish, and quality of materials. The Q was the second best, and very close to the Lexus.

The German cars had interiors that did not match their price tags. Even if you were willing to spring for the upgraded interior bits, they still felt very cheap compared with the Lexus.  

The second you sit inside the Lexus, ...

Just like audio, people can try the same things and have very different views.

The German cars having interiors that were inferior to the Lexus?  Not in my book.

Silky smooth?  That's another way of saying "boring" and "disconnected" from the road.

Pin you back and snap you forward like a rocket?  Maybe compared to an entry level BMW or Audi.  Certainly not compared to M3, S4, etc... which are in the same price range as the GS 430.

At the end of the day, I am glad you are happy with the GS 430.  As much as it is the car for you, it absolutely isn't the car for me.

George

[Hantra]

I don't care for BMW's 15000 mile oil change interval so I change it myself at 5K. I'm probably nuts but it's a hard habbit to break....

7500 here too.  I can't make myself go 15000.  While synthetic will do it, the filter won't.  IMO. . .

[The Killer Piglet]

Just like audio, people can try the same things and have very different views.

I was thinking the very same as I posted.

Silky smooth? That's another way of saying "boring" and "disconnected" from the road.

Almost sounds like the tubes vs. solid state argument. Me, I like tubes.  I will freely admit that I don't have the need to "feel the road" and prefer to feel insulated from traffic.

At the end of the day, I am glad you are happy with the GS 430. As much as it is the car for you, it absolutely isn't the car for me.

Don't get me wrong. I can see much to like in all the cars, and I would certainly not cry if I were "forced" to dive any of the others on daily basis. But, for my tastes and expectations, the Lexus has been as close to "perfect" as I could have hoped.

KP

[Jay S]

Insulated vs feel the road don't have to be black/white tradeoffs.  What I like about BMW Sport suspensions is that they give you plenty of information about what is happening in the road, but they filter out the harshness so that you still feel fresh after a long drive.  In fact, you don't only feel fresh, you feel alert.  

I went from a base 3 series to an M3 in terms of suspension/wheels/tires  and frankly I was more comfortable with the firmer, more controlled, yet not harsh ride.  

Similarly, in audio land, the best tubes have some characteristics of SS, and the best SS has some characteristics off tubes.

[Carlman]

Insulated vs feel the road don't have to be black/white tradeoffs.  What I like about BMW Sport suspensions is that they give you plenty of information about what is happening in the road, but they filter out the harshness so that you still feel fresh after a long drive.  In fact, you don't only feel fresh, you feel alert.  

I went from a base 3 series to an M3 in terms of suspension/wheels/tires  and frankly I was more comfortable with the firmer, more controlled, yet not harsh ride.  

Similarly, in  ...

Wow... well put, Jay... This is one of the main reasons I bought the 325.  It's all about the driving experience... right down to lowering driver fatigue and rain-sensing wipers... The driver focuses on the road and the drive... because he or she is interested in it...

One thing I notice on the drive from Boston to DC... was that I never needed to stop other than for gas... and I didn't even stretch when I got out of the car.  It was weird.  I felt younger somehow..  

[fabaudio]

Carlman
 Wow! You're really excited! I'm really happy for you. The reason I suggested a 2 year old 325i just after you opened the thread was because of the budget you had in mind. But you found the "moola" necessary for a new one and I say more Power to you!!
 I consider the 325i the most ( I can hear the moaning and groaning from those who disagree ) balanced car on the planet. Mind you I've driven so many cars that for the life of me I can't possibly remember them all. When I lived in Brasil I even had the opportunity to drive a Formula 1, a Testarossa, etc etc. Anyway we're talking about a ' family ' car. The Germans did'nt peg the phrase " ultimate driving machine " on a whim.

[Jay S]

fabaudio,

You are very fortunate to have tried an F1 car!  

Yup, the 3 series are very special cars.  I liked my modded 328i better than my old 911 Carerra 4.  While the 911 was sharper to drive for short distances (and really came alive with very tactile response and precise-to-the-inch handling when you were giving it the whip), it was a bit of a pain to drive for long, esp when you were tired or in traffic.  The 3 was a much better all around car and was very good in all situations.  Feeling lazy in traffic?  Leave it in 2nd gear down to even 800 rpm.  Need to overtake?  3rd gear is good to nearly 100 mph.  Need to take a long drive?  You'll feel fine at the end of it.  In the mood to play?  Go attack those corners and push for the redline!  The car was at home on the street, on a tight autocross, or on a high speed road racing track.  

To make a bad analogy, the 3 was like the girl you'd bring home to mom and live happily with for a long time.  The 911 was like dating a hot supermodel (with a squeaky voice or some other annoying trait!).

[bubba966]

So Carl, where's the pics of your new ride?

And you get the UUC short throw in there yet?

[drphoto]

I finally understand all the hoopla over 3 series bimmers. I got to log a few hundred miles on a brand new 325 convertable with the sport suspension. You guys are spot on about the great handling without an harsh ride.
They do an amazing job with the conversion of a sedan to a ragtop. Incredibly stiff chassis.

[Carlman]

Bubba... I haven't taken photos or bought the shifter...    yet...
The short-shifter is definitely on my short-list.... and I need to take photos but... I don't have a good location to shoot nor have the conditions been good... (hazy, super-hot, then rainy, etc.)  I live in the land of strip malls and industrial parks.... Not many places that are 'picturesque'.  Plus, I have to wash it before I shoot it.... which adds another little challenge for my time.... which has been extremely limited lately.

In any case, I know that's a big mouthful of excuses but I thoroughly enjoy driving the car any chance I get.  It's therapy for me.  I still love driving it like the day I first took a 325 for a test drive.  

I'm still amazed at the reactions I get... there's a lot of preconceptions and image-type stuff associated with this car.  Some people tell me that the BMW is their favorite.. others think I'm 'making it'... and it's just funny... (The base model I have) cost the same as a Subary Legacy, Acura TSX, and a Mazda6 (w/every option).  On the negative side, some people think it's a snob's car, and that BMW drivers are all assholes, etc.. The worst one has been that it's 'what everyone gets' when they're succesful... and that I'm being a follower to a brand image.  That's exactly NOT me.

I think Dr.Photo 'got it' like I did... I'd never really considered one, took Bubba's (and other's) advice and decided hey, why not try one?  I could at least rule it out as an option and say I tried.  I really 'understood' or 'got it' when I drove one around for a while.  I didn't care what brand it was but I enjoyed the drive, comfort, convenience, and utility better than any of the dozen or so cars I'd driven before it.  Plus, the engineering of everything was so respectable.... that still impresses me daily.

What added to my haste to purchase was that the E46 (99-05 325 models) were no longer being made.  The E46 is a little on the luxurious side but it's still got a lot of sportiness to it.  I'd say a 55/45 split of luxury to sport.  The reason I had to have the E46 over the (just released) '06 model (E90) was that the E90 was way too luxurious... and now the ratio was 70/30 luxury/sport.  I didn't like it as much after a couple of test drives... and it cost a lot more (no discounting, higher base price = $5,k more for a car I liked less).

Anyway... this is getting a bit long, just thought I'd chime in on where I was today... still super happy after 5500+ miles.  The only thing I've changed about the car was that I replaced the plastic wood trim with 'matte chrome' trim.  It looks a lot nicer now and pulls the car together a little better stylistically.  I'll take photos of that too...   when I can...

Thanks again to Bubba and anyone else who suggested the 3-series.

-Carl

[claud]

Glad to hear you are still enjoying your 325 after 5500 miles. You have been a bad influence on me. The last BMW I owned was an 84 318i. It sure wasn't like your 325 that you have kindly driven me around in on two occassions. I liked it so much I test drove an 06 330i. Way more agile than my 04 Acura TL. I might do something next Spring.

[Jay S]

The 80s/early 90s 3 series were great little cars!  My cousin had an 86 325e which he did some engine/suspension/wheel mods on.  While I loved BMWs from reading about them, that 325e was the first one that I spent much time in.  We drove from SF to LA and I could not believe how quickly the drive passed (not because we were speeding but because it was so comfortable without being at all floaty).  This car was not only sporty + comfortable, it was also long lived. He logged over 300k miles on it.  Years later I drove a friend's E30 325i.  While it didn't have the torque or hp of my 328i, the old semi-trailing arm rear suspension allowed a good amount more power oversteer at very sane speeds!  

I'm with Carl on the brand... I would be happy (happier?) to drive a BMW if it didn't have a logo showing anywhere.  Its all about the driving experience.

[bubba966]

Carl, what's the holdup on the shifter? If you like driving it now, it'll only get better.

I was just at the UUC site and noticed that they've got a new transmission product. http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/dssr/

That selector rod of theirs along with their shifter should make one damn precise tranny...