Author Topic: BMW 328i? Alternatives? (Read 20702 times)

Oz · « **on:** November 06, 2006, 01:17:21 am »

A close friend of mine has asked for help buying his next car - knowing that Im a car nut and all. He's 'donating' his 2001 BMW 325 to his younger brother and looking at getting a new 328 or whatever the competition has to offer. Are the coupes out or is it just the 4 doors one sale atm?

I told him we should check out the G35 Coupe, 350Z, A4, STI and IS350/250. But he comes from a family of German car drivers. Hopefully some alternative driving experiences might sway him. Anyway we're probably going to hit the dealerships sometime middle of this week, fun fun. In the mean time, lets hear some suggestions.

Mitlov · « **Reply #1 on:** November 06, 2006, 02:15:31 am »

The 2007 G35 sounds amazing--all the power of the previous model with more refinement and interior quality. Sounds like a winning combination to me.

Benhaze · « **Reply #2 on:** November 06, 2006, 06:03:07 am »

How much $$$ is your friend willing to put on the table? That's a big "jump" from a 2001 325.

initial_D · « **Reply #3 on:** November 06, 2006, 06:30:36 am »

I really like the new G35 Coupe. The New Bimmers are way to pricey for what they are.

airbalancer · « **Reply #4 on:** November 06, 2006, 07:24:11 am »

the BMW coupe's are out

croat · « **Reply #5 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:43:30 am »

If he wants a sedan, tell him to wait for 335i Sedan. This thing blows the competition away.

Even in current tests of 2006 330i vs 2007 G35 sedan, 330i (even that is lacks 50 hp) is still preferred.

tpl · « **Reply #6 on:** November 06, 2006, 09:46:12 am »

According to BMW.ca the 335/328 coupes and sedans are all available and the 328xi coupe/sedan.

Available may of course mean a 3 month order time

I would look for a leftover 2006 330i and maybe get a reasonable price...

mdxtasy · « **Reply #7 on:** November 06, 2006, 10:01:13 am »

I'd get an Audi S4. Used probably.

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #8 on:** November 06, 2006, 12:36:52 pm »

Quote from: MdX5 on November 06, 2006, 10:01:13 am

I'd get an Audi S4. Used probably.

Oooh! Good suggestion. Otherwise, if you can talk the guy into a 'lowly' Japanese car, the G35 coupe would be high on the list of suggestions.

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #9 on:** November 06, 2006, 03:46:20 pm »

2007 G35 sedan looks and sounds like another winner... definitely worth a look. The coupe is amazing as well... make sure he visits an Infiniti lot.

But my first choice would be a BMW 335i sedan...

Quote from: Benhaze on November 06, 2006, 06:03:07 am

How much $$$ is your friend willing to put on the table? That's a big "jump" from a 2001 325.

He's donating the 325, so I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he's got some money to play with here (which means we have some money to dream with).

Maybe a Maserati Quattroporte?

Oz · « **Reply #10 on:** November 06, 2006, 07:16:28 pm »

Money to play with is exactly right, the 325 was bought brand new.

He definately wants brand new, and wants to experiment with leases. Thing is, the 325 is pretty much been pledged, and a new car is an immediate need. The new G35C is appealing, but buddy just cant get out of Krautmobile mode. While the new 328 seems like a pleasant drive, Ive been telling him its not really great bang for buck as far as performance goes.

Actually we're both quite pumped about looking at an A4 with the S4 sport package. I idea would be to chip her and mod her (warranty is no prob) and see what she can do. The discussions continue, we're working out a shortlist.

articsteve · « **Reply #11 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:01:26 pm »

If he has got as much $$$ as you say he has and loves German machinery then the twin turbo Bimmer is the cat's ass. Nothing compares.

Actually we're both quite pumped about looking at an A4 with the S4 sport package. I idea would be to chip her and mod her (warranty is no prob) and see what she can do. The discussions continue, we're working out a shortlist.

Very impractical with a lease to chip and mod a non owned vehicle.

Julie · « **Reply #12 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:03:22 pm »

Saw one yesterday parked next to me at the gas station (A4 S4 package) - very sporty/aggressive-looking.

I agree with others before: With his financial ability and preference for BMWs, at least 330i and up. (at least see if they can be had soon?)

Other than the suggestions you listed above, can't think of anymore.

Snowman · « **Reply #13 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:08:01 pm »

Very impractical with a lease to chip and mod a non owned vehicle

bad, very bad.

Snowman · « **Reply #14 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:09:22 pm »

The 335i is the best choice if sushi is not your flavour.

articsteve · « **Reply #15 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:15:56 pm »

Quote from: Snowman on November 06, 2006, 08:08:01 pm

Very impractical with a lease to chip and mod a non owned vehicle bad, very bad.

for normal ppl

Oz · « **Reply #16 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:44:13 pm »

Exactly, bad for normal people.

I wish I had a share of an oil tanker business too.

The Mighty Duck · « **Reply #17 on:** November 06, 2006, 08:46:50 pm »

Quote from: articsteve on November 06, 2006, 08:01:26 pm

If he has got as much $$$ as you say he has and loves German machinery then the twin turbo Bimmer is the cat's ass. Nothing compares.

But if timing is an issue, he may not be able to get one.

How about a Mustang GT500?

mdxtasy · « **Reply #18 on:** November 06, 2006, 10:34:09 pm »

If money was no issue, a 997 Porsche GT3 would be the order of choice. Then the RS4 for winter driving and a MB ML65 for 'ordinary man' duties.

Mitlov · « **Reply #19 on:** November 06, 2006, 11:04:10 pm »

If money is no issue, the 335i would be hard to beat. I've never lived that sort of life, though, so I can't relate to the thought process of not factoring in price. And so I'd just point out that the 335i is extremely expensive--about $10,000 more than a G35 when similarly-equipped, if I recall correctly. If he's as rich as you say, than he can just ignore this post.

As for the 328i, which is comparably equipped with the G35, it may have slightly more refinement but the G35 has about 80 more horsepower. Different strokes for different folks.

Author Topic: BMW 328i? Alternatives? (Read 20702 times)

mdxtasy

mdxtasy