Topic: BMW 328i? Alternatives?

[Giant Dwarf]

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.

Even if the mods could easily surpass the power and performance of the S4, the locomotive-like linear power and the intoxicating soundtrack of the V8 in that thing is to die for.  LOVE the S4 and I only took one for a very short drive... that was enough to sell me!  Ahh if only I had $$$

[initial_D]

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.

Even if the mods could easily surpass the power and performance of the S4, the locomotive-like linear power and the intoxicating soundtrack of the V8 in that thing is to die for.  LOVE the S4 and I only took one for a very short drive... that was enough to sell me!  Ahh if only I had $$$

Exactly my view, GD.  Always things in life that get in the way to get what we want. 

Twin Turbo Bimmer, ... 2 doors.  4 doors is automatically qualifies as a family car. 

[Benhaze]

If the used car route is a possibility and staying with the German family, why not a Porsche Boxter S?

[ghost]

New Audi TT. Bimmer sedans are so common. G35's depreciation will have you thinking if you just bought a PC.

btw, I spoke with a fella who just bought a 335i coupe and he said that BMW already came out with a recall to reprogram it's ecu which we know all too often will make it less prine to kaboom = less hp!!! 

[G0dspd]

BMW 335i Sedan > Infiniti  G35 Sedan .... but not by much.

How about a Mustang GT500?

It's like comparing a wheelbarrel to a speedbike. (handling!) 

[dave]

I think the 328i has pretty good bang for the buck.  It performs better than the '06 330Ci and costs less!  The 335i has got some bang for the buck as well...M3 power, minus the harsh ride and raspy engine, for 50k.

The new G35 had the 330i/Ci beat in terms of power...but the Bimmer still crushed it in terms of dynamics.  Add 40 hp and over 35% more torque to the 330 and say bye-bye to the G35's power advantage.

If money isn't an issue...take the 335i. 

[Giant Dwarf]

I think the 328i has pretty good bang for the buck.  It performs better than the '06 330Ci and costs less!  The 335i has got some bang for the buck as well...M3 power, minus the harsh ride and raspy engine, for 50k.

The new G35 had the 330i/Ci beat in terms of power...but the Bimmer still crushed it in terms of dynamics.  Add 40 hp and over 35% more torque to the 330 and say bye-bye to the G35's power advantage.

If money isn't an issue...take the 335i. 

Dave, why do you say the 328i (coupe) outperforms the 330Ci?  Isn't the new car at least as heavy as the old one?  And it's essentially the same engine and same power, no?

[airbalancer]

I think the 328i has pretty good bang for the buck.  It performs better than the '06 330Ci and costs less!  The 335i has got some bang for the buck as well...M3 power, minus the harsh ride and raspy engine, for 50k.

The new G35 had the 330i/Ci beat in terms of power...but the Bimmer still crushed it in terms of dynamics.  Add 40 hp and over 35% more torque to the 330 and say bye-bye to the G35's power advantage.

If money isn't an issue...take the 335i. 

Dave, why do you say the 328i (coupe) outperforms the 330Ci?  Isn't the new car at least as heavy as the old one?  And it's essentially the same engine and same power, no?

From what I have read , the E90 is a much better handling car as compared to a E46

[speed12sil]

I think the 328i has pretty good bang for the buck.  It performs better than the '06 330Ci and costs less!  The 335i has got some bang for the buck as well...M3 power, minus the harsh ride and raspy engine, for 50k.

The new G35 had the 330i/Ci beat in terms of power...but the Bimmer still crushed it in terms of dynamics.  Add 40 hp and over 35% more torque to the 330 and say bye-bye to the G35's power advantage.

If money isn't an issue...take the 335i. 

Practicing restraint when optioning out 335, it can still be purchased for <54k before tax. Just need leather(save the cows, save the money)+Xenon+metallic paint.

Unless the car is often taken for long trips to unfamiliar territories the Navi system is next to useless. Those who can't/refuse to read maps ought to be ashamed 

[Snowman]

I think the 328i has pretty good bang for the buck.  It performs better than the '06 330Ci and costs less!  The 335i has got some bang for the buck as well...M3 power, minus the harsh ride and raspy engine, for 50k.

The new G35 had the 330i/Ci beat in terms of power...but the Bimmer still crushed it in terms of dynamics.  Add 40 hp and over 35% more torque to the 330 and say bye-bye to the G35's power advantage.

If money isn't an issue...take the 335i. 

Practicing restraint when optioning out 335, it can still be purchased for <54k before tax. Just need leather(save the cows, save the money)+Xenon+metallic paint.

Unless the car is often taken for long trips to unfamiliar territories the Navi system is next to useless. Those who can't/refuse to read maps ought to be ashamed 

Those who can't/refuse to read maps ought to be ashamed    Most who can afford this car don’t need NAVI.

[Oz]

My friend went to BMW of Mississauga today, came back incredibly cheesed as he said they treated him like shite. Of course when they saw the car he'd driven up in the attitude improved. No test drive. Guess that comes with the territory of being a twentysomething looking for a car like that. What he's aiming for in the lease is a downpayment of around $10,000 and a montly payment less than $600. So a more detailed going over of the numbers is in order.

So I accompanied him to Budds BMW and an Audi dealership in Oakville in the afternoon. The salesman at Audi was very polite, immediately worked over some dletails re: the A4 2.0T and the A4 3.0 despite having an appointment coming up soon and being the only one on the floor. Unfortunately we werent able to get a test drive.

Afterwards we headed to Budds to look at a 328/3335i. The coupe is out of the question as the latest delivery available for those is in January. Plus the coupe looks really odd from the rear angles, we both dont like how the back is shaped. Met a very helpful salesman, unfortunately no test drive as the only 328 sedan demo was out. The 328 comes out more expensive than the 2.0T and doesnt seem to deliver a whole lot more other than the 20-30 odd hp. They also have maybe one 330 from 06 left over due to a sale cancellation - its the last one. Silver and auto - dont like the color and buddy definately wants another manual tranny.

Anyway since both cars havent been test driven, its hard to say what is preferable. Booked some test drives on Friday. Hopefully will check out the G35 and IS350 soon. If 300hp can be had in the same range, its worth a test drive.

[Benhaze]

Make sure your buddy wears a 3-piece suit, tie and his most shiny shoes when he returns to BMW. Might help! 

[G0dspd]

The 328 comes out more expensive than the 2.0T and doesnt seem to deliver a whole lot more other than the 20-30 odd hp.

I would take BMW's 2.8 I6 over Audi I4 Turbo any day of the week.  It's worth the extra $$$.

[dave]

Oz, I strolled into BK Motors in Waterloo on my lunch wearing jeans and a sweater (I'm 25) and after chatting with a sales dude for 10 minutes he tossed me the keys to a 335i coupe and told me to have fun.  Alas, I didn't have the time and setup and appointment to come back. 

My twin brother (who is even grubbier!) strolled in with his girlfriend with no appointment, just to check out the new coupe, and didn't even get in the door before they offered him a test drive, "be back in 20 minutes". 

I guess it just depends on the salesmen and dealership.

Jeff, re: the 328i coupe and the 330Ci...I just tells it like it is (from what I've read).

Speed12sil, the 335i comes standard with leatherette and xenons.  Metallic paint is $800.  I'd skip the iDriver/Navi option, active steering, as well as the premium package for Dakota leather etc. ($4,000).  Just get the Sports package (seats, 18"s) for $2,000 and it comes in around 50k.  I think it's a steal!

[Giant Dwarf]

Oz, I strolled into BK Motors in Waterloo on my lunch wearing jeans and a sweater (I'm 25) and after chatting with a sales dude for 10 minutes he tossed me the keys to a 335i coupe and told me to have fun.  Alas, I didn't have the time and setup and appointment to come back. 

My twin brother (who is even grubbier!) strolled in with his girlfriend with no appointment, just to check out the new coupe, and didn't even get in the door before they offered him a test drive, "be back in 20 minutes". 

I guess it just depends on the salesmen and dealership.

Jeff, re: the 328i coupe and the 330Ci...I just tells it like it is (from what I've read).

Speed12sil, the 335i comes standard with leatherette and xenons.  Metallic paint is $800.  I'd skip the iDriver/Navi option, active steering, as well as the premium package for Dakota leather etc. ($4,000).  Just get the Sports package (seats, 18"s) for $2,000 and it comes in around 50k.  I think it's a steal!

Or maybe wearing the "family crest" on your blazer helped too, Dave.  "Oh sir!  You're from THAT family?  Your dad has put my kids through college with his fleet of Bimmers... please sir, right this way!" 

Godspd:  the 2.8L hasn't been offered in years.  It's a 3L in the 328 now.

OZ:  Audi Centre Oakville is an incredible dealership.  The salesperson I dealt with there (Matt Brayman... not sure if he's still there or not) was the best salesperson I've ever dealt with.  Definitely went above and beyond the call of duty to make sure my needs were met when I got my A4.  I've had good experiences at both Budds' dealerships (Oakville and Hamilton), and previously bought my BMW at B-K in Waterloo -- Mike (can't recall his last name) was also a fantastic salesperson.

[mdxtasy]

Or maybe wearing the "family crest" on your blazer helped too, Dave.  "Oh sir!  You're from THAT family?  Your dad has put my kids through college with his fleet of Bimmers... please sir, right this way!" 

 

[dave]

Or maybe wearing the "family crest" on your blazer helped too, Dave.  "Oh sir!  You're from THAT family?  Your dad has put my kids through college with his fleet of Bimmers... please sir, right this way!" 

LOL 

Honestly, he had no idea who I was....I didn't give him my last name.

[Giant Dwarf]

Ahh... well if what you've made up 'read' is true about the 328i being a superior performer to the e46 330Ci, then it might make a heck of a good deal in two years to find one off-lease with only the Sports Pkg and about 40,000 kms for around $35,000 and the Certified Series warranty to 160k. 

[tonyg]

get a BWM 3 series if you want to draw less attention to your $50-60k car than a Pontiac Sunfire. Looks so bland it's almost invisible, but the performance is killer i'll give it that.

The usual suspects would be
350z
G35C
IS350
Cadilac CTS-V

Depends how many doors and seats he wants. Many would be surprised how good the CTS-V really is, and since its a GM product, you can get some really deep discounts on one.

[ghost]

Also check out the Legacy GT ltd. Very nice car for the price. Can be modded to insane power levels too.