Topic: looking to buy a new car

[bmwcoupes]

Hi All,

I'm looking to replace my 1990 BMW 325i Coupe with something a little more modern.
I'm trying to debate between a 2012 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe (premium paint, automatic transmission, executive package) for 58,800$ and a
2012 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe (premium paint, wood trim, premium package w/ leather interior, automatic transmission) for 52,285$. I'm not sure which one to choose. I wouldn't have too much of a problem spending the extra 6,000$, but I'm not sure if it's justified. What's your opinion?

Also, is there anything else I should consider looking at? I'm pretty set on a BMW right now but if there's something out there that catches my eye/fits what I want I may give it a look.

Thanks.

[wing]

Want more power?  Get the 335, don't really care, save the $6k.

The power is addicting though!

[Flinter]

For that kinda coin I'd also take a look at the Audi S4/S5.

[Julie]

Cons for the 335:  the infamous HPFP issue.  Appears to be less of an issue post-recall and with the newer 2011+ models (which have the N55 single turbo, twin scroll, "twin power" engine, as opposed to the N54 twin-turbo engine of previous years).  Reliability of previous models below average (Consumer Reports)  

Cons for the 328:  auto transmission for the 328 models is a little sluggish, in particular with heavier 328 x-drive.  (is a GM-sourced unit, whereas the 335i has a well-rated ZF auto tranny.  Reliability above average (Consumer Reports)

I was well-versed in the HPFP issue, but test drove the 335i and changed my mind.  Car's over 30K now, no issues to date.  I only put in Shell V-power (no ethanol) since the beginning.  Motor kept getting better over several thousand km, and I'm still wowed to this day... especially in DS mode (make sure you try that )

Honestly, if you drive the 328 x-drive and you feel no issues (try slowing down merging onto a highway and then attempting to rapidly accelerate, that's when you should notice the lag if you feel one...) and/or are concerned about long-term reliability, 328 is a great bet.  EDIT:  The 2012 328i coupes will also be the last to have the naturally-aspirated classic inline 6's from BMW - they will move to twin-turbo 4 cylinders with the new generation (which starts in 2013 for the coupe).  In case you didn't want turbos.  

Suggested competition to test drive:  Audi S4.  And the new 2012 C63 coupe if it is out yet...  That's about all I'd test drive.  Well, and the M3 too, but that's another story...

[rrocket]

Should also look at the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37

[No H2O]

I'm looking to replace my 1990 BMW 325i Coupe with something a little more modern.

If you are the original owner/bought it new, how did you make out with it in your 21 years of ownership?

[bmwcoupes]

I'm looking to replace my 1990 BMW 325i Coupe with something a little more modern.

If you are the original owner/bought it new, how did you make out with it in your 21 years of ownership?

I am the only owner, purchased it new in October 1989 (22 years ago)
It hasn't been as bad as old BMWs are often said to be.
The only things that have been done are things that are expected to be done for a car of it's age and mileage (it's currently at 275,000 km).
I've always kept up with it's maintenance, washing every few weeks, rust proofing, etc... so the body is in great shape with no rust and it's pretty good mechanically as well.
The maintenance has been more expensive than a domestic car, but it's been pretty reliable most of the time.
During the past year though, things have started to go wrong. The power windows don't work most of the time, the engine is eating too much oil, the wheels are turning brown, trim pieces are falling off, etc...
It's time to replace it, but overall it's been great.

[bmwcoupes]

Cons for the 335:  the infamous HPFP issue.  Appears to be less of an issue post-recall and with the newer 2011+ models (which have the N55 single turbo, twin scroll, "twin power" engine, as opposed to the N54 twin-turbo engine of previous years).  Reliability of previous models below average (Consumer Reports)  

Cons for the 328:  auto transmission for the 328 models is a little sluggish, in particular with heavier 328 x-drive.  (is a GM-sourced unit, whereas the 335i has a well-rated ZF auto tranny.  Reliability above average (Consumer Reports)

I was well-versed in the HPFP issue, but test drove the 335i and changed my mind.  Car's over 30K now, no issues to date.  I only put in Shell V-power (no ethanol) since the beginning.  Motor kept getting better over several thousand km, and I'm still wowed to this day... especially in DS mode (make sure you try that )

Honestly, if you drive the 328 x-drive and you feel no issues (try slowing down merging onto a highway and then attempting to rapidly accelerate, that's when you should notice the lag if you feel one...) and/or are concerned about long-term reliability, 328 is a great bet.  EDIT:  The 2012 328i coupes will also be the last to have the naturally-aspirated classic inline 6's from BMW - they will move to twin-turbo 4 cylinders with the new generation (which starts in 2013 for the coupe).  In case you didn't want turbos.  

Suggested competition to test drive:  Audi S4.  And the new 2012 C63 coupe if it is out yet...  That's about all I'd test drive.  Well, and the M3 too, but that's another story...

I'm looking to purchase the car new so the HPFP issue won't affect me, since the car will be either 2011-2012.
On that note, I really enjoyed the 335i's performance on the highway.

On the other hand, I'm inclined to get the 328i because, as you mentioned, it's reliability.
This will most likely be my last car, and since I'm probably going to have it 10+ years, reliability is definitely a factor (especially since I'm going to be retiring in the next few years or so). I didn't find the performance that much of a drop compared to the 335i but I'm a bit hesistant with the 328i since it's the basic model and it's the one everyone has and such.

I'm definitely going to go with this generation because I'm not really interested at all with the whole turbo 4-cylinder deal. I prefer an inline-6.

I definitely wouldn't purchase the S4 or a C63. I'm 73 years old and I don't think it would be too good if I came to work in my car with a big V8, throaty exhaust, and 19" wheels. Coming from a 21 year old car, I think that would be too flashy for me. Especially if I have this car when I'm 80.
One of the things I like about the 335i is that you get good performance but the overall package is understated (you can get the 335i xDrive with 17" rims).

I would probably be more interested in the A5 as well as the C350 Coupe, but I just don't trust these brands as much. Especially with M-Bs reliablity issues and Audi's newness. I make give them a look as well.

[bmwcoupes]

Should also look at the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37

As for the Infiniti I think it's too flashy, noisy, unrefined for what I'm looking for.
I think I would be more interested in the G25 but they don't make that in a coupe and the performance is too low.
If they made something in the middle performance-wise and in a coupe I would definitely give it a look.

As for the Lexus, I think it just portrays an image of an old-person car too much.
I also don't know what the story with Lexus is going to be in 10 years so I'm a little hesitant.
I find it also lacks some prestige.

[aaronk]

I can't blame you for citing MB's reliability issues. On the flip side, having a naturally aspirated motor may prove to be a significant asset in terms of maintenance and reliability 10+ years down the road. All of BMM's motors in the cars you mentioned are turbocharged, and while that may not be a problem for the first while, those Bimmer engines of late aren't exactly known for their bank vault solidity.

Can you still get an Audi with a 3.2 N/A V6 or is everything a turbo now?

[rrocket]

I also don't know what the story with Lexus is going to be in 10 years so I'm a little hesitant.
I find it also lacks some prestige.

Ummm....Ok....

As for the Lexus, I think it just portrays an image of an old-person car too much.

Didn't you say you were 73??  I'm pretty sure that makes you old no matter what car you're driving.  Average age for a Lexus IS owner is 41 (younger than average BMW owner of 49 by the way)..so in fact it might make you look younger.   

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I definitely wouldn't purchase the S4 or a C63. I'm 73 years old and I don't think it would be too good if I came to work in my car with a big V8, throaty exhaust, and 19" wheels. Coming from a 21 year old car, I think that would be too flashy for me. Especially if I have this car when I'm 80.

Heh. My 69 year old mother drives a Mustang convertible, tpl drives a GTI and wizened old ovr50 () drove an M3 up until recently.

Style is a very personal thing though, whatever works for you.

[rrocket]

I definitely wouldn't purchase the S4 or a C63. I'm 73 years old and I don't think it would be too good if I came to work in my car with a big V8, throaty exhaust, and 19" wheels.

FWIW, the S4 is a supercharged 6 cylinder.

[ktm525]

A couple of older gentlemen who are business asociates have backed off the big engine cars of their past. In their own words "I don't have the reaction time, reflexes, eyesight, or nerves to handle that HP"  Now I know why the Mercedes S320 exsisted.

[sailor723]

Should also look at the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37

Great cars in their own way but I'm beginning to think that it's really a case of an "apples and oranges" sort of thing.. People who like the Japanese type will choose between Lexus,Acura and Infiniti while the Euro-centric's among us will naturally gravitate toward MB,BMW Audi etc.

My wife's recent car search drove home the fact that the two groups of cars really do seem to me to be different flavours.

[rrocket]

Should also look at the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37

Great cars in their own way but I'm beginning to think that it's really a case of an "apples and oranges" sort of thing.. People who like the Japanese type will choose between Lexus,Acura and Infiniti while the Euro-centric's among us will naturally gravitate toward MB,BMW Audi etc.

My wife's recent car search drove home the fact that the two groups of cars really do seem to me to be different flavours.

Indeed.  I'm not ever sure why he asked what else he should be looking at since he seems bent on getting another BMW.

[sailor723]

Should also look at the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37

Great cars in their own way but I'm beginning to think that it's really a case of an "apples and oranges" sort of thing.. People who like the Japanese type will choose between Lexus,Acura and Infiniti while the Euro-centric's among us will naturally gravitate toward MB,BMW Audi etc.

My wife's recent car search drove home the fact that the two groups of cars really do seem to me to be different flavours.

Indeed.  I'm not ever sure why he asked what else he should be looking at since he seems bent on getting another BMW.

Well,in all fairness,he did say he was "pretty set on BMW" and the main thrust of his question was more along the lines of 328 vs 335

[bmwcoupes]

I can't blame you for citing MB's reliability issues. On the flip side, having a naturally aspirated motor may prove to be a significant asset in terms of maintenance and reliability 10+ years down the road. All of BMM's motors in the cars you mentioned are turbocharged, and while that may not be a problem for the first while, those Bimmer engines of late aren't exactly known for their bank vault solidity.

Can you still get an Audi with a 3.2 N/A V6 or is everything a turbo now?

The current 328i xDrive coupe uses a 3.0L regularly aspirated inline six. I think they're planning to replace it with the new turbo four in the next generation coupe, which is why I'd like to get one now (I don't like turbo fours). Earlier 335i's had problems with the HPFPs but it seems this was resolved when they switched from the twin-turbo to the single-turbo.

Unfortunately you can no longer get the A4/A5 with the V6.
I would have seriously considered it if it was still offered since I prefer a 6-cylinder over a 4-cylinder, but the last year they made it was in 2009 and I don't want to buy used.

[bmwcoupes]

I also don't know what the story with Lexus is going to be in 10 years so I'm a little hesitant.
I find it also lacks some prestige.

Ummm....Ok....

As for the Lexus, I think it just portrays an image of an old-person car too much.

Didn't you say you were 73??  I'm pretty sure that makes you old no matter what car you're driving.  Average age for a Lexus IS owner is 41 (younger than average BMW owner of 49 by the way)..so in fact it might make you look younger.   

I don't know, Lexus has always been associated with someone old and boring.

[bmwcoupes]

I definitely wouldn't purchase the S4 or a C63. I'm 73 years old and I don't think it would be too good if I came to work in my car with a big V8, throaty exhaust, and 19" wheels. Coming from a 21 year old car, I think that would be too flashy for me. Especially if I have this car when I'm 80.

Heh. My 69 year old mother drives a Mustang convertible, tpl drives a GTI and wizened old ovr50 () drove an M3 up until recently.

Style is a very personal thing though, whatever works for you.

I'm still working in a very professional job so if I (a 70 year old man) comes to pick up clients in some hot rod it might seem a little weird. If I was buying a toy car as a second vehicle I only used in the summer, I may have considered this, but since I will be using this car for business and in the winter, I'd prefer something that blends in more and is more conservative.