| capjand4 |
If you are in a market of buying a sedan, and your budget will allow you to buy a loaded 330i, with navi and sports etc, or will you pick a 525 with just Premium Package?
Thanks for the inputs |
|
|
| TheWorm |
I like the 5 better than the 3, but the BMW nav sucks and has -0- value IMO. Nonetheless, I'd be inclined to get the loaded 330 as a 525 is underpowered.
One alternative might be to look at some low-mile CPO 530's or 540's, too. |
|
|
| asn |
| neither unless you like to visit your dealer all the time for warranty work..... |
|
|
| frostyra |
| I'm too tall for the 3, and the 5 series is marginal. One of the older 740IL's, though -- I could be tempted! |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by capjand4
If you are in a market of buying a sedan, and your budget will allow you to buy a loaded 330i, with navi and sports etc, or will you pick a 525 with just Premium Package?
Thanks for the inputs
It really depends what you want out of the car. If you can give me some ideas, it would help in giving you some thoughts.
However, I'll go with what I did.
I am 35 years old. I love the 3 and the 5 looks damn good, too. Honestly, I was not looking at getting a 5er. I don't feel like I am "old enough" for that car. Entirely subjective, I know. I wanted something sporty and that I could toss around. With that in mind, I needed suspension. The 330i has a standard sports-tuned suspension, the 525i does not. You would need to get the sports pack ($3300) for that assuming you are buying new and building your own model. http://byo.bmwusa.com/configurator/...e=XAB40BMC151A0
Obviously, the 5er is heavier than the 3er, too. The smaller engine in the 5er, especially with the step tranny is just a dog. So if you want some get up and go and want to be able to nail those corners, you might want to think 330i if your choice is ONLY between the two models.
I can answer more questions for you, but I really don't know what you are looking for. I would add that if you want more interior cabin room, you might want to really think about the 5er. If you are looking for a great driving auto primarily for you and only for you, you might actually want to look at CPO M3. In any event, check out this site for more info. Have fun test driving cars and then let us know what you do. :) |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by frostyra
I'm too tall for the 3, and the 5 series is marginal. One of the older 740IL's, though -- I could be tempted!
How tall are you? I am 6' 3" and fit more comfortably in my bimmer than any Acura I have ever driven. Of course, BMW does wonders with the cockpit. I'd never sit in the back seat of my 3er, but I would sit in the back seat of my MDX. |
|
|
| frostyra |
6'4" with LONG legs; my preferred driving position is arms and legs almost straight out. I can do it with my arms in my X, but not with my legs; 3-4" more rearward seat travel would help.
The 740IL is the most comfortable car I ever sat in -- haven't driven any BMWs. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by frostyra
6'4" with LONG legs; my preferred driving position is arms and legs almost straight out. I can do it with my arms in my X, but not with my legs; 3-4" more rearward seat travel would help.
The 740IL is the most comfortable car I ever sat in -- haven't driven any BMWs.
Every Japanese car I have ever driven required me to move the driver's seat as far back as I possibly could (I don't think I have quite maxed the MDX, though). With my 3er, I still have a few inches to spare. I was simply amazed. You might be surprised how well you'd fit into the 3er or the 5er. |
|
|
| Maik |
quote:
Originally posted by TheWorm
I like the 5 better than the 3, but the BMW nav sucks and has -0- value IMO. Nonetheless, I'd be inclined to get the loaded 330 as a 525 is underpowered.
One alternative might be to look at some low-mile CPO 530's or 540's, too.
Dont agree on this one, only thing in my opinion that the BMW nav is missing is a touch screen. Other than that I find it superior to the MDX in terms of routing logic and graphics. I am not interested in points of interest.
I totally agree to look for a low mileage 5 series. My wife drives a loaded 2002 530i which we love. We found it to be bigger, quieter, and more comfortable than the 330i. If new were the only option, I would still go for the 525.
The 530i is a blast to drive. |
|
|
| mdxxxx |
| 525 with just Premium Package... |
|
|
| frostyra |
quote:
Originally posted by twosomeca
You might be surprised how well you'd fit into the 3er or the 5er.
Going to the local auto show tomorrow morning -- I'll give 'em both a try if possible. I must admit to a prejudice against small cars, however; the Accord (and thus the 5 series or the E-Class) is about as small as I feel comfortable in.
Zafer, if you go to the show Sunday morning, I'm the tall bald guy with the gray fringe. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
The only thing that will get me out of the 3 series right now is the M or, maybe, a roadster. Don't get me wrong, the 5s are nice, as are the 7s, but Bangle has messed up the designs on both of those vehicles and the idrive, well, what can you say about it? I don't need it, nor do I want it.
I did test drive the 525i at the last Drive for the Cure (Susan Komen) event I went to. At this point in my life, it is just too much car as in weight and space for me. I see the 5er as more of a prestige or status car, and I guess some others agree with me since some have accused owners of the 3 of being BMW wannabe owners! :confused:
At the very least, test drive both cars and go from there, but be careful of getting a somewhat spartan 5er. You might be giving up a measure of happiness just to have some more space or prestige as the case might be. Not to sound mean, but whenever I see a 525, I shake my head and wonder why someone got that. Not that there is anything wrong with it, but there is such a huge subjective component when it comes to car-buying. |
|
|
| capjand4 |
| Basically my question was if you guys preferr a loaded car or a base model, but a higher end car? |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by capjand4
Basically my question was if you guys preferr a loaded car or a base model, but a higher end car?
I don't think a 525i stripper (ok, you said PP) is a "higher end" car than a 330i fully loaded, but that's just me. Really depends on definitions here. I think my 330i is better than just about every 525i that's out there, no matter what the configuration. :p |
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
I would go with the 5 as well, not sure how tall and big you are, but the 3 is way too small for me. The 3 kinda brings me back to my college days with my VW GTI, no elbow room, no knee room, etc, etc.
It also depend on what you want to do with it. If you plan to drive agreesively and beat on it, then the 3 is a better car for that, because it handles better. If you would like to just get to point a to point b comfortablely and drive it hard once a while, then I would pick the 5, But if BMW is not a must, then I would pick the TL over both of them. |
|
|
| sujainath |
| In general I would go with the lower model all decked out. In particular, I would consider an Audi A4 3.0 6spd w/ quattro which is what I went with. I did a lot of research and it came down to BMW and Audi (MB was out since my father has one). I liked the bimmer very much esp the styling but in the end Audi's commitment to quattro all-wheel drive (available on every model) unlike BMW which only offers it on select 3-series vehicles swayed me. Living in a snow-belt region like Rochester, you really should at least think about an Auid w/ quattro. I find it works about as well as the MDX in the snow. |
|
|
| mogur |
It's a no brainer for me: The 330I with Sport Package. The 5 is simply to large to be nearly as much fun to drive and is underpowered with anything smaller than the 3 liter. There are only two of us in my family, so rear seat room is not a consideration.
I have a 99 328I E46 with every option except automatic and rear side impact airbags, and I still love the car. 78,000 miles with no problems and it still drives and looks like new.
The Acura TL is nice but there is no comparision in how they drive.
quote:
Originally posted by capjand4
If you are in a market of buying a sedan, and your budget will allow you to buy a loaded 330i, with navi and sports etc, or will you pick a 525 with just Premium Package?
Thanks for the inputs
|
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
"The Acura TL is nice but there is no comparision "
He is right, there is no comparsion, a fully loaded 330ci is about $50000, while a fully loaded TL is about $34000, both similarly equipped. The TL has more horsepower but it doesnt handle as well the 330ci, but i would think that with the $16000 I save on the TL, I can modify the TL to handle better than the 330ci. In my opinion, if you remove the BMW badge from the vehicle, the 330ci would be about $10000 cheaper. Not sure about the rest of you, but I would not pay $10000 for a stinking badge. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
"The Acura TL is nice but there is no comparision "
He is right, there is no comparsion, a fully loaded 330ci is about $50000, while a fully loaded TL is about $34000, both similarly equipped. The TL has more horsepower but it doesnt handle as well the 330ci, but i would think that with the $16000 I save on the TL, I can modify the TL to handle better than the 330ci. In my opinion, if you remove the BMW badge from the vehicle, the 330ci would be about $10000 cheaper. Not sure about the rest of you, but I would not pay $10000 for a stinking badge.
Wrong, dude, and my 330i was nowhere near $50,000 in price. I digressed from responding to your other post, but I just can't hold my tongue any longer. You sound like someone who doesn't like BMW and you also sound like someone who truly doesn't know what he is talking about. :rolleyes:
The TL is a great car, but the 330i is even better, even with the improvements to the new TL. The new 3er may be another story come MY 2006. We can discuss that then. In the meantime, the 330i deserves a lot more respect than you are willing to accord it.
P.S. I guess because I have a 330i I am a stinkin' badge wearer, right? Clueless, man. Really. :rolleyes: |
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
"I just can't hold my tongue any longer"
Well, you should have hold your tongue a little longer, because you sounded alot more intellegent with your tongue held!!!!!
Next time read the whole forum before you make a reponse. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
"I just can't hold my tongue any longer"
Well, you should have hold your tongue a little longer, because you sounded alot more intellegent with your tongue held!!!!!
Next time read the whole forum before you make a reponse.
Are you really that dense? Guy comes on and asks for advice. Different suggestions are given. You state an opinion with a hint of insult (badge-wearing comment) and expect a free ride? I don't think so. At the very least, you should have read the "whole forum" before you made a response and realized that other people on this board might have a BMW. Instead, you either didn't read that, or didn't give a damn and then went on with your opinion. Well opinions are like __________, everyone has one. You have yours, I have mine. Since you don't give a **** about my opinion, then you can certainly rest assured that I do not give a **** about yours. Later. |
|
|
| laborlitigator |
| Argue the facts and let's not get personalize anything. Otherwise, the thread will be closed. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Argue the facts and let's not get personalize anything. Otherwise, the thread will be closed.
This is one reason that I just have the MDX in the sig. I generally try to stay out of the comparos equation. In the end, we all have an MDX and share that in common, but I guess for some of us our similarities end right there. If we are going to talk cars outside of the Acura brand, there is always the risk that someone is not going to like hearing how X car is a POS or whatever. Well some people spend a fair amount of $$ on their cars and don't like to be equated to being a "badge wearer" or driving a POS. That kind of BS shouldn't be going on here, but maybe it makes some people feel better. :confused: |
|
|
| msu79gt82 |
| Neither, I'd pick an '04 TL :1: (And CR, and others, agree vs. the 3 series). Money no object then an SC430 |
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
The topic was:
Would you pick a fully loaded 330ci or a base 5 series, both costing about the same, I said I would pick a TL over both the 5 series and the fully loaded 330ci, which runs about $50000. I didnt ask twosomeca how much his baby 3 cost, nor was that even the topic. I guess some people need to do more reading and less talking. |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
The topic was:
Would you pick a fully loaded 330ci or a base 5 series, both costing about the same, I said I would pick a TL over both the 5 series and the fully loaded 330ci, which runs about $50000. I didnt ask twosomeca how much his baby 3 cost, nor was that even the topic. I guess some people need to do more reading and less talking.
One question - have you ever driven a 3 series BMW ?
If so, which model and year ? That would speak volumes to some of us out here . . . |
|
|
| Nanagirl |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
Not sure about the rest of you, but I would not pay $10000 for a stinking badge.
Hold on now, isn't the TL just a Honda with a different badge. Let's not go overboard with the descriptions. And no, I don't own a beemer either. |
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
| I had a 1993 325I for about 3 years, it was a nice little car. I have a friend that owns a M3 which I have driven hard. I really have nothing aginst BMW at all, I think they are great handling cars, but I would never pay $50000 for a compact car, IMHO, its foolish. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
| I think I see what the problem is. The man has little experience with modern BMWs. He assumes that a 3er costs $50,000 when he is really talking about an M3. having a 1993 325i and having driven an M3 once tells me that he lacks knowledge and respect for this vehicle. It would seem as though he knows nothing of the E46, the upcoming E90, and anything and everything else going on with the car. He is fixated on the roundel (uh, the badge). I am very proud of my 330. I worked very hard for it. I don't discuss it much on this forum because this is an Acura board. I am sorry if I seem a bit sensative about it, but there's nothing worse than someone who knows not what he speaks of coming onto a message board and start throwing out back-handed insults. So, I'll take my much-less-than-$50,000 POS badge and go talk about it somewhere else. When this guy stops shooting his mouth off, I'll stop shooting mine off. :rolleyes: At least I have a current familiarity with the BMW line and I believe I offered up a good opinion to the original question. To reiterate, I suggest that the original poster test drive the vehicles and see for himself. Only he/she can make the choice that is best for him/her. The last thing he/she should do is listen to someone who knows nothing of the cars under question and who chooses to do nothing but insult the line. :rolleyes: |
|
|
| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by capjand4
If you are in a market of buying a sedan, and your budget will allow you to buy a loaded 330i, with navi and sports etc, or will you pick a 525 with just Premium Package?
Thanks for the inputs
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
The topic was:
Would you pick a fully loaded 330ci or a base 5 series, both costing about the same, I said I would pick a TL over both the 5 series and the fully loaded 330ci, which runs about $50000...I guess some people need to do more reading and less talking.
My bad, I too said a TL - so to answer the question "exactly" as worded - NEITHER (I'd have to save my hard earned money) :1: |
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
I dont think I know what twosomeca's problem is, in fact I know what his problem is. twosomeca's problem is he is too lazy to read the topic and do some research before he start posting subjects that has nothing to do with the thread.
Quote "He assumes that a 3er costs $50,000 when he is really talking about an M3" ...........If you do a little research in Edmunds, a fully loaded 04 330ci with nav is very close to $50000. The original topic was rather to buy a fully loaed 330ci or a base 5 series, the writer also mention that both were very close in price.
FYI, you cannot get a fully loaded M3 for $50000, I am sorry. For a so call BMW man with self proclaim knowledge of the modern BMWs. You do not even seem to know the basics. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
I dont think I know what twosomeca's problem is, in fact I know what his problem is. twosomeca's problem is he is too lazy to read the topic and do some research before he start posting subjects that has nothing to do with the thread.
Quote "He assumes that a 3er costs $50,000 when he is really talking about an M3" ...........If you do a little research in Edmunds, a fully loaded 04 330ci with nav is very close to $50000. The original topic was rather to buy a fully loaed 330ci or a base 5 series, the writer also mention that both were very close in price.
FYI, you cannot get a fully loaded M3 for $50000, I am sorry. For a so call BMW man with self proclaim knowledge of the modern BMWs. You do not even seem to know the basics.
Do you want to keep arguing about this? Ok, let's do it. :wtf: No one ever talked about a fully loaded M3. As for the 330ci, it really depends on what "fully loaded" means. Yeah, every possible option, I am sure you could get up in price, that is why I suggested a CPO M3 if he was going to get up there in $$. :shizhap:
You are playing a semantical game here. You are being a butthole about this. Had you made your comments without insinuating that people buy BMWs only because of the badge, maybe this wouldn't have happened, but instead of letting it go, you are like a pit bull and can't let go. Go find something else to do other than trying to pee in other people's cornflakes.
:shutup: |
|
|
| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
He is right, there is no comparsion, a fully loaded 330ci is about $50000, while a fully loaded TL is about $34000, both similarly equipped. The TL has more horsepower but it doesnt handle as well the 330ci, but i would think that with the $16000 I save on the TL, I can modify the TL to handle better than the 330ci. In my opinion, if you remove the BMW badge from the vehicle, the 330ci would be about $10000 cheaper. Not sure about the rest of you, but I would not pay $10000 for a stinking badge.
I think we are not talking apples to apples here ($ to $), and therein lies the dispute b/w Hope.. & Twosome.. here's a subjective view on reality:
A fully loaded 330i (not a 330ci - which is the coupe and does cost more than the sedan) will invoice out at apprx $42.5 + ttl (prem pkg, sport pkg, navi). I use invoice because the current 3 series will be phased out in less than 12 months and BMW dealers here in socal will deal or you can use a car broker that can get you a 330i for $500 over invoice.
A '04 TL with Navi & sport tires will MSRP at $35.5 + ttl - I use MSRP because as we all know thru our experience with the MDX, Acura dealers will not go below sticker for a 'demand' car and try to hose you with a 'mkt adj' fee or overpriced forced options - you might be lucky to get a TL for under sticker, but at least for the 1st yr, MSRP will be the norm.
I see a realistic spread of only $7k b/w the 330i and TL. Is that a lot, maybe to some, but it's not 16k as was suggested. You can argue the point of value to ad nauseum, but don't kid yourselves, there is a definite prestige & perception difference b/w the 330i & TL - isn't that why we all have the MDX and not Pilots ?
Since the early 70's every car maker has tried to copy, compete against, compare itself or simply build a car similar to the 2002/3 series. Car & Driver has had the 3 series as one of their 10Best for 12+ yrs - simply put the industry benchmark has always been the 3 series, and will always be until someone can make one better . . . |
|
|
| hopeitsfriday |
Twosomeca:
Heres another foot in the mouth quote from you " No one ever talked about a fully loaded M3. As for the 330ci " ahhh, but we are talking about a loaded 330 series.
If you have read this thread as I have suggust 10 post ago you would have read the original post by capjand4:
"If you are in a market of buying a sedan, and your budget will allow you to buy a loaded 330i, with navi and sports etc, or will you pick a 525 with just Premium Package?"
Note the word loaded 330i, so as soon as you get your foot out of your mouth, you can try to come back with another reply, which will likely stick that same foot back into that same mouth again.
And please try to keep the profanity down in your post, there may be some youngster in these forum. I know you are piss off because you are losing this debate, but try to be a good sport about it and stay away from the vulgarity please. |
|
|
| twosomeca |
quote:
Originally posted by hopeitsfriday
Twosomeca:
Heres another foot in the mouth quote from you " No one ever talked about a fully loaded M3. As for the 330ci " ahhh, but we are talking about a loaded 330 series.
If you have read this thread as I have suggust 10 post ago you would have read the original post by capjand4:
"If you are in a market of buying a sedan, and your budget will allow you to buy a loaded 330i, with navi and sports etc, or will you pick a 525 with just Premium Package?"
Note the word loaded 330i, so as soon as you get your foot out of your mouth, you can try to come back with another reply, which will likely stick that same foot back into that same mouth again.
And please try to keep the profanity down in your post, there may be some youngster in these forum. I know you are piss off because you are losing this debate, but try to be a good sport about it and stay away from the vulgarity please.
Hey, thanks for the last word. Again, I see what the problem is. There is a difference between a 330i and a 330ci. Nevertheless, who cares? Read the other posts in this thread by the other members. This argument thing is ridiculous. It is apparent that you continue to post on this thread for the sole purpose of baiting. You can't let things go. I am going to let things go right here. I gave a constructive answer to the orginal question. I tried to be helpful. Your post was a bit mean-spirited in nature, less helpful to the original poster, imo, and you said some things that most BMW owners would strongly disagree with. I let the first one go, but you came back and did it again. That's why you have gotten the responses that you did from me. You can continue to try to insult me and be demeaning. I am done with you. I am done with this thread, and, I guess, I am done talking about BMWs. Some here on this forum don't have the inferiority complex that you demonstrate. Some here don't feel the need to goad and continue with an assinine charade of the sort that you are perpetuating here. This is it, my man. We are done. Latah! Have the last word if you like; I have had mine. :4: |
|
|
|
