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2009 BMW 3-Series
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Comments
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport; 2020 C43; 2021 Sahara 4xe 1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica Wife's: 2015 X1 xDrive28i Son's: 2009 328i; 2018 330i xDrive
Phrases such as "strangely anesthetized", "almost soulless", "delicately nuanced feedback", and "crisp turn-in" may mean something to the person who wrote the article, but to me they make no sense at all.
I would never consider buying a car based on the opinion of some so-called "expert" who uses phrases that only he or she seems to understand.
I like my 2009 328i sedan. It doesn't feel anesthetized or soulless and I think it has excellent feedback. I don't know about its "turn-in", though. I still have no idea what that means.
If you like the 2009 E90 335i, buy it. It's that simple.
Now, getting back to the subject. Anyone who has bought or leased a car knows that you learn almost nothing on a test drive with a salesman bending your ear the whole time and plenty of times I have bought it and its not "that simple" especially if you have buyers remorse afterward. So the forums are one of the best places to do research on a car. I know I like the 3, its just what flavor of 3 should I get. I had a 2003 and loved it-not so sure about the 2009. Bimmer thought the new 328 was souless and the 335 was just faster and still souless comparatively. Anyone out there have an opinion who has had both old and new platforms?
I disagree. I've bought plenty of new cars (and test driven many, many more). If the salesperson comes with me (which they often don't) and they want to talk, I ask them to please not speak.
I turn off stability control and pay attention to the dynamics. I am sure to test the steering feel, brakes, turn-in, understeer, oversteer, body roll, body structure, quietness, seat comfort, air conditioning, stereo sound, etc.
Anyone who pays attention while test-driving a car can do all of this in less than 30 minutes (15 minutes driving and 15 minutes in the lot). Heck, I've spent 4 hours in an electronics store just to purchase a set of $500 stereo speakers. Surely a $35,000 car is worth an investment of time and research? If you're serious about purchasing, don't be in a hurry to get out of there.
I would tell the salesperson that you'd like to drive the car to your house to show it to the family, make sure it fits in the garage, test fit baby seats, whatever. Heck, I've had salespeople offer to let me keep a car overnight (and I've done it).
When you're spending $35,000+ on a car, you are in control, not the salesman. If they don't bend over backwards to please you, take your time and money elsewhere.
Fact is, unless you're able and willing to dish out P-Car money, the best you can do with today is to get a 335i ...or perhaps a 370Z. But, I don't really like the Z's space ship look. The car looks like it could Zap you..perhaps that's what Z stands fer..hmm. So..the 335, to me..is the best one can do for at or under $45k right now.
I hope, more than anything, that BMW will focus on weight... Under 3000 lbs should be a goal for the next 3. The 135 moves in the right direction in terms of weight but went in the opposite direction in terms of styling and image. I say..Loose the 1 series...focus on making the 3 lighter. ..emm, and improve Low end torque even MORE! Now that Bangle is gone..who knows, It's possible!
Joseph
San Diego
The 230hp I6 definitely gets up to speed. Many times I blasted onto the highway and saw the needle sweep past the 90 mph mark. However, I got in our '07 X3 tonight after turning the coupe in and the X3 felt like it pulled harder. I always say the X3 isn't lightning fast, but when you drop the hammer, it hustles. So I guess more power could help (It always can).
You can definitely feel the weight of this bad boy when cornering.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The 335i is a great sedan, but it doesn't belong in the same sentence as a Porsche coupe or 370Z. The Porsche and 370Z are primarily sports cars - the BMW is primarily a compromise.
"Under 3000 lbs should be a goal for the next 3."
My goal is to work for NASA as a Space Shuttle pilot. :P
by the way..
[1987-1990] E30 M3 2733 lbs <-- 21 years ago!
Joseph
San Diego
It is completely unacceptable as a sport/luxury car by today's standards. Even though it's a BMW, it has almost nothing in common with today's Bavarian Behemoths. They'll never build one like it again.
If you want to drive a Lotus Exige but need a backseat, it's the perfect car for you - if you can find one.
From what I've read, BMW seems to be going away from their roots of designing small, nimble cars that are a blast to drive and throw around to well behaved highway cruisers. Maybe they feel a need to compete more directly against Lexus/Infinity/Acura.
Everything they add to a car adds weight. Whether it's power windows and seats, sun roofs, ABS, active suspensions, (you name it) - it all takes a toll on weight. Every pound adds up, 'ti' the low 3000 lb car of 20 years ago is now a high 3000 lb vehicle.
Thanks,
Regards,
OW
http://support.vzw.com/how_to_use/bluetooth_car_kit.html#a1
Any suggestions are welcome, BMW service is useless so far.
Thanks,
Mike
Here's the recent "major change" schedule for the sedan:
From E36 to E46:
1999 MY
From E46 to E90:
2006 MY
From E90 to E??:
2013 MY?
So my best guess is that you'll see a new 3 Series in late 2012 for the 2013 model year.
-Steven
-Steven
Actually if you are a fairly tall/large person you'd best take a good 1/2 hour ride in one, and pay attention to how you feel, comfort-wise. Are you legs hitting anything. Does your back feel pinched or your shoulders restricted? How's head room? 3 Series can be a little tight for some people.
Have you decided on a 328 or 335? coupe or sedan?
I'm at the end of my CPO lease on a 2003 330i. The car has been a gem and mileage is low, so I'm interested in buying the car. Considering the current turmoil in the car market, I'm wondering what is the best basis for determining my purchase offer to BMWFS? The end-of-lease residual value is $13,300 which is near the projected (Edmunds) wholesale value. However, would BMWFS something less, on the order of $11,000.
Thanks,
TTG
BMW Financial would much prefer to sell your car at auction I think.
BMW 2009 convertible 328i
options: sports; USB/IPOD; heated front seats
36mo
12K miles
drive off: 1500
650/month (including CA tax)
is that a good deal?
I believe MF = 0.00195 (ist time Bimmer customer)
RV = 60%
thanks let me know guys
I really appreciate it
-SRF
In the 3-series, they hope to be able to place a small interdimensional portal in the trunk to create an additional 3 cubic feet of space for a full-size spare tire. In the 7 series, the portal will be large enough to fit a human body (with limbs intact).
As an added bonus, the wheel and tire (or whatever you choose to put in there) will add no weight to the car!
Best regards,
Shipo
See you there!
Thanks!
If it's tied to smaller tire sidewalls, in general, smaller tire sidewalls = more road feel and better handling.
PS-this is based on my (lmtd) knowledge of tires, and not on my exp with BMW
Thanks
Jake
Does the Chrome around the windows of the 3 series come standard? I just purchased a new 3 series 328i and the salesperson told me that the chrome around the windows is not standard. If it is not standard does anyone know how much it would cost to get them installed?
Best regards,
Shipo
2003 X5 3.0 - awesome SUV, handles great regardless of road condition, very powerful but stiff handling, good acceleration at lower and high speeds, the engine roar sounds great.
2005 MDX - drives like a car, very comfortable and smooth, doesn not handle as well as X5, acceleration better at high speeds but fair at lower speeds.
2009 328i - awesome driving, great road feel, responsive, driver and car become one entity.