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2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
How many of you were one the fence about the coupe vs sedan decision? What did you decide to go with and what was your rationale?
I have been leaning towards the coupe for the same reason that Komisky articulated above. However, I'm now considering just going whole hog and getting the 330Ci Convertible (I've always wanted one).
Does anyone have personal experience regarding how much performance I will lose by going topless? By performance, I'm referring to body tightness, acceleration, etc. In other words, all of the things that make the 330i so wonderful...how much will they be muted by losing the top?
To be honest, I'm having a difficult time deciding which 3 series to get. I was impressed with the 325i sedan, but each step up from there delivers more and more satisfaction. The only one I would never consider is the M3 Convertible because it's just too much money. Where to draw the line (and the cheque) is the tough part!
-The seats get dirty very quickly and the sticky sap from the trees must be continually wiped off.
-Convertibles are very hot in the summer so get used to sweating a lot.
-The top will rattle after a few months.
-Both of my convertibles developed leaks where the top meets the windows.
-There will be a lot of wind noise.
-Don't remember if there was a higher insurance premium.
On the other hand, if you don't mind a little dirt in your eyes, a convertible can be very enjoyable on summer nights after the sun has set.
More recently however, I owned a '94 Mazda Miata and never experienced any of the issues that the Alfa was plagued with. It was tight, quiet (relatively), and rarely rattled or leaked.
Funny, although the Miata was superior to the Alfa in every way, if I could choose one again today, I'd take the Alfa in a heartbeat.
http://www.houston-bmwcca.com/driving/carcontrol/carcontrol03.htm
I prefer the lines of the coupe (are they pretty or what?) Also, I just don't like the front of the sedan.
My 2 kids have no problems in the back. One uses a booster, and there is reasonable space for getting her set-up on the booster. (our other vehicle is a Honda Odyssey, and we used it most of the time when we take the kids, without it, I might have picked the sedan)
Adults at least up to 6ft are comfortable in the back.
Following extensive surgery, BMW just inverted the turning signals from left to right and viceversa, so now it points up (smile) instead of down (mean?)
Do you guys like the Joan Rivers (post facelift #237) look of the 2003, or the previous appareance of the 2002 model?
Of course, this is just my personal opinion! (it is funny to analyze how this companies completely change the look of the car by doing this "complete extensive redesign" which means just switching the turning lights in betwen!)
I currently have a 330i on order for European Delivery in June. One option that I've been waivering back and forth on is the Navigation system. I've never had navigation in my cars, but I've heard good things about them in general. It would be great for road trips and finding my way to new places around town without always getting on the computer and printing out maps from mapquest.
My concern with ordering the BMW Nav system is (1) cost ($1640 invoice price), and (2) relatively lackluster reviews by people, esp. in comparison to other brands like Toyota/Lexus and Acura.
Any recommendations or thoughts either way regarding the BMW navigation, in particular the current DVD-based system, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help everyone!
In all honesty, it was kinda of a pain to use. If you put in directions and knew the way but wanted to "test the system" it would sometimes send you a different way that would be longer. To me it was easier to call to get directions on the cell phone then try to enter the address while driving. I would want it if I bought a used BMW to let the first owner eat the cost. I would not order the option if buying new.
As for coupe or convertible: when I was considering the 3 series last year, I was going fo a coupe all the way. But I was 26 and single at the time. I ended up choosing a Honda Prelude which is actually less practical then the 3 coupe.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I disagree:
" -The seats get dirty very quickly and the sticky sap from the trees must be continually wiped off.
-Convertibles are very hot in the summer so get used to sweating a lot.
-The top will rattle after a few months.
-Both of my convertibles developed leaks where the top meets the windows.
-There will be a lot of wind noise.
-Don't remember if there was a higher insurance premium."
A. Put the top up when you park under a tree (and everywhere else; why leave it down; it's autamatic.
B. Well of course it is, there is no top. But if you get hot, put the top up and turn on the AC.
C. I had mine two years. No rattles
D. Duh. Of course there will be wind noise....it has no top.
E. I don't think there is any insurance diffference.
Convertibles are great. There is some overall firmness being that there is no top. However, it is a BMW. It's plenty firm.
It does cost more. ;(
Of course, the Z4 is pretty... ah, different. But I would've sprung for a Z3 without reservation.
-Colin
In the end, I decided to get the nav, and I bet every car I buy in the future will have a Nav. I'm not saying I am in love with the BMW NAV, but it can be very practical, and it super improves the car's interior, IMO.
Ask yourself this (if you're financing some of the price): is it worth the extra 35-ish dollars/month? I can still answer that question affirmatively.
The best way to analyze it is to see how many people out there with the nav are saying it is NOT worth it? I think you'll find that an overwhelming majority (including myself) say they are glad they have it.
In other words, just bite the bullet and order it ;-)
All Model Years:
1) Cost, I simply cannot justify $1,800 for a fancy map, however, if we are talking about my wife, $3,000 isn't too much money. ;-)
2) Cost of a periodic update is WAY more than a new Rand-McNally map book, and (based upon comments that I have heard) often times less accurate.
Pre 2003 3-Series and All 5-Series:
3) Cannot have the in-dash CD and the NAV system, you must opt for the cassette instead. Ugh!
Pre 2003, All 3-Series and 5-Series models:
4) NAV system was CD based, and required you to carry (purchase?) seperate CDs for different parts of the country.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Is it worth it? I have used it plenty in my first year and have 23,000 miles,10 states and 4 countries to validate it.
Is it accurate? Not always, it failed me most in my birthplace, Ipswich, England. It fail some more in my father's home town, Luton,England. I works quite well in Houston until I get downtown.
The cassette player in the dash actually benefits me. I have over 300 cassettes and most religious material still comes on cassette. By the time some ministeries start using CDs, some other medium will out there.
I would love to have the DVD based system but I have not seen the prices of the disc. As it stands now, you can get a set of updated disc for $200 to $300. If the update DVD costs $300, then you are only paying for convienence.
It is good, because this co-pilot does not go to sleep. It is not the easiest system to use, I like the Nissan/Renault NAV but the BMW Nav does the job. I don't think I would want the touch-screen. I don't like grubby finger prints on anything.
To tell you the truth there are very few options that are worth the money. IMHO, the only options that look like they are worth the money are the Bi-Xenon, SP and CWP.
Best Regards,
Shipo
i think for me, the extra $30 per month will be worth it for the added convenience of the NAV. still wish it was cheaper than the $1640 invoice price though.
(1) Would I lose free scheduled maintenance?
(2) The costs to modify a 3-series to English specs?
(3) Costs to ship?
(4) In general, do you think it's worth it?
I'd prefer to bring my car over because I'd take a big loss selling a 6 month old car and because cars are so expensive over there (that VAT is killer).
You would lose the free maintenance because their warranty is not as long as ours. Since you bought your car thru BMWNA, the warranty is different. You could probably call BMWNA on this. You should not have to change much but I can contact my brother. It is not illegal to have a LHD in England, some Brits have been known to buy their cars in Bellgium because of the ridiculous cost of some cars in the UK. I don't know the cost involved to taking a car to the UK. If you email me at seivwrig@swbell.net, I'll check with my brother before he get sent to war.
Now, would I lose some bargaining power by telling them about the exact car I want and having them find it for me?
If they don't have the car I am looking for and they need to order it, then will I need to sign a contract to order the car, ie stuck buying it, or do I sign when I take delivery of the car?
Does anyone know where I can find pics of the 330i with a aero package? BMW.com has a side pic, but I haven't found any front pics.
Does anyone know if BMW plans to change the 330i's exterior like they did the 330ci?
I would not hesitate to buy another, especially a BMW but you will get leather in the BMW. Sticky in the summertime with shorts is all I can say. I wouldn't worry about a little loss in performance either.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
convertible vs coupe:
FWIW: I love the rigidity and the low noise level of the coupe over the convertible. The convertible is harder to keep clean, is slower, and the top wears out after a year or two (IMO). Get a coupe and put the windows down and sunroof back and you are almost there.
Also, the convertible only seats 2 in the back and if you have a car seat then it will have to go on one side or the other. In the coupe, I can put it in the middle which is a little safer for the kids.
If you have the money then get a convertible for the nice days and keep it parked in the garage when not in use.
coupe vs sedan:
I like the lines and the trim on the coupe more than the sedan. It also sits lower to the ground. I have a kid and soon to have another one and the 2 door issue has not been a problem at all...of course most of the time we use the Maxima for family outings, but the car seat fits in the back of the coupe just fine too.
I will send my app off tomorrow and hope that I make the cut.
Thanks.
Gabe.
I think you'll be happy with your choice to buy the nav. If you aren't, though, please don't come stalking me! ;-)
Also, the coupe styling is not THAT much different to justify getting one. Now, if the bimmer coupe were radically different than the sedan like the Infiniti G35 coue and sedan, I would have considered it.
BMW's pricing structure is very rationale. If you option up a sedan to the coupe's level, the cost is pretty close.
- Mark
Go with the 530
1) With the standard traction control, you will have to hammer the throttle pretty hard to cause an unsafe situation with the RWD cars when the roads are wet
2) Even though accelerating from a stop will certainly be a little better in the wet with the AWD car, the handling and braking will be slightly worse (extra weight)
3) The 330xi cannot be had with the better wheels and tires of either the 330i SP or the 530i SP
All in all, I would buy the 530i, then again, I am biased; I have had both a 328i and a 530i, and I prefer the 530i.
Good luck, let us know what you decide.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Interior space is slightly larger on the 5, repeat, only slightly larger!
Exterior volume is a big difference, being the 5 more voluminous.
The 3 provides a more sporty-younger image (and somebody might call you a yuppie) while the 5 provides a more mature environment and image.
The larger volume and weight of the 5 creates a compromise in acceleration and handling, although depending on how you drive, you might never get to notice this. (There is also the V8 engine :-)
So, inside your skull (joke) your personality is what I think should make your decision. DO you like sporty cars, be happy with the lesser BMW in the lineup (3 series in general) or do you feel, you are a more mature individual, that will enjoy, perhaps, a more sober vehicle.
Within the BMW range, a brand that created itself as the icon in sporty automobiles, you can view this to vehicles in the following scale:
Sport----------50/50-----------Luxury------Abomination
M-Roadster---3-------5--------7-----------------X
My bias is: I drive a minivan and a 330ci sp manual
i'm sure i'll enjoy the navigation. it's kind of amazing how the price of this car has slowly crept upwards as i've added options, etc. and to think, i was originally thinking of a mazda 6.