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roadburner - what do you think? An '01 E46 330i with less than 40K on the odometer. It mighty just make a suitable & more practical replacement for my Prelude which will have close to 145K by this time next year - your thoughts my friend.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I think they started at $26,000. In service was 7/25/07. I really like the car but I also like being debt-free(not counting my 0% interest balance on my Best Buy card). I may yet hang on to the MS3 -for @3 more years- and flip it for a Cayman S/Evora/M Coupe when my son goes off to college...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The E46 is a very reliable car, especially with a stick. About the only thing I hear complaints about are the window regulators and the need to renew suspension bushings and such from time to time. Check out www.e46fanatics.com.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Finally, a little bit of reasoning is thrown in.
I think that is what most everyone was trying to get across to you.
Glad we are all on the same page (a useful saying from the book biz). I realize BMWs are not for every one, and I am certain it is the wrong car for many people. But, I will defend to the death, the fact it (along with a few other brands*) is the best car for the money if you appreciate the ultimate in engineering and want maximum enjoyment and driving pleasure.........and it isn't just a badge thing.
*There are similar cars that are equally as good in the handling department , Audi G37 CTS, Mercedes etc., but I am sure the people who buy them appreciate the driving experience, and not just "name".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
But I certainly have no sympathy for folks who are reckless and ding up other`s cars--absolutely none.. It`s not a mistake--- it`s being lazy and irresponsible !!
Oh...I've been on the right page from the very beginning. You're the one that had the wrong book opened. :P
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
I believe you said that you park way off in the mall/shopping center parking lots so if that is correct I don’t have a problem with that because you’re not taking someone else’s parking space doing that.
I told a tale not too long ago here about one of the young lady 3 Series drivers that took up 2 places in the over crowded company parking lot and two guys pulled so close to her that they almost took off her wax job. It was pretty funny the way it all went down. FWIW, she don’t do that no more.
Even Mrs jmonroe, who is definitely not a car geek, got upset when someone dinged her car a few months ago at the mall. I told her it’s just down right irritating when that happens and the only way to lesson that from happening is to park way off in the boonies or find the nicest looking car in the parking lot and park next to it. She’s considering both options.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
As such, it never ceases to amaze me how car manufacturers can tap into the particular niche they're trying to market to. We've already highlighted how and why the German brands cost more than their Japanese and U.S. based counterparts. You have to give Mercedes, BMW and Audi credit. First rule of marketing, if you're getting beat (in this case, on value), change the rules. They've done just that.
I've noticed that Mercedes is now touting their "safety" of their underlying structure. In fairness, so does Acura. My opinion is that any car made in the last 5 years or so, with all the airbags, all the crumple zones, all the electronic "nannies" that won't let you get into trouble, etc.....well, they're all pretty damned safe.
Another example, you also know pretty much what kind of drive you'll get in a Lexus, vs what you'll get in an Audi/BMW/Mercedes. If you like the former, you won't like the latter. Again, in fairness, if you like the Lexus, you won't like the Acura nor the Infiniti, either.
Bottom line, the German brands have all overcome their price disadvantage by changing the rules....marketing their wares differently than their competitors from the U.S. and Japan. Being a marketing guy at heart, I believe they've done a good job of it, too.
That's the first time I have ever heard that.
Really?
The 2001 7 series (E65), arguably worst looking BMW ever? Never heard from anyone it was looking terrible? The rear of 2007+ 3-series sedans until this year (E90)? Never heard its lights looked like a cheap compact (because they did - they more-less fixed that in current version)?
I certainly like BMW's and possibly buy as my next car. But they have had some real misses in their styling.
2018 430i Gran Coupe
Car was dealer serviced until the factory warranty ran out & by an indie since then. I have records.
I'm in no real hurry to get rid of it. Right now, we have 3 cars for a 2-driver household. At some point, I'd like to get that number down to 2 cars, since that's what our garage will hold. But since we own all 3 cars free & clear, keeping the 3rd car doesn't cost us much extra - no more than $35/month for insurance. So there's no financial pressure to sell.
Roadburner's comment about window regulators reminds me that the driver's window goes up slowly. It's been that way for years, since shortly after the factory warranty ran out. My mechanic tells me to leave it alone if it doesn't bother me, which it doesn't. At some point, though, that window motor will require replacement.
That's why I prefer the styling of the E60 station wagon to that of the E60 sedan.
GG--
It makes one wonder how Volvo intends to market their cars. I agree with you that there is an insignificant difference in safety features in current vehicles; even low end cars like I own now having multiple airbags, traction and stability control, etc. Of course, I can't change the laws of physics and those larger mass SUVs and heavy German sedans will always win in that department.
However, our cheapo 02 Rav4 did a very good job protecting us in an interstate crash and left me only wishing that we had side air bags--but then I've been told I don't use my brain anyway.
The one feature BMW and other luxury cars lack that I would gladly pay a premium to own is autopilot so that I can sleep from time to time on long trips. Currently I have to rely on a co-pilot (my wife), which does work.
Gogiboy
I never said that. I said that reviews were reviews---opinions. Some are good and some aren't. You read them all and then decide for yourself.
Richard
Man, I'm going to print, enlarge, and frame that one! That's what we've been trying to tell you for the last 50 posts.
Richard
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Sounds just like GM electric windows as far back as the ’75 Grand Prix I had. Great when the car is new and slow like molasses as the car ages and then finally nothing. I’ve replaced at least 8 on my cars and for a couple friends who sweet talked me into doing it for them after they got dealer and indie shop prices. I got pretty good at this, really. Want me to come over?
Maybe BMW gets their window regulators from GM. I’ll bet they’d never admit to that nor would ‘driver100’ admit to having ever heard/had this problem.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
You got that right. I've gotten "dinged" 3 times in my newer car, yet my old clunkers were never bothered. Now I try to take up 3 parking spaces to show those inconsiderate hoodlums who's boss. THE KING RULES! :P
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Two wrongs don't make a right. If you don't want to take the chance that someone will ding your car park far away where there are few people parked.
And as I had stated, I dont park close to the mall-- I park as far away as possible--where there are huge open vacant spots
If there are huge open vacant spots why do you need to take two?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Richard
That is what I do. I usually park at the end of the lot. The problem around here is, so many of the older shopping malls have been added onto and the parking lots are rather small. So on a busy Saturday, or during the holidays even the end spots are taken. What I try to do in those cases is park next to a median so at least only one side is vulnerable.
There are a few places I won't even take my car to (Walmart/Target) I take my old truck. Otherwise, I just worry that some inconsiderate person will not put the shopping cart into the corral and it will run down the parking lot on a windy day aiming for my car.
Another thing is on most newer cars, there are no bodyside molding to protect you. It just one big slab sided door for people to attack.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic / 2022 Icon I6L Golf Cart
In my neck of the woods, if you take two parking spots, you'll likely come out and find that the local teenager with a beater, has parked his car within inches of your driver's door, and you'll be crawling over the console to get into your driver's seat...
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In my neck of the woods, if you take two parking spots, you'll likely come out and find that the local teenager with a beater, has parked his car within inches of your driver's door, and you'll be crawling over the console to get into your driver's seat...
Same here; I simply park far away and take just one space- usually one that is bounded on one side by a median.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Richard
That said, aside from the purchase price, they make it cheap to own over the warranty period. Volvo covers everything, including maintenance/wipers, etc during the warranty period.
So, knowing their cars can't compete on value or price, they throw in the maintenance. Seems to be a trend. BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, and now Volvo is doing it. Of course, you're a slave to their maintenance schedule (which in the case of BMW, ends up being 12K miles-15K miles oil changes). Don't know if Benz, Volvo or Jaguar is the same intervals, but I can't believe that's a good thing.
Volvo's safety rep isn't as big a selling point as it used to be in my humble estimation. They do have a rep for costing a lot to maintain (which is true of the German brands, too). So, Volvo's advantage is a bit jumbled from where I sit.
Houdini--
And to think I just bought two bicycle tires for my commuter bike @ $40 each! I'm already on my third back tire and this makes my 2nd front tire and the bike only has roughly 4K on the clock!
What kind of bike does $59 get you at Target? I'm having a flashback to 1966 when my dad bought and assembled a department store three-speed stingray for my birthday. I heard a lot of cursing as I lay in bed the night before and really had my doubts that there would be something rideable the next morning, but he managed to pull it off.
Gogiboy
Or you can live where I do because we have no shopping mall. We do have a few shopping plazas, but one of the virtues of living in OK is lots of cheap land and a fairly small population. Most all the lots have much bigger parking spaces than I ever encountered in MI or MD or WI.
Then again, I'm the guy who got this discussion going recounting my latest misfortune and it happened in a lot with plenty of space and few cars. Some people just can't or shouldn't drive, are too distracted or flat out don't care about anyone but themselves. My bigger complaint is the near complete lack of acknowledged responsibility being exhibited. It's gotten so no one will admit doing anything wrong unless caught on videotape--and even then they want to claim it was someone else.
Gogiboy
Which begs the question: Why didn't the Saturn plastic door panels catch on?
I was told that one of emeritus (now deceased) members of my department bought a new car back in the 60s. The day following the purchase his wife found him next to the car holding a sledgehammer that he had just used to put a significant dent in one of the fenders. He told her that now he didn't have to worry about where he parked or who he parked next to. He was just eccentric enough to make the story believable.
Gogiboy
Also I hope you know I am sort of kidding you !! I know serious bike riders have much different criteria from what someone like me would have, and there are bikes that cost much more than $2,000.
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
As the owner of Saturn(s), I'll take a crack at that question.
Two reasons come to mind:
1) Cost .. very expensive to build a manufacturing plant for the polymer injected panels. And, you can't build anything else in that plant. That's why the Aura had steel panels; it was built on the same line as the Malibu.
2) Panel gaps .. since the polymer expands and contracts with the temperature, the panel gaps are a bit larger on the Saturns than on comparable cars. I'll have to take some pictures of my ION and the daughter's MINI to show you what I mean.
Personally, I liked the plastic panels on the 3 Saturns that had them ('03 L300, '05 VUE, '06 ION), especially when I commuted downtown and used public parking lots. My wife's '08 VUE does not have the plastic panels and so is pretty unremarkable compared to other small SUVs.
I see a few of us car guys think alike. I do that too when I have the chance. Another thing I do is look for the parking lot spaces that have the light pole in the front of the parking space. Those seem to always be available and I’ve found that Mrs. j’s XG 350 fits nicely in those spots. I know I won’t have the front bumper smacked when I park in those spots. It’s gotten to the point when she sees one of those spots she says, “there’s one of those spots you like”.
Since we’re talking about cars getting a ding, I got a good one on the Genny the other day while driving to work on the PA Turnpike. It was raining and I heard a smack from something that was thrown up from a car in front of me. It was on the drivers side behind me and I thought to myself, ‘I’ll find that when I wash the car on Saturday’. Well, I found it. It was behind the rear side window where the sheet metal wraps around toward the glass, right at the bend (wasn’t lucky enough to have it miss altogether). That stone knocked the paint and primer off down to the metal itself and the metal was not smooth anymore. It looked textured and when I felt it with my finger nail it was rough. The paint chip was about and 1/8 of an inch wide and about a 1/4 if an inch long. I have a touch up paint stick that I got at the local dealer about a month after I bought the car because I knew I’d need it someday and I’ve used it for a couple very small chips on the front but nothing like this hit. :mad: The paint stick worked as well as you could expect it to but I can still see the spot. It’s in a relatively inconspicuous spot but you know that goes. My eyes will be drawn to that spot for a month, at least. :mad: :mad:
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Here in western washington the size and number of spots is set by zoning rules, so frequently there are not enough spaces, and of most are sized/labeled "compact", cuz we are going to encourage folks to take the bus instead. What happens is massive door dings all over the place.
One exception is the downtown Costco - I think due to the membership status they set their own parking rules. There are NO COMPACT spots at Costco in Downtown and the spots are very generous....yet you will still see Priuses and minivans ( with dents, scratches, caved in bumpers, etc) parked all haphazzardly, and you just know they are going to blast the car next to them.
Sad that those inconsiderate dirt worshiping tree huggers are not also called out for being the A*&hats they are ..
:sick:
He said it himself.
I know exactly how he feels. I also park far away and try to park close to the median. Will I ever take two spots? No way.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I never take two spots either, I just park far away.
I think this one is the one you mean, and it doesn't look ugly to me. By the way, the Bangle Back although a little controversial, has been copied by at least 6 different makes inclusing Camry, Acura, Hyundai, Buick etc,. but even more important...it has been worked on and now looks better than ever.
I think this is the model you were referring to.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
BMW hasn't "worked on" the Bangle butt (not "Bangle Back"). BMW has abandoned it altogether. Look at the latest (F01 generation) 7-series & (F10 generation) 5-series & you'll see at once that BMW has walked away from this styling concept. It's no coincidence that Chris Bangle is no longer a BMW employee.
I'm as big a BMW fan as you are, but I'll bet that 50 years from now, collectors will pay more for a pre-Bangle E39 generation 5-series than they will for a Bangle era E60 generation car.
RICHARD Man, I'm going to print, enlarge, and frame that one! That's what we've been trying to tell you for the last 50 posts.
Sorry I gave the wrong impression. Of course a bimmer isn't for everyone. Only for those who can appreciate a fine automobile, enjoy the handling and engineering, and have an IQ of over 100.....ha ha, just joking, please don't write.
Had to do it.
Seriously, BMWs are certainly not for every one. One day, when my back and bum need a softer ride, I'll have to look for something else too. Also, might need more room to manouever to get in the car......you do have to be a bit flexible and not mind a tighter interior.
Truly sorry, if I gave the impression a BMW was absolutely the best car for every one......that was not my intent.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have never had slow operating windows on any of our 3 bmws. The windows in the X3 froze up easily if the temperature went below about 25. It was very embarrassing to go through a drive-thru, and have to open the door to get my coffee, when the guy in front of me, in a 10 year old Focus, goes right through without a problem.
I think the problem in the X3 was the winndows are huge (a good thing) and the rubber seals are really huge and thick . Moisure probably turns to ice and seals it up.
I doubt if BMW has to buy power windows from GM. :P
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
However, it started a trend, that has been used by many others, however, more tastefully done. I have some interest in design, so I think it was a concept Chris Bango was trying for..kind of a smoothed out bustle back, though it didn't work, I think the new design was born from the original failed design.
I think many good things come out of previous failures, and when you are a styling leader, you have to take chances to be on the cutting edge, and if you don't, you will become the follower. So, a failed design idea...yes, but it did lead to the current design and that one is pretty close to perfect.
Copy..this is an Acura RL;
The evolutionary 2011 5 Series "butt".
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I think there is truth in this statement. When I took the time to carefully park in an obscure spot I got even more dings and dents. If I parked far away where there isn't another car around, someone would park right next to me...I suppose they think there is safety in numbers, so there chances are cut by 50% that someone will cause a problem.
My policy is, be smart, but don't be a fanatic. Keep this in mind;
* Don't park in the path of runaway shopping carts
* Do not park next to any car that has dents and scratches or lots of rust
* Try not to park to vans....usually lots of kids and they don't care
* Try to park next to a car that is worth at least as much as your car.
* Park next to 4 door cars....the doors aren't as long.
*I like the idea of medians or curbs on one side, diminishes your chances of being hit by at least half...maybe more because you can park extra close to the curb.
*Avoid Wal Mart or other really cheap stores...the shoppers have no pride in what they own.
Like at this Wal-Mart store:
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
2018 430i Gran Coupe