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Comments
I did suffer from BMW-withdrawal syndrome: I was grumpy, depressed, argumentative, needed more rum cake than ever to produce the desired effect, etc;
After skimming through the owners' manual, I got dizzy from all the technology. Luckily, I can just ignore most of it (if I can just figure out how to program the complicated HD radio!) and enjoy the pure driving enjoyment. I won't let the technology make me crazy!
The VW is a fine car for what it is. My wife will love it. However, the 328i will be "verboten"
Thanks again for your good wishes.
BMW dealer: Three new cars out front, each with signs strapped to the side:
X6 5 in stock! Umm, yeah. I don't think I'd hit the Kia dealer across the street if I was looking for an X6. Not that I ever shall be...
Z4 $5000 off! Well, that's a start...
1 Convertible 0.9% financing! Well, it is fall in New England. Good time to buy a 'vert, actually...
Porsche/Audi dealer: Shiny white Cayenne out front with large sign covering most of the driver's side, in large letters, "Lease for $599/mo.!" Of course, smaller print I don't have time to stop and read, at least not ON the way to work! And, if that applies to a 911, maybe I will stop...
However, should there be a Porsche in our future, please let it not be a Cayenne...
The sleeves remain on my Belichik hoodie. The jewelry remains draped around the EWs neck. All is well in Pleasant Valley...
'21 Dark Blue/Black Audi A7 PHEV (mine); '22 White/Beige BMW X3 (hers); '20 Estoril Blue/Oyster BMW M240xi 'Vert (Ours, read: hers in 'vert weather; mine during Nor'easters...)
The Q7 is nice, but it's way more vehicle than my wife wants or needs. She thought that the second gen RX350 had gotten too big compared to her 300, which is why we went with the X3. This latest RX is now even bigger and much heavier than before, so she definitely won't be interested. The Audi Q5 remains at the top of our list to replace the X3, which she hasn't been enamored with.
We may end up with "his" and "hers" Audis, but I think the Q5 and S6 are different enough for it not to be an issue
LOL.
I know you were kidding, but I do want to put in a plug for VW.
Depending upon an individual's budget parameters, I think that the GTI is an amazing car for its price category, and is a solid choice. Terrific TC FSI engine, decent DSG tranny, and German workmanship. And the Rabbit is an absolute steal. An associate of mine stole one for $15K earlier in the year, during a special promo event at VW. How many better values than that are out there in that price category?
But, when it boils down to it, the V-dubs are not BMWs. And, given the opportunity, some of us around here are going to seize the moment, and go with BMW.
TM
I really don't mind having more than one car of the same marque. I see no problem with that at all. For me, it depends more upon which models. Somehow, I just think it would bother me to go into the garage every morning and see two 1-Series parked there. There's just something not right about that.
Well, let me update you. Earlier today my beautiful wife timidly leaked out that she isn't as interested in the 1-series as she first thought. So sorry, but the flavor of the day is a Mercedes CLK again, or just driving the Jag Vanden Plas. For her to even consider the Jag tells me that she is all over the map. When I asked her why the Jag, she said it turns out that her girlfriends all think the Jag is quite the car, and they all love it. Huh? :confuse:
My best guess is that her friends are influencing her decision. She's probably bouncing it off of them. One or more of them must have also told her they like the CLK.
Gosh, I really thought she was going to want the 128i... so I started thinking seriously about that M3. Uh oh. :surprise:
TM
As for the RFT, I'm glad you've got them so you will be able to tell us your experience with. Despite of all the bad commentaries on RFTs which are populating the forums as a mantra, I've to tell I am satisfied with them after 13,000 km.
I wish you nice drives, and good success coming from your wife's driving effort!
Regards,
Jose
I bought a run flat warranty just to be on the safe side. It covers all run flat replacements for 5 years and rim replacements too.
My wife takes her first driving lesson today. Tomorrow I will let her practice on the VW for the first time to help re-enforce what she learned today. I'm sure she will learn well. She already told me I won't be seeing much of her as she intends to spend most of her time shopping at the various Tampa malls! :surprise:
I will post my experience with the run flats. The steering on my new baby is better than on any of my 3 previous BMWs. Wow!
Jose, this was my small effort at trying to reinvigorate the American economy.
I must thank you again for your genuine good wishes!
Me, neither!
Enjoy! As if. . .
Once the RFTs wear out and/or get too noisy you can put real tires on and be all set.
Have fun.
Since I have the Sport Package, the vehicle has the rather expensive 17" light-alloy double spoke wheels. I read over my Safe Guard tire and wheel warranty and nowhere does it say the tires must be run flats; so, yes, eventually replacing the tires with "real" tires (LOL!!) is a distinct possibility. I had the good sense to purchase, rather than lease, so the tires can be anything I want.
Thanks again for the kind words and advice!
Uh... 335i plus premium and sports is NOT loaded. At $42k for a brand new left over '08 is also NOT $8k off the sticker, more like $4k to $5k off like your 550i.
After you've spent some more time behind the wheel, I'd love to hear how your new 328i stacks up against your '02. In a year or 2, I might replace my E46 (an '01 330i) with an E90.
Well, after one 20 minute drive in the 328i, there are some obvious differences that stand out-the 328i seems to be quite a bit heavier than the 1993 and 2002 325i's, yet achieves the same or better mpg (according to the mpg readout), a tribute to BMW being IMO, the best producer of engines on the planet.
The steering is much tighter and requires more effort than the 2002 version, which is fine with me. Others may go for the adaptive steering which I hate.
The acceleration from rest is quite a bit better in the 328i. One of my major complaints experienced in my 1993 325i and 2002 325i vehicles with the inline 6 was the disappointingly weak low-end torque that really had no place in one of the world's best sport sedans. BMW has finally fixed the problem and the acceleration from rest is now entirely adequate.
The radio (HD version) is too complicated and confusing to program and use, and the accompanying instruction book doesn't help much. The 325i radios were relatively simple. Of course the sound is now fantastic! Before it was barely adequate.
IMO, the car has too much technology, much of it confusing and not very user-friendly. BMW would do well to eliminate some of it and cut down on the mass of the vehicle. None of the various user booklets help matters much. When I'm driving, the last thing I need is to be distracted by difficult to use technology.
As far as the inline 6 engine is concerned, the 328i represents a major improvement. As for the rest of it, I'm not so sure.
Every year C&D reviews the 3 Series and calls it one of the best vehicles on the planet. They concentrate on the driving experience and don't mention or seem to care about most of the technology. I will be doing the same.
Thanks again for your kind words!
But anyway, I suppose you're right. I always assume that people in the "luxury" segment won't cheap out when it comes to the goodies. Take out Nav and it's ~$6K+/- off. Still a big discount.
That's certainly your wife's choice but I must say the MB CLK has never interested me and with the new Audi A5/S5 and BMW coupe my interest has declined even further.
My frugal Luddite version of a BMW 335i has given me great satisfaction despite my more frequent visits at the dealership due to repairs. This is unlike my 99 BMW 323i which was very reliable and involved minimal dealership visits.
If my visits to my dealership remains frequent than I will definitely sell my car within two years to avoid out of warranty expenses.
The above will be my likely new car. The first non-luxury car I bought since the 1980s .
I have not a clue why but even if fuel prices remain low in the upcoming years my interest in hybrids is just as strong
I am not a green/enivro type of guy
Nor do I want to pretend or appear to be a green/enviro type of guy
Politically speaking I know my choice will make not much of a difference in terms of North American oil indpendence.
Paying the high fuel prices during the summer for my BMW did not leave me in distress.
Despite the above I still want a hybrid. Maybe it has something to do with my speeding tickets. Driving a hybrid which will challenge me to drive slow in order to maximize fuel efficiency will save me not only fuel costs but also traffic penalty/legal/insurance premium costs.
link title
You could always buy an extended warranty.....
You think it would be enough that they are getting such terrific mileage.
Nope! On the highway, they have to be the slowest of the slow! :shades:
That's an idea. But first of all I would have to look at the fine print of that extended warranty since it's unlikely to resemble the comprehensive 4 year BMW Warranty. Or maybe it does? I still have time to do my homework.
Congrats Howard on the new roundel. I'm still loving my 335 stick. However, I'm going to really look in to a GTI when my lease is up in a year and a half. Tag, what say you about the GTI? It seems you had good things to say when you had it.
I'm tired of spending so much every month on cars.
As far as my opinion of the CLK goes, I do not like the vehicle. And, it is at the very end of it's model life... Coupe to be replaced next year, and convertible to follow later.
I arranged for a red carpet treatment for her at BMW a few evenings ago, and they really did treat her well. She drove a loaded 328i convertible... she liked it, but something just isn't clicking and I can't put my finger on it... but if I were to guess, I'd say that the BMW interior didn't have enough bling for her taste, which is something I personally like about the BMW's interior.
So, God only knows where this will go, and I suppose I'll have to check out that M3 one of these days.
TM
Oh, and the GTI really is a nice ride, but will not handle nearly as well as a 335. The payment will be nice a month though.
I would look at the 09 A4, test drove it, nice ride, but too small for me. Went with an A6 instead. Good Luck.
Yes! Of course. You know me. The deal was good and my wife wanted me to try and make it even better, but I realize these guys have to make a living too!
You know we are in a recession when the stealers improve their work habits and actually become dealers.
I know it's going to be a tough year for you.
I went to look, and I ended up buying. My contribution to a weak economy.
I see the DJ closed up today, on a Friday, believe it or not, so it looks like my money has filtered through the system today.
I had this same recent revelation. $162 for ten miles over the limit; then I'll get the increased insurance costs; why have a quick car if you can't utilize its capability?
Better move to an autobahn Country :P
That's the reason why I want the inline 6 and not a v8, but bmw seems to have turbo troubles with the inline6
Its been hellishly busy for me. Finally back home, only to face the layoff day on Monday, right on payday, kinda mean... I feel bad for some, this Monday may become their last paycheck.
Great to hear from you again LD, and happy anniversary.
Coangrats on your purchase hpowders, I'll be waiting for your followup on driving impression.
Have no objection over the rear, its the overwrought front end that bugs me, too much shapes and creases on one face. 2008 leftover 3-X3-5s in my area are offered for $500 over invoice should one choose the cash route. I might go for one, a decently loaded 335i coupe in blue with 19" wheels sounds tempting despite the lame interior.
I guess after this I'll be provoking the Audi hate-fest.
Try these numbers: 45k and 51k, those are the prices for loaded A4 2.0 and 3.2 respectively. Now check these: 42k and 48k, those are the prices for equally loaded BMW 328 and 335.
Next: think about these:
1) Details, Audi's strong point until now. A4 used to have lovely chromed split exhaust, now its got exaust on one side and not chromed, looks considerably cheaper. LED lights are optional??? penny-pinching by my standard. Audi used to have the just right amount of chroming inside out, not too much not too scarce either, but now the car just looks cheap, a massive downside to what could be a great design.
2) The interior, which Audi's famous for, now consist of much more black plastic. The wood trim, nicely grained and structured in the previous gen, now so plain and stained it looks almost fake. Why???
3) What happened to the cool "platinum grey" interior? Now they give us the "rental fleet grey" instead....
Guilty as charged :P :P I had high hopes for the new A4, but in the end the car disappoint me.
"My son-in-law is a GS VP. However, they give away that title like its water. I'm sure he is very influenced by his fellow traders-he's got the very expensive house, private schools for the kids, many cars including BMW's and the Ferrari, the never-ending spending wife. His photo can fit in nicely next to a definition of "conspicuous consumption". "
So apparently "never-ending-spending wife" is how you describe your daughter.... :P :P
Btw powders, why do you keep censoring the R-----t name? Jst say it with pride : RABBIT!!!!
Btw does anyone else have this question in mind: Now as gas prices have plunged down back to the $3/gallon level, will the price for SUVs and luxury sedans creep back up? Given that current economy is still faltering, I doubt it. However if so, now is probably the last moment to buy cheap. What do you people think?
The owner proudly showed me the interior, which again I like less the longer I sit in. The seats are comfy and hugs you tight, but the cloth doesnt seem like an improvement over the 350Z, and the grey color just make it worse. The trip computer is a handful to operate (owner didnt even bother to learn to use it). It shows nifty graphics on horsepower, torque, acceleration times, top speed, etc, but whats the point? The Bose stereo is loud, though its kinda out of place with the owner playing Bee-Gees CDs (he's 55) at the hotel parking lot. GT-R and Bee-Gees..... just doesnt sound right.
Pics? Sorry guys none available. I was 10,000 miles from home and I forgot to install the memory card for my camera....... so sad.... so dumb... :P
I bought a new truck originally priced over $30K for $18K. Brand new, full warranty. And loaded.
Amazing. No way I'd let my business miss out on this rare giveaway.
TM
At the beginning of this decade, BMW reduced steering effort on the 3-series & was sharply criticized (rightfully so, IMO) for this. A few months later, the company backtracked & said that it would restore the older, heavier settings. But more than a few folks who were posting to Edmunds back then reported that steering effort wasn't back to what it had been, even after the purported restoration.
My 330i was built at the end of the '01 production run & supposedly had the restored, heavier steering. But I've always wondered, even though I've been far from unhappy.
There are some wonderful deals on 2008 328i leases at this time; especially good since BMW's current strategy is to manipulate customers away from leasing and into buying. Still a lot of 2008's left. Seems like the only way to get a good BMW leasing deal on a new vehicle will be to wait until October rolls around and lease the outgoing model for a bargain interest rate.
Yes! The current BMW steering is wonderful, the best yet; especially appreciated after coming from the adaptive steering of the VW, which happened to be a bit too loose when first putting the vehicle into motion. I never would have bought this particular 328i if it had the adaptive steering. The fact that BMW offers it shows how far away they have come from strictly offering vehicles to enthusiasts. Most folks who drive BMW's here just do it to show off their status badges anyway, I guess. So BMW gives them what they want. BMW is surely not alone-even Porsche offers Tiptronic transmissions.
I strongly advise you to take a test drive in a current 328i model; specify that you want one with Sport Package and do not want to drive one with adaptive steering. I think it will put a smile on your face, as will the feel and thickness of the wonderful sport steering wheel. Heaven!!!
I have Active Steering. I absolutely love it, but do not recommend it for most folks.
TM
Regards,
OW
Glad to see your wife has learned to appreciate BMW's.
Regards,
Jose
PS: Happy Halloween Night to everyone (you have desserted the forums :P )
Isn't that sport steering wheel a tactile treat? So delightfully meaty!
Please do test drive a new 328i with sport package and find out what the rest of us (jimbres, dewey, tagman, Jose, and I, among others)) already know. The steering wheel alone is to die for, as jimbres says.
Isn't it always best to experience what a vehicle is like for yourself rather than blindly criticize out of ignorance and irrational pre-conceived notions?
That way if you don't like a BMW vehicle, you can defend your position from a position of intellectual honesty. You'll feel better for it and I for one would find it quite refreshing. :shades:
Which truck are you talkin about? Ford? GMC?
Is the inline 6 a better choice or the x6 v8?
I agree. Those peanut headlights on the CLK look absolutely ancient these days, and the mechanicals are last gen C-class I believe, not exactly state of the art. The electronics of course are also seriously out of date. Unless you simply must have a Benz for whatever reason, there are much better choices.
I'm betting the Q5 is going to be good. The only engine choice (at least until a possible diesel appears) will be the 3.1L FSI, which in Q5 guise produces 270hp, more than plenty for her. My wife thinks the X3's ride is a bit too hard, the steering is too heavy, the brakes are too grabby, and the transmission is too dimwitted (but other than that its great!), but even she thought the RX300 was a bit too wobbly and dull, so I don't think we want to go back that far in the other direction. The Q5 with ADS will have comfort mode for her, and dynamic mode for me.
The compact lux ute market is heating up with a lot of competitors now. When we leased the X3, the only two other choices were bad ones - Acura RDX or Land Rover LR2. Now there's also the Infiniti EX35, Benz GLK, and Volvo XC60, but I don't think any are near as good as the Q5.
The RX has grown out of the 180" compact segment where it started. Currently its around 186, and the next one will be nearly 190, firmly in mid-size.
Ouch, that's brutal. Fortunately most PA cops are more reasonable than that, you have to be at least 13 or so over for them to notice you.
When you say "adaptive" on the VW, are you talking about speed-sensitive boost adjustment, or a variable-ratio system? Active steering on BMWs is variable ratio, their standard steering setup still has variable boost. I don't think VW has a variable-ratio system. Audi does as part of the ADS system, but its supposed to be better than BMW's from what I've read.
After sitting in the new A4, I think it looks good on the inside. The standard seats are lousy, but other than that I liked it. The inside of the B6 was pretty bad in its first two years or so, but by the end was pretty nice at least in the V6. The 1.8T just had "trim", it wasn't wood or aluminum, and the exhaust wasn't chromed and was on one side.
The B7 was a definite improvement, but it was basically just a shrunken A6, both outside an in. That interior design was nice, but it looks old. The B8 looks much more modern on the inside, as is hugely more interesting to look at on the outside, especially with the S-line treatment.
Comparing the prices of left over cars BMW is desperate to get rid of to a brand new Audi isn't really fair. A loaded '09 335xi, with everything but active cruise control, is $54K. Will BMW give you four grand off on that?