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Hmmm, difficult to tell, I had a 1999 328i with the Premium Package, no Sport Package, I now have a 530i with both the Premium and Sport Packages, and to me, it feels like the 530i has a little more "Road Feel", however, it is considerably quieter.
"What about tires?"
I had Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus All-Season rubber on the 328i, and I have Michelin Pilot-Primacy performance tires on the 530i (well, had and will have, the car is now shod with Michelin Arctic-Alpin winter tires). For all but the winter snow and ice conditions we have up here in New Hampshire, the Pilot-Primacy tires are by far the better of the two.
"What's the recommendation?"
For you, I would recommend a car very similar to mine; I got a 530i 5-Speed, PP, SP, Premium Audio and Xenon headlights.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Dave330-Give me a little more on no sport pkg. BTW, I just don't think Lexus quite up to the same class as BMW. Lexus is a very reliable automobile but I think the 5 takes the lead. I've not been happy with my Mercedes.
I have the exact same setup as Shipo, execpt I've got a 330i. The ride is firm, but not harsh. The best thing to do is test drive a 5 with & w/out SP.
Have you looked at an Audi A6? They have one of the best interior around. FWIW
1) Order your car, that way you can have it EXACTLY as you want it. I ordered both of my BMWs, and the first one was waiting for me at the dealership in less than seven weeks.
2) European Delivery; I saved almost $5,800 off of MSRP on my 530i, AND driving a REAL car in Europe (as opposed to Fiat Uno Diesels and other such rentals) is really quite a wonderful experience.
3) While the integration of the phone is nice, for the prices that the German manufacturers (and probably others as well) charge for that convenience, PASS!
4) The Sport Package is NICE on the 530i, included in the package are (arguably) the best looking set of wheel on any BMW, a much nicer/fatter steering wheel, a nicer shifter (assuming a 5-Speed), a slightly lowered and stiffer suspension (gives the car that “Hunkered” down look), and the seats, WOW are the seats great.
Regarding tires, hmmm, yes, I am sold on Michelin, that said, the OEM tires on both of my BMWs just happened to be Michelin, luck of the draw and all of that. I chose the Michelin winter tires because, according to various reviews, they are far quieter at highway speeds on dry pavement, and have only just a little less grip in the snow when compared to the class leading Blizzak’s.
As a thought, you might want to start following the 5-Series discussion as well, some of us follow both discussions, however, the bulk of the 5-Series knowledge base is over there.
Best Regards,
Shipo
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
As Dave mentioned, Audi has the best interior out there, and the A6 comes with 2 wonderful optional engines, the 2.7 turbo and the V8
Not sure about source of sound but it was definitely gone after fix.
I could not agree with you more. I don't see a big difference between the coupe and sedan. They both have the sport suspension and the sedan is more practical for most people anyway.
I was looking at coupes myself and ending up ordering a 330i instead of the 330ci. If the differences were similar to the G35sedan/coupe differences (assuming the changes are for the better) than I am sure I would have spent the extra money and purchased the coupe.
just my opinion...
Well, if you take a look, the only major difference in the G35/coupe is the slope of the rear. From the front 3/4, the G35/coupe also look very much alike.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Bottom line is I wouldn't consider either one but given the choice it would be absolutely, 100%, without a doubt, hands down, no contest. Not even close, whereas the difference in the Bimmer coupe vs sedan is definitely acceptable, again IMO.
Does anybody have any idea how much it costs to get a spare key made?
Thanks,
ajl1000
Also, I've heard that BMW does not recommend rotating the tires on a 330. Is this true? I would think that this would severely reduce the life of the tires, given the amount of negative camber these cars have. How are they rotated if the tread pattern is directional and the F & R tires are different sizes?
IMO, the reason people think G35/coupe look so much different is because G35 doesn't look very good while the coupe doesn't look bad.
Yeah...I think you hit the nail on the head.
Like dave330i said, the G35 sedan doesn't really look very good, whereas the coupe looks pretty nice.
In the 3 series, you definitely can't say the sedan looks bad, in fact I think it looks damn nice.....it's just that the coupe looks so perfect!
The 2003 Coupes are just so classy. The shape of the cars just look more curvy and more daring. And the sport package with the factory clears just completely separates the coupes and the sedans. Hands down, I'm so in love with the coupe even though, granted... I wish I had four doors and a back seat someone could fit into.
with that said my car was in for some cleaning when the dealer decided to change the oil at 11,000 miles even though the indicator had 2700 miles to go for the oil change. No problem there. However, when they reset the switch, the inspection 1 light came up at 15,500 to the first inspection.....I though inspect. 1 came at around 15,000 miles give and take...by the way the dealer has it set, inpect 1 will be at 27,000 miles give and take. The service advisor said it was right....does this make sense?????
thanks all
L8's, chas
What my dealer had told me was even if they change the oil early you should bring it in at 15K for the service that is due at that mileage. You have to talk to your dealer and find out what the story is and if they did the 15K service at 12K. If they didn't you have to get the 15K service done. After you get the service your dealer should re-reset the indicator.
I recently bought a set of used rims off a 2000 (non-Sport) 540i. The rims came with the center bmw-insignia caps. The caps clearly fit the rim, but won't seem to "snap" into place. Anyone have any experience with getting these on?
Thanks
thanks
Automatic, leather, CD changer, xenon, moonroof, sport package & premium package. Interestingly enough, this car actually compares itself better to the 530i than the 3 series. First the objective comparison:
HP/TQ:
G35= 260@6,000/260@4,800
330= 225@5,900/214@3,500
530= 225@5,900/214@3,500
0-60:
G35= 6.2
330= 6.7
530= 6.7
0-100:
G35= 16.0
330= 17.44
530= 18.0
1/4mi.:
G35= 14.9@96mi/hr
330= 15.00@95mi/hr
530= 15.3@93mi/hr
60-0:
G35= 110’
330= 129’
530= n/a
70-0:
G35= 162’
330= n/a
530= 171’
300 ft. Skid pad:
G35= 0.86g
330= 0.86g
530= 0.82g
600 ft Slalom:
G35= 65.9
330= 61.9
530= n/a
C/D:
G35= .27
330= .31
530= .30
Curb weight:
G35= 3,480
330= 3,362
530= 3,646
SAE Volume:
Front/Rear/Trunk
G35= 58 cu. Ft/ 47 cu. Ft. / 15cu. Ft.
330= n/a /n/a / 10.7 cu. Ft.
530= 51 cu. Ft. / 41 cu. Ft. / 11 cu. Ft.
Passenger area:
G35= 101 cu. Ft.
330= 91 cu. Ft.
530= 92 Cu. Ft.
Warranty:
G35= 4/60,000 No maintenance
330= 4/50,000 Includes maintenance
530= 4/50,000 Includes maintenance
MSRP Comparably equipped:
G35= $33,820.00
330= $40,831.00
530= $48,530.00
Now for the subjective part. The G35 is in many ways similiar and in many ways it is a clear and intentional departure from the traditional Germanic style car. The interior while many have fussed over it, is quite modern and functional. It does not take long to get used to the switchgear location and it becomes second nature. The leather in the G35 is far softer and more subtle than the 3 series leather and I would put it on a par with the 5 series. I find that the balance of the interior is fresh and well executed. The automatic climate control is frustrating and does not operate any where near as well as the 3 series. The automatic when in manual mode shifts crisply but does not shift as quick, nor is it as intuitive as the 3 series. Exterior looks are obviously subjective, and while I liked the look of the 3 series, to me it was starting to get a little long in the tooth since it was first introduced in 1999. The exterior of the G on the other hand to me was clean and refreshing. The handling while it is very linear, is a little softer than and not as telepathic as the 3 series. The engine in the G35 is an absolute beast!! While it may not be as buttery smooth as the BMW inline 6, it is one torquey strong pulling thumper. For $7,000-15,000 less this car is a tremendous value in the sport sedan market.
I see this as good for BMW and good for the consumer. Competition strengthens the entire breed. Remember I like BMW and have nothing bad to say about their cars. The subjective portion is clearly just my opinion. The objective portions are facts taken directly from sites like this and other nationally know automotive publications. I appreciate all the support this board has given me over the years, and to this day, I believe this to be the most civil and informative forum on the internet and I have monitored a bunch of them. I will continue to monitor and drop in if you guys don’t mind just to keep up on what’s going on.
Remember: Competition is good for the entire breed. We are all extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to drive some of the best cars in the world. Drive what you love and love what you drive!
PS: Sorry for the length of the post.
All my objective information regarding performance for a particular comparison i.e. 0-60 came from a common source, and wherever possible from a common review. If the information was not available from that source, I left it n/a to try to keep the information as valid as possible. I understand the cross contamination that you get when you start to mix various performance specifications from a variety of sources. The non performance specifications came from a variety of sources. This is but a short summary of the objective data collected from the following sources: Road & Track, Motor Trend, Car & Driver and Cars Direct.com.
Please Sir might I have another one Sir?
Bummer about the ticket. sometimes having a little one will work for you, sometimes against you. It just goes to show that we have to pay to play!
To be fair, riez has a point that even comparos by the same magazine will vary in accuracy due to track temperature, humidity, tires, driver skill, technique employed and many others. But I think we all know that and should not take these numbers at face value. Bottom line is, the G35 and the 330 are very close in terms of performance and it's up to you whether you want to pay a 5-10 grand difference for better driving dynamics, subjective looks, prestige, image, resale value, etc. To some people, driving a car without that BMW image is worth a lot ;o)
Regarding "Moving Radar", check out the following site, you might find it illuminating (pun intended). ;-)
http://www.astroproducts.net/phantompatrol.htm
Best Regards,
Shipo
Been there, done that, got the Tee-Shirt. ;-)
I am now "T" minus two weeks from the three year mark since my last ticket, however, it is more than a little ugly in the four and five year range. Hoping my insurance (which DOUBLED when I moved to NH from NJ) goes down a little bit. :-/
Best Regards,
Shipo
shipo, you mean to tell me that your insurance went UP when you moved out of NJ? WOW!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Glad to hear your 3er is still a virgin (knocking on wood for ya). My liscense was clean (10 years, not too shabby) until October 30, 2002 when I got nailed for going 70 in a 50 on the Cross Bronx at 6:00 PM. The guy picked my shiny red Prelude out of the middle lane while moving with the flow of traffic. I've definitely been driving more on the cautious side (on straightaways) since then.
I have a friend (in CT) who must be out of his mind. He's got a 2001 330Ci Black/Beige Leather, PP, CWP (no SP) with a 5 speed and just over 20K miles on it and wants to try and get rid of it for an Infiniti FX35. I told him he was crazy to get rid of his beautiful BMW for an FX, with an automatic no less. He's getting rid of his car b/c he says in Connecticut, 3ers are about as popular as Camrys and Accords everywhere else and he wants something different.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Given that we are considering a road trip this summer to visit family and friends as far west as Black Hills (Mt. Rushmore area) in SD, she felt that the extra space and the "Built In" DVD A/V system is an absolute requirement. She is probably right, -sigh-!
Best Regards,
Shipo