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BMW 3-Series 2006
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Thanks,
Chintan Talati
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com
they've precisely answered my posts with the performance NUMBERS i've been talking about. 0-60mph and low-end torque.
They knew that there needed to be a response to the slacking performance numbers. They just may have secured my purchase in two years. Hopefully, the body will look cool.
Joseph
San Diego
Thanks
#35 of 79 . by jrock65 Jul 15, 2005 (8:40 pm)
Reply | E-mail Msg
Full Automobile performance results:
0-60 MPH
G35 - 5.8 Sec
330i - 6.1 Sec
CTS - 6.5 Sec
0-100 MPH
G35 - 14.4 Sec
330i - 16.0 Sec
CTS - 16.7 Sec
1/4 Mile
G35 - 14.4 100 MPH
330i - 14.7 97 MPH
CTS - 15.1 95 MPH
Top Speed
G35 - 155 MPH
330i - 149 MPH
CTS - 140 MPH
Braking 70-0 MPH
G35 - 157 FT
330i - 162 FT
CTS - 168 FT
Braking Peak-G
G35 - 1.13 G
330i - 1.09 G
CTS - 1.06 G
Cornering-G
330i - 0.95/0.93
G35 - 0.92/0.89
CTS - 0.87/0.85
The 330i was running on max performance summer Bridgestone Potenza RE050A, while the G35 was running on performance all-season Goodyear Eagle NCT-5.
The 330i still won the comparo based on its somewhat better handling feel and better interior.
--------------------------
R&T results for the 2006 330i 6MT:
0-60 MPH: 6.2s
0-100 MPH: 16.9s
1/4 mile: 14.9 94.1 MPH
---------------------------
Anyway, rumors in Japan say that the next Skyline (G35) sedan might get a 3.8 VQ producing 330hp. Of course, just a rumor.
Replies to this message:
• dewey (Jul 16, 2005 4:31 am)
You said the BMW still won the comparison that should carry some weight. If you’re just concerned with specs I’d go with a new 3.6 Passat, it beats them all (with your numbers) in quarter mile with an automatic: 14.3 @ 101mph little nose heavy though.
I'd bet the farm that-sitting in the car-he couldn't tell the difference between a 5.7s 0-60 and a 6.0s 0-60. Experienced drivers realize that numbers never tell the whole story. A 0.3s difference is negligible on the street and the track. Arguments over tenths of a second are best reserved for middle school study halls.
all seems great so far however, i cant seems to program in an audible confirmation when i lock my doors.
the manual mentions that this can be done but the dealer says that i can only program this if my car had an alarm.
is he correct?
thansk
is he correct?
Yep, that is correct.
By going into the settings through the buttons on the signal stalk, you can set it to flash the lights when you lock/unlock. (Choose the lock symbol and select the setting with the light symbol.) If you have the BMW alarm system installed, in that same menu you will also see a setting that looks like a speaker and a light+speaker. If you don't have the alarm installed, then the speaker symbol won't even be there.
On the Italian toll roads the car effortlessly handled a quick 200 mile jaunt in a touch over 2 hours. My speeds ranged from 85-125. Most of the time I lived between 90 and 105. Flying through tunnel corners in excess of 100 mph needs to be experienced.
As a freeway long hauler the e90's solid. On the backroads it'll devour most lesser cars. Unfortunately, it's not a very exciting driver vis-a-vis the e46 zhp.
Oh and weirdly enough, the pdc is extremely handy in ever so tight parking situations of Europe.
Comfort Access is worth the cost, without a doubt.
So after almost 600 miles on my odometer I can say the following as pluses for the e90:
1. Electric lumbar supports on sport seat bolsters
2. Puddle lamps
3. Comfort Access
4. Slicker shifting manual
5. Angel eyes
As you can see there's nothing really performance related there.
Negatives:
1. Engine's too quiet
2. Soft ride with sport suspension
3. Isolated cabin feel
4. dual zone climate control - I don't rightly care what the passenger thinks of the temperature, it's my car.
5. Soft leather - my 46's taunt, hard leather is more comfortable, especially on long drives.
6. Lackluster engine performance/gearing
7. Cruddy turn signal indicators
8. Flat out retarded window switch placement - they don't belong on the left side...that makes [b]zero sense!!!!![/b]
9. Super tiny outside rear-view mirrors
10. Comfort Access must be programmed to open either one door or all doors. Why not a double tap to do both doors?
11. Comfort Access often way too slow to respond to my approach - the trunk release takes ages to recognize me.
12. Grayish/white headliner - looks wretched.
13. Gray floormats - I requested black, the guy at BMW Delivery Center blinked at my confused. Who would want gray floormats? Another expense when I get home, I guess.
14. Dorky wheels.
15. Run-flat tires - poor road grip
16. Flat - featureless dash
17. Cupholders are gone - or rather they're in the dash which is worthless for holding things I want held like my cell phone (I have a euro one for the trip).
18. Radio display disappears when I have on polarized sunglasses.
19. Zero bass in Logic 7 stereo - hard to believe the stereo got worse after the e46's Harmon Kardon. It did. Much worse.
20. Car's big and heavy - the e46 was tubby, but this thing feels like Nell Carter after a trip to a casino buffet.
Sounds like you made an oops
regarding the 330i, perhaps I should go to the M3
catagory or even the Audi RS4 forum.
It's depressing to hear your opinions of the 330i.
It's almost as if you're talking about a Volvo
or something. You must be either much older or
just not very aggressive drivers.
This weekend, I've driven my 330i in the usual extra spirited weekend manner and I can tell you, the 330i is not
about lumbar supports..it's about performance, and that's
why I leased one. If you want lumbar supports and better looking dash.. well getta Honda or something will ya.
Joseph
in San Diego
I know that a frequent gripe with the E46 was the placement of the window switches on either side of the gear shift... The Saturn Vue and Volvo 850 also drew fire for placing their window switches there. So, no matter where BMW puts the window switches, they're going to get complaints.
I will say this--it's much easier to roll down both front windows in the E90 than the E46. On the downside, the switches in the E90 do seem to be too far forward on the door, and it's easy to hit the rear buttons instead of the fronts.
I agree with that.
It's less expensive to put power window switches in the center; that way you don't have to put them on each side (of the console).
There are plenty of enthusiasts here. Insulting them is not the way to make friends and influence enemies.
I purposely picked a route from Munich that involved roads - not highways/tollways - through Switzerland. My goal: drive over the Alps as nature intended - rocks/snow on one side, cliffs on the other and only two lane roads.
Guess, I'm a softie when it comes to driving. Hardcore drivers would pick the toll-based highways - obviously going fast in a straightline requires maximum mettle and skill. When I drive back to Munich on Thursday I'll be sure to stick to major highways and avoid - like a manly driver - those boring two-lane roads over the Alps.
Karl
San Diego (though currently in Marseille, France with his underwhelming e90 330i and longing for the e46 ZHP in his garage at home)
BMW better release a 335i by 08!!!!
Glad to read that you were following the max speed break in requirements in the owners manual, Blue Guy. Or had you racked up your 2000 km by then? The tunnels sound like the A10 between Genoa and the French frontier. That road is quite a drive -- in and out of tunnels all the way along the coast. But the autoroutes on the French side are much better engineered. When it comes to roads the French know what they're doing.
Which makes me wonder -- how long before the sloppy highway build and maintenance tolerances in the U.S. loosen up my car.
Back in December 1999 I leased a 2000 Saab 9-3 (turbo/slushbox). The dealer said something to me about not accelerating to harshly and keeping it under 60 for the first 500 miles. Merging onto RTE 17 in New Jersey (a very heavily traveled road), I nailed it and didn't stop until I looked down at my speedo and was going 90mph. That began my love affair with the turbocharger. BTW, that Saab was one of the most reliable cars I've ever driven.
Just so you don't think I have a total disregard for manufacturers' suggestions and owner's manuals, when I purchased (not leased) my current ride (2001 Honda Prelude Type SH) new in April of 2002, I actually did above and beyond Honda's suggested break-in period. For the 1st 1,000 miles (owner's manual said 600) I avoided harsh acceleration, didn't let the tach needle swing beyond 4,000 RPM, varied my speed, and babied the brakes (for the 1st 200 miles), and didn't go over 70mph.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
The current 3 is on the top of my current "next car" list, and I guess it's much as you describe -- not perfect, but better than anything else available, especially if the lack of a manual transmission & fold-down rear-seats are absolute deal breakers (which they are for me).
The second on my list is the G35 coupe, but I want red, and it sounds like red paint on that car falls off if you look at it. Oh boy.
I'm more of less feeding the id. I'll ease off a bit but I really want to see the north side of 140 before I go home.
I wish I could recall the route I took. My TomTom GPS handles the thinking part of which roads to take. I concentrate on where my car is vis-a-vis the corners and other cars. Here's a snippet of something I wrote for someone else asking about the drive to Nice from Munich:
I took an odd route to Nice. My navigation system suggested a fast route but I decided to bypass the major tollroads for the majority of the trip. Why you might ask...
Because I wanted to drive across the Alps on two-lane roads, not a major highway. Yes this made the drive much, much longer. But it was a sensational, beautiful drive and at times exciting beyond all comprehension. Dashing down narrow roads etched into the mountains ( cliffs on one side, rocks/snow on the other) can't be really compared to anything else. The best part would be glancing down the side of the curvy mountain roads, figuring out when to take the car in front of you so as not to expose yourself to oncoming traffic (or endanger them). Or when you've got open road, just cutting loose on those amazing Sesses - eyes several turns ahead, shaving corners just so that you maintain maximum speed but also so you're not so exposed as to cause a major problem should you not spot a vehicle ahead. #$%^ing fantastic! I was born to drive these roads.
That's the essence of why I came to Europe for this experience.
1. Engine's too quiet
4. dual zone climate control - I don't rightly care what the passenger thinks of the temperature, it's my car.
5. Soft leather - my 46's taunt, hard leather is more comfortable, especially on long drives.
These were my favorites... It's funny that most non-BMW people just wouldn't "get" this. LOL! :P
Say for instance to turn on the headlights, also to use the winshield wiper, windshield washer etc etc.
What about starting the car with the key fob or opening the doors.??
Also, activating the alarm. In addition, what about checking the oil level since theres no oil dipstick from what im told??
Does this car burn any oil and whats the oil change intervals?? I know BMW includes 4 year/50,000 miles free maintenance.In addition, is it true that the parts are more expensive??
Sorry guys just i get a little leeery when it comes to things im not too familiar about. I just want to be re assured!!!
Windshield wiper: Push the "auto" button on the end of the wiper stalk, or push the stalk upwards into one of the detents for manual control. For the washer, pull the stalk towards you.
Alarm (dealer installed accessory): Push the lock button on the keyfob (the BMW roundel is the lock button).
Checking the oil level: It's one of the options on the on-board computer if you don't have iDrive, otherwise it's in an iDrive menu.
Starting the car: Push the fob into the dash. Push the clutch (with a manual) or brake (with an automatic). Push the start/stop button.
My car has not burned any oil in nine months and 12,500 miles of driving. The oil change interval is determined by the computer. It starts out at 15,500 miles and will go longer if you average more than about 21 MPG of fuel. Mine says I have 6,000 miles until the first oil change. BMW will also change the oil after one year, regardless of mileage.
way from Grenoble to St. Tropez, Nice and Monico. I know the French Alps. The locals seem to enjoy racing through those mountain sides like madmen. Unfortunately, I've had no luxuray of driving through them with a BMW but have enjoyed the scenary and the nerve wrecking mountain sides just the same. I've driven through with various Citron Cs and other obscure French cars with very poor handling and hp. On the Eurpean hw, French and German autoban, I've had my fair share of cruzing at 180khm/hr but unfortunately, you loose 50km/hr if the wind blows in those cars and often turning radius requires 3 point adjustments on the most basic of parking situations. I've never raced on any tracks. I'm an average to agressive driver who wants to drive the best thing I can afford. Without going into details, this has lead me to my current 06 330i. Am I satisfied so far? Marginally. From the beginning I yerned for more umpff..I feel the solid chasis could easilly handle 50 more hp and additional low end torque. I've never had the desire to go very fast in a straight line. What I want is to be able to safely attack turns aggressively and to be able to accellerate quickly from rest or at lower speeds. In the states, I'd be perfectly satisfied if the car was limited at 110mph and I'd rarely go there. These roads aren't ment for high speeds and so I usually cruz at 90mph or so. For quick accelleration, the BMW 330i does not deliver..face it. ..even the 08 Toyota Camry with Automatic delivers 0-60 in 6.2 seconds.
Say or think what you will..but only I will decide on which car to buy/lease in 2.5 years. I can be influenced only by objective facts and will only be deterred by attitudes and cocky come backs; unfortunately, a characteristic typical of BMW sales reps.
Joseph
in San Diego
My view of the e90's positives stems from a pretty good amount of experience with a car (the e46 zhp) I'd rank as about an 8 overall. There was room for improvement, but BMW opted to detract from the package. Given the poor competition, they could get away with it. Unfortunately, then I'm left with only praise for motorized side bolsters and puddle lamps.
Sunday I parked the e90 in a garage in Marseille. It's Tuesday here and I must drive to Cassis soon. I don't miss the e90. I do miss my e46 back home.
In June when the e90 makes it to San Diego I'll seriously run the numbers on selling it. I haven't forumlated a plan but it seems likely I could off-load the car for 35.5/36k and thus not lose a dime selling it. My only choice from there would be a used e46 zhp (though Mazda's Mazdaspeed3 could be tempting, assuming Mazda didn't screw up the fearing ala the Mazdaspeed6).
Well, it looks like I found your dream car:
"6. Lackluster engine performance/gearing"
- you've hinted at either poor torque, hp, and or poor transmission switching points. I agree to all these..whether or not it was what you meant.
"15. Run-flat tires - poor road grip"
I find the run-flats annoying since they force you to pay more for something you might not have necessarilly wanted, while at the same time BMW saves money on providing a spare. I'm kind of half half on this point since on one hand, you don't have to get out in the rain to change your tires and have more trunk space, while on the other..they kind of manipulated folks to save money.
"20. Car's big and heavy - the e46 was tubby, but this thing feels like Nell Carter after a trip to a casino buffet. "
I think the car size is ok..but in terms of being heavy..i see it as having too less hp/&or torque for it's weight.
"BMW better release a 335i by 08!!!!"
Why is BMW dishing out the 335i so late? Seems to me, the 335i is a desperate attempt to address the numbers (hp,torque,and 0-60). There's no indication that anything else will be different..since it's rumored that the body and interior will be similar to the current 330i. Also, I'd be irritated if they charged more money for the 335i and very irritated if they only offered it in the coupe. In my opinion, they should eliminate the 330i 4 dr, and ONLY sell the 335i 4dr and Coupe..both with the turbo. The price of the 335i 4dr shouldn't be more than the current 335i 4dr.
I'd also appreciate the option for the SMG in these cars as, here in California traffic, such a feature may come handy.
div2:
"Well, it looks like I found your dream car:"
A red 70's Pontiac Grand AM?? That looks my dad's mid-life crisis car. Have American sports cars always been so kinky? I think they only exception is the mid to late 80's Ford Mustang 5.0. By the way, what car do YOU drive??
Finally, I'm not lookin to stress or disrespect anyone. I guess I have too much time on my hands and think too much about my car..kindof like million of other foolish people out there.
There's a recent article in I believe autoweek regarding BMW's plans for engines. They're looking more toward supercharging/turbocharging/dualcharging, technology, etc to increase power, performance and economy while a avoiding the whole add displacement = add power scenario that the Japanese currently use. Online there's a clip from BMW about their new 3.0 turbo engine. Quite a piece of work that engine.
As for pricing and content, I'd expect if they do keep the 325, 330 and 335 then the 35 would have to be priced up. My guess, could be wrong, the 325 will disappear. We'll get a few years of the 328 (just a 330i be rebadged to avoid confusion for a few years) and the 335. The 335 will probably receive a few enhancements too - the suspension will change some to handle the added horsepower/balance issues that come form a giant leap in power. Probably a bit more content will also become standard. Comfort access is already standard on ISes and Gs, so that'll most likely get phased in.
I just want something with more edge. The car needs to be a bit moire beauty and the beasty - subtle when requested, a roaring, twitchy monster when pressed hard. Best of both worlds.
As for weight, I'm not in favor of a car being over 3000 lbs. Too much excess weight to drag around. The e90's 3500 lbs and that severely detracts away from the fun factor. Carrying so much weight through corners is only negative.
I'm still aghast people buy M3 verts...the darned things weigh 3700 lbs! They feel it too!
That's my main gripe about the E90; the non-sport I drove felt just like my wife's older E39. Not bad mind you, but certainly not as light and nimble as I would have preferred.
At this point, the only new Bimmers I'd consider owning would be the 130i M Sport-which isn't offered here-or the upcoming M Coupe. If I wanted a 3500lb sedan or GT car I'd buy an E28 M5 or another E24 M6. But most likely I'll just keep saving my pennies for a vintage Henna Red M1.
I won't buy anything that I couldn't take to a BMW CCA Drivers School.
So after almost 600 miles on my odometer I can say the following as pluses for the e90:
1. Electric lumbar supports on sport seat bolsters.
2. Puddle lamps
3. Comfort Access
4. Slicker shifting manual
5. Angel eyes
C. I agree with 1 to 5. I have the automatic/select/manual and its fine for my needs. I really cant clutch my way around the Washington beltway in rush hour.
As you can see there's nothing really performance related there.
Negatives:
1. Engine's too quiet
C1. YES. My E46 had a "throaty" sound. Like a Harley compared to a Yahama. On my way to Canada and Florida I wondered if there wasn't an electric motor under the hood. 2. Soft ride with sport suspension
C2. Softer than my E46, both without sport suspension. Missing the E46 Tiger feel.
3. Isolated cabin feel
C3. Not sure what you mean here. Isolated from the road and Suspension, If so thats for sure.4. dual zone climate control - I don't rightly care what the passenger thinks of the temperature, it's my car.
C4. I find it as a Plus+.5. Soft leather - my 46's taunt, hard leather is more comfortable, especially on long drives.
C5. My non sport seats leather is fine for me. Doesnt seem hard or soft - just Right. I drove to Canada and 3 times to Florida. I felt very relaxed and comfortable.
6. Lackluster engine performance/gearing
C6. I feel like it needs another 75 HP, it seems sluggish on acceleration, except from 60 to 100+ it's fast for me.
7. Cruddy turn signal indicators
C7. I cant believe they let this one through testing? It seems you over compensate and than go from left to right or Visa: Versa. That 3 blink notch is the killer.8. Flat out retarded window switch placement - they don't belong on the left side...that makes [b]zero sense!!!!![/b]
C8. I prefer the switches there. I can run my hand forward over the arm rest and finger whatever I want. I didn't care for the center counsel controls on the E46. My dog would step on them and the emergency blinker and attract unwanted attention. 9. Super tiny outside rear-view mirrors
C9. I hadn't noticed until I took your list for a ride to observe your comments. Now they feel smaller than my Camaro. (I have a 94 camaro I kept, and drive once in a while.)No Comment please.
10. Comfort Access must be programmed to open either one door or all doors. Why not a double tap to do both doors?
C10. I like the concept of one click driver, than a second click for the other 3 doors.
11. Comfort Access often way too slow to respond to my approach - the trunk release takes ages to recognize me.
C11. Mine works up to 80 Feet away on approach. Just fine. 12. Grayish/white headliner - looks wretched.
C12. I never noticed. I guess my eyes are on the road ahead. 13. Gray floormats - I requested black, the guy at BMW Delivery Center blinked at my confused. Who would want gray floormats? Another expense when I get home, I guess.
C13. Mine came with the black I ordered. If they are on you order sheet as black you shouldnt have to pay. Seems like a minor inconvience. 14. Dorky wheels.
C14. I dont have sport wheels but the regular 17" look fine to me.15. Run-flat tires - poor road grip
C15. This Run Flat Tire Issue really sucks. See all my other comments in the BMW forums. I still cant believe BMW Real Did This To Us!!!
16. Flat - featureless dash
C16. When I handed my E46 over to my son and picked up the New E90 the first thing that really bothered me for days was the dash (besides the RFT's). It looked like a 5 series. The E46 seemed more "Cockpit" oriented. However now that i have driven it 11 months the dash must have grown on me, looks like it belongs to the rest of the interior.17. Cupholders are gone - or rather they're in the dash which is worthless for holding things I want held like my cell phone (I have a euro one for the trip).
C17. Bad design. My BMW coffee cup jumped out one morning when i accelerated at the on ramp of I-495. Fortunately the top slider was closed.18. Radio display disappears when I have on polarized sunglasses.
C18. Me too. you have to bend your head down about 8 inches to get the correct angle to see with shades on. it must of been raining when they tested this one out. 19. Zero bass in Logic 7 stereo - hard to believe the stereo got worse after the e46's Harmon Kardon. It did. Much worse.
C19. I hadn't noticed, however I maxed out the Bass yesterday and your right. Not much difference. 20. Car's big and heavy - the e46 was tubby, but this thing feels like Nell Carter after a trip to a casino buffet
C20. I Agree. Again I feel like a throaty sounding engine with 75 more HP and suspension changes could possibly make a difference.
To sum it up compared to my E46 which I loved, this ones more like a Lexus than the previous 3 series. I think BMW is trying to prep it up for the Millions of future Baby Boomers arriving in 2 years. "BMW Badge - Lexus Ride"
Owner6.
That's why I'm holding on to my E36. Just yesterday I threw it into a couple of corners at 35 mph over the posted "Advisory Speed". I was able to FEEL exactly what the car was doing. No drama, no lurid slides-just sheer competence. Best of all, no electronic nanny to ramp back the power or countersteer for me(as the active steering would do when I tried to dirt-track a 645CiC). I guess we should be thankful that Munich still allows us to disable the fun filters. Toyota evidently believes it knows best-and hence there are no safety nerd defeat switches in the "sporty" Lexus models...
There are if you know the overrides (it's not as simple as a switch), but it resets when you shut the car off.
Yes, I know you can defeat the Lexus stability system(s), but it is a real hassle to go through the involved procedure every time you start the thing.
http://ipodyourbmw.com/