Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/25 for details.
Options
BMW 3-Series 2006
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Personally, I'd like to see the European 330i (DI, NA, 270+ HP) introduced here in addition to 335 and 328 but apparently the fuel we buy here is not as clean as Europen fuel. So, may be you can also blame the oil companies since we blame them for all of the world's problems anyway.
Faced with both inflationary pressures and a Dollar \ Euro ( um ) issue, I was actually surprised to see the difference so small.
Not that $2,100 is trivial, but with the 328i going up a bit less than 5% ( $1,500 ) and including a modestly upsized ( to 3.0 L and 230 \ 200 HP \ TQ ) version of their I6 motor as the only significant change, I see the 335i increase as reasonable.
The RWD 328 shows incremental improvements ( by comparison ) in acceleration numbers, according to BMW: 0.4 and 0.3 seconds, 0 – 60.
The 335i gains 45 HP and a whopping 80 lb-ft of TQ, plus the apparent improvements to the 6 speed STEPTRONIC automatic trans. ( that would be my choice – with added paddle shift levers on the steering wheel, when the Sport Package is selected ) I see this as a rational dollar increase over the 330i. BMW quotes an improvement in acceleration of 0.7 seconds in 0 – 60 for both automatic & manual 6 speed versions of the 335i compared to the 330i. That is typically an amount of difference that can easily be discerned – by those addicted to torque. ( If it please the Court, I plead: guilty, as charged. )
And my ** GUESS ** is that these improvements will result in quarter mile times for the STEPTRONIC of close to 14 flat, at approx. 100 MPH. Enough to be entertaining, in my book.
YMMV.
- Ray
With a BMW sedan back on the radar as a possible option, come time to replaceme my current sedan . . .
I would not generally consider any of those vehicles in the same Class of a 3er, Even though it is starting to get quite Portly.
A6 and M = 5er
IS = joke
RL= 50K Honda accord
Just my 2c
DL
I thought the same thing then I thought well, if they’re selling for approx. the same price you can include just about anything Hummer etc.
I’ve seen people cross-shop 2 seat convertibles and SUV’s.
Seems sort of silly but when somebody is getting ready to “plunk” down hard earned dollars I guess everything is up for grabs then you can get into used cars (used 911).
I thought a 2K increase is very reasonable if you took a 330i and went aftermarket, you’d spend much more for that kind of performance increase.
I am noticing - under hard excelleration - there is a slight, brief, but noticeable power dip/hiccup/ bet. 3.5/4K RPM - not every time but it has occurred enough to make me concerned. Note - my bride has taken it upon herself to use regular gas (gasp!) on occasion - but I can hardly believe the wives tales about power problems as a result.
I am definitely going to bring it up at the first service - but thought I'd check with the forum for any similar experiences.
Thanks in advance.
Mook
Acura RL is being steeply discounted now (still nice cars, no matter what the biases are) and for all intents and purposes, I believe I can snag an A6 Q for $9K off MSRP (according to newspaper ads in my 'burg).
Point being, the price increase puts the 3 series in a whole other league with some mighty fine luxo models.
Are you serious? Dude, there are no OWTs involved with this issue as this is very well known science that dates back to the early 1920s. While you may not feel higher octane fuel has any benefit for a high compression engine, if you look at WWII (when high octane/high compression piston engines were first widly used), there are many noted individuals (General Jimmy Doolittle for one) that have claimed that were it not for our ability to produce high octane aviation fuels, we wouldn't have won the war. While I think that might be a bit of an exaggeration, it may not be too far from the mark either.
Don't believe me? Do a little internet research over at the SAE or in the old NACA (precursor to NASA) archives.
http://www.sae.org/servlets/index
http://naca.larc.nasa.gov/
The truth of the matter is that your engine WILL retard its ignition timing and cut fuel flow where and when necessary to keep the more volatile low octane fuel from destroying your engine.
Best Regards,
Shipo
Thanks for your help.
Steve.
If your stepping up I would Defiantly choose the A6...
DL
So much for Wives AND their tales!
Thanks for the advice Shipo.
Mook
Thanks
Mook
Both are equipped about the same....I-Drive navi in the BMW (I actually liked it)....MMI navi in the A6. A6 has the quatro. BMW I'm looking at is RWD.
I like the BMW driving dynamics better, but the A6 isn't far behind.
Here's the kicker....I can get $9K off sticker on a new (no demo) A6 3.2Q. I'm still working on negotiatins on the 330i (last dealer offer was $2k off sticker). But, as it stands right now, I can buy the A6Q for the same price as the 330i. The 335i comes in higher, then it makes the whole balance shift to the Audi (and probably the Infiniti M).
You could do a ED and save some cash on the 3er and If you joined BMWCCA get another $500 back. The market here is so tight (Dallas) I could do a ED. Drive it for a year and resell to Carmax and make 1K......If you very frequently swap cars might be worth considering.
DL
In my case, I am looking ( quite seriously ) at a 335i and a C6 Corvette. Quite different ‘creatures’, but either will fit my requirements: At this stage, my primary requirements are entertaining performance & comfort in commuting and touring. Number of seats ( beyond 2 ) is irrelevant, though a sedan seating position is what I am most used to, right now.
In this case, though, the A6 ( and I have driven several current Audis and 3 Infiniti M45 Sports ) with 3.2 strikes me as distinctly slower ( less quick? ) than even the 330i. (Setting aside the 335i, for the moment.) If that aspect is important. Since the A6 is not available with a manual trans. – as the 330i is – I presume that you are comparing the A6 to a 330i with STEPTRONIC? The only published comparison test including a 330i w/STEP and an Audi 3.2 that I am aware of is this one in Motor Trend:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0509_sport_sedan_comparison/index6- - .html
The A4 is ( clearly ) lighter than an equivalent A6, and the 0 – 60 & quarter mile differences here I’d see as significant. With an expectation that an A6 3.2 would post something less quick yet. And the 335i is an unknown right now, but I stand by my ‘fearless prediction’ that a STEP 335i will be close to 14.0 at 100. A pretty quick sedan. If 15.1 at 93.4 is enough for you, and the ( much ) greater front weigh bias of an A6 vs a 330i is OK with you – and particularly if you live in a geographic region where AWD has real value much of the year, the A6 certainly has much to recommend it. Just not outstanding acceleration or exemplary handling balance. ( Note: In R&T’s test of the A6 3.2 they posted 15.2 at 93.8. And the M45 Sport looks like it is close in acceleration to where I expect the 335i to ‘land’. )
Even the A6 4.2 is not a particularly quick sedan – published tests have typically shown high 14s in the quarter - and the feel, in my experience, is commensurate. Again: very nice motor, very nice car - just not particularly quick.
My current sedan is well documented as capable of low 14s in the quarter. This level of acceleration, I consider quick enough to be entertaining. Your parameters or requirements may certainly differ.
Just my 0.02 gallons worth . . .
- Ray
Admitted torque addict & acceleration junkie . . .
The A6 steering felt light to me. Ride was a little better than the 330i, but the 330i has probably the most "near to perfect" ride/handling trade-off as I've ever experienced. A6 felt slower than the 300i. But, the A6 is significantly bigger and had the quatro advantage (we get some snow in the midwest, but usually not more than 3 times/year). I would compare the A6 4.2 acceleration more in line with the 330i's. All my comparison was done using my "buttometer".
Both interiors are what I would consider best in class with both the 330i and the A6.
If 1/4 times and 0-60 were my only consideration, I'd pick the IS350. But, that car falls down in so many other areas when compared to the BMW or the Audi, that I crossed it off my list. Try as they might, it seems the Japanese brands just can't get that "sports sedan" feel right.
M35/45 was a considreration. As good as it is, it still can't seem to capture what the BMW and Audi have captured as far as driving dynamics.
I can get great discounts on the '06 A6 ($9K off MSRP). I can get about $2,500 off the 330i. That puts the A6 and 330i pretty much at the same price, comparably equipped. Given that the 335i is going to be $2,100 more than the 330i. And given the fact that I doubt any substantial discounts can be had for the 335i for quite some time, I'm trying to decide between the A6 3.2 and the 330i.
I got the 0-60 acceleration "jones" out of my system when I sold my '05 Mustang GT (at a profit, no less) a while ago.
The C6 is in a whole other league when it comes to accleration and handling. But, it's a different car....two seater....forget about driving it during snow months (if you get that where you live). I know people how have had good luck with build and reliablity with 'vettes. I've known just as many who have had dismal luck with them. Chevy dealers aren't particularly known for their customer focus, either. You really can't get a much better dealership esperience and customer support than you get with BMW or Audi dealerships (at least in my 'burg).
Shopping around a bit (Kerbecks), you can get a c6 for about the same price as a nicely equipped 3 series or A6, but the Audi and BMW are year round cars. I know of no one who uses their 'vette as a daily driver.
Nice to have such choices in that price range, isn't it?
I was wondering if there would be a ride difference in terms of feel between the 300 xi and the 330i sport or non-sport ... For those that own a 330xi, please describe the type of feeling you get from driving the car
I am aware that the 330i sport is lower and a stiffer suspension but i was wondering if this translates to a big difference when compared to the xi
Thanks
A6 with no manual has gotten off my list as I prefer more sport and handle as I get older. Go figure. My cars keep getting smaller. S class, E-class, A6 Turbo, and now IM thinking 3 series!
Mid life is getting me!
I am in a market for a 2006 325i with xenon, premium pck. and auto. MSRP is about 36k. What is a reasonable monthly lease for this?
I saw on bmw website that they are having specials on 06's and msrp of 33k 3 series monthly is about $383.00 with only 10k a year in mileage.
The SP rides nice on smooth surfaces but translates uneven, bumps rather harsh. The upside is outstanding handling. I have 7,600 miles so far and having fun but I prefer the performance feel. There has been some controversy regarding the el-42 rft's regarding loudness and stiffness. I can say that this car's set-up gives quite a bit of confidence even in the rain. In the twisty's unbelievable but I am used to American steel which is no comparison in a sedan.
When I drove the 330i non-sp for 1,000 miles, the car handled great and got about 1.5 mpg better than my car. Very confident and felt lighter but the SP difference was easy to tell the difference when I got my car back.
Bottom line, I needed the x-drive but was happy with the SP.
Good luck!
Best Regards,
Shipo
Best Regards,
OW
As for the 330i (non-SP) versus any version of the 330xi, there are very few differences in the suspension and none with the wheels and tires. Given the lower ride height and the lighter weight, the 330i (non-SP) will easily beat any 330xi around a closed course track. To claim anything else is wishful thinking.
If you don't believe me then call BMW yourself. If you don't believe them, well...
Best Regards,
Shipo
The placebo effect is a wondrous thing :P
FWIW, I'm being sorely tempted by a one owner Bright Red 2000 323Ci that my dealer recently took in trade. SP and heated seats are the only options. It has a manual tranny of course- just as God and Munich intended. It would make a great commuter sled-especially once it gets a Conforti CAI and Shark Injector
Who's "they"? Certainly not BMW.
The following is copied directly from the BMW web site under the details of the 330xi Sport Package:
Sport Package
- 17 x 8.0 Star Spoke (Styling 158) light-alloy wheels, 225/45R-17 run-flat* all-season tires
- 8-way power front sport seats with adjustable back bolsters, 2-way manual headrests and thigh support; driver memory for exterior mirrors and seat positions
- 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio controls
*Run-flat tires do not come equipped with spare tire.
Where in that description do you see any reference to an upgraded suspension.
FWIW, for the 330i the SP does in fact include an upgraded suspension which is confirmed by the following language:
Sport Package
- Star Spoke (Styling# 162) light-alloy wheels, 18 x 8.0 front, 18x 8.5 rear; 225/40R-18 front, 255/35R-18 rear run-flat* performance tires*
- 8-way power front sport seats (includes 2-way headrests and thigh support)
- 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio and accessory phone* controls
- Sport suspension calibration
*Run-flat tires do not come equipped with spare tire *Due to low-profile tire, please note: wheels, tires and suspension parts are more susceptible to road hazard and consequential damages. Performance tires not recommended for driving in snow and ice.
*If so equipped
See the difference?
Best Regards,
Shipo
I do know the xdrive suspension has different tuning. Perhaps that is the perception I get in my comparison.
Thanks,
OW
Do I believe the "xi" and the "i" (non-SP of course) handle differently? Yup, without question.
Do I believe the "xi" will out handle the aforementioned "i"? Nope. In addition to the two items I've mentioned before (i.e. lower ride height and lower weight of the "i"), there is another factor that I've neglected. Suspension weight. Forgetting for a moment your assertion that the "xi" uses steel control arms in place of the aluminum casting (forgings?) that the "i" sports, the front suspension of the "xi" needs to deal with the extra weight of the drive shafts. Add in the extra weight of the steel control arms and you've got a front suspension that has as many as four different handicaps to overcome just to be able to handle as well as an equivalent "i" model.
While we will most likely have to wait for a magazine to perform a back to back test of two otherwise like cars, I believe it is almost a certainty that the RWD 3-Series will easily out handle an otherwise identical AWD 3-Series on dry pavement.
Best Regards,
Shipo
We will wait for the experts, so I guess I am experiencing some placebo! Either way, now I know why Bimmer owners are so phanatical.
Thanks,
OW
If you have it repainted, be absolutely sure they remove the bumper from the car and don't put the car in the paint booth.
Owner6
For the time I got the touch up done. Obviously, it stands out a bit, however, i prefer it being covered in black that stands out rather than scratches.......
Once I find the right price and time I'll go with the cleaner approach. Thanks for those numbers by the way!!!
Likes: handling, steering, agility, high speed performance and cruise behavior, RFT050A tires, assembly quality, styling and interior design -- tastefully teutonic instead of that video-game Japanese look that my Acura TL had, headlight performance, mileage.
"Opportunities": would prefer shorter throw on shifter and clutch, lack of low end torque, radio controls are unnecessarily complex (one big knob for volume, one big one for continuous tuner, one for function, one each for bass and treble, and buttons for preselects, please -- that's all we need), radio presets have disappeared twice, lack of a manual single zone air conditioner (I've never met an auto climate control I like and this one is not one of the best -- temp and humidity variations -- better to outsource from GM). I'd like the car to feel a little lighter on its feet -- lose 200 to 300 lbs. Simplify, simplify, simplify: concentrate on the car, not the technological gimmickry. Bluetooth -- so what?
But overall I love it -- best car I've ever had.
However, the height difference is not as cleary visible compared to the e46s.
However, I believe that I am pretty concentrated on driving when calling or receiving calls. In addition, I have found that in my usage of the cellular phone, I am most dangerous when dialing, because my sight ultimately goes to the small screen instead on the road, and we all know what can happen in 1 second while driving, and especially when driving fast.
Therefore, to me, Bluetooth is one of the best security options on my Bimmer.
i agree. I carry a cell phone However, I dont make calls when driving. If i receive a call only from my 2 sons I will pull over to the shoulder and see if its important.
I stopped using a cell while driving several years ago when: My intention was to avoid Harrisburg PA commuter traffic at 7:30 AM by taking the PA Turnpike over the river and get off at the 1st exit across the river to continue north on I-81 to Canada. The next thing I noticed (while I was on my cell) I was 48 miles east at a reading PA exit sign. I dont remember anything about driving there. I remember picking up my ticket and the next realization of driving and the road was 48 miles later. Note I was on a Business call.
I was so shocked over this experience that I never use a cell while driving.
31 years they've been using the same slogan. The world and every generation knows BMWs as one thing. Guess driving is not important to BMW anymore.
Kinda goes without saying. A spin in the e90 proves they're more into making luxurious cruisers with gizmos than performance sedans.
Maybe an STI is in my future. Sigh.
can somebody tell me how serious it is after seeing pictures plz?
is there any chance to go back to same as before?
you can check photos here http://www.carspace.com/ewupbro
i can give the detailed estimate if necessary
Noisy loose trim pieces and electronic gizmos that fail... Mine spent 19 days out of service last month to diagnose and repair a faulty "intelligent battery sensor" that was causing all sorts of electrical anomalies. :lemon:
I thought that BMW was the reliable German car company...
Obviously, the entier front end and at least one 1/4 panel. I'm guessing, but the radiator has to be replaced. Probably some tie rods, maybe shocks on the front. Front tires (which ain't cheap because of the run flats) and wheels.
Can't tell from the pics, but find out of there was any frame damage.
Did the airbags go off?
I can see it being $15K to fix.
The good news is that you're alive and able to post here.
If there is no frame damage, then the car probably will go back to what it used to be.
However, there will be a nagging feeling regarding to the accident when the car starts to behave different.
I will try to sell the car if I could.
Your insurance is going to go through the roof after this accident. I feel your pain.
Good luck.