are BMWs really that good?

[OS]

I see that ~28K will buy a 325i, are these cars as good as all the publications make them out to be? I've ridden in my share of bimmers and it's like whatever, but never driven one.

28K isn't too bad for a car so widely acclaimed and the ladies really like them. Don't give me that gold digger lecture, I know what I'm doing

 

[Sluggo]

There are better cars for less money, and worse cars for more money...

it is up to you to choose your own poison.

 

[diskop]

Originally posted by: OuterSquare
I see that ~28K will buy a 325i, are these cars as good as all the publications make them out to be? I've ridden in my share of bimmers and it's like whatever, but never driven one.

28K isn't too bad for a car so widely acclaimed and the ladies really like them. Don't give me that gold digger lecture, I know what I'm doing

Getting a gold digger is better than coming up empty handed. Well, empty for a while at least

 

[bmacd]

i'm sure once the novelty of the "i own a BMW" wears off, it will perform just as well as a Honda Accord or something comparable.

-=bmacd=-

 

[Desslok]

Originally posted by: bmacd
i'm sure once the novelty of the "i own a BMW" wears off, it will perform just as well as a Honda Accord or something comparable. -=bmacd=-

So you think a Honda Accord handles as well as a BMW? A BMW will blow the doors off any Accord in the handling dept. Do you think all the magizines get together and say hey let really push the BMW's? Don't think so, they don't pull any punches. If they sucked or were just avg they would tell you. With that said if you are just going to get a BMW for the sake of owning one then yea you are missing the point. They are meant to be driven and driven hard.

 

[Kadarin]

IMO it depends on the BMW.. Go sit in a 3-series, and then go sit in a 5-series. (Personally, I'll take a 540i..)

 

[CocaCola5]

I think Volkswagen AG is just as good as bimmers.

 

[Hammer]

hahaha, I hope you were kidding.

Originally posted by: bmacd
i'm sure once the novelty of the "i own a BMW" wears off, it will perform just as well as a Honda Accord or something comparable.

-=bmacd=-

 

[burnedout]

I've owned three BMW automobiles. Purchased each of them used at ridiculously cheap prices while stationed in Germany. '76 2002 ($1000 in '84), '75 2500 ($363 in '84 from a German gentleman) and an '86 535 ($500 from an officer in '94). All were German spec. That 535 would literally scream down the Autobahn. Was considered totaled by the insurance company when I acquired it. Had front suspension damage. Went with a buddy to a boneyard, forked over $200 for some used parts and a weekend of work had her back on the road. Sold it for a helluva profit in '95 to another GI.

To me, aside from the cost of parts over here, they seem to be good rides, for the most part. Not exactly the best "bang for the buck", so to speak. There was always the telltale oil blowby through the exhaust when the driver let off the gas while travelling at high speed. You don't see that as much over here 'cause American drivers can't open them up like in Germany. Still, they offer great handling, performance and a legendary reputation.

 

[geno]

I've ridden for a 3 hour trip in a '00 3 Series and for its size, it was the smoothest car I've ridden in. I say "for its size" because the larger luxury cars out there are even smoother (since they don't have to care about performance). As for the car mags and auto reports: I think they hype BMW up too much, they definitly feed the public a moderate amount of BS, but nobody wants to say it because they're "the prime source for info"...

 

[JamesM3M5]

Originally posted by: Desslok

Originally posted by: bmacd
i'm sure once the novelty of the "i own a BMW" wears off, it will perform just as well as a Honda Accord or something comparable. -=bmacd=-

So you think a Honda Accord handles as well as a BMW? A BMW will blow the doors off any Accord in the handling dept. Do you think all the magizines get together and say hey let really push the BMW's? Don't think so, they don't pull any punches. If they sucked or were just avg they would tell you. With that said if you are just going to get a BMW for the sake of owning one then yea you are missing the point. They are meant to be driven and driven hard.

Well said!!

I have been a BMW freak since I was young. I currently have three BMWs, a 1988 M3 and a 1988 M5 (my dream cars since I was 16), and a 1994 325i prepared to SCCA-ITS specs. It will be driven by my best friend at the SCCA Americcan Road Racing Championships at Road Atlanta . I don't know about the newer 3-series (chassis code E46), but a BMW simply "feels" right to me. I have driven Fords, Chevys, a Peugeot, Hyundai Excel, Mercedes S-class from the mid-80s, Dodge, etc, etc, etc. All of them lack the "feel" of the road.

It all comes down to what you want. If I were you, I would look at the CPO market for a great E36 (the previous 3-series) M3. 1995 was the first model year, and 1999 was the latest. They have a 3.0L (1995) or 3.2L (1996+) inline 6 with variable intake valve timing, 240HP stock (more with a computer software upgrade), 225Lb-ft of torque and a wide torque curve. It was named the best handling sports car in any price range in 1995 by Car and Driver. They can be found in the range of $15k (1995 with around 80k miles) to $25k for well-kept, low mileage 1999s.

Comparable cars to the BMW 3-series are the Lexus IS300 (Altezza), Mercedes C-class, and Audi A4. Shop around, drive them all. Choose which car you like best.

Good Luck!!

 

[lizium]

YES they are that good

But really, at this point Audi is also just as strong as BMW. So say you want to get the smaller class, go check out the 3-series (330i baby), new Audi A4, and maybe even the Lexus IS-300.... But personally i always come back to the BMW, it feels the best on the road.


EDIT: haha good joke with the Honda being as good as BMW, lol.

 

[B00ne]

I dont think u will get a new 325 for a mere 28K unless BMW is ripping us off in their Homebase to stuff it in your asses....

base price is already 32000 that is without AC, no leather , no fancy bose audio system, no navigation, not even power windows

 

[Doggiedog]

Originally posted by: bmacd
i'm sure once the novelty of the "i own a BMW" wears off, it will perform just as well as a Honda Accord or something comparable.

-=bmacd=-

Pfft

I do agree with you that there is a novelty that wears off but I think that's the same with any car, especially as it ages. But you must be joking if you are trying to compare a BMW to an Accord.

JamesM3M5, I used to love those old M3s from the late 80s. In college, I drove a new one once for a dealership in Boston up from NYC. A 3 hour trip took me about 6 hours hehe. I wanted the new one but alas it became impractical for me because of kids.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: B00ne
I dont think u will get a new 325 for a mere 28K unless BMW is ripping us off in their Homebase to stuff it in your asses....

base price is already 32000 that is without AC, no leather , no fancy bose audio system, no navigation, not even power windows

http://www.bmwusa.com/

The 325i starts at $27,100 plus a destination charge of $645.

Standard equpiment:

2.5-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine


Electronic throttle control


Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing


Dual resonance intake system


5-speed manual transmission

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), with All Season Traction


Strut-type front suspension with forged-aluminum lower arms


Multi-link rear suspension with cast-aluminum upper transverse arms


Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars


Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers


Engine-speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering


4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control

16 x 7.0 Star Spoke (Styling 45) alloy wheels, 205/55R-16 all-season tires

Halogen free-form foglights

Heated dual-power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets

Anti-theft AM/FM stereo/CD audio system with 10 speakers, Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store, and 3-channel FM diversity antenna system

8-way adjustable front seats (includes 2-way headrest)

Leatherette upholstery

4-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and accessory phone controls

Titanium-finish trim

Vehicle & Key Memory


Remote entry, including 2-step unlocking and remote trunk release


Automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation


Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column

Power front and rear windows with "one touch" up/down operation


Front and rear map-reading lights, footwell and visor mirror lights


Cruise control


Locking glovebox with rechargeable take-out flashlight


Electric interior trunk release


Fully finished trunk with reversible mat and drop-down tool kit


BMW Ambiance Lighting


Pre-wiring for cellular phone, alarm, garage-door opener, and 6-CD changer

Service Interval Indicator with miles-to-service readout


Check control vehicle monitor system with pictogram display

Daytime running lights (via Vehicle Memory System - programmed at BMW center)


Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)


Head Protection System (HPS)


Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with "smart" dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment and sensor to help prevent unnecessary passenger's airbag deployment


Front-door-mounted side-impact airbags


Interlocking door anchoring system to help protect against door intrusion in side impacts


Battery Safety Terminal


Automatic fuel cut-off, triggered by airbag deployment


Central locking system with center console switch (leaves gas filler door unlocked), double-lock feature and 2-step unlocking


Coded Driveaway Protection


Height-adjustable front safety belts with automatic pretensioners and force limiters


Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts (for installation of child restraint seats)


Crash sensor that automatically turns on hazard lights and interior lights, and unlocks doors


Full-use spare alloy wheel and tire8

BMW Full Maintenance11

11: Full Maintenance program covers all factory-recommended maintenance, as determined by the Service Interval Indicator, for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Full Maintenance program includes items that need replacement due to normal wear and tear, provided wear and tear exceeds BMW specifications. This includes items such as brake pads, brake rotors, and wiper blades that are not covered by the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Any adjustments required due to normal operating conditions are also included. For exclusions and limitations, refer to the Service and Warranty Information booklet that came with your new BMW, or see your authorized BMW center for details. A Full Maintenance program upgrade to 4 years/50,000 miles is available.

 

[B00ne]

Originally posted by: AmusedOne

Originally posted by: B00ne
I dont think u will get a new 325 for a mere 28K unless BMW is ripping us off in their Homebase to stuff it in your asses....

base price is already 32000 that is without AC, no leather , no fancy bose audio system, no navigation, not even power windows

http://www.bmwusa.com/

The 325i starts at $27,100 plus a destination charge of $645.

Standard equpiment:

2.5-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC), 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine


Electronic throttle control


Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing


Dual resonance intake system


5-speed manual transmission

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), with All Season Traction


Strut-type front suspension with forged-aluminum lower arms


Multi-link rear suspension with cast-aluminum upper transverse arms


Front and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars


Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers


Engine-speed-sensitive, variable-assist power steering


4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with Dynamic Brake Control

16 x 7.0 Star Spoke (Styling 45) alloy wheels, 205/55R-16 all-season tires

Halogen free-form foglights

Heated dual-power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets

Anti-theft AM/FM stereo/CD audio system with 10 speakers, Radio Data System (RDS), Auto-Store, and 3-channel FM diversity antenna system

8-way adjustable front seats (includes 2-way headrest)

Leatherette upholstery

4-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and accessory phone controls

Titanium-finish trim

Vehicle & Key Memory


Remote entry, including 2-step unlocking and remote trunk release


Automatic climate control with micro-filter and air recirculation


Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column

Power front and rear windows with "one touch" up/down operation


Front and rear map-reading lights, footwell and visor mirror lights


Cruise control


Locking glovebox with rechargeable take-out flashlight


Electric interior trunk release


Fully finished trunk with reversible mat and drop-down tool kit


BMW Ambiance Lighting


Pre-wiring for cellular phone, alarm, garage-door opener, and 6-CD changer

Service Interval Indicator with miles-to-service readout


Check control vehicle monitor system with pictogram display

Daytime running lights (via Vehicle Memory System - programmed at BMW center)


Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)


Head Protection System (HPS)


Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with "smart" dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment and sensor to help prevent unnecessary passenger's airbag deployment


Front-door-mounted side-impact airbags


Interlocking door anchoring system to help protect against door intrusion in side impacts


Battery Safety Terminal


Automatic fuel cut-off, triggered by airbag deployment


Central locking system with center console switch (leaves gas filler door unlocked), double-lock feature and 2-step unlocking


Coded Driveaway Protection


Height-adjustable front safety belts with automatic pretensioners and force limiters


Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts (for installation of child restraint seats)


Crash sensor that automatically turns on hazard lights and interior lights, and unlocks doors


Full-use spare alloy wheel and tire8

BMW Full Maintenance11

11: Full Maintenance program covers all factory-recommended maintenance, as determined by the Service Interval Indicator, for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. Full Maintenance program includes items that need replacement due to normal wear and tear, provided wear and tear exceeds BMW specifications. This includes items such as brake pads, brake rotors, and wiper blades that are not covered by the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Any adjustments required due to normal operating conditions are also included. For exclusions and limitations, refer to the Service and Warranty Information booklet that came with your new BMW, or see your authorized BMW center for details. A Full Maintenance program upgrade to 4 years/50,000 miles is available.

hmmm with this kind of equipment the price is probably easily 10grand higher in germany - now someone explain to me why we, the builders of the car have to pay between 25-40% more for them - sometimes I feel they make us charge to compensate the losses they have in the US - but if they have losses in the US why dont they leave that market?

 

[lizium]

Cause all you do is drive BMW's and Audi's and MB's in Germany, there is a huge market... oh yeah and Germany is killer with taxes.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: B00ne
hmmm with this kind of equipment the price is probably easily 10grand higher in germany - now someone explain to me why we, the builders of the car have to pay between 25-40% more for them - sometimes I feel they make us charge to compensate the losses they have in the US - but if they have losses in the US why dont they leave that market?

Because you choose to live with a government that is more socialist than ours. You play, you pay. Not only does your government tax your income more, but it taxes your industries more as well.

It's cheaper for BMW to do business in the US, and that savings is rightly passed on to the consumer.

 

[B00ne]

Originally posted by: lizium
Cause all you do is drive BMW's and Audi's and MB's in Germany, there is a huge market... oh yeah and Germany is killer with taxes.

While that is true, taxes cant be the explanation, sales tax is 15% so there is still alot of room...

Our income tax is not necesarily higher than yours but the social security things take really alot from your and your employers pocket (especially pension system and health insurance but also unemployment insurance). Companies also dont pay too much taxies i think. And big international corporations havent really payed any taxes for ages.

edit: Amused Ones explanation sounds reasonable, but on the other hand it is just selling BMW does in the US. The cars are not produced there. (I know there is this plant in W.Virginia but that oneBMW was not very happy about (very costly quality problems and long "work in" time due to the lack of skilled workers) which is why they decided to built the new one in Germany again)

 

[NutBucket]

In a word, yes.

 

[Ns1]

yes

i've driven in my share of bimmers (hundreds lol) and they're worth it; they're slightly more expensive than their counterparts, but they look better too

 

[Pastore]

BMW = Honda? wow some of you guys are stupid...

Go test drive a bimmer and you will understand what the fuss is all about...

It's not called "The ultimate driving machine" for nothing..

 

[Pooteh]

well stupid is comparing the ride of a bmw to a hundai excel

compare it to other 28k-32k cars and its not that special you get what you pay for.

 

[Doggiedog]

The newest Accords go up to $27K but they still won't come close.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: bmacd
i'm sure once the novelty of the "i own a BMW" wears off, it will perform just as well as a Honda Accord or something comparable.

-=bmacd=-

You have apparently never ridden in a german car, or you would think otherwize.