BMW 325I

[StageLeft]

It was a hell of a lot nicer to drive than my 2001 Maxima SE, a car I like quite a bit.

DIE!! Actually, you may be right, but your maxima is still faster 🙂 I would benefit from driving another bmw, but regardless of drive, they're still not particularly fast. A used one may make some sense, but with the new TL and G35, I think that the 325i is currently trumped (hard).

 

[freebee]

If a 330 was available for 34k, yes....very good deal. 325...considerably less so. And despite the premium in pricing, a 330 is a far better car than a g35.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito
I tend to disagree with Skoorb that the 325i has nothing to recommend it. It is actually a reasonably quick car with the legendary BMW handling, shifter, etc. I recently drove a buddy's 1995 325i and it was a revelation - I was flatly amazed by the driving experience, and this was a car he spent $10.7K on. It was a hell of a lot nicer to drive than my 2001 Maxima SE, a car I like quite a bit.

The 318i, not sold in the US, is definitely a watered-down BMW, but to me the 325i, with its creamy inline 6, offers a real BMW driving experience. You do pay a premium, and so on paper it is a poorer value than the TL or G35, but to me it is not a terrible value.

Hmm, I just sold a 1994 BMW 325i. My wife is now driving my '03 Maxima. Personally, I think the Maxima is a much better car. It's larger, faster and it handles reasonably well.

I hope your friend doesn't have the automatic transmission. They have a tendancy to need rebuilding at around 100k miles and this little bit of work will cost you over $3,000. I think it's closer to $5,000 if you have BMW put a new one in the car rather than rebuild the old one. Also, the sunrood rattled quite a bit. $600 to replace the entire cassette. Shocks, $1300 for a set of four. Brake jobs were around $500 each time, you must replace the rotors at every brake job.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

It was a hell of a lot nicer to drive than my 2001 Maxima SE, a car I like quite a bit.

DIE!! Actually, you may be right, but your maxima is still faster 🙂 I would benefit from driving another bmw, but regardless of drive, they're still not particularly fast. A used one may make some sense, but with the new TL and G35, I think that the 325i is currently trumped (hard).

I really don't think my Max is faster. It certainly feels slower. The BMW's throttle is so precise, its shifter SO much slicker than my car's, and its handling so superior, that I know I could drive it faster over any moderately challenging course.

IMO, BMW tends to publish rather conservative horsepower ratings, and Nissan tends to inflate them, hence the fact that the BMW's actual performance numbers are often better than its HP numbers would have you believe.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Hmm, I just sold a 1994 BMW 325i. My wife is now driving my '03 Maxima. Personally, I think the Maxima is a much better car. It's larger, faster and it handles reasonably well.

I hope your friend doesn't have the automatic transmission. They have a tendancy to need rebuilding at around 100k miles and this little bit of work will cost you over $3,000. I think it's closer to $5,000 if you have BMW put a new one in the car rather than rebuild the old one. Also, the sunrood rattled quite a bit. $600 to replace the entire cassette. Shocks, $1300 for a set of four. Brake jobs were around $500 each time, you must replace the rotors at every brake job.

No, he has a stick. I would never buy an automatic in any car, so that is a non-player for me. His sunroof is fine at 77k miles. How can the brake rotors need to be replaced along with the pads? I find that hard to believe - they are structurally just like any other disc brakes.

 

[krunchykrome]

that wasn't your point to begin with. your original point involved a barely used car.

Geezus, how about I just bend over for you all? When I said "barely used," what I meant was under 50K. And no, I am not saying the 325i is a good choice at all.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: Skoorb

It was a hell of a lot nicer to drive than my 2001 Maxima SE, a car I like quite a bit.

DIE!! Actually, you may be right, but your maxima is still faster 🙂 I would benefit from driving another bmw, but regardless of drive, they're still not particularly fast. A used one may make some sense, but with the new TL and G35, I think that the 325i is currently trumped (hard).

I really don't think my Max is faster. It certainly feels slower. The BMW's throttle is so precise, and its shifter SO much slicker than my car's, and its handling so superior, that I know I could drive it faster over any moderately challenging course.

IMO, BMW tends to publish rather conservative horsepower ratings, and Nissan tends to inflate them, hence the fact that the BMW's actual performance numbers are often better than its HP numbers would have you believe.

Well, you are comparing the BMW to the older 3.0 liter engine Maxima. The '02 and on has a 3.5l engine in it and is much more powerful than the 3.0l.

I like BMW but quite honestly you will end up spending so much more on them if you keep the car for 5-6 years like I tend to do. I don't expect to put much into the Maxima other than oil changes, tires, tune ups and brake jobs in the next 4 years. I don't think this is an unreasonable expectation for a Nissan. A new BMW would have cost me more than $10k more and it's a smaller car.

You can find much better choices in that price range IMHO.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome

that wasn't your point to begin with. your original point involved a barely used car.

Geezus, how about I just bend over for you all? When I said "barely used," what I meant was under 50K. And no, I am not saying the 325i is a good choice at all.

i'm harsh on n00bs 🙂

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Hmm, I just sold a 1994 BMW 325i. My wife is now driving my '03 Maxima. Personally, I think the Maxima is a much better car. It's larger, faster and it handles reasonably well.

I hope your friend doesn't have the automatic transmission. They have a tendancy to need rebuilding at around 100k miles and this little bit of work will cost you over $3,000. I think it's closer to $5,000 if you have BMW put a new one in the car rather than rebuild the old one. Also, the sunrood rattled quite a bit. $600 to replace the entire cassette. Shocks, $1300 for a set of four. Brake jobs were around $500 each time, you must replace the rotors at every brake job.

No, he has a stick. I would never buy an automatic in any car, so that is a non-player for me. His sunroof is fine at 77k miles. How can the brake rotors need to be replaced along with the pads? I find that hard to believe - they are structurally just like any other disc brakes.

Well, I guess you don't NEED to but it is recommended. Most reputable BMW mechanics will not turn rotors on these cars.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Well, you are comparing the BMW to the older 3.0 liter engine Maxima. The '02 and on has a 3.5l engine in it and is much more powerful than the 3.0l.

I like BMW but quite honestly you will end up spending so much more on them if you keep the car for 5-6 years like I tend to do. I don't expect to put much into the Maxima other than oil changes, tires, tune ups and brake jobs in the next 4 years. I don't think this is an unreasonable expectation for a Nissan. A new BMW would have cost me more than $10k more and it's a smaller car.

You can find much better choices in that price range IMHO.

Yeah, I know that, but my 3.0l Max already manifests significant torque steer, and gets what I consider rather marginal mileage (23 MPG), so I don't know that I would want the larger engine. I already find the car adequately quick, and, as I said, I really do like it.

I know a BMW is a more expensive car to own - I just feel that you get something for the money. Additionally, a lot of the higher purchase cost would be offset by the much better resale of the BMW - I really like my Max, but I will lose my ass when I sell it.

 

[datalink7]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Hell no. You can find a barely used 325i for $20K with reasonable miles. For $35K, go for the G35 or an Audi A4.

Where? The 3 series have insanely high resale - I would be very surprised to see a "barely used" 325i for less than the high 20s.

AFAIK a barebones one STARTS at the high 20's. The thing with the 325i is that if it wasn't a bmw it would sell for $5k+ less. You're paying a lot for the badge. If that's important to the buyer, and they don't mind the fact that a HUGE number of cars can kick their ass for much less money, then it may make sense.

There is something to be said for being able to say "I drive a BMW" though.

 

[nan0bug]

Originally posted by: datalink7

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Hell no. You can find a barely used 325i for $20K with reasonable miles. For $35K, go for the G35 or an Audi A4.

Where? The 3 series have insanely high resale - I would be very surprised to see a "barely used" 325i for less than the high 20s.

AFAIK a barebones one STARTS at the high 20's. The thing with the 325i is that if it wasn't a bmw it would sell for $5k+ less. You're paying a lot for the badge. If that's important to the buyer, and they don't mind the fact that a HUGE number of cars can kick their ass for much less money, then it may make sense.

There is something to be said for being able to say "I drive a BMW" though.

Theres a lot more to be said for "I drive an M3 coupe/convertible", though, no matter what the year is.

 

[Babbles]

I think most car fans would agree that the 325 is more for a car for tools; for people who only want a BMW just to say they have a BMW but do not have the funds to buy a 'real' one.

For $34k there is a whole hell of a lot better car to be had.

 

[krunchykrome]

For $34k there is a whole hell of a lot better car to be had.

Agreed.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Well, you are comparing the BMW to the older 3.0 liter engine Maxima. The '02 and on has a 3.5l engine in it and is much more powerful than the 3.0l.

I like BMW but quite honestly you will end up spending so much more on them if you keep the car for 5-6 years like I tend to do. I don't expect to put much into the Maxima other than oil changes, tires, tune ups and brake jobs in the next 4 years. I don't think this is an unreasonable expectation for a Nissan. A new BMW would have cost me more than $10k more and it's a smaller car.

You can find much better choices in that price range IMHO.

Yeah, I know that, but my 3.0l Max already manifests significant torque steer, and gets what I consider rather marginal mileage (23 MPG), so I don't know that I would want the larger engine. I already find the car adequately quick, and, as I said, I really do like it.

I know a BMW is a more expensive car to own - I just feel that you get something for the money. Additionally, a lot of the higher purchase cost would be offset by the much better resale of the BMW - I really like my Max, but I will lose my ass when I sell it.

I only paid $22,400 for my Maxima. I bought it new last April after the '04 models started hitting the showrooms. Nissan was really blowing out the '03 models at that time (msrp was $27,167). I bought a sheer silver SE w/sunroof and it has been flawless. I have 14k miles on it already and it's not even a year old yet. I even got 1.9% financing on it. For me this car was a steal and I am very happy with it.

You should drive an '03 Maxima, the torque steer on that car is insane. Fortunately, I don't mash the throttle all the way to the floor very often or if I do I'm usually moving already (or I would easily spin the tires) and I have a firm grip on the wheel. This is a fast car.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

I only paid $22,400 for my Maxima. I bought it new last April after the '04 models started hitting the showrooms. Nissan was really blowing out the '03 models at that time (msrp was $27,167). I bought a sheer silver SE w/sunroof and it has been flawless. I have 14k miles on it already and it's not even a year old yet. I even got 1.9% financing on it. For me this car was a steal and I am very happy with it.

You should drive an '03 Maxima, the torque steer on that car is insane. Fortunately, I don't mash the throttle all the way to the floor very often or if I do I'm usually moving already (or I would easily spin the tires) and I have a firm grip on the wheel. This is a fast car.

Wow - you got a killer deal. I was happy because I bought my Max for a few hundred under invoice (Mine is a Sterling Mist SE with 5-spd, gray leather, the Comfort and Convenience package, and Bose stereo), but at the time I was mainly just itching to unload my crappy '98 Accord EX V-6, which I really hated.

 

[SherEPunjab]

haha. Skoorb HATES the 325i.. .correct me if I'm wrong??? This is like the 2nd post in the past couple days he is bashing it. there may be merit though, even my friend who owns one says its SLOWW.

 

[Mill]

I think the Maxima is a nice car and all, but it isn't the same type of feel/drive and quality as a BMW. Just my opinion.

 

[toant103]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
Hell no. You can find a barely used 325i for $20K with reasonable miles. For $35K, go for the G35 or an Audi A4.

 

[beatniks3]

I would also look into getting a 330 over the 325, but that is not to say the 325 should be disrespected like it is in this thread. Given the choice between a nissian maxima or a bmw 325 whatever year i would choose bimmer all day long (provided we are talking about 5speeds).

That line by an above poster that said "considering the G35 is arguably a better drive, and most people probably couldn't tell a bmw from TL driving it, and both whip the beemer's butt in value" cracks me up. obviously he has never driven a bimmer, and he is venting from having to see them pass by in his daily commute. or something.

by the way maintenance is expensive on bimmers and labor charges are high but most stuff can be done DIY with the right background knowledge. and for those interested bimmers can also be modded; shark chips, CAI exhaust etc.

 

[UCSDHappyAsian]

try to avoid BMW 3 series unless you are a lady and rich. problem may pop out after couple years... cost a lot to replace... once you started to fix those problem, they will keep on coming back at you~

 

[hans007]

Originally posted by: Mill
No fvcking way man. 330 or don't get a BMW. Try a 3.0 Quattro, G35, or a similar car. BMW is great but the 325 is kind of blah. That being said you could get a 1.8t and get an APR chip and upgraded injectors and your car would be going great.

yeah, basically what he said.

if you are into that nice interior stuff, get a TL. it comes standard with basically everything but navigation. and its more reliable.

if you want a "driver's" car get a g35 , savea little off the TL and its rwd and handles great.


the 325i on the other hand is the poseur car for bmw. and its ridiculously expensive. base price isnt even THAT great , though a base 325 is less than say a leather g35.

then again, it has vinyl seats, 16" rims, no xenon, no cd changer, no good speaker system, nothing. no side air bags. it is terrible. and metallic paint is extra! the 325i is a stripper plain and simple.

34k you probably still dont have all of the goods. buy a 330 or even better a 530 or dont get a bmw. its like an $5000 premium compared to a comparable car for a blue and white propeller.

the 3 series is pretty cramped too, i am 5'11 which isnt ridiculously tall or anything but in the back seat of one, its very uncomfortable. and if the 3 has a sunroof, there isnt much head room at my height in the front or back. car is about as big as a toyota corolla inside. basically if i have to settle for a small car, at least it should be fast , and well the 325 is not fast, even the stick. the auto plain slow.

 

[hans007]

Originally posted by: Mill
I think the Maxima is a nice car and all, but it isn't the same type of feel/drive and quality as a BMW. Just my opinion.

i still agree with this. even though i hate the 325, its a rwd car, and the maxima has ridiculous torque steer and is a very large and heavier car.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: SherEPunjab
haha. Skoorb HATES the 325i.. .correct me if I'm wrong??? This is like the 2nd post in the past couple days he is bashing it. there may be merit though, even my friend who owns one says its SLOWW.

Yeah it was me 😉

base price isnt even THAT great , though a base 325 is less than say a leather g35.

Not by much! A G35 Sedan with Mt (and leather) starts at $29,900. A g35 with auto and no leather costs maybe a thousand more than a base 325i. And you've still got 75 more horsepower.

In regards to max vs. bmw, nobody said that the max had a better drive, merely that it was a superior bang for buck. It's a car that is quite a bit cheaper, although key points were made: it's not only larger, but will cost less to maintain long term, and it will indeed smoke a BMW (unless it's on a tight track - a place I've never been and neither have most of the people in this thread 😉). A better comparison is the g35 or TL and either of those will hand the BMW its ass in any number of scenarios, all the while maintaining solid resale, and not gouging to the same degree when you take it to the dealer (BMW's warranty is great while you have it, covering everything, but after that you're on your own!).

There is something to be said for being able to say "I drive a BMW" though.

And that is the reason a lot of people buy these 325Is

 

[hans007]

Originally posted by: Skoorb

Originally posted by: SherEPunjab
haha. Skoorb HATES the 325i.. .correct me if I'm wrong??? This is like the 2nd post in the past couple days he is bashing it. there may be merit though, even my friend who owns one says its SLOWW.

Yeah it was me 😉

base price isnt even THAT great , though a base 325 is less than say a leather g35.

Not by much! A G35 Sedan with Mt (and leather) starts at $29,900. A g35 with auto and no leather costs maybe a thousand more than a base 325i. And you've still got 75 more horsepower.

In regards to max vs. bmw, nobody said that the max had a better drive, merely that it was a superior bang for buck. It's a car that is quite a bit cheaper, although key points were made: it's not only larger, but will cost less to maintain long term, and it will indeed smoke a BMW (unless it's on a tight track - a place I've never been and neither have most of the people in this thread 😉). A better comparison is the g35 or TL and either of those will hand the BMW its ass in any number of scenarios, all the while maintaining solid resale, and not gouging to the same degree when you take it to the dealer (BMW's warranty is great while you have it, covering everything, but after that you're on your own!).

There is something to be said for being able to say "I drive a BMW" though.

And that is the reason a lot of people buy these 325Is

BTW I do totally agree with you.


"i drive a BMW ness" is the chief reason to buy one. I knew a guy who right out of college with no job (Well he has a job now, but when he bought the thing didnt have one). LEASED a 325i completely stripped to the barest model for like $450 a month , a 2003 model when the 2004s were out too.
And guess what happened... well my friend and her 2 chick friends met him, and they were like WOW you drive a BMW. and basically were gushing with excitement. I guess thats what you pay for.


granted i am biased with my anti bmw car buying. My mom is buying an x5 basically solely for the purpose of having a bmw. she says the doors feel solid. etc. the usual subjective justifications of spending more for the logo. she has had a super reliable much cheaper rx300 for 5 years now, and well i told her to get an rx330, but yeah x5 3.0 for her. its just so "classy" as i am told. I was told about the free oil changes and brake pads , but that is barely a savings. g35s come with free brake pads now, and a synthetic oil oil change ever 15k miles on the 325i, probably is only saving you 3 oil changes or around $120 anyway.


Personally I am buying a g35 sedam in 6 months or so. So yeah i know the merits of all these cars. I'd put an acura TSX around where i'd place a bmw 325i. Similar powerplants, and interior space. I also thought about it, and considering the ridiculously high demand on the 325i (especially here in LA, its just disgusting). you get no discount off sticker on a current year model 325i. if you went super el cheapo and got a cloth g35 since most g35s sell for about $700 over invoice ($27.3k is the carsdirect.com price), you could actually get under the price of a base 325i (not to mention you'd still get standard, side and head airbags, a 6 disc changer, power seats,17" rims, and well a much better engine, and well assuming automatic tranny is a good thing, all cloth g35s have that , and you'd still be under the 325i).