BMW 335i...

[DocL]

For $hits and giggles I went to check out the new BMW 335i Coupe. Although the one I test drove was a 6spd automatic, the car pulled hard and handled extremely well. There was no turbo lag at all. The interior is laid out well and comfortable, and the exterior styling is very attactive as well. The only thing that I did not like about the car was the feel of the steering. I think the 3 series has that electric control steering, not a direct steering column, and it reacts just a split second too slow. For example, after doing a quick lane change and after I had returned the wheel to dead center, the car was still drifting to the correct lane position. A bit unnerving to say the least. The only other thing that I did not like was the pricing, $45,700 for a car set up with the options I liked. I thought the the 3 series was supposed to be an entry level car. I also sat in a new Z4 Coupe and was actually claustrophobic feeling.

I think BMW has a real winner with this car, but the for the price there are a lot of other cars (new and used) that I'd consider first.

 

[S-TO-8K]

I liked most everything about the car styling and performance wise; just not the pricing. It's anywhere from 5k-10k more than it's closest competition. But hey, anyone who's got the means and justification for one, go for it. They are still good cars.

Had an '01 330i back in the days. Although a blast to drive still, this model already started to have decreased steering feel when compared to my prior beemers.

 

[steveny]

I also drove the 335 and I liked the car but thought the seats were a little stiff for me.

 

[WingZ]

BMW's are always priced a little high , however this one is actually priced right. I know that sounds a bit strange ,but performance wise it's only competition is the S4 not the A4. Next closest competitor is the Lexus IS350 which was previously faster than the 330i ,but now can't keep up with the 335i. The 335 is very close to the M3 in acceleration and almost equal in the corners according to the test mags. So when you look at it from this point of view it's actually not bad for the money:biggrin:

 

[minervoflorida]

BMW's are nice cars until it comes to maint and repair costs.

 

[blodi]

BMW's are nice cars until it comes to maint and repair costs.

I have a 1998 528i, and I would have to say it has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned. It has almost 122K on it and you would never guess it, everything works just like it did when it came off the lot, its extremely smooth and solid on the freeway and on my last road trip I got 31.7 mpg, not bad for a 3600lbs car! I only have ever had to do regular maintainance to it.
That said, I saw a 335i on the freeway the other night for the first time...wow..great looking car...and with the performance...I would say they have a real winner on their hands...can't wait to see what the M3 has in store.

 

[DocL]

... The 335 is very close to the M3 in acceleration and almost equal in the corners according to the test mags. So when you look at it from this point of view it's actually not bad for the money:biggrin:

Point well taken and one that I didn't initially realize. The 335i may be the next car for me to lease.

 

[zahntech]

BMW's are nice cars until it comes to maint and repair costs.

I had a guy say to me the other day "I would like to get a BMW for the German quality, but I just can't handle the repair bills"



I just kinda stared at him for a moment.

 

[zahntech]

I have a 1998 528i, and I would have to say it has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned. It has almost 122K on it and you would never guess it, everything works just like it did when it came off the lot, its extremely smooth and solid on the freeway and on my last road trip I got 31.7 mpg, not bad for a 3600lbs car! I only have ever had to do regular maintainance to it.

???? Did you use new math? or the old kind:wink:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/14176.shtml

 

[ETLMD]

I had a guy say to me the other day "I would like to get a BMW for the German quality, but I just can't handle the repair bills"



I just kinda stared at him for a moment.

Haha

 

[WingZ]

Only thing I caution Docl on is getting the first model year. I've seen soooo many horror stories on Bimmers. I just don't want him to have first year growing pains.

 

[DocL]

Only thing I caution Docl on is getting the first model year. I've seen soooo many horror stories on Bimmers. I just don't want him to have first year growing pains.

I'll never get a first year model again. I did that once in the early '90s. Thanks for your concern. :smile:

 

[Hugh]

The 335i may be the next car for me to lease.

Friends don't let friends drive Bavarian Manure Wagons.
Don't even think about it!

 

[Hapa88]

EVOtech makes a ECU upgrade that gives it 375HP! I think that would make it faster than the E46 M3.
http://www.dynocomp.com/bmw.php?view=bmw

 

[zahntech]

Haha

Yeah after I thought about it for a while I realized that many people I know think the same way, they want German "Quality" but they know that German cars are more expensive to own than the avg japanese car.

The Germans have done a great job of confusing Quality with Complexity.

Another person told me recently that they had Honda's and Toyota's for years, then they had an accident and decided to get "Safer cars" they bought a Volkswagen and a BMW X5, she told me that both cars have been in the shop many times in the past 2 years since they bought them and they are actually close to the point where they can force VW to buy back their car under lemon law.

I work on BMWs Mercedes and VW/Audis all the time and don't get me wrong I love the way they drive..very solid and powerful...but the complex designs and the very difficult to deal with nature of their closely guarded technology makes it very tough on the vehicle owners and those working on the cars.

Example

On a Toyota if the Stability control system has a problem with the steering rotation/angle sensor you can install a new one and perform a simple procedure with no costly tools to calibrate the new sensor in the control module.

On a BMW?..no way ..you have to have the BMW Factory scan tool (6000$) to set up the new sensor.

I love driving German cars but the cost of ownership and the headaches are pretty daunting.

 

[AU_NSX]

For $hits and giggles I went to check out the new BMW 335i Coupe. Although the one I test drove was a 6spd automatic, the car pulled hard and handled extremely well. There was no turbo lag at all...

Sorry Doc... Turbo lag???

 

[|Adeel]

Sorry Doc... Turbo lag???

Twinturbo engine in the new 335 coupe.

 

[DutchBlackNsx]

Sorry Doc... Turbo lag???

3.0 L Twin turbo

 

[WingZ]

EVOtech makes a ECU upgrade that gives it 375HP! I think that would make it faster than the E46 M3.
http://www.dynocomp.com/bmw.php?view=bmw

LoL this kinda stuff is what's all over the the Bimmer boards. I guess now we'll pull the EVO/STi crowd and diminish the breed..LOL Just kidding:wink:

Actually I think it's a little soon for them to be modding this car ,but people won't listen. I mean your taking a first year BMW and voiding the warranty ( yes they will will void the warranty for changing the ECU unless Dinan does it ). These cars haven't even been proven and people are already trying to Mod a first year engine to maximum boost . For most of them having a car faster than the M3 that's not an M3 is just a dream come true. They already have "M3 Killa" plates on their cars it's hilarious!

 

[blodi]

???? Did you use new math? or the old kind:wink:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/noframes/14176.shtml

I got 580 miles on one tank from West Des Moines, IA to Ann Arbor, MI the tank is about 18.5 gallons...the trip computer stated 31.7mpg.
Also this was with one passenger and luggage.

 

[zahntech]

I got 580 miles on one tank from West Des Moines, IA to Ann Arbor, MI the tank is about 18.5 gallons...the trip computer stated 31.7mpg.
Also this was with one passenger and luggage.

WoW, that's amazing.

 

[TomCat]

I liked most everything about the car styling and performance wise; just not the pricing. It's anywhere from 5k-10k more than it's closest competition. But hey, anyone who's got the means and justification for one, go for it. They are still good cars.

Had an '01 330i back in the days. Although a blast to drive still, this model already started to have decreased steering feel when compared to my prior beemers.

Is it always CAVU above 100,000 ft.?

 

[S-TO-8K]

Is it always CAVU above 100,000 ft.?

:biggrin: I would not know. That height is reserved for a special few
Luckily I get to feel at least like I'm somewhere on top of the world when "piloting" my X :smile: or when I used to fly SA342M's

Note to others: CAVU - clear and visibility unlimited
SA342M - stays under 10,000ft :wink:


About the 335 ecu mod. , that's nice! So what are they (BMW) going to come up with for the next M3 ? 420+ hp V8?

 

[WingZ]

:biggrin: I would not know. That height is reserved for a special few
Luckily I get to feel at least like I'm somewhere on top of the world when "piloting" my X :smile: or when I used to fly SA342M's

Note to others: CAVU - clear and visibility unlimited
SA342M - stays under 10,000ft :wink:


About the 335 ecu mod. , that's nice! So what are they (BMW) going to come up with for the next M3 ? 420+ hp V8?

Supposedly. I guess we'll find out next year. I wonder if BMW will target the RS4 and the 997? I guess the 996 was the E46 M3's target and they succeded. I really just hope it's not a $70k car like the RS4.

 

[jalnjr]

Re: BMW 335i... easy to fall in/out of love

i picked up the "new" e-46 in feb 1999. it was good
as a german civic goes, bulletproof engine & trannie.
went thru 4 sets of ball joints/design flaw was its only squawk.
great for hauln' the family, and solid in a kraut way, but it was not a honda...

got rid of it in november, as a result of a hydroplane/skid/180 spin
on the interstate, complicated by an 18 wheeler going right thru the
right rear of the car pretty, eh??

car took the impact without budging, like a plane decompression, no injuries. strangely, that was the second time it did that same, exact loss of control, "i blame the driver" you may say... could have been a hell of a lot worse.

picked up an acura tsx, very happy now. all-honda fleet in my driveway.:wink: