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3-Series (E46, E90)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1999 to Current. Models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318Ci, BMW 320i, BMW 323i, BMW 325i, BMW 330i, BMW 328 Ci, BMW 328i, BMW 325i/xi, BMW 330Ci, BMW 320d, BMW 330d, BMW 335d.
I considered the following before getting the BMW about 2 weeks ago:
- BMW 325ci
- Audi TT Quattro
- Acura TL
- Porsche Boxster
The Audi TT has serious reliability problems according to everything I read and the Boxster is nice but the performance is pretty sh/tty for a Porsche (the 'S' is better but wasn't within budget).
Finally, that left the Acura and the BMW. Taking both on the streets the answer became BEYOND clear and I bought the BMW and I couldn't be happier with my decision. The number of compliments and stares I've received from random strangers who offer approving nods tells a story in itself. To be honest, not too many people gave a second look at the Acura, although its a GREAT automobile.
Buenas suerte/good luck! Truth is, you really can't go wrong either way. Its simply a matter of deciding what features you want most and going in that direction. To help you could always request an overnight test drive of both vehicles. I've never found that request to be a problem especially if you've been pre-approved for financing or you're paying cash.
Originally posted by sardar@Mar 23 2005, 01:54 AM I would say the better comparison of products would be the Acura TL vs the 330
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That is exactly what I was thinking. Hey you took the word out of my mouth. You were quick on the draw.
I looked at the Acura's and they are very nice cars. You can't take anything away from them for certain. I like the 330's fuel economy better and feel it has a little better feel for me. Both about the same price the TL and 330. The TSX is cheaper, but for the extra $ I would go for the TL.
I think the 330 would be a little more fun to drive, but I don't know? The TL is pretty damn nice. I am going for the 330 and was faced with the same decision as yourself.
Originally posted by Constantinos@Mar 22 2005, 07:06 PM I don't know what to do...Please help....
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I too was in your place a few months back. I drove 3 hours (Chicago) to an Acura dealer that actually had a 6-spd in stock that I could drive. When I went into the dealership, I was so disrespected it turned me off for buying an Acura altogether. Yeah, I'm 23, but I do have a job and enough cash to buy a $28K car. Dumb move on their part. But the dealership experience is another story....although I must share part of it. My dealer was making fun of the state I live in (Iowa) from being to home to "corn fed women" and full of "nothing but farmland." But I had the last laugh...the dealer was actually an unemployed computer programmer that had worked at the dealership for two weeks. Being a jerk, I said, "oh that's interesting, I actually do I.T. work at John Deere...the corn fields are paying quite well these days!" I left promptly.
So anyway, I found a 330Ci that was a couple years old about 60 miles from where I live. Went to drive it....loved it. I can't tell you how many friends said "Ben, you made the right decision." In comparison, yeah the TSX has a better shifter, but it really ends there. The handling and power are unparalleled. It drives like the new TSX did....
Ever since high school I've been all-Acura. I always dreamed of owning a new one. Now....well, its an easy decision - GO WITH THE 330CI!
About this time last year I was hot and heavy into comparisons of some of these cars and as I was open to buying the best car that met our needs (desires - etc). One caveat is that we were interested in a Euro delivery - though wern't wedded to it. Initially I was looking at the new Volvo S40 T5. I'ts really a very nice car and worth considering IMO. I was interested in maunal trans (for all of these cars) and wanted the AWD option as well. So looked at and test drove these , test drove the Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and BMW 330s. No question the 330 was the best all arouond car. The Infiniti and Volvo have much going for them and so (even) does the Acura TL (didn't drive a TSX but looked it over...I wanted more oomph). The problem with the TL is that it drives way big, has nasty torque steer and wheel hop under power and its clutch is not easy to get used to ghead - engages oddly. It looks great and the interior is awesome but it was the only car I couldn't see myself in at all. G35 with RWD is nice - coupe better - but trunk room no good. Also I test drove the RX-8 - very nice - if you value handling and real sport feel - could use some more power though. In the end the BMW was the best car - clearly - and the best all around. Sure it was the most expensive (but mitigated somewhat with ED) - so happy its the one we ended up with.
__________________ Current rides: 2004 BMW 330i Sedan - Performance Package - Imola red - Alcantara, moonroof, cold weather, Bi-Xenons, silver cube trim 2001 Audi S4 Avant - Nogaro Blue with Alcantara seating - APR chipped, lowered and otherwise modded 1964 1/2 Mustang Convertable - Vintage Burgundy - 289 4 barrel V8 - 51K original miles - unrestored & near mint
When you pull into a parking lot with your 330i, people will notice it. When you pull in with your accura, it will be lost in the ocean of other asian cars.
I would say the better comparison of products would be the Acura TL vs the 330
You got that right. I have both. The TL is a wonderful car. My wife drives a BMW 3 series 325i. I can tell you from experience the following:
The 2005 Acura TL (84,000 miles) never has had a major problem. Only had the Handsfree electronic module replaced under warrantee. It handles great, gets decent gas mileage (about same as the lessor powered BMW) Has lots of decent gadgets like Navigation, Bluetooth, 10 speaker dynamite stero.
(The (2004) BMW 325i (83,000 miles) has had a new transmission replaced $5,000 (out of warrantee) - wiring harness (warrantee), Waterpump failed and took out radiator and fan mechanism $1,770 (out of warrantee) and recently a broken rear spring to the tune of $750 (out of warrantee).
Yes, the "BMW" is great to drive - nothing drives like it (but TL close and faster). So the moral is:
Acrua - Fun and bulletproof.
BMW - Fun and very costly to maintain.
And I've followed this forum enough to know these are systemic problems with BMWs. The just don't build them like Japan does.
PS if possible get the extended service agreement. Brakes alone all around are over $1000 (basically the cost of the 50,000 extended warrantee.)
I would *never* purchase another BMW without full 100,000 extended coverage - both mechanical and maintenance. PERIOD . . .
You got that right. I have both. The TL is a wonderful car. My wife drives a BMW 3 series 325i. I can tell you from experience the following:
The 2005 Acura TL (84,000 miles) never has had a major problem. Only had the Handsfree electronic module replaced under warrantee. It handles great, gets decent gas mileage (about same as the lessor powered BMW) Has lots of decent gadgets like Navigation, Bluetooth, 10 speaker dynamite stero.
(The (2004) BMW 325i (83,000 miles) has had a new transmission replaced $5,000 (out of warrantee) - wiring harness (warrantee), Waterpump failed and took out radiator and fan mechanism $1,770 (out of warrantee) and recently a broken rear spring to the tune of $750 (out of warrantee).
Yes, the "BMW" is great to drive - nothing drives like it (but TL close and faster). So the moral is:
Acrua - Fun and bulletproof.
BMW - Fun and very costly to maintain.
And I've followed this forum enough to know these are systemic problems with BMWs. The just don't build them like Japan does.
PS if possible get the extended service agreement. Brakes alone all around are over $1000 (basically the cost of the 50,000 extended warrantee.)
I would *never* purchase another BMW without full 100,000 extended coverage - both mechanical and maintenance. PERIOD . . .
Sorry to hear your 2004 325i had those problems, but I hardly think that you can stereotype Acura's as "bulletproof" and Bmw's "costly to maintain".
I have a 1992 325i with 210k miles and have only had to do basic scheduled maintainance. There are always lemons out there, just sucks when you get one.
__________________ BMWcrazy
Quote:
Originally Posted by RoadsterMadness
As my race shop likes to say - "have your fun with the Asians and the Italians, but you MARRY a GERMAN!".
BMWCCA member#407674
Founding member of the hit 145 mph in my almost stock BMW club.
Sorry to hear your 2004 325i had those problems, but I hardly think that you can stereotype Acura's as "bulletproof" and Bmw's "costly to maintain".
I have a 1992 325i with 210k miles and have only had to do basic scheduled maintainance. There are always lemons out there, just sucks when you get one.
Ya well I didn't mention the 2000 525 we had a few years back that was in the shop many times - A/C, wiring harness, fuel injectors, etc. I'm happy to hear you have an exceptionally trouble free Bimmer. As is true of Mercedes the older cars were made better by real German skilled workers. These days they import foreign labor and manufacture off shore so quality has slipped. Like I said. I would never purchase another BMW (new) without full 100,000 mile protection.
PS I've had three Acuras, two RL's and one TL with nary a major problem with any or them all high mileage cars.
Lke the man said, "You sleep with the German girls but you marry a Japanese - she take good care of you!"
I would so unflinchingly and within a heartbeat go for the BMW. For me there is no comparison at all, not even the slightest consideration. I have owned older cars, my first was an '87 Acura Legend. At the time, i loved it, with the V6 and 5-speed tranny it was pretty fast, but parts were expensive, and i had nightmares with rust and faulty windows. When i got my first '92 BMW 325is for $1250, i was left wondering why i ever liked my Acura. This car was so far superior in every aspect. It was bone stock, but drew more attention than my highly modded (and somewhat riced out, i must add with a little embarrassment) Acura. The BMW was faster, felt better, looked better, never rusted, parts were cheaper, was much more fun to drive, and even had 240,000 miles on the clock. It ran in top shape all the way till someone ran into me (their fault) and totalled the car, and because it was a BMW, i received about 4 times the amount of money from the insurance company than what i had paid for it, and went out and bought a '95 325i, and a '91 318is, and i love them both. I will never own a Japanese car again. To me, the question is clear.
More technically, BMW's, in my experience, are extremely reliable. My '95 325 has 214,000 miles, and the only thing i have needed to replace was the radiator, spark plugs, and rear shocks. (both cheap parts, and easy to replace, i might add.). I remember Acura parts actually being quite expensive. I think if you had a Honda civic, parts would be cheap, but i am not sure about the Acura.
How about this: Just drive the 330 for a good while, and drive the Acura for a while, and you will see what i am talking about.
I would so unflinchingly and within a heartbeat go for the BMW. For me there is no comparison at all, not even the slightest consideration. I have owned older cars, my first was an '87 Acura Legend. At the time, i loved it, with the V6 and 5-speed tranny it was pretty fast, but parts were expensive, and i had nightmares with rust and faulty windows. When i got my first '92 BMW 325is for $1250, i was left wondering why i ever liked my Acura. This car was so far superior in every aspect. It was bone stock, but drew more attention than my highly modded (and somewhat riced out, i must add with a little embarrassment) Acura. The BMW was faster, felt better, looked better, never rusted, parts were cheaper, was much more fun to drive, and even had 240,000 miles on the clock. It ran in top shape all the way till someone ran into me (their fault) and totalled the car, and because it was a BMW, i received about 4 times the amount of money from the insurance company than what i had paid for it, and went out and bought a '95 325i, and a '91 318is, and i love them both. I will never own a Japanese car again. To me, the question is clear.
More technically, BMW's, in my experience, are extremely reliable. My '95 325 has 214,000 miles, and the only thing i have needed to replace was the radiator, spark plugs, and rear shocks. (both cheap parts, and easy to replace, i might add.). I remember Acura parts actually being quite expensive. I think if you had a Honda civic, parts would be cheap, but i am not sure about the Acura.
How about this: Just drive the 330 for a good while, and drive the Acura for a while, and you will see what i am talking about.
Again as I said the older Bimmers seem to be made better. But you're talking about 'older' versions of these autos. Have you actually driven a new Acura TL? Otherwise disdaining the brand as (Jap) is kind of an emotional reaction based on your prejudgment (prejudice?) A lot of what keeps BMW active is their reputation garnered from earlier manufacturing. They currently do not enjoy that kind of trouble free rep. And oh yes, both my BMW and Acura have 84,000+ miles and guess which one is worth more now?
Remember never let your love affair get in the way of clear judgement . .
Again as I said the older Bimmers seem to be made better. But you're talking about 'older' versions of these autos. Have you actually driven a new Acura TL? Otherwise disdaining the brand as (Jap) is kind of an emotional reaction based on your prejudgment (prejudice?) A lot of what keeps BMW active is their reputation garnered from earlier manufacturing. They currently do not enjoy that kind of trouble free rep. And oh yes, both my BMW and Acura have 84,000+ miles and guess which one is worth more now?
Remember never let your love affair get in the way of clear judgement . .
Hey no need to get all defensive now, i was only relating my experience! All the things i have said are true, through my experience.
I must have touched a soft spot with you or something, i wouldn't go so far as to say "emotional reaction based on... prejudice" its just me reaction based on my experience, emotions haven't entered into it. I know you are more of a fan of Japanese cars, and that is totally cool, nothing wrong with that, but i can still say that i would never get a Japanese car again.
Ok, you are right about branding a whole "race" of cars based on one older car experience being wrong. True that. I have never driven a new Acura, true. But with the cars that i have experienced, it has formed an opinion in me. I hope the person who originally started this post can see that, and use it to his advantage.
But i can say that i have had experience with newer BMW's (2003 M3 and 2001 330ix) and they are both truly amazing cars, especially that M3. wow.
oh and the thing about BMW's holding value better, i was applying that to older cars, like E30's and such. A nice BMW E30 can be upwards $5000 while a nice Acura Legend of the same year (1989-1991) would be less.
Sory, you dont buy an Acura for performance and luxury. You buy it because you are lacking money for the BMW.
The more you spend on a car the more the maintenance will be. A tune up on a ferrari is 15 thousand dollars.
You buy a Acura to last you a life time.
You buy a new BMW to drive for 5 years, then you buy a new one. You buy it because you enjoy driving and/or like the status of owning it(one of the two for sure)
Used BMW's are great after you replace the things that were not maintained as they should have been.(and the cooling system).
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, test drove the Acura TL, Infiniti G35 and BMW 330s. No question the 330 was the best all arouond car. The Infiniti and Volvo have much going for them and so (even) does the Acura TL (didn't drive a TSX but looked it over...I wanted more oomph). The problem with the TL is that it drives way big, has nasty torque steer and wheel hop under power and its clutch is not easy to get used to 
ghead - engages oddly. It looks great and the interior is awesome but it was the only car I couldn't see myself in at all. G35 with RWD is nice - coupe better - but trunk room no good. Also I test drove the RX-8 - very nice - if you value handling and real sport feel - could use some more power though. In the end the BMW was the best car - clearly - and the best all around. Sure it was the most expensive (but mitigated somewhat with ED) - so happy its the one we ended up with. 
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