Been looking for a while for a replacement for the wife’s BMW 540i. Don’t like the new 5 series, we do like the newly face lifted 7 series, but it’s too big for my wife’s taste. So we thought maybe we’d down size and look at the new e90 3 series. Test drove a new 330i sport package 6 spd MT. In a word:

Underwhelmed.

It drove very nice, tight handling suspension that ate the bumps with equal aplomb. The engine had good power & torque and a nice growl. But just like the 350Z, it didn’t feel all that fast, and it was kind of heavy feeling, not all that much more nimble compared to the 540i (and certainly not as nimble as the 8). The seating felt too high up and my arm would still hit the arm rest when shifting gears. Overall it’s a good drive, tight, solid, no rattles, everything a BMW should be.

But it’s really the exterior design and interior design that falters, it just doesn’t do it for me or my wife. Wouldn’t call it ugly, it’s just kind of blah, ho hum, nothing to get excited about. I believe the previous 2 generations, e36 and e46, were much more trend setting for their day.

Oh well, so it looks like we’re hanging on to the 540i a bit longer.

 

The 3 is pretty tiny too.

I like the 6, but holy crap it's expensive.

 

wow u must be loaded IF u considered the 7....

 

I like the current 5 series. I think it's the most striking car in its class.

If you can afford a 7 series and considering a 3 series, wait for the new V8 M3.

 

What about audi? Get an S4?

 

maybe the new gs430?

 

Or just get an old BMW since you seem to like them better like I do. Too bad theres no "status" in that.

 

Those are all nice cars you guys listed.

We've been a long time BMW household. But for me, the new 3 doesn't inspire and there's something about the new 5 that we just don't like at all.

I'm certainly waiting and watching to see how the new M3 turns out. The V8 M3 is suppose to be around 400 hp, should be awesome. The only thing that bugs me is that with each M3 since the original e30, they've gotten bigger and heavier. But if we go that route, that would be my car! :D

I did try and push an Audi S4 Avant her way, I like the S4. But she's just not an Audi kind of gal. She says she refuses to drive something with an "Olympics logo" like badge.

 

I don't care about status, that's why I picked the RX-8 over an M3. But we already have a semi old BMW.

 

Hachi, you don't happen to have a son named Matt who attends Montclair University, do you?

 

try the RS4.... twin turbo V8(yea V8 it think)

 

414 horses in that thing... Monster

Try the RS6 if its a bit crampy in the RS4

 

Just wait for the 2006 Mazda 3. Read in www.thecarconnection.com that the new car will be available with turbo 2.0 liter good for >230 horsepower.

Just a thought,

Bob

 

i was also unimpressed with the new 3 series at the NY autoshow. The new lexus IS350 is pretty nice, coming out in the fall. 300 'plus' Hp so they say, push engine start, rear backup camera all kinds of nice toys. It on on paper has really good numbers.

 

Here's an article posted today about the new 3 Series. http://autos.msn.com/advice/article....LP%20Passenger

 

Another good example of 'different strokes.' I drove the same model two weeks ago and loved it. It made me forget all about the Mazdaspeed6.

I'm sold; the second a black one comes in, it's mine.

 

the car has gotten real nice reviews from magazines, i think my main beef with some of the german "luxury' brands, is that they offer base cars with often less 'luxury' features than an average Honda. The 325 for example, comes with a plastic, non leather wrapped steering wheel, no sunroof, plastic dash, in its base form. Granted, thats base form, but to me 'base' in a bmw should = top trim in 'lower, less' car makes. By the time you get the same ammenities the price is waaay high. I still think an M3 is worth every penny, and even a 330 based on its performance. But when you are a luxury performance icon, and come out with a 'new' car thats your 'staple', at least come with some nice features in stock form. its hard to shrug off the arrogance sometimes.

 

Agreed. I'm not saying it's a bad car by any means, it just doesn't excite me the way the previous gen did when it was first introduced. I think I'd take an e46 330 ZHP package over the new e90. Having said that, BMW will probably do very well with their new 3.

Nope, my boy's still in middle school.

 

That's because the new 330 weighs the same as a the old 530. But hey now we get more doo-dads for the people that want that kind of crap and don't really care about driving dynamics.

Since you are looking for a replacement for your 5 have you considered the Cadilac CTS? I got a V series and haven't regretted it one bit. The car actually handles a tad better than a 5 series. The styling is controversial but I could care less. I got an M5 eater, kept my money at home, with better reliability, all for 2/3 the cost. Oh, and none of that "image" crap that I detest.

 

You should really pick up a brochure or at least look at their website before spouting off about what it supposedly doesn't have; the 325 comes with both a leather-wrapped wheel and a sunroof.

People are so quick to point out features that are 'missing' (when they're actually optional) and call it overpriced, but a LOT of people consider these cars worth the money, since the Japs have yet to copy that elusive (and intangible) German feel. Every 3 I've driven feels like it's worth whatever they're asking, while every Jap 'luxury' car in this class feels like it's priced 10k too high. Point is, cost isn't always about toys, it also reflects engineering and construction.

 

The driving dynamics are still very much present and accouted for, moreso than ANYTHING in that class.

Like a few people pointed out in the Best Handling Car thread, handling is highly subjective and comes down to feel a lot of the time. That said, I've driven the V not long after an E39 M5, and wouldnt call it better handling. Than a regular 5 series? Maybe.
Also, it's hardly an 'M5 eater'. I've seen these cars go at it enough to say it's a driver's race. I wont touch the reliability thing, since you're clearly just speaking for yourself, or keeping money at home, since the V is one of the few domestics worth the cost.

 

my wife and i were also not impressed with the e90. what's with the flat dashboard layout? It's a step back from the e46 in terms of interior. I'm sure people will get used to the exterior.

 

Many people, including me and many magazine comparison tests, feel the Lexus IS 300 driving dynamics exceeded the 330.[/QUOTE]

 

That's one of the dumbest reasons i've ever heard. I never used to like audi's, but they've been growing on me recently.


As for the new 3 series
I would. I even kinda like the 5. But I hate the new 3. If you looked at a 7 series, what about a 6 series?

Also, the new Lexuses, GS and IS (in the fall)

 

Easy, not spouting here. I did not say they did not come with those features, only that they did not come standard. If you read my post again, before 'spouting' you will see that i say in BASE form these cars come with plastic steering wheel, and no sunroof. Also, even in your reply you state that they are options, reinforcing my point. i respect your opinion, but please don't inform me to pick up a brochure, when i've sat in one. The point of my post was moreso my opinion, tgat a luxury make should include more standard features thats all. be it, bmw, or audi or MB
I agree with you and think the 3 series is a benchmark sedan, and the one to beat. I love german cars. But, I sat in it at the NY auto show, so I have first hand experience. It just would be nice if it came with certain standard features.