RX8 vs BMW 330i w/ Performance Package
 

Okay while waiting for my 8 to come in I get all sorts of opinions. I have a friend from church that is the sales manager at our BMW dealer. I made the mistake of asking about the new '04 330i w/ the Performance Package and an SMG transmission. For those not familiar w/ the Performance Package, they add 10hp (no big deal), a much beefier suspension w/ 18" wheels, Alcantara seats and steering wheel, and I could get an SMG transmission like in the M3, which I have driven and absolutely love. Actually the SMG feature is what is making me think. The BMW would probably come in about $3k more than the 8 I have on order. But I could get all 3 kids in the backseat, and it would be a truer 4 door, which I really need. The main thing bothering me about the 8 is the gas mileage issue (I have a fear of getting stuck with a 13mpg car), and the interior room.

I'm just looking for some thoughts from you guys out there. Thanks.

How does a 40k 330i ZHP (that's the performance package) come in at 3k more than the 33k RX-8?

*confused*

Go with the Beemer! No ifs, ands or buts. I had an '01 330 Coupe which I loved more and more each day. Having to buy a car for my daughter is what made me downsize to the RX8, which I subsequently sold back. The BMW has been and still is the standard by which all sports sedans are measured against.

A close look at the quality difference in terms of materials used and solid feel of the doors, trunk, etc. will also make your decision a no-brainer. I'm not bashing the RX8, simply comparing it to a true world class car.

How is it you're able to get the BMW for only $3,000 more than the Mazda? I would think that package ought to take the price to around $42,000.

My 8 will be around $35, and I can get the the 330i for around $38 (I've known the sales manager for about 5 yrs)

Go for it. I paid $30K for my Rex. 25%-28% (depending on taxes) price difference is a lot, but 10% is definitely in the ballpark.

I'm surprised that you have a way to get that Bimmer so cheap. :eek:
In that case, if I were you, I'd go with the 330i. I also considered the 330i before I set my mind on the 8, but the main reasons I decided against it were it's price (WAY more than I will get my 8 for - the 8 will be 28K and the 330i would be well over 40) and the fact that in the area I live, everybody and their brother have a BMW. I'd hate to see myself coming and going every other minute :p

both are great cars
if it was the stock330 I would say rx8 all the way
but the 330 with all those goodies for 38 is pretty tough too beat

Get in an 8 bro. You may regret it. 330s are nice cars, but it seems like they are everywhere (I'm sorry if I'm offending anyone. Just my opinion).

The Bimmer's a sweet car and that's a sweet deal. But ... here are my thoughts, in no real order: (1) That "real" back seat is pretty tight for three people, even three kids. Three seatbelts doth not make three real seats. I would not take my kids for a long trip in that car (too many fights and errant elbows), but certainly some short trips. (2) Every g*odamn yuppie in town has a three-series Bimmer. It can't be true, but they seem as common as Civics around here, and frankly they look a great deal like Civics, but that's probably because Honda copied them. (Still a lovely car, though.) (3) I have owned and/or driven many three-series, six-series and seven-series Bimmers, and they are not as sporty-feeling as the RX-8. Sorry, but they are not as light-feeling, and they are not as tossable. Great, solid "sporty" cars, but not sports cars. I know I'm outraging a lot of enthusiasts here, but it's my opinion and I stand by it. (4) Maintenance and parts are obscene on Bimmers. (Although I think new ones now have free maintenance during the warranty period.) (5) The quality control and parts quality is questionable. There are a lot of parts, especially plastic ones, that tend to break too soon. Older three-series, for example, had problems with suspension mounts and thermostat housings. German plastic does not come close to Japanese plastic in durability, although maybe that has changed of late (I doubt it). (7) Bimmers tend to be a little short on standard features. My buddy's $50,000-60,000 2001 540i Sport does not even have a CD player, unlike every new Hyundai in the country. However, again, that may be changing.

All that aside, it's a lovely car and I'd be proud to own one.

My other concern is that the 3 series will hold its value better than the 8. W/ the exception of the SMG I agree the 8 is a much more fun car. For what it's worth, I will probably stick w/ my 8. I can't imagine not getting it after all this waiting.

This from a Z owner.

lol

I have a 01 330ci currently and I absolutely love it every time I start driving. You don't see that many 330's out there (at least where I live). I mostly see 325's on the road although they do look similar. Go with the bimmer. $38k is a steal!!! I average 22mpg in the 330ci in sports mode and driving it like a stole it. You won't be sorry about getting a BMW even if there are a lot of them on the road. But, there is a good reason there are so many, because they are great cars of course! The RX-8 is awesome, but your getting too good a deal on the BMW to pass it up.

I would definitely go with the 330, especially at that price. I wish i had that opportunity to get one at that price.

trust me, bmw's are WAY OVERRATED. besides the fact that here in southern ca. everyone and their uncles drive 3 series, bmws have sooo many little problems.

Wow what a tough decision - what do the kids think?
My mpg is 17 city and 20 highway- with my 8.
Hopefully there aren't very many 8's out there at 13 mpg

I park next to an '03 330 every day -- every time I see the guy he asks to trade for the day with the look of pure envy in his eyes. If you ever have a chance to put the two cars side by side -- there would not even be a question as to your decision. If I were you I would use the Beemer deal to get a discount on my 8 now that they are out and available in dealer stock -- should be good for at least $1k to $2k off MSRP.

:D That is what I thought too until I got one. Everybody and their brother told me I was crazy to get a BMW. I'm glad I didn't listen to them.

How is this a nice 330i?

Cloth seats, just a bit more performance, and the SMG actually REQUIRES the ZSP package AND the 17" option.

SMG is NOT available with the Performance Package (ZHP).

Anyway, invoice in the 330i is $37,500 if you could order it that way.

Sounds like an MSRP cloth seated RX8 with sport package at $28,300 MSRP.

So comparing invoice to msrp, that's about a $9,000 difference for the same creature comforts.

I don't get this comparison.

The above is in reference to BMW cars in general...

Everyone has the right to their opinion but that's got to be one of the silliest comments I've seen this week!!! (and I have been lurking on the CivicSI forums!!!!!)

I cannot even bring myself to say anything else as it would be too offensive...

Have a great day!
LIP
:p :p :p :p

That's funny lip!

Don't get me wrong, I actually like the 330i, but would prefer the ix platform.

I'm just not seeing what people are quoting on pricing as a realistic comparison.

that's like saying I could have bought an RX8, maybe a pimped out cavalier with all the options, LOL

330i is a great car, but no LSD. nuff said.

james

whats lsd

Limited slip differential

Thats the problem, BMW's are 10 a penny here, and everything from the 318 up looks the same. You even have to get right up its tail to spot an M3.

Cheers
---Dave

I was 330 Bimmer shopping for weeks until I heard about the 8, test drove it and bought one a few days later. Waaaaay more fun to drive. I test drove some z3's too. Didnt cut it.