type-sh

Wus up everybody? got a quick question for ya. first heres the thing. Im selling my 97 supercharged prelude sh. I want either a bmw 330ci coupe or the rx8. I had decided on the bimmer till i drove the rx8. that changed my mind. i didnt expect to like it but i really did. now, however, after reading about all the problems you guys have been experiencing i'm scared. see, my honda has never been to the shop for anyreason other than scheduled maintenance. I cant afford to get rid of a trouble free car and make payments on something that is always breaking. now i know that the bmw is not the most trouble free car on the road but its a pretty reliable car and it rides and drives great. I just don't want to pay thirty thousand for something and regret it. So you guys tell me: have you had any trouble with your cars at all, what was it, and do you regret your purchase. also, is the mpg getting any better. I got 27mpg in my blown prelude on the way to atlanta in september and i averaged 80-90mph the entire way. Thanks for all your help. this is a very difficult decision for me and your feedback will help alot.

cueball

If you’re looking for a long term car with little maintenance, then I would stay away from BMW. Their engines and drive trains may be outstanding, but is the electronics are where you might get killed. If you only intend on keeping it for a few years than don't worry about it, but out of warranty, you might want to watch out.
I am not saying that BMWs are unreliable, just something to keep in mind.

As for the RX8, it is still new so long term reliability is yet to be determined. There are some minor growing pains on a few cars, but nothing more than your average new car. Another plus is the 50,000-mile warranty versus the BMW 36,000.

If your really worried about gas mileage than the RX8 may not be right for you, but many real sports cars don't get good gas mileage.

93rdcurrent

I wouldn't worry so much about the long term reliability just do what I did and buy the extended warranty. I am covered for 8 years or 100k miles. I think I paid $1,700 for it (a bargain). The RX-8 is hella fun over the 330ci and I traded my M3 in it (after having electrical problems just after the warranty expired). Think of all the smiles. If I wasn't married I might have been referring to the ladies with the last sentence.

FirstSpin

I've got no experience with the BMW. My former car was a Mustang and I've only owned the 8 for 5 days now. But, I've read many many pages of posts in this forum and one other and I didn't get the impression that the car is problem-plagued by any means. There's the flooding issue which, even though it's apparently a constraint of design, doesn't seem to be especially pervasive. There's the mileage issue but that's hardly a mechanical problem. The car burns oil (by design) but more for some than for others (Could it be related to individual engine tolerances or individual driving styles?) I've read a post about the console lid jamming if you overload it and another one about the car being prone to being hit by rocks. Maybe I've missed all the "good" ones but I can't recall that many posts that would indicate that the car is less than reliable. And like 93rdcurrent just said, the extended service/warranty is pretty affordable. It should more than cover any inherent design flaws if such flaws should happen to manifest themselves over the next few months/miles.

Regarding gas mileage, I have one tank-full behind me and to my shock and delight I got 15.9 miles per gallon on 93 octane gasoline. I'll see how reproducible that is over time, but this week was spent in a heavier than normal amount of traffic (my normal drive is to and from work at times when there is no traffic) and you've got the fact that the car isn't broken in yet. So I'm hoping to see 17 or better during normal operation.

I am (after 5 days) in love with the car and darn glad that I bought it. Good luck to you regardless of which car you decide to buy. I saw a Z4 in traffic today and it was pretty impressive. I'm not sure I'd notice a 330 ci, but that's just me (and my eye).

8_wannabe

if maintenance cost is the big issue, get a non-supercharged honda accord or civic. extremely reliable and low-cost maint. Concur with the earlier comment about BMW electronics; it'll get you sooner or later, plus mechanical stuff is so damn expensive. Every problem mentioned on the '8 is vastly overrated. If you know its quirks, like low gas mileage, etc. then there is nothing you'll have to take it in for. What'll happen at 50 or 100K miles? Who knows; none of us have got that far yet. But like the man said, buy an extended maint contract or warranty.

waldo

BMW warranties their 2002 and newer cars for 50,000 miles, and have an included maintance warranty for the same period. Oil changes, tuneups, everything covered until 50k. Only thing not covered is clutch, tires and brakes.

I was seriously considering the same thing you were. I found a used 330i I fell in love with. This car was cheaper than the 330i used, ad I do say a good bit more tossable.

The 330i is still on the horizon, maybe an e46 after they change the model. But this RX8 will definitely last me until then.

sazebac

I have 3000k on mine and I have yet to take to the dealer for anything. Your prob going to get about 18 mpg after the engine is broken in. To me bimmer's are very common and a dime a dozen. It seems everyone and their cousin has a bimmer 3 series.

8_wannabe

No kidding. Same with Lexus and MB. That's why I resisted getting those despite pressure from home. I was sooo greatful when the '8 came out finally giving us an alternative to the cookie-cutter performance sedan.

noahprtlnd

I was driving a 325is before I got the RX - actually the 325 is still sitting in my driveway. The reason? It has so much wrong with it that I can't sell it until I put a good grand or so into fixing some things. It has about 70,000 miles on it - mechanically it's great, but electrically and cosmetically it's falling apart. I only have 2000 miles on my RX-8, so saying nothing is wrong with it yet doesn't really mean much. As for mileage, I get about 15mpg - that's dissapointing but I don't drive a whole lot. However, I owned a Mazda Miata in the past, and it was the most reliable car I've had. As people have said, BMW's are a dime a dozen...

MBL-RX8

As a confessed BMW nut, I was contemplating which model to get for what seemed like years. I thought about the Z4, but found the interior to be extremely disappointing. There was the M3, but with some options at $55k that's a bit much for a guy fresh out of college. I was dead-set on the 330Ci myself, especially after the recent freshening and the added option of SMG.

For whatever reason, one week I decided to look into the RX-8 further. I got out of work early one day and decided to try a test drive at the local Mazda dealer.

I was hooked!

The RX-8 will be my next car for sure. Coming from American cars, I'm expecting a step-up in reliability...although to be fair my Jeep Wrangler hasn't given me a single major problem in the past year. Sure I was looking to improve on gas mileage too, but this car was too much fun to drive...and it'll be a marginal increase in gas costs over the Jeep ($1160 per year as opposed to $1200 for the RX-8...EPA figures) mainly because of the premium gas. The only thing I'm worried about is how I'll take to driving a manual in heavy Chicago traffic, never having owned a car with a stick shift before. Thankfully the clutch is light on the RX-8.

When BMWs break, it's expensive. For example, my dad paid $400 to have the remote transmitter (for the key fob) inside his 528i replaced! He recently paid easily over a thousand bucks to have some brake work done. Granted it's been a very reliable car over the past 4 years, but if you're coming from a Honda, you will be shocked at the prices when something goes wrong.

MBL-RX8

As a confessed BMW nut, I was contemplating which model to get for what seemed like years. I thought about the Z4, but found the interior to be extremely disappointing. There was the M3, but with some options at $55k that's a bit much for a guy fresh out of college. I was dead-set on the 330Ci myself, especially after the recent freshening and the added option of SMG.

For whatever reason, one week I decided to look into the RX-8 further. I got out of work early one day and decided to try a test drive at the local Mazda dealer.

I was hooked!

The RX-8 will be my next car for sure. Coming from American cars, I'm expecting a step-up in reliability...although to be fair my Jeep Wrangler hasn't given me a single major problem in the past year. Sure I was looking to improve on gas mileage too, but this car was too much fun to drive...and it'll be a marginal increase in gas costs over the Jeep ($1160 per year as opposed to $1200 for the RX-8...EPA figures) mainly because of the premium gas. The only thing I'm worried about is how I'll take to driving a manual in heavy Chicago traffic, never having owned a car with a stick shift before. Thankfully the clutch is light on the RX-8.

When BMWs break, it's expensive. For example, my dad paid $400 to have the remote transmitter (for the key fob) inside his 528i replaced! He recently paid easily over a thousand bucks to have some brake work done. Granted it's been a very reliable car over the past 4 years, but if you're coming from a Honda, you will be shocked at the prices when something goes wrong.

8_wannabe

MBL-RX8, you sound wise beyond your years. It is gratifying to see someone young looking beyond "It's fast and hot" and really make a case for the '8. Plus an equally compelling case against its European rivals. I agree with everything you say about BMWs. We had free maint through 35K miles, but put $1000 into it since then (just routine stuff) and we only have 50K miles on it now.

jdwk

If you don't need to sell the Prelude right away, or have another car, you can wait to see if the MPG issue pans out. I think that is what I have decided to do. Some guys are getting terrible gas mileage, some not so bad.

But if you need to get a car today, there is no question, the RX-8 is the best bang for the buck.

My uncle just got a 330ci and I drove it around the other night since I was the DD. It is such a NICE car. He had the HK stereo and it blew the crap out of the Bose system that is in the eight.

It was also much quicker than I expected, but nowhere near as fun. The thing I hate most about it, is there are just so many of them out here. They don't stand out at all.

Also, you're going to end up paying a lot more for the Bimmer than the eight. Probably ten grand more when you are done (NP leather, 18" sport), but it's not like you don't notice it when you are in it.

type-sh

Actually, i'm not able to afford a new one. the one i've been looking at is a 2001 330ci w/sport package. Its certified with 41,000 miles on the odo. The price is nearly the same as the 8. It's $28,980. That is why its alittle harder to pick my favorite. The 4 year warranty is an advantage for the 8. I just wonder if I'll end up spending as much in gas on the 8 as repairs on the 330 over 4 years. The rx8 does have the gawk appeal that the bimmer can't match, though. I am leaning more towards the mazda because of that. As for maintanence, i've never had a warranty so i always save tons by doing the routine stuff myself.

noahprtlnd

Knowing now that the BMW you're looking at is used, my suggestion is to definitely NOT buy the used bimmer...resale value will absolutely destroy you. Think about it - you'll be spending the same on the BMW as you would on a new RX-8. By the time youre ready to get rid of the BMW, say it has 100k on the odo. and at least SOME problems related to age alone. You'll have a heck of a time getting a decent dollar for that. The RX-8, on the other hand, should retain it's value decently as it will still be a relatively new car in, say, 5 yrs, and should only have 60k or so on the odometer (plus only one previous owner)...I made the mistake of buying a used BMW, as did my gf - we paid a premium to drive the BMW, but the real price is coming now as I try to sell it. I still owe 10k on it, and it's only worth 5 max...BMW's are nice, but it's not worth it.

For what it's worth, I've been getting 15 mpg on my RX, with 2k miles and built in July...of course there's been plenty written about the subject on this forum...

FEBtch

Are you willing to put up with people asking you "What is that?", "How much is that?", "Is that that new Porsche/Mercedes/BMW?", etc. then buy the 8. If you want to be left alone (and ignored), the 330ci is perfect :p.

It all depends on why you want a car - if you want to be noticed (even in SoCal, where an NSX or a 911GT is a weekly occurance, and 330cis and M3s are about as common as Camrys and Grand Prixs), buy the 8. You may very well pay more in the long run - but won't you have a better time doing it?

Think of the RX-8 not as a sports sedan (which is literally is) but as a budget exotic - because it is exotic. Nothing looks like, sounds like or spins like a rotary.

8_wannabe

Good observation, FEB. Welcome to the forum.

meeh

Hmmm, when i had my BMW they changed my brakes as part of the maintenance.

My experience with BMW was great. I never had any problem. I traded it in for an rx-8 after I was involved in an accident. The trade in value for BMW 328i year 2000 , loaded was pathetic. I could have sold it privately and gotten more but I didn't want to go through the hassle. The bmw was a pleasure to drive and I had lots of fun with it. So either way if you get the bmw or the rx-8 you'll be happy. BMW has some nice amenities that I really like, but if you not really into that rx-8 is great for the money.

If I had the extra money I would probably have gotten a 330i or M3 if i really had money... since Maintance is free for 50,000 miles I don't have to worry.

RX-8 is a great car and i think as years to come the newer models will keep on improving it.

racerdave

meeh has some good insights there, particularly as a former E46 owner. (and a lot of people think the 00 328i was the best E46 ever, driving wise... best steering [pre-lightening] and least intrusive electronic throttle controls)

I drove the RX-8 first and loved it... then my wife thought the rear was too claustrophobic. So it was off to others, and I "settled" on the 325i. Really, with the sport package, it's a very nice car.

It really boils down to if you like the extra amenities the BMW has... which aren't a whole lot, to be honest. If you value sport over luxury, go with the 8. If you value a bit of luxury over sport, go with the BMW.

As for me, the 8 is back on the wife's list after hitting the "S-Plan," meaning I can get one optioned the way I'd like it for about 5K less than a new 325i.

So that's it for me... RX-8 or bust.

rotarymagic

Get the RX-8. I love BMW's but I would never buy a 3-series. I would go for the M3, M5, Z4, but these are all out of that price range.

8 all the way

8_wannabe

Regrettably, I got a 323 for my wife at her insistence. Never looked at the M/Z series but it wouldn't have interested her anyway. I may be an 8 Wannabe (a name chosen when I never dreamed I'd really buy the darn car, now I'm stuck with the name.) But she's a beemer wannabe meaning she values the perceived status of driving a european car when to me, it's just a dime a dozen cookie cutter sedan. I feel much more status driving the '8 that cost $10,000 less than hers.

in need of food

I have the same problem -____-;;; my parents want to get me a new car, but I can't seem to decide on a g35coupe or a rx8... i know these two are really big rivals... both cars have their ups and downs.... and i know EXACTLY wat ur going through type-sh.... half my friends are tellin me rx8 while the other half are telling me g35coupe.... WHAT IS A MAN SUPPOSE TO DO?!?! i weighed the pros and cons.... and both are about even i would say!

rotarymagic

I agree. Very well said.

Butt Dyno

Might want to think about an E36 M3.

If I had read the following about its reliability when I was car-shopping I might have bought one:
http://corner-carvers.com/forums/sho...?threadid=7915
Skip down to Cannon's post.

Anyway, resist the urge to buy something just to be different; before long the newness of the 8 will have worn off, like the Z is now. The reason I ended up ruling out the 8 was that I didn't want to deal with the first model year of a completely new car with a completely new engine. Turns out that wasn't entirely inaccurate

That said if you like the dynamics of the 8 and are willing to gamble a little, you'll probably enjoy it. It's a Mazda board, everyone's encouraging you, but you should step back for a second and make sure you're doing the best thing for the longer term, esp. if you think you'll keep the car for a while.

john

jdwk

Not that it's in this price range or category at all. But as I wait to see if Mazda makes any MPG or HP improvements for 2005, I am highly anticipating the C6. The pics I have seen are intoxicating, much as the eight was when I first saw it.

My biggest and only gripe about the C5 as a daily driver is the interior, and supposedly GM has made drastic improvements with this car.

We'll see. With the premium the new model will carry, it may very well cost as much as two RX-8s (base 6MTs).