[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by obLu

No you WANT bad reviews like that so people who don't know any better won't consider a 3 series. Less posers buying for the brand means better pricing for us in the know. And then maybe BMW'll get back to basics like the 2002 and the e30 ... wishful thinking.

That's why I used to be an Audi guy. Go check out the Audi forum. (www.audiworld.com) Half of them Autocross, and about as many regularly track their cars. It's a welcome respite from the halls of poserdom.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by CC 330i

That's why I used to be an Audi guy. Go check out the Audi forum. (www.audiworld.com) Half of them Autocross, and about as many regularly track their cars. It's a welcome respite from the halls of poserdom.

yeah, not down here though. in general yes, but i don't know if you saw my post in off topic about all of the spoiled brats that go into audi whining how they want whatever will make their friends jealous.

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by Nikki

yeah, not down here though. in general yes, but i don't know if you saw my post in off topic about all of the spoiled brats that go into audi whining how they want whatever will make their friends jealous.

I didn't see that post, but I guess I could see that happening. The thing is, Audi just doesn't have the status that BMW does in the US for some reason, and thus, the posers almost always choose BMW. I heard a good quote on the 5th Gear TV show once: "the clever money goes to Audi". It's not always true, but it can be.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by CC 330i

I didn't see that post, but I guess I could see that happening. The thing is, Audi just doesn't have the status that BMW does in the US for some reason, and thus, the posers almost always choose BMW. I heard a good quote on the 5th Gear TV show once: "the clever money goes to Audi". It's not always true, but it can be.

I love Audis (I'm partial because of my boyfriend) but I was unimpressed with the A4 I test drove, and I couldn't get the 3.2 because it doesn't come in a manual. I loved the A3 but my knee hit the steering column when i was driving it. Then I drove the BMW and I was sold. The feeling of driving it is unmatched IMO, but I haven't driven too many cars.

[CC 330i]

Originally Posted by Nikki

I love Audis (I'm partial because of my boyfriend) but I was unimpressed with the A4 I test drove, and I couldn't get the 3.2 because it doesn't come in a manual. I loved the A3 but my knee hit the steering column when i was driving it. Then I drove the BMW and I was sold. The feeling of driving it is unmatched IMO, but I haven't driven too many cars.

Is your boyfriend an AUDI!!! COOL! Just kidding!

I know what you mean. I think the A3 DSG with 3.2 will be a hot car (AWD, DSG) but it will be close to 35-40K and that's what I paid for my 330i ZSP. I don't think it's worth the money considering how great the E90 drives. Unless you really need a hatchback and AWD, the E90 is the way forward. Now if the A4 comes with AWD and MT or DSG, then it will be more apples-apples, but still the E90 would have the edge and would probably not cost much more (if any) unless you put all the fluff on it (NAV, STEPTRONIC, ETC).

[E90-4life]

i've driven quite a few cars, very nice ones, the only two that handled better, which in reality the 3 doesn't come close to on any level is the 987 Boxster S and the 996 Turbo Cab.

It's amazing how after all these years the 3 has yet to be de throned by any, ANY, of it's competitors. I remember reading in a recent issue of "CAR"(best car mag ever) where they reviewed the new Alfa 156, and said that Alfa had disassembled many a 3 and couldn't find nor come up w/ the magic to make the 156 handle/out handle the 3. Magic is something that can't be obtained, it's created.

[CC 330i]

It's true. The 3 series design and balance just makes the car an inherently better handler. BMW goes for handling first, and all other considerations follow. I am never let down by this car in a corner, and the only times I have been in trouble have been when I do something totally stupid to see what happens.

[E90-4life]

Originally Posted by CC 330i

It's true. The 3 series design and balance just makes the car an inherently better handler. BMW goes for handling first, and all other considerations follow. I am never let down by this car in a corner, and the only times I have been in trouble have been when I do something totally stupid to see what happens.

Amen. My car rolls like an absolute beitch in corners, and there are tons of them round these parts. The BMW simply looks for corners, which is amazing. Bar Porsche, I've never driven a car w/ such great agility/fine chassis tuning. I have to say what I love most about BMW's philosiphy is that they give you the most of what you get the MOST utility out of in a car, driving. To boot BMW doesn't pile on extra's like MB, which is techno and every thing else in between over kill.

[Nikki]

I hate MB, they're about everything EXCEPT driving.

[E90-4life]

Originally Posted by Nikki

I hate MB, they're about everything EXCEPT driving.

Go drive a C55.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by E90-4life

Go drive a C55.

it's an auto....no fun! that's why i hate mb. they don't offer any manual trannys, and the ones they do are crap.

[E90-4life]

Originally Posted by Nikki

it's an auto....no fun! that's why i hate mb. they don't offer any manual trannys, and the ones they do are crap.

I hear the one in the new SLK and C-class is pretty good.

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by E90-4life

I hear the one in the new SLK and C-class is pretty good.

the c230 manual i drove was horrible. i couldn't wait to get out of that car. shifting that clunky thing was not only boring, but like a chore for me.

[E90-4life]

Originally Posted by Nikki

the c230 manual i drove was horrible. i couldn't wait to get out of that car. shifting that clunky thing was not only boring, but like a chore for me.

Haha, yeh, we'll see about the next C - class, should be here shortly...

[Costa]

Originally Posted by E90-4life

Haha, yeh, we'll see about the next C - class, should be here shortly...

Not for at least another 2 years dude

[Jay_328]

Originally Posted by Nikki

the c230 manual i drove was horrible. i couldn't wait to get out of that car. shifting that clunky thing was not only boring, but like a chore for me.

sounds as if you and I drove the same car, that thing was rough! Imo, the gears are too widely spaced and something just didn't feel right. And to top it off it's looks like a 'chick' car to me!

[visor]

Originally Posted by Nikki

Not as bad as the review on www.msnautos.com
I want to kill that guy.
He gave it an 8 out of 10

Most of the cars they review on that useless site are rated 8/10.
What a waste of bandwidth and server storage space...

[CC 330i]

My co-worker has a 2000 Boxster S and she lets me drive it sometimes. It is by far the most fun I have ever had driving a road car. I don't like the seats, but that is about all I don't like. If you like to hang the tail out around corners, this is the car for you. And you can do controlled power slides all day long!

Now that it looks like I might be getting a company car, I might go for a new Boxster S. The thing is, I don't know if I could part with my E90 now!

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by visor

Most of the cars they review on that useless site are rated 8/10.
What a waste of bandwidth and server storage space...

I was bored one day and looked up what that guy gave a bunch of random cars, and he rates almost all of the an 8! So the 330i is just as good as a Nissan Altima, or Hyundai Sonata? The 330i is just as good as an M3? This guy's rating system is ridiculous. He doesn't give decimals, at least the woman that writes for msn autos gives 8.25, 7.75, etc.


Acura RSX: 8
Acura TL: 8
Acura TSX: 7
Audi A4: 8
Audi S4: 8
Audi TT: 7
Audi A3: 8
Audi Allroad: 8
Bentley Arnage: 8
BMW 3 series: 8
BMW M3: 8
BMW 5 series: 8
BMW 7 series: 8
BMW Z4: 8
Buick LaCrosse: 7
Cadillac CTS: 8
Cadillac STS: 8
Cadillac XLR: 8
Cadillac Escalade: 7
Chevy Cobalt: 7
Chevy Corvette: 10
Chrysler Sebring: 8
Chrysler Crossfire: 8
Chrysler PT Cruiser: 8
Chrysler 300: 8
Dodge Charger: 8
Dodge Viper: 8
Dodge Neon: 8
Honda Accord: 8
Honda Civic: 8
Honda Ridgeline: 8
Hummer H2: 7
Hummer H3: 7
Hyundai Sonata: 8
Infiniti G35: 8
Infiniti M: 8
Infiniti Q45: 7
Jaguar X-Type: 8
Jaguar XK Series: 8
Jaguar XJ Series: 9
Jeep Liberty: 8
Kia Spectra: 7
Kia Rio: 6
Kia Amanti: 7
Land Rover Range Rover: 9
Land Rover Freelander: 6
Land Rover LR3: 8
Lexus GS: 8
Lexus LS430: 9
Lexus SC430: 8
Lincoln LS: 7
Lotus Elise: 8
Mazda Mazda 3: 7
Mazda Mazda 6: 8
Mazda RX-8: 8
Mercedes C Class: 7
Mercedes E Class: 8
Mercedes SL Class: 8
Mercedes CLK: 8
Mercury Sable: 7
MINI Cooper: 8
Mitsubishi Eclipse: 8
Mitsubishi Lancer (Includes EVO): 7
Mitsubishi Galant: 7
Nissan 350Z: 7
Nissan Altima: 8
Nissan Sentra: 7
Nissan Murano: 8
Pontiac G6: 7
Pontiac GTO: 8
Porsche 911: 10
Porshce Cayenne: 8
Saab 9-2X: 7
Saab 9-3: 7
Saturn ION: 7
Scion TC: 7
Scion XB: 7
Subaru Impreza (Includes STi): 8
Subaru Legacy: 8
Suzuki Aerio: 6
Suzuki Forenza: 6
Suzuki Verona: 6
Toyota Camry: 8
Toyota Corolla: 8
Toyota Matrix: 7
Toyota Prius: 8
VW Jetta: 8
VW Phaeton: 8
VW Beetle: 7
Volvo S60: 7
Volvo S80: 7

[Carnage]

The reviewer on MSN gave it an 8 but look at the Consumer Reports score. They gave it a 99, the highest rating in it's class. They normally do a better job of actually reviewing cars, (i.e. they do more than drive it for 5 minutes and give it an 8).

[Nikki]

Originally Posted by matsarge

The reviewer on MSN gave it an 8 but look at the Consumer Reports score. They gave it a 99, the highest rating in it's class. They normally do a better job of actually reviewing cars, (i.e. they do more than drive it for 5 minutes and give it an 8).

the only reason it gets a 99 by comsumer report (if you click on the rating and read) is because they are rating the m3 as a 3 series. It is a mistake.

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by Nikki

the only reason it gets a 99 by comsumer report (if you click on the rating and read) is because they are rating the m3 as a 3 series. It is a mistake.

I did read it and here is the Overview. That is not describing the M3 coupe. It appears the mistake is in the title.

Consumer Reports Overview

Highs: Acceleration, handling, braking, fit and finish.
Lows: Hard to drive smoothly, noise, rear seat.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BMW's rear-wheel-drive 3 Series offers a nearly ideal blend of sportiness and luxury. Redesigned for 2006, the sedan and wagon have a slightly less cramped rear seat than previous generations. The previous-generation coupe and convertible models carry on for one more year before their redesign. All-wheel-drive sedan and wagon xi versions are available. Both the 325i and 330i sedan use a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, with 215 hp for the 325i and 255 hp for the 330i. Even the base engine is smooth and responsive, and handling remains taught and agile. The infuriating iDrive driver-interaction-system is thankfully only included with the optional navigation system.