Thinking of buying a BMW, any thoughts?

Question

I have a 2005 Acura TL that I have had since new and am looking to trade. I am thinking of purchasing a brand new 2007 BMW 3 series.

In order to be in a price range that I consider reasonable I pretty much have a choice of the following:

328i, Premium Package, Xeon Headlights, Automatic. I could also get the 328ix.

or

335i, no extras (although you do get some just for going to this vehicle such as lights and the Logic 7), automatic.

Anyone purchased one of these? Got any good advice? Had any problems with rear wheel drive in the wet or snow (we rarely get snow where I live)? Did you get much discount at the dealership?

Any information or thoughts appreciated.

Gary K, so what would you buy for $40K, and why?

Beyounce, I don't keep vehicles beyond their factory warranty, and BMW include all the maintenance during that time.

Your 740 is a great car. A little bigger than I need though.

Mike K, I agree the Infiniti is a wonderful car, but I live over 120 miles from the nearest dealership, so I won't even look at them.

Someone else mentioned Lexus, unfortunately the Lexus dealer are full of arrogant sales people who are rude and annoying. Weirdly the attitude at the Mercedes, Porsche, BMW dealership is WAY better.

I am leaning towards the 328ix. I think I'd rather have the all wheel drive and some creature comforts.

Bill, don't get me wrong, the TL is a nice car. It is fast and has a ton of what most manufacturers would consider optional extras, as standard. But I don't like to keep a car longer than three years, and I don't want to buy another TL with a new body shape just around the corner. I'd also like to trade up before the new body shape comes out and depreciates my car.

For me the BMW is a much better looking car, even though the inside is not as exciting or modern looking as a TL. There is no comparison with the drive and handling experience of the BMW.

Answer 1

my sister has a 328i and i love driving it! the push to start button is awesome i love all the feautures it comes with and drives so smooth on all kinds of roads, i love the built in bluetooth as well, and the acceleration i mad crazy fast! i say go for it!!!

Answer 2

Get the 335i. Its is widely considered the worlds best all around car. The 328xi is nice too, but if you dont get that much snow, I wouldnt sacrifice performance for that 1 or 2 days a year that it would be nice to have all well drive. As far as the extra options you could afford with the 328xi... The 335 will have every option that you would ever need, and the driving experience will be so rewarding that you wont even think about those missing comforts when you are speeding around corners like you are on rails when are out on a county road.

Answer 3

Just curious, how do you like your Acura overall? I have a 2006 325i, which is the same bodystyle as the 07 328i. Before I bought the bimmer, I almost wanted the Acura you have because of the many standard features with the TL, including the surround sound system. I also heard the TL's handle very well too. I chose the Bimmer because it was what I always wanted when I was a kid . I sometimes wished I had the TL too and wanted to know if I'm missing out on anything.

Back to your situaiton, you can't go wrong with the bmw's. The 328ix is a good choice for driving in wet or snowy conditions. As far with discounts, you will be able to get them below MSRP......just make sure to research edmunds.com to figure a reasonable amount to pay for the car.

Best luck on your purchase!

Answer 4

I would go with the 335i coupe it has the twin turbo which is really fun my friend just bought one with everything and its all around a really good car, I'm not suggesting that you get every option that you can, but the twin turbo makes 0 turbo lag and the acceleration is phenomenal it's incredibly smooth and you wont even realize that your going over 100 until you see blues behind you. If you are unfamiliar with what a turbo does it fills the cylinders with compressed air to "turbo charge" them and make the move faster which in turn creates more horsepower, along with the double VANOS technology which chooses the timing of the valves for both intake and exhaust camshafts which creates better engine response... look i can go on all day but I'm just glad your deciding to go with BMW there excellent cars and the are still built in Germany, unlike some makes that i wont mention (Mercedes) those traders, which is a tragedy because they were exceptional automobiles until the whole Dymlar-Chrysler thing, but back to the point I hope this was some help our just a useless fact filled paragraph, either way.

Answer 5

SETH, there are no BMW's that have a twin turbo charger as an option from the factory. I dont know your family situation and if you have to have a 4 door vehical or not but for 40k or less I would get a new infinity G37 coupe (its the new G35 coupe) They did a comparison in one of this months main stream car mags between a g37 and a bmw 3 series and for the first time in that mag the infinity was ranked higher. Im almost positive the mag was either road and track, motor trend, or maybe car and driver. If you have to get a 4 door car, I like the bmw 3 series better the the 4 door infinity. If you can get a coupe though, the new G37 infinity coupe is awsome, you should really check it out. I like fast cars and the G37 is also faster with better handling then the 3 series bmw. It also has a better reliabillity history then the 3 series bmw per consumer reports and other reliabillity publications. If you have your mind set on the bmw, then out of the choices you listed I would choose the 328i premium package. I like the look of the 328's and I like all the options the premium package comes with. No matter what you choose you cant really loose with the cars you are looking at so any way you slice it, you will be all good :)

Additional info, I appologize for not reaserching the product before giving out info, I almost never do that. I made an error when I said that no bmws come stock with a twin turbo from the factory because in fact they do. I wanted to post the correct info so YES, the 07 bmw 335i does come with a twin turbo.
Hey Andy at 6% best answers out of 154 tries, I think you know better then anyone about opening your mouth and looking like a fool.

Answer 6

Hey MIKE... better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought the fool than to open it and remove all doubt!! ALL 335i are born with 3.0 liter twin turbo Not as an option - It's standard equipment. I've owned an e36 328, an e36 M3 and currently own an E46 330Ci. Never regretted buying any of them, not ONCE. If you want an adult performance vehicle, get the Beemer and get the biggest motor you can afford.

Answer 7

I have a 740iL.

One of My mechan's told to get rid of it and buy a 3 series.
He says the 3 series are better to maintain.

When you need work on the larger one's, it's not ever a $300 job.
And another mechanic told me that his wife still has her 1998 and if you take care of your BMW, it'll last a life time.

Bmw's hold up better than most cars. I love my car and other manufacturer are imitating the body style of the BMW.

Answer 8

for $40K I would say you should buy a Lexus GS But if you get the GS430 I mean Second handed it'll be awsome you can also go for an Audi A4 or Mercedes C-class its considred as the best mercedes ever built. but if I were you then I'would buy a second handed 2006 Porsche Cayman I know its a little more expensive but belive me its tht bit cheaper as well, so good luck!!!

Answer 9

Your decision is right.
get a 328i and u will love it.Test drive one and u will know for yourself.
The bigger versions are for multimillionaires.like the 740iL

wish u luck

Answer 10

Personally never bought one, but I drive my aunt's all the time and I love it. It can be a little scary when it snows but I've never had any problems when driving in the rain. They are roomy and look pretty snazzy too!