|
|
|
|
|
|
BMW Garage | BMW Meets | Register | Today's Posts | Search |
|
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum
>
Impressions after 1 month (came from a G35 coupe)
|
|
11-02-2005, 04:46 PM | #1 |
The Sandman
1
Rep 17
Posts |
Impressions after 1 month (came from a G35 coupe)
I guess I owned my 2004 G35 Coupe 6MT for about 14 months total. Fun car - lots of torque available down low, and a blast to turn off the traction control and break the back end out. It handled pretty impressivly - or so I thought. I was ok with the build quality - the seats were nice, dash materials were up to par, stereo sounded pretty good, and the stock Brembo brakes were simply astounding. Keep in mind that my car previous to the G was a 2003 Audi TT Coupe 1.8T 6MT AWD. That was a fun car too - but a bit too small for practal use.
Why the change to a BMW? My first child, Logan Jagger Brown was due on 11/7 (though he graced us with his early entrance to the world on 10/18). After discussing the pros and cons of a baby seat in the G35, my wife and I decided to sell the G and get a sedan. Keep in mind that I've ALWAYS hated sedans. I've just never thought that many 4-door cars were attractive. I've loved the 3-series BMWs since about 1990. They were upscale, I knew about the legendary handling, and was my dream car for a long long time. But that was always the 2-door. At least until the E90 came along . . . I test drove two cars at Classic BMW in Richardson, Texas (near Dallas) in mid-July - a 325 with a manual transmission, and a 330 with an automatic transmission. I drove the 325 first. I loved the feel of the shifting from the get-go. Smoother than I was used to, and much lighter as well - from the perspective of the actual shifting, and the clutch resistance. I liked the interior - it wasn't flashy, and everything pretty much made sense to me. Controls were in easy reach, I could see well, and the interior looked / felt STURDY. One thing that struck me as odd was the braking. I could come to a somewhat abrupt stop, and the nose wouldn't dip down suddenly. I wasn't used to that at all. I was impressed by the suspension - and this was non-ZSP. The power of the 325 impressed me, but coming from 274hp / 270+ lb/ft torque in the G, I knew I was going to miss the power if I didn't go for the 330. So, I drove the 330 automatic next. There was the power I was looking for. It didn't come in like I was used to in the G, it came in smoother, and for longer (the G had GOBS of power in short "spurts"). The leather in this car was very nice - much better quality than in the Infiniti (the 325 had leatherette). Again, non-ZSP car, but it handled so precisely, and so firmly. I knew I had to order one. But I wanted the sweet 18" rims, the much talked about sport seats, the stiffer suspension, bluetooth integration (I used to pull my phone out of my pocket and hand it to my wife when I was driving), all of the other ZSP and ZPP features, as well as heated seats. So, I placed my order, put my $500 down, and begain the long 9 week wait. I took delivery of my 2006 330i on September 29th, 2005. I actually sold my G35 the day before my 330 was available to me - got very lucky in that respect. Anyway, on to MY car: I absolutely LOVE it. I've owned and driven MANY cars, and this one feels like ME. I have 800 miles on her now, and I cannot wait to get out of the break-in period. But, I'm babying her like I should, and she's being so good to me. She does corner literally like she's on rails. I used to take 90-degree turns at +40mph in the G, and it held on well and slid right into the lane - with a noticable feel of knocking of the brakes on the wheels. Now I can (when no one is around) take that same 90-degree turn at 60mph and the BMW about laughs at me. It takes the corner as if it's nothing. And there's no nosediving like in the G, no noticable body lean - the car just stays flat. The steering is incredibly responsive. I love the feel of the smaller, yet beefy steering wheel. The brakes are just as powerful as what I had in my previous car. The heated seats get HOT (something I wasn't used to in the G). The shifter has the perfect throw, angle, and overall feel that I like - light, but responsive. Every inch of the car feels "tight". The Logic7 system is, by far, the best non-aftermarket stereo I've ever heard - bar none. The sport seats are magical - I can tweak them PERFECTLY to my body contour. When I'm driving, I forget about the rear doors and feel like I'm driving the sweetest ride on the road - which I pretty much am. I get stares from everyone in this car. Pros: The steering feel The braking power Angel eyes Accelleration (though I haven't gone past 4,500 RPM) The sheer beauty of the exterior The upscale, yet practical look of the interior Bluetooth for my Blackberry 7100G phone!!! Logic7 (Ah, MP3 CDs!!) Heated seats that get warm QUICK The little touches like the ambient lights and exterior lighting Cons: Gas miliage - though it's 25% better than my G in the city Fingerprints on the glass from curious people when it's parked at a store Taking longer to get home from work because I enjoy driving it SO much! This car is so much more than I ever would have imagined. Here's pics of the beauty: http://homepage.mac.com/thesandman27/PhotoAlbum30.html On a side note, there's been a lot of talk here and there about racing between a G35 and the 330i. I can tell you this - though I think the BMW is a better car in every way possible over the G, the G35 Coupe's power is not to be underestimated. In a straight-line, that is a VERY quick car, with tons of power down low.
__________________
The Sandman's Ride:
2007 BMW 335i Jet Black - Burl Walnut - Beige Leather - Steptronic w/ paddle shifters - Sport Package - Premium Package - Heated Seats - iDrive - 35%/20% tint |
11-02-2005, 05:24 PM | #2 |
The Ultimate Posting Machine
42
Rep 419
Posts |
Great review
I'm glad your happy with yuor e90. Reading about how well the car takes corners, makes me want to go for a ride right now
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:32 PM | #5 |
Major General
82
Rep 5,732
Posts |
I have the 325 ZSP -coming from the A4 1.8T AWD.
I echo your sentiments - this car really feels that it is for ME. Handling, power (for me a move up), the smoothness of the engine, the upscale feel, the amazing steering/brakes. I am in love |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:34 PM | #6 |
Lieutenant General
418
Rep 12,276
Posts |
Sandman - welcome to the forum! That was a great write-up. Thanks for sharing that with us. It brings the twinkle back into our eyes.
__________________
I think it is bad luck to be superstitious |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:45 PM | #7 | |
Second Lieutenant
3
Rep 296
Posts |
Quote:
When you get a chance, try a few pulls up to redline. The engine really awakens past 4500 RPMs. It's as if there is a second engine in there that kicks in and plants you in your seat. I'm not saying this is a GTO or anything like that, but there is plenty of power in this engine and above average low-end torque too. The car is easy to drive sedately and just as easy to drive to the limit.
__________________
Cheers,
________________________ 2006 BMW 330i Jet Black - Burl Walnut - Black Leather - 6MT Sport Package - Premium Package - Cold Weather Package |
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:46 PM | #8 |
there is no spoon
243
Rep 867
Posts |
One of the best write up yet. I also find myself taking a lot of detours on the way home. Only if gas still cost .99 cents per gallon like in high school.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:49 PM | #9 |
Second Lieutenant
30
Rep 278
Posts |
Hey Sandman, thanks for taking time to write. I enjoy it very much. I am still in a process of getting one myself. I grew up with Bimmer, so I'm pretty much how you feel.
BTW, Welcome aboard. uD |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:51 PM | #10 | |
Second Lieutenant
30
Rep 278
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:52 PM | #11 |
Major
50
Rep 1,159
Posts |
Congratulations! How's this for weird cosmic coincidences.
1. We named our son Logan. Not a very common name, we named him after my Great Grandfather. 2. He was also early ... 5wks, hope you didn't have any complications like we did. 3. I just put a deposit down on a black 330i. |
Appreciate
0
|
11-02-2005, 05:58 PM | #12 |
//Mdicted
347
Rep 9,988
Posts
Drives: a Cop Magnet
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: 495 Ring
iTrader: (18)
Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00]
2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50] |
Thank you so much for your review, I've always wonder what is would be like to have considered a G35 coupe, your review confirmed my decision..
You've said everything I wanted to hear, well written post! thk you!
__________________
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 07:20 AM | #13 |
e90 newbie
35
Rep 448
Posts |
Sandman - Congratulations on the addition of the new family member(s)
Great write up, it was very useful to get a real world comparison between the G35 and e90 without the trashtalking that is usually associated between the 2 cars/brands. Just past the break in period and I can attest to the fact that going past 4500 rpms continues the fun factor.
__________________
E93 IL Blue M3 ZPP, ZCW
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 07:45 AM | #14 |
Captain
288
Rep 874
Posts |
Thesandman27,
Great writeup! I share your opinion of this car... I love it! Now, can you please expand a little on the nature of the 90 degree turn that you take at 60 mph? What kind of streets are they? How wide, etc? |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 07:45 AM | #15 |
///M Specialist
561
Rep 1,499
Posts |
Nice review and good luck with the car.
__________________
2023 M340ix my Daily Driver
G83 M4CV, F80 M3 CS, E30 M3, Z8, other various BMW's Ferrari F8 |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 07:57 AM | #17 |
Lieutenant
12
Rep 456
Posts
Drives: X3 + 325xi
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: New Jerz
|
Same as everyone......great write up! It made me take it out and rip it!
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 08:28 AM | #18 |
Second Lieutenant
7
Rep 244
Posts |
same sentiments and experience on the 330 sports. Same gripes on the gas mileage when you are just driving around town. MPG depends on how many stops/starts you do.
Congrats! |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 08:58 AM | #19 |
Registered
0
Rep 2
Posts |
congrats on your new baby!
i'm really glad you posted your story. I am in almost the exact same situation without the baby. I've owned my G35 cp 6MT for about 11 months. I got married about 7 months ago and am thinking about a 4 door for the first time in my life. I was considering the lexus IS250 and the bmw 325i. After driving both I was sold on the 325i (6mt, sports, xen, pdc, heated seats). Handling is something i now look for over sheer hp. I'll take a tight corner any day over a straight line race. now i'm in the process of trying to sell my g35. carmax gave me a terrible value. couple questions for you if you don't mind... i'm curious, did you have your bmw built custom? and did you put your order in before you actually sold your G? Any tips on unloading your G and how much did you get for it? Thanks, Can't wait to be a new 3 series owner! |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 09:34 AM | #20 |
The Sandman
1
Rep 17
Posts |
Thanks for the kind words everyone. Here's a bit of follow-up:
1. The 90-degree turn I'm talking about is turning left from a turning lane into a 4 lane road (split 2/2 by a median). So, I have room inside the turn to slip, but there is no slipping. If there's no cars around, I can "slot" myself through the turning lane, accellerating all the way through, and take the corner as if it was nothing. I also have to be careful on freeway overpasses connecting one highway to another. I often find myself gaining speed around the corners and catching up to the back end of other cars! 2. Yes, my wife is VERY hot, and dropped all of the pregnant weight less than 2 weeks after having (healthy) Logan. 3. I sold my fully-loaded G35 w/ Nav and 6,500 miles for $30K. I advertised it on cars.com, starting the price at $33.5. I ordered my BMW, and then waited about 4 weeks to list my G. I wish I had listed it just a little sooner so I could have sold it before the new G's (2006's) were hitting the dealerships. I ended up dropping the price of the G online by $500 every week for 4 weeks until I finally found a serious buyer who had the cash to make a negotiated purchase. The dealer offered me $25,500. Thank God the buyer came through. Guess it was meant to be!
__________________
The Sandman's Ride:
2007 BMW 335i Jet Black - Burl Walnut - Beige Leather - Steptronic w/ paddle shifters - Sport Package - Premium Package - Heated Seats - iDrive - 35%/20% tint |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2005, 09:56 AM | #21 | |
God
30
Rep 320
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
Bookmarks |
|
|