[ou95grad]

To make a long story short, I've driven trucks/SUVs for the last 18 years. My current truck is a 2011, so I've started looking for a new vehicle, and I've been wanting something a bit sportier. I've read about BMWs for decades, so a couple months ago, I travelled to my nearest BMW dealer (about an hour away), and tried out a 3 series (320i xDrive, to be exact). I wasn't expecting much. I was pretty confident that what I always read was probably a lot of hype.

I was completely blown away. It felt like the whole car was carved from a single piece of metal, and I've never been in anything that went around a corner like that. Having said that, buying a new vehicle is always a big decision.

Anybody else made the leap into a 3 series from a completely different class of vehicle? I'm currently driving a 2011 Silverado crew cab (that's never hauled anything, hence why I'm leaning towards a car this time). Any input is appreciated. Living with a car for years is so different from a short test drive!

[tturedraider]

You're about to have a new addiction.

[agm114m]

I've gone back and forth between owning cars and trucks, usually around 3-4 years of ownership before switching. However, my last vehicle was a 2006 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 that I had for the past 8 years that only pulled a trailer when moving to a new duty location. Coming from that truck into my 335 xdrive (with DHP) was a night and day difference...performance, luxury, fit and finish, level of technology, etc. Because I just came from driving a truck, most of the things that many folks lament about the F30 (steering feel, body roll, soft suspension) are not really noticeable to me. I love the car and always have a grin on my face when driving it, especially in sport/sport+ mode on a nice curvy road. That being said, there are only two things that I do miss about my Dodge.
- Interior Space. I don't feel cramped in my 335 but one could certainly stretch out in the truck with room to spare....that took some getting used to.
- Cargo Space. The trunk in the 335 is plenty big for what I need (especially with the seats folded down) but there's still no replacing the convenience of a pickup bed with a matching fiberglass shell. Our Honda Odyssey (yes, a minivan) has since taking over cargo hauling duties to include towing a small trailer when necessary.

If you do decide to go the BMW route, I think you'll certainly enjoy it. Just think about whether or not you'll miss the space your Silverado provides.

-Jon

[bmwauug]

The only other car I really enjoyed besides my 3 series(had an e46, e90, and currently have an f30) - was my GTI (2010) -really enjoyed that car. Otherwise, BMW really delivers and it is hard to switch after driving one. You'll get annoyed pretty quickly with little things like the feel of knobs, buttons etc, not to mention the planted feel of the car. Modding is also a lot of fun!

Just make sure you try the different engines and study the various options so you know what you're getting into. Good luck!

[Ali Shiralian]

I will NEVER, EVER buy american made cars or trucks, especially Dodge. The name alone is repulsive

[adhrp]

I switched from a Highlander to a 328i and I had the same reaction as you. I've been very happy in nearly every sense - handling, fuel efficiency, features, etc. The Bimmer is my DD. Of course, the SUV is useful for certain tasks so we still have it and my wife enjoys driving it as her DD. For anything that does not require an SUV we both prefer driving the Bimmer.

[mikt01]

My last car was a 2005 Toyota rav4. Addicted is understatement.

[Mike_L]

I've been to and from BMW a few times, going to Domestic SUVs, Domestic sedans, and Audi (I wouldn't buy those pathetic Japanese appliances if they were the last cars on Earth). I always come back. It feels like home.

[ji99lypuff]

As someone stated earlier, definitely try the other engine sizes. Im sure once you get a feel for the 335 you WILL be addicted to the power and noise. I have a 328 but having come from a g35 i feel like the bmw is as fast as the infiniti with two less cylinders and much better fuel economy. That is fantastic in my opinion. The level of refinement and design is much better than any american or japanese car that i have owned. People complain about wind noise and squeaking but i guess they have never been in an entry level to mid entry level american or japanese car before. The bmw is WAY more quiet and better put together. These are all observations from a man whos had a
ford, chevy, dodge, mazda, infiniti, audi in that order. If it were to be ranked it would go as follows
1. German cars are the best built and engineered out of the lot
2. Japanese cars come second because although they lack the refinement and design of german cars they are damn reliable and cost so little to maintain.
3. American cars, all three of mine which have had major and even dangerous faults or recalls with them in my time of ownership. Sure they are all big and spacious but for the price it feels of much lower quality than their japanese or german counterparts.

[DC X3M40i]

I have been a car guy since I started driving. The last passenger car I owned was a 2004 Honda accord v6. I then had an itch to drive an suv so I upgraded to a 2008 Nissan pathfinder with the v-8 engine. That truck was tons of fun to drive. A lot of people underestimated how quick it was for such a heavy automobile. 2 kids later we ventured into minivan land. Along comes a 2011 Honda odyssey fully loaded. God awful to look at but super functional. No need for two big cars so bye bye Nissan and hello 2014 335i xdrive. Never knew how much I missed driving a sedan. But so glad I made the jump.
Seriously considering an m3 when this lease is up in 2017.

If you have no use for two big cars the definitely get the bmw.

[ou95grad]

Originally Posted by agm114m

I've gone back and forth between owning cars and trucks, usually around 3-4 years of ownership before switching. However, my last vehicle was a 2006 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 4x4 that I had for the past 8 years that only pulled a trailer when moving to a new duty location. Coming from that truck into my 335 xdrive (with DHP) was a night and day difference...performance, luxury, fit and finish, level of technology, etc. Because I just came from driving a truck, most of the things that many folks lament about the F30 (steering feel, body roll, soft suspension) are not really noticeable to me. I love the car and always have a grin on my face when driving it, especially in sport/sport+ mode on a nice curvy road. That being said, there are only two things that I do miss about my Dodge.
- Interior Space. I don't feel cramped in my 335 but one could certainly stretch out in the truck with room to spare....that took some getting used to.
- Cargo Space. The trunk in the 335 is plenty big for what I need (especially with the seats folded down) but there's still no replacing the convenience of a pickup bed with a matching fiberglass shell. Our Honda Odyssey (yes, a minivan) has since taking over cargo hauling duties to include towing a small trailer when necessary.

If you do decide to go the BMW route, I think you'll certainly enjoy it. Just think about whether or not you'll miss the space your Silverado provides.

-Jon

How tall are you?

Also, I really appreciate all of your input! Thanks!

[agm114m]

Originally Posted by ou95grad

How tall are you?

Also, I really appreciate all of your input! Thanks!

I'm 5'10" and generally wear 31-32" inseam jeans...No issues for me with seating height. Some folks have complained about the sport seats as being a bit tight (my father was one of them but he has also gained a little "size" since retirement) but I feel the seats fit my frame perfectly (I'm 170lbs, maybe a bit more after the holidays).

[Mike_L]

The Sport seats are definitely tight for us bigger folks (6'4", 315 for me). The standard seats are no picnic either. Wish BMW offered Comfort seats like they do on the 5, 6 and 7 (and X5/X6).

[ou95grad]

That was another thing that I was pleasantly surprised with when I drove a 3 series: interior room. I'm 6'4" and didn't feel cramped. I actually fit into the back seat fairly comfortably as well.

[sam6133]

my first car was a honda accord coupe 2009 then i switched to 2014 bmw 435i.

its like switching from a little meow cat to a lion. you wont regret it.

[TheCamboRambo]

I got my 335 after driving an 05' Lexus ES 330. Quite a nice upgrade in the fun department =)

[AudiA4]

Originally Posted by Ali Shiralian

I will NEVER, EVER buy american made cars or trucks, especially Dodge. The name alone is repulsive

Saying you wouldn't buy an American truck is like saying you wouldn't buy a German sports sedan.

p.s. By many accounts, Cadillac happens to be building the finest mid-size sports sedan on the market today in the CTS V-Sport.

[NO_RETURN]

I have driven a jeep of some sorts for the past 20 years while my wife has had both SUV's as well as Few Mercedes 300s etc... I just bought a 328i for myself and I love it. Like going from a tractor to an X wing fighter.

I kept the jeep for camping but I fully intend to drive the car every day.

To those that say bleh to American... While I do agree that most of this is well deserved I have put over 700,000 miles on my jeeps over the past 2 decades and never needed a major repair only maintenance.

[Ali Shiralian]

Originally Posted by AudiA4

Saying you wouldn't buy an American truck is like saying you wouldn't buy a German sports sedan.

p.s. By many accounts, Cadillac happens to be building the finest mid-size sports sedan on the market today in the CTS V-Sport.

Yeah they might have upgraded their products but I still wouldn't touch one.ive owned several cars in my life, mostly American/Canadian made and never been happy with the quality of workmanship. Sure the Mustang Cobra that I used to have was a lot of fun, but that leak in the sunroof was a bit of a turn off. I've learned over the years that German, or Japenees ( made in Japan not North America) is the way to go. To each its own I guess but Cadilac!!!Meh....

[onatuesday]

Wait till you try a Porsche

[Reelknead1]

Originally Posted by ou95grad

That was another thing that I was pleasantly surprised with when I drove a 3 series: interior room. I'm 6'4" and didn't feel cramped. I actually fit into the back seat fairly comfortably as well.

I am also 6'4" and fit perfectly in the 3 series. I don't know what you're looking to purchase but I have a 328i M-Sport for sale. Its quite a step up in power from the 320i but being ever so slightly used, you'll save quite a bit over a new vehicle.

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1044341

[ynguldyn]

This: http://jalopnik.com/let-chris-harris...bmw-1514877066