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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > Looking for a more comfy car... what would you recommend?



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      07-28-2016, 10:17 AM   #1
Drivaar
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Question Looking for a more comfy car... what would you recommend?

Hi everyone,

I've posted quite a few times about trying to figure out ride quality and making my 2007 E90 335i with sport package (plus Koni FSD shocks) more comfortable, due to some nerve-pinching problems I have in my neck.

The most likely direction at this point is getting a different car -- could be new or used. I recently test-drove a Tesla Model S, which has a *beautiful* active suspension that's just perfect, but it's far too expensive.

Any recommendations to fit the following constraints? I'm having a hard time because nothing out there really feels like a step forward feature-wise from my 335i, which already has every feature I want except the comfort part. (But it now has 112K miles and is probably good to get rid of, based on people's comments, as expensive repairs may be round the corner.)
  • Comfortable ride -- would love an adjustable or active suspension but I'm not sure that's realistic without spending lots of $
  • Not larger than a mid-size family sedan (190 inches long max... shorter is better for sure)
  • Nice audio system with subwoofer(s)
  • Comfort access type thing
  • Bluetooth support
  • Built in nav
  • Paddle shifters (ideally... I know this will be hard to find in a comfy car, and I will miss my paddles!!)
  • $40K max (before taxes)
  • Hybrid (ideally, but not critical - comfort more important)

My current leader in the clubhouse is the 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with Ultimate Package (there is just 1 option). It basically has everything on my list except the paddle shifters, and it's a little big (a true mid-size sedan).

Thanks everyone!

Last edited by Drivaar; 07-28-2016 at 11:31 AM..
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      07-28-2016, 10:20 AM   #2
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Softer BMW..? = F3x
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      07-28-2016, 11:02 AM   #3
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F30 without sport suspension and switch from run flats to michelin pss as soon as you buy it.
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      07-28-2016, 11:09 AM   #4
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Lexus ES350
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      07-28-2016, 11:13 AM   #5
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+1 on the F3x. They ride MUCH smoother than the E90 but the downside is that the steering doesn't feel as sharp/heavy as the E90.
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      07-28-2016, 12:14 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 9iron View Post
Lexus ES350
Lexus is a great suggestion. My 2cents is the Buick LaCrosse.

They(GM) have put some serious effort into Buick in recent years.

http://www.caranddriver.com/buick/lacrosse
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      07-28-2016, 12:40 PM   #7
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2017 Ford Fusion Sport
2.7L Ecoboost motor with 325HP/350TQ with AWD and fully loaded around $40k

You'll be able to get $4k off easy too

If you're looking for something better on gas then the Lexus ES Hybrids get 40mpg combined while still meeting your criteria. They may be pricier, but with certain deals since it's hybrid then you might come out better.
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      07-28-2016, 04:24 PM   #8
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Fully loaded Honda Accord Hybrid Touring is about $36k. It's a CVT so I doubt there's paddles but otherwise meets all the criteria on your list including hybrid.
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      07-28-2016, 04:29 PM   #9
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Lexus ES hybrid should suit you well.
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      07-28-2016, 04:31 PM   #10
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      07-28-2016, 04:57 PM   #11
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Hey now don't knock the ol' buick!!!

My commuter is a '94 regal 3.8l v6. And EVERYTHING works. It's a great car and I can go park it in the front row at Walmart with NO concern!!!
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      07-28-2016, 05:12 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by avocet
Hey now don't knock the ol' buick!!!

My commuter is a '94 regal 3.8l v6. And EVERYTHING works. It's a great car and I can go park it in the front row at Walmart with NO concern!!!
I'm not knocking. I'm recommending lol
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      07-28-2016, 06:04 PM   #13
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      07-28-2016, 06:30 PM   #14
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      07-28-2016, 06:30 PM   #15
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new dodge charger is nice
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      07-28-2016, 09:04 PM   #16
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For 40k I'm guessing you could find a nice 3 yo cpo 5 series.
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      07-28-2016, 09:12 PM   #17
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A 1990 Lexus GS400, then spend the remaining $35,000 on air ride and subwoofers.
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      07-28-2016, 09:31 PM   #18
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      07-28-2016, 09:35 PM   #19
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Thanks everyone!

A few comments:

* Lexus ES Hybrid: the wood in the steering wheel is a bit much, but I will look into a used one, which should fall into my $ range while being very comfy.

* F30: I'll definitely check it out... been with BMW for 13 years and counting! Will have to get a used one here as well, because prices are up so much...

* Used 5 Series: Yes, will look into that too.

* Accord Touring: Test drove it but the interior is terrible, and the software really is like it's from 20 years ago.

* Buick LaCrosse: Looks great, but it's a very big car (196 inches long!)

Anyone have thoughts on the 2016 Sonata Hybrid? That still feels like my top choice...

Any other ideas?

Thank you all!
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      07-28-2016, 09:40 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335
1990 Lincoln Continental.
I had an 88 - probably the worst car I ever owned!
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      07-28-2016, 10:52 PM   #21
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https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...9971/overview/
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      07-29-2016, 12:44 AM   #22
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You want the hybrid because of efficiency or because you want a hybrid?

F30 328d is very efficient, but it will be way north of $40k once you tick off all those options. There's always used/CPO though. And the new F30 330d plug in hybrid, but that's even more expensive (and won't be on the used market for a while).
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