Well, I had some time today so I set out to compare 5 or 6 cars back to back. I started with the one I had not driven yet, an '05 G35 coupe 6 speed. The first dealer was an ass and only let me drive it around the block! See ya. Drove to another dealer and went for a 20 minute drive. Nice salesman. I wish I could have given him my business.

Then I drove the two miles to the BMW lot to re-drive a 330i. They had one in electric red, a fairly uncommon color (BMW owners seem to stay away from flashy colors). I think the car looks nice in this color and it is non-metalic so it has a pure, simple look to it.




I test drove it and boy, it just felt so nice. How can any car have such tight, light, responsive steering and still swallow the bumps better than the competiton? Awesome brakes too. While the engine power felt great, it does feel slow when compared to the G35 coupes. I know I will loose to them in the stop light gran prix, but I don't really do that anyway. The BMW is certainly faster than the other cars under consideration, and faster than my old Jag. And its highway manners are better too.

Anyway, after the drive the salesman gave me the numbers and I got a pretty good deal. I got a better trade in value than either Infiniti dealer wanted to give me, and about the same as the Acura dealer would give me for the TL. Then we knocked about $2500 off the sticker price. Why such a good deal? I think they were trying to get rid of the red car. When we got down to the last thousand, the salesman was trying to convince me that no one would give me much more for the Jag. I just looked him in the eye and said "yeah, and no one wants a red BMW." He just grinned and said "you're right."

Oh, by the way, if any of you are thinking about a BMW in the future, be sure to join the BMW Car Club of America. After you have been a member for a year, you are eligible for the rewards program. BMW will send you a refund check for the purchase of any new or certified used BMW. The amount varies based on the car purchased. Check out the web site www.bmwcca.org for more info. I will get a check for $500. Not bad for a $35 membership.

 

congrats, I also chose an e90 330i. what options did you have?

I felt the 330i was a great all around package of power, handling, etc. Very solid feeling. I've got about 5,000 miles so far and not one problem.

Check out the community over at Bimmerfest.

 

Bill, congrats on your new car!! BMW's are great and when the new 3 series coupe comes out it will definitely make me have to consider trading in the S. I think it's supposed to look like a shrunken version of the 6-series. Anyway, I noticed you live in Canton and you said you went to an Infiniti dealer and they were total jerks. I'm guessing this was Infiniti of Norwood as you live in Canton. I had dealings with them when I was considering the G35 coupe instead of the S. My brother has also dealt with them many years ago when buying a G20. Anyway, they are total jerks and it amazes me that they continue to sell cars.

 

Sport pkg
Premium pkg
Cold weather pkg
Satellite radio prep.

I was over at Bimmerfest earlier today, but I havent registered yet.

So are you happy with your car?

 

That's funny. Actually, the guy at Norwood was the good guy. the guy at Quirk was an ass. the salesman was ok, but his manager had an attitude like he was selling chevy cavaliers to high school kids. I found out the Quirk manager used to work at Norwood. Maybe Norwood is better now because this guy is gone.

 

Ive had my eye on a new 545 for some time, Id like to pull the trigger!

 

Nice choice for a car.

I agree with joining,
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/index.php?
http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/

Token BWM shot.

 

I have the Sport, Cold Weather, Leather (single option since I didn't want premium package) sat. prep. and of course, 6 speed manual.

I love the car. I mean it's not as raw as the S2000, but it's a refined car when I want it to be and sporty when I want it to be. Great ride, even with the 18" wheels and sport suspension. Wonderful handling for a heavier car. Gas mileage is pretty good too for such a sporty car. I get about 26 mpg with mostly city driving, some highway, I'd say 70/30 split city/highway driving.

BMW's truly make a great driver's car I think. Free maintenance for 50,000 miles doesn't hurt either. Add another 50,000 miles for like $1,500 or something like that isn't bad either. I"ll probably add it later on as I get closer to the 50,000 mile mark.


Y2KS2K, it's now the 550.

 

BMW 3-Series - still the Standard of the World in its class

 

Good luck one of my favorite cars around. However red =

I'd like to get a 3-series coupe. Especially wouldn't mind a European delivery (or prehapse a Cayman). I'm still a 1-2 years away from that so I'll have some good time to think about which.

One thing about colors is Porsche has 17 colors to pick from not to mention any custom color you you can think of. Of course they're $$ but something to be said for having a car that's a little different.