I know that they are totally different cars but has anyone consider a BMW 330Ci?

I saw a TL-TypeS today. I'm glad I got rid of mine 6 months ago. I think the TL is a boat - almost 200 freakin inches!

I would get the 330Ci over the TL any day.

 

The 330Ci has so much prestige and the handling is *in my opinion* better than any of the Acura's (excluding the NSX of course) and looks awesome.

 

Unlike its ugly cousins, 330ci is very nice looking.
The handling is not bad for a coupe. It is just tiny and bumpy. Usually handling and comfort are inversely related. However, I find size to be a source of variance. In this case, the CL Type S is able to handle almost as well while being a lot more comfortable. However, size gives you the boat feeling. 330ci way too small and bumpy for my taste.
If I'm going to let a car crack my spine, I'd rather be in a S2000 or Boxster S and have some fun.
However, if being tiny and bumpy aren't any of your concern, 330ci is a good choice. If these aren't my concerns, I'd take 330ci over CL-S any day. In fact, if you are going to spend 40+k for a 330ci, consider M3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's a beautiful car with one heck of an engine. It may still be a boat compared to the S2000, but at least you get 4 seats? I reall have to test drive the M3 soon.

I would still however, take TL-S over the ugly 330i any day.
There isn't anything in 330i that's I would consider better besides the availability of a stick.

I also like Honda as a brand more than BMW...which is at the bottom of my list with Jag and Volvo. There is no prestige in BMW, only snob. Prestige is what I see in Mercedes. Comfort and reliability is what I see in Lexus. Value and reliability is what I see in Honda/Acura. BMW is ugly in general with a few exceptions.

 

BMW has a great brand name. And if someone says Honda carries more oompf, they're fooling around.

I definitely considered the 330Ci. It was a tough, tough choice on picking the S4 over the 330Ci. The 330Ci is a BEAUTIFUL car.

Forget Acuras. The only Japanese car I would consider buying in this price range is the S2000. Acuras are BORING (minus the you know what).

 

IMHO

330CI is a beautiful automobile. When properly equipped (5spd, sports package, moonroof, HID's) it is a world class automobile. Quick, balanced, smooth, and good looking.

The problem is that it is damned expensive. Loaded the way that I would get it (just about every option except the stupid automatic/manumatic/steptronic transmission) it is nearly $42K.

I think that given the quality and price of other alternatives such as the Acura CL-S, Acura TL-S and Lexus IS300, that is too much $. The alternatives can be similarily (or better equipped) for $7 - $10K less. No doubt the Acuras are front wheel drive and none of the aforementioned can be bought with a proper enthusiasts transmission (a manual)and that counts for something. I am just not certain it is worth that 20 - 30% more money.

The M3 is an entirely diffenet ball of wax. I was lucky enough to be along for a test drive this weekend when my best friend drove one at Beverly Hills BMW. Holy.. shmolly that this is a monster. The problem is that optioned the way I mentioned earlier it is about $52K before taxes. On top of that most of these bastard dealerships are charging $25K or more over sticker for the cars. A$$holes. I hate dealer gouging.

My advice... if you can afford $50K and want a GT buy the M3. Just buy it through BMW's terrific European delivery program. You actually end up paying less for the car than you would here (not by much) even after taking a trip to Germany to be handed the keys as the car rolls off the factory. You also get a free driving clinic (at least you did with the M5) and you get to break the car in on the roads and at the speeds it was designed for.

The downside of this you ask? You must order your car, fly to Germany drive it a bit and then wait for it to be shipped back to the US.

The best part... you get to stick these mofo dealerships with $50k worth of inventory sitting on their lots. Serves them right.

If you can't afford more than $40K... buy the Acura or Lexus products. I just can't believe that anyone can tell me with an honest face that given our US speed limits and US roads, the 330CI is worth the premium over the competition. It comes down to them doing everything 90-95% as well at 70-80% the cost.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by SpaceNeedle
[B]BMW has a great brand name.

 

I'd wager the BMW brand name means more to most prospective buyers than any performance attributes that enthusiasts typically associate with the marque.

That said, if I could only have one car I'd certainly lean more towards the 330 vs. the CL-S/TL-S. I like manuals and RWD, although FWD can be very fast and very fun.

However, most people purchasing cars nearing $40k can usually afford more than one. In that case, the 330 is a bit of a compromise. It is significantly smaller on the inside compared to a TL-S (I need a 4dr, hence I choose this comparison, the Ci is similar in size to the CL-S), no faster in a straight line (where I would do most of my driving with said car), offers no more features or reliability, and is substantially more expensive similarly equipped. On the other end, something like a S2K, MZ3 or Boxster offers more performance than any coupe short of an M3 or C5 Vette with the added benefit of open air driving.

In short, if I needed a commuter, luxury sedan with some oomph as a second or third car, I'd probably lease a CL-S/TL-S. If I was looking for my one car to do it all, I'd think about the 330 and really try and stretch for the M3. If I was really stuck in the sub $40k range, I'd really want to get an S4, or maybe a lightly optioned A6 2.7TT with the extra space. Of course, I could care less about brand image, and BMW does have that in spades if it matters to you.

UL