AndyDe
07-12-2004, 09:31 AM
After searching for a couple of months, I narrowed my choice to the BMW 3. Vehicles I looked at were Audi, Saab, and Volvo. I’ll try to keep this brief.
Currently, I had an Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. Too many interior finish problems with the car, very nice but the headaches were not worth it. :mad:
So, I placed my order for the 325I last Monday Tuesday from Momentum BMW in Houston, my sales person found the vehicle on a truck in route to the northern states.
Here is the scoop: ’04 325I, sports package, premium, Xenon, Steptronic, black leather, Silver-gray metallic. :)
Guys and gals, I must say that this car is absolutely a joy to drive. I come from a long line of Audis, they are great cars but I can see why the BMW slogan “the ultimate driving machine”. :thumbup:
Initial first impressions:
Sport package: I was a little concerned about the sports package being too harsh, (The Audi was a little choppy with the sports suspension) since I had only driven a non-sport. This combination is the best compromise that I have driven in. If you are reading this and still trying to decide SP vs non-SP, it is a little more firm but far from harsh or choppy. Thanks to everyone that gave me feed back on this issue, I don’t regret it.
Let me start with the interior, I love it! Clean lines, simple, all the controls at reach, no extra little things where I don’t need them. The sport seats are superb. My wife commented how comfortable they were, the fit and finish and great, the leather quality is fantastic with all the seating positions available to accommodate anyone. The three- spoke steering wheel looks great and I love having the radio and cruise controls on it. (The Audi did not offer this). The 17” wheels look good and the tires and pretty quite thus far, the vehicle came equipped with 225/45/17 Dunlop SP 2000. Wind noise traveling at 70-80mph is minimal, compared with the Audi. Well, I know that I am not comparing apples to apples, turbo charge motor vs inline 6. No dispute on which is quieter.
Transmission:
The Steptronic transmission is more than I expected, I have been driving stick for the last 10 years and believe me, it is a great relief to know that I have the performance with the Steptronic. Superb transmission able to accommodate my driving habits. I have been driving in D mode since I am still breaking in the new engine. Can’t wait to flick it to Sport mode. The transmission responds beautifully to my needs and keeps up with my adrenaline level, can’t beat that! I don’t miss the stick, but I have caught myself searching for the clutch a couple of time when breaking.
Brakes:
Disc brakes at all 4 wheels? Yep, the 3 series do have them. Audi does not; at least my A4 did not. Linear, great pedal feel, love how the car stops in the way that I want it to. I am already showing the annoying break dust on my wheels, I need to look into this to find out how I can minimize it.
Exterior:
Clean classic lines, I love the 3 series looks in profile. The silver-gray metallic paint is a superb color (personal opinion). I’m looking forward to long years of great finish on this paint. I know that German paints last much longer than our Japanese friends.
I have been reading the confusion about the either having or not having the chrome tips. Well, with sadness I must say that I did not get them. Well, add it to my list when I go back to the dealer.
Right after picking up the car Saturday afternoon, I drove to X-Pert Tint for a clear bra installation. I definitely recommend this place. Sonny, the owner, performed the installation, which went beautifully. Good place, good products and service.
He went ahead and gave the headlights for free. The clear bra should keep my front end looking brand new for a long time. Sonny drives a S2000; the front end looks show room new. The kit provides protection for the hood ( 8” pass the emblem), lower lip, bumper, side view mirrors. The kit is cut to perfectly match all the curves of our beautiful machine. Cost was $600.00. This is strictly a personal choice; IMHO it is a good investment.
I’ll be tinting the windows next weekend.
Last:
This car is solid, even more than the Audi, perhaps it is the combination of a great chassis with a great suspension. No creaks, cracks, or funny noises.
The car just drives phenomenal; I am simply amazed every time I get behind the wheel. The tracks better then any other; no questions asked, no comments, no nothing.
I did find two things that I thought were left out that should have been in the car. These are small things but the driving experience makes up for them not being included. Regardless, I do feel that BMW should include them:
1. Floor mats
2. Garage door transmitter (what’s up with this?) :dunno:
Well, I have made longer than I wanted to, so here it is my first BMW and after 200 miles, I can’t take my grin off my face. My wife is now looking at the X3.
The only option that I purchased at the dealership was the extended maintenance warranty.
If any of you have any pointers that you would like to share, well, you know the drill.
Happy motoring,
Regards
Andy De.
“Who you are determines what you see, and what you see determines what you do.”
Currently, I had an Audi A4 1.8T Quattro. Too many interior finish problems with the car, very nice but the headaches were not worth it. :mad:
So, I placed my order for the 325I last Monday Tuesday from Momentum BMW in Houston, my sales person found the vehicle on a truck in route to the northern states.
Here is the scoop: ’04 325I, sports package, premium, Xenon, Steptronic, black leather, Silver-gray metallic. :)
Guys and gals, I must say that this car is absolutely a joy to drive. I come from a long line of Audis, they are great cars but I can see why the BMW slogan “the ultimate driving machine”. :thumbup:
Initial first impressions:
Sport package: I was a little concerned about the sports package being too harsh, (The Audi was a little choppy with the sports suspension) since I had only driven a non-sport. This combination is the best compromise that I have driven in. If you are reading this and still trying to decide SP vs non-SP, it is a little more firm but far from harsh or choppy. Thanks to everyone that gave me feed back on this issue, I don’t regret it.
Let me start with the interior, I love it! Clean lines, simple, all the controls at reach, no extra little things where I don’t need them. The sport seats are superb. My wife commented how comfortable they were, the fit and finish and great, the leather quality is fantastic with all the seating positions available to accommodate anyone. The three- spoke steering wheel looks great and I love having the radio and cruise controls on it. (The Audi did not offer this). The 17” wheels look good and the tires and pretty quite thus far, the vehicle came equipped with 225/45/17 Dunlop SP 2000. Wind noise traveling at 70-80mph is minimal, compared with the Audi. Well, I know that I am not comparing apples to apples, turbo charge motor vs inline 6. No dispute on which is quieter.
Transmission:
The Steptronic transmission is more than I expected, I have been driving stick for the last 10 years and believe me, it is a great relief to know that I have the performance with the Steptronic. Superb transmission able to accommodate my driving habits. I have been driving in D mode since I am still breaking in the new engine. Can’t wait to flick it to Sport mode. The transmission responds beautifully to my needs and keeps up with my adrenaline level, can’t beat that! I don’t miss the stick, but I have caught myself searching for the clutch a couple of time when breaking.
Brakes:
Disc brakes at all 4 wheels? Yep, the 3 series do have them. Audi does not; at least my A4 did not. Linear, great pedal feel, love how the car stops in the way that I want it to. I am already showing the annoying break dust on my wheels, I need to look into this to find out how I can minimize it.
Exterior:
Clean classic lines, I love the 3 series looks in profile. The silver-gray metallic paint is a superb color (personal opinion). I’m looking forward to long years of great finish on this paint. I know that German paints last much longer than our Japanese friends.
I have been reading the confusion about the either having or not having the chrome tips. Well, with sadness I must say that I did not get them. Well, add it to my list when I go back to the dealer.
Right after picking up the car Saturday afternoon, I drove to X-Pert Tint for a clear bra installation. I definitely recommend this place. Sonny, the owner, performed the installation, which went beautifully. Good place, good products and service.
He went ahead and gave the headlights for free. The clear bra should keep my front end looking brand new for a long time. Sonny drives a S2000; the front end looks show room new. The kit provides protection for the hood ( 8” pass the emblem), lower lip, bumper, side view mirrors. The kit is cut to perfectly match all the curves of our beautiful machine. Cost was $600.00. This is strictly a personal choice; IMHO it is a good investment.
I’ll be tinting the windows next weekend.
Last:
This car is solid, even more than the Audi, perhaps it is the combination of a great chassis with a great suspension. No creaks, cracks, or funny noises.
The car just drives phenomenal; I am simply amazed every time I get behind the wheel. The tracks better then any other; no questions asked, no comments, no nothing.
I did find two things that I thought were left out that should have been in the car. These are small things but the driving experience makes up for them not being included. Regardless, I do feel that BMW should include them:
1. Floor mats
2. Garage door transmitter (what’s up with this?) :dunno:
Well, I have made longer than I wanted to, so here it is my first BMW and after 200 miles, I can’t take my grin off my face. My wife is now looking at the X3.
The only option that I purchased at the dealership was the extended maintenance warranty.
If any of you have any pointers that you would like to share, well, you know the drill.
Happy motoring,
Regards
Andy De.
“Who you are determines what you see, and what you see determines what you do.”