Saw one today

Originally Posted by iamthewalrus

If you're out on the track, fine, you can argue about the nuances at the limit. But for the driving that 99/100 Americans actually do, this isn't really true. Modern Audis drive incredibly well, and I've owned both Audis and BMWs over the years.

James
San Francisco, CA

2006 BMW X3 3.0i (manual, m-sport, xenons, premium package) [current]
2006 Mini CooperS convertible (manual, sport, xenons, etc.) [sold]
2006 BMW 330Cic (manual, premium, sport, xenons, etc.) [sold]
1998 Audi A4 (2.8Q Tip) [sold]

I've also driven my family's cars over the years, including the following:
2004 Allroad 4.2,
1990 V8 Quattro
Two 2009 A4s (one avant, one sedan),
2003 TT cabriolet,
2006 Audi A4 cabriolet, and
2000 Audi A8.

I've had plenty of experience driving both BMWs and Audis over the years, and I disagree with your assessment.

While it's wrong to say Audi's don't drive like they look an A4 still doesn't drive as nicely as a 328i. The BMW feels lighter and more balanced.

Originally Posted by justinnum1

opinion...too bad audis dont drive anything like they look

Yeah, my RS4 drives like ****. I will agree that a typical 328 drives a lot better than a typical A4. But most of the Audis that look really sweet, drive pretty sweet as well.

As for looks, anybody who is not a BMW fan or really into cars would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the F30 and E90. If you had a white E90 and brought home a new white F30, I don' think most of your neighbors would even realize you had a new car parked in the driveway. In many ways, I actually like the E90 design better - I really don't like the new crease in the hood.

From a distance, the 3/5/7 sedans are now almost indistinguishable to me. Up close, they look either boring, kinda strange, or downright ugly depending on your tastes.

Back to the "1 sausage different lengths" school of design with a vengeance; thankfully they still offer coupes.

So far so good, but waiting to see it in person. I like it!

So a little hard to tell, but I don't see any side reflectors on the fender? I thought I heard we were going to see that again on the US models? Sorry, disregard. Just noticed the euro plates. Pretty observant of me

And about the Audi talk above. Other than the S5 and the R8, I would hesitate to call any Audi "sexy".

^^ The new A6 with LED lights....sexy....gadgetry..google earth...way ahead of BMW

Originally Posted by jocamryn

^^ The new A6 with LED lights....sexy....gadgetry..google earth...way ahead of BMW

+1, and the 3.0T engine is a keeper. This will be on my short list next time I car shop, as will the F32.

Originally Posted by Spagolli94

...I will agree that a typical 328 drives a lot better than a typical A4...

So, what you're saying is the typical Audi driver configures his A4 more conservatively (i.e. less sporty) than the typical BMW driver configures his 328?

The point I was trying to make is that comparably equipped (sport package, manual, etc.) the A4 and 328 are indistinguishable in the sorts of driving Americans do, i.e. not on a track. We may each prefer one over the other, and that's fine.

Originally Posted by jocamryn

^^ The new A6 with LED lights....sexy....gadgetry..google earth...way ahead of BMW

It's personal taste. For me those LED's are getting old. They are so common that I see people putting them on their Honda CR-V's and Civics. Although to be fair I see people doing the same with the halo rings. A6 and that big gaping front end? Not so much, not to mention it's still a sedan. Gadgetry, maybe.

Luxury wise, Audi may have some edge in their sedans, but for me, I want performance and BMW still has the edge.

Originally Posted by energetik9

It's personal taste. For me those LED's are getting old. They are so common that I see people putting them on their Honda CR-V's and Civics. Although to be fair I see people doing the same with the halo rings. A6 and that big gaping front end? Not so much, not to mention it's still a sedan. Gadgetry, maybe.

Luxury wise, Audi may have some edge in their sedans, but for me, I want performance and BMW still has the edge.

Well said.

Originally Posted by iamthewalrus

So, what you're saying is the typical Audi driver configures his A4 more conservatively (i.e. less sporty) than the typical BMW driver configures his 328?

The point I was trying to make is that comparably equipped (sport package, manual, etc.) the A4 and 328 are indistinguishable in the sorts of driving Americans do, i.e. not on a track. We may each prefer one over the other, and that's fine.

No. I'm saying that a basic 328 is a better drivers car than a basic A4. The 328 feels tighter and more connected. You don't have to go to the track to feel the difference. A spirited drive will do just fine.

Then again, I do get your point. Most drivers won't notice the difference because they just putt putt around to the point they probably wouldn't notice the difference between an Accord and an M3. I think it's safe to say that most drivers never push the peddle down any farther than necessary to gradually accelerate up to the speed limit. Most drivers slow down for every corner to the point that no cornering sensation is felt.

Originally Posted by captainaudio

Back to the E9X subforum you go; we discuss new cars here. And if that subforum has driven you out with it's 18 year old kids using their Bar Mitzvah money to buy your ancient E93, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book have really good used car subforums. Check 'em out.

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Back to the E9X subforum you go; we discuss new cars here. And if that subforum has driven you out with it's 18 year old kids using their Bar Mitzvah money to buy your ancient E93, Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book have really good used car subforums. Check 'em out.

BJ

:

As far as performance of the F30, we will have to see how the reviews go for the American spec models-hopefully these reviews will start appearing within a few weeks. The C&D review will be the benchmark for me. I don't care what those guys wrote in Barcelona. That's not the car we will be getting. Of course I will be looking forward to driving the F30 myself in February-March. I will call the dealer in a few weeks to verify when he will have the F30 demos. Looking forward to it!

Originally Posted by energetik9

It's personal taste. For me those LED's are getting old. They are so common that I see people putting them on their Honda CR-V's and Civics. Although to be fair I see people doing the same with the halo rings. A6 and that big gaping front end? Not so much, not to mention it's still a sedan. Gadgetry, maybe.

Luxury wise, Audi may have some edge in their sedans, but for me, I want performance and BMW still has the edge.

I was addressing the FULL LED HEADLIGHTS, not the DRLs. Have you seen the new A6? The DRLs look like light bars and not a row of individual LEDs (which I agree looks dated).

Agreed with the Audi having the edge for now(as far as gadgetry goes).

Love my E90, and will likely keep it for most of its useful life. But when the E90 officially becomes the '2nd' car and I need a new primary one, Audi will get fair consideration. I'm curious to see what their new competitor for the X6 will have to offer.


Sent from my HTC Desire using Bimmer

you couldnt pay me to drive that car. that shouldnt even have the BMW badge on it because it looks like a toyota. bmw needs to fix the 3 series fast because its not gonna sell 1/4 of what it did with the e90 or e46.

Originally Posted by MikesE39

you couldnt pay me to drive that car. that shouldnt even have the BMW badge on it because it looks like a toyota. bmw needs to fix the 3 series fast because its not gonna sell 1/4 of what it did with the e90 or e46.

Exactly the same was said about the E90 when it was introduced. Oh boy wrong they were.

The F30 looks fine and it doesn't look like a Toyota at all.

Originally Posted by Saintor

Exactly the same was said about the E90 when it was introduced. Oh boy wrong they were.

The F30 looks fine and it doesn't look like a Toyota at all.

Not even going to Lie i said the exact same thing about the e90 which i love now.

maybe its becaus eits a bone basic 328.

if it was a M sport or 335i sport i prob would like it.

It'll sell just fine....isn't it obvious that the enthusiasts are NOT the target audience? BMW is 'performing' for the primary buyer here....get a 135 if you feel like invoking the 'tradition' and 'pedigree' of the 2002.

Originally Posted by jocamryn

It'll sell just fine....isn't it obvious that the enthusiasts are NOT the target audience? BMW is 'performing' for the primary buyer here....get a 135 if you feel like invoking the 'tradition' and 'pedigree' of the 2002.

well said, to many people talking **** when they never even drove it

Originally Posted by MikesE39

Not even going to Lie i said the exact same thing about the e90 which i love now.

maybe its becaus eits a bone basic 328.

if it was a M sport or 335i sport i prob would like it.

Unfortunately it looks like the m sport will be a much bigger premium for the F30.