3.25i sedan Vs Competition

[Platinum]

Hi,

I just came from my local BMW dealership and am considering a BMW 3.25i sedan with the sports package and manual tranny. I am also considering the Audi A4 1.8Tqm and the Lexus IS300 5-speed manual. I will take a look at the G35 when it arrives at the end of the month. I just want to hear from others who also considered these vehicles and know what made you ultimately choose the BMW. I'm looking at all these cars since they all have similar offerings and are within the same price range. I've test driven all of the cars and I admit they're all great. Any insight would be greatly appreciated since this isn't an easy decision! Also please note that the 3.30i is out of my price range so I can't consider it.

Thanks,

Platinum

[kurtieboy]

I was in the same position as you a few months ago and compared the the 2002 A4 1.8T, sport package with the BMW 325i, sport package. If you take a look at the archives there are alot of threads on the subject. The following were my observations:

A4 1.8T

Pros:

- lower cost
- you get more standard options i.e. 6 disc cd, heated seats, quattro etc.
- brand new model
- interior is nicest in the industry
- not as common as BMW

Cons:

- 4 cylinder engine, lower HP, engine made in Hungary
- less room for drivers legs, my knee rubs up against center console. I'm 6.4.
- no exclusivity, 1.8t engine is found in vw's, A4 uses same chassy as the vw passat.


BMW 325i

Pros:

- 6 cylinder engine, more HP
- drive and handling slightly better on the BMW
- Slightly better resale value
- The whole car is made in Germany, including engine.

Cons:

- more expensive
- less standard options
- older model, new generation 3-series will be out in 05-06

I ended up buying the 325i with sports package because it had more room for my legs, I thought it handled better, smoother 6 cylinder engine with more HP and it had better resale value.

Hope this helps


Cons:

[tmr]

Platinum:

The G35 will only be available with the 5-speed automatic for the first 6-12 months. Overall it looks like a good package, but appears to be much larger (although not in weight) than the others you are considering. You may want to hold off until the 6-speed manual comes out.

I love German cars, but the Japanese manufacturers have it all over them on reliability and cost of service (long term). If you can deal with that, the 3-series is definitely the car to beat.

My two cents...

[rylc]

I also compared the A4 1.8 with the 325i for a couple of months before I decided to go with BMW. Both are nice cars, so it was a tough choice for me.

Like the other poster said, Audi's interior is second to none. When driving at night, it's like a jumbo jet cockpit with all the interior lights on (even the inside door handle). Their options are also cheaper. Audi has more storage space; bigger glove box, and storage bin under both driver and passenger's seat.

I picked BMW mainly because it just feel right sitting inside. I felt so trapped when sitting in the Audi even though it is bigger than the 325 on paper. Audi's free maintenance covers 4 years vs. 3 years with BMW.

[sq_man]

I've driven both and believe the BMW outhandles the Audi, especially in corners, if equipped with the sport package. Also, I think the construction quality of the BMW is higher than that of the Audi. I do not understand the raves about the A4's interior above - it's nice, but not nearly as refined as the BMW. A hallmark of good design is simplicity, and BMW has embraced that well.

[Platinum]

Thanks for everyone's opinions. It's still a tough choice...if money didn't matter, I'd definately go for the BMW. However, money DOES matter. In terms of sportiness, the BMW and Lexus are very comparable. The A4 felt "bigger and heavier".

The A4 offers lots for the base price and given that I know how much I can get one for (based on what my friends have paid) it's a great deal. How much can I expect BMW dealers to drop off sticker for the 325i? Audi will drop quite a bit off MSRP, that I know for a fact. Lexus, will probably laugh if I offer anything lower than sticker. I love the BMW and it has an awesome base price...however once you rack up the options, the price shoots up pretty quickly.

Also, do you guys think the Harman Kardon sound system is worth the money?

Thanks again,

Platinum

[nd89sc88]

Buying a BMW can be frustrating. Lots of dealers are a$$hole$, and want you to believe that their cars are only sold for sticker. However, this is not the case if you are willing to work a bit, be creative and be flexible. First, I would suggest checking out http://www.eurobuyers.com . Here you can get complete invoice prices for all Bimmers and all options. You can also use Steve Diamond as your consultant to help you buy the car for the right price. He will charge $350 to negotiate a deal for you. Lots of people have used him with success.

If you want to do it on your own, however, try the Rizzo method. Check out this site for a description. http://www.e46fanatics.com/faq/rizzo.html. This, of course, could work with any car, but if you really want a BMW it is a good method.

Finally, if you are willing to travel, you can do even better. My wife and I have been planning on going to Europe for some time. We are going to go to Munich this fall to pick up my new 325xi. Check it out, its an amazing way to buy a car. Nearly everyone who does it raves about it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Bill

[crayzayjay]

the BMW is the best car, and of course, it's a BMW
shame about the ugly new rear lights (what the hell was Bangle thinking, making it look like a japmobile?!?!?)

cheers
jay

[snorlaxtowncar]

the HK sounds system is definately worth it. i have the HK, and when my car has been serviced i have had other s'2 without the system. the main difference is the bass. the HK gives clear powerdul bass, while the regular system makes rattles, etc when turned up.

i have driven an A4 1.8, and i definately feel that the 325 is better. it feels a lot more powerful, and you just can't beat that bmw logo!