Handling, power, classy appearance

Onlt owned this 2 months but the cost of repairs is scary from what I've heard. No problems so far and look forward to many great driving experiences

Fun to drive, great looks, best used car I've ever owned

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Volvo 850, 1991 Chevy Corvette

Build quality, looks, ride(absorbs bumps yet is solid and composed in corners, chassis is a work of art, engine is smooth and refined, German efficiency(They just make great cars)

Trunk is a bit small

This is a brilliant car, its built to last.Had it 2 and a half years and not an ounce of trouble. All the switch gear has a quality feeling to it. The ride is brilliant with little body roll in the corners. Irish roads are of near third world quality and yet the chassis absorbs the bumps with out being too rough. Great gear change and a real solid feel to everything. I considered the Alfa 156, but its not the most reliable car or particularly well bolted together, also considered the Merc C-class, but all the magazines said that this is the small exec to go for. It outsells the rst of its class by 2 to 1 over here. I also considered the Lexus IS300, but every magazine said it was just a 3-series copy that didn't succeed at being as good, plus its too much of a wankmobile, and the interior looks like its built from the kind of plastic you get on a fisherprice toy. Still if your going to copy, you mightas well copy from the best. Great car

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Merc C-class Alfa 156 Lexus IS300

Performance (193hp, In-line six, 0-60 6.6) Luxury (heated seats, wood trim, plush leather) Sporty (Sport Pckge.) Believe them when they say the Ultimate Driving experience.

The only thing I can think of is of course...$$$. Buy a USED one with under 30k. Save $10k and still get the same quality.

BMW is hands down the best automobile ever built. The driving experience behind my second BMW (first being a 91' 535i) has been amazing. I got the sport, premium, and cold weather pckges which enhance the experience. The performance behind the 193hp straight six engine is incredible accompanied with a 5spd manny tranny. The 0-60 is 6.6. Very fast. My old BMW was my joy. A 91' 535i also with a 5spd which belonged to my dad was passed down to me. It has gotten me through thick and thin and believe me, I have put the car under extreme pressure. I have probably been in over a hundered street races and a top speed of 145 mph and the car never wavers. It is fast, luxurious and reliable. The new car is a nice upgrade with better performance and better luxury like heated seats and moonroof. The sport package is a must (seats, steering wheel, lowered suspension, 17" wheels). Although the price can get high, the benefits of an A+ driving experience is priceless. A side note: everytime I come up to the car and sit in the driver seat I have a smile on my face (no joke). I take the long way home because I want to keep driving the car. I will go out and do errands just so I can drive. I will be sitting home bored and I will go out and drive. This car will make you do the same, trust me.

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1991 535i (absolutely amazing)

Driving ability, steering, road grip, interior, sport seats, exterior, xenon's, power - power - power :)

stereo speakers, pricey for segment (but you gotta pay for the best!)

Intro - I have now had the opportunity to properly break in my 2003 electric red 330i w/ sport package, heated seats, moon roof and xenon's. I came across this car at BMW of Watertown, CT. and the dealer was very aggressive in trying to move it. The car was in the showroom and the dealer even through in a very much-needed set of snows and had them mounted on the car when I picked it up. A great experience! Research - In selecting this car I test-drove almost everything in the market it competes with. In the end the dynamics of the BMW were so far superior that the difference in price could not take away the feeling that all other cars would be settling. In fact, after it was all said and done I had to choose between the 330i and a VW Jetta GLI 6-speed. I thought for the difference in price the Jetta was a great ride for the price. Some observations from test drives. Lexus IS-300 - Great driving dynamics, but teenager interior that also felt extremely small. Too many on the road with modifications. Audi A4 - Not the sporty feel as the Lexus and Bimmer. Interior was beautiful but center column came too far into right leg resting are. Had the feeling that it would be perfect for my wife. Volvo S60 - Expensive for what you get. Way too soft! Infiniti G35 - No stick shift when I was looking. I was not too impressed with interior. VW Passat - I like the driving feel of the Jetta better. VW Jetta 6Cyl/6Man - Front wheel drive (with all the benefits and deterrents). About $18,000 less but a great value. Nothing else was interesting enough to test drive. The Car - Now to the BMW. The quote of this car having a feeling "alien" to all other makes is on the money. Its feel behind the wheel is absolutely amazing. Power is endless at any point and comfort is outstanding. There is also something about the sound of the car. It literally crackles when pushed giving the sweetest exhaust note. Nothing that intrudes the serenity of the cabin, just a pure sound of assurance letting everyone know the engineering superiority. Recommendation - My father owns a 2001 325ci. We both agree that the difference in the engines is substantial. The 325 is a great car but it does not have the perfect power band of the 330i. The balance of the 330 is sublime! To cut some corners, I would go for the leatherette rather than leather. The quality of the leatherette is fantastic. However, I would highly recommend the sport package for the seats. They are the best in the business and provide a perfect comfort for commuting. The quality of the radio is only fair. Xenon's are really cool and heated seats in the region of the country are a must. Finally - There are a lot of great sport sedans out there. But I truly feel that the Jetta can run with most of them. The BMW is truly in a different galaxy. It is a car for an enthusiast. If the driving experience is not a priority, I am sure you can do better. But for me driving is one of the joys of life and I put a lot of value in it. I'd even rank the 325 above all of the competition, but the 330i is without question the PERFECT AUTOMOBILE! dj

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Infiniti g35 (no manual) Audi A4 (perfect..... for my wife!) Lexus IS-300 (pathetic interior - boy racer) Acura TL-Type-S (no manual and yawwwwwwn!) Volvo (too soft) Jetta GLI 6-speed (the car I

Steering, handling, acceleration, braking, comfort, etc...I could go on and on. But I must say that you could just melt into the sport seats! With the heated seats, I never want to leave my car!

In dash CD player kind of blows but the speakers aren't bad.

What I think: I love my car - definately my baby! I grew up in a BMW family and of course my first car had to be one! (My choice, of course.) Don't get me wrong, I have driven other cars for a shorter period of time, but nothing compares - love almost everything about it. It brings joy and excitement to driving and a smile on my face when I approach it. (I know, very corny.) But it is definately the best car I have ever driven in its price range and I wouldn't trade it for the world. This is My Car: 330i/Sports Package/Xenon Headlights/Heated Seats/Leather Seats/Metallic Paint/Moonroof The Facts: The last 3 options come in the Premium Package, but being as young as I am, I couldn't convice myself to accept the wood trim that comes with it. (You don't save any money with the Premium Package anyway.) A note of caution: Do not get the sports package if you live in a big city and can't take a bumpy ride. I don't mind, but my father a car enthusiast that enjoys a smooth ride told me that I shouldn't have gotten the sports package. I responded that on his next Bimmer he doesn't have to get it.

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C-Class Benz: Not as fun for the driver, but a very nice ride for the passengers Lexus IS300: I despise Toyotas, therefore obviously not a fan of Lexus

handling, fit, finish, build quality, performance, reliabilty (I've had the car for over 4 years and had only one minor thermostat problem), resale value, great gas mileage (I've averaged 26 mi/gal over 4 years),styling, BMW panache

costly maintience (parts & labor $90/hr at most dealerships), horrible in the snow, don't get as many "convience" features as you do with other companies (Infiniti, Acura, Audi), forced to buy BMW for the rest of my life because nothing really quite compares.

In my mind (and many others it seems) the best car you can buy for the money. I purchased mine as soon as graduated from college and I've loved it ever since. I purchased mine completely stock with the only options being the metallic paint and CD player (I was already streching my budget). The dealership treated me like a VIP even though I was a lowly college graduate buying their cheapest model. That strategy paid off because I will be a BMW driver for life. If you have read enough reviews then you know BMW automobiles lead the industry in handling and performance...althought the G35 coupe is knocking on the door. All that wierd stuff you hear about the car making you a better driver is, well, true. I should have killed myself many a time in this car and it always manages to bail me out. The in-line six engine and transmission mate up perfectly and for some eson my ~170 hp car feels faster than my wive's 240 hp Acura CL. Interior fit a finish is top notch, even in the base model with plastic and Leatherette. The car is great in stop and go traffic, thanks to it's more the capable always reliable brakes. BTW, I have over 85,000 mile on the original brakes. I do mostly highway driving but still that's incredible! Speaking of highway driving the car is extremely comfortable with plenty of high speed passing power...the car is German so it was breed for the Autobahn. It kind of confounds me how BMW engineers can design a car that rides so comfortably and handle so exceptional when pushed to the limits. Due to the suspension characteristics needed to perform at both ends of this spectrum it amazes how they do it. I'm gushing, but I really due believe BMW makes the "Ultimate Driving Machine" - within the budgetary realm of most people.

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Acura 3.2 CL, Audi A4 (1.8T, 3.0 Quattro), Infiniti I30t

Great MPG. Agile, great cornering on back roads or on the highway. Amenities found on more expensive vehicles. German engineering and quality. Moderate parts cost. Lots of aftermarket. With exception of new 3 series and M3, the body lines are some of the best.

Rear window wiper has mind of it's own. Friends now think I'm a snob for owning a Bimmer. Moderate power for a 3 series. Should have been supercharged from the factory or fitted with the M42 option.

Beautiful Alaska Blue paint, aluminum wheels, power options, fantastic MPG, agile, power roof, REAR wheel drive and all the other things you would associate with a BMW. But wait, it's got a 1.9 litre 4 cylinder? Yes. And it's still a reall Bimmer, regardless of what the 5-7 series drivers tell you at the autocross track. Actually it's quite a popular car in countries outside the USA because of it's smallish motor, though you can get it over there with a 6 cyl., or retro-fit a M-42 in the bay yourself. So far- no mechanical or electrical problems to speak of. Paint buffs well, interior leather is still soft and the plascic components haven't aged day. Can you say typical German auto? I've owned a few VWs, a Toyota and several American cars and trucks. This has got to be one of my all around favorites so far. A mid 90s VW Jetta III would be a close second, first if you considering trunk space a priority. With other models costing twice as much, this Bimmer will satisfy your urge for a German built car at a reasonable price.

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1994 VW Jetta III GL, 1989 VW Jetta Carat, 1993 VW Corrado SLC, 1988 VW Cabriolet, 1957 220s Benz(?)

Looks, Reliablity, Dealer Service.

Trunk space (it's a convertible what can you expect?) The power top... I had to replace the tension straps and it has never quite been the same.

This is by far the best car that I have ever owned. I bought it in 1999, and have enjoyed every moment. It handles well, it gets great gas mileage, and is one of the best head turners on the road. I don't think that I will own anything but a BMW. They are the ulitmate driving machines! I have read that some people are having trouble with the dealerships, and I think that it depends on what dealership you go to. Don't blame the manufacturer. I purchased the 100K warranty from Easycare when I purchased my car. Anytime it has ever been in the shop over the last 3 years, I have been given a GREAT loaner car (525, 325, M Roadster, Z-3) and impeccible customer service. The windscreen is a must, but DON'T buy it from the dealer. They charge $700 and I bought it used for $325.

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325ic, 535is, 733i

Have not gotten the car yet :-/

look above...

I have not gotten my car yet but I ordered it a few months ago but it will be here soon. And I was just wondering what the weaknesses were about this car, I got the sport package and 5-speed transmission and like I said wanted to know what the weaknesses are. Also if anyone could help me in finding some nice performance upgrades (intakes, chips, exhaust exc.) please email me neo31100@hotmail.com

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my first car...

-the all wheel drive is awesome! some say audi has the better all wheel drive. if this is the case, i can only imagine how great it is because the bmw system is very effective in snow, ice, sleet, and rain. i only had the rear end fishtail slightly on icy roads but the dsc traction quickly corrected the car. -interior trim/plastic is top notch. i wouldn't even think about buying the leather seats because the leatherette looks and feels great w/o wearing poorly like leather. (note: leatherette looks great in all colors except gray-yuck!)maple wood trim looks nice. -engine pick-up is more than adequate even w/ the base 2.5L engine. i drive a loaner '02 325i w/ auto trans; even that has decent pick-up (when driving in sport mode). -the basic features are cool. auto door locks, service indicator, the cup-holder delete option which is the european sliding door. -very easy to negogiate price if there's a few bmw dealers in your area. i paid only $1100 above invoice. -gas consumption is better than avg for a car which weighs a hefty 3400LBS and has all wheel drive. i avg 28MPG during 70 on the highway, 20-21 in mixed driving, and about 15 in the city.

-all stereo options are poor in power wattage. -already have inconsistent rattling around the moonroof controls. -the MANUAL TRANSMISSON STINKS. the clutch pedal is fine but the SHIFTER IS HORRIBLE. long shift throws. the shifter refuses to have smooth shifts especially when going into 1st, 1st to 2nd, and 2nd to 3rd! there's a very noticable resistance when putting the shifter into gear. i've spoken to friend and people on-line who owns manual bmw 3-series (even m3 owners) and they all have the same manual trans gripe. however, i hear the z3 manual is awesome.

had the car for 8 months now. 14k miles already on it. purchased it w/ prem package, xenon, 5-speed manual (big mistake), and folding rear seats. visited many local dealerships and found don rosen to be the best. i looked at the audi a4 which is $3-4K cheaper but two things drew me away 1.) audi's reliablity history and 2.) the '02 a4 didn't offer power seats (now they do) and no wood trim option. i would buy this car again in a heartbeat. i only wish bmw doesn't screw up the overall design like the '02 7-series and next yrs, '03 5-series. yuck. even the new z4's interior is shotty locking. why the heck is chris bangle approving those designs?

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prev. bought new cars were '94 v6 ford mustang and '02 4x4 ford explorer xlt. typical ford products; each avg'd 2 "unroutine" service visits per yr.