[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by omaralt

Do you know what your problem is? It's that you are so stupid that you cant comprehend that somebody may actually have a different opinion than you. I went from a 13 550i with that amazing zf 8 spd to a 435i with the manual. And *gasp* I actually wanted to! I actually flew to Pennsylvania and drove it back to Florida, that's how badly I wanted a manual! I want you to sit down for this here, but some people actually don't like all the luxury options in a car! Crazy concept! So maybe pull your head out of your ass for a few minutes and realize that the world has people with differing wants and desires. Ok?

[skw]

Originally Posted by Mike_L

Yes, I've driven a RWD 320, but with the 8 speed. I can't be bothered driving stick. Haven't owned one since the mid-90's, never will again, and only drive them when I absolutely must (like the Viper, old Z06 and GT500). And yes, I've driven the Camry, because I did look at the new ones before I bought my car in November. I'd take the Camry XSE V6 over the 320i every time, and thats saying something, because I hate Japanese cars as much as I hate manual transmissions.

Wow, such disdain for the manual transmission! Good thing we have options. I gotcha, and agree w/ you to an extent. My 1st time behind the wheel of a 320 was also w/ the 8AT. I had just driven a base no line 328xi 8AT, came back to the dealer and next got into a base no line 320xi 8AT. Barely made it out the parking lot, turned around and parked it. I had just about written off the 320. A few days later another local dealer called saying he had just gotten in a 320i rwd 6mt. Only options were sport pkg, 6mt, and heated front seats. Driving this car had that fun factor and made me smile. I just couldn't do w/o power seats, a sunroof, & xenons. I ended up placing an order w/ a board sponsor to get it equipped exactly how I wanted.

I had an '08 Accord and an '11 as well. So naturally we looked at the '14 Accord. Drove the LX, Sport, and Touring, fine cars but certainly not F30 fun. This past winter I helped a family friend get a '15 Camry SE. In the process, we had also driven the XSE V6. Again, another fine car, plenty of features/options, and a step above the regular models, but not in the same league driving wise as a 320.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by Mike_L

Properly equipped, a 3 series can be a luxury car.

LOL. Sure.

Perception of brands and consumer goods varies greatly by socioeconomic level. Keep livin that lavish, luxurious lifestyle with a 3-Series and don't let haters hate. Shit...there are rappers who still brag about having a passport so I can't judge.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by FC4

It's ok...my girlfriend can't drive a manual, either. That's why I bought her this.

And people wonder why insurance premiums are so high.

[FC4]

Originally Posted by auf Deutsche

And people wonder why insurance premiums are so high.

Trust me, regardless of what may or may not happen with the cars, my insurance will have absolutely no effect on your rates. I can assure you. But she's fine...not a single at-fault accident in her 10 years of driving. Besides, this has 4 fewer cylinders and about 100 less HP than her last car.

[tomes]

I wasn't expecting so many replies under my post lol. I just test drove the base 320xi and I wanna talk about first impressions. Let's compare it to Fusion that I have now.

Engine - both of them are turbocharged and produce 180 hp. However, 320i feels faster. Probably because it weighs less and has better transmission. 1:0 for Bimmer.

Transmission - 8 speed is great. In the sport mode it shifts quickly and in the manual mode the response is very fast. Ford's 6 speed auto sucks. 2:0 for BMW

Steering - I was a little disappointed. Obviously I was prepared for a light steering but in the comfort mode.. The steering was lighter than Fusion's steering. It is relatively precise but I just like heavy steering. I know it might be weird. BMW 2 - Ford 1

Suspension - I can't say a lot about Bimmer's suspension because I didn't have chance to drive it on the curvy road but it felt rather soft. Ford's suspension might be stiffer. 2:1

Interior quality - comparing to Ford, BMW's interior feels better. I'll be honest, I hate Fusion's interior. It feels, looks, and is cheap. 3:1 for BMW

I enjoyed 320i more than Ford. I know it's an entry-level BMW but... don't forget they have 316i in Europe

[driving0]

Some of you are missed the part where he said he would be leasing.

In a lease scenario a xle camry and 320i are not in the same price range.

A 320i can lease for the low $3xx with 0 down payment, maxing out MSD, and paying dealer fees upfront.

In terms of leasing it is more in the range of a Camry SE, not XLE.

[Mike_L]

Originally Posted by FC4

LOL. Sure.

Perception of brands and consumer goods varies greatly by socioeconomic level. Keep livin that lavish, luxurious lifestyle with a 3-Series and don't let haters hate. Shit...there are rappers who still brag about having a passport so I can't judge.

Don't forget that I came from a pair of $100k+ BMWs. I know what luxury is.

And I can drive stick, just as well as anyone else here. I just choose not to.

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by tomes

Engine - both of them are turbocharged and produce 180 hp. However, 320i feels faster. Probably because weighs less and has better transmission. 1:0 for Bimmer.

That might also be because it is common knowledge that BMW underrates their torque and hp values.

For example, here are the quoted versus measured values from the Dinan website for the F30 320i:
BMW Factory Rated HP 180 (183 Measured)
BMW Factory Rated Torque 200 (210 Measured)

[skw]

Originally Posted by FC4

It's ok...my girlfriend can't drive a manual, either. That's why I bought her this.

I apologize in advance for not knowing, but is that a Boxter? I got to attend a Porsche event last year and did 2 laps back to back in each a Boxter, Cayman, Cayman S, 911 Carrera, and 911 Carrera 4S. Surprisingly, the Cayman S was my favorite.

[justinnum1]

Originally Posted by skw

I apologize in advance for not knowing, but is that a Boxter? I got to attend a Porsche event last year and did 2 laps back to back in each a Boxter, Cayman, Cayman S, 911 Carrera, and 911 Carrera 4S. Surprisingly, the Cayman S was my favorite.

looks like the gt3

[tomes]

There is another option - I just spoke with my cousin and he's planning on selling his 2004 325ci...

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by tomes

There is another option - I just spoke with my cousin and he's planning on selling his 2004 325ci...

That could be a much less expensive option overall, but you need to know that an aging E46 will require a lot of maintenance. It will most likely need the entire cooling system overhauled. You should do some reading in the E46 forum to get an idea of all the potential issues. You'll need to be either very DIY capable or have a very reliable and affordable BMW specialist mechanic.

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by tomes

There is another option - I just spoke with my cousin and he's planning on selling his 2004 325ci...

Not going to lie, but an aging E46 is probably going to cost you half the monthly payment of an F30 to maintain. Cooling system, bushings, electrical issues, faulty window regulators, suspension, at this point in it's life, that car will need all those fixed.

I would stray far away and if you must have a BMW get at least an E90 if you can't squeeze into a 320i.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by Mike_L

Yes, I've driven a RWD 320, but with the 8 speed. I can't be bothered driving stick. Haven't owned one since the mid-90's, never will again, and only drive them when I absolutely must (like the Viper, old Z06 and GT500). And yes, I've driven the Camry, because I did look at the new ones before I bought my car in November. I'd take the Camry XSE V6 over the 320i every time, and thats saying something, because I hate Japanese cars as much as I hate manual transmissions.

Mike, you said you were currently 35 years old, right? So in the Mid 90s you were, what 14-15 years old? I think it's time for you to own another manual!!!!

[Mike_L]

Originally Posted by Vegetable

Mike, you said you were currently 35 years old, right? So in the Mid 90s you were, what 14-15 years old? I think it's time for you to own another manual!!!!

I got my Mustang when I was 18 in 1997. Came with a 2.3L I4 with a whopping 86hp and a AODE automatic with 88k miles. Blew the tranny in less than 2k miles. Swapped in a 5.0L V8 from a 93 Cobra and its matching T5 transmission. Hated it with a passion. Way too much work in traffic. I was always making up excuses to not drive or take my moms car. Kept the car less than a year like that, and traded it in for a new Neon with a 3 speed slusher in 98. Swore I would never own another manual and never have.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by Mike_L

I got my Mustang when I was 18 in 1997. Came with a 2.3L I4 with a whopping 86hp and a AODE automatic with 88k miles. Blew the tranny in less than 2k miles. Swapped in a 5.0L V8 from a 93 Cobra and its matching T5 transmission. Hated it with a passion. Way too much work in traffic. I was always making up excuses to not drive or take my moms car. Kept the car less than a year like that, and traded it in for a new Neon with a 3 speed slusher in 98. Swore I would never own another manual and never have.

Sorry to hear that.. but speaking of Mustangs I drove a new 5.0 today with the 6 MT and that car is F-ing amazing for the price. $41,000 as tested and the thing felt so quick and surprisingly nimble for a Mustang.. sadly the MT gearing in 4th, 5th, and 6th were too tall making my 435i MPPK feel much faster in the same gears at the same speed in comparison, but in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gears this new GT is a blast. This is the first American car I would own, proudly. And speaking of Neons.. I also owned a 98 back in 98, but with the 5-speed manual.. Loved it... but unreliable as hell.. Anyway... still time for you to re-discover the manual..

[Joe_E]

Originally Posted by kent11202

I have to agree BIG TIME - you have plenty of time to join the club. Don't bury yourself in debt while working part-time and going to school.

I agree with kent. Prioritize school then the car. But that's all you

[FC4]

Originally Posted by skw

I apologize in advance for not knowing, but is that a Boxter?

Same thing, pretty much. Looks better now with the European side markers and BBS wheels, though.

[auf Deutsch]

Originally Posted by FC4

Trust me, regardless of what may or may not happen with the cars, my insurance will have absolutely no effect on your rates. I can assure you. But she's fine...not a single at-fault accident in her 10 years of driving. Besides, this has 4 fewer cylinders and about 100 less HP than her last car.

Lol, I was just visualizing the classic stereotypical scenario of a female driver in her 20s driving a high powered, lightweight, RWD sports car. Sexy but cringe worthy.

[Jacobite]

Originally Posted by FC4

LOL. Sure.

Perception of brands and consumer goods varies greatly by socioeconomic level. Keep livin that lavish, luxurious lifestyle with a 3-Series and don't let haters hate. Shit...there are rappers who still brag about having a passport so I can't judge.

Mindless snobbery based on automative trinkets is pathetic. Only pimps, rug merchants, Hollywood, and Eurotrash base someones worth on outward appearances.

[Vegetable]

Originally Posted by Jacobite

Just because you don't actually like to drive and find it a bore doesn't mean we true enthusiasts want to hear about your lameness.

I'm thinking you might have quoted the wrong person?