F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Another ATS Review
proTUNING Freaks
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-16-2012, 12:27 AM   #1
evans4you
Enlisted Member
13
Rep
42
Posts

Drives: grey
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Another ATS Review

Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 06:58 AM   #2
boltjames
Banned
17
Rep
533
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Luxury
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

No BMW owner is buying a Cadillac unless its an 80th birthday present for their grandfather.

Can we please stop with the ridiculous "The ATS Is The Scary 3 Series Killer" threads already?

BJ
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 07:04 AM   #3
SomeRandomer123
Colonel
SomeRandomer123's Avatar
England
301
Rep
2,612
Posts

Drives: F30 328i Luxury - Sport Auto
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Lancashire, North West England, UK

iTrader: (0)

Certainly isn't a 3 Series "killer" - that word needs to stop being used.
A competitor though? Yes. A good on? Yes, very - surprisingly!

King of the hill? 3 Series.
Second, A4/ATS
Third, C-Class in my opinion.
__________________

Gone: 2006 BMW E60 520d SE 6MT
Gone: 2009 BMW E90-LCI 330d SE 6MT
Current: 2012 F30 328i Luxury 8AT
On Order: 2015 Audi A6 Avant Ultra, Black Edition (sorry!)
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 07:06 AM   #4
Robin_NL
S0THPAW
Robin_NL's Avatar
8680
Rep
7,846
Posts

Drives: HS M2 Competition
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Netherlands

iTrader: (0)

0-60 in 6 seconds, it's rwd layout and its looks.

I like it. A lot.

Cheers
Robin
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 07:24 AM   #5
bcl0328
Major
127
Rep
1,185
Posts

Drives: 2012 328i
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Abingdon, MD

iTrader: (0)

who would buy this
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 07:24 AM   #6
Messer-schmitt
Private
Messer-schmitt's Avatar
3
Rep
65
Posts

Drives: 2012 BMW 328i
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Iowa

iTrader: (0)

I drove a CTS-V on a track in Vegas a few years ago, and it was the real deal. But the internal quality was not up to par and the whole thing felt cheap. I believe my signature says it all...
__________________
'12 Jet Black 328i 6MT Sportline

Originally Posted by JBasham
Caddy ATS . . . finally, a decent rental car option.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 07:46 AM   #7
Michael Schott
Colonel
343
Rep
2,118
Posts

Drives: 2017 VW GTI Sport
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Farmington Hills, MI

iTrader: (0)

It's disappointing that this car is so close yet very important details like engine note and the 6MT operation are so poor. They are specifically targeting the 3 series and have exceeded it in handling at the limit but in everyday driving the BMW seems to be a much better car.

It's about the comprehensive approach to engineering a car. BMW designed a brand new world class turbo I4 engine which in most accounts (except the sound at idle) is superb and the BMW 6MT is precise and solid. BMW never screws up engine dynamics.

I have to imagine that the GM bean counters once again have forced compromises in both the engine and transmission. It's a shame.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 08:22 AM   #8
jsedlak
Lieutenant
jsedlak's Avatar
13
Rep
411
Posts

Drives: F30 335i 6spd
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Morristown, NJ

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boltjames View Post
No BMW owner is buying a Cadillac unless its an 80th birthday present for their grandfather.

Can we please stop with the ridiculous "The ATS Is The Scary 3 Series Killer" threads already?

BJ
Cadillac, IMO, has been doing it (sporty sedans) right since the CTS-V.
They are different, but certainly fun cars to drive.

If I weren't buying a BMW, I'd probably go for the ATS or CTS.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 08:25 AM   #9
boltjames
Banned
17
Rep
533
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Luxury
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jsedlak View Post
Cadillac, IMO, has been doing it (sporty sedans) right since the CTS-V.
They are different, but certainly fun cars to drive.

If I weren't buying a BMW, I'd probably go for the ATS or CTS.
Could be.

But the point is that there is a BMW, therefore you're not buying a Cadillac. This must be the 15th thread on the ATS subject, and they all end the same way. No BMW is buying one. In fact, if you go visit a Cadillac forum, they aren't buying them either.

It's a car with no customers. GM will find that all they did was create a cheaper, smaller Caddy and instead of BMW owners they're getting Buick, Chevrolet, and other Cadillac owners to bite.

GM has shut down the advertising, too. While BMW is going crazy pushing the 3 Series (now that XDrive's are in stock) and Audi, Lexus and the usual suspects are gearing up for the Christmas push, GM has taken all that money they spend on the ATS during the summer and moved it to cheaper cars. It's over.

BJ
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 08:27 AM   #10
MaX PL
Major
532
Rep
1,415
Posts

Drives: M3
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boltjames View Post
No BMW owner is buying a Cadillac unless its an 80th birthday present for their grandfather.

Can we please stop with the ridiculous "The ATS Is The Scary 3 Series Killer" threads already?

BJ
its possible...

i mean, we have people with millions of dollars in the bank and tens of thousands worth of rolexes driving the 328i.

anything is possible in this world of crazy people.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 08:38 AM   #11
boltjames
Banned
17
Rep
533
Posts

Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Luxury
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MaX PL View Post
its possible...

i mean, we have people with millions of dollars in the bank and tens of thousands worth of rolexes driving the 328i.

anything is possible in this world of crazy people.
Remember, the BMW 328i is the wealthy man's Accord. Makes him look smart, thrifty, and down-to-earth.

Any car with the "Cadillac" name on it makes him look weak.

BJ
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 09:01 AM   #12
cpippolo
Second Lieutenant
United_States
66
Rep
285
Posts

Drives: 2020 M2 Comp
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: TX

iTrader: (0)

After two BMWs I was convinced I'd buy another. I leased the Z4 (82% residual!?) to bide my time when I traded my previous 335 to get the new one. After driving both the new 3 and the ATS, I prefer the handling of the ATS. F30 is not nearly as much fun as E90. BMW engines are superior, but will give up a little on the engine to gain in handling. I also prefer the CUE system to Idrive. Finally, I've had mechanical and/or electrical problems with both my BMWs, so ready to try something else. Cadillac's reliability has been good, so will go with the ATS with the 3.6 engine. While I've driven manual transmissions since I was 18, the autos are good enough now that I'm willing to make that change too. Maybe I'll come to regret the change, but willing to take the chance.

I don't really care what other people think my car says about me. I buy a car to satisfy me, and don't really care what others think. If BMW goes back to emphasizing performance over comfort and economy, I'll likely be back in a BMW in the future.

I'm always amazed at how sure people are of at the superiority of a particular car when they haven't driven the competitor.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 09:03 AM   #13
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Funny, pretentious BMW owners who scoff at a car that's closer to what BMW's used to be than the real deal. I've lost interest in the 3er, but this car should not be ignored. BMW has not exactly been hitting things out of any park recently. The F10 is a fat dog, the F30 is soft and has terrible steering and feels about as sporty as a fwd Lexus and Cadillac comes out and builds something truly competitive and all you can do is make fun of the brand.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 02:02 PM   #14
batislav
Private First Class
3
Rep
193
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i Sportline
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Funny, pretentious BMW owners who scoff at a car that's closer to what BMW's used to be than the real deal. I've lost interest in the 3er, but this car should not be ignored. BMW has not exactly been hitting things out of any park recently. The F10 is a fat dog, the F30 is soft and has terrible steering and feels about as sporty as a fwd Lexus and Cadillac comes out and builds something truly competitive and all you can do is make fun of the brand.
A rather pretentious statement from someone who seems to disdain BMW boosterism. Hyberbolic analysis of the weaknesses of the f30 isn't going to persuade anyone, nor inspire confidence in your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various cars.

People should but the car they like best. If their vehicle makes them happy, it's none of our business trying to impute psychological forces behind their purchase.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 02:10 PM   #15
martyl
Private
8
Rep
85
Posts

Drives: 2006 325i
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: st. louis

iTrader: (0)

It's really amazing how much of people's egos are tied up in the things they own. If you like the 3 buy it. If you like the ATS buy it. For God's sake they're just cars.
__________________
wldcup
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 02:50 PM   #16
Red Bread
Major General
United_States
4462
Rep
9,160
Posts

Drives: Smog machines
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Austin, TX

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by batislav View Post
A rather pretentious statement from someone who seems to disdain BMW boosterism. Hyberbolic analysis of the weaknesses of the f30 isn't going to persuade anyone, nor inspire confidence in your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of various cars.

People should but the car they like best. If their vehicle makes them happy, it's none of our business trying to impute psychological forces behind their purchase.
Was I trying to persuade anyone? I just said that the F30 has poor steering and isn't as sporty as past 3ers, things that aren't hyperbole, having driven more than a few of every generation of 3er and tried to like and convince my wife she wanted an F30.

I do agree that folks should buy whatever they like though, which is why I initially posted that it's pretentious to claim that just because something is a Cadillac, no BMW buyer would cross shop it, or just because BMW builds something, it must be great.

I'm sort of the caught in my own catch though, my wife had a 135i, was convinced she wanted a new BMW and we really thought the F30 would be great, but after driving it we just didn't enjoy it, specifically the large size, lack of steering feel and non linear feel of the steering, plus just a general since of luxury over sportiness that past 3ers got right. So we bought a goofy, tall E91, aka an E84.

I know I'm in the F30 forum, talking poorly of what is for many buyers, the ideal car. I also realize that in terms of currently available sedans, there isn't a clear cut superior product. I'm simply lamenting that in the past, BMW came closer to providing what Cadillac is now offering, a sporty, relatively minimalist sporty sedan. With time, BMW has crept the 3er into what used to be 5er territory and they're being extremely slow to fill the gap of what the E30 and E46 sedans used to fill.

But who really cares, they're just cars.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 03:31 PM   #17
batislav
Private First Class
3
Rep
193
Posts

Drives: 2012 335i Sportline
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Bread View Post
Was I trying to persuade anyone? I just said that the F30 has poor steering and isn't as sporty as past 3ers, things that aren't hyperbole, having driven more than a few of every generation of 3er and tried to like and convince my wife she wanted an F30.

I do agree that folks should buy whatever they like though, which is why I initially posted that it's pretentious to claim that just because something is a Cadillac, no BMW buyer would cross shop it, or just because BMW builds something, it must be great.

I'm sort of the caught in my own catch though, my wife had a 135i, was convinced she wanted a new BMW and we really thought the F30 would be great, but after driving it we just didn't enjoy it, specifically the large size, lack of steering feel and non linear feel of the steering, plus just a general since of luxury over sportiness that past 3ers got right. So we bought a goofy, tall E91, aka an E84.

I know I'm in the F30 forum, talking poorly of what is for many buyers, the ideal car. I also realize that in terms of currently available sedans, there isn't a clear cut superior product. I'm simply lamenting that in the past, BMW came closer to providing what Cadillac is now offering, a sporty, relatively minimalist sporty sedan. With time, BMW has crept the 3er into what used to be 5er territory and they're being extremely slow to fill the gap of what the E30 and E46 sedans used to fill.

But who really cares, they're just cars.
I can understand your perspective. Never good to be disappointed with a new product.

I'm not on board with the "just cars" sentiment in this thread. Some people spend a lot of time in their cars so it's easy to get invested emotionally. Makes a huge difference to me when I'm in my car a long time and I'm happy and comfortable and can have a little fun. I was stuck in a dodge calibre and kia rio (wasn't impresses with either) when I was waiting on my insurance settlement, so I really appreciate being able to enjoy my car.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 03:58 PM   #18
john08135i
Major
john08135i's Avatar
United_States
77
Rep
1,027
Posts

Drives: 2013 M Sport, 2010 bmw S1000RR
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Orlando

iTrader: (0)

I love the CTS-V but i never even considered cross shopping this to the 3 series.. and i still wont. The styling has something about it i don't get..

Being an American car the resale has to be much worse.. i almost leased a CTS-V but the residual was so bad on them it just wasn't possible..
__________________
M Sport Line Estoril Blue
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 07:13 PM   #19
Aggression
Private First Class
Aggression's Avatar
6
Rep
125
Posts

Drives: 12' CTS Coupe
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Jacksonville

iTrader: (0)



So Cadillac and GM made a great car that gives shoppers another option, and creates better competition. HMMM.
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 10:30 PM   #20
ocso1606
Lieutenant
ocso1606's Avatar
United_States
42
Rep
537
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Syracuse,NY

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2007 BMW 525xi  [0.00]
2010 Volvo  [0.00]
2013 BMW 335i M-Sport  [0.00]
As I have said before...I hope that I will never own another american made car.
__________________
M5 with lots of goodies
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2012, 11:49 PM   #21
azzurro
Banned
United_States
72
Rep
518
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Del Mar, CA

iTrader: (0)

There is literally NOTHING about a Cadillac that appeals to me in the least. As a competitor to the 3 series BMW, I just don't see it personally.

The engines are great in the Cadillac but I can't get past the body style which doesn't appeal to me in the least.

On another front, I have zero interest in having one penny of my money going to the UAW. A group that I will NEVER support.
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2012, 06:11 AM   #22
hans007
Major
605
Rep
1,077
Posts

Drives: 2020 BMW M340i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (0)

i was at long beach BMW a few weeks back.

checked out an estoril blue f30 328i in their showroom to see the color up close (i ordered one today from another BMW dealer).

that said, my friend and i walked next door to cadillac. sat in a 3.6 V6 luxury line ATS. had a cadilac sales person treat us like complete garbage and to the point where he actaully stormed off after we refused to give him our phone numbers for him to harass us when all i said was i was checking out new cars to buy and currently drove an A4 with 45k miles on it. my friend has a C300 with about the same milage, so we were both at least thinking about a new car soon.

anyhow, guy storms off after trying to pressure sale us into buying a loaded ATS for $52k when i said i'd probably spend up to $50k on a car tops.

So my friend and I are both 31. we look extremely young in general, people ask me if i just got out of college, but that said we expected to be treated at least semi decently.

BMW and i'd say honestly mercedes have treated me by far the best (never bought a mercedes, but my friend did). that said i own a current gen A4 and my friend owns a current gen c300. so i'm familiar with the cars in this class (other friends have infiniti Gs and lexus ISes as well so i have driven / sat in all the cars).

horrible dealer service not withstanding (i think GM dealers given they are all combo dealers, they have idiot sales people who think they can sell a luxury car the same way they dupe a moron into buying an impala... so thats strike 1) this car is not that great.


first off the ATS looks small for some reason up close. its not nearly as distinctive as the CTS up close and seems to lack i suppose prescense (maybe its just small) compared to my A4 or a new 3 series. now i've never actaully driven it (since the asshole caddy dealers would barely even let us sit in their precious entry level sport sedan let alone drive it) and i'm assuming its pretty decent based on reviews. but SIT in the car and you know its cheap. things like the door panel inside plastic cubby feel chevy cruze cheap. the center stack reeks of cheesy cheap glossy plastic and looks like they pulled it right out of the volt. the center interior light button switches felt cheap. the chrome plastic el cheapo trim looks super tacky and is everywhere. and the capacitive buttons for EVERYTHING is plain horrible and they dont feel good at all. and obviously no tactile feedback. on the non cue models the touch screen you have to control everything also feels sluggish. it is basically the opposite of refinment


i have to say , nice try cadilac but you still lose. the ATS is not inexpensive either, so its basically a few grand less than a bmw, and probably more than an audi to have to deal with horrible dealer service etc on a car with a crap interior. why would you do that? i'd buy a 3 series, A4 , C class in that order and even a G37 before buying an ATS based on cars i've driven just from interior feel alone (i'm huge on interiors, i didn't buy a C class the minute i felt the hvac knobs and steering wheel on the pre refresh W204 and got the audi. new F30 thumbs up bmw compared to the e90 btw).

anyway thats my 2 cents. the reviews will say it drives great... but it just doesnt feel premium enough. its like the first gen G35 , great driver, unrefinied and not luxury but for most people they will think its great since they dont know better (i know, i bought a first gen G35 when i was 23 and didnt know any better.... my tastes are more refined now)

Last edited by hans007; 10-17-2012 at 06:17 AM..
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST