[johnlee]

Very funny . My point is simply that compared to other more expensive cars enthusiasts covet, at least the ones I'm familiar with, the BMW 330i needs to make no apologies. Yes, it doesn't have the cachet a much more expensive car has, but get past that and I defy anyone to name another car that better combines the following:
1) world-class sports car dynamics
2) good looks
2) safety (active and passive)
3) refinement (road noise, wind noise, luxury, comfort, superior sound system, build quality)
4) practicality (utility, fuel efficiency/range, reliability/durability)

[WooBah]

Originally Posted by johnlee

Very funny . My point is simply that compared to other more expensive cars enthusiasts covet, at least the ones I'm familiar with, the BMW 330i needs to make no apologies. Yes, it doesn't have the cachet a much more expensive car has, but get past that and I defy anyone to name another car that better combines the following:
1) world-class sports car dynamics
2) good looks
2) safety (active and passive)
3) refinement (road noise, wind noise, luxury, comfort, superior sound system, build quality)
4) practicality (utility, fuel efficiency/range, reliability/durability)

John, would you buy a 330i over a 525i or 530i? If so, why? What about back seat comfort for two adults? Do you feel the 330i is adequate or sub par?

[johnlee]

I did consider the 5 series. It is as good as the 330i with respect to criteria 3-5 above, but with more space and, one could argue, a little more prestige. However, the driving dynamics of the 3 series really is special . I can get out of the Porsche and into the 330i with little letdown. I'm familiar with the previous 5 series having owned a 540i and M5 and can say that while their driving dynamics were impressive for a luxury sedan, they came off as rather ponderous and gangly when compared with dedicated sports cars. And sadly, some publications have questioned whether the current 5 series is any better in terms of driving dynamics than the previous 5 series. Finally, and of course this is subjective, I'm not keen on the looks of the 5 series, particularly the fascia.

[Ireland]

Great to hear im collecting my 330i on saturday cant wait now after what you said about it

[jhbodle]

Originally Posted by Ireland

Great to hear im collecting my 330i on saturday cant wait now after what you said about it

Aha, so that's why you're looking up all these old threads If you are getting a new one then you must be getting the 272hp engine that does almost 40mpg combined...congrats!

[John 070]

Originally Posted by ynotony

So in four years you'll have owned a total of four different cars? It is interesting that you call it "upgrading" to an E92 when I would have thought everything (until new M3) is a downgrade from your e46 M3. Is the M3 reall that "bleh" of a car? I drove one once and I thought it was awesome.

He also calls the 330 an inexpensive car. He probably works on Wall St. and is getting a big bonus for his fine work this year.