BMW 330Ci as my next new car. Opinions, suggestions?

Well, sounds like the perfect choice, given the criteria.
I can def. understand not wanting to mess with a clutch constantly during the commute, and good choice not getting the SMG, its a mess.

Get one quick, or you may get stuck with a next gen!

 

Ive never driven a Dinan one, but the 330ci is my favorite BMW next to the M3. It drives so clean and its fast. I would go for it, but i think BMW is coming out with a refreshed body style (not like the 5,6,7) so if you want you can wait for that one.

 

I dunno, i really love my new M3, and while i found the paddles in my 355 to be a bore, the SMG in the M3 is a total kick. You get the involvement of shifting without the work; it goes like hell, and shifts very nicely once you fiddle with the controls and get the hang of it. Its very, very easy in stop and go traffic. (I use mine to commute every day to NYC, and we are talking some seriously nasty traffic and drivers, to boot. Its actually easier to drive in some ways than a slush box, since you can grab a paddle or the stick and just slam it home for instant relief; trust me, it won't get into your blood until you have driven at least a hundred or so miles, up, down and sideways, to get the feel of the thing).
Gotta think some of these cars can be had for a price, even if the M3 is not due for replacement quite yet (have they discontinued it yet, or will they build it in 2005?). I got one at a very good price, Imola Red, convertible (i love convertibles, and with the accessory hardroof, its easy to manage all year), the aluminum shadow trim, and all the other goodies, except for Nav. (I find the BMW nav to be a big bummer). This car replaced a 2001 740i Sport, which was a terrific car, and suprisingly quick, despite its meager 288 hp and huge size. I use them as commuter cars, and couldn't be happier. They do truly suck in the snow, though.

 

Congrates!

330Ci & E46s are great cars, you will love it. I have a 328Ci (Steptronic), see here:

http://www.jimmy540i.com/my328ci.htm

 

Are you going to Devon or Main line, when i went to the Devon one to look for a new car for mi madre the guy there was also really pushy and it really turned me off.

 

All I can say Dave is that in 3 series cars.....and particularily coupes......automatics account for less than 10% of the sales in my marketplace and they sit around forever on dealers lots when they come up for sale as used cars. Dealers will not order them for stock.

I know you don't want a stick......so maybe a 4 door with the auto will be a little more saleable when the time comes....if you are looking ahead that far.

Just my thoughts as a former BMW salesman. Enjoy.....!!

 

For that price you can get a preowned 02 or 03 M3 w/ SMG.

You have to try BMW's SMG, It is really THAT good. 11 different modes of shifting (5 auto and 6 sequential).

Good luck

 

That is exactly what I was going to suggest, but....

 

New M3's can be purchased $2500 below sticker now (I paid $55k w/ NAVI). Add few thousands more on your budget you can have a car with 100 more HP, better suspension, limited slip, bigger wheels, paddle & stick shifter.

The SMG is a real hoot, launch control, burn out mode, Sports mode (DSC off), shift lights, etc. Here's more stuff about the SMG http://www.m3smg.com/

Good luck

 

Noel,

I am in complete agreement with you. The M car is just different.

 

Ryan,

I may sound like a guy who worships the M3 too much but my Ferrari is still special. The drive, the sound, the smell.....

It's just that his budget is not that far off. This is comparable to buying a P car or a Ferrari. The latter puts more grin to your face.

He really should reconsider

Cheers

 

If you don't, I certainly do

 

As I am living in Germany driving a German car is rather boring for me. This is to say that I can understand why "foreign" is on your list of attributes for your new car

Besides this I have to admit that a 3-series BMW is an excellent choice for the active driver.

But I would reconsider buying a new BMW with 3.0-engine right now. AFAIK BMW starts to equip its cars with the new 3.0-generation very soon, so you might face some undesired devaluation with the "old" (yet fantastic) 3.0-engine. Maybe looking for a pre-owned car (as you already do) or waiting a couple of month is the better option?

 

I bought a 330ci on Euro delivery...loved it. Bought an M3 becausew an opportunity came up for me to steal it. The 330ci is plenty fast for most, has the best suspension I have ever driven for both comfort and speed. I can't tell you how much I loved that car.

I stuff the trunk with stuff like a station wagon after dropping the rear seats. I often tried to look at it hard to find a flaw....could not. Only flaw to my M3 is the slightly bouncy-hard ride.

On my 330ci I put an M3 rear spoiler.....nice.

I know what you mean about small packages...it is a great size! But still wide to give you space.

 

Awesome choice!

 

Great choice - I really love my M3 as a daily driver. Let me know how you like the SMG.

Congrats.

 

Hate to say i told you so. Now, you'll have to experiment with the shifter controls; i generally leave mine at 4/5's (there is a mythical, but real, 6th indent, which only works if you turn off the traction control, and are in sport mode- you can read about it on the Bimmer boards- there is also a launch function which is allegedly a warranty breaker- never tried it). Anyway, sport is a little lurchy at low speeds in stop and go traffic until you get the hang of it; i tend to take sport off when on bumpy in town roads, or coasting between stop lights. Once i'm underway, sport is the answer; car comes alive. Of course, you can launch from sport, but you will then be driving it as a sports car. Enjoy it, i love mine.
PS you might look into the optional hardroof. The thing is very nice, much nicer than driving with the canvas top up in those months when you know you are not going to have an opportunity to use the convertible. PSS: i hope they told you that you have break-in oil in the car and have to change it at 1200 miles if i remember correctly.

 

Wooo hooo! Congratulation.

You have chosen wisely