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FAO BMW 3 series owners
- Thread starter haunts
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BMW its 3-series, 5-series, 6-series and 7-series. In both cases, the numbers next to the initial character, C240 or 760i, for example, refer to the displacement of the engine. So the 760i has a 6.0 liter engine. The "i"? It's meaningless. "It used to stand for fuel injection," says a BMW spokesman. But now, because all engines sport fuel injection, "it's just a historical thing."
That's from an article I found with a quick google, and another:
"Ci" now designates the 3er coupes."
That's from an article I found with a quick google, and another:
"Ci" now designates the 3er coupes."
mashoutposse
Ante Up
i = Sedan
ci = Coupe
cic = Convertible
xi = AWD version
3 = Series
25, 30, etc. = Engine displacement (25 = 2.5L I6)
ci = Coupe
cic = Convertible
xi = AWD version
3 = Series
25, 30, etc. = Engine displacement (25 = 2.5L I6)
Haunts if you live in a place that snows definitely go with the 325xi (or 330 if you can afford it). The AWD slows the car down a little bit and of course it won't handle as sweetly as the RWD, but practically speaking RWD is worthless when it snows and you will still be able to use the AWD in that case.
The number after the 3 used to approximate displacement, but not anymore. eg
316 used to be 1.6 litre
318 1.8 litre
320 2.0 litre
330 3.0 litre etc.
But these days they've reduced the lineup, and boosted power and displacement on some models, so current (01-) 3 series are approx (from memory):
318 - 1.9 litre V4, 145 BHP
320 - 2.2 litre V4, 170 BHP
325 - 2.5 litre V6, 192BHP (Bought one of these today)
330 - 3.0 litre V6, 231BHP
(all based on UK spec, US might vary)
Coupe is C, i means basically nothing anymore, d is for Diesel, SE for Special Edition (a few extra options as standard), Sport means lower/harder suspension
316 used to be 1.6 litre
318 1.8 litre
320 2.0 litre
330 3.0 litre etc.
But these days they've reduced the lineup, and boosted power and displacement on some models, so current (01-) 3 series are approx (from memory):
318 - 1.9 litre V4, 145 BHP
320 - 2.2 litre V4, 170 BHP
325 - 2.5 litre V6, 192BHP (Bought one of these today)
330 - 3.0 litre V6, 231BHP
(all based on UK spec, US might vary)
Coupe is C, i means basically nothing anymore, d is for Diesel, SE for Special Edition (a few extra options as standard), Sport means lower/harder suspension
What are your needs? They are all basically the same inside, and all will cruise along the motorway at 80mph no problem. If you want cheap get a 318. If you want looks get a 318Ci (the coupes just look better IMO, lower and more purposeful). If you want power get a 325 (330s are too rare so prices are disproportionately higher)
I chose the 325 because it has significantly more power than the 318, which will be noticable at lower speeds/accelerating etc, but the 330 was too expensive on insurance/mpg. And the BMW V6 is a lovely engine
I chose the 325 because it has significantly more power than the 318, which will be noticable at lower speeds/accelerating etc, but the 330 was too expensive on insurance/mpg. And the BMW V6 is a lovely engine
mrklaw said:
There is NO SUCH THING AS A V4. Erase that symbol of automotive ignorance from your mind. Almost all four-cylinder engines on the market are INLINE fours. The only exception is the flat-four designation that Subaru uses, and which you can also find in the old air-cooled VW Beetles, Buses, Karmann Ghias, etc., as well as a few spinoffs like the Porsche 912 or 914. Nobody produces a V4, period. They don't exist.
All BMW six-cylinders are inline, as well. They do turn to the vee formation when it goes up to 8 cylinders. BMW's insistence on making inline sixes only makes a HUGE difference. Inline sixes are inherently much smoother than V-6es, and this is one of the reasons why BMW is prized as an automaker. Of the Japanese automakers, only Lexus still sells an inline-six, in the IS300 and GS300. It's the same motor that was in the old Toyota Supra IIRC.
dammitmattt
Banned
In the US, at least, the 325 just has a 4 cylinder 184 hp engine. BMWs are great cars, but you do pay a huge premium for slower cars as compared to the Japanese luxury cars. I would've loved to have a BMW, but I'm quite happy with my G35 Coupe, which is much faster and cheaper than a comparable 330i (which still has 65 less hp).
I will have a 3 series one day, though, hopefully an M3. They are great cars, just overpriced.
I will have a 3 series one day, though, hopefully an M3. They are great cars, just overpriced.
mmlemay said:
Actually, there are no four-cylinder BMWs on sale in the US. The 325 and Z4 2.5 have a 2.5-liter inline six.
I agree that they're very expensive. Last time I stopped by a BMW dealership, they only had ONE 3-series with a stick-shift out of a selection of about 70, and it was a 330i with a price-tag of $48,000. That's Corvette territory.
mmlemay said:
No, the 325 is an inline 6 cylinder.
"All 325 models are powered by a 2.5-liter inline six that makes 184 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. All 330s use a 3.0-liter engine that generates 225 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. On 330i sedans with the Performance Package, output goes up to 235 hp and 222 lb-ft. Transmission choices include either a five-speed or six-speed manual, depending on the model, and a five-speed automatic. BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is also available on 3.0-liter rear-drive models equipped with the Sport Package. Either engine is more than ample for everyday travel, though the 3.0-liter is by far our favorite as it's able to propel a manual-shift 330i to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds."
http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/bmw...tid=edmunds.n.researchlanding.keyvdps..5.BMW*
Drinky Crow
Banned
Nothing says wanna-be suburban project manager-slash-poseur like a 3-series (excluding the M3). It's great if you want to advertise your sterile, predictable tastes and your need to validate your hoped-for social status through badging, but if yer gonna go BMW, go balls out, spend the $60K+, and get a REAL BMW. Or cut your nads off entirely and get a Mini Cooper. Either way: HONESTY UBER ALLES.
Any time I see a 3-series Beamer on the road, I make sure to try and cut them off. The more unhappy middle class shills I piss off, the better. Owned, thrice over!
Any time I see a 3-series Beamer on the road, I make sure to try and cut them off. The more unhappy middle class shills I piss off, the better. Owned, thrice over!
Drinky Crow
Banned
SHOKKU!
Drinky Crow said:
What do you recommend then? I really enjoy driving BMW's. My six is a little big for me though, coming form a CRX. :lol Great car, but I want something a little smaller w/ more power.
I like the IS300 too, but the more I read, people say jsut go ahead and get a 3series.
Drinky Crow
Banned
That reminds me of a funny convo I heard at the Bothell Alehouse about a year back, in the pre-baby days:
Attractive dude was chattin up a real stunner of a gal at the bar.
Him: "hey, let's get out of here, maybe go to Kirkland or something"
Her: "sure, I'm game"
Him: "I'm parked out front"
Her: "I gotta go pee, I'll meet you out there, what do you drive"
Him: "Beamer, 325i, silver"
Her: "uh, okay"
He leaves, then about 5 minutes later, she comes oot of the bathroom and leaves. She comes back in another two minutes later. My brother's like "okay, what's up with that" so we go peer out front out of idle drunken curiosity: there's FOUR different IDENTICAL silver BMW 325i's with tinted windows. Only my brother could tell them apart based on year. Apparently the chick didn't even bother looking in the windows.
Dude came back and they drove off, but she gave him a totally dubious look. YUPPIES!
Attractive dude was chattin up a real stunner of a gal at the bar.
Him: "hey, let's get out of here, maybe go to Kirkland or something"
Her: "sure, I'm game"
Him: "I'm parked out front"
Her: "I gotta go pee, I'll meet you out there, what do you drive"
Him: "Beamer, 325i, silver"
Her: "uh, okay"
He leaves, then about 5 minutes later, she comes oot of the bathroom and leaves. She comes back in another two minutes later. My brother's like "okay, what's up with that" so we go peer out front out of idle drunken curiosity: there's FOUR different IDENTICAL silver BMW 325i's with tinted windows. Only my brother could tell them apart based on year. Apparently the chick didn't even bother looking in the windows.
Dude came back and they drove off, but she gave him a totally dubious look. YUPPIES!
Drinky Crow
Banned
haunts: WRX STi. Beef, and $10K less. IS300 is a bit too floaty, from what I've driven of it. The Audi S4 rocks, too.
Then again, I like little hatchbacks with loads of muscle (sans ricegear, thank you) -- if I'm gonna go Krautwagon, give me a good GTi. I don't have anything to prove -- I'll let my wife drive the flashy rig.
Then again, I like little hatchbacks with loads of muscle (sans ricegear, thank you) -- if I'm gonna go Krautwagon, give me a good GTi. I don't have anything to prove -- I'll let my wife drive the flashy rig.
Lucky Forward
Member
Have you driven the G35? I own a coupe and love it. I was originally interested in the 3-series, but once I drove the 6-sp 280 hp G35c (priced at $33K), there was no looking back.haunts said:
haunts said:
It's a performance car, but not a luxury/almost luxury car like the bimmers are.
WRX:
$25k MSRP
All Wheel Drive
Turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder
227hp
225lbs-ft torque
oh and WRX STi, since it was mentioned:
$30k MSRP
AWD
Turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder
300hp
300lbs-ft torque
Havent driven the G35.
You guys did bring up a good point aobut the 3 series though. Everyone, espicly in ATL, has a 3 series. I sure do love my 635 though.Maybe I should just pump some money into it and make it faster, lower hte suspension etc etc...
I havent heard of anyone modding a 635 though. hmmm..
WRX is a beast. 300 hp. Jesus. :lol
You guys did bring up a good point aobut the 3 series though. Everyone, espicly in ATL, has a 3 series. I sure do love my 635 though.Maybe I should just pump some money into it and make it faster, lower hte suspension etc etc...
I havent heard of anyone modding a 635 though. hmmm..
WRX is a beast. 300 hp. Jesus. :lol
Haunts, get a 325 unless you got the cash for a 330. And once you get to the 330, which is crazy overpriced, you may as well splurge a little more and get a used M3.
Just keep in mind that BMW seems to make everything an option, so the base price can go up a lot when you add shit like leather and a sunroof. The 2 door looks better, but the 4 is slightly more practical. That is up to you to decide. I highly, highly, recommend getting the manual. You will have a ton of fun in a 3 series manual.
If you want an alternative at a similar price consider the Lexus and Audi. The Audi is pretty much trying to be like the BMW (as are most cars in the class, and depending on who you ask some people think some have suprassed the bimmer). Personally I have always loved the way a BMW drives and they are fucking stable as hell on the road at ultra high speeds. Just don't get cocky and start pulling some crazy shit on the highway at 130, just because the car feels stable doesn't always mean it is.
Just keep in mind that BMW seems to make everything an option, so the base price can go up a lot when you add shit like leather and a sunroof. The 2 door looks better, but the 4 is slightly more practical. That is up to you to decide. I highly, highly, recommend getting the manual. You will have a ton of fun in a 3 series manual.
If you want an alternative at a similar price consider the Lexus and Audi. The Audi is pretty much trying to be like the BMW (as are most cars in the class, and depending on who you ask some people think some have suprassed the bimmer). Personally I have always loved the way a BMW drives and they are fucking stable as hell on the road at ultra high speeds. Just don't get cocky and start pulling some crazy shit on the highway at 130, just because the car feels stable doesn't always mean it is.
haunts said:Yeah, I was looking at some used M3's in town here.
I do like the Lexus though..
Baicly just want something that hauls ass. That WRX looks fun.
Damnit, too many options now. haha.
If you want a luxury car that is really fast, prepare to pay through the nose. Even used BMWs are pretty expensive, they retain their value amazingly well. Though they are releasing a new 3 this year, so that should really make the older ones drop in price.
I really think most American cars are garbage, but if you want the most power for your buck (and the cheapest and shoddiest workmanship), I would say go American.
The WRX is a good option if you want some fun. surprisingly practical too. I had mine since September last year, and it takes two child seats in the back, plus pram etc in the boot(trunk). Lots of low down power if you keep the turbo singing, and a great exhaust note if you upgrade the backbox.
I'm only selling mine because of financial reasons. I don't mind going for a used BMW because they are a great car. I know I'll look at WRXs again in the future.
As for people pissing on BMWs, fuck'em. For all their bad image, they are one of the best drives out there. Just because you buy one doesn't make you a bad driver. I used to enjoy being courteous, because people just aren't expecting that.
I'm only selling mine because of financial reasons. I don't mind going for a used BMW because they are a great car. I know I'll look at WRXs again in the future.
As for people pissing on BMWs, fuck'em. For all their bad image, they are one of the best drives out there. Just because you buy one doesn't make you a bad driver. I used to enjoy being courteous, because people just aren't expecting that.
bionic77 said:
There's no replacement for displacement. Well, for some of the big muscle cars, sure. But a lot of the big cars have shit power, or waste a lot of that displacement getting there.
eg, the WRX delivers 300HP in a 2 litre, 4 cylinder package. A recent Lancer special edition in the UK does 400HP with 2l, 4cyl. Unless you have a supercar then a big old shitty V8 with no power is no option. And lets leave out shitty chassis, internal plastics, suspension from a medieval siege cannon.....
dammitmattt
Banned
sonarrat said:
I can't believe I typed that. I was very wrong. Of course they're all inline 6's!!!
haunts said:
Fresh Prince
Banned
My future car.Doth Togo said:
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
Drinky Crow said:
What do you drive?
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
So I drove a TSX last night and I think it's one of the most poorly sounding and driving vehicles I've ever been in. The engine, for one, is stupidly loud. Yes, I know it's 4-banger, but my cousin's 2001 Civic 5spd sounds nowhere near as loud as that crappy TSX. The car feels pretty sloppy, despite its agile appearance. And performance wise, the car doesn't really punch as hard as it should -- I wasn't feeling single one of its 200 horses. Interior is pretty nice and has that Acura touch to it. Otherwise: AVOID.
the tsx is pretty soft. a little stiffer than your altima stock i'd bet, and the heft you were looking for is low end torque that you're not going to find in pretty much any production honda engine. however it's also a honda luxo sedan, so that's pretty much what you're going to get.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
fart said:
I have an 01 Maxima and my suspension isn't stock either. Various things in my car aren't.
As far as the torque, I went into the car's powerband and it still felt as slouchy as my best-friend's 2003 Sonata.AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
For instance: In my car, when I'm going around 20 and then I floor it, I'll chirp pretty hard as the car shifts (it did this when it was stock too). When I tried to do it on variable speeds in the TSX, it just gave a slight jerk and picked up much softer. I was pretty annoyed, actually. I was always expecting that feeling of getting whipped back into the seat, but it just never happened.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
fart said:
Not a test drive. It was a friend of a friend's car. She got sloshed at the bar last night and I told my friend that she couldn't let her friend drive home. So I tricked her into getting her car keys and I said I'd drive her home. I gave my keys to my friend and she followed us. Test drive? Nah...but I did it with a drunk girl in the car, so that's worse.
Edit: Quit saying Altima, I know you're doing it on purpose. >=( -jinx- does have an Altima 3.5SE though. I love that car.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
fart said:
I kind of felt bad, because NYC roads aren't exactly the best. So I'm driving a little quick and thinking to myself "oh shit, what if this girl barfs in her own car?". Down to 50 I went, from about 75.
AlphaSnake
...and that, kids, was the first time I sucked a dick for crack
fart said:
I suppose. There was a cop about a mile ahead too. So +1 for my guilty conscience.
I guess I'm in 'defend WRX' mode cause my baby's going on Friday, but what the heck.
Luxury wasn't mentioned. The WRX has a fine interior build - probably one of the better Japanese (non-luxury) brands. BMWs have shitty interiors too - very well built, and very well laid out, but boring as fuck. Doesn't stop me buying them.
Anyone got any pics of a G35 coupe? I've never heard of them. Are they US only cars?
Luxury wasn't mentioned. The WRX has a fine interior build - probably one of the better Japanese (non-luxury) brands. BMWs have shitty interiors too - very well built, and very well laid out, but boring as fuck. Doesn't stop me buying them.
Anyone got any pics of a G35 coupe? I've never heard of them. Are they US only cars?
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