Test Drove a BMW 325Xi

Nikon · 02-21-04, 11:51

Thanks to everyone that responded to the thread I started titled "Acrua TL or BMW 325, which would you choose?"

That was a really great discussion. It is unfortunate it was lost in the forum outage last week. As a result of the outage I was unable to read a few of the last posts.

Anyway, as I mentioned I was planning on taking a 325i for a test drive once the weather cleared up. Well today the roads are dry and I stopped by the local BMW dealer and took a 325xi with premium package and sport package out for a drive.

One person in my previous thread mentioned somthing about the "smile factor" that driving a BMW produces. I now know what that poster meant. After the test drive the sales guy said "so what did you think" and it was then that a silly grin overtook my face. It really was a great ride, good handling and road feed, decent power (not terrific but decent maybe the all-wheel-drive is too blame) great breaks. I did find the clutch a bit grabby and the stereo (Harmon Kardon) isn't that great (particulary compared to the terrific Acura ELS sound system)

I'll have to go drive the Acrua TL with Dynamic package this afternoon to get a basis for comparison. (the last TL I test drove was 3 weeks ago and was an automatic)

I have a question that perhaps the BMW owners will be able to answer. What is the difference in handling between the coupe and sedan versions of the 325 (I'll be looking at getting one with the sport package)

tom p. · 02-21-04, 11:55

Quote:

Originally posted by Nikon
What is the difference in handling between the coupe and sedan versions of the 325?

Don't know the answer to your question but would not expect a significant difference, if any at all.

Did you find the power adequate with the 2.5L engine?

Nikon · 02-21-04, 05:38

I felt that the power of the 2.5 was indeed adequate.

A couple of hours ago I drove a 2004 Acura TL with the Dynamic Package (improved suspension and breaks, and a limited slip differential). I wanted to drive the Acura soon after my BMW experience so I could better compare the two. My observations:

1) The transmission in this car is very nice
2) Power and acceleration with the 6 speed is simply amazing, much better than the auto
3) Stereo is awesome,
4) Did not notice the torque steer that Car and Driver mentioned
5) Quiet and smooth engine
6) Quiet, roomy, and comfortable interior
7) Excellent heater controls, centre console
8) Nice instrument cluster
9) Handling is not too bad (more on this in a second)
10) Excellent interior room and accoutrements

I felt the handling wasn't as good and there was more body roll as compared to the 325. A couple of things may have contributed to this. First the TL I drove had winter tires on it (the Dynamic version comes with performance summer tires), and second because of the significantly greater power over the 325 I may have been taking corners about 10-20% faster. I had the 325 matted going around the test drive route corners and I had the TL about 60-75% throttle negotiating the same corners couldn't matt it because it was starting to understeer and the VSA kicked in a couple of times.

Anyone here own a TL Dynamic Package? What is your take on the handling/winter tire situation. I'm sure the winters contributed to the uneasy understeer feeling.

In all although both cars are excellent I can't help but feel the BMW has a slight edge in refinement and a definite edge in handling. Hard to explain really, my mind tells me the Acura is a better car but my heart says the BMW is more fun.

I asked about warranty and service on the BMW and it appears that they offer free service for 4 years.

Both are great cars but each has its strengths. It is hard to decide. I won't be buying until spring so I've got time to stew over it I guess.

Chocaine · 02-21-04, 06:31

Quote:

I have a question that perhaps the BMW owners will be able to answer. What is the difference in handling between the coupe and sedan versions of the 325 (I'll be looking at getting one with the sport package)

The coupe will come with the sports suspension standard while for the sedans it is part of the sport package. If you are planning on adding this package if you order the car there should be no difference in handling.
One thing to keep in mind is that the xi you tested comes with a suspension that is higher and softer than the regular, and significantly higher than the sport. It also comes with all season tires even with the sport package, which is a good thing seeing as if you were to get all wheel drive you would be using it all year long. These two elements will take away from the handling you would experience with a rear wheel drive, sport suspension and performance tires equipped 325.
I can't say that I've driven a TL, but I've driven a 325 and have owned a 330 for 4 months so I have only given my opinion on the BMW.

BW · 02-21-04, 06:38

Quote:

Originally posted by Chocaine
The coupe will come with the sports suspension standard while for the sedans it is part of the sport package. If you are planning on adding this package if you order the car there should be no difference in handling.
One thing to keep in mind is that the xi you tested comes with a suspension that is higher and softer than the regular, and significantly higher than the sport. It also comes with all season tires even with the sport package, which is a good thing seeing as if you were to get all wheel drive you would be using it all year long. These two elements will take away from the handling you would experience with a rear wheel drive, sport suspension and performance tires equipped 325.
I can't say that I've driven a TL, but I've driven a 325 and have owned a 330 for 4 months so I have only given my opinion on the BMW.

Agreed. If you're purchasing a 3-series for impractical, fun, desire reasons, you might as well go all the way and get a proper RWD one with the real sports package. The xi sport package is only cosmetic - wheels, seats, and steering wheel.

LouisanaJeeper · 02-21-04, 07:47

I test drove some 330's hpower was inadequate, the steering and overall handling was good to excellent. It needs more muscle.

Nikon · 02-21-04, 08:19

Yah, there is definately no questioning the handling capability (in my limited experience).

skidooman · 02-21-04, 09:38

Whoever posted that the 330 needs more HP is nuts. In a car of this weight it has in the neighborhood of 230 Hp which is superb. About 40 more than the 325. The XI will have a handling downside to the RWD, but if you are using it as your primary driver in Canada you will most surely find it worth the small downside. Resale and plain Fun Factor, Advantage BMW. The BMW is simply #1 IMO opinion. Love the Cars myself! Hard to beat German engineering.

frisco325ci · 02-21-04, 10:26

On the 3-series sedan, the split-folding back seats is an option. On the coupe, it's standard. I've read that the sedan's body is slightly stiffer than the coupe because of this.

Also, BMW does cover maintenance for 4 yrs/50,000 miles, which includes brakes and windshield wipers.

Fskof · 02-22-04, 07:30

Nikon, have you test drove the 330? The 2.5 is a very dependable engine. It is a little slow but will be trouble free. Since you are not buying till spring give the 330 a test drive. I think it will make you want to spend the extra money.

The TL and the 325 are two great cars and you cant go wrong with either one. As you know the BMW will be sporty (more of a drivers car) and the TL is more of a luxury car. Give the 330 a drive and I think you will be very impressed.

Let us know what you get and dont forget the pictures

Nikon · 02-22-04, 08:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Fskof
. . . the BMW will be sporty (more of a drivers car) and the TL is more of a luxury car.

Funny I haven't classified it that way befor, but yes, that summarizes the differences of each car very well.

04Runner · 02-22-04, 09:22

I might be comparing apples to oranges here, but go give the RX8 a test drive. That baby will put a smile on your face.