Barrett-Jackson

I was looking at some place new. I live outside of Baltimore, so the closest BMW place is Towson BMW. I will never buy a car from them. They would not give me the time of day. So I have been looking around for a good BMW dealership.



I know that Annapolis has a few BMW shops, but I am trying to stay somewhat close to home, so that I do not have to drive to Annapolis if I ever need anything. Do you have any suggestions.
 
ACURA TL/CL type S

-fast

-looks good

-Holds value very well

-Lots of Room

-everything standard (only option nav system)



might not sould like the car you are looking for but check it out plent of upgrades to make it 300hp plus. NOTHING can match the price a similarly equipped BMW 3 would be like 40k+ compared to a fully loaded Acura for 32K. Don't get me wrong I love BMW but they are not the most reliable cars and fixing them cost Much $$$



Check out the Aegean Blue color
 
So is the Acura TL/CL a sporty car. I have seen a four door sedan on the road (I think that it is a type S, but I am not sure). It is a nice looking car. I forgot about Acura's. I will have to add them to the list. If you have any other info, let me know.



Wolfsburg, I was also thinking about the Nissan Maxima. I also thought about the new Infinity Q45, but I was not sure if anyone had any real input.



See, what I have been trying to do with you all, is get some feedback. I know that I will make my own decision in the end, but you (Autopians) are the ones who drive these cars every day, so you have a bit more information than the average car salesman (plus I really don't trust those guys anyway).



Thanks!



And DerekH, your car is pretty sweet. What kind of wheels do you have on your Honda? Man it is amazing what new wheels can do for a car. Looking forward to more pics in the future.
 
but I can tell you I looked hard at the cl type s. The cars are more of a GT style with a good touring feel and strong overall acceleration (combined with pretty good gas mileage). Very comfortable rides and loaded with all the bells and whistles. Handling is about as good as you're going to get from a heavy front wheel drive car. Sytling is subjective but definitely on the conservative side. You can see some of the cost cutting measures as well by looking closely at the switch gear, the paneling, and the trunk floor and hinges. No manual tranny but one of the best automatic slushboxes on the road today. Pretty good reliability from what I've heard.



Steve
 
You are in a tough spot geographically. If you don't want to go to Towson or Annapolis, the only other areas I know of are DC metro area or Delaware. Sorry.



As for some of the front wheel drive cars mentioned, its hard to compare. I'm not knocking them at all, in fact I looked at a Type S CL, but they are different animals than rear wheel drive sport sedans. They are front heavy, don't feel as athletic or nimble as a 50/50 weight balanced rear wheel drive, and they tend to plow when cornering hard. That, to me, is where a BMW (or perish the thought) Audi AWD is pure heaven. Lots of cars can go straight at a good clip, but how many can handle the twisties at high speed? Not many. So it depends on your driving habits too.



Going 100MPH on Rt 66 or 95 is O.K. but I prefer making my wife squeel taking an off ramp doing 60-70 MPH:D
 
I own a 330Ci (poor man's M3) and have owned two other 3-series BMWs, so I am strongly predisposed that way for reasons that may or not apply to you.



Basically, Volvo is what it is -- safe, well-built, solid all-round performance, uninspiring design, handling below par if you really want to drive.



The Z3 coupe is a bit of a quirky car, in the judgement of more serious bimmer owners -- it has a following but it lacks the broader appeal that would assure much resale value in the long haul.



The S4 is a hot car with solid performance specs all around. However, in my mind, it lacks an essential element that the BMWs have in buckets -- styling. There is little about the S4 (A4 body) that will turn an eye and I think the styling will appear dated over time. I also think it is a bit imbalanced in its performance specs -- heavy emphasis on horsepower, overly dependent on its Quattro 4-wheel system for handling. It is turbo, so even though it suffers little from tyurbo lag, you are not getting the full benefit of its HP ratings unless you are putting your foot into it. Interior styling is great, seats are only OK.



Now, I obviously am setting all this up to make the case for the 3-series -- the 330Ci in particular. It consistently ranks at the top of all tests of sports coupes. I think the styling is awesome -- growly, confident, graceful. This car is BALANCED -- HP, braking, handling, so you feel more competent that you deserve driving it. The heart of this car is the in-line 6 engine (I prefer the 3.0 immeasurably over the 2.5). It is the smoothest running beast you will find and it, importantly, balances HP and torque through the whole RPM band. Resale beats anyone else in its class. The price seems high for some, but I am a gear head and appreciate where some of the $$ went -- decades of refinement in suspension, engine technology that make me feel confident I will own this car for years. Styling -- it turns heads, especially if you have the courage to get a black one. Shortcomings -- leather is lower quality than it should be, sound system is marginal. Definitely get the sports package, premium package is silly frills. The mirror on the driver side visor is standard so you can lower it and watch the silly grin on your face when you drive it.



Hope that helps.
 
How about the Caddy STS!? I've always loved the looks, not real sure about the comparison to the other cars y'all are mentioning but it is American and from what I've read is a helluva ride!
 
Wow, we're all over the place here...started out with Audi S4, BMW 330, etc...then there was a post towards the end about Infinity Q45?



The Q is a completely different car (and different price point). if you're seriously looking at it, drive a Lexus LS430 and a Merc S class, too...



Maxima is a great car. I have a '96, only 190 hp, but it weighs 600 lbs less than the same year BMW 540 - and has the same ponies. 0-60 in under 6 seconds. It's quick and handles well, especially the new ones. And you can double-date :)



Ronin has a good point about front drive vs. rear drive. That's the one thing I don't like about my SE, torque steer if you really hit the throttle (the tires bark when the auto upshifts from first to second, and you'd best be holding on to the wheel). My fav for spirited, country-road driving is Porsche...gotta love lift-off oversteer :eek: :)



Just ideas, what about the new small Lexus? I've not driven one, but cool interior, and C&D gave it a great review, if I recall only the BMW beat it, and not by much.



Blue skies,

Andy
 
hook,



I believe BMW did not make any 5-series for 1996. If you mean '97, a 540i has 282 hp, and a 528i has 190.



I would get a 330i. It handles great, has good interior space, is safest in its class, won a lot of awards, and smooth power.



Just make sure you get one with the sports package, and better yet, with a manual.



The S4 is good, but it is getting old. But one advantage it has over the Bimmer is better looks (IMHO,) more power, and a nicer interior.



Good luck with whatever you plan on buying!

~bw
 
From your list, I'd take the S4 - clean lines, good power, and quattro. But I'd take issue with the thought that they might be willing to deal - as the S4 is out of production for a year, and they sell well (at least out here), no real dealing that I've noticed.



Volvo's do nothing for me, stylistically, and the M3 coupe, well, it can't over come the "chick car" heritage of the Z3, in my mind.



As to the technical merits of the 330, I won't argue. But:

1. you can't shake a stick in LA without hitting a 3 series. This car, to me, is like a camry (numbers on the road only).

2. BMW's newer stylings don't work for me.



Other option: A6/2.7t with sports package. A bit bigger than your other choices (14" longer than an s4) but a more comfortable sedan if your big and/or tall.
 
<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote' >

<em class='bbc'>Originally posted by BW [/i]
<strong class='bbc'> I believe BMW did not make any 5-series for 1996. If you mean '97, a 540i has 282 hp, and a 528i has 190. [/b]</blockquote>Ahh yes, a question I am definitely qualified to answer!! In late March of '96 I accompanied my dad to the Bimmer Dealer when he went to purchase what is now my mom's car a '95 525i. Actually, he had no intentions of buying a new car but they were giving 2.9% financing on leftover '95's. Anyways, the sales guy told us that there were no '96 5-series, the '97 came out in May '96. Don't know why it is, but I believe that there was no '00 M3 (except the Z3 version) either.
 
I knew that each of your deep rooted feelings about particular cars would come out (after the first few posts). Before I continue, I stated that I was thinking about a Q45. Realistically, I will never get one (at least right now). That is a bit out of my price range (but hey, you never know).



So, on to the tests. Well, I plan on taking a 330ci for a ride some time next week. I plan on taking a ride in an S4 later in the week, or I will just wait until October. So for now, I have planned my next few steps.



I wanted to thank hou all for your input. Have no fear, I will post my questions and comments next week. Have a great weekend!
 
Marylandbimmer,



Now really, how could you look at the front end of an E46 (330Ci) and tell yourself you would be happy with the styling of an S4?
 
The front end of a 330i is delicately feminine compared to the menacing visage of a 2001 M Coupe.:) The closing speed of M Coupe with 320hp can be a very convincing.

My wife has a 2001 BMW 330i, and I drive (really mostly wash) a 2000 M Coupe, 1997 Toyota Supra Turbo, 2002 Subaru WRX and 1987 Porsche Carrera.

The 330i is an excellent, all around sports sedan. Now that the overboosted steering problem in the E46 has been rectified, I would be perfectly happy driving one everyday. The 2002 BMW 3 series will have a front end facelift and optional 18" wheels. I would browse the bimmer.org forums to see if you like the look. I think that the 2001 3 series M-double spoke wheels are one of the best looking in the industry.

However, if you're an extreme sports car fan, DO NOT drive a M Coupe. Your immediate lust will make you forget any other BMW. ;)

Dean

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1490948&a=11242347&p=53985294&Sequence=0

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1490948&a=11562613&p=53381345&Sequence=0
 
The Volvo? I would not even consider it, although it is a great car,

it suffers from "Normality", or the crime of being undistinctive. Good at everything, excells at none.



The 330, good car. Like everybody says, it's a detuned M3 but has

more refinement than the E36 M3. (Could be a plus or minus)

I have a 98 M3 (E36) and it's a good car, handling is excellent.

I like it, but's it's slightly too visceral for me sometimes. (You KNOW it's a sports car by the engine growl and stiff suspension.)

BMW's hold their value. BMW service is some of the worst overall.

(Go to bimmer.org for more) Reliability would be rated 'OK'.

Handling is the vehicles strong points, and not by the numbers but by "feel" and tighteness and responsiveness. No automaker has successfully copied BMW's handling and responsive feel, although they have tried. (Lex IS300 fell short, even the 5 speed)

Other cars have better numbers, but not the sporty feel of the BMW's. BMW's are quality vehicles, although most of the interiors are german-car spartan, like they like it. (No gadgets to hinder driving!) The current M3 (E46) did beat out the current Z06 Vette

overall in a comparo in the latest car mag, even though the vette had better numbers the M "felt" better and seated 4 so it got the winning vote. I would not consider the Vette unless it's a 2nd car, I wanted one but found it too hard to live with and it's quality is horrible. Bad carpeting, bad fit and finish, no trunk or room,

cheap, rattle-prone american plastics, horrible cheap leather and a total lack of any refinement. Put it ext to any German or Jap car and you'll see what I mean. Don't get me wrong, I will own one in the future because it does have it's up side but the negatives are too much to live with on a daily basis as my only car.







The S4 is also a good car, but some of the guys have neglected to tell you about the rumors of bad tranny design. (Check the Audi sites like Audiworld.com and you'll find out) I have heard of

brand new trannies blowing, so that does not bode well for tranny longevity. It's a fast car and handles reasonably well but is slightly undistinctive also and most Audi techs don't know enough about the S4. It's got a nice interior though but would not be considered a true performance vehicle due to weight and

lack of "feel".
 
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