Comparable cars to the G

[Kendahl]

Before buying my G37S, I thought about a BMW 3 series coupe, either a used 330 or a new 328. I did test drive a used 2000 328 coupe. Of everything I tried, it came second to the G37.

I rejected BMW for three reasons:

(1) Reliability. BMW's marketing strategy seems to be aimed at leasing or owning their cars for four years. The warranty and free maintenance make them cheap to drive for that long. After that, it gets expensive.

(2) Styling. The 1992 through 2005 3 series cars are beautiful. That's why I looked at 330s and 328s from that period. Newer models are overstyled and the 128 is butt ugly. (I recently saw a 335i coupe; it looked good, but too big for my taste. A 128 that looked like a 335 would be just right.)

(3) Selection. I wanted a manual transmission. The local dealer had only one manual, a used 325ix. All the new cars were automatics. No M3s either.

[Tim30250]

I rejected BMW for three reasons:

(1) Reliability. BMW's marketing strategy seems to be aimed at leasing or owning their cars for four years. The warranty and free maintenance make them cheap to drive for that long. After that, it gets expensive.

(2) Styling. The 1992 through 2005 3 series cars are beautiful. That's why I looked at 330s and 328s from that period. Newer models are overstyled and the 128 is butt ugly. (I recently saw a 335i coupe; it looked good, but too big for my taste. A 128 that looked like a 335 would be just right.)

(3) Selection. I wanted a manual transmission. The local dealer had only one manual, a used 325ix. All the new cars were automatics. No M3s either.

I chose my G37 over the 3 series also, but not for exactly the same reasons. Already having a BMW for weekend performance, I was looking for something that could combine the performance I still crave with luxury for daily driving and room for my possibly soon-to-be-growing family. While the 3s are still superior performers, for me, they come up short in the room and luxury department when compared with the G.

To your points..

1) I disagree with the blanket statements that everyone makes about BMW reliability and cost of ownership. I've owned my 2002 330Ci for nearly 8 years and have never spent A DIME on it other than routine maintenance (fluids and filters.) Also, replacement parts are reasonably priced from many non-dealership online retailers, and the cars (e30, e36, e46) are all very easy to work on keeping labor costs low, or zero if you can turn a wrench and DIY.

2) I couldn't agree more. The clean, sporty, and elegant styling is gone, replaced my too many mismatched bumps, bends, flairs, and spaghetti string style lines. The appearance of the e90 is one of the biggest reasons I didn't buy one. I also agree with you on the 1-series. I actually like it from the front and back, but not from the side. It is the right size to have fun with and a great performer, but it's priced a little too high, and is overall a bit funky.

3) Agreed. It's getting kind of sad that it's so hard to find a BMW with a stick. All 3 I've owned have been manuals and I don't think I could enjoy driving one with an auto. Unfortunately, the brand, while still about performance for the manufacturer, has become more about status for the consumer. That's why many people buy the car without ever testing the car to 5% of its limits. It's also why we see so many insipid motorists driving their automatic Bimmers in the right lane and never taking off ramps at over 25mph. This is ALSO the reason that BMW 3s have become heavy and overloaded with luxury items previously only found on 5s and 7s. And it's unfortunately true that demand will dictate design and right now, they just aren't building any BMWs suited for me.

But it's all good, because I was able to find my G37 which is the perfect fit for me. Inspiring yet comfortable, and I saved quite a few bucks by NOT buying another Bimmer.