Over The holidays I got to drive my mother-in-laws 325xi a few times and thought I would throw my observations out there. I understand these are slightly different "classes" of cars, so this isn't apples to apples.
Reasons I liked the BMW better:1) The ride was MUCH more quiet than our car. This is a little misleading because she had new tires and mine are the dreaded RSA's.2) The seat warmer was blazing HOT within about 2 minutes, ours is kind of warm after a few minutes. (and hers doesn't get cool at all )3) Handling seemed much tighter (prob because the car is lighter?)4) The adaptive headlights were seamless to the point I didn't realize they moved until I was told about them, and even after I looked really hard when I did know they were there.5) Gas mileage, but this is not that important to me honestly (see #1 below)
Reasons I like my M better:1) It gets up and moves when you push the gas.2) Aesthetics... inside and out.3) Space (different size of car, so that makes sense)4) The seats seem more comfortable to me.
There are more I am forgetting, but this has taken an hour to write bits and pieces while at work, and now I am going home. For the record I would not turn down either car if someone offered to buy me one, but I think I would spend my money on the M every time. Anyone else??
Comparing my 06 M35x to 06 BMW 325 xi
Re: Comparing my 06 M35x to 06 BMW 325 xi (striz923)
I was very close to getting the 328xi instead of the M35x.
My reasons are very specific to me, but they were as follows:
1. Car is primarily a family car. I work from home or occasionally have a 3 hour drive to home office 3 hours away. Otherwise, its the weekend and family trip car. Infiniti won on cargo capacity, entertainment options
2. My wife's car is a 2001 Outback wagon - so it can serve as a large item hauler - negating any need for fold-down seats.
3. Bang for the buck - there were no 2008 models of the BMW 3 series locally and there were much better deals to be had with the M.
4. Reliability - I am a long term car owner - 10 years is just getting started - so I wanted a car that isn't going to sit in the shop every time I let the ponies loose. BMW is wound tight and as soon as you play with it on the edge - you're going to have to service it. Warranties are great - but not as great as having your own car in your garage because it doesn't break down.
Now, what I didn't get with the M:1. Sport seats - BMW sport seats have adjustable side bolsters and thigh extensions very very comfortable.
2. Better acceleration. M is better than most cars in its class, but the BMW is still smoother.
3. No tramlining
4. Better fuel economy in a performance sedan.
5. ED - European Delivery option - Buy a car, take delivery in Germany, drive it on the autobahn and save some cash on the car.
My reasons are very specific to me, but they were as follows:
1. Car is primarily a family car. I work from home or occasionally have a 3 hour drive to home office 3 hours away. Otherwise, its the weekend and family trip car. Infiniti won on cargo capacity, entertainment options
2. My wife's car is a 2001 Outback wagon - so it can serve as a large item hauler - negating any need for fold-down seats.
3. Bang for the buck - there were no 2008 models of the BMW 3 series locally and there were much better deals to be had with the M.
4. Reliability - I am a long term car owner - 10 years is just getting started - so I wanted a car that isn't going to sit in the shop every time I let the ponies loose. BMW is wound tight and as soon as you play with it on the edge - you're going to have to service it. Warranties are great - but not as great as having your own car in your garage because it doesn't break down.
Now, what I didn't get with the M:1. Sport seats - BMW sport seats have adjustable side bolsters and thigh extensions very very comfortable.
2. Better acceleration. M is better than most cars in its class, but the BMW is still smoother.
3. No tramlining
4. Better fuel economy in a performance sedan.
5. ED - European Delivery option - Buy a car, take delivery in Germany, drive it on the autobahn and save some cash on the car.
Re: Comparing my 06 M35x to 06 BMW 325 xi (striz923)
Interesting post. I have both a 2006 M35x and 2006 325xi. I drive the BMW, the M35x is my wife's (recently purchased). Keep in mind that the M wasn't intended to go after the 3 Series (that's the G35/37)...you really should compare it to a 5 Series, it's intended target. At any rate, my 2 cents, which has dropped to .87 cents due to the economic environment:
Cargo - There is no question that the M wins on cargo capacity. The primary reason we got the M is that my wife wanted a bigger (than a Volvo S60) car. We're both happy with the amount of room for the kids in the back.
Luxury - M wins. The BMWs are notoriously sedated. Even the 7 series doesn't look as nice as an M on the inside.
Reliability - M wins this as well (at least thus far). I have had minimal problems with the BMW (bought used/have owned for 1 1/2 years), but I still think the M will better in the long run.
Driving - I have to say that I like the BMW better. It is more responsive in the way that it handles. It pushes off the line a little bit quicker than the M (of course, the M is a bigger car). Where the M wins is acceleration when driving 30-40 MPH and then jamming the gas pedal. Thing takes off. Of course, with the rise in speed, I notice the corresponding drop in my fuel gauge. I also like the "cockpit" feel of the BMW.
If I had to choose between the M and the 325/328xi today, I'd probably go with the M...but it'd be really close.
Cargo - There is no question that the M wins on cargo capacity. The primary reason we got the M is that my wife wanted a bigger (than a Volvo S60) car. We're both happy with the amount of room for the kids in the back.
Luxury - M wins. The BMWs are notoriously sedated. Even the 7 series doesn't look as nice as an M on the inside.
Reliability - M wins this as well (at least thus far). I have had minimal problems with the BMW (bought used/have owned for 1 1/2 years), but I still think the M will better in the long run.
Driving - I have to say that I like the BMW better. It is more responsive in the way that it handles. It pushes off the line a little bit quicker than the M (of course, the M is a bigger car). Where the M wins is acceleration when driving 30-40 MPH and then jamming the gas pedal. Thing takes off. Of course, with the rise in speed, I notice the corresponding drop in my fuel gauge. I also like the "cockpit" feel of the BMW.
If I had to choose between the M and the 325/328xi today, I'd probably go with the M...but it'd be really close.
Re: Comparing my 06 M35x to 06 BMW 325 xi (ggoddard)
The only thing I can speak to is the I Drive on the BMW. Every review of it I have read says it is cumbersome. The Infiniti system I nearly mastered in just a week. Maybe someone else can comment on this.
I just did a quick search and this is just one of the negative comments I found:http://blogs.cars.com/kickingt....html
I just did a quick search and this is just one of the negative comments I found:http://blogs.cars.com/kickingt....html
Re: Comparing my 06 M35x to 06 BMW 325 xi (Bruno)
I drove a 2009 525xi for a couple of days. It had the new version of the iDrive. It is much, much better than the old one. Having said that, i still think Infiniti got it right...I don't want to have to go through 4 screens to change the air temp in the car or work the radio functions.