Surprisingly civil post - bmw330 vs. G35?

[carlos_knology]

Believe it or not, I love the styling of the current E46 (bmw 330) and the 528/540 w/sport wheels.

I have been pondering whether or not I'd eventually replace the J30 with a G35, M45, Q45, BMW 330i, 540i? So many choices!!

Since I've never owned a bimmer, I figured I'd hang around their boards to try to get the scoop on reliability.

I posted a message yesterday on one of their boards and was surprised to find how complimentary SOME bimmer folks are of the G35, not just on my post but other posts. I was expecting to get flamed.

Makes me think I should stay Infiniti.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/s...06081

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/s...04439

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/s...01368

[louiegz]

So Carlos, you thinking of getting rid of the J. You'll be happy with both the 330i or the G. Both are fine cars. I saw you went to e46 Fanatics to see the post. As you see, NICO is a far superior forum. My wife drives the 330i. It's an 03. I love the car. It handles like no other. It reacts to your every move. Almost as good as the 86 Porsche 944 Turbo that I use to have, but much smoother. It has good power. Don't let the 225hp fool you, this car moves. Mine has the Steptronic. I would have preferred a manual transmission, but it was an 03, end of year leftover, so I got about $6000 off the price of the car. I find the 3 a little smaller than I like, I should because I drive a Q, but I found it surprisingly roomy for the size. One thing, the J is a softer ride. The 330i's ride is very firm but not bad. The G is softer. I've driven the G and it doesn't handle as well as the Bimmer, but it's still very good. I'll tell you one thing, Carlos, my Q is 10 years old and I'm thinking of a replacement as soon as the Bimmer is paid off. As much as I like the 3, I'm thinking of getting the G for me. The 3 drives better, but the G gives you more bang for the buck. My 3 doesn't have many options, and the list price was about $41,000. With $41k, you can get a loaded G, get 18in rims to put the handling on par with the 3 and still have some pocket change. That something to think about.

[Jesda]

Another point to consider is that $41k can get you into an M45.

[szh]

Another point to consider is that $41k can get you into an M45.

Or less ... way less! Infiniti dealers want to sell their 2004 inventory now, so that the new 2005 M45 does not cause problems with getting rid of the older model.

Z

[louiegz]

Another point to consider is that $41k can get you into an M45.

I guess if you like the old M45, it would be good to get a lot of car for the money, but it would be an apples to oranges to compare an M45 to a 330i/G35. All depends on which type of car you want to get.

[JedCoop]

The new M45 has the problem that the original Q's, their resale value decreases too quickly. The G holds its value very well. And its a blast to drive, too. But the 330's styling is nicer.

But then again, I thought a Mustang looked good until I drove one. Yuck.

[Altiman94]

I love bimmers. I'd drive a m3 or 330ci over alot of new cars. They are definitely a driver's car

[carlos_knology]

My dilemma is that with two kids, the G35 coupe is out of the question. The G35 sedan hasn't grown on me.

In any case, I was NOT going to be spending 41K on any car. We're thinking of stepping up to a larger house and it just doesn't make sense to spend that kind of money on a depreciating asset like a car. Maybe I can splurge on the car after that one.

That being said, I was thinking about buying used. I think I'm willing to spend between 25-30K.

The car replacement won't happen for about another 2 years. So far this short list contains:

used G35 sedan - manual trannyused Q45 ('02 or '03) - no manual transmission used bmw 330i - manual trannyused bmw 530-540 - manual transmission

[louiegz]

The car replacement won't happen for about another 2 years. So far this short list contains:

used G35 sedan - manual trannyused Q45 ('02 or '03) - no manual transmission used bmw 330i - manual trannyused bmw 530-540 - manual transmission

The 5 seems like a good chioce.