Visited local BMW dealership to check out latest bimmers

[t1328]

So the other day I visited my local BMW dealership to see what the latest BMW's look like. I had not yet seen the 1 series, the new M3 sedan or the X6 in person, and it's been 1.5 years since I sold my E90 BMW 330i (traded for an '07 G35X.

Anyway, I have to say that the M3 in both coupe and sedan form are really hot in person. The sedan is so much nicer than the regular 3 series because the front lights are the same as those of the coupe. I guess they're changing that for all '09 3 series, which will make them look much nicer.

They had an M6 there, and while I'm not in love with the shape, I do like the carbon fiber roof. Same with the M3 coupe. It looks very nice. Maybe it's because I've become conditioned to expect carbon fiber to be a good thing.

The 1 series is just ok. I really hate the way the sides sag as though there's a weight in the middle of the car that is pulling them down. If they had kept that straight, and changed the lights to the 3 series coupe's lights instead of an even more exaggerated version of the dame edna lights on the 3-series sedan, it would look a lot better. It's also very hard to justify the price they're asking for it based on looking at it. I imagine that driving the 135i would probably change my mind and convince me that I have to own one - which is why I won't test drive it :-).

The X6 has to be one of the ugliest cars/trucks I have ever seen in my life. It really does justify comparisons with the Pontiac Aztek. From the front it looks great, but that rear is just horrendous. It's a lot bigger than it looks in pictures, and the rear overhang behind the rear wheels just looks crazy ugly. Add to that the price, and the fact that it only seats 4, and I really can not understand why BMW would build this thing? I mean it ways so much, but can only seat 4. What's the point? If someone is buying that, why not just buy an M3 for the same price, or a 535i?

Cheers
T1328

[JON-UGH-10]

man one day i will own an m3!!!

[t1328]

I drove an E46 M3 for a while. Very, very nice car - far prefer it's looks to the current one, although I'm sure driving the current one is very nice. Still, with gas prices being what they are, and a lot of roads in the DC area having lots of potholes, I don't think the M3 would be a good choice for me these days. Strangely enough, it was my dream car for many years. I saved up, and put my name on the waiting list 1.5 years before the E46 came out. Then when it came out, I was I think 6th in line to get one. I ordered it exactly the way I wanted it - all the options that I wanted, the colors, etc. All this without a test drive because there were none to be test driven at the time.

When I got the car, I was in love with it, but after about 3 or 4 months, I was not so happy for the following reasons:
1. The car was very stiff, and going over bumps was like torture on my back and driving in downtown DC (which I did a few times a week), caused me headaches. Now driving down nice winding country roads on the weekends was heavan
2. The car didn't feel as quick as it was. You would find yourself going into a corner that's labelled 30mph at 80mph, and barely even feeling it. That makes it difficult in a way to enjoy corners because you don't feel like you're pushing it much - which is where the fun comes in.
3. I dented a wheel going over a pothole, and it cost a fortune to replace.
4. The steering was way too light compared to the E46 3 series that I replaced it with (an '09 328i). It was direct, but very light. I just like heavy steering.

Ultimately I sold it pretty quickly because of these reasons.

Cheers
T1328

[B L U E S L A T E]

I want a 535i....

[t1328]

My brother drives a 535xi and he loves it. Says it's by far and away the nicest car he's driven. I wouldn't mind one. I think it's a great compromise between luxury and sport. I just hate the way they look, even if it has grown on me a little bit...

[B L U E S L A T E]

535i + chip = OMFGBBQJCICD!!!!!!!!!!!

[Sbeck]

I've always loved M3's but for my next car i just want a porsche =)

[WaLLy]

Originally Posted by B L U E S L A T E

535i + chip = OMFGBBQJCICD!!!!!!!!!!!

If you plan to chip it (and I know you would Alan), you should stick with the 335i (facelifted model coming up).

[darnelled]

I think the M6 is one sexy car. There was a new, white M3 I saw every day going to work that I'd take in a heart beat until it was bought by an old old man.

[azzkikr]

what sup with BMW and that freaky cup holder on the passenger side? I think thats about the only thing that puzzled me about these cars.

[t1328]

Yeah, that cup holder is not great, but on the other hand, if you have 2 drinks in the '07 G35, one of them will spill or at least lean to the side, so ours aren't that great either...

Agree with you guys about chipping the 335i. Check out the Dinan S2... that is one awesome car - I'd take that over the M3 myself.

Cheers
Tamir

[dev1983]

M6....hotttt

[N50]

I think the only BMW I'd love to own would be the M3.

[t1328]

I agree with you, although I'd probably drive an M5 or M6 if I was 'forced to' :-). Personally I don't much like the shape of either the 5 or 6 series. I feel that the 6 has a huge bangle butt, and it could be a whole lot nicer. The only reason I would be interested in driving either is because of the driving enjoyment, not because of their looks. The M3 is significantly better looking in my view, and more than quick enough. At the same time, I really don't feel like I need more HP than my stock G35x has, and I didn't enjoy the E46 M3 as much as I thought I would.