Need opinions! Comparision g35, 325i

[InfiniteRegress]

Hi ppl

I did a search and I found a lot of comparisions between the 330i and the g35 coupe. Could you guys voice an opinion on a comparision between the 325i and the g35 sedan?

I had my heart set on a 2005 325i manual with ZSP. I'm suppose to pick it up on monday from the dealer. However, on a whim, I decided to go test drive a 2005 g35 sedan today, and the car exceeded my expectations. So now I am vapor locked on which car I should buy. The bmw dealership did not request from me a deposit, so I suppose I can still back out.

The g35 was smooth and had gobs of power. Merging on the freeway has never been so much fun. (This is coming from an e30 325is owner, so I guess it doesn't take much to impress me.) Did not test the handling since there were no twisties around. The interior is also more spacious and luxurious than the 325i. I love how you can adjust the rear seats. The brakes were sensitive, but I got used to them fast, and those things stop the car very well. However, IMO the e46 sedan is the best looking sedan on the road, and the handling is legendary and braking is very very good. The drive was also very comfortable and smooth.

I had not considered a g35 coupe due to the fact that it was a little out of my price range which is around 27 - 28k. The bmw dealer quoted me around 28500 for the BMW, which is a good deal considering the options. (ZSP, xenons, power seats). However, the Infiniti dealerships was willing to part with an automatic g35 sedan for approximately 28000. Of course, the infiniti would come stripped without any additional packages, but even then it still has a lot of standard options.

I do not plan to race, but I do like to drive spiritedly once in a while. I was just wondering if you guys could provide some insight on the cars when considering them as a whole. I know that the g35 has almost 100 more horsepower and torque on the 325i. But I doubt I'd be doing any drag racing so, I would also like to consider your thoughts on aspects such as safety, handling, and maintenance between the two cars.

Thanks guys.

[g35cas]

I went from an e46 328 sedan to a G35c. I liked my BMW and had a little superiority complex when driving(BMW's are only for the rich! Yeah right). The suspension on the 328 was a lot softer and had a lot of body roll compared to my coupe. The ride(subjective) in the coupe is stiffer, but almost as comfortable as the BMW. The BMW engine is sweet, it's smooth, and has a good exhaust note. On the other hand, I love the 3.5 nissan engine. It has great power, a good exhaust note(as long as you don't put a ricey coffee can on it), and can be worked on by more shops than the BMW. The BMW suspension has been notorious for issues with bushings, control arms, frame welds, and spring mounts. I had some of those problems with mine. I've heard that some of the G sedan owners have squeaks, noises and such in their cars, but my coupe has been rock solid. If you decide to get a BMW(God forbid), do not get the lighter colored interior. It looks like crap after 40k to 50k miles, unless you get it detailed every month. Interior on the Infiniti seems easier to clean, but does not have as many options as the BMW. BMW has wood, brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, leather, fake leather, and alcantra(spelling might be off) combinations. Although, I do like the Infiniti seats much better(comfort and support are better). As for maintanence, you better choose the Infiniti. The 30k and 60k inspection on the BMW will run you about $450. It's a rip off, and there aren't many shops that can do it. I hope my ranting will help you out a little.

[jayco]

i cant speak from experience, but i have heard of a lot of reliability issues with BMW. you may or may not have experienced them...

IMO if you want more of a sports/performance car, go with the G sedan. if you want a bit more luxury, go with the bimmer.

[Rob_G35]

I disagree with you G35cas. All new BMW's come with 40,000 mile maintanance included. I almost had a heart attack when they told me the price on a brake job for the G. $1500 is ridiculous and thats only the fronts. We have had 3 BMW's in our family and none of them ever broke. And if we ever had a problem my local dealer took care of it ASAP and they never came back. So it really depends on the quality of your local dealers work. The reason that you had those problems is that I can see that your car was one of the earliest E46's back when they still had a 323 and 328. I had a lot of problems with my '03 G35 Coupe. First prod. run cars will always have problems no matter what brand.

Now onto your decision about the 325i and the G35 S. I say go for the G if its a 2005 and I dont think you will ever have problems with it. The 325 does not even come close to matching the G's power. If you get the sport pack on the 325 then the handling will be great. The 3 gives you so much confidence in the twisties. Hope this helps but in the end isnt it all subjective?

[Jp1]

Call the bmw dealer and tell him you're going to take a week to finish making your decision. Then drive the bmw monday, the G tues., etc. etc and that way you won't make a pressured decision and you'll have more info in your pocket to make the right decision. imho...go with the G for the looks

[xswl0931]

I agree. Don't let a dealer make you feel forced to make a decision. If you want a coupe, you should determine if you can wait and save up a bit more. If you plan to keep the car for at a couple of years, you should get what you really want. Definitely drive them a few times before making a decision.

[Ianbiz]

That is a bit much for a current 3 asumming the new one comes out in a few months. If you can, wait a few months, wait and then get a 330. I like the BMW sedans over the infinitis. (not including the M)

BMW service is really good. My freind has a 02 325i and he tapped a palm tree in his driveway and the service dept. fixed it for free. He needed new brakes, that was free, he bent a rim and got a new one for free. Same with his oil changes and wipers, its all free.

[Ianbiz]

G coupe owns all coupes.

[g35noob]

...in its price range lol

[Ianbiz]

Originally Posted by g35noob

...in its price range lol

yep. Under 40k

[Klubbheads]

I dont think there is any comparison between 325i and G35 except the price similarity.
Its like a comparing honda civic with srt4 neon.

[tipsyhemi]

its not really a difficult decision G35. if its a 330i, then u got some thinking to do, but since its not, what are u thinking bout work the price down on the G35 u wont look back. (i wont when i get mine)

325i is 0-60 7.4
G35 sedan 0-60 5.8-9

thats a HUGE difference (in man)

[G35keg]

Simple, the G35 is bigger and faster....

Of course with the 325i you get that nifty BMW logo on the hood, which adds about $5k to the price tag

I would never go for a 3 series over the G35... Now the 5 series, that would be tempting

[Ianbiz]

The 330i is quite nice, I would choose it over a G35sedan, but the 330ci I would have to think about... G35c still.