Just wondering how many of you guys also drove (or owned) the 330Ci before buying your G35? I have my 2003 330Ci up for sale right now and I'm considering the 2005 G35 coupe to replace it.

Also considering a pre-owned M3 -which is really my preference but I'm not sure is the best choice. I really do like the look of the G coupe and the price is right - any thoughts?

 

Hey..'

I actually own both in my family 2002 330ci PP,SP and 04.5 G35c....I was considering purchasing another 330ci with the performance package...but went with the G35c due to the significant styling changes coming up this year. But the G will be traded in once the new body style and kinks have been worked out in the next 4 years...probably the New M3 out in 2008

As for pricing u can't beat the deal with the G35c, but you get what you pay for. There is a SIGNIFICANT difference between the two cars. As I drive one to the other. Both are awesome and great to have parked out side!

Go test drive a G35c!

 

Well, since you own a 330ci, you know what Bimmers are all about! I have a 330i as well as my 6mt. They are different cars? I have a step 330 and the G is quite a bit faster no matter what they claim over at E46fanatics, but it is also not as refined as a BMW and has alot more squeaks and rattles! The G has a great warranty, I came REALLY close to buyig an M3, but now that the E90 is coming out, I personally decided to wait, but the E46 M3 is a sick car! If you can get an M3 (PLEASE NO SMG!) with really low miles and you plan to get rid of it before the warranty expires, I would go for the M3? The M3 will set you back more $$ than a 6mt, so remember that and also check insurance? My 330 has nickel and dimed me to death since the warranty expired and that has really pissed me off, I LOVE BMW's, but will NEVER own one again out of warranty. The 6mt is faster (again despite what all the fanatics say) than a ZHP, not by much, but it is. I have done very few mods to my G and I also feel it out handles a 330 (i or ci), but I do not think it will out handle an M3? I love the G gearbox by the way, even the M3 has enourmous shifter throw? Either way you can't go wrong, both makes have their pros and cons, so make sure you get a few miles with each car to make a decisive decision based on FACTS you come up with and not what everyone on the forums claim...........that includes me as well! Good luck, let us know what you end up getting?

 

Hey - thanks for the quick replies guys. The M3 would be manual, but I'd actually probably go for an AT G35 if I went that route. I have a long commute and I just don't feel that I'd be giving up that much performance with the AT.

 

I knew I wanted a G from the first time I laid eyes on it. But before I made the purchase I just stopped and thought if I wasnt looking around at what else is out there. Kinda like when your in love you dont see or care about other chicks...only the girl you want?? Call me a F@G, but thats how i felt about the G!! My good friend has a 2002 325CI which is nice....but it doesnt stand out to me. Reasons I didnt want a BMW:
1. In northern VA we have grannies and mid life crisis men/women driving 330's, G's are STILL not seen at every corner yet!!
2. Most middle eastern guys (persians esp.) all dream about driving a BMW
3. Quality of the interior materials (non metallic dash, all black and boring, radio)
4. Performance for 30-37k wasnt good enough to justify the money
5. Maintenance on a german car is $$$

 

I did but was afraid of have an "old" looking car in a year or two.

I think this cars lines will age like wine!

 

I want to try the 3-Series next. I thought the G35C would be a good introduction
near-luxury coupe for me to try out and see if I like this segment. so far so good!

I think Im going to try a M3 next time around.

 

when i went to buy my g35...i tested the 330 first. the 330 is so slow compared to the g35. it drives differently and feels bigger. you just gotta love the g.

 

performance wise the G is the better choice compared to a 325..(330 performance package about the same)....but when it comes down to quality, fit/finish, and refinement....each time i get into my 330 i say why can't the G feel like this....

So if you want both performance and that tight refinement/fit & finish...go M3!!!!!!!

 

I sort of thought that for 2005 Infiniti addressed the quality of the interior? Is it really that far off from the 3 series at this point?

As far as he HP difference between AT and MT, I'd just look at the AT as UP 20 from last year instead of down 18 from the MT. Besides, my understanding is that the deals are MUCH better on the AT. I actually just built one on Infiniti.com - AT, PP, sport tuned susp and Nav. Silver on black. MSRP looks like 39200, I'd be shooting for 37,200 or so (in NJ).....maybe too optomistic?

 

It sounds like you are just using your car for commuting, is this correct? Is this stop-and-go or cruising for long distances?

I think the 6MT would be a lot more fun on the weekends than a 5AT could ever be. The clutch is not very stiff so don't be afraid that your left leg will bulge up

 

Infiniti narrowed the gap with the '05, but BMW still has the upper hand in my opinion (I own an '04 330xi). As far as any improvement with the squeeks and rattles issues with the '05 G35, it is a little too soon to tell. People who own the '05 are not reporting much problem in this area, but they haven't had their cars for long, only time will tell. Maybe I am lucky, but my BMW has absolutely NO squeeks or rattles - not even going over all the speed bumps in my town. My 330xi is as solid as a tank and inside it is as quiet as a library. However, I am looking forward to the exhaust note on my '05 G35 (which arrives next week)!

Prolix

 

Same here...my 330ci doesn't make ONE SOUND going over anything....but my 04.5 G35c creeks and has vibration sounds....