I'd like to hear the details on the 330 as well..

I'm getting a completely dressed up '05 G35 for 34,000.

An equally configured '05 lists for 46....The 3-series has one of the best resell values out there so how where is this deal coming from? Not doubting you, just a little jealous..

 

The ZHP I was considering was just under $43,000 for everything I needed at a local $tealership.

I've only priced the G35 sedan on Infiniti's website. The one I built was around $36,000.

 

Well, you can probably get the G35 for $2500 less than what's on the Infiniti site if you do your homework, so maybe using a price like $33500 would be better.

I assume the 330i is used? How long are you wanting to keep the car? The longer it is, the more worried I would be about the BMW. Seems like every time I talk to my friend with a previous gen M3, it's another $1000 visit to the dealer.

 

I have both an 03.5 G35s Nismo with 350 intake, Stillen CAB etc. they both have their merits. The "G" has been virtually flawless - 56.7k odo bought new with 20 miles on the odo in March 03 (yes I drive a lot of miles). With the exception of the damn CD Fo err issues - on my third one now, the "G" has been great still screams (especially with the intake) and is stgill very tight. Paint like new (better actually) and the interior with the exception of the leather wearing on the drivers seat is just as pristine. I will have to say this the 330Ci is a bad honary little something it screams to but differently, I mean it will rev to 7000, it will break the tires if your on it. It doesn't have the the torque of the "G" but I can't say that pick-up is not on par. A buddy of mine is like this car is fast, it's not an M3 but I have ran him up to 130-140 without problem. He claims to quote "you put me in this car against the "G" I'll walk you", I do refute his claims. But the the 330 only has 3k now and it is running. When i drive the 330 I sometimes question it my self. I ran a turbo Miata in the thing not the factory production thing they have come out with, but a tuned early version (one head light missing reserved for induction) and he didn't know what hit him. Maybe I just ended up with a strong car, I don't know. I have owned several bimmers so I am familiar with the mark. Ergonomics and front seat comfort kill the "G" but of course we are talking sedan (G) vs coupe (330). Handling of the 330 is kind of raw because it tramlines with road imperfections, the G just rolls over them. I have Michelin Pilots on the G vs. the I hate em Bridgestone Potenza RE040 runflats on the 330. I can't wait to get those tires off the car. Looks wise I like the coupe especially with the rear LEDs brake/Turn lamps, also with the side LED turn signals (not available on the sedan - why I don't know) also stock clarity of the Harmon Karmon audio trumps the stock system of the "G" However, my "G" now has a JL sub and MB quart tweets with separate amps to push the lows and highs so the "G" is ahead of the game here. I have to fess up that I have had to replace a tire on the 330 (coverad under the tire warranty I purchased) and a subsequent almost flat same spot. So the Bridgestone are proving to be a source of grey hair, but mechanically so far so good (crossing fingers). The "G" at this point is utterly reliable - I took it from warm Florida to the cold Carolinas last Holiday season with no issues (starting or otherwise). I love the G I love the Bimmer. The value of the "G" obvious the engineering heritage of the bimmer inherent. Money no option I might have to give a slight edge to the bimmer - very slight. Infiniti is on to something here they have the formula - witness Motortrend rating the the "M35" ahead of all the competition in it's class. People are starting to notice what we here already know that the cars are damn good. The "M" may be next car as a replacement for my "G". I will say this coupe to coupe the bimmer has more room for passenger if that matters.

 

Me thinks AeroG had toooooo much coffee tonight....

 

[QUOTE=AeroG]Money no option I might have to give a slight edge to the bimmer - very slight. Infiniti is on to something here they have the formula - witness Motortrend rating the the "M35" ahead of all the competition in it's class. People are starting to notice what we here already know that the cars are damn good. The "M" may be next car as a replacement for my "G". I will say this coupe to coupe the bimmer has more room for passenger if that matters.[/QUOTE

Isn't this what it is all about? Who would have thought three or four years ago that Infiniti would make a car at least competitive and even better (IMHO) than the bimmer?

Pags

 

This man speaks the truth....


And Aero...I like what you've got to say, just throw us a paragraph every once in a while.

 

THe m35 trumped the 530 that is a nice surprise after the accorded RL was names COY in japan. But are you really surprised? Wait a few years and the FM will be the standard if not already. BMW should have left the 5 alone. I drive, steering assist and the lines on them have killed their reputation with editors but they are selling more than ever interestingly.

 

IMHO - Put the money and interior aside (I think it's obvious the 3 series has better interior than the pre-05 G35)... looking at the raw performance and handling of STOCK vehicles here is the bottom line:


BMW 330 SEDAN > G35 SEDAN
G35 COUPE > BMW 330CI

 

"me thinks AeroG had toooooooo much cofee tonight"

I knew the literary scholars on this site would assess negative marks to my post for not havings breaks or paragraphs - LOL

Blame it on Cap'n Morgan. No seriously, if you are considering both, my opinions don't mean anything. Drive both to form your "own" opinion.

 

Hey AeroG... You had alot of good things to say... it was just hard to read and decipher in one go -- I had to read it a few times to get all the info you were trying to convey.

Cheers!

 

More vehicles? Yes (credit the 6 and X3)
More 5's? No - Sales of the 5, year over year are down. Same goes w/ the 7.

 

Hmmm where to start....the Sedan and coupe share identical architecture and the sedan is lighter. The sedan handles better and is faster than either the 330i or 330ci. I'd say when it comes to pure performance the sedan is better than any 3 series less the zhp (they are equals) and the M3. The coupe is slightly better than the sedan so it too outshines all but the ZHP and M3. There is not a big enough diff between the G coupe and sedan for that statment to be valid and honestly there isn't much of a diff between the 330 in coupe or sedan form. Hell my modded sedan can just about hang with the old 540. 3 series drive great but they are not getting around the track faster. Let's remember the concerns of the original poster which are handling, speed and trackablity (1 through 3 anyway)

 

I appreciate it man - right back at ya!

 

I think, at this point, if you are thinking about 3 series you can probably get a pretty good deal on them as I did for my '04 ZHP last year (pretty much the same I amount I was about to pay for a G35 coupe). Also, 'O5 3 series will have a really short model year since 'O6 3 series and 5 series are only months away (brand new engine design and better performance). I would say wait a month or two and then go back to BMW dealers again and get a killer deal if you are really into the chick magnet .