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I thought.... (Reply to this comment)
by drive571
... that you'd like the 325i a lot more once you'd gotten a chance to drive it. My impression was the same as yours: the 3's two engines feel similar through the seat of the pants, but the less-powerful Six lets you have a little more fun with it at semi-legal speeds.
- P.J.
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Oct 14 '05
12:19 am PDT
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Re: Should I keep the 545? (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
The 550i will cost you around $200-$250 more per month than the 545i for a 36 month, 36,000 mile lease.
The base money factor on the 545i was 0.0010(2.4% interest).
The base money factor on the 550i is 0.00280(6.72% interest).
The dealer may jack up the base money factor to 0.00320(7.68% interest) to capitalize on the demand for the new 550i.
The MSRP is around $1500-$2000 more for the 550i comparably equipped as the 545i.
You have to decide if paying $7000 more over 3 years is worth it for a fractional decrease in 0-60 mph time.
To me it wasn't. I am very happy with my one month old 545i!
I would definitely stick with the 545i.
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Sep 10 '05
9:06 am PDT
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Should I keep the 545? (Reply to this comment)
by abramnali
I leased a 2005 545 two months ago which I am very happy with. However, when I bought the car, I asked the salesman if there would be any changes to the vehicle in the 2006 model and he said no. I just recently learned that the 545 model is discontinued for the 550 which makes me furious at the dealership for lying to me. Is this worth going back to the dealership and trying to get them to take back the car for the 550? How much more money would this car cost per month?
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Sep 09 '05
5:05 pm PDT
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imitation as flattery? (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
Edmund's "Inside Line" just came out with a 330i vs. A4 comparo titled "The Last Two Sports Sedans On Earth" which seems coincidentally(?) similar to your "The End Of History And The Last Car."
Of course, the 330i won the comparo mightily not least because the Audi's engine was more like that in power of a 325i.
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Jun 18 '05
8:23 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
I ordered the steptronic automatic transmission.
The first thing I will do when I get the 545 is to disable the annoying front and back sensor alarms to detect the presence of unseen objects. The beeping would drive me crazy much like the lane departure warning system alert that the new Infiniti M has would.
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Jun 18 '05
8:14 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh,  in Cars & Motorsports
The 330 doesn't feel as quick as it is. And since, for me at least, how quick a car feels is more important than how quick it actually is...
The 545 has no such problem. I'm sure you'll enjoy it (as long as the electrical issues have been resolved). I never did get straight whether you're getting a manual or automatic.
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Jun 18 '05
4:05 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
I made a leasing deal on a 2005 545i yesterday. The temptation to rent at 2.4% interest from BMW was too great.
The car will be built sometime in August so the software glitches I have been reading about(most prevalent in January-March 2005 owners' reviews) should have been worked out by now.
One thing that bothered me about the 2006 330i is how slow it is off the line. It seems to take quite a while before you feel the power. Pretty much the same as my 1993 and 2002 325i's.
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Jun 17 '05
5:45 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
I've driven the same car twice, and noticed no such issue. But then most of my time in the seat was spent on a challenging set of roads, where touchy brakes would have been less evident. I'll pay more attention next time I drive one of these cars.
I have noticed touchy brakes in other cars lately. The worst offenders are the E-Class and G35. I might have also had an issue with the brakes in the new GS, but would have to look at my review to be sure.
In general, I suspect that while this issue is real, it won't be long before you adapt to it and don't even notice it anymore.
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Jun 16 '05
4:57 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
I have driven 2 different 2006 330i's and each time, unfortunately, I experienced uncharacteristically touchy brake response. I was wondering if you found this also. It felt like some kind of electronically controlled meddling similar to the brakes on the 2006 Lexus GS430.
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Jun 15 '05
7:27 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
It is tempting, but the price between the two cars is not as close as it initially seemed. I wonder what the lease on the 330 would be at 4.5%.
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Jun 15 '05
4:44 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
Maybe so, but how about 2.4% on the outgoing 545?
Very tempting!
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Jun 14 '05
8:16 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
You can probably get a better rate from someone other than BMW. There are other leasing companies.
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Jun 14 '05
4:47 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
The base interest rate on a 2006 330i lease is currently 6%.
But dealers can mark this up a total of 0.96% to almost 7% interest. One has to shop around and find a dealer who will offer this car at the base rate.
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Jun 14 '05
4:15 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
I was mentioning your alternatives to a friend, and he noticed something obvious that I somehow missed: 7% is a crazy high interest rate. I'm not as familiar with leases, but with a purchase someone with good credit should qualify for 4.25% of so. So I'm not sure the 330 price is valid.
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Jun 13 '05
9:00 pm PDT
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Re: Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
The 550 is coming out this fall. It's supposed to give the M5 a run for its money. Gasp!
This is why I can lease the 545 right now at a decent monthly payment because BMW is heavily subsidizing it at a money factor of .001(2.4%).
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Jun 13 '05
5:18 pm PDT
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Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
I'm not sure what I was thinking when writing the previous comment. The 545 doesn't become the 550, with a 4.8-liter engine, until the 2007 MY. For 2006 only the six-cylinder engines are upgraded.
The 525 and 530 Sport Packages no longer include Active Steering for 2006.
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Jun 11 '05
6:03 am PDT
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Re: 2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
I'd take the 5. The 3 handles more nimbly, but even someone who doesn't place a priority on horsepower can appreciate the much greater torque of the 545. A roomier interior is another bonus.
The 5 isn't being replaced soon, just getting a larger engine for 2006. Since it's already plenty powerful, this isn't very important.
Since these are leases which will be worth more in the future is out of the equation.
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Jun 10 '05
7:38 am PDT
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2006 BMW 330i vs 2005 BMW 545i (Reply to this comment)
by hpowders
I have test driven both the new 330i and the 2005 545i and concur with your reviews.
I have a choice to lease each vehicle for 3 years. One can get a great deal on the 545i because it will be replaced very soon and sales have slowed, but one is pretty much at the mercy of the dealer with the new, very hot 330i.
If you were offered each vehicle comparably equipped, the 545i(MSRP 61,000) at 2.4% interest and a payment of $700 per month or a 330i(MSRP $44.000) at 7% interest and a payment of $675, would you take the 545i over the 330i, given your rave review of the new 330i? Your comments would be greatly appreciated because it is the wonderful dilemma I currently find myself in.
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Jun 09 '05
7:46 am PDT
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Re: New 330 (Reply to this comment)
by mkaresh, in Cars & Motorsports
The 9-2X (assuming it drives much like a WRX) is a fun car, but in no way save acceleration is it on the same level as the BMW. A much different class of car.
The instrument panel is still a little high, but not so high as it was before. I drove the car again yesterday. I do wish they hadn't put a hard ridge along the top edge of the IP. A rounder transition from the front face to the dash top would have reduced its visual mass.
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May 10 '05
6:39 am PDT
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New 330 (Reply to this comment)
by sohel
I just test drove the new 330 with a manual transmission (my wife wanted to show me how nice a manual tranny can get cf the Saab 92X I am considering now).
I admit it was quite a ride, but I did have a couple of complaints:
1. The dashboard seemed a little too high for me, reducing the forwards visibility. Perhaps I did not adjust the seats sufficiently beacuse I like to seat lower than most.
2. The seat controls seemed confusing and I coould not find a good seeting position. The seat position memory function would definietly help once I find a position I really like.
It is a great car, but at over $40,000 with the options mr Karesh recommends, I am taken aback.
I still like the Saab at half the cost (under $18k with the $8,00o in rebates and GM Employee/Family pricing they are runnning right now). To my mind (and current economic condition), the Saab 92X is a better buy.
I would hope to get the BMW 330 in the future (perhaps as a Certified Used Car with a 100k miles extended warranty). I am thrifty like Mr Karesh ;)
Bobby
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May 09 '05
4:54 pm PDT
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Re: The End Of History... (Reply to this comment)
by bmwboy
Hi,
I am an electrical engineer, and an auto enthusiast...specifically a bmw fan. I think they make the best chassis, and some of the best cars, albeit slightly pricey. I am surprised to see that you have raved about the new 3!!! This must really be some car! (I have read almost all your reviews, and find your review on the echo HILARIOUS). I have over time begun to trust your reviews immensely. This car must be something if you are raving about this so much!! I look forward to driving one.
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May 06 '05
11:35 am PDT
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The End Of History... (Reply to this comment)
by hyundai_fan
At first I thought you were going to give this car a low score just by reading the title. But after reading it, I finally want a BMW, or at least ride in one.
But when asking about how much better cars may be in the future, I thought to myself, "What car will I be driving in 50 years?" I'll be 66, and they'll probably make stability control, traction control, hybrid capabilities and On*Star federally mandated by then. You never know...
Excellent review!
~Scott
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May 06 '05
10:03 am PDT
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