feed back on these cars (bmw, infinity, nissian)

[beppy]

looking to get used cars. $20k range.

manual transmission.
1. 2006+ BMW 330i(xi)
2. 2006+ BMW 325i(xi)
3. G35 coupe
4. nissian 350z

Looking at the following used cars. anybody here with knowledgable advice on these cars? What kind of maintainence cost would i need to pay for these and how much? what kind of major cost are expectred for these cars. brakes? clutch? and how much.

also if you have any other selections let me know. just want to here other member's experience with these cars, and opinions on it.

[nico5772]

you could get a new altima coupe. a beautiful and fast car!

[ph4tb0i]

or a brand new genesis coupe? msrp on the base is 24.5 and you'd be getting a pretty good brand new car too! :razz:

[c_snapper]

you could get a new altima coupe. a beautiful and fast car!

not quite...the OP's budget of around 20k, altima coupe starts at 27k for the 2.5, and it's not a fast car at all....

to op,
the bimmers are alright cars, just try to get them cpo or it's in good shape...

the G is nice, and the 350 is a ***** to be a daily driver cuz it's such a sports car...

[stealth]

The 350z is odd man out in that list as its the only 2 seater.

[beppy]

i test drove the genesis coupe 2.0t. didn't like it, very underwhelming. price is good though.


dont really like how the altima coupe looks. also didn't think it was that fast of a car.

[npinc]

I really do like BMW, but repairs are MAD STUPID expensive. Check Consumer Reports. I'm thinking of buying one myself, but I noticed there are good and bad years, good and bad models. It should be easy to get a good price on them for the year.

Not sure about Infinity. It's a Nissan, so should be great, but they age SO fast. If you're looking for the flash appeal, you'll look like an idiot or a gangster driving a 3 year old Infinity.

That 350z is a sexy car. I love them. Repairs are expensive, but man, how often does a Nissan break? Like, almost never? The convertible Z is awesome. I'd love one myself. Wicked looking car and won't age as hard as an Infinity.

[Pete_Coach]

I owned a 2005 325i and can say that it was one of the best, if not the best car I ever owned. The 2006 was the first year of the model change and is slightly different to mine bit it is a great car too.
Thing is, you don't really know how good a car it is until you are almost at the point of losing control and the BMW is at it's best at the limit but, it is also fun to drive all the time. They are really right when they say that BMW is a drivers machine. The 330 is crazy powerful and just feels so good to drive.
I am not one who judges a car by the watts in the stereo or the gadgets on the dashboard so I cannot speak to the accessories that seem to be important to many others, I just know if you are a driver, you cannot go wrong with the BMW.
As for repairs, well all cars are expensive to fix. Dealers are more so than independent shops because dealers will always bring the vehicle up to specs and independents can just repair the car (there is a difference). Any car in this category or class will be more expensive than your typical Civic but then again, it is much more car than those as well. I never found my ownership of my Bimmer any more expensive than any of the other cars I have owned.

[npinc]

I owned a 2005 325i and can say that it was one of the best, if not the best car I ever owned. The 2006 was the first year of the model change and is slightly different to mine bit it is a great car too.
Thing is, you don't really know how good a car it is until you are almost at the point of losing control and the BMW is at it's best at the limit but, it is also fun to drive all the time. They are really right when they say that BMW is a drivers machine. The 330 is crazy powerful and just feels so good to drive.
I am not one who judges a car by the watts in the stereo or the gadgets on the dashboard so I cannot speak to the accessories that seem to be important to many others, I just know if you are a driver, you cannot go wrong with the BMW.
As for repairs, well all cars are expensive to fix. Dealers are more so than independent shops because dealers will always bring the vehicle up to specs and independents can just repair the car (there is a difference). Any car in this category or class will be more expensive than your typical Civic but then again, it is much more car than those as well. I never found my ownership of my Bimmer any more expensive than any of the other cars I have owned.

How are you finding the Mercedes in comparison?

[mr_raider]

How are you finding the Mercedes in comparison?

Be careful now. Pete is in the auto repair business. He is much less likely to get screwed than joe schmoe who walks in to a dealership and drops his keys off at the service counter.

[beppy]

Ya BMW are expensive but how does the 350 and g35 compare. Are their maintainence comparatively less than the 3.series? After all they are all luxury cars.

[EP32k2]

German cars have electrical issues and it all stems from that crap BOSCH components that they keep using. I would put Nissan reliablility near the bottom of Jap manufacturers.

That said, BMW parts aren't really that much more expensive if at all compared to Infinity, Lexus and Acura.

[Pete_Coach]

How are you finding the Mercedes in comparison?
I like it very much but for different reasons. I am less prone to get a ticket, it is slightly larger inside and a bit softer ride. An lastly, even though the Mercedes dealers are a bit on the egotistical side, ther=y were slightly less than the BMW dealers in my area.
Be careful now. Pete is in the auto repair business. He is much less likely to get screwed than joe schmoe who walks in to a dealership and drops his keys off at the service counter.
No, I am no longer in the business. I am less apt to be screwed not just because of my background but because I ask questions of the guy who want to fix my car and ask for alternatives in each and every case. I will never let the guy tell me there is only one solution. If they cannot provide other solutions, then, in my opinion, they do not possess sufficient knowledge of the vehicle or vehicle maintenance.
German cars have electrical issues and it all stems from that crap BOSCH components that they keep using. I would put Nissan reliablility near the bottom of Jap manufacturers.

That said, BMW parts aren't really that much more expensive if at all compared to Infinity, Lexus and Acura.
You really have no idea do you? :confused: Did someone tell you that once? FYI, Bosch have been supplying parts for not just German cars but North American cars for decades. GM wouldn't have had fuel injection in the beginning if it wasn't for Bosch.
Your last sentence is correct and you could add in any SUV, any higher end GM, Ford, Chrysler or any vehicle for that matter. Quality parts cost money, regardless of vehicle type.

[EP32k2]

You really have no idea do you? :confused: Did someone tell you that once? FYI, Bosch have been supplying parts for not just German cars but North American cars for decades. GM wouldn't have had fuel injection in the beginning if it wasn't for Bosch.


Well since you don't know me, I'll take the time to explain. Firstly, in my family we have had BMW, MB and Audi....all of them have had electrical issues of some sort. My friend who is a BMW fanatic and also has a 911 has had electrical issues. The worse was when his ABS went on the 911 (55,000kms). Had to replace the brain and sensors which came out to a whopping $5000+.
My dad's friends E90 which was only 2 months old spend a month with BMW because the car wouldn't start. In the end they replaced the computer. I can go on and on and on. Telling me that BOSCH was the first to bring fuel injection is irrelevant to what I said. I'm not questioning BOSCH innovation. Reliablity on BOSCH components are crap period.

The japs (mostly Toyota and Honda) use Denso and is a far superior product in terms of reliability. Not trying to sound like some Jap bandwagoner, I'm far from it...just stating facts that cannot be disputed.

Out of the cars picked by the OP, I would go with the 330i. It drives and handles the best out of the bunch.

[Pete_Coach]

Well since you don't know me, I'll take the time to explain. Firstly, in my family we have had BMW, MB and Audi....all of them have had electrical issues of some sort. My friend who is a BMW fanatic and also has a 911 has had electrical issues. The worse was when his ABS went on the 911 (55,000kms). Had to replace the brain and sensors which came out to a whopping $5000+.
My dad's friends E90 which was only 2 months old spend a month with BMW because the car wouldn't start. In the end they replaced the computer. I can go on and on and on. Telling me that BOSCH was the first to bring fuel injection is irrelevant to what I said. I'm not questioning BOSCH innovation. Reliablity on BOSCH components are crap period.

The japs (mostly Toyota and Honda) use Denso and is a far superior product in terms of reliability. Not trying to sound like some Jap bandwagoner, I'm far from it...just stating facts that cannot be disputed.

Out of the cars picked by the OP, I would go with the 330i. It drives and handles the best out of the bunch.
You are correct, I do not know you. Never said I did, nor am I interested.
It is a shame your acquaintances have had so much problems with their vehicles. The more gadgets and electronics there are in vehicles, the more is to go wrong. More often than not, it is integration of the electronic systems that is at the root of the problems as opposed to the individual components. Yes, it is is still electronics.
I too have a friend who had huge issues with ABS, cost him several trips to the dealer, replacement of wheel components and then eventually the computer as well...oh, it was a Chrysler Sebring (pre Mercedes involvement).
Anyway, if all your friends and family have had all those problems with all those Bosch equipped cars, and still buy them again and again...somewhat like self flagellation isn't it?
Fact is, no vehicle is free of electronic gremlins and the more integrated the electronics and systems become, the more gadgetry is added to the systems the more the electronics become the source of every problem.

[EP32k2]

You are correct, I do not know you. Never said I did, nor am I interested.

Quite the attitude you have there. Typical German car owner.
BTW, people buy cars like these not for their reliability but for the brand. If one wanted a truly reliable car all they would need are tires, engine, tranny, and a box to house it all.

Go enjoy your BOSCH equipped car, you will be visiting the dealer in the near future for electronic gremlins.

[xdragus]

Ya BMW are expensive but how does the 350 and g35 compare. Are their maintainence comparatively less than the 3.series? After all they are all luxury cars.

Guess i'll give you my perspective as a 2004.5 350z owner. It is definitely not a luxury car, the suspension is harsher than bmw and the bmw is still more comfortable than the G35 coupe (other G35 models I don't know).

The 3 series clutch feel like nothing - almost comparable to honda clutches if not the same (don't take offense - driving years on the Z clutch makes all clutches feel easy except aftermarket clutches like an os giken or tilton or a car that was more powerful).

The glovebox isn't in the front of the passenger but is behind it - making you have very limited room to store stuff or at least have easy access too. Trunk space is adequate for a day of golfing and grocery shopping if you want to feel adventurous.

Making out in the car is hard but possible. Just very hard haha.

03-04s were pretty solid except for tire feathering from poor alignment and oem tires that came with it were crap. A good alignment fixes the tire feathering. The 03s had gear grinding (so make sure to see if theres any paper trails on if the transmission ever got replaced). Some people mainly in the US had to get it replaced 3-4 times before they finally released the CD009 transmission to end their woes.

05s imo were probably the most sturdiest but was also the start of the Rev-up versions and had a rare chance of oil consumption problems in the engine.

06s - probably has the most headache because of a lot of engines with oil consumption. Engine is based off the 05. This was eating about a quart to 2 every 1000-2000kms ;) So if you happen to buy one of these, make sure you have a good amount of time left on the warranty in case you need to replace your engine.

07s - 08s - I feel like they rushed this car just to throw out the 370z - you may have clutch problems (ie your clutch sticking to the ground and not coming back up) - repairable under warranty as theres a TSB for it. Still a solid car though.

370z...haven't been following this but you can visit www.my350z.com for their specific 370z forum.


If you're thinking about turbos - the stock transmission is very strong and can handle about 1000bhp. The stock engine (not built) can probably safely hold up to 400 bhp but don't go higher than 450 without building the engine (but still you shoudln't be adding turbos if you have to conservative with your $$$). The 07s and up have stronger internals so you can push it more if you're feeling brave. Don't go with NA builds as you gain very little for the amount you pay. But there are some few good bolt ons but I won't go into detail here as explanation is long.

-----------------------------

This car is noisy - you will hear everything if your music isn't loud. You will have really annoying squeeks that are under the panels. In the US they sell a diy padding kit to eliminate them ;)


Now regarding the Z community - I guess you can say the more oldschool owners wanted to get out of the Z ownership because of many new douchebag drivers giving us as a car community a bad name. Since used Zs are quite affordable now due too a lot of imported cars from the US. There are still a few good mature guys around but that is diminishing.


Well hope I was helpful - if you have more questions ask away :)

[Pete_Coach]

Quite the attitude you have there. Typical German car owner.
BTW, people buy cars like these not for their reliability but for the brand. If one wanted a truly reliable car all they would need are tires, engine, tranny, and a box to house it all.

Go enjoy your BOSCH equipped car, you will be visiting the dealer in the near future for electronic gremlins.
My attitude is immaterial, stay with facts and information. Perhaps more typical of serious mechanical ability and experience. Thanks for all your informative automotive wisdom. All done now I see.

Great report on the 350 xdragus. :)

[beppy]

wow i love all the passions thats going on in this thread.

thanks xdragus for the indepth detail on the 350z, i was reading up on the g35 coupe, it has a lot of the similar issues regarding the 'rev up' engine.

i also heard that that the 03-04 g35 had premature brake wear issues with the brembo brakes. and that changing it can cost up to $2800 in dealership?

1. how should brakes typically last? i didn't know it could cost that much, anyone know how much the 3series brake job cost?

i'm leaving towards the 330i, but most costly of the cars. it is a 3.0L engine like the 325i but same fuel economy but with 40more HP! thats really attrative.

[shipill]

330i FTW

[beppy]

man, the 325 are in my price range, hard to find a cheaper 330i. someone find me some deals! lol.

[SkylineR34X]

you could get a new altima coupe. a beautiful and fast car!

Have you ever driven the car?
I have to say it's one of the worst Nissan's I've driven to date... I actually prefer a manual Versa over this thing...

This thing has torque steer (even the 2.5L, the 3.5L is horrible). When you push it hard it understeers like a pig... The steering is too light and lack feel... the whole car feels big... I don't mean spacious, but more of a vague feeling...

at around 20k, I would consider a 02-05 330i or if you are lucky... a 02-05 M3 :)

[shipill]

how about audi A4 ?

[d-burn]

To OP:

I was going to comment on this, but looks like you already found out. You're going to have a hard time finding an '06 330i for 20K....unless it was a write-off.

Also, your 2006+ for 325i + 330i doesn't make too much sense. These models didn't exist after 2006. For '07 new engines were introduced and 323i, 328i, and 335i were born. The top end of the 3 series spectrum finally got the power it deserved in the 335i.....actually the vehicle i'm currently saving up for. I think i'd almost rather have an '07 328i couple vs. an '06 330i ...especially since you seem to like coupes.

[jollyjoker]

I think 330i is solid. It's gas consumption is the same as 325i and although it's not as fast as 335i and more comparable to a 328i in power, who needs the power of a 335i anyways? You will be looking to spend almost 30,000 range with CPO for a good low mileage 330i. If not just get an infiniti g35. But bmws are chic magnets so in my opinon that is worth spending a few extra grand alone!


The 328i coupe is solid as well just about 7-8000 more expensive than a 330i.

I would personally choose the 328i coupe over the 330i sedan but the 06 330i sedan over the 07 328i sedan.

[EP32k2]

i also heard that that the 03-04 g35 had premature brake wear issues with the brembo brakes. and that changing it can cost up to $2800 in dealership?

1. how should brakes typically last? i didn't know it could cost that much, anyone know how much the 3series brake job cost?

i'

Brembo equipped G35's did not have premature brake wear. It is just the nature of how Brembo calipers work. 30-40k is about avg. BMW pads need to be replaced about the same intervals as well.

[beppy]

A new car has caught my eye.

e46 2004 330i M-Package.

I have been thinking about this, especially comparison vs the e90.

pros:
cheaper
M package features. i like the upgrade harmon kardon sound.
steering wheel, and body kit.
interior looks nice.

cons:
older body style
reliability not as good as e90?


I think i'm lacking cons, my friends says i'll regret it if i get the older e46. but for roughly same amount or even less, i can get a lot more stuff.

[npinc]

Those M-package BMWs are sweet looking rides. I'd give them a second look as well...if I could afford one.

[macnut]

... how should brakes typically last? i didn't know it could cost that much, anyone know how much the 3series brake job cost?

i'm leaving towards the 330i,

I'm on track for 90,000km. for the brakes in my X3 but that is with mostly open highway miles.

A Canadian BMW dealer that offers the Value Service Package would do the brakes in your 330i (if you do get one someday) for less than $1,000 - assuming new rotors front and rear.

For DIY, you could pay nearly that just for the O.E. bits and pieces at their Parts Counter.
So BMW Canada must be subsidizing the parts cost to allow dealer service depts. to compete with independent shops.

Click on the VSP calculator at:

http://www.bmw.com/ca/en/owners/service/maintenance/value_service_packages_5.html

and enter your Year and Model details.

[beppy]

lookd at the 04 M package. inside just looks too outdated compared to the e90.


i think i'm going to go for the e90 instead now. now the questions is, 325i or dish out $5k+ more for higher mileage 330i.

[hhh]

has anyone bought from Paramount Fine Cars in Dufferin?? Is it a shaddy place or a honest dealership??

[Pete_Coach]

lookd at the 04 M package. inside just looks too outdated compared to the e90.
i think i'm going to go for the e90 instead now. now the questions is, 325i or dish out $5k+ more for higher mileage 330i.
I thoght you were looking at xi's? Anyway, the only difference is the power. Is the mileage difference big and is the $5K a problem. Looking at the cars, they look the same so do you need the power? A 325 has plenty.
Make sure they have the bluetooth activated. You can buy them without it activated and it costs to get it working.
If you choose the 325, you can go to www.bavauto.com and pick up lots of items for the $5K you save.

[beppy]

cool thanks for the site.

Man its hard to find a good deal for Manual Transmission cars.

[SkylineR34X]

330i M-package or ZHP... are one of the most desirable BMWs to-date...
I know that the inside looks a bit dated, but it is not ugly by any standard. In fact, everything feels right where it should be. It's simple, it's focused... As well, I would prefer a 04 M pack over the 06+ 325i's. The E90 don't even have a dipstick to check oil. My friend's oil lever light goes on and off all the time (sensor glitch), and BMW can do nothing about it...