So, my GF is looking at leasing a BMW 325i or xi. Does anyone have any experience with these cars, or BMWs in general? Would you recommend the AWD xi model for the slick winter conditions we get here in Michigan, or would the regular 325i handle well enough?
Also, any problems with the cars (which I’m doubting) or the dealers?
Thanks for your input.
I’ve been driving BMWs for ~17 years, and I’m currently on my third (740iL). While the current beast is a world away from the first (320i), I must say I was impressed by the first one.
I’ve had nothing but good luck with them*. I can’t speak to the leasing deal, as it’s never made sense for me. But they are very good cars.
BMW driver here - let’s see, we’ve got the 5 series and the X-5 SUV currently, and in the past have owned the Z 2-seater and the 3 series. I probably messed up all those names, but you get the drift - the dealer meets us at the door.
All BMW models are stellar in my opinion, and stop on a dime. I do believe that my SUV brakes a little more smoothly than the 5 series sedan, however.
The only problem you’ll have is that maintenence costs more than the average car. In getting AWD, there is an increased liklihood that you’ll incur more costs because theres more to fix.
It’s made up for if you like driving though cause BMWs are fun. They do not lie when they say its the ultimate driving machine. Unless you’re talking about a real sports car, there is not much better out there than a BMW IMO.
Proud driver of a 97 M3 by the way.
I used to own a E21 1981 BMW 323i Coupe with a 2.7 litre Alpina engine in it - rated at 220hp at 6800rpm. It was a very, VERY light car with 4 wheel discs and 16" Alpina 3 piece alloy wheels.
It weighed just on 1100 kgs - which is really light for a car with 220 hp and fat rubber and independant suspension all round. It was, with hindsight, a really nimble enjoyable car to drive - most of the time.
It was the last of the truly “mechanical” BMW’s before they started getting very techno and electronic in the early 80’s. Even the fuel injection used a mechanical metering device which proved to be amazingly reliable.
But here’s the thing… I bought it off my uncle, who had bought it brand new. At the time, I had totally got into the marketing wank which went with BMW’s - that is, the ultimate driving machine. Man… looking back on it… that is such a load of wank.
I mean seriously? What does “the ultimate driving machine” really mean, or supposed to mean? Are you supposed to be able to pull greater g’s on a skid pan than any other car? Nope, heaps of vehicles outperform a Bimmer on that score. Are you supposed to have more acceleration and braking performance than other car? Again, heaps of cars win on that score too - especially a noble big block V8 - (Bimmers are notorious for not having any torque - heaps of high end horsepower - but no torque).
Are Bimmers supposed to be more luxurious than any other car? Nope, I own a Lexus now and it shits on the BMW I used to own, and a lot of new models. Is the “ultimate driving machine” supposed to do faster lap times, in great comfort than any other car? Well, maybe, but here’s the thing…
When I first bought that Alpina 323i off my uncle, to justify the cost, and the wank of owning the car, I used to fang the shit out of it on country roads and various long drives - ostensibly living out the dream that supposedly is “the ultimate driving machine”. And you know what happened? I got a shitload, an absolute shitload of speeding tickets. I soon learned… it doesn’t matter how good the marketing is, if your car is a cafe racer designed to be a little rocket, and yet sacrifices the creature comforts that say, a Lexus, provides - then the little rocket ends up being a liability.
Also, I drove an 1991 M5 for a while too - and mark my words - I’m a strong, lean, fit man of 6’1" and even THAT car was too small and cramped for me. Let alone the 323i.
In closing, my little Bimmer was a super duper reliable car - it never once failed to start - but holy shit it cost me some money. I reckon I paid $15,000 for it in 1991, and it cost me at least another $12,000 in maintenance costs over the next decade. And that was a car BEFORE the more expensive techno era came into play.
My advice? Either get a classic restored 66 Mustang Fastback, or a Lexus. Trust me, I’ve got both now. The former turns heads more than any BMW will ever do, and it won’t get scratched either coz even asshole vandals love a 66 Mustang Fastback. And the Lexus is perfect in every respect. Perfectly quiet, comfortable, and spacious. It’s maintenance costs are a tiny fraction of the 323i.
The “Ultimate Driving Machine”? Sorry, it’s not a BMW I’m afraid to say. The “Ultimate Driving Machine” is a ground up restored 66 Shelby Mustang Fastback going nice and slow with nothing to prove - just burbling along with immaculate restored interior. Everything else is marketing I’m afraid.
Oh… one last thing… I have never seen a vehicle on the road to NOT hold it’s value like a BMW. Man, when those things go out of fashion, their value drops like a stone off a ship in the middle of the Atlantic.
Avoid 'em I say. There are much better made vehicles which are quieter, and cheaper, and more reliable, and more comfortable.
But if cachet, and prestige, and having other people talk about you is what you want? Go for it… just be aware of what I wrote here.