I might get a 2002 BMW 325CI...
04-06-2005, 10:06 AM
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I might get a 2002 BMW 325CI...
It's nothing certain yet. I'm going to look at it tomorrow. I gotta say, I love the TL, I don't want to get rid of it. But you know, it's always tempting getting a newer car. Here is a pic of the car I might get,
It's tough because the TL is paid off, it's still such a sweet ride, and I don't really wanna part with it. But sometimes u get so tempted like I said.
It's tough because the TL is paid off, it's still such a sweet ride, and I don't really wanna part with it. But sometimes u get so tempted like I said.
04-06-2005, 11:50 AM
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325 is under powered. Although it probably won't feel different from a 2.5TL.
Anyway, I would have to say that BMWs are nice cars. They have a lux factor that makes normal people say wow. However, since you're buying pre-owned, do make sure the previous owner bought it with lots of options. Otherwise you're going to be locking your own doors and moving your own seat. BMW nickel and dimes you on everything.
I had a 1995 M3 before I had the TL. By 2000, suddenly the car decided it had enough. My roof liner crumbled into nasty orange foam and then the whole thing fell down. My air conditioner developed a leak somewhere under the dash area. The dealer said they couldn't do anything except pump freon into it every month or so.
The power locks stopped working one day. I was literally locked inside my car. I put down the windows and hopped out that way. Then I used the key from the outside and that resetted it. Good thing there weren't any ladies around to see that happen.
There's a counter made up of a bunch of green bars, a few yellows, and a red. Once it hits red, you're supposed to change your oil and do other stuff. Good luck changing it yourself. You'll have to take it somewhere. And if you want that counter resetted, it has to be a place that works on Germans. Jiffy Lube and such won't work.
Things I miss about it:
Manual transmission
245's in the rear and 225's in the front. Looks so mean
Excellent handling. Rear wheel drive
Drove the snot out of it and it never had an engine problem
Looks and attention
The auto tuck windows
Well anyway, they are not (from my experience) absolutely horrible reliability wise. Little annoying things tend to break, but the engine itself goes strong. Finally, consider that when certain people see you, they will automatically have an opinion of you. Some people will hate you from the start. That's just what happens.
Hope this helps your decision.
Anyway, I would have to say that BMWs are nice cars. They have a lux factor that makes normal people say wow. However, since you're buying pre-owned, do make sure the previous owner bought it with lots of options. Otherwise you're going to be locking your own doors and moving your own seat. BMW nickel and dimes you on everything.
I had a 1995 M3 before I had the TL. By 2000, suddenly the car decided it had enough. My roof liner crumbled into nasty orange foam and then the whole thing fell down. My air conditioner developed a leak somewhere under the dash area. The dealer said they couldn't do anything except pump freon into it every month or so.
The power locks stopped working one day. I was literally locked inside my car. I put down the windows and hopped out that way. Then I used the key from the outside and that resetted it. Good thing there weren't any ladies around to see that happen.
There's a counter made up of a bunch of green bars, a few yellows, and a red. Once it hits red, you're supposed to change your oil and do other stuff. Good luck changing it yourself. You'll have to take it somewhere. And if you want that counter resetted, it has to be a place that works on Germans. Jiffy Lube and such won't work.
Things I miss about it:
Manual transmission
245's in the rear and 225's in the front. Looks so mean
Excellent handling. Rear wheel drive
Drove the snot out of it and it never had an engine problem
Looks and attention
The auto tuck windows
Well anyway, they are not (from my experience) absolutely horrible reliability wise. Little annoying things tend to break, but the engine itself goes strong. Finally, consider that when certain people see you, they will automatically have an opinion of you. Some people will hate you from the start. That's just what happens.
Hope this helps your decision.
04-06-2005, 12:56 PM
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Great car, just be willing to pay $$$ for the upkeep.
04-06-2005, 01:04 PM
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G/F's dad has an '84 533.....LOVE that car. Never been a fan of the 3 series, 5 series sport sedan more my style. I know of an 840 CSi that's been for sale for a WHILE that I REALLY wanna buy, but they want to much for it. Nice car still though. But yeah, you gotta hope it's loaded cause a base 3 series starts at WELL over $30 G's CDN and comes with HUBCAPS!!! I STILL can't beleive they get away with that.
04-06-2005, 02:36 PM
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325 is what 200 hp? cause i know 330ci is 220 and zhp is 230
how much is that 325 going for?
how much is that 325 going for?
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04-06-2005, 07:30 PM
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I have driven several BMW's and 325's are freakin weak sauce. I would personally choose a TL over a 325. My friend has a 330ci and it drives like a dream, and its pretty quick. 325's feel really sluggish for some reason.
If the TL is paid off i say keep it. They will probably give you a really crappy trade in value, and I honestly think that having 2 cars, especailly since you are getting a coupe, a Sedan would be a nice thing to have. You never know when you are gonna need the extra space.
I say keep the TL and just suck up the few car payments you would save by trading it in. Just my
If the TL is paid off i say keep it. They will probably give you a really crappy trade in value, and I honestly think that having 2 cars, especailly since you are getting a coupe, a Sedan would be a nice thing to have. You never know when you are gonna need the extra space.
I say keep the TL and just suck up the few car payments you would save by trading it in. Just my
04-07-2005, 12:45 AM
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I agree with a lot of wut you guys said. Although I'm not buying it for speed. It is fully loaded. I am basically buying the 2.5 again. The 330CI is like the 3.2TL. I might get a 330CI too, jus depends on wut else I might find or come across. There isnt very many BMW coupes like that on the road. 95% of BMW's you see are sedans. Ofcourse I'd mod it and it would be unique, as is my TL. But ya def tough choice, being I love the TL still.
04-07-2005, 11:23 AM
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http://www.carsdirect.com/home
Go there... Compare the BMW to cars you like... the thing i liked about the 325 is that its fuel economy is a tad bit higher on freeway then the TL... but equal to it on city driving... other then that... i'd stick to my TL... but thats just my opinion... the only reason i see myself changing into a BMW would be just for looks... they look nice... cool looking car... especially with the lip kit some come with... How much are you going to pay for this puppy??? because if its over 30K+... :shakehead I wouldn't get it... If you like it... go for it...
Compare 96 TL to 01 BMW <~~~ CLICK!!!
Go there... Compare the BMW to cars you like... the thing i liked about the 325 is that its fuel economy is a tad bit higher on freeway then the TL... but equal to it on city driving... other then that... i'd stick to my TL... but thats just my opinion... the only reason i see myself changing into a BMW would be just for looks... they look nice... cool looking car... especially with the lip kit some come with... How much are you going to pay for this puppy??? because if its over 30K+... :shakehead I wouldn't get it... If you like it... go for it...
Compare 96 TL to 01 BMW <~~~ CLICK!!!
04-07-2005, 05:59 PM
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that comparison is sweet! the only thing is that a lot of those N/A's.....really are available. i have many of them on my car...96 2.5. things like ABS, moonroof, etc...all on car. but overall that's a sweet comparison.....very comparible for the years
04-08-2005, 12:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Mike89Acord96TL
Ya this BMW is priced at $23K. Not bad at all. But I'm like ahhhhh do I sell the TL or not. I got a buddy interested in it.
IMHO... i wouldn't sell the TL... besides then you would be Mike89Acord0xBMW...
But if you are financially uncapable of keeping the TL and the BMW at the same time... you'll have to decide which one you like the best... Change is good... but also remember... what are you going to change to... 
If you are having a hard time deciding... this is what i did today when i had to decide if i wanted to change jobs... I do this if i'm stuck and the advice of others has helped... but not enough to make my decision... Get a blank peice of paper... Draw a line down the center or fold it down the center verticaly... On one side... write PRO's on the other write CON's... you know where i'm going with this...
Just jot down what you like and dislike about both your options... if you find yourself likeing one more then the other... then go for it... and good luck on your decision...
again... IMHO... i'd try to keep both...
2.5TL>* (except RL
and maybe like lamborgihini [sp] or ferrari's, bently's etc...)
04-08-2005, 02:16 PM
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Ya thanks for the input spook, I like that. Well I could probably keep both if I really wanted to. I mean when I had my Accord, I bought the TL and had both cars for 3 years, it was nice having two cars. But since this BMW is expensive, it would make sense to sell the TL to pay down the BMW. Ya I got approved for the loan, so I'll see wut happens or wut Beamers I find when I go check them out.
04-08-2005, 04:00 PM
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i want a beamer.. but M3, M6 or M5 only for me 
04-08-2005, 05:01 PM
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bimmer = car
beamer = motorcycle
What is the trade in value they are giving you on the TL? If I wasnt getting a HUGE chunk taken outta the price of the Bimmer then I wouldnt trade.
But then again how many miles are on the TL and how many are on the bimmer? I know the TL is built to last forever, but if you are pushing well into the 100k mark you may want to go ahead and trade.
Contradicting myself once again, lol, if the TL does have relatively high miles, you can save milage on the bimmer by using the TL for long trips and such. Or even quick errands to keep miles on the bimmer low.
I can easily see how difficult of a decision trading is... I mean your car still looks brand new. I can only imagine how hard it would be to part with it.
Well keep us posted!
beamer = motorcycle
What is the trade in value they are giving you on the TL? If I wasnt getting a HUGE chunk taken outta the price of the Bimmer then I wouldnt trade.
But then again how many miles are on the TL and how many are on the bimmer? I know the TL is built to last forever, but if you are pushing well into the 100k mark you may want to go ahead and trade.
Contradicting myself once again, lol, if the TL does have relatively high miles, you can save milage on the bimmer by using the TL for long trips and such. Or even quick errands to keep miles on the bimmer low.
I can easily see how difficult of a decision trading is... I mean your car still looks brand new. I can only imagine how hard it would be to part with it.
Well keep us posted!
04-08-2005, 09:01 PM
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I don't know dude... Yes, the 325 looks nice but so does the TL (you just don't think so because you're used to it). But I've made heads turn with my 3.2... The 3.2 is an understated car at first but as people see it, they will notice. The BMW is very common... it's boring. Plus, upkeep of a BMW is much more frequent and more expensive than upkeep of an Acura.
I've driven my uncle's 01 330 a couple of times and didn't think to much of it. I'm used to the smooth ride of the TL. The 330 is great... if you're going to the rack track everyday but the TL is just much nicer to ride/drive around the city.
I've driven my uncle's 01 330 a couple of times and didn't think to much of it. I'm used to the smooth ride of the TL. The 330 is great... if you're going to the rack track everyday but the TL is just much nicer to ride/drive around the city.
04-09-2005, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Mizouse
325 is what 200 hp? cause i know 330ci is 220 and zhp is 230
how much is that 325 going for?
how much is that 325 going for?
04-09-2005, 01:32 AM
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Originally Posted by youngTL
The BRAND NEW 2005 325i is 184hp. The 2.5 TL is 176. 8hp...that's pretty marginal. And the BMW engine has variable valve timing. How I wish that the 2.5 TL i have was VTEC...
04-09-2005, 08:27 PM
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BMW 325CI is NOT underpowered. I'm pretty sure stock for stock it is faster than a 3.2 TL, especially if the BMW has manual trans.
I'd say go for the BMW if you can afford the car AND the maintenance/repair cost.....
I'd say go for the BMW if you can afford the car AND the maintenance/repair cost.....
04-10-2005, 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by 200hpAcuraTL
I have both...
'97 3.2 TL and an '04 M3, that is...
'97 3.2 TL and an '04 M3, that is...
04-11-2005, 01:25 AM
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Originally Posted by raugusta96TL
BMW 325CI is NOT underpowered. I'm pretty sure stock for stock it is faster than a 3.2 TL, especially if the BMW has manual trans.
I'd say go for the BMW if you can afford the car AND the maintenance/repair cost.....
I'd say go for the BMW if you can afford the car AND the maintenance/repair cost.....
04-12-2005, 12:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Mike89Acord96TL
Yeah I am looking at a 330CI now. 2002, fully loaded. That's wut im getting.
just kidding that is a nice car to get, I would def go 330ci over 325
04-12-2005, 09:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 200hpAcuraTL
I have both...
'97 3.2 TL and an '04 M3, that is...
'97 3.2 TL and an '04 M3, that is...
Mike, you'll love the 325, but try for the 330. Very big difference. BMW's have there problems, but so do TL's. The 325 is still quicker than the TL and handles much better. TL's are still great cars though. My 330 was a blast to drive.
Oil changes are easy on 3 series. The oil filter is up top and very easy to change. You can even get an oil extractor to save a few bucks between complete oil changes. BMW requires that you use synthetic oil anyway oil changes are more spreadout.
esCarbonie, I didnt sell out. Im still around and so is the TL.
04-13-2005, 08:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Ken1997TL
Great car, just be willing to pay $$$ for the upkeep.
Amen. My friend has a '98 M3 and loves it, but w/ only 42,000 miles he's already dropping some serious upkeep cash.
He's let me borrow it a couple times and I loved it so much! I couldn't see dropping over 28,000 on a car but I wanted a stick again...so I bought my Prelude. Not AS fast, but still a lot of fun.
Final note...Keep your ride MIKE! It's PAID OFF!
04-13-2005, 08:57 PM
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Originally Posted by 96TL
Sweet. I have a 96 3.2TL and an 05 M3.
04-13-2005, 09:34 PM
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Originally Posted by LDH
what happened to your white 330ci? I remember seeing it when I first joined the forum...it was a clean ride
Dom
04-14-2005, 10:28 AM
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Ya again I love the TL. But ya when Dom got his White 330, I was like damn thats a sweet ride. And now it's time for me to get one. Ya I'm def gettin a 330, jus going through my options. I'll keep you guys posted.
04-15-2005, 07:13 AM
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Originally Posted by presario
my is a 1999 TL, if anyone can show how to change the headlights or bulbs, please respond...
04-15-2005, 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 200hpAcuraTL
I have both...
'97 3.2 TL and an '04 M3, that is...
'97 3.2 TL and an '04 M3, that is...
You have a TL & new M3!?!
SOOOO.....Jealous! My friend as a 98 M3 that he's let me borrow a couple times. De-am! His has 240 Hp...Love that car! I can't imagine another 100 freakn' horses! God most have smiled on you in another life, bro. Rock on!
04-15-2005, 06:54 PM
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Mike...i've driven almost every BMW model, the 330 is nice...but you'll be kicking yourself later if you don't get the M3. If I had an M3 in my garage.....Shoot, who freakin' needs a women!?! But then again, your TL is paid off...life doesn't get a whole lot better.
04-15-2005, 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by SurfingScotty
You have a TL & new M3!?! SOOOO.....Jealous! My friend as a 98 M3 that he's let me borrow a couple times. De-am! His has 240 Hp...Love that car! I can't imagine another 100 freakn' horses! God most have smiled on you in another life, bro. Rock on!
SOOOO.....Jealous! My friend as a 98 M3 that he's let me borrow a couple times. De-am! His has 240 Hp...Love that car! I can't imagine another 100 freakn' horses! God most have smiled on you in another life, bro. Rock on!