Hello, this is my new post so hello everybody!

Now, I am in the market for a new sports sedan and I have my once considerable shopping list down to two cars: the tl-s and a 325i

IF I were to order the bmw, here is how my order list will look like:

5 speed (standard)
sports package
onboard computer
navigation system
cd changer
hk sound system

the above comes to about 32k msrp

HOWEVER, I really WANT TO LIKE the tl-s. yet, If I were to go with the tl-s w/nav and the full body kit (an aesthetic must...no trunk spoiler though) the price would come about to 34.5k msrp. I am aware of the fact that both cars will probobly come out to the same price when fuel economy and cost of ownership are factored in, so price in that respect is EVEN

If you were in my (and only in my position..meaning don't hypothetically option out the bmw to equal the tl-s b/c i dont need power seats, moonroof, etc..), what would you do and why?


keep in mind that my preference lies much more into mountain road carving. Is the handling difference really that much? BTW I could really care less into "killing" at the stoplight. (0-60 is w/in half second anyways and while thats an appreciable difference, it aint like night and day)

sorry for the long post and thank you for your input....

 

Oh yeah, one more thing, Im not doing any mods on the car i decide to take

 

I think you should test drive both cars. You can tell that 325i with 2.5 engine inline 6 is underpowered compared to TL Type S 3.2 engine.

To have about the same responsiveness you have to move up to 330i. If you are in mountaineous area, you may want 330xi.

BMW is more fun to drive. It is smaller and more nimble, but you will be more comfortable in your TL S.

325i will have a higher resale value and BMW is a higher class of car, but TL S will give you more value for your money. Maintainance is usually higher for BMWs.

I think I am objective. I had a 318i for many years and took delivery of a 330i in Munich last October. I had a 2000 TL and just got my 2002 TL S.

 

Mountain road carving in San Jose? Anyways it trully depends on your preference. I personally was torn between an Audi A4, the Lexus IS300, or the Acura TL with Nav (At the time I didnt believe the BMW 3 series competed when it came to which ever one that produced the best value per dollar). It wasn't untill the TL-S came out that made it a real competitor. I chose the TL-S because unlike the Audi or the IS300 the TL-S is rated as a mid size car vs compact. To me this played a huge role because I wanted a balance of comfort and performace and still hold a decent size party during a long road trip. Although I may drive my co-workers IS300 from time to time just to feel something different, I still prefer going back home to my TL-S when it comes time to hit bumber to bumper traffic. To me the way I rank cars is which ever one offers the most value per dollar. I obviously cant disagree with someone when they say that a new ferrarri would kick the TLS's ass anyday, but if I use my definition of which is a better buy, then I would definitely choose the TLS. Those who do buy Ferrarri's dont bother asking anyone's advise because they obviously have the dough and is fortunate enough to be able to indulge themselves. Now ask yourself this...are you gonna spend most of your time on the road going 150MPH and above? then get the ferrarri....or are you gonna spend most of your time in traffic like me...well...you know what I picked.

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2002 3.2 TL Type S with Navigation
Exterior: Aegean Blue Pearl
At 3% over invoice, who can complain?

 

This pretty much answers your question doesn't it? If this is all you care about...then BMW it is...although personally I'd still go IS300.

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2002 3.2 TL Type S with Navigation
Exterior: Aegean Blue Pearl
At 3% over invoice, who can complain?

 

Since you'll be living with the vehicle for the next X months, it would seem that you'd be the best judge, not a (biased) consensus decision.

Good luck with whatever you decide!!!

 

If you want the most fun driving on twisted roads, don't care about interior room, 325i(or even IS300 5-speed manual) 5-speed is your best bet!! Otherwise, TL-S is the best bang-for-the-buck...

Though I would suggest you get Xenon also....it's worth it...

Andy Kuo

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'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony, w/out NAV

 

Test drive the 325 before going any further with you're decision. I test drove both the 325 and the 330 and the 325 is most noticable weaker than the 330. So much so that it really was not that great of a test drive. In my opiinion if money is an object and you decide on the BMW, then go with a lesser optioned 330, in the long run you will enjoy it much more.

When you compare it to the TL-S, you might want to look at the size of the vehicles, the 3 series is very small on the inside, you may be ok with that but the difference is big.

Good Luck

 

I'm a little biased because I had some bad experiences with my M3, but here goes.

The 325 will be underpowered compared to the TLS. I really like the rear wheel drive of the BMW, but realize that the handeling of the BMW will decrease considerably over time, due to the bushings wearing.

If you went with a set of summer tires - ie Potenza RE730's in a 215/45 R17, I think the TLS would be competative with the BMW outside of braking.

If you had your heart set on a BMW, I would look for a used 328 with the sport package. This would alleviate some of the power concerns of the 325 at a decent price.

 

The handling on the TLS has being improve. Lowered, low profiles tires and sway bars and it will drive like a BMW. For about $2,000 depending on your taste. In engine power the TLS will defenitely kill the 325. TLS also comes with HID, which it will be about $600 extra on the BMW. I don't know if you compare the Navi systems on both, because the Acura is 100 times better. Too many 325 on the street. IF I was you I'll get the TLS, but is just my opinion.

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