DrMooCow

P.S., if you do go for a BMW, be sure to check out bimmerfest.com and e46fanatics.com, all great forums like acurazine.

Dima1978

So what did you get?
PS I have just fixed m54's oil separator -- reliable my ass. esp in a cold climate. Also, TL's rattles, crappy axles are no reliability/quality signs.

m5runner

My brother has a 330ci and I just bought a TL. I've owned a 3 series and a 540i sport before and they always had issues (4 waterpumps/thermostats/radiators on the 3 series). Funny thing is yesterday my brother called me and he was on the road and guess what? BMW overheated! It's a common problem for ALL BMW's. I got sick of making my mechanic rich so I bought a TL. While the BMW has better handling capabilities, it's not worth a shit if the car is always in the shop.

I like peace of mind more than anything so I bought myself an Acura.

Johnny_b

Overheating is common in BMW's? No.

m5runner

Very much so. I've never owned a BMW that didn't overheat at least once. MY first one (325i) suprised me twice - radiator neck broke off the 2nd day of ownership (plastic junk) and my waterpump went out after (more plastic junk). My sister's legend, a 92 didn't crap its first waterpump until it had 186k miles. Acura is just a much more reliable car.

Dima1978

it is not as common but it happens often :-)

m5runner

It is common and it happens quite often. One of my good friends has a BMW shop in Atlanta and I used to just watch BMW's pour in for overheating problems. He even had a ring of broken radiator necks on the wall with a sign that says "if you don't replace your radiator every 2 years, this is where the neck will be"

Dima1978

I think they fixed that issue with cracked radiators and expansion tanks 3-4 years ago. But it is funny though-- Bring Money With

m5runner

The expansion tanks would break on the V8's, along with the radiator neck. The I-6 motors would take the neck 99% of the time and leave the reservoir in tact. I talked to my buddy about the new ones and he said it's only a matter of time before they start breaking off too. The torque of the motor and the way it twists the upper radiator hose will eventually make any plastic fitting break.

Dima1978

My wife was driving through northern Minnesota and the good old e53 m54 gave up on life. I got lucky it was stuck closed: blown head cover gasket (instead of a hydro lock). I got it fixed myself for 800$, dealer asked 2000$(hydro lock would have made me keep this thing in the garage)
Now I am trying to sell the beast -- nobody wants it. maybe I will install nice ZKW projectors... some happy and clueless kid will buy.

PhilB81

Totally with you!, I wanted an 04 ZHP 6spd 4door, but now that i moved to Clearwater I no longer know any mechanics. Plus since I was looking for a new car last summer, the 04 was 'used' and I never found one with the low mileage + certified like I wanted, so I just got a new typeS.

Honestly, I really love the typeS, but I still drewel everytime I see a 330i ZHP, or a 335i.

BradE

As a former BMW owner, they are nice cars, but I wouldn't own one out of warranty. If you do, you'll need to learn to do most of the work yourself, or be prepared to spend assloads of money.

esco786

iTrader: (2)

bottom line: the 330 is a nicer car, but when it does come for time to change parts or do labour, be prepared to pay much more for it.

it all depends if your cashflow will be 'bmw sufficient' once you've purchased the car.

Although the TL is a nice car as well, it just doesn't compare to any BMW when it comes to class.

Reliability -> TL
Class+Performance+More Cost -> BMW 330

ballerjai

Go for the TL, great car and like you know it's reliable. I'm with everyone else, if you're not getting a 335 or a M, stick with the TL. Both of my siblings have BMW's, nothing but problems, especially the M.

TLin401

A before B.

pish180

I own a 330xi and an m3 currently... m3 has 134k and the alternator went bad.. normal prices as long as u go online an buy the parts. Any car will last with proper maintence. As for the waterpump issues.. BMW has recognized that i think 03 and later the water pumps came with plastic impellers thus changed them with metal impellers on 04 and later. I have not not a problem with either of my BMW's. The 330 has 68k.

The TL is faster than a 330xi by far. a ZHP might be a close race. The ZHP will def handle better. TL stock comes with more features. The BMW u will probably want the upgraded packages... cold weather, ZHP (aka performance in earlier years), premium package.

If your looking for a manual u will want an 04 cuz they came out with the 6 speed then.

If your at all mechanically inclined... the m54 motor is CAKE to work on!!! Oil filter is right there when u pop the hood.

I give the TL a lot of credit for the price they r going for now. Also much more cargo room in a TL than a 330! and rear seat room.

Oooh yeah... 1 more thing. RWD is a lot more fun in the summer. :P Winter tires and DSC will be ur best friend in the winter.

AtlM5

I have to agree..The 330i ZHP sedan is sex and the handling actually rivals the M3s, but the power just kills it for me...But every time I see one I admire its style In a race, it wouldn't even be close

1fsthatch

just drive this new car normal dont beat on it

05TLbase

+1 ^

d-townhakuzo

I see lots of people suggest the 335...but in the year he is purchasing his car the 335 wasn't made, so b/t a 330 and a TL I would say TL. But if you save up...then a 335i...

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

This thread was started over a year ago. No need to continue talking about it. OP- if your still on the fence about this, please start a thread in Car Talk. Thanks.