Well I finally did it! I am the owner of an 2004 automatic sedan 330i with the Performance Package! I've been ogling the new generation TL since march of this year (I was negociating with a local Acura dealer in May when Acura had 1.9 apr).

After much thought and test driving I felt the 330i with ZHP was a better fit for me. My 330 has Xenons, sunroof, and BMW's Navigation system. The only 330i with this configuration had the Alcantara seats/trim; wasn't crazy about it but I'm getting used to it . The TL is a great car but I felt the 330i was great for *me*.

Such an awesome automobile. I wanted to thank all you guys. This is great TL site!!! I will continue to post since you guys (gals) seem like a fun and interesting bunch .

Just please, no BWM bashing....just kidding!

Happy trails!!!

...USC won yesterday and I leave for Japan (on vacation) on Tuesday; life is good!!!!!!!!!!

 

At least you picked a good car over the TL. i would want a bmw, but i think thats for old people.

 

Thanks for your honesty. The 330i is a great handler and looker and I'm sure you'll love it. Be glad you didn't wait for the "Bangled" design....it's better-looking than the 5-series, but the current design is much better-looking to me.

 

Cool. I respect BMW quite a bit. My biggest issue with them is the price tag and what you get for it. Would you be willing to divulge what you had to pay for your 330i ZHP? I've never actually priced them out at the dealer - I got sticker shock even before talking to the dealerships...

 

question, i've driven my girlfriends 330i quite a few times before. yesterday i test drove the TL. for some reason the TL didn't feel as responsive to the pedal as it did with the 330i. is it just me or do you feel that way also? i know the 330i is rwd and the TL is fwd. that is probably the difference right?

but yea, 330i is good car. i like the tiptronic. plus the engine sounds mean when you accelerate. good luck with your new car.

 

I'm more sorry about USC winning than you buying a bimmer....haha

GEAUX TIGERS!

 

I love the way the engine purrs; this is more noticeable on the 330i ZHP.

The third generation TL is beautiful (especially the interior) but the two TL's (one a week 34 build and one a week 50 build) I test drove I felt, *for me*, an unresponsiveness in the handling and feel. I could not over come this major issue (for me anyway). This is why I chose the 330i. The TL is roomier for the rear passengers (I don't have any children) but again, there is really no perfect automobile.

 

The difference is not as big as you think. $4805 more for the 330i ZHP. This is much closer as I was going to swap out the stock tires on the TL and was somewhat considering the A-Spec package. In addition, the low APR rate and 48 months/50,000 maintance sealed the deal for me.

 

FWD vs. RWD isn't the reason. The reasons for that sensation are: 1. Drive-by-wire system and 2. not-so great torque below 3k rpm. However, you quickly learn to mash the accelerator a little harder to compensate. I hardly noticed it after the first 10 days of driving the car regularly.

 

Interesting..... I just picked up my new TL last wk (6spd). I was choosing between a 330i and the the TL. What sealed the deal for me was the long, long , wait for a 6 spd 330i in the colors and options I wanted.

 

330i got better handling, and the engine sounds awesome~ anyway, nice car~

 

fight on baby!! i was kinda worried in the first half.

// end off topic

 

Eduardo,

Have you heard of BWM Individual? It's an awesome factory personilzation system that you add to your 330 when you order it. It's probably too late for you know (dah), but I was just wondering what you thought of it/what the dealer said about it.

carcar

 

"Fight on!"
I was at the BMW dealer so I couldn't see the game. Thankfully my girlfriend called me around the third quarter of the game. I too thought they might lose at that point.

Thankfully by the time I arrived home in my new automobile I read that they won!

 

Yup. My Performance Package 330i is a full product from BMW Individual. BMW Individual are the engineers that design all the limited edition BMW's and this particular package.

I bought my 330i with 20 miles on the speedo right now it stands at 187 miles. All this in less than twenty-four hours of pure driving pleasure.

On a separate note, I saw a NBP TL today on the freeway...cool.

 

Eduardo - you sound like a class act. Thanks for the nice post. BMW's are great cars, and you got in before the "3" series became "Banglized".

 

Err, thanks.

Actually the E90 (the new 3 series) appears to be the best Chris Bangle design yet (the 6 series are good actually).

From the side view the new E90 has elements of the new TL.

 

I've been following your decision process, Eduardo, and I'm glad you found the right car for you. I too chose the 330 with the performance package (same color, but coupe) over the TL. I won't go into the reasons behind my choice, but I'm sure you'll enjoy the new car immensly (even with the A/T).

If I had decided to get a sedan, I probably would have gotten the TL, but it looks like I might get to have my cake and eat it too since the gf is seriously looking at the '05 TL.

 

I just moved out of a 323i with sport package into a TL and I really miss the BMW. The only reason I moved to the TL was we are expecting a third child and three car seats will not even fit in a five series.

For the guy who said BMW's are for old people, frankly the TL is the first time in my life that I feel like I am driving a family car, albeit a very nice one. My prior cars have included two 3 series, a first generation eclipse, and a 69 camaro I restored myself.

 

Congrats on the BMW. My best friend has the 330 with the same pkg less the Navi. I love the car. For my taste i needed a little more room and a little more lux. The car handles unreal and it a good match until that limiter sticks you @ 126! Enjoy it until the new 3 comes out in a couple of months!!

 

The Performance Package removes the limiter. You can take all the way up to 160+ if you feel so inclined. Personally, I haven't driven mine over 105 yet, but those triple digits sneak up on you pretty quick in cars like the 330 and the TL.

 

330 is one sweet ride esp with the stuff you got on it. Big grats, enjoy!

 

but the new redesigned 330i gonna be released soon... in this winter??? or next yr???

why don't u just wait for the new one???

 

i mean redesigned the whole 3 series~ :gheywave:

 

Many reasons, probably better pricing, might not like the new design, and current need of car. All in all, it's still a pretty good choice.

 

I decided that I wanted the coupe, which won't hit dealers in the States until Fall of 2006 (2 years from now). Also, my next car will be the new M3, which won't be coming out until Fall 2007. Also, BMW is currently offering amazing incentives on the 3 series, which are enough to bring the final price well below invoice along with 1.9 or 2.9 percent financing. Lastly, I'm not real thrilled about the interior or exterior design of the new 3 series, and I needed a new car now.

 

GO USC! i'd rather take the 330ci but any 3 series is just too small for me. Im 6'3 1/2 250lbs i had to get at least a midsize car. Congrats on your Ultimate driving machine purchase i love beemers too,next car for me is the x5 = )

 

Congratulations Eduardo. Remember that long afternoon of negotiations in Santa Monica in that small office? Remember it was in the showroom with your name on it? Remember the free spoiler and low APR? Well, i guess you didn't flake for nothing....you found the car you really wanted.

I drive a BMW so i know the feeling. But, i'm getting into an 05 TL very soon. I still think BMW exteriors look much more sophisticated, but i'm not into the new 5 and not up for the 3 for size reasons and with the new body style and engines around the corner. Anyway, Great choice on the Performance Package...and smart to take advantage of the specials...rare for a BMW.