Hey guys...I'm trying to decide which car to get at end of the year. I know the TL is bigger and may be in a different class and I know this is a TL forum, but what do you think? I want something that looks tight -- low with big, wide rims and tires...not too concerned with breaking the sound barrier.

Thanks in advance.

 

Dosen't anyone search? Get the Yugo GV, you'll save thousands. If you really want a step up in headliner technology, go for the Dodge Aries K-car. The 325i owns the TL! woot woot woot!

 

Get a Cadillac if you are gonna put "low with big, wide rims and tires.."

 

Buy the entry level BMW, especially if you are Catholic. It will take years off your time in purgatory.

 

I'm not here to sell the TL, but you asked for advice so here it is: Step away from the computer and go for a test drive...decide behind the wheel, not behind a keyboard.

 

It just so happens that I am currently driving a 2000 BMW 323i, but I am about to get rid of it and buy a TL. I LOVE my BMW. It drives and handles very well and BMW straight sixes are some of the smoothes engines on the planet.

HOWEVER, as much as I love my Bimmer, I have to part with it. It is in the shop way too much. I am lucky enough to have a CPO with a 100,000 mile warranty so I am not paying for the repairs. But there is always something wrong...a new squeak, a new rattle, a switch is out, a hose is broken, a power steering pump is out. I must be honest and say that I do believe I have had a few more problems than most Bimmer owners, but I am used Hondas/Acuras that are hardly ever in the shop. My BMW service rep has even been honest with me and flat out said that German cars maybe fun to drive, but on average they do have more problems.

I am not saying that I will never buy a BMW again, but for now I am gonna go back to Acura.

Although the 3-series is smaller, particularly in back seat room, I have found the back seat of my 3-series to be roomy. I have ridden back there a couple of times and its not too bad...I am 6 feet tall.

My advice...pick whichever you like, they are both good cars in different ways. If you do buy a Bimmer, buy a CPO and get the benefit of a 7 year, 100,000 mile warranty so that you only have to pay a $50 deductible if it has to go to the shop.

 

You can't go wrong with either one. If you are going to often haul people in the back seat then the TL would have the edge. If you lean toward the better handling car the Beemer has the edge. My opinion is that the Beemer will look cooler than the TL when lowered and big tires. But drive them both; the damned TL just reeks with refinement and quality, and it runs and handles OK.

I just put on my flame resistant suit.

 

Alright guys, no need to be rude to the guy, he has a valid question. (referring to the first few replies)

If you're not interested in breaking the sound barrier, the 325i should be adequate for you. I happen to feel it is vastly underpowered compared to the TL, but probably handles better. The TL doesn't cost much more than the 325i, so you get more room, power, and luxury, but probably lose some handling. And it looks low and tight stock. It's simply a better deal financially.

I've never owned a BMW so I can't say anything about reliability, as texas acura did above. I CAN tell you that I've had my TL almost eight months and have had only minor issues, and have been to the dealer 3 times--1. to buy winter mats, 2. for a routine oil change, and 3. to have my EL42 tires switched out for Falken 512s.

If you search, you will find multiple threads comparing BMWs (both 5 and 3 series) to the TL.

Welcome to the board!

 

Test drive! You're in the market for mid $30K car, so next few weeks could be fun in testing out variety of cars (A4, BMW 3series, Saab, G35, E330, and few others in this price range). Heck, even throw in few of the big 3s just for the fun of it.

I did circle the european and japanese brands and ultilmately settled on the TL for the price, value and quality reputation (in that order). Although there has been many gripes about various items on this forum (tires & squeeks), I've not had any problems for the past 5 months and am very satisfield that I settled on the TL.

So, go out and have some fun. Use your key board time to shop price, but your hands for gripping the steering wheel. Good luck and hope you join one of us.

 

Hmm. I'm Catholic and I recommend the TL. You can store rosaries and miraculous medals in the little console compartments.

 

I am a big Bimmer fan, one of my cars is a 04 M3, BUT I would not get the current E46 sedan this year. If you are going to get one wait for the E90 which will be out very soon. Looks to be a much nicer car.

With the 325 you pay an awful lot of your money for the chassis. The TL will be faster in a straight line and has a lot more features for the money, the 325 will be better in braking, handling and chassis dynamics. Choose based on driving and what trips your trigger.

Currently, there are a lot more modding choices for the E46 than the TL. You might want to check E46fanatics.com for a different view.

Depending on how long you keep the car maintanence and repair may be an issue. The Bimmer is covered bumper to bumper for the same length as the TL but maintenence is free for the same period.

With the TL you certainly get more in the feature luxury side BUT I will argue that what you get in the E46 is of higher quality, such as the leather (which IS an option in the E46, leatherette (vinyl) is standard and hard to distinguish from decent leather but is excellent if you have kids etc.

Both are excellent cars, different mission statements and images.

Vandy

 

I sold my 2000 323i for a TL and I agree with your comments. I loved my BMW, it handled well and the inline 6 is smooth but lacked power. I too had a number of issues with various switches, compressors, window regulators etc.
BMW has great service so they were always fixed but I got a little tired of seeing the service department.

 

i second that...or 3rd or millionth that...lost count.

 

I think I might have an unbiased opinion here. See, I am a G35 owner, and I think a TL is a WAY BETTER car than a 325. Acceleration wise 325 doen't even stand close. 330 might be closer, but still slower. As far as cornering / stopping ability I would think 325 should be better.
Verdict: if you want an everyday comfortable and powerful cruiser buy a TL, if you want a "sporty" car buy a BMW 325. Better yet, buy a G35. But thats my opinion of cousre.

 

Dude, you're not alone. I will never buy a German manufactured car again. My BMW 323 was the worst quality car I have ever owned, hands down. My new 04TL has had less problems in the first 6,000 miles than any other car I have owned (though my 1989 Probe was a close second).

 

I'd go with BMW due to my good experience with its service dept. ($$$ but you get treated right).

I am an ex-E36 cabrio owner and currently a 04 TL driver.

 

Never say Never! I bet you if you get a chance to buy the M3 you'll regret what you've just posted.

I like my TL but its handling is not as good as the bimmers.

One thing I learned with these (BMW) cars, you can't own it past 60K miles.

 

That's a good point. There are several 2G TL owners on this board (fsttyms, chuckstl come to mind immediately) who are over 150k miles, MODDED. Unbelievable. These J-series engines are damned near indestructible.

 

Get a Chrysler 300C. Rear wheel drive and wayyyyy better than a TL and a BMW and it has gods gift to engines - the Hemi (r)! :p

That's what all the car mags are saying and you can always trust the car mags to objective and unbiased, right? :devil:

 

my brother has a 325xi and i got a TL. i like the TL way better. my TL has better handling also.

 

Dude, you car has suspension mods.

 

A low-rider BMW will get you more 'cool points' with the ladies than a TL. Then, once you hook up with ladies, they can give you a ride while your new Bimmer's in the shop (hopefully not for any suspension issues because you will have already voided that part of the warranty).

 

Haha. Well, you can impress them with all the gadgets in the TL.

 

ladies? more like skanks. ladies dont hook up with you because of your ride. skanks do. damn you can hook skanks with the right SHOES.

 

+1

 

B M Who?

 

yeah BMW is really anal about voiding warranties when it comes to mods. so if you are planning to mod the car expect to deal with the service department for warranty issues. i am an e36'er as well and i had to fix my car alot. it just doesn't make sense to me, when i see my friends with hondas that are much cheaper and they never have to fix anything.

 

There is one thing you'll get with the Beemer that you won't get with the TL:

FENDER SIDE MARKERS THAT BLINK WITH THE TURN SIGNALS!

A really stupid omission on Acura's part.