2003 BMW 330xi or 2004 Maxima or Acura TL
2003 BMW 330xi or 2004 Maxima or Acura TL
09-28-2009, 12:04 AM
#3
In terms of looks:
2004 Acura TL
2003 BMW 330xi
2004 Nissan Maxima
In terms of performance:
2004 Nissan Maxima - 265 HP
2004 Acura TL - 258 HP
2003 BMW 330xi - 225 HP
If I had to choose between those 3 cars, I'd pick the Acura TL. It has the looks and performance.
2004 Acura TL
2003 BMW 330xi
2004 Nissan Maxima
In terms of performance:
2004 Nissan Maxima - 265 HP
2004 Acura TL - 258 HP
2003 BMW 330xi - 225 HP
If I had to choose between those 3 cars, I'd pick the Acura TL. It has the looks and performance.
09-28-2009, 01:05 AM
#7
Too broad of a question to be answered really. What is your main goal, what are your hot buttons? Is performance your main goal, luxury, attention to detial, exterior/interior styling, what is it going to be used for etc.
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09-28-2009, 09:09 AM
#8
MYTH, every car is always in the shop, depends how you treat it and if it was a good year for the maker. My buddy Vova has a 95' 740il, nothing major since they owned it for 10 years, they got it broken, needed new gas tank and exhaust, since they only oil, plugs had to be changed, considering in total it's 14 years old, it'll need new suspension and full suspension off a 750 which is a lot more heavy duty goes for about $800.00
He has 130k on the motor, not a single problem. But if a problem does arise, people automatically charge a lot cus it's a BMW which sucks so yeah I agree with taking the TL if you don't mind FWD.
But I'd try to go with the 05 TL doesn't the 04TL still have same tranny issues at 2g's?
He has 130k on the motor, not a single problem. But if a problem does arise, people automatically charge a lot cus it's a BMW which sucks so yeah I agree with taking the TL if you don't mind FWD.
But I'd try to go with the 05 TL doesn't the 04TL still have same tranny issues at 2g's?
09-28-2009, 10:14 AM
#9
MYTH, every car is always in the shop, depends how you treat it and if it was a good year for the maker. My buddy Vova has a 95' 740il, nothing major since they owned it for 10 years, they got it broken, needed new gas tank and exhaust, since they only oil, plugs had to be changed, considering in total it's 14 years old, it'll need new suspension and full suspension off a 750 which is a lot more heavy duty goes for about $800.00
He has 130k on the motor, not a single problem. But if a problem does arise, people automatically charge a lot cus it's a BMW which sucks so yeah I agree with taking the TL if you don't mind FWD.
But I'd try to go with the 05 TL doesn't the 04TL still have same tranny issues at 2g's?
He has 130k on the motor, not a single problem. But if a problem does arise, people automatically charge a lot cus it's a BMW which sucks so yeah I agree with taking the TL if you don't mind FWD.
But I'd try to go with the 05 TL doesn't the 04TL still have same tranny issues at 2g's?
Im not going to comment
09-28-2009, 12:12 PM
#11
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
sorry, just had to laugh.
09-28-2009, 12:13 PM
#12
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Well, isn't 2004 TL 3G??
I'd get the TL then from your list.
Do NOT get the bimmer.
I'd get the TL then from your list.
Do NOT get the bimmer.
09-28-2009, 01:52 PM
#15
The sizzle in the Steak
09-28-2009, 02:48 PM
#16
Senior Moderator
in terms of looks:
2004 acura tl
2003 bmw 330xi
2004 nissan maxima
in terms of performance (auto tranny):
2004 nissan maxima - 265 hp
2004 acura tl - 258 hp
2003 bmw 330xi - 225 hp
if i had to choose between those 3 cars, i'd pick the acura tl. It has the looks and performance.
2004 acura tl
2003 bmw 330xi
2004 nissan maxima
in terms of performance (auto tranny):
2004 nissan maxima - 265 hp
2004 acura tl - 258 hp
2003 bmw 330xi - 225 hp
if i had to choose between those 3 cars, i'd pick the acura tl. It has the looks and performance.
09-28-2009, 03:24 PM
#19
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Out of the three, I would go TL, 330xi, Maxima.
I don't really look at the performance aspect because I'm not the one to gun it everywhere thinking I'm hot shit. The TL is plenty quick for what I need.
As for size the TL is much bigger than the 330. My friend has a 00 323i and that thing feels tiny compared to the TL. If size is a big factor in your purchase, I would drive a TL and then get in a 3-series. I'm not saying the 3-series is small or uncomfortable whatsoever, but it tends to be when you have people in the back seat.
My dad looked at a Maxima before he got his 05 G35x and it felt very very cheap to me. Lots of cheap plastic bits everywhere. I wasn't impressed with a single thing about that car. The ride was pretty rough as well. My mom's 97 Dodge Intrepid rode smoother than that thing did.
And why only those three? Do you not like the TSX? You should really try to narrow it down to cars in the same price range and size. It's kinda hard to compare a small BMW to a mid-size TL and even larger Maxima.
All just my
of course. Others I'm sure will have different opinions.
I don't really look at the performance aspect because I'm not the one to gun it everywhere thinking I'm hot shit. The TL is plenty quick for what I need.
As for size the TL is much bigger than the 330. My friend has a 00 323i and that thing feels tiny compared to the TL. If size is a big factor in your purchase, I would drive a TL and then get in a 3-series. I'm not saying the 3-series is small or uncomfortable whatsoever, but it tends to be when you have people in the back seat.
My dad looked at a Maxima before he got his 05 G35x and it felt very very cheap to me. Lots of cheap plastic bits everywhere. I wasn't impressed with a single thing about that car. The ride was pretty rough as well. My mom's 97 Dodge Intrepid rode smoother than that thing did.
And why only those three? Do you not like the TSX? You should really try to narrow it down to cars in the same price range and size. It's kinda hard to compare a small BMW to a mid-size TL and even larger Maxima.
All just my
of course. Others I'm sure will have different opinions.
09-28-2009, 03:39 PM
#20
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
09-28-2009, 09:10 PM
#23
Burning Brakes
1. TL
2. 330xi
3. Get something else
My last car was a fully loaded 04 Maxima SE which i traded in for an 09 TSX cuz the tranny was starting to slip at 85k km's.
2. 330xi
3. Get something else
My last car was a fully loaded 04 Maxima SE which i traded in for an 09 TSX cuz the tranny was starting to slip at 85k km's.
09-28-2009, 11:25 PM
#25
Suzuka Master
Depends on which model your talking about. E46 (1999-2006) 3 series were fairly reliable. They do have some common issues, but if you maintain them properly they will run for 300k+ no issue. Maintaining the car at a dealer will bankrupt you but if you find a good independent who specializes in just BMWs or mainly European cars, the cost of maintnence won't be so bad.
09-29-2009, 06:52 AM
#26
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Depends on which model your talking about. E46 (1999-2006) 3 series were fairly reliable. They do have some common issues, but if you maintain them properly they will run for 300k+ no issue. Maintaining the car at a dealer will bankrupt you but if you find a good independent who specializes in just BMWs or mainly European cars, the cost of maintnence won't be so bad.
09-29-2009, 07:59 AM
#27
If it has to be between those three, I would take the 330xi with the TL at a very close second. That gen Maxima is ugly as 
, it looks like an obese Sentra that was beaten with an ugly stick.
mclaren is a great source of info as he was a BMW service tech, though personally from what I've seen BMW experience is hit or miss. To rant about BMW reliability (read on if you're curious I guess)...
My sister-in-law's 2003 Cooper S was properly maintained by the original owner, but after should bought it, it had 3 window motors/regulators (she didn't specify) go out, and it had to be in the shop to get the supercharger replaced (!) and it was in the shop again for a couple other times for things other than regular maintenance. Really fun car to drive, but I have no idea why they haven't sold it yet.
My cousin's 2001 X5 was bad enough that he had to sell it. I'm not sure if he knew what proper maintenance was but the brakes had a terrible vibration problem. Also, the information display of the instrument cluster was fubar.... absolutely unreadable. One day the X5 just would not start, the battery was perfectly fine and an ASE-certified electrical tech could not figure it out. It also had something else happen to it which was the final straw.... but after test driving a few SUVs (2G MDX included) he settled on the new X5. He let go of it after the lease ended and got a 2G MDX. Just a matter of opinion, but my cousin, my mom and myself all agree that the new X5 just feels more planted on the road.
my brother's friend had a 1G X5 also and all he said was that it was a piece of crap. Sold it and got a 1G Pilot and loves it. And it really doesn't mean much, but when I was a car audio installer at Circuit City I saw a lot of E46s (and VWs in general for that matter) come in with check engine lights on. I never asked why, but I just remember making a note of it so often.
on AZ you see quite a few members who are perfectly content with their 3-series, Scrib aside
some have bought 2 or 3, or even 4 
I guess mechanically they're superb and will run for a long long time. But when it comes to the electrical side.... caveat emptor
, it looks like an obese Sentra that was beaten with an ugly stick.mclaren is a great source of info as he was a BMW service tech, though personally from what I've seen BMW experience is hit or miss. To rant about BMW reliability (read on if you're curious I guess)...
My sister-in-law's 2003 Cooper S was properly maintained by the original owner, but after should bought it, it had 3 window motors/regulators (she didn't specify) go out, and it had to be in the shop to get the supercharger replaced (!) and it was in the shop again for a couple other times for things other than regular maintenance. Really fun car to drive, but I have no idea why they haven't sold it yet.
My cousin's 2001 X5 was bad enough that he had to sell it. I'm not sure if he knew what proper maintenance was but the brakes had a terrible vibration problem. Also, the information display of the instrument cluster was fubar.... absolutely unreadable. One day the X5 just would not start, the battery was perfectly fine and an ASE-certified electrical tech could not figure it out. It also had something else happen to it which was the final straw.... but after test driving a few SUVs (2G MDX included) he settled on the new X5. He let go of it after the lease ended and got a 2G MDX. Just a matter of opinion, but my cousin, my mom and myself all agree that the new X5 just feels more planted on the road.
my brother's friend had a 1G X5 also and all he said was that it was a piece of crap. Sold it and got a 1G Pilot and loves it. And it really doesn't mean much, but when I was a car audio installer at Circuit City I saw a lot of E46s (and VWs in general for that matter) come in with check engine lights on. I never asked why, but I just remember making a note of it so often.
on AZ you see quite a few members who are perfectly content with their 3-series, Scrib aside
some have bought 2 or 3, or even 4 I guess mechanically they're superb and will run for a long long time. But when it comes to the electrical side.... caveat emptor
09-29-2009, 09:13 AM
#29
What Would Don Draper Do?
get the TL.
the 04 maxima, which i actually considered buying (well, an 05 model), is a pretty bloated car. had to drive one recently, and it felt a bit like a boat. and the interior for that year's model is tacky with lots of plastic.
the 04 maxima, which i actually considered buying (well, an 05 model), is a pretty bloated car. had to drive one recently, and it felt a bit like a boat. and the interior for that year's model is tacky with lots of plastic.
09-29-2009, 10:52 AM
#30
I'd go BMW 330XI FTW! In terms of performance, the bimmer can keep up with all those cars in a straight line, from a dead stop. The all wheel drive helps it jump ahead on the launch, with the other cars playing catch up. In the twisties, the BMW simply will murder those two FWD cars. In my opinion this makes the BMW much more fun to own and drive! cost is an issue, but you can get around that by using your local bmw repair shops, as stated previously. Maxima drivers do tend to be cocky jerks(I'm sure F23A4, is a nice guy though 
), and TL's have seen me go through 2 transmissions!.
), and TL's have seen me go through 2 transmissions!.
09-29-2009, 11:10 AM
#31
Senior Moderator
I'd go BMW 330XI FTW! In terms of performance, the bimmer can keep up with all those cars in a straight line, from a dead stop. The all wheel drive helps it jump ahead on the launch, with the other cars playing catch up. In the twisties, the BMW simply will murder those two FWD cars. In my opinion this makes the BMW much more fun to own and drive! cost is an issue, but you can get around that by using your local bmw repair shops, as stated previously. Maxima drivers do tend to be cocky jerks(I'm sure F23A4, is a nice guy though ) , and TL's have seen me go through 2 transmissions!.
) , and TL's have seen me go through 2 transmissions!. 
My wife thinks I can be a cocky jerk. 
09-29-2009, 11:41 AM
#32
What Would Don Draper Do?
I'd go BMW 330XI FTW! In terms of performance, the bimmer can keep up with all those cars in a straight line, from a dead stop. The all wheel drive helps it jump ahead on the launch, with the other cars playing catch up. In the twisties, the BMW simply will murder those two FWD cars. In my opinion this makes the BMW much more fun to own and drive! cost is an issue, but you can get around that by using your local bmw repair shops, as stated previously. Maxima drivers do tend to be cocky jerks(I'm sure F23A4, is a nice guy though ), and TL's have seen me go through 2 transmissions!.
), and TL's have seen me go through 2 transmissions!.
09-29-2009, 11:49 AM
#33
Suzuka Master
Get the TL.
09-29-2009, 12:53 PM
#35
Senior Moderator
Of your list, I'd buy the 2004 TL. I owned one for 57,000 miles and it was a pleasure to own and drive. I was one of the first 2004 owners on this site, in fact. 
The tranny issues discussed above applied to only the first 14,000 2004 TLs and were related to the 2nd gear oil jet. Anything after that is safe. If the 2004 TL you want has a low VIN (below 14000), you can contact an Acura dealer to make sure that the oil jet recall was done. If so, you're golden.
The 330xi I'd buy only if I were interested in AWD, which in a BMW I personally am not...I'd just get the RWD one.
The 2004 Maxima.... Um, no. Ugly and AWFUL torque steer. If it were 2003, then YES YES YES!
Bottom line: what are you looking for in a car?
The tranny issues discussed above applied to only the first 14,000 2004 TLs and were related to the 2nd gear oil jet. Anything after that is safe. If the 2004 TL you want has a low VIN (below 14000), you can contact an Acura dealer to make sure that the oil jet recall was done. If so, you're golden.
The 330xi I'd buy only if I were interested in AWD, which in a BMW I personally am not...I'd just get the RWD one.
The 2004 Maxima.... Um, no. Ugly and AWFUL torque steer. If it were 2003, then YES YES YES!
Bottom line: what are you looking for in a car?
09-30-2009, 10:16 AM
#36
Of your list, I'd buy the 2004 TL. I owned one for 57,000 miles and it was a pleasure to own and drive. I was one of the first 2004 owners on this site, in fact. The tranny issues discussed above applied to only the first 14,000 2004 TLs and were related to the 2nd gear oil jet. Anything after that is safe. If the 2004 TL you want has a low VIN (below 14000), you can contact an Acura dealer to make sure that the oil jet recall was done. If so, you're golden.
The tranny issues discussed above applied to only the first 14,000 2004 TLs and were related to the 2nd gear oil jet. Anything after that is safe. If the 2004 TL you want has a low VIN (below 14000), you can contact an Acura dealer to make sure that the oil jet recall was done. If so, you're golden.
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