03CoupeV6

Hey guys... wondering if some of you could help me with some questions.

This might be rhetorical, but I've completed 3 test drives on late model BMW 3-series cars (both coupe and sedan, 325 and 330) and I'm left wondering: What is the fascination people have with these cars? It drove nicely, but the interior was small and felt cheap. I have read so many reviews that laud the 3-series driving experience that I really had high expectations -- and it failed miserably. It was okay, but the high price and cheap interior aren't enough for me.

Anyway, tomorrow we're swapping the 03 Accord V6 for an 05 Accord V6. This one now is silver with 28k miles. The new one will be red. Our 03 is a relatively early production (VIN ending in 9xx) range, and has been plagued by glitches. Last night, the final straw was the center console lighting (along with the head-unit lighting) going out. I know it seems silly to replace it with the same car, but we're really impressed with the new Accord coupe.

We also have a 1999 Accord EX-L that is about to turn 92,000 miles. It's been pretty much trouble free, but it's time to replace it. Since we're buying vehicles together, we're not going to buy two new vehicles. In my hunt for a car for about $18k with a V6 (tired of the four-cylinder), I stumbled across a 2001 SMR CL-S with 33k miles. It's certified and costs $16k.

My questions:

Is the SMR 01 CL-S with 33k miles a good deal for $16k?

What is insurance like on a CL-S in relation to an Accord, for those of you who might have swapped an Accord for a CL-S?

scalbert

What trim level 330i did you drive??

But to answer your question, the fasination of many centers on the emblem only.

However, drive a manual with sport suspension on something other than urban roads and you will see the reason why they continue to be on the C&D top 10 list. The driving dynamics are vastly superior to the majority of vehicles. One enthusiastic drive in the north Georgia mountains and you wouldn't ask that question.

If you use a car to commute, there is no reason to buy a 3-Series IMO. If you like to drive then there is a good reason for it.

As for seeming cheap, I dunno... Maybe the trim level was low or maybe the Germanic feel is not to your liking?? I find German makes to have harder materials versus the softer Japanese makes.

03CoupeV6

It could have been a bad example of the 330. It was a 2002 with the sport package, but with an automatic. I do use the car as a commuter and the 3-series is a bit stiff for my liking. I don't think it is the Germanic feel, though, as I've driven plenty of C-class Mercedes that I liked inside, outside, and to drive. Maybe I'm just not into driving as much as the type that the 3-series appeals to.

What I meant by cheap was that some plastics seemed brittle and there were some loose switchgear controls. It had 21k miles. My ultimate turn off for BMW was a test drive of one at the Bimmer Store.. it was a 2002 325i and I was checking the windows and when I rolled the back one down it made a crunch noise and refused to move further in either direction. It had 26k miles. Anyway, I don't think I'm the BMW type. So I'll leave them to those who are.

scalbert

My wife had an '99 E46 328i with 5MT and sport suspension/luxury package, etc. and it was a fantastic vehicle. Would have kept it but a double stroller wouldn't come close to fitting in the 3-Series trunk. But it was, by far, the best handling car I have owned.

We had no problems with the switch gear or found the plastics to be lower grade; actually the opposite.