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I can agree with you on most of these aspects. I test drove a 325, but the 330 with the ZHP package added a bit as its lower to the ground and has better handling due to suspension upgrades.
The back seats (in my mind, at least) are more spacious than the 8, but I would still prefer the 8's back seats. Only benefit in this is that they fold down (and I have decent sized trunk I can actually put stuff in)
I'm not a fan of any BMW newer than the E46 series. Too bland, and as you said, everyone finances them and manuals seem to be getting more and more scarce. On top of that, they are only getting bigger and heavier. It is actually very fun to drive, but admittedly not quite what the 8 was. I still plan on purchasing another RX8 in the future as a project car.
I'm now over 20,000KM on it and only problem I've had is replacing a window switch for $40 and 5 minutes of my time. Unfortunately I hit a sever un marked pot hole at 2AM last week which caused both my passenger tires to explode, one wheel bent, and some other suspension related issues (stabalizer link, shock, bearing) . It was not a fun time
I can't wait to get back in the 8 game, though!
Originally Posted by ANZ
I have test driven various models of the BMW 3 series over the last 17 years. Back in the 90s I was driving a Ford Escort. After the 328 test drive the Escort felt like crap. Not the case with the RX8. The interior is comparable to my RX8 GT, maybe slightly better. The driving dynamics are by far better in the RX8: handling, steering, the shifter. The back seat in the E46 is as cramped. One area where E46 and E90 shine is the balance between luxury and performance. In every day driving it feels luxurious but it can take a curve. But that is the thing: to appreciate 3 series handling you have to drive it hard. The RX8 is fun to drive in regular driving.
Of all 3's I have test driven over the years I liked a 325 from 2004 the best. It had a nice engine sound, despite a lower hp (184?) pulled nicely albeit with a weird lag. E90 somehow felt bland, F30's are different animals.
Overall they are nice classy cars, not as sporty as the RX8. Expensive for what you get but some people love them. Most people lease them nowadays. Few have manual trasmission. Newer models are an unlikely choice for a car enthusiast.
Seeing as I still logon from time to time, thought I'd give everyone an update here.
The BMW has been working out great.
New exhaust, headlight mods, etc. Suspension mods on the way. 205,xxxKM on the clock, and all I've had to replace was a DISA valve for $500. Otherwise, no problems!
One complaint -- damn open diff. Really shines in the corners, and not in a good way. Fortunately I'm upgrading to either a helical-type or just a 1.5 way mechanical.
Mileage -- significantly better than my RX8 was. Even with spirited driving, I RARELY get under 28MPG (Canadian, that is). On the highway, I hit 40.3MPG @ 109KM/hr on a long distance trip. Again, this is the Canadian conversion, so those numbers are lower for those of you in the USA.
Overall, the car has been fantastic. Great room, great sound, great power and great mileage. I miss the nimbleness and precise cornering the RX8 offered, which is why I'm soon upgrading to some Koni Yellows along with other misc modifications.
On a rotary side -- my RX8 is back up for sale in my area, and I might just pick it up as a toy to play with and build over time. It would be a great project
06-15-2014 | 10:51 AM
