It is not as if he bought a Buick Lucerne. Sheesh. The 330i is a great handling car.

 

Did you really just say that?

 

Some people just don't know what they are talking about.

 

True....but come on....these two cars don't even drive the same. AND THAT'S OK! To each their own.

 

Best thing to do is to quietly walk away from this one.

 

Congrats on the new car. I'm kind of the opposite as you. I was going to get an E92 (employee lease), but the RX8 at the Mazda dealer across the street caught my eye. 06 330i w/ sport package feels way better(more responsive engine, etc) that the 07 328i. Depending on the production date of you car, there are some interior trim updates that you can get done. I work as a BMW tech, so if you have any questions, please let me know. Enjoy the car!

 

Nevermind, i just noticed it was a 330 and not a 335i, I meant I'd be all in for 30K for the 335i coupe, but thats not gunna happen! nice car though

 

They're not supposed to drive the same.

Handling-wise, 330 is to its class what rx8 is to its class. Meaning they are top handling cars in their respective classes.

Of course they won't handle the same, RX8 doesn't quite handle as well as an Elise, but that doesn't mean RX8 handles bad and anyone that buys it doesn't care about handling.

 

I'm aware of that. I think many didn't read the rest of my post.

 

How did you come up with "he doesn't care about handling because he bought a 330".

That itself implies he bought a horrible-handling car.

BMWs handle great for their respective classes.

 

^ I think it's best to let them be delusional.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm note sure right now of the production date.. could you please tell me which interior trim updates you're referrring? I currently have the real-aluminum trim interior and black leather.

As far as the handling, it's close to the RX in my opinion. The steering isn't quite as "on-center" feeling and you definitely feel more upright (sedan style) than low/wide/sporty feeling of the RX.

But for some reason--and maybe it's just perception over reality--i have a lot of confidence in the 330's composure around sharp turns, twisties and on ramps. it feels very solid, flat, and secure. the rx made me a little nervous sometimes, i think mainly because it was so aggressive and precise that i almost felt like i wasn't a good enough driver to handle it at its limit.

Then again, I did some sweet manuevers with the RX.. i was easily able to do a quick 180-degree u-turn from a standstill in a culdesac or at a stop sign that made my friends laugh (and shake their head in embarrassment for me). those rear tires break free nicely when you drop the clutch and fishtailing around was fun and i had lots of control.

bottom line: if the RX got better gas mileage, i'd still own it. i love the rx and i love the rotary.

 

Same here. I'm going BMW as well. Basically, I'm selling my RX8 because for me, the car payment amount and the gas mileage just are too big an issue now with gas prices approaching $4 in my area.

I know the BMW doesn't get awesome full-economy but it isn't that bad and if I'm going to pay a higher car payment, I'd much rather get...what i consider to be.... a higher-end car. But thats just my situation. #1 big thing for me is the gas mileage I'm getting for only 232 HP.

 

i get about 26 mpg in the 330 and it's got 255HP.

here in san diego, i pay about $4.16 for premium.

 

congrats, that's a real nice car and one i would consider myself. however, consider the following.

annual fuel costs assuming 15K miles mixed driving:
rx-8 $3203
330 $2742
source: fueleconomy.gov

less than $500/year. so, if you keep it for 60 years it will pay for itself!

seriously, when you consider how much you lose in depreciation, sales tax, fees, car loan interest, etc, i just can't see a move like this *saving* any money. on the other hand, if it's the car you really want anyway, then the gas savings is just the icing on the cake.

 

That's about the same price it is up here too. Sounds like a solid car.

Oh... and update your sig

 

I was thinking about trading in my RX-8 for the 335i actually tried to sell it but then I looked at all my track pics and decided no way I'm keeping it Instead I convince my wife to get rid of her 07 Wrangler and get the 335i so now she is debating b/w the 335i (baby=Sedan) or Audi A4.

 

Well said. The CX-7 is considered a good handler in its class of crossover SUVs. But it's no MINI.
Most folks will never see the limits of a sports tuned 3-series let alone the RX-8 especially on the streets. Hence the 330i is fine. Where I am, 3-series are a dime a dozen. The curvy RX-8 just outright stands out as a mini-exotica in the sea of Bimmers. Well unless there's an M Coupe....

 

congratz on the new BMW but overall you FAIL... but congratz again. Lol.

 

Another trade, Like others have said at least its for a Bimmer.

Personally I think it was a good choice, my roommate has the twin turbo 07 model with the red leather it's pretty Fawkin nice. I drove it a few times I wasn't impressed at all, compared to the 8. I tried my best not to be biased LOL. Non the less its well worth the money, all the technology crammed in those things is amazing! Extremely comfortable minus the upright seating versus my usual cockpit feel. Slight hesitation on take off but the problem is solved quickly.

As far as maintenance well.....you got until 2012 have fun
My roommate also has a drop top 95 AMG SL Benz (apples and oranges I know) been seating in the garage for over a year now in perfect condition but can't pass smog because the $1500 cat needs to be replaced along with the pipes attached to it. Good times!

Have Fun and Enjoy!

 

So how do you tackle the WI winters?