325xi, slow?

Xyrium · Mar 6, 2004

Ok, I've been lurking and reading about 3200 posts over the past few days and finally have to ask: Is the 325xi slower than the A4 3.0? The power figures for the two cars clearly tip in favor of the Audi, but I'm concerned about Audi quality (though I keep hearing about the horror stories you guys are having with your windows falling out or not closing, etc.). I can't stand buzzes and rattles so the Audi quality was in question. My other problem is that my friend's Jetta GLI VR6 could probably whip the 325xi into submission (handling-wise as well), and for $10k less, I have to admit it's pretty appealing (albeit hecho en Mexico). The G35AWD would be a great choice had it offered a manual trans.. I currently own an Integra (no comparison to any car here really) and I've easily kept up with a few 325xi's on the road (700lb difference in weight!!!)

I'm sure many of you went through this very comparison when shopping for your vehicles so I am looking for consolation that I'm making the right decision. The extra $7k for a 330 is simply not justified IMO.

Tks,
Paul

frolf · Mar 6, 2004

hi Paul, welcome to BMWboard [:)]

the Audi and the Bimmer are both very good cars. The BMW's I6 (especially the 2.5) is practically bullet proof. The audi will have a similar suspension to the BMW Xi, depending on how you equip the A4. I'm not too sure on the new cars, but the B5 S4's suspension matched up to a E36 328iS (same years), and the E36 M3 had a much stiffer suspension. But a big thing to consider is that the Xi sits almost an inch higher than your basic 325 or 330.

I guess i don't really have an answer for you, the Audi has more power, but BMW has always had better suspensions, and the bullet proof motor. Just thought i'd give you a little more to think about.

Also, try posting this same question on www.audizine.com and see what those guys have to say about bimmers.

jaf211 · Mar 6, 2004

I've owned a '99 GTi VR6 before I bought a '00 323i which I just traded for a '04 330iPP. If what you are ultimately after is VR6 engine performance, you won't get it in the 325xi. If you want a sophisticated suspension that is second to none, get a BMW. VW is a decent car but tends to "loosen up" in many ways as it ages. Rattles will abound- no question. I could NEVER get two distinct rattles out of the door latches in the VW even after having VW send the car to a body shop for a week on their dime. Great engine though. Loved it. Actually, I miss it. I bought the 323i and never looked back on the VW regarding the handling. No competition. Not only that, I will never buy a front drive car again thinking it would outhandle a rear-drive BMW. Bringing the car to Limerock racetrack proved just how susperior the BMW suspension is over anything VW has to offer. Bottom line, because I missed the performance of the VR6, and wanted the suspension that no car company has yet to top, I traded the 323i for the 330i performance package. Life is good.

My advice? Get the BMW- they have a way of sucking you into what driving is all about. The engine is decent as I've driven quite a few 325's for loaners. It's solid. But better yet, buy a good set of snow tires and forget the xi. I pass people going uphill in snow in my rear-drive BMW daily with snows on the car. The front/rear balance is nearly 50/50. Audi doesn't even come close to the perfection of what BMW can offer with front/rear weight distribution either.

Get the BMW.

Good luck.

frolf · Mar 6, 2004

true that! get some snow tires, i rip all over the place and through all sorts of snow with my Blizzaks, then i get to enjoy rwd all the time especially in the summer.

Xyrium · Mar 6, 2004

Although it may be the light weight of the car, I have brand new Blizzaks on my Integra and they barely made a difference. After paying $600.00 for the tires and installation, I was very disappointed. However, I have a friend at work with a 330i who says his car was terrible in the snow this year. Man, I want that 330xi with a sports package more than life itself right now!

Average Jae · Mar 6, 2004

what is the most imp thing that you are looking for in a new car? if yer talking about straight up accel, there are other rides besides bmws that you should look at. neon srt?? is the one to get, if you are looking to get hte best bang for the buck..

besides whenever you get into a awd setup, added weight will slow the car down.. if yer looking for a fast awd on the cheap, how about a wrx, or even a sti or evo vii? (all a matter of what's more imp to you.

Xyrium · Mar 7, 2004

Average Jae said:

Yeah, I looked at the WRX (the car is amazing actually). Unfortunately, I can't get over that hideous hood scoop. If they had kept the previous year's scoop, I might have been ok with it. The new one is far too obnoxious. The Evo is just plain ugly IMO.

Here's the deal, I'm 34, and I think I'm beginning to dislike the sports car image. I am now seeking a sports sedan type vehicle (G35x, A4, 325, et al). Of course, I'd love to have a 500hp 500lbs ft torque engine, but my budget only allows for about $35k including taxes, etc.. So, that pretty much leaves me with the three cars in the above parens.. However, the G35x doesn't come in manual trans., the A4 has a reliability record barely better than VWs (terrible) and the 325xi is a bit underpowered for its weight. So I'm in a quandary.

If the G35x came in stick, I'd buy that car tomorrow, but it doesn't. However, although I'm not pressed for time here, I am also concerned that the vehicles I like today, will look the same way in September so...sigh.

Tks,
Paul

BMWdude · Mar 7, 2004

Why don't you buy a slightly used 2001 or 2002 330xi, it will fit the budget and you get what you want. Unless you run your own business and can sign off your car as a work car, buying brand new car is a waste of money. They loose lots of value once you drive it off the dealer lot. And then even more in the first and second year.

But thats just me [rolleyes]

Xyrium · Mar 7, 2004

BMWdude said:

It's a possibility, but I revel in that brand new car ownership feeling. Knowing that no one has ever abused it for any length of time provides me with self-assurance.

Conversely, your assessment is obviously dead on in that the value drops significantly in the first year or two. Unfortunately, I'm a lazy SOB and "don't have the time" to go shopping at private residences.

The ease of waltzing into a dealership and ordering what I want is quite appealing! [thumb]

BMWdude · Mar 7, 2004

Xyrium said:

Heh, priceless [:D]

jaf211 · Mar 7, 2004

The reason your snow tires may not have made much difference is because they may have been too wide. I had 15" 195/65 snows on my 323i and it was downright awesome in snow. Also keep in mind your Integra is front drive and more weight is in front due to the engine and the F/R balance. When you accelerate, all weight (traction) moves to the rear. Therefore you'll have better acceleration characteristics in rwd cars.

Snow will hinder a rwd car if not properly booted. BMW is made in Munich. They have snow there too. Don't think proper snow tires aren't placed on nearly every car out there. The car (3 series) is engineered properly and will perform without fail in snow every time. No question.

Buy the 325i. You'll never miss the xi. I've experienced it firsthand and I live in CT. The car is sweet and you obviously want it. You'll be disappointed otherwise.

Then again, if you'll breath easier with the xi, just get it. You won't loose either way. Once you drive a BMW for any length of time, it's hard to go back to Japanese or VW. (although they are good cars)

frolf · Mar 7, 2004

front wheel drive sucks in general, so its not surprising that even with snow tires your car still sucked in the snow.

fwd is the most overrated thing ever.

Xyrium · Mar 7, 2004

frolf said:

I'm starting to wonder the same, however I have a co-worker with a 330i and a friend with a G35RWD and both said the winter driving was actually frightening. I don't mind getting snow tires for the car but geez...

BTW, I had a Scirocco a few years ago and to be honest, FWD it was, and that was a blast to drive, excellent road feel regardless of the torque steer.

Thanks everyone for your opinions on this.

-Paul

MrElussive · Mar 7, 2004

New VW's and Audi's that are FWD don't have any torque steer. If you're looking into an Audi, definitely get the Quattro AWD as it sticks to the road like glue, even in the road. However, if you want the CVT automatic transmission, you must get FWD. I had a Jetta for a year before my car and I have Ultra High-Performance All-Season Tires (aftermarket 17" tires and rims) and it was really great in the snow. It's not that FWD is better in the snow than RWD. The thing is, FWD cars are FWD because they are front-heavy and having more weight up front is good for snow traction. BMW's and Audi A4's have near-50:50 weight distribution, so a set of snow tires should get you through the winter months just fine!

VW and Audi have not so great reliability, but fortunately, the problems are mostly very minor and are taken care of after just a few trips to your dealership (assuming you get a car with any problems).

Xyrium · Mar 7, 2004

MrElussive said:

Yeah, I thought about the A4, but hearing of the reports of buzzes and rattles and pieces of plastic breaking off, I can't bear the thought of going through that again (I've owned VWs exclusively until my current POS). I also like the drive distro BMW uses (32/68 I think) which should help it remain sporty regardless of the 1" difference in height.

Sigh...Infiniti, put a damn stick on it already will ya!

dudley821 · Mar 7, 2004

You could probably get a used 2003 or 2004 330xi in your price range barely used, <15,000 miles. It's not like it's that much work to find a used car, go to autotrader.com or cars.com and I'm betting you could find you exact car in a few hours. And you'll get it a lot sooner then if you have to order one, and that wait is a killer so I've heard. Either way, good luck and have fun lookin, hope you find the perfect car.

Bmw 325i 7803 · Mar 7, 2004

When it comes to "driving in the snow being a nightmare with RWD" it all comes down to the driver. I drove a 325i with all season tires this winter in the snow and I had no problems. It's all about your driving skills, you need to keep in mind that you can't really push the car in the snow. If you want added security (and you have a Step) drive in manual mode and downshift to slow the car, then simply tap the brakes to bring it to a final stop. Obviously if you pull out of your driveway (intersection, turn, whatever) and punch it when the ground is icey the car is going to spin...

From my experience the 325i doesn't feel underpowered, but I do know the 325xi is a full second slower than the i. 0-60 in 7.5 isn't bad besides it keeps pulling after the 60 3rd gear will get you to around 92 real quickly, then 4th can pull you steadily to 128 @ 6400rpm. It's a real fun car, get the 325i with snow tires for the winter and drive carefully, believe me you'll love it! [thumb]

Xyrium · Mar 7, 2004

You guys are killing me. I thought I was confused before...

The problem is, if I were to get a RWD car for $31k right now, it would be a G35. I find the BMW far more attractive, but the 3.5l is pretty sweet for the $$$.

It's amazing how this has progressed. It all started with a WRX Wagon (I dont like the sedan), but that hideous hood scoop! Ugh!

BMW needs to replace the 2.5 with a 2.8, get 200HP and 200lbs. ft. of torque out of it, and charge $33k. I want the BMW, and I still think I want AWD. Grrr.....we'll see!

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