330I or Acura TL ?

Average Jae

Average Jae

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#21
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#21
this thread is sounding more and more like: the reason why bmw commends a premium!
amazing how what people will do when someone makes a kick ass ride! so i guess i should stop trying to play the devil's advocate eh?

its always nice to see people back their arguments with their wallets! rather than just throwing crap around.
 
M

matsarge

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#22
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#22
01986s said:
I need someone to convince me that the 330I would be the better value.

BMW 43,000
Acura 33,000

Help (no flames please)
Click to expand...
Here's another way to look at it. I just bought a 2006 330i on the 31st. I test drove the 330i, the TL and the G35 AWD on the same day. In terms of the "gadgets", the main difference is the NAV was in the TL and I bought the 330 without the Idrive. But I get the BMW assist which I got nothing in the TL so for me anyway, that's a wash.

Let's talk price(these prices are with no money down).

The best deal I could get on the G35x AWD w/NAV was a "on-the-road" price (price of car +TTL) of $39650. I get the Nissan discount so the mark-off was about $3K, the sticker was $39410.

The best deal I could get on the TL Auto w/NAV was a "on-the-road" price (price of car +TTL) of $35745. The sticker was $35670.

I bought the 330i for a "on-the-road" price of $41,000 (auto, heated seats, sat. prep premium package). The sticker was $41,445. So I got the car for $38200 +TTL or for about $3200 under sticker.

So let's compare.

2006 330i - $41000
2005 G35X- $39650
2005 TL- $35745

Now add in general maintenance over 4 yrs. (anything minus tires) that I won't pay for with the BMW because it's covered. Let's use $2K, ($500 per yr.) and compare again. Keep in mind we're comparing 2 2005 models (TL, G35) to a 2006 330i.

2005 G35X- $39650 + $2000 = $41,650
2006 330i - $41000 + 0 = $41,000
2005 TL- $35745 +$2000 = $37,745

The playing field looks a lot different now doesn't it. Add in the fact that those 2 cars can't hold the 330i's jock-strap in terms of "driving experience" and my decision was real easy. Yes, the other two had things the BMW didn't like NAV and AWD (G35) and more cup holders. But I didn't really need them.

Also add in that the first time I took the car out, (to the local Hooters Bikini contest) on Thursday, a group a Hooters girls left from standing next to a black 2005 TL to come over to my car (I bought the Sparkling Graphite Metallic w/ Black leather) and to quote Danielle on the difference between them, "I'd fool-around with a guy driving that car, I'd sleep with a guy driving this one." Too bad I'm married. [:D]
 
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brahtw8

brahtw8

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#24
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#24
matsarge said:
2005 G35X- $39650 + $2000 = $41,650
2006 330i - $41000 + 0 = $41,000
2005 TL- $35745 +$2000 = $37,745
Click to expand...
I question a few of your assumptions and calculations.

BMW assist is not a substitute for Navigation and your calculations should reflect that. That kind of subjective opinion is not consistent with an objective comparison of content.

BMW's free maintenance is somewhat of a joke and not worth anything close to $500/year when applied to the Japanese. The BMW intervals have been extended far beyond what they were before free maintenance. (Lifetime transmission fluid, etc.) You are basically talking about oil changes and inspections.

I have owned a 2004 TL for 19 months and 34000 miles. The annual maintenance cost is not $500/year. $250-350 would be accurate.

I would offer the following comparison:

2005 G35X- $39650 + $1200 (maint.) = $40,850
2006 330i - $44390/$45665 (auto/manual)
2005 TL- $35745 +$1200 (maint.) = $36,945

*(MSRP of 2006 330i manual (automatic add $1275, no charge on TL) w/ necessary options, including sport, premium, cold weather, Navi, satellite radio, to bring content close to the level of the 2005 TL, still lacking DVD audio/surround, dealer-installed CD changer, and with the discount off MSRP presumed to be equal to T+TL for an out the door price equal to MSRP)

The 330 is a legitimate choice over a TL or G35, but not on value.
 
Stitch

Stitch

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#25
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#25
01986s said:
I need someone to convince me that the 330I would be the better value.

BMW 43,000
Acura 33,000

Help (no flames please)
Click to expand...

01986s, personally I think this is not the best site for induction.
1st - think money is not an issue for you. It is just a matter of picking up a Rolex or a Grand Seiko! However, you might consider a 330xi on Snow. 'coz I had a 270 degree spin last winter w/ my 318ti.
2nd - Sounds like you made your decision already. Because you picked a BMW forum to convince yourself. You just want somebody to reassure that. Right?

From someone who loves logic

Do come back for more fun conversations!
 
B

BMWJO

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#30
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#30
Yeah that's right like a used BMW...

The fact of the matter is that used or new it does not matter over the long haul a BMW will cost you more than a Honda/Acura. But that's ok if you can afford it.
 
~SUN-XTC~

~SUN-XTC~

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#31
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#31
Just a thought, but the new Lexus I-series bodystyle looks pretty sweet. Lexus makes good sh*t. If I remember right, the new I330 or whatever they are will have close to 300HP. Due out this fall..

I didn't want a sedan, but according to my buddies I inadvertantly bought a 'trim magnet'.
 
Stitch

Stitch

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#33
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#33
Think about how many experience Toyota and Honda have on RWD? They might have a lot of research, but not enough data in real life accidents.

Taking about the safty features in BMW that we have, DSC helps to prevent lots of panic moments and provide us pleasure on driving.

Take a look at what Acura offer - Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) adds side-slip control to the ABS and Traction Control function. It works by controlling brake pressure, engine power or both to help maintain traction. Even if you take no action, VSA will reduce engine power and/or apply the brakes to reduce front or rear side slip.

This Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) is just like what is in my 97' 318ti ---> ABS + Traction Control. Time is going backward for Acura!

http://www.acura.com/safety/saf_active_index.asp
 
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