BMW 328xi (2007) versus BMW 745i (2003)?

[Lawyer888]

I have the opportunity to purchase a used BMW 745i (2003 model) with 325 horses OR a brand-new BMW 328xi sedan (2007) with 230 horses or a brand-new BMW 328xi COUPE (2007) with 230 horses.

The 745i is fully loaded with navigation system. The 745i differs slightly from the new iteration of the 7-series: the 750i. Rear lights are different and the front-end is slightly freshened up.

If all vehicles were about the same price $50-55,000 (CDN), which would you choose? Any opinions?

I drive the 2000 BMW 740i (sport) and love the prestige and sportiness of the 7-series. However, from a purely 'fun-to-drive' perspective, I believe the 3 would be better (although it lacks the same horsepower/torque of the 7-series). My "ideal" car now, if money were no object, would be to get the BMW 550i.

Anyways, any thoughts on which vehicle YOU would choose? (328xi sedan/coupe vs. 745i, 2003 model)?

Thanks.

[JNMACE]

For the same price...are you kidding? Get the 745i! It is a nicer vehicle all around...except if you accidentally look at it.

[aftp302]

For the same price...are you kidding? Get the 745i! It is a nicer vehicle all around...except if you accidentally look at it.

ROFL!

I have to admit I feel the same way. I thought the looks of the E65/E66 would grow on me but it just hasn't.

If it were me I would compare/consider the following to make a decision:

1) How much do you want the "panache" of driving a 7-series vs driving the more common 3-series? (by common I just mean how many are or will be soon on the road)
2) What kind of warranty are you getting with the 7? The 3 will give you a factory warranty plus the 4yr/50k mile free maintenance.

[Blue330i2006]

take the 7

[youyou]

7 all the way...
Only if you have a full extended warranty.
And it's already better that it's not an 02' 745 because that was the first production year and those had alot of problems.

[Lawyer888]

For the same price...are you kidding? Get the 745i! It is a nicer vehicle all around...except if you accidentally look at it.

RESPONSE: It's strange, but I'm starting to like the rear-end of the 745i versus the newest changes to the 750i. The 745i "rear stripe" is more distinctive and "in your face" than the newly stylized rear of the 750i, which makes it look more "smooth and elegant... but less outstanding". I've never had a problem with the front or side profile of the 745i, just the rear-end... but now it's growing on me. The 19" wheels are pretty damn sweet...

So, another consideration: which would you get:

328xi SEDAN (2007) or 328xi COUPE (2007) or 745i (2003)?

[Lawyer888]

ROFL!

I have to admit I feel the same way. I thought the looks of the E65/E66 would grow on me but it just hasn't.

If it were me I would compare/consider the following to make a decision:

1) How much do you want the "panache" of driving a 7-series vs driving the more common 3-series? (by common I just mean how many are or will be soon on the road)
2) What kind of warranty are you getting with the 7? The 3 will give you a factory warranty plus the 4yr/50k mile free maintenance.

RESPONSE:
1) The 3-series is a much more "common car". In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada... they sell maybe little more than a dozen or two 7-series per year. They sell hundreds of 3-series. Thus, obviously, the 7-series is more exclusive.

The 7-series has a profile that is both stately, elegant, and imposing. The smaller dimensions of the 3-series make it much more of a "younger person's car". In "professional circles", it's almost considered a "cop-out" or a frugality decision (that is, you are CHEAP) that a person chooses a 3-series over a 5 or a 7-series (unless you choose some version of M3). The thought is that you "haven't grown up" if you still drive a 3-series (or you're just too poor). -- A snobbish argument, but one that actually carries weight.

2) The 745i I'm looking at has a factory extended warranty to covers it to 160,000 km (it currently has 68,000 km on it)

[aftp302]

RESPONSE:
1) The 3-series is a much more "common car". In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada... they sell maybe little more than a dozen or two 7-series per year. They sell hundreds of 3-series. Thus, obviously, the 7-series is more exclusive.

The 7-series has a profile that is both stately, elegant, and imposing. The smaller dimensions of the 3-series make it much more of a "younger person's car". In "professional circles", it's almost considered a "cop-out" or a frugality decision (that is, you are CHEAP) that a person chooses a 3-series over a 5 or a 7-series (unless you choose some version of M3). The thought is that you "haven't grown up" if you still drive a 3-series (or you're just too poor). -- A snobbish argument, but one that actually carries weight.

2) The 745i I'm looking at has a factory extended warranty to covers it to 160,000 km (it currently has 68,000 km on it)


Well, I think you've answered your own question then. Sounds like you would rather have the 745i.

[kristine's 335i]

wait for the 535i!

[Eric5964]

nt
RESPONSE:
1) The 3-series is a much more "common car". In Edmonton, Alberta, Canada... they sell maybe little more than a dozen or two 7-series per year. They sell hundreds of 3-series. Thus, obviously, the 7-series is more exclusive.

The 7-series has a profile that is both stately, elegant, and imposing. The smaller dimensions of the 3-series make it much more of a "younger person's car". In "professional circles", it's almost considered a "cop-out" or a frugality decision (that is, you are CHEAP) that a person chooses a 3-series over a 5 or a 7-series (unless you choose some version of M3). The thought is that you "haven't grown up" if you still drive a 3-series (or you're just too poor). -- A snobbish argument, but one that actually carries weight.

2) The 745i I'm looking at has a factory extended warranty to covers it to 160,000 km (it currently has 68,000 km on it)

[530transam]

i almost bought a 2004 745li on 23" rims. it was all blacked out with chrome rims and a 6 inch chrome lip. That was one fo the sweetest cars i have ever seen. But when it came down to it, im a sorts car guy, and i decided on the 335xi becuase of a manual tranny and the sportiness feel to the car. The 745li would be an awesome daily driver but how many bmw's do i need? my 335xi is supposed to be myu daily driver so its not like im going to buy two daily drivers. if i didnt demand a manual transmission id take the 745 people just stare when you pull up in a 745 on 23's. If you could live without the manual then get the 7

[Lawyer888]

Well, I think you've answered your own question then. Sounds like you would rather have the 745i.

Decision was made:

BMW 328XI SEDAN (2007) over the BMW 328XI COUPE (2007) over the BMW 745i (2003).

REASONS:1. New versus old.
- Driving a brand-new car without the uncertainties of what a previous driver "did" to the car is worth the peace of mind of purchasing new.

2. Winter weather in Canada
- Makes the AWD system in the 328xi a significant factor in making a purchase decision.

3. Too many problems & frustrations with the "1st generation" I-drive
- in the 745i between 2002 - 2003 model years (first two model years), as reported even by sales people. Our salesperson told us that BMW's 7-series launch of the 2002 model was the most problematic of the last 15 years in terms of complaints about electrical, I-drive, and other problems. Until the 2nd generation I-Drive came out around 2005, there was a lack of even a "menu button or 'home button'" to return to the main page. In essence, you had to track the path you came from in the menu sequence to return to the main screen. Obviously, this is a huge distraction from driving and poor design.

4. SEDAN versus COUPE: practicality & comfort
- Although I favour the coupe design as more elegant, sporty, and aesthically pleasing, the AWD 328xi (sedan) won because it was too difficult getting into and getting out of the rear seat of the coupe. Unless you never have rear seat passengers, a coupe is a sacrifice in comfort and convenience.

5. Unavailability of 335xi sedan or coupe
- Apparently, the AWD variant of the BMW 335i (that is, the 335xi) is not available for delivery until the 4th quarter. Some people have said it should be available by June, but other salespersons have said you won't likely see it until at least September production. With the first 1 - 2 months allocation already pre-sold, that would mean you could not receive a new 335xi (sedan or coupe) until the end of 2007. Thus, waiting for the AWD version of the highly praised/recommended engine of the 335i is not an option for people who need or want a BMW 3-series AWD system now.

6. Insurance costs
- While insurance costs or fuel costs is not usually a big consideration in people who purchase 7-series vehicles, my girlfriend would not be able to drive my car because she is under 25 and has less than 2 years driving experience. An unfortunate consideration, but one nonetheless.
The purchase of the BMW 328xi (sedan) [Titanium silver, black leather interior] was finalized yesterday at Bavaria BMW in Edmonton. Fully-loaded except no navigation system (thus, no I-Drive), no CD-changer (I intend to use an MP3 adaptor), no adaptive headlights, and no Sport Package. I ordered the Premium Package with the Park Distance Control. I intend to purchase wheels after-market for maximum "bang for buck". 3-M transparent "hood protection" and paint treatment package will be done post-delivery by a 3rd party.

NEXT PURCHASE CONSIDERATION:
BMW 530xi versus BMW 550i

[Eric5964]

"People who purchase 7 series do not consider fuel/insurance cost is comical...most of the 7 series drivers are either "in debt up to their eyeballs" or their cheapness got them in a position to afford the car in the first place!

EricE



6. Insurance costs
- While insurance costs or fuel costs is not usually a big consideration in people who purchase 7-series vehicles

[Lawyer888]

RESPONSE:

Hehe... yeah, that is kinda funny when you think of it.
That's life, eh? Skrimp in some areas, splurge in others. It's all about how you want to balance your priorities.

One tip: eat out less. If you have a nice restaurant meal for both lunch and dinner every day during the year, you could probably easily afford a new BMW!

Second tip: quit smoking! Absolutely the most stupid thing to do in one's life! Not only are you burning good money, you are affecting the health of those around you, you are costing the health care system more in disease/health treatment for when you eventually get lung cancer or some other smoking-related illness. Besides, the re-sale value of your vehicle will plummet when the potential buyer finds out it smells like an ashtray!

Third tip: stop gambling! The odds are clearly stacked in favour of the casinos. You might win occasionally, but in the long run... the odds are against you!

Anyways, without starting a whole forum on lifestyle choices, those are a few ways to pinch pennies/dollars towards the purchase of your NEW BMW!

6. Insurance costs
- While insurance costs or fuel costs is not usually a big consideration in people who purchase 7-series vehicles

[Eric5964]

eating out less.....

as I am in the restaurant biz and it pays for my BIMR !!

EricE