335I/Z4M Sunday Times
Discussion
He's amusing, but he really does write some crap. The brakes are actually very good for a couple of laps or somewhere like the Ring where they have time to coold down. It's only when they start to fade badly on normal length tracks that you curse them.
As for styling, I can understand criticism of the 7, 6, 5 and 1, even though I might not agree in all cases, but the new 3 Series Coupe and the Z4 coupe are real lookers.
As for styling, I can understand criticism of the 7, 6, 5 and 1, even though I might not agree in all cases, but the new 3 Series Coupe and the Z4 coupe are real lookers.
I've got a 335i coupe. I actually really like the looks particularly the rear 3/4 with the 18 inch wheels! No question the engine is awesome!
Looks good in a rear view mirror as well!
As for Clarkson - as already said he is an entertainer - he wouldn't be him without his strong if sometimes 'misguided' opinions!
Looks good in a rear view mirror as well!
As for Clarkson - as already said he is an entertainer - he wouldn't be him without his strong if sometimes 'misguided' opinions!
The only problem with the E92 is that it is subtle and understated, and at present people only seem to be interested in the most vulgar, be-winged, in-your-face pimpmobiles in the most garish, solid, primary colours.
It would be easy for BMW to simply slam the E92 to ape the styling of the upcoming M3, but that's just not the point of the car. If you want everyone to notice you (and then mutter under their breath) then get a Lancer Evo IX. The E92 is about good taste.
His analogy of the painting is quite appropriate, but he seems to have got the wrong end of the stick. Suggesting that the E92 is too understated is like buying The Fighting Temeraire and expecting it to have "F
K" written over the middle in neon spray paint.
It would be easy for BMW to simply slam the E92 to ape the styling of the upcoming M3, but that's just not the point of the car. If you want everyone to notice you (and then mutter under their breath) then get a Lancer Evo IX. The E92 is about good taste.
His analogy of the painting is quite appropriate, but he seems to have got the wrong end of the stick. Suggesting that the E92 is too understated is like buying The Fighting Temeraire and expecting it to have "F
K" written over the middle in neon spray paint.I think you are missing that bmw always hold back the sport version and initially release just the se.
The coupe sport will no doubt look the dogs danglies as it will combine a slightly sharper look with the understated shape. Most buyers are currently paying a similar price I suspect what with wheels being upgraded and the like.
bennno
The coupe sport will no doubt look the dogs danglies as it will combine a slightly sharper look with the understated shape. Most buyers are currently paying a similar price I suspect what with wheels being upgraded and the like.
bennno
since when has a sport model ever featured a whale tail?
the sport model is lowered suspension (335ise already has), Sports seats (335i se already has), dechrome (no 3 series should be without), black headling, larger wheels, discrete bumpers and enhanced interior trim or reduced cost leather.
From experience when I bought my 330d E46 and then the sport model came out it looked drab overnight!!
Bennno
A good point, however there are deals to be had on a 335i se saloon that bring it down to sub £28k or sub £30k for a sport. At those prices its less expensive than an M3 and I would expect the reasonably firm residuals of the M3 to nose dive once the next model is released so I doubt there is anything in it.
For a coupe I seriously doubt you would get one for anywhere near £22k in a year as there arent going to be that many about and it will stil be a new model.
A 30k 996 isnt a bad option although done forget you are talking 3 year old car and significant potential repair costs unless you buy from an OPC - which in turn probably means you will be overpaying by £7-8k minimum. Not doing this means you run the risk of an RMS, cyllinder liner or gearbox issue (all of which wont leave much change out of 10k)
Bennno
bennno said:
A good point, however there are deals to be had on a 335i se saloon that bring it down to sub £28k or sub £30k for a sport. At those prices its less expensive than an M3 and I would expect the reasonably firm residuals of the M3 to nose dive once the next model is released so I doubt there is anything in it.
For a coupe I seriously doubt you would get one for anywhere near £22k in a year as there arent going to be that many about and it will stil be a new model.
A 30k 996 isnt a bad option although done forget you are talking 3 year old car and significant potential repair costs unless you buy from an OPC - which in turn probably means you will be overpaying by £7-8k minimum. Not doing this means you run the risk of an RMS, cyllinder liner or gearbox issue (all of which wont leave much change out of 10k)
Bennno
I did say 2yrs old/ £22k. There are good discounts available I agree, but once you factor in Adaptive Xenons, Nav Prof, Bluetooth + Telematics, Auto Dim Int+Ext, Rear Side Airbags, 6CD (all essential for me imo) it doesn't look seem a bargain. Agreed a 996 from OPC will be dearer, but buy private and get the 111 check and buy the extended Porsche Warranty and you're laughing.
Peoples perception of required spec is changing. A few years ao you ticked the bmw order form to obtain a stereo, cd, leather, alloys, sports suspension, sports seats, dechrome, air con, electric windows & mirrors, power steering, traction control, abs, metallic, rear seat belts, rear head rests, central locking.
Now all of the above comes as standard on a 335i sport at £31k - personally i cannot therefore see the point in adding further. TomTom is just as good as buit in sav nav and many used buyers now wont pay more than £3-£400 extra for a factory fitted system that cost £1800+ new
bennno
Laingy said:
whatever you spend on options you lose as soon as you leave the garage. When the salesman tells you if you dont spend an extra 5k you will not get a good trade in, it is a pack of lies - that 5k will immediately go.
That's simply not true. Especially on cars which are expected to have a certain level of kit. Chap on BM3W couldn't get over 22k for his 04 m3 very low mileage, but no spec. Had it been specced he'd have got 25k+ for it easily.
As to tomtom being as good, that isn't true to a large number of people. I've got a tomtom go 700 and I've got navpro in the 330, and the fact that nav pro doesn't require constant mounting/removal is worth it alone. Thats ignoring the build in traffic redirection, the nice big screen, the quietening of the stereo when it talks, all the other idrive functionality & etc. I know some people won't agree with this, but there are a significant number who do and are willing to pay extra for a car with equipment, and will not consider one without.
Frankly I think nav is mandatory in any car costing over 30k new.
Ok, so he would have got 3k more for it with say £5-6k's worth of spec??
I am not sure I follow your logic.
The comments about the sav nav are valid but the reality is the situation has shifted from 'must have' to buyers simply expecting it at zero or limited premium now you can buy a box for £99 which does the same thing. My second gen TomTom will work for 4 hours without cables, interface with my phone to show me who is calling and take handsfree calls plus shows traffic and speed cams besides if I sell the car I can ask £1800 less.
Bennno
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