Edward

Oh crap!! ...you almost made me spit out my coffee!!!

Funny, though, my experience (albeit limited) with sales or service in dealerships is that the Japanese marques, especially the luxo end, seem to KNOW they need to EARN your repeat business and treat you as such ...not so with the MB and BMW. The "snide reps" of these Teutonic marvels are a stereotype, but one all too often substantiated when I actully have to speak with one.

Incidentally, I LOVE the E36 and E39s of yore. I hate to sound like an old fart harkening back to "the good ole days," but these two model lines are solid performers and everyone I've known that has had (or currently owns) them loves them. Look, too, at how many E36 M3s proliferiate the track ...great cars and superb bargains used, IMHO.

Edward

Paddy

This thread is funny. I've owned 5 different 3 series BMW cars. First was a 85 318i and I had a few minor problems with that car, but I did run it until 189k miles then I hit a deer and it was a total loss. I'm sure that car would have gone another 189k. My second BMW was a 1992 325is and I never had a single issue with the car. As a matter of fact I sold it to a family friend and it is still on the road w/ well over 200k miles.

1989 E30 M3- I had a ton of problems with this car, but it was a molested car. I didn't keep it very long
1995 E36 M5- Put 50k trouble free extremely hard miles on this car. Just replaced many rear tires.
1988 E30 M3- This was in much better shape than the 89 and I only had a few minor issues with this car, but again it was an old car.

My family has had a least one BMW in the garage for the last 20 years. Currently my mother drives 01 330IX w/ 70k miles and had one issue with her car. The drivers side taillight shorted out and the assembly had to be replaced. I strayed away from BMW for a few years and bought a Audi S4. What a huge mistake. I would NEVER buy another Audi after that lemon.

I know you said she isn't a driver, but it really is hard to beat the feel of a 3 series. Plus, they have decent resale value. Personally, Iif I were looking for a new sedan I would be all over the 335i

I also had an IS300 and had a wonderful experience with Lexus. Why doesn't she look at an IS250/350?

mbriggs993

I just sold my 2003 G35 sedan for an 07 335 sedan. So far so good but I admit the G35 is a better value and mine performed well. I put over 30,000 miles on it, already had 10,000 when I bought it, and I didn't really have any troubles with it. My previous car was a Maxima which is still in the family with over 100,000 miles and holding strong. I think the BMW is a great car but I would not hesitate at all over a G35.

Chuck A.

One point I'd like to make is that the original requirement for his sister, was RELIABILITY.

Having read all these posts (plus my own experience) draws the conclusion that when it comes to reliability, BMW is a crap shoot (pun intended). If what she wants is reliability, then the G35 is the way to go.

I'll be the first to admit that the M3 I had was very much a "driver's" car, but that is not what his sister is looking for (I guess not everyone is perfect like us). Since she is currently driving a Honda and is looking for something similar, I would suggest that the BMW is not the right fit for her. [/end

f8vr993

EZ there Chuck!

This is all about the choices we make...
It's very simple this thread, do you want Rice cake or Brathurst?
I know what I want... How about that sis?

Chuck A.

Sorry, was just having a bad day...

What struck a nerve is that this happens at work all the time:

Someone asks a question with a specific set of parameter (e.g. is the G35 reliable) and everyone chimes in with their thoughts that have nothing to do with the original question (e.g. my friend's cousin's neighbor's ex-wife's BMW is very nice).

Sorry, I'll lay off the Starbucks now...

Edward

Actually, you need another Starbucks hit, Chuck. It'll calm you down ...I think you're going through withdrawls.
BTDT

Edward

CAHRERA

CP,

If your sister is not really a car person then why is she limiting herself to just 2 different car mfg. When we were looking for another car because we just had lost our Acura Legend with 177K miles due to an accident. Long storie short my wife and kids were in car number 3 in a 5 car chain-raction which totalled the car being sandwiched causing front and rear damage.

So in search of a new/used vehicle I was thinking Reliability and safety is important so I was looking at Acura, Lexus and then Mercedez, BMW, Audi. Only because I hear horror stories on the European car mfg. After doing more research it came down to Lexus. All I can say is the GS is a very smooth driving car and quiet. I love the car!

The new IS are nice. She should look into the new Toyota Camry S. Those are cool I believe it's the same chassis as the new Lexus ES.

Pong you drive a Lexus so you should know how reliable they are.

Kestrel

I was in the same position as your sister 2 years ago and went with a 325Ci. The car has been basically trouble free. I haven't had any of the electrical problems that others have experienced. I've never had it in the shop except for scheduled routine maintenance. My wife now drives the 325 and likes it as well, for what that's worth.

Leaving aside how the cars drive (if this is even possible), she will get more extras for her money with the G35--no doubt about that.

f8vr993

Chuck Bro.
We understand...
Btw, I would love to see more pics of your Riveria Blue car!
Car looks HOT!

CP

Hi Folks,

I did not ask Inez (my sis) why only G35 and 328. I would certainly look at the IS250/300 also. I have very good luck with 2 Lexi in my family.

I have read up extensively on the G35 in the last few days. Virtually no doubt that with the standard appointments on the car, it is the most bang for the buck. I think Inez might be impressed by the look as well. The G35 is a very handsome car. Unmistakable 350Z DNA, yet more refined and 'grown-up'. But still looks like a car that can toast some rubber. it is a good looker.

I will talk to her again about your input here. Obviousely it's her decision to make. If it was me, I'll buy a Porsche. Oh wait, I do have a Porsche, and a Ruf....

Thanks again.

CP

kkim

CP-

I second the Lexus (any Lexus model) vote if you are looking for reliability, service and if the owner is not a true "car" person. For that matter, Toyotas are almost as refined at a much lower cost... something she should consider.

Chuck A.

Actually my car's a '96 so it is Blue Turquoise. For some reason it is a very difficult color to photograph accurately (or I'm just not very good at taking pictures).

In person, the car is a much darker blue than it appears in these pictures:

http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/...oise-993-Coupe

Here, it looks like the "Smurf Mobile".

f8vr993

That looks like you have on Aerokit I... "FANTASTIC"

atomic80

I wouldn't advise getting an IS350 over a G35/328. My brother has one and they're completely different cars in terms of overall feel. The IS350 drives like a boyracer being a bit skittish over the rough roads. Of course my brother's car has the sport suspension so that might be why. There's not that much leg room in the rear either. I'd stick with either the 328/G35 instead.