Drive comfort level of 325ci???

[futurebmw]

i guess i would call myself a car enthusiast, but have never owner a nice sports car... i really am serious about getting a 325ci, but am a bit intimidated by it... reason being is that bmw is supposed to be the ultimate drivers car... and some of the best handling in the world... here is my dilemma... whoever i have talked to told me not to get the 325ci without the sports package... here is why i am getting a bit intimidated by this decision... someone please help me out and tell me if i am wrong...

yes i totally do want the sporty feel of the bmw, but i don't want an uncomfortable car, since this will be my primary car, and not my "second" car... so it will suck to have a really stiff car that is a pain in the rear, litterally... which brings me to my second querry, how much difference or improvement, or lack there of, will the coupe's sports package actually make because the sport tuned suspension is already standard and the only feature that i can see that will affect the drive are the 17" low profile tires.... so since the sports suspension is already there, is there actually a need for the sports package??? do the tires make that much of a difference, and what is that difference??? do they make the car uncomfortable to drive??? is it a trade off for drive quality??? and what is the drive of the 325 sedan (without the sports suspension) like compared to the coupe???

i would ideally like to test drive all these cars myself so i can actually see and feel the difference first hand, but am out of the country at the moment... but i just want to know what all of you think.... this whole debate about the tradeoff between road feel and comfort is really driving me bonkers... PLEASE HELP!!!! thanks in advance...

 

[Frank2808]

I drive a 2003 325ci without the sports package and it feels like an excellent ride to me. Actually the factory 16" wheels aren't all that bad. I didn't purchase the sports package because I planned on putting after market wheels on the car anyway.

 

[PuShAkOv]

Can 325 really be considered a "sports car"? I always thought that it started with a 330 models.

 

[futurebmw]

man, who cares if it isn't called a bloody sports car... that's not the point...

frank2808: will adding 17" low profile rims to the car make it a more uncomfortable drive???

 

[Bimmin' in BC]

I purchased a 325i without the sport package two weeks ago and absolutely love it! I think you have your answer in your original question. This will be your primary vehicle so, although it would be nice once in a while to have a car that can corner like a cat, the loss in comfort, whether large or small, would be continuous. There is always a sacrifice in ride comfort to get tighter handling. Let's face it... the basic setup is still an awesome handling machine. Don't forget that on these types of forums there are many who like the challenge of trying to squeeze every ounce of performance they can out of their car so keep your needs in perspective and take all advice with your final requirements in mind.
FWIW

 

[flashinthepan]

I have drove them all, both with & without have very nice rides.

 

[MrElussive]

Welcome to the forum. A 325Ci/330Ci is not a sports car, they are luxury-sport Coupes (or luxury-sport Convertibles). The M3 is the true definition of a sports car. In any case, the 325Ci already comes with Sport suspension (along with standard Sport steering wheel); I believe the Sport Package just gives you 17" low-profile tires, sport seats, and some other things. The ride is very tight but it is also comfortable...I doubt you will complain about the ride.
So basically, what I am saying is, since you are getting a 325Ci (which comes with Sport suspension), just go all out and get the lower-profile tires. The 325Ci with the Sport Package has amazing handling without giving you a jarring ride. You will be a very happy/impressed BMW owner.

 

[jonnyz16]

Can 325 really be considered a "sports car"? I always thought that it started with a 330 models.

i have to agree with PuSh on this ..the general public will call the 325 a sports car but bmw owners will not . I 've recently come to understand this ..

My 325 has alot of comfort with the sports package . it handles bumps and potholes better than the SUV i Had Dont worry theride is great and the sport wheels look so much better ..you'll be glad you did ..I drive 40 miles round trip to work everyday and enjoy every minute ..

 

[futurebmw]

bimmen in bc: thank you very much for your post... valid points and i will take them into consideration...

mr ellusive and jonnyz16: your guys' post was amazing... it was almost music to my ears... basically, the gain of the sports package without sacrifice in comfort is the basic message that i am getting... great... and if it handels pot holes and bumps better than your old suv, then what better than that....

just one direct question, for comparison's sake and for my better understanding, i am currently driving a honda civic... so i mean even with the sports package, is it safe to say that the superior bmw engineering provides for a much more comfortable ride than my civic??? i mean this is where the car's engineering and build come in to play, correct?

and mr. elusive, just one more thing... i have been reading alot of your posts and they are very imformative... but i see that you are a g35 coupe owner... what gives??? (no offense intended)... what i mean is that are you also a bmw owner, or jsut a car fan in general.... my brother actually just got a g35 coupe with the premium package, and it cost him about the same as my 325ci will, with a hell of alot less options... i mean the g35 is great bang for the buck, but is the 3 series superior to it, the 325 in specific... i mean i know that its imposible to compare to that monster of an engine, but overall as a car, as far as handling, engineering, interior, etc... thanks...

 

[Beemerworld]

MrElussive The 325 does not come with a sport steering wheel. That is included in the sport package.

 

[MrElussive]

beemerworld, unlike the 3-Series Sedans, the 3-Series Coupes/Convertibles do come standard with the 3-spoke sport steering wheel. It is listed as a standard feature for these models and if you look at the details of the Sport Package for the Coupes/Convertibles, the package consists only of: 17" low-profile wheels, white turn-signal indicators, and sport seats.

 

[MrElussive]

futurebmw, I have been in a Honda Civic several times. The BMW will easily provide a smoother, more luxurious ride (even with the Sport Package), while still offering handling performance that a Civic doesn't even dream about. The thing about the 3-series with Sport Package is that BMW believes the driver should "feel" the road and that is what the car delivers....some people prefer 100% luxury and like to be isolated from the road (such as what Lexus does in their vehicles). BMW provides a superb combination of luxury and performance in one amazing package.

To answer the personal question you asked me, here is my response:
I am a huge car fan in general and I do not own a BMW, but I have a soft spot for them. They look great, they are classy and luxurious, and most importantly, they perform. BMW is truly the best when it comes to the "driver-to-vehicle" connection...from the moment you get in one, they are extremely natural to drive, they perform extremely well, the cars love being pushed hard, and you won't be worn out at the end of the drive (thanks to the luxury aspect of the car ). I got my G35 Coupe a few months ago and I was comparing the G35C and the 330Ci very closely, but my final choice was the G35 Coupe. My car is leased and Infiniti doesn't have such a great residual value, so even though the 330Ci was $7K-$8K more fully-loaded plus free scheduled maintenance, I had my heart set on the G35C. The BMW offered better handling (there I said it!!) and better driver communication, but the G35 Coupe's engine is absolutely amazing...it is a powerhouse, it revs extremely fast, and it loves high revs (very much like a BMW 3-series engine). Also, I fell in love with the G35C's styling...seeing one made my jaw drop, they just look that good to me. Overall, I am extremely happy with my choice of the G35 Coupe...I love driving it every single time I get into the car and I don't regret it one bit, but I promised myself that from now, I will not get the cheaper alternative. BMW charges a premium for their cars over the competition, but for those who really appreciate that premium (which goes into the pure drive of the car), it is really worth it.

 

[Dutch]

Future BMW,

Since you are thinking about the options you obviously have the money to buy the sportspackage. In that case I would certainly go for the 17 inch rims (and not to forget the white turn indicators...). I've driven both sports suspension and non-sport suspension 3-series, with and without 17 inch. For example, a 3 series without the sports suspension (16 inch also) doesn't drive comfortable if you go above approx. 120 mph, you have to keep 2 hands (duh) on the steering wheel otherwise you'll change lanes without wanting to (even on European roads). A 3 series with sports suspension truly hugs the road. But since you're already thinking about a coupe you don't have to choose...And as far the 16/17 inch wheels concern, this depends more on your driving style, I personnaly think the wheels makes less difference than the suspension. I you want to drive more 'sporty' once in a while, go for 17 inch. Like MrElussive says, it doesn't make the car uncomfortable at all. I drive a 330 diesel with 17 inch and sports suspension and even on Alabama's shitty roads it is still pretty comfortable. My friend's 350Z is much and much harder and less comfortable. Go for it!

 

[jonnyz16]

Its funny you should ask about a honda civic comparison. My soon to be wife loves my 325 Ci and drives it twice a week ..I know , I know ..( insert rude comments here ) or some sentence with the word whipped in it . LOL. Soooo, I get to drive her 96 acura Integra , a dressed up civic , and of course there 's a world of difference ..you should be concentrating on the diff. of the sport vs. non sports package ..

Let me tell you somethin' brother.." get the sports package , period. " if you got the extra money also get the premium package ..you won't regret it and you'll set yourself apart from that real estate agent down the street...

 

[mallards]

Can 325 really be considered a "sports car"? I always thought that it started with a 330 models.

you are a moron Push ...

people like you give bmw drivers a bad name

Ben

 

[futurebmw]

guys, thank you all so very much... i think that i will go with the Sport Package... i will obviously test drive both of them, but everyone is getting me so excited about it already.. i was really feeling intimidated by the decision put forth in the sense that i didn't want to make the wrong choice in such an expensive car, but you people have really helped out alot... thanks again... i will let you all know how the test drives went and what i thought of all of them... bare with me, it might be a few months before i do so since i am out of the country at the moment, but i will repost on this thread to keep the discussion going, whenever it is... cheers!!

 

[MrElussive]

you are a moron Push ...

people like you give bmw drivers a bad name

Ben

Lol, I started cracking up as soon as I read that.

 

[codex57]

Damn, I'm sorta late but hopefully I can still provide some good info. My last car was a 1996 Honda Civic (now handed down to my sister). Basically stock performance wise. I now have a 2003 325ci with sport package. I'll try and give you a detailed comparo and if you have more questions, I can just run down and test drive both again. Neither is a Toyota Camry (g/f's car), but both handle much better than one.

Ride: Civic actually has a slightly smoother ride over bumps. Not much, but slightly. The BMW hugs the road so much, that if you hit a pothole or whatever, you thump right over it. It's not that big a deal and on smooth roads, the BMW is FAR quieter/smoother/etc.

Tire noise: Civic actually has more. Well, it's got more noise EVERYWHERE.

Handling: Being so light, the civic is very flingable (as opposed to say an Accord or Camry). Nothing compared to a BMW which hugs the road at speeds undreamed of in the Civic.

Summation: BMW really did get the handling/ride equation right. It's amazing. Get the Sport Package. Pretty much everyone I talked to who didn't get the SP regrets it (cept for those who don't fit in the seats).

As for the sports package. I'd say the seats alone are worth it. The side bolsters are awesome and they look really cool as well.

 

[MrElussive]

Good point about the sport seats, codex. I really like BMW's sport seats. My friend has a 325i w/Sport Package...they look great and when you are sitting inside them, they feel so natural while still holding you in so well. This is compared to my G35 Coupe's sport seats which always let you know they are sport seats...difficult to get in and out, and side bolsters pushing at your sides (which I don't mind, but I'm sure people in it for the luxury aspect of the car will mind).

 

[Bmw 325i 7803]

Future BMW,

Since you are thinking about the options you obviously have the money to buy the sportspackage. In that case I would certainly go for the 17 inch rims (and not to forget the white turn indicators...). I've driven both sports suspension and non-sport suspension 3-series, with and without 17 inch. For example, a 3 series without the sports suspension (16 inch also) doesn't drive comfortable if you go above approx. 120 mph, you have to keep 2 hands (duh) on the steering wheel otherwise you'll change lanes without wanting to (even on European roads). A 3 series with sports suspension truly hugs the road. But since you're already thinking about a coupe you don't have to choose...And as far the 16/17 inch wheels concern, this depends more on your driving style, I personnaly think the wheels makes less difference than the suspension. I you want to drive more 'sporty' once in a while, go for 17 inch. Like MrElussive says, it doesn't make the car uncomfortable at all. I drive a 330 diesel with 17 inch and sports suspension and even on Alabama's shitty roads it is still pretty comfortable. My friend's 350Z is much and much harder and less comfortable. Go for it!

Thats not true.... I have driven my 325i premium package at 131 mph and i held over 120 for a minute It still drives straight and I did not need to use two hands, maybe your roads are uneven or you've got limp wrists...... Also 4th gear tops off at 128mph @ 6400