I got a 2017 BMW 330xi while my i3 is in the shop again, for about the 20th time in the past two years.
Some thoughts;
Hits:
Overall experience - the car feels connected to the road. The steering, handling, braking, seating, instruments and ergonomics flow together to create a focused driving experience.
Engine - While it's the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder that BMW is putting into everything and its dog, this one runs like a scalded dog. Huge punch and tremendous acceleration. Strap yourself in and feel the Gs!
Infotainment center - very well evolved and sophisticated. Rear view camera, front and rear proximity sensors, widescreen navigation, excellent stereo.
Misses:
Interior materials - the seat material feels cheap and synthetic. The interior even has a squeak when hitting a bump sometimes. I hate that sound.
Price - this one stickered at $50,000. Back in my day, an M3 was $40,000.
Age - this 3 series is due for an update soon, and it will become obsolete with the introduction of the next model.
Lack of Apple CarPlay - The future holds for Apple mobile device interoperability and this car doesn't have CarPlay functionality, which is sorely missed.
Overall, I'd love to have this car, and love to be seen in it. But it is pricey and due to be replaced by the next 3 series fairly soon (Here's a link to Car & Driver's article on the 2019 3-series, and why its worth the wait: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-2019-bmw-3-series-is-a-car-worth-waiting-for-feature )
As a used car, if owners signal that the car is reliable, it would be a good car to have.
Some thoughts;
Hits:
Overall experience - the car feels connected to the road. The steering, handling, braking, seating, instruments and ergonomics flow together to create a focused driving experience.
Engine - While it's the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder that BMW is putting into everything and its dog, this one runs like a scalded dog. Huge punch and tremendous acceleration. Strap yourself in and feel the Gs!
Infotainment center - very well evolved and sophisticated. Rear view camera, front and rear proximity sensors, widescreen navigation, excellent stereo.
Misses:
Interior materials - the seat material feels cheap and synthetic. The interior even has a squeak when hitting a bump sometimes. I hate that sound.
Price - this one stickered at $50,000. Back in my day, an M3 was $40,000.
Age - this 3 series is due for an update soon, and it will become obsolete with the introduction of the next model.
Lack of Apple CarPlay - The future holds for Apple mobile device interoperability and this car doesn't have CarPlay functionality, which is sorely missed.
Overall, I'd love to have this car, and love to be seen in it. But it is pricey and due to be replaced by the next 3 series fairly soon (Here's a link to Car & Driver's article on the 2019 3-series, and why its worth the wait: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/the-2019-bmw-3-series-is-a-car-worth-waiting-for-feature )
As a used car, if owners signal that the car is reliable, it would be a good car to have.