First time BMW owners - Are you a fan for life now?

Casshern · 05-23-2013, 11:14 PM

Yes.
I just don't understand why it took me so long to leave the GMs / Vettes / Mustangs behind.......

I did not know that driving could be made ENJOYABLE, from so many aspects.

Snaggletooth · 05-24-2013, 02:35 AM

not gonna fanboy, I love my car like a child but it has its faults. it's pretty picky and the N54 can be hit or miss. I have a feeling this car is gonna be very expensive to fix and I doubt its long term longevity, but it's a joy to drive and looks great.

Marsden · 05-24-2013, 05:03 AM

It's my first BMW after owning Mercedes, Audis, Acuras and Jaguars. I bought it for fun and because I was bored with Mercedes. I plan on owning at least one of every car which interests me before I die. Definitely a Porsche in my future, and perhaps something more exotic.

I like the E90 for the way it handles and in particular the steering. I don't like how cramped it is and how downmarket the interior is. I tell people it's an economy car which handles well. I'm astonished at the lack of standard features.

The BMW stigma is particularly painful--even after Mercedes, which of course carries a stigma all its own. (And I don't think BMW's is a stigma of being rich, I think it's a stigma of being obnoxious and immature.) OTOH, the new 5 series is enticing and will fit me better as I am 6'-3" 225#

Mr.Rnow · 05-24-2013, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revision2

So we all know that a lot of people aspire to owning a BMW. However, I've been curious to see what other first time BMW owners think about their cars as well as the brand / company now that you own one. This is mainly targeted to those that have owned their car for at least a year or two as opposed to those that are probably still in their honeymoon phase.

Are you finding it lives up to the hype / reputation? Regret your decision? Are you now a fan for life and intend to keep at least one BMW in your life at all times? I have no intention of starting a flaming / fanboy thread, just looking for some decent, somewhat objective opinions.

Personally, I think I get why some people love BMW but not sure I'm really a fan for life yet. BMW has built a strong brand name and fan base which has also resulted in a bit of snob factor associated with it as well (let's be honest, that is why some people aspire to getting one). The e90 does seem to be a good all around car where it can handle driving fun better than most and still be civilized when you just want to go from point A to B. It is definitely a sports luxury sedan though as opposed to a luxury sports sedan, especially when compared to its competitors. I come from a Jap luxury car environment and I find that their interiors just seem more appropriate for the price tags as opposed to the one in my e90. Just find it kind of bland / sterile even when compared to ones in Benz and Audi. Yes, my e90 is a joy to drive (even though it is only a 328) but makes me wonder if BMW is relying too much on their reputation for "sporty cars" and brand snob factor to sell cars and improve profits while dismissing further improvements they can make in the interior / reliability departments at the cost of said profits.

Thoughts?

Love the brand,fast car & hate the competition MERCEDES BENZ

07 e90 328i Owner

MountainStone · 05-24-2013, 03:58 PM

I'm not brand loyal. This is my first BMW and it will be my last. I enjoy driving the car very much, and I love the styling, but I hate the outrageous expense for every little item. When my warranty/maintenance expires so will my patience with this car. If it were more reliable or at least less expensive to maintain and repair I could love it, but there are other options out there (I can't wait to drive the new twin-turbo 420HP CTS).

ctuna · 05-24-2013, 06:14 PM

It looks like they are experimenting with there fan base.
The turbo trouble and the forced use of runflats has reduced my love of the brand. And little things like no dipstick.
And now the electric steering and there almost forcing you
to buy and automatic although it may be a better one.
I think the e46 was a sportier and more solid car.

EuroSpec27 · 09-02-2013, 02:34 PM

Yes.

Dark_Knight_335 · 09-02-2013, 02:40 PM

To be honest, I think this is my last BMW.

IMO most of the F series cars are just horrible, and the prices are just going up and the quality, well, just going down.

I'm going for something more bulletproof, and with more "bang for your buck" down the line- more than likely selling this one within two or three years.

This car pretty much had everything I wanted- it was a convertible, fully loaded 335, with all the bells and whistles, with the perfect color combination.

I would like to end it on a high note- hence this will be the end for me.

Benstuck · 09-02-2013, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

To be honest, I think this is my last BMW.

IMO most of the F series cars are just horrible, and the prices are just going up and the quality, well, just going down.

I'm going for something more bulletproof, and with more "bang for your buck" down the line- more than likely selling this one within two or three years.

This car pretty much had everything I wanted- it was a convertible, fully loaded 335, with all the bells and whistles, with the perfect color combination.

I would like to end it on a high note- hence this will be the end for me.

I'm kinda in the same boat. I wonder/debate if I'll get a M4 LCI though. But I've noticed, if I were to go to another car, it would have to be a different brand altogether, experience something new. BMW has treated me well so far *knock on wood*

914kid · 09-02-2013, 02:50 PM

The first car that I had, drove and learned on was a E60, I fell in love with BMW after that. I loved the way they handled, drove and looked. I moved to Audi with a B8 A4 for a brief time and went back to BMW when I got my LCI 335. The new BMWs are total ass, have driven the F10 and the F30 and both drive like tincans, hated the F10 so much got we got the new A6 over it instead. The new BMWs are simply no longer the "ultimate driving" machine as far as I am concerned.

With that said, I plan on keeping my E90 for a very long time. Never have I enjoyed a car more. I drive a lot and this is the perfect DD. Fun to drive, pretty powerful stock, gets decent MPG, has been reliable so far. Can't wait to tune it!

I really want to try porsche next so we shall see. But right now, my E90 has me covered ;D.

Blackhawk36 · 09-02-2013, 02:54 PM

My first was a 2007 E90 N54. Still have it an love it after 100k. Wife love the engine but wanted and SUV. She is the proud owner of a new 2013 X5 35i. She loves it. I would like an M3 someday. If I hit the lotto then maybe a Porsche 911 turbo Carrera.

AlexPPM · 09-02-2013, 02:57 PM

Dont have one yet! But i am hoping to get one soon!

SkyWalker_J · 09-02-2013, 03:55 PM

This is my first BMW and I'm having plenty of good experiences with it. To be honest though if all goes well i'll be moving on to a 911.

(hopefully)

cokelon · 09-02-2013, 04:20 PM

I've owned almost every single brand out there and honestly and don't know why I took so long to buy a BMW. I haven't encountered any high expense repairs yet, I think that was one of the things that was pushing me away from BMW, Mercedes, Audi and such.

Different stage of my life now I guess lol!

love the drive ability of the BMW so far enjoying my time with it! we'll see in 3-5 years i might bump up a bit on model and test a more fully loaded one Xdrive etc..

for now i'm thinking of a winter project pickup an older BMW and repair it

Maddict3 · 09-02-2013, 04:43 PM

While I'm not a fanboy I still think for now I will stay in the brand.

I know the new M4 will be special and once its available for order I will place one.

If i had to choose another brand then it would be porsche. 991 carrera s or the new GT3 looks very promising.

TeinBMW · 09-02-2013, 04:43 PM

yup will always drive a bmw....just in love

BoostaVita · 09-02-2013, 05:00 PM

Love mine. That's why I put up with it after all these miles when I should be 'dropping it like it's hot'. Coming from owning lexus ls430, mercedes c350, s550, and ford mustang, nothing compares to 335.

Danoe92 · 09-02-2013, 06:00 PM

Hi All,
I'm a fanboy for now. I picked up an 12 328i MSport. I'm a little underwhelmed
with the performance at this point. My 04 E46 330Ci would eat this for lunch.
Having said that, I'm going to try to liven this one up a little with some tuning!

Cheers!
Dano

AgentAvalos · 09-02-2013, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revision2

So we all know that a lot of people aspire to owning a BMW. However, I've been curious to see what other first time BMW owners think about their cars as well as the brand / company now that you own one. This is mainly targeted to those that have owned their car for at least a year or two as opposed to those that are probably still in their honeymoon phase.

Are you finding it lives up to the hype / reputation? Regret your decision? Are you now a fan for life and intend to keep at least one BMW in your life at all times? I have no intention of starting a flaming / fanboy thread, just looking for some decent, somewhat objective opinions.

Personally, I think I get why some people love BMW but not sure I'm really a fan for life yet. BMW has built a strong brand name and fan base which has also resulted in a bit of snob factor associated with it as well (let's be honest, that is why some people aspire to getting one). The e90 does seem to be a good all around car where it can handle driving fun better than most and still be civilized when you just want to go from point A to B. It is definitely a sports luxury sedan though as opposed to a luxury sports sedan, especially when compared to its competitors. I come from a Jap luxury car environment and I find that their interiors just seem more appropriate for the price tags as opposed to the one in my e90. Just find it kind of bland / sterile even when compared to ones in Benz and Audi. Yes, my e90 is a joy to drive (even though it is only a 328) but makes me wonder if BMW is relying too much on their reputation for "sporty cars" and brand snob factor to sell cars and improve profits while dismissing further improvements they can make in the interior / reliability departments at the cost of said profits.

Thoughts?

ill be a bmw fan for life...... thats if i die in the next 3 months!

ny325 · 09-02-2013, 07:45 PM

I love the way the car feels, and handles, However, I'm not a fan of runflats, and their cost to replace. My car is paid off, so it's a keeper for now. Am I a fan for life? I really want to be, however, I don't like the direction BMW is going. Wth the exception of the 6 series, no other model catches my eye. and way too many electrical gizmos ruining the " Ultimate Driving Machine." I have my eyes set on a Ford F150. Call me crazy.

spiike32 · 09-02-2013, 07:59 PM

No. e92 335 is a fun car fully modded and still gets looks for a 5 year old car...

Stingray, GTR, new Cayman S... a little higher price points, but there are lots of choices that can take the place of the 335 in my eyes if trading up granted the 4 series is a little more coin.

NemesisX · 09-02-2013, 08:07 PM

Not really. The car is great but I don't have any loyalties to any one brand. I like trying everything.

For example, I've never looked much at Jaguar but the F type car looks fantastic and will probably be on my radar in the future. I don't like artificially denying myself of options. It makes no sense to me.

05-23-2013, 11:14 PM	#89
Casshern Enlisted Member 0 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Yes. I just don't understand why it took me so long to leave the GMs / Vettes / Mustangs behind....... I did not know that driving could be made ENJOYABLE, from so many aspects.
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05-24-2013, 02:35 AM	#90
Snaggletooth General Nuisance 25 Rep 277 Posts Drives: 2007 E92 335i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	not gonna fanboy, I love my car like a child but it has its faults. it's pretty picky and the N54 can be hit or miss. I have a feeling this car is gonna be very expensive to fix and I doubt its long term longevity, but it's a joy to drive and looks great. __________________ '07 E92 335i 6MT Full Bolt On's, Vargas Stage 2's, Carbon Fiber, and Methanol.
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05-24-2013, 05:03 AM	#91
Marsden Chief Petty Officer 9 Rep 86 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Old Dominion iTrader: (0)	It's my first BMW after owning Mercedes, Audis, Acuras and Jaguars. I bought it for fun and because I was bored with Mercedes. I plan on owning at least one of every car which interests me before I die. Definitely a Porsche in my future, and perhaps something more exotic. I like the E90 for the way it handles and in particular the steering. I don't like how cramped it is and how downmarket the interior is. I tell people it's an economy car which handles well. I'm astonished at the lack of standard features. The BMW stigma is particularly painful--even after Mercedes, which of course carries a stigma all its own. (And I don't think BMW's is a stigma of being rich, I think it's a stigma of being obnoxious and immature.) OTOH, the new 5 series is enticing and will fit me better as I am 6'-3" 225#
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-24-2013, 03:58 PM	#93
MountainStone Private First Class 23 Rep 105 Posts Drives: 08 335i Sedan Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Tejas iTrader: (0)	I'm not brand loyal. This is my first BMW and it will be my last. I enjoy driving the car very much, and I love the styling, but I hate the outrageous expense for every little item. When my warranty/maintenance expires so will my patience with this car. If it were more reliable or at least less expensive to maintain and repair I could love it, but there are other options out there (I can't wait to drive the new twin-turbo 420HP CTS). __________________
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05-24-2013, 06:14 PM	#94
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	New is not always better. It looks like they are experimenting with there fan base. The turbo trouble and the forced use of runflats has reduced my love of the brand. And little things like no dipstick. And now the electric steering and there almost forcing you to buy and automatic although it may be a better one. I think the e46 was a sportier and more solid car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-02-2013, 02:34 PM	#95
EuroSpec27 Second Lieutenant 23 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 435i M-Sport Join Date: May 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (4)	Yes. __________________ euro.techniks flickr
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09-02-2013, 02:40 PM	#96
Dark_Knight_335 Came to the N55 Darkside 1112 Rep 12,740 Posts Drives: 2011 335 E93 M-Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (28)	To be honest, I think this is my last BMW. IMO most of the F series cars are just horrible, and the prices are just going up and the quality, well, just going down. I'm going for something more bulletproof, and with more "bang for your buck" down the line- more than likely selling this one within two or three years. This car pretty much had everything I wanted- it was a convertible, fully loaded 335, with all the bells and whistles, with the perfect color combination. I would like to end it on a high note- hence this will be the end for me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-02-2013, 02:50 PM	#98
914kid Banned 25 Rep 363 Posts Drives: E90 335xi Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Pelham, NY iTrader: (1)	The first car that I had, drove and learned on was a E60, I fell in love with BMW after that. I loved the way they handled, drove and looked. I moved to Audi with a B8 A4 for a brief time and went back to BMW when I got my LCI 335. The new BMWs are total ass, have driven the F10 and the F30 and both drive like tincans, hated the F10 so much got we got the new A6 over it instead. The new BMWs are simply no longer the "ultimate driving" machine as far as I am concerned. With that said, I plan on keeping my E90 for a very long time. Never have I enjoyed a car more. I drive a lot and this is the perfect DD. Fun to drive, pretty powerful stock, gets decent MPG, has been reliable so far. Can't wait to tune it! I really want to try porsche next so we shall see. But right now, my E90 has me covered ;D.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-02-2013, 02:54 PM	#99
Blackhawk36 Captain 30 Rep 644 Posts Drives: 2007 335i 6MT No iDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	My first was a 2007 E90 N54. Still have it an love it after 100k. Wife love the engine but wanted and SUV. She is the proud owner of a new 2013 X5 35i. She loves it. I would like an M3 someday. If I hit the lotto then maybe a Porsche 911 turbo Carrera.
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09-02-2013, 02:57 PM	#100
AlexPPM New Member 1 Rep 25 Posts Drives: Prius Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: L.A iTrader: (0)	Dont have one yet! But i am hoping to get one soon!
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09-02-2013, 03:55 PM	#101
SkyWalker_J Private 0 Rep 84 Posts Drives: E92 Jet Black Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Cali iTrader: (0)	This is my first BMW and I'm having plenty of good experiences with it. To be honest though if all goes well i'll be moving on to a 911. (hopefully)
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09-02-2013, 04:20 PM	#102
cokelon Enlisted Member 5 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 323i Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ottawa, Canada iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 BMW 323i [0.00]	I've owned almost every single brand out there and honestly and don't know why I took so long to buy a BMW. I haven't encountered any high expense repairs yet, I think that was one of the things that was pushing me away from BMW, Mercedes, Audi and such. Different stage of my life now I guess lol! love the drive ability of the BMW so far enjoying my time with it! we'll see in 3-5 years i might bump up a bit on model and test a more fully loaded one Xdrive etc.. for now i'm thinking of a winter project pickup an older BMW and repair it
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09-02-2013, 04:43 PM	#103
Maddict3 Major 192 Rep 1,292 Posts Drives: 2015 991 GT3 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	While I'm not a fanboy I still think for now I will stay in the brand. I know the new M4 will be special and once its available for order I will place one. If i had to choose another brand then it would be porsche. 991 carrera s or the new GT3 looks very promising.
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09-02-2013, 04:43 PM	#104
TeinBMW Lieutenant Colonel 133 Rep 1,945 Posts Drives: 2011 335xi Msport, Conv, Tech Join Date: May 2013 Location: Calgary iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 BMW 335xi [7.00]	yup will always drive a bmw....just in love __________________ \|11 335XI N55 \| M SPORT \| VRSF CP \| BMW PE \| BMS INSTAKE \| VRSF 7" IC \| MHD STAGE 2+ \| ER CP \|
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09-02-2013, 05:00 PM	#105
BoostaVita Private First Class 13 Rep 143 Posts Drives: 08 335xi Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: autobahn iTrader: (0)	Love mine. That's why I put up with it after all these miles when I should be 'dropping it like it's hot'. Coming from owning lexus ls430, mercedes c350, s550, and ford mustang, nothing compares to 335.
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09-02-2013, 06:00 PM	#106
Danoe92 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2012 e92 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Portland, Or iTrader: (0)	Hi All, I'm a fanboy for now. I picked up an 12 328i MSport. I'm a little underwhelmed with the performance at this point. My 04 E46 330Ci would eat this for lunch. Having said that, I'm going to try to liven this one up a little with some tuning! Cheers! Dano Attached Images Last edited by Danoe92; 09-02-2013 at 06:02 PM.. Reason: spelling
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09-02-2013, 07:45 PM	#108
ny325 Brigadier General 895 Rep 3,141 Posts Drives: Jet Black E90 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Gridlock iTrader: (0)	I love the way the car feels, and handles, However, I'm not a fan of runflats, and their cost to replace. My car is paid off, so it's a keeper for now. Am I a fan for life? I really want to be, however, I don't like the direction BMW is going. Wth the exception of the 6 series, no other model catches my eye. and way too many electrical gizmos ruining the " Ultimate Driving Machine." I have my eyes set on a Ford F150. Call me crazy.
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09-02-2013, 07:59 PM	#109
spiike32 Major 78 Rep 1,127 Posts Drives: Mineral White F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: IL iTrader: (9)	No. e92 335 is a fun car fully modded and still gets looks for a 5 year old car... Stingray, GTR, new Cayman S... a little higher price points, but there are lots of choices that can take the place of the 335 in my eyes if trading up granted the 4 series is a little more coin. __________________ Current: Tesla Model 3 Performance Retired: F80 M3, FBO 335i, 318ti, C7 Stingray
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09-02-2013, 08:07 PM	#110
NemesisX Captain 317 Rep 905 Posts Drives: '19 Infiniti Q60S Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: TX iTrader: (0)	Not really. The car is great but I don't have any loyalties to any one brand. I like trying everything. For example, I've never looked much at Jaguar but the F type car looks fantastic and will probably be on my radar in the future. I don't like artificially denying myself of options. It makes no sense to me.
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