August edition of Wheels - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

gucci · 07-26-2005, 09:55 PM

I have just finished reading a comparision in August edition of Wheels magazine.

This particular road test was between Benz C180, Audi A4 and 320i.

Evidently, they conclude that the 320i remains the driver's choice.

Interestingly, they had a major criticism of the optional 18 inch alloys.

But still, a very warm and fuzzy feeling having picked the 320i over the other two cars.

AussieMarkF · 08-25-2005, 03:57 AM

I haven't read that article yet, but understand the coment about the 18" wheels. Unless you have perfect roads all the time, which are rare in Australia, 17" wheels are just about right for most driving. 18s might look cool but driving comfort is what matters most.

I ordered 17" style 161s on my E90 325i, 6sp man, with sport suspension. Also got Sparkling Graphite with Terra interior and poplar trim. It arrives in Australia at end of August and I will take delivery in mid September 2005!!

DozyDriver · 08-25-2005, 09:25 AM

I haven't read it yet either, but similar stories from other comparisons in Melbourne newspapers.

"The Age" 25/5/05 - Comparison Battle of the Teutons
MB C180K and Audi A4 1.8T - both 4 stars, BMW 320i 4.5 stars

"The Age" 2/7/05 - Still Leader Of The Pack
Alfa 156 JTS 3.5 stars, Audi A42.0 4 stars, Jag X 2.1 3.5 stars, Lexus IS 200 3 stars, MB C180K 4 stars, BMW 320i 4.5 stars

"Herald Sun" 22/7/05 - Why Three Is Still A Prime Number
MB C Class 16/20, Audi A4 15/20, Saab 9-3 13/20, Lexus IS 200 10/20, BMW 320i 17/20

BMW is the winnner in all comparisons. I'm not going to argue with the critics.

ivanwibi · 08-28-2005, 05:41 AM

Hi I read the August wheels comparison, I though it was excellent, I got my license suspended, sold my merc, and decided to get the e90 before my suspension ends, I pick up the 320i silver, with 162s and sport suspension.

Yes trem lining on rough surfaces is the major gripe for the 18", but heck it looks good, and the rft+sport suspension is not helping ride comfort as well.

Have not test drive the car, hopefully its better that my c180k I drove, at least that is what

wheels are saying.

Will get it Nov 2005, cause its being build it SA.

arnold · 08-28-2005, 03:48 PM

go for the 162's, you won't be sorry. it gives a smoother ride than E46 17" with sport pak. i had a E46 330d sport, got my E90 330i A sport 162 SG, AMAZING CAR, i'm very happy overall, 1400km on clock, 620 km on a tank of fuel city driving.

cool_sydz · 08-29-2005, 07:30 AM

My car is non-exec 320i and want to install foglamps. I just bought a foglamps from US and no idea where can I put it in. Please let me know if you know someone at Sydney can install it. Thank you.

DozyDriver · 08-29-2005, 08:27 AM

Hello Cool Sydz. Your best bet would be to try one of BMW's recommended repairers. You should have received a booklet with your car (one of the many) called Welcome To The World Of BMW. It lists the repairers at the back.

In case you didn't get the book - ESR Prestige in Earlwood, O'Briens in Caringbah, Panel One in Alexandria, Paramatta Smash - to name a few.

ivanwibi · 08-30-2005, 03:27 AM

Look at www.realoem.com for its diagram breakup

cool_sydz · 09-14-2005, 10:56 AM

Do you know where can I get the best quality PDC for my 320i E90 installed ? I'm at Sydney. Thanks.

cool_sydz · 09-14-2005, 10:56 AM

Thank you for your informations. Cheers!

Aussie_E90_SBLACK_325 · 12-08-2005, 07:03 AM

Hi cool Sydz,

I know there is a place at the back of Parramatta where i used to take my e46.

I just cant remember the name. I got the following for my e46 from there installed.

New arm rest
Fog lights
New chrome grill
Stacker

Ill try to find out the name and address for you but im sure you will find it in the yellow pages.

They even took it upon themselves to adjust my number plate so that it was perfectly lined up. It was slightly out before lol

By the way I have the 18"s and love them...yeah its a little bumpy on poor quality roads but as i live so close to the Sydney CBD im rarely effected by it. I have test driven a coulpe of cars with 17s and its not that much of a difference go for the 18s

JamieA · 12-13-2005, 08:48 AM

I was kinda wary of the 18s because of articles like this. I was getting sick of the choppy ride on my A4 that could loosen teeth, and was worried about the run-flats.

From reading the journo's opinions you would think that the ride was harsh (being one of the words they used) but in reality the ride is far better than they say - I think many journos just wrote that because of their experience with run-flats on other BMW models. I agree that it does not cope well with smaller, high frequency bumps, but BMW will get it better on the next iteration I am sure.

astra · 03-19-2006, 05:34 PM

there is also a good repairer at artarmon in sydney called "north shore classic"

eml · 03-19-2006, 06:23 PM

Aussie_E90_SBLACK_325,

yes, yes ... i remember seeing a shop in that area -- lots of BMWs parked outside. if i could only remember exactly where that was. saw it when i was taking my driving test.

i need some parts painted. if you can indeed point us to it, that'll be great.

tikka · 03-20-2006, 03:38 AM

a slightly different comparison. My E90 with 18" and sports suspension is a more comfortable ride than my e46 with 17" and sports suspension.

funky_chilli · 10-23-2006, 04:02 PM

and here i was thinking of getting 19's hahaha

moO moO nEL · 10-23-2006, 04:56 PM

My E90 with 18" and sports suspension is a more comfortable ride than my Z4 with 17" and normal suspension.

scheps · 10-24-2006, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moO moO nEL

My E90 with 18" and sports suspension is a more comfortable ride than my Z4 with 17" and normal suspension.

What are you trying to say? Z4 is not good?

07-26-2005, 09:55 PM	#1
gucci Private Drives: E90 320i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: sydney, australia Posts: 35 iTrader: (0)	August edition of Wheels I have just finished reading a comparision in August edition of Wheels magazine. This particular road test was between Benz C180, Audi A4 and 320i. Evidently, they conclude that the 320i remains the driver's choice. Interestingly, they had a major criticism of the optional 18 inch alloys. But still, a very warm and fuzzy feeling having picked the 320i over the other two cars.
	Tweet

08-28-2005, 05:41 AM	#4
ivanwibi Private First Class Drives: BMW 320ie90 Silver Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 56 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 - 320i [0.00]	Wheels Comparison Hi I read the August wheels comparison, I though it was excellent, I got my license suspended, sold my merc, and decided to get the e90 before my suspension ends, I pick up the 320i silver, with 162s and sport suspension. Yes trem lining on rough surfaces is the major gripe for the 18", but heck it looks good, and the rft+sport suspension is not helping ride comfort as well. Have not test drive the car, hopefully its better that my c180k I drove, at least that is what wheels are saying. Will get it Nov 2005, cause its being build it SA.

08-29-2005, 07:30 AM	#6
cool_sydz Private First Class Drives: BMW 320i E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney, OZ Posts: 63 iTrader: (0)	Anyone got any ideas where can I installed foglamps at Sydney, NSW ? My car is non-exec 320i and want to install foglamps. I just bought a foglamps from US and no idea where can I put it in. Please let me know if you know someone at Sydney can install it. Thank you.

08-30-2005, 03:27 AM	#8
ivanwibi Private First Class Drives: BMW 320ie90 Silver Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 56 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 - 320i [0.00]	look at realoem Look at www.realoem.com for its diagram breakup __________________ Nov 05 E90, 320i, Silver, Sunroof, 162, Sport Suspension, Sport Steering Wheel, Black int, burr. walnut inserts. Nov 04 Landrover Freelander TD4, Silver, 17" Freedom Wheels, one tough little hippo.

09-14-2005, 10:56 AM	#9
cool_sydz Private First Class Drives: BMW 320i E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney, OZ Posts: 63 iTrader: (0)	Park Distance Control (PDC) for 320i E90 Do you know where can I get the best quality PDC for my 320i E90 installed ? I'm at Sydney. Thanks.

08-25-2005, 03:57 AM	#2
AussieMarkF New Member Drives: F25 X3 30D and X5 30d LCI Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Newcastle, NSW, Australia Posts: 21 iTrader: (0)	I haven't read that article yet, but understand the coment about the 18" wheels. Unless you have perfect roads all the time, which are rare in Australia, 17" wheels are just about right for most driving. 18s might look cool but driving comfort is what matters most. I ordered 17" style 161s on my E90 325i, 6sp man, with sport suspension. Also got Sparkling Graphite with Terra interior and poplar trim. It arrives in Australia at end of August and I will take delivery in mid September 2005!!

08-25-2005, 09:25 AM	#3
DozyDriver Private Drives: 320i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	I haven't read it yet either, but similar stories from other comparisons in Melbourne newspapers. "The Age" 25/5/05 - Comparison Battle of the Teutons MB C180K and Audi A4 1.8T - both 4 stars, BMW 320i 4.5 stars "The Age" 2/7/05 - Still Leader Of The Pack Alfa 156 JTS 3.5 stars, Audi A42.0 4 stars, Jag X 2.1 3.5 stars, Lexus IS 200 3 stars, MB C180K 4 stars, BMW 320i 4.5 stars "Herald Sun" 22/7/05 - Why Three Is Still A Prime Number MB C Class 16/20, Audi A4 15/20, Saab 9-3 13/20, Lexus IS 200 10/20, BMW 320i 17/20 BMW is the winnner in all comparisons. I'm not going to argue with the critics.

08-28-2005, 03:48 PM	#5
arnold butchie Drives: 2010 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: cape town sa Posts: 28 iTrader: (0)	go for the 162's, you won't be sorry. it gives a smoother ride than E46 17" with sport pak. i had a E46 330d sport, got my E90 330i A sport 162 SG, AMAZING CAR, i'm very happy overall, 1400km on clock, 620 km on a tank of fuel city driving.

08-29-2005, 08:27 AM	#7
DozyDriver Private Drives: 320i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 32 iTrader: (0)	Hello Cool Sydz. Your best bet would be to try one of BMW's recommended repairers. You should have received a booklet with your car (one of the many) called Welcome To The World Of BMW. It lists the repairers at the back. In case you didn't get the book - ESR Prestige in Earlwood, O'Briens in Caringbah, Panel One in Alexandria, Paramatta Smash - to name a few.

09-14-2005, 10:56 AM	#10
cool_sydz Private First Class Drives: BMW 320i E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sydney, OZ Posts: 63 iTrader: (0)	Thanks! Thank you for your informations. Cheers!

12-08-2005, 07:03 AM	#11
Aussie_E90_SBLACK_325 Second Lieutenant Drives: E90 Sapphire Black Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 176 iTrader: (0)	Hi cool Sydz, I know there is a place at the back of Parramatta where i used to take my e46. I just cant remember the name. I got the following for my e46 from there installed. New arm rest Fog lights New chrome grill Stacker Ill try to find out the name and address for you but im sure you will find it in the yellow pages. They even took it upon themselves to adjust my number plate so that it was perfectly lined up. It was slightly out before lol By the way I have the 18"s and love them...yeah its a little bumpy on poor quality roads but as i live so close to the Sydney CBD im rarely effected by it. I have test driven a coulpe of cars with 17s and its not that much of a difference go for the 18s __________________

12-13-2005, 08:48 AM	#12
JamieA Colonel Drives: E90 325i SG Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Adelaide, Australia Posts: 2,094 iTrader: (0)	I was kinda wary of the 18s because of articles like this. I was getting sick of the choppy ride on my A4 that could loosen teeth, and was worried about the run-flats. From reading the journo's opinions you would think that the ride was harsh (being one of the words they used) but in reality the ride is far better than they say - I think many journos just wrote that because of their experience with run-flats on other BMW models. I agree that it does not cope well with smaller, high frequency bumps, but BMW will get it better on the next iteration I am sure. __________________ '05 E90 325i 6sp Man SG 118,032km on the odo (retired) '06 E90 325i Step \| SG \| Cream \| Burr Walnut \| Xenons \| Pro Navi 96,937km on the odo "I am not saying we should kill the stupid people, I am just saying we should remove all those warning labels from things and let nature take its course"

03-19-2006, 05:34 PM	#13
astra Brigadier General Drives: BMW 325Ci Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 3,750 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 325Ci Individual [0.00]	there is also a good repairer at artarmon in sydney called "north shore classic"

03-19-2006, 06:23 PM	#14
eml Private Drives: E46 M3 Coupe Individual Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sydney AU Posts: 99 iTrader: (0)	Aussie_E90_SBLACK_325, yes, yes ... i remember seeing a shop in that area -- lots of BMWs parked outside. if i could only remember exactly where that was. saw it when i was taking my driving test. i need some parts painted. if you can indeed point us to it, that'll be great.

03-20-2006, 03:38 AM	#15
tikka Member Drives: na Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: sydney Posts: 7 iTrader: (0)	a slightly different comparison. My E90 with 18" and sports suspension is a more comfortable ride than my e46 with 17" and sports suspension.

10-23-2006, 04:02 PM	#16
funky_chilli burp Drives: '08 GTI + '09 323i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 490 iTrader: (0)	and here i was thinking of getting 19's hahaha

10-23-2006, 04:56 PM	#17
moO moO nEL First Lieutenant Drives: 323i Msport; DC2R (track car) Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 395 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 E90 M Sport [0.00]	My E90 with 18" and sports suspension is a more comfortable ride than my Z4 with 17" and normal suspension. __________________ cheers, Nelson 2010 NSW CAMS Supersprints champion (3B class)