[mattldm]

Owner.

I went to my local dealer here to test drive a 330i 6spd manual... Well, surprise, surprise, they didnt have any manual trans cars! (Actually the sales associate only found one in So Cal, in Valencia.) Anyway, I ended up driving a 330i steptronic, with sport, and premium.

My impressions:

The ride - Firm but not harsh at all. My current car is an 03 540i M-sport which is pretty stiff, it shares shocks with the M5 and the springs are almost as stiff as the M5 (E39, not the new one) The ride in the 330 was great, very little body roll around corners and like I said stiff, but not harsh. I dont know what all those people are talking about when they say the ride of the runflats sucks. It was just fine! The only time I noticed how stiff the tires were was pulling into the driveway at the dealership, when the tires hit the concrete lip at the bottom of the driveway you could tell how hard the sidewalls were. I went through the same driveway with my car, and the difference was very niticable. (My car has 235/40/18 and 265/35/18 Kumho Ecsta ASX)

Power - Ok, so it felt kinda weak, but I am used to 290HP and 324 ft lbs torque. That being said, the A/C was on, there were 2 people in the car, it was steptronic, and it only had 45 miles on the ODO. I am sure that a manual trans car that was broken in properly would feel much quicker. Although I didnt feel that the car was lacking at all, it got up and went just fine. It didnt really start to pick up until the revs got up high (I know i shouldnt run it like that, but its a lot tester right? )
I am used to the low end torque of my V8 so the sensation of waiting for the revs to spool up reminded me of a turbo charged engine.

Transmission - well I wish I could comment on the clutch take up or the CDV or something like that but all I can say is that the steptronic works great. Smooth when starting, and shifting was very seamless. the new 6 spd. is MUCH MUCH better than the 5 speed steptronic in my car.

Stereo- sounded GREAT!

Bluetooth - could not get my V551 hooked up, but the sales girlie didnt know about the Bluetooth. I guess you need a code or something?

I just wish I could find a 6 spd manual to test drive before I make my final decision. I am about 80% sure I want the stick, but I would love to get that last 20% figured out!

Any 330i 6spd manual owners in the 909 want to let me test drive?? I'll let you drive my 540i...

Let me know what you think of my comments,
thanks
Matt

[soj]

Re: the RFT's, depends on the type of road you drive on. On smooth pavement, they are fine. Not sure what roads are like in your area but in my area, the road needs a lot of work. On semi-torn roads, the RFTs are a road hazard. They bounce up and down and lose contact with the road, causing all sorts of mad swings.

[TIE-Fighter]

My 6MT is awesome! It definitely feels quick now that it is past the breakin period. Come to Knoxville to test drive.

[petefalzzz]

I enjoy my 6mt every day. No compliants here..

[noflash]

You'll miss the torque. Get the 550i if you can.

[marcus330i]

You'll miss the $20,000....get the 330.

[Xens]

Originally Posted by noflash

You'll miss the torque. Get the 550i if you can.

I second that, why downgrade? Go for the 550!

[cntlaw]

540 with M5 suspension! I could tell it was all torture rides just like my ex- Z3 2.2 USA Sports Edition with M3 suspension. Never again.
I moved from a MB E-class to a C-class and there is no way a mid saloon ( E-class, 5-Series) can be any closer to a sports sedan (C-class , 3-Series ) in the handling department.
Comfort and power go to 550i.
Handling goes to 330i.
Good luck for your decision.

[mattldm]

Originally Posted by Xens

I second that, why downgrade? Go for the 550!

I am trying not to think of it as a downgrade!

Anyway there are many reasons why I am not likely to go with a 550i - Payment and gas mileage being the most prominent.
Dont get me wrong, I would love a 550i but my financial priorities dictate that I need to spend less per month on my car.

[noflash]

Originally Posted by mattldm

I am trying not to think of it as a downgrade!

Anyway there are many reasons why I am not likely to go with a 550i - Payment and gas mileage being the most prominent.
Dont get me wrong, I would love a 550i but my financial priorities dictate that I need to spend less per month on my car.

Get a CPO 545i. It's rated at 18/26mpg.

I'm only getting 21-23 mpg in my 325i.

[marcus330i]

and I only got 16-17 around town in my 545. (had it for 11,000 miles) Don't think of it as a downgrade. A downgrade would be spending 330i dollars for a loaded Cadillac or Lexus.

[mattldm]

Originally Posted by noflash

Get a CPO 545i. It's rated at 18/26mpg.

I'm only getting 21-23 mpg in my 325i.

I considered that, but I dont really like the active steering, and all sport package cars prior to 06 have the A.S.

[RichReg]

Originally Posted by mattldm

I considered that, but I dont really like the active steering, and all sport package cars prior to 06 have the A.S.

Get the 330i w/Sport Package & manual trans...you won't regret it. Keep the $20,000. A 2006 330i is really not to be considered a downgrade from a 2003 540i. The E39 has a small edge in acceleration & cabin space, but that's about it. And for what you are paying, it beats ANY version of the E60 hands down. :rocks:

[voltron1011]

My coworker has a similar setup. No doubt his car is a beast (540i) but it just feels so damn massive. My E90 is so flingable while his is like a tank.