New to this board. Currently own an 04 Acura TL. Have been thinking of buying a 328I or 335I. Thought I would spend some time here as I spend lots of time at an Acura board.

First thing I notice, is this board hardly speaks of problems. Every other thread at the Acura board is another rattle or noise of some kind.

So, in general, how is the quality in the new 3 series cars?

Just getting started,

Bob

Welcome to the board. I have had my 335i for 11 months and 000 problems.

Build quality as to squeaks and rattles is excellent. I am on my third 3 series and have never had any issues of this kind.

Full maintenance and warranty for four years so no issues there.

Some worry about long-term issues especially on the 335, but is all conjecture at this point.

Having been a passenger in many TLs of various vintages (new to eight years old) I think it will be the dawn of a new world for you once you drive a new 3 series, double for the 335.

Thanks for your replys. So refreshing to hear of real quality. I ridden BMW motorcycles for years, and have loved every one of them. More than likely, will only be able to afford the 328. But, it's still up in the air.

Looking forward to reading and learning about the 3 series.

Thanks again,

Bob

It really depends on your options and what you want. A 335 with sport, and leather isn't that far off a 328. Both are nice choices.

Oh, I hear a buzz from a couple of sport now and then, and a rattle in the seatbelt pre-tensioner that requires me to give it a tug.

What you'll find with less "interesting" cars is that you get board and have nothing to talk about but little problems. I don't follow TL forums but I can't imagine that at this point there's anything left to talk about. The car is the same as it was 6 years ago. The Z forum was similar.

I think we are more interested in a solid car than the power. Course, money is always an issue. As I said, the 328 will more likely be the one.

Do dealers deal these cars at all?

I just sold my 03 Acura CL Type S six speed. The BMW's are worlds apart in terms of handling and torque, fit and finish. My CL-S was a great car and was fun once you got the tach up there, but the BMW 3 series are a step up IMO. Go drive a 335i coupe and you'll have a hard time walking away :stickoutt

They deal on Sedans but not so much coupes..The Auto Club may have a set discount that's worth a check.

When I was shopping I drove the 328 and it was nice, but then I drove a 335 (sedan) and it made up my mind. I wanted that engine and a 6MT, Coupe. But I would have settled for the sedan. The coupe was just a good mix of looks and the power. It was a hard find but I found one that I liked. If you don't want to spend more than a 328 NEVER drive the 335.

If you don't want to spend more than a 328 NEVER drive the 335.

And if you don't want to spend more than a 335 NEVER drive an M3.

And....:-)

The M3 is considerably more than a 335, and while I agree it doesn't always work out like that. My bosses 911 C4S does nothing for me in the speed department. But for a few thousand more you get way more power, and tuning options if you want.

New to this board. Currently own an 04 Acura TL. Have been thinking of buying a 328I or 335I. Thought I would spend some time here as I spend lots of time at an Acura board.

First thing I notice, is this board hardly speaks of problems. Every other thread at the Acura board is another rattle or noise of some kind.

So, in general, how is the quality in the new 3 series cars?

Just getting started,

Bob

Hi Bob! Do you spend time on Temple of VTEC? When I drove Acuras, I found it to be the most informative forum for those cars. You will find that Acuras, by their nature, will tend to have more rattles than BMWs do but on occasion, a rattle or two will show up here! There are issues inherent to all cars but as a rule, the 3-series is the most reliable of the entire BMW line. I find them rock-solid and truly the ultimate driving machine. My only disappointment has been with the interior design but not its quality. I had an Audi A8 and believe that they have the best interiors in the industry while suffering from the worst dealer network!!!

I'll second that VW/Audi has the worst service ever.

I have owned two Acuras, a 93 Legend and a 95 Integra. I still own the Legend at 118000 miles and other than rust in the rear wheel wells, which is not an unknown condition, the car has been trouble free. Never been to the dealer but ALL of the required maintenance has been done here at home. The quality of the Integras paint job on the other hand is not up to their reputation.

As the owner of an '07 328xi, I can say that I bought it assuming that its reliability would not hold a candle to Honda/Acura/Toyota/Lexus. That said, I expect normal repairs on the BMW but I don't expect unusual bills. According to Consumer Reports the 7 series is well below the average but the 3 series is a bit above it.

Well paint is a pile of suck on the 3-series too! Orange peel anyone? I don't really care, but it is horrible considering I've seen better paint on cars costing 1/3.