[DFW_M]

OK, here is a "short" 10k miles overview of my 06 e90 325. I hope people thinking about getting a used one or 328 would benefit from this review.

I got the car May 2005 (32,400 + 2600 tax). It had everything I wanted in it except the Xenons, but I could not wait (or should I say continue driving my boring Accord). I have been driving for past 17 years, and owned Peugeot 309 Si (in Europe), 82 Accord (in flight school), 90 Civic (college), 97 Civic (college), 2000 Passat, 2001 Golf 1.8T, a couple of SUVs, 2000 Prelude. Simple opinion would be that none of the above cars even compare to my e90.

My e90 is TiAg, black leatherette inside, only option is a Sport Package. The mods are clear euro halogens, short stick shift (like Nikki's), metal OEM pedals, crome pipes, and 330 front grille. I am still debating on rear blacklines as I am not convinced they go well with the TiAg color, and my rears are red color turn signal but blinks amber (euro?).

So far the only "issue" was a low oil warning at 5000 miles and I had to add a quart of oil. Free oil change was done at 8000 miles by the dealer -- one year anniversary. Other than that, absolutely NO issues with the vehicle. I am not going to go about the outside look of the car, but I really like the e90 (somehow better than the e92), and I really like the 161 wheels on it. Although I wanted initially the Xenons on it, I really like the look of the halogens on the car better than the Xenons.

The interior is laid out very nicely -- simple but very functional. The only negative thing is a lack of storage space -- the glove box is too small, and side pockets are OK to hold my work badge and shades. Other than that, I love the interior. The sport seats are a must -- I am 6 ft. tall, and used to weight 255 lbs beginning of the year. Now, I am 200 lbs., and the seets fit me better The leatherette is GREAT! Very easy to maintain, and 15 months later still looks like the day I picked it up. The stereo is good -- I am not really big stereo fanatic, so I assume many would prefer the Logic 7 upgrade, but I am OK with the stock one. I have tried the iPOD once and it works just fine -- plug and play. I live in Dallas and a 4-month 100+F weather just ended and the AC was great -- kept it all the way through the summer on 72 and it was flawless. I like the Auto circulation feature on the AC because of all the hicks driving stinky trucks here in TX.

Now, the performance. WOW, here is where the title comes from. The 6 MT takes some getting used to even for the experienced driver, however, it is very precise and almost impossible to mis-shift. It is not as smooth as lets say on Honda's one, but, once I got used to it, I like it this way better. The shorter stick shift (not shorter throw) is a must.
The engine is a miracle I'd say. I bet you that Nissan (Inf.) and Lexus and others would run 7.5 seconds 0-60 if they'd put 215 HP in their little competitors. I clocked my car at 6.5 sec 8000 miles on it 0-60 with the AC on. Yes, it lacks the low end torque and that is why the acceleration probably feels more linear and not like a rocket, but it is more than adequate for me. I did get this car for a good performance, enjoyment and quality, and not to race others. However, I do get carried away sometimes and get into it -- and to my surprise, so far I have never lost a (short) race! I "raced" the g35, IS300, 350Z, Mazda 6...and none of them beat me, or should I say at least I kept up with them till we hit a steep turn -- they stepped on brakes and never cought up with me again! The handling of this car is great! Prior to purchasing my car I did have the non-ZSP vehicle with me for a weekend and I would encourage everyone to get the sports package!
The brakes are great -- 10k miles no squeeks or any sounds.

At least 3-4 times a week I do "step" on it and get it up to 6000 RPM, the fastest I did go was about 135 mph for 10 seconds -- the car sits nicely on the road at those speeds and feels very safe. The engine sound at >4500 RPM is amazing!

The RF Tires are not my favorites, but so far the wear is pretty good -- I'd say they could go easily 25-30k miles -- thread-wise. However, they got very loud at about 8000 miles -- take away from the engine sound!

The fuel consumption is OK -- I drive about 90% city, 10% HWY, and I consistantly get >25 mpg -- I usually refill the tank every 350-400 miles.

So, the bottom line is I will stick with the Bimmers for a while, although I plan on keeping this car for at least another 6-7 years. If you prefer really sporty car with a "jump and go" attitude, I don't think this one is for you and probably neither is 330, or 328. Probably 335 is better "jumper" since turbos take care of the low-end torque (as it did in my previous 1.8T). If you're debating between the 325 and 330 -- I would think twice -- is the 330 really worth spending extra $4 k (since Logic and Xenons are options on 325) for what you get? I didn't think so. Now, extra $4k for the 335i over the 328i is probably worth it!

Good luck, GREAT FORUM!

[Bimmerista]

Great review-we have a similar driving environment (90% City).

The pull that the e90s have (mine is 325) in second gear is unbelievable.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by Bimmerista

Great review-we have a similar driving environment (90% City).

The pull that the e90s have (mine is 325) in second gear is unbelievable.

Yep, 2nd and third are great, although I (almost) never up-shift from the 6th on HWY.
Overall, great engine and transmission.

[new2the3]

I do not understand how you claim your cars runs 6.5 0-60. Ok fine... then you state you have raced and WON against 350z and g35 which are clearly under 6.5 seconds 0-60.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by new2the3

I do not understand how you claim your cars runs 6.5 0-60. Ok fine... then you state you have raced and WON against 350z and g35 which are clearly under 6.5 seconds 0-60.

1) I've seen people measure faster than that. And have seen the C&D measure 6.1, so understand it...

2) I did not say I beat them, I said I kept up with them till we hit the curve... That was supposed to tell you that the handling of e90 may be better than the g35??? Or maybe that the other drivers were not sure they would make it through the curve at the speed???

[monk]

Originally Posted by dr325i

Now, the performance. WOW, here is where the title comes from. I "raced" the g35, IS300, 350Z, Mazda 6...and none of them beat me, or should I say at least I kept up with them till we hit a steep turn -- they stepped on brakes and never cought up with me again!

This is totally BULLSH$T.

[new2the3]

I was agreeing with you on the 6.5 0-60. You really need to put the 325i into perspective for 215hp it is decent but if you look at the whole automobile segment its a slow car for what it is. Based on the cars you have owned in the past your 325i is miraculous compared to any of them, which may be why you feel your 325i is superior in acceleration to many faster cars.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by new2the3

I was agreeing with you on the 6.5 0-60. You really need to put the 325i into perspective for 215hp it is decent but if you look at the whole automobile segment its a slow car for what it is. Based on the cars you have owned in the past your 325i is miraculous compared to any of them, which may be why you feel your 325i is superior in acceleration to many faster cars.

Actually, I am not sure about Prelude...as for my previous cars...
And, owning and driving other cars is different. I have driven many other, faster cars. And I do not think my car is the fastest on planet. However, look at the others (Passat = 280 HP, Sonata = 240 HP; Accord = 244 HP; Camry = 250 HP, old g35 = 260 HP) and none of them is faster than my 215 HP car. So, that is the point. I do strongly believe that the e90 is on the top of the car segment overall.

[kilbuda]

The RF Tires are not my favorites, but so far the wear is pretty good -- I'd say they could go easily 25-30k miles -- thread-wise. However, they got very loud at about 8000 miles -- take away from the engine sound!

Which Brand and type of RFTs?

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by kilbuda

Which Brand and type of RFTs?

Bridgestones 050A

[aapriadi]

Originally Posted by monk

This is totally BULLSH$T.

such usual story..my 325i beats a murcielago
yeah dude, a 350z or g35 and mazdaspeed 6 will kick our e90 asses!
i've been in these cars so i know their capabilities, if you win then it must have been because the other driver wasnt trying or doesnt know how to drive

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by aapriadi

such usual story..my 325i beats a murcielago
yeah dude, a 350z or g35 and mazdaspeed 6 will kick our e90 asses!
i've been in these cars so i know their capabilities, if you win then it must have been because the other driver wasnt trying or doesnt know how to drive

Out of the whole page -- two of you smats got that one line that I beat Ferrari... First of all I never said I beat them, second of all, I still think none of mentioned cars can handle curves like e90 can (or any BMW for that matter). And finally, the 325 does 6.5 sec 0-60, g35 does 6.1 sec or so. Do you really think less than 1/2 a second is not "beatable" with a good/bad start???

The point of the paragraph was not to show that e90 can beat F1, the point is to show the overall picture of it. As I said in there, I did not get it to race but to enjoy it. So, don't get all excited if I actually did beat g35 once...

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by dr325i

Actually, I am not sure about Prelude...as for my previous cars...
And, owning and driving other cars is different. I have driven many other, faster cars. And I do not think my car is the fastest on planet. However, look at the others (Passat = 280 HP, Sonata = 240 HP; Accord = 244 HP; Camry = 250 HP, old g35 = 260 HP) and none of them is faster than my 215 HP car. So, that is the point. I do strongly believe that the e90 is on the top of the car segment overall.

You exaggerated a bit on the performance section of the review. Otherwise though, great review.
Accord V6 6MT/Camry V6/G35 6MT/TL 6MT will have no problem beating E90 325i. even the sonata will give you a good run for your money. E90 definitely is not on the top of the car segment when it comes down to 0-60 and acceleration contest.

[monk]

Originally Posted by dr325i

Out of the whole page -- two of you smats got that one line that I beat Ferrari... First of all I never said I beat them, second of all, I still think none of mentioned cars can handle curves like e90 can (or any BMW for that matter). And finally, the 325 does 6.5 sec 0-60, g35 does 6.1 sec or so. Do you really think less than 1/2 a second is not "beatable" with a good/bad start???

The point of the paragraph was not to show that e90 can beat F1, the point is to show the overall picture of it. As I said in there, I did not get it to race but to enjoy it. So, don't get all excited if I actually did beat g35 once...

The G35 didn't beat your 325I just simple, because he doesn't wanted you to die and he goes to jail.

[TheAcAvenger]

a 6.1 second g35? Maybe in the first test ever conducted on one, with an Auto transmission, and probably all wheel drive.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by TheAcAvenger

a 6.1 second g35? Maybe in the first test ever conducted on one, with an Auto transmission, and probably all wheel drive.

you could say the same for the 325...and possibly look at the C&D numbers as the reference?

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by lux.sh

You exaggerated a bit on the performance section of the review. Otherwise though, great review.
Accord V6 6MT/Camry V6/G35 6MT/TL 6MT will have no problem beating E90 325i. even the sonata will give you a good run for your money. E90 definitely is not on the top of the car segment when it comes down to 0-60 and acceleration contest.

Thanks Lux,

As for Sonata, they claim > 8.0 sec...so I am not sure where you got the idea...
And being on the top of the segment overall really does not mean 0-60, but I guess you knew what I meant...

[SE3P_to_E90]

i like dr325's story... in my mazda 8 (my previous car), i burned and destroyed g35's and 350z's... and they have a helluva lot more power than i did...

i must say, i got the 325i in auto so my sister can take the car while i'm attending school at a really bad area (so i would never take the e90 here), but the 325 pulls... i was really surprised about that...

and, driving plays a HUGE role in these circumstances. If those 350's or g35's didn't down shift or rev match correctly, there's lost time there...

dr325, good story~ i like it... and for some of the haters here saying this is "BULLSQUAT," good f'ing riddance to you guys... logistically, yea, those cars can "kick our e90's asses..." but u know what, so be it... those cars can take the straight shot speed contest, but i ASSURE you that the broads in the passenger seats of those cars are staring (and falling in love) w/ us and the e90.

[lux.sh]

Originally Posted by dr325i

Thanks Lux,

As for Sonata, they claim > 8.0 sec...so I am not sure where you got the idea...
And being on the top of the segment overall really does not mean 0-60, but I guess you knew what I meant...

i know what you talking about man. just trying to give you some hard time.

For sonata, they have capabilities. Their low-end torque is really awesome, thats hyundai engine's typical characteristics. Mainly from truck engine configuration know-hows they acheived. Unfortunately, they lack top-end so they usually click pretty good times 0-60, but falls behind by the end of 1/4mile. Motortrend posted 0-60 and 1/4mile that is similar to Accord V6. Which are all in low 15s range. that is in E90 325/330 territory. Honestly though, I wouldn't worry about it, but don't underestimate them. Just giving you heads up.

[aapriadi]

Originally Posted by dr325i

Out of the whole page -- two of you smats got that one line that I beat Ferrari... First of all I never said I beat them, second of all, I still think none of mentioned cars can handle curves like e90 can (or any BMW for that matter). And finally, the 325 does 6.5 sec 0-60, g35 does 6.1 sec or so. Do you really think less than 1/2 a second is not "beatable" with a good/bad start???

The point of the paragraph was not to show that e90 can beat F1, the point is to show the overall picture of it. As I said in there, I did not get it to race but to enjoy it. So, don't get all excited if I actually did beat g35 once...

However, I do get carried away sometimes and get into it -- and to my surprise, so far I have never lost a (short) race! I "raced" the g35, IS300, 350Z, Mazda 6...and none of them beat me


even my dog can come up with a better lie

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by aapriadi

However, I do get carried away sometimes and get into it -- and to my surprise, so far I have never lost a (short) race! I "raced" the g35, IS300, 350Z, Mazda 6...and none of them beat me


even my dog can come up with a better lie

Well, you have a smart dog -- you should lear a few things from him... Why would you choose a vehicle that gets beat by most of the others in the same class and pay thousands more for it??? According to your comments -- 325 is worth shit 0-60, and all of the others would "kick our asses" performance-wise. Maybe you chose it for the name. Now go ask your dog if that is a smart thing to do...

TO ADD: and not getting beat does not automatically mean I beat them, by the way. But in the end, I did actually, it is the same strech of the road with a few 90 degree turns...three lanes

[lux.sh]

lol ok lets keep this one civil. dr325i was obviously impressed by his car and wrote a review with some exaggeration. no big deal. we all do this.

Laugh it off, have some beers. end of the story.