I spent the entire weekend driving my friend's 325i. Although I own a 2002 9-3 and love my car, this car is really a delight.

The overall refinement is unbelievable compared to my 9-3. The combination of ride comfort, road feel, and handling is absolutely superb. Just based on those factors, I would consider this car over mine (though I can't say the same for the new 9-3 because I haven't spent sufficient time behind the wheel).

I can understand the knock on this car's engine performance compared to Saab's powerplant offerings. But, the 6-cylinder--even the 2.5--is so much smoother than the Saab's. It has good power for L.A. traffic conditions. I even had the opportunity to get up to 80 mph and didn't feel a lack of passing power when needed.

The interior is a bit small. I also prefer the 9-3's seats. The 9-3 is a bit more raw in terms of power which I translate into more fun. But I sure wish the ride of my car were half as good as the 325i.

If you look at overall value, the 325i is a pretty good deal if you don't get it loaded. I say this because I'm so enamored with the earlier mentioned intangibles. The base is about $28k. And BMW is currently running a special lease program on the car. But you got to do the math compared to any Saab because those incentives can make the car ever more attractive.

posted by 206.27.22...

• The time has come..., 2Slow, Tue, 24 Feb 2004 17:46:38
  • Didn't know Volvo made 5spd V70...., KB900psi, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 13:10:50
    • It'll be tough to sell a 5spd Volvo wagon, Schu, Thu, 26 Feb 2004 04:29:42
    • Dealer here told me no manuals in US, Sonja, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 19:48:00
    • We have 5spd man V70 T-took spec order n/m, Al S, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 17:06:58
    • Volvo V70R, KR900, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 16:49:24
    • 5spd wagons are rare ... most are automagics NM, Trev, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 16:14:11
    • 6spd 300hp nm, 2Slow, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 13:58:03
  • Subaru Forester XT, Lily, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 09:12:06
    • Re: Subaru Forester XT, Marcus, Sat, 28 Feb 2004 07:48:23
  • Similar situation....., Dave Westlake, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 09:11:12
    • I really like the 325i, LAGene, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 22:33:36 <-- Viewing This Message
    • BMW 330....., KB900psi, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 13:04:58
    • 325i versus MB coupe, Jason 0W-40, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 12:22:39
    • BMW & M-B are awfully small inside IMHO nm, Trev, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 10:41:56
  • Re: The time has come..., Sonja, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 08:19:39
    • Re: The time has come..., 2Slow, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 14:00:18
  • 9-5 Arc Wagon, Stephen Goldberger, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 08:13:33
  • If you are considering SRT-4 (+), Vlad, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 06:36:19
  • VW Passat and Jetta wagons (-), Vlad, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 06:33:15
  • Acura TL and Subaru Forrester XT as well. n/m, TKC, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 06:10:17
  • Re: The time has come..., Schu, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 04:35:54
    • Wait for the Solstice, No.9, Thu, 26 Feb 2004 06:44:30
      • Re: Wait for the Solstice, 2Slow, Thu, 26 Feb 2004 09:03:26
        • I think he was talking to me, Schu, Fri, 27 Feb 2004 03:52:29
  • New Subaru Legacy GT wagon, Hood, Tue, 24 Feb 2004 23:00:11
    • also Legacy Outback XT, markP, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 06:13:09
    • Outback=truck, bRAD, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 04:17:22
      • Sorry, "Addition" n/m, bRAD, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 04:17:55
  • Re: The time has come...'03 9.5, saaber, Tue, 24 Feb 2004 17:59:06

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: Re: The Darkness -- Permission to Land - GREAT CD!!!, Randy Thatcher, Wed, 25 Feb 2004 22:12:24
• Next by Date: OT: why using dishwash liquid instead of brake fluid..., Jo K, Thu, 26 Feb 2004 00:28:30
• Main General Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)