vB Easy Archive - BMW 325iT

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BMW 325iT
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Posted by: rovert

Hi guys,

I just test drove a 2002 325iT, 5 speed, sport suspension, 17" wheels, and all the other gadgets and I have to say German wagons are amazing compared to the negative attitudes I get from others who have never driven one. I'm thinking of getting a 3 series sport wagon just because it has just about the same handling as the sedan or coupe, plus I can stow my mountain bike in the interior with no drama. The engine is powerful and refined with hardly any lagging when the car is full of adults versus just a driver. It loves to be driven, and when driven hard is when you have this grin on your face that you just can't wipe off. As well as low speed corners this car can handle very well and it's totally stable at high speed. Taking a nice corner at 160km/h prooved the car is very well established and planted to the road. The demo I drove was an unfair comparison to a stock 325iT sport package because the previous owner modified the suspension and body kit which looked nice, but didn't handle exactly like the 3 series that I have come to love. After I brought the car back to the dealership I immediately took a 330i - 5 speed and stock BMW sport package and the handling was on par to my standards so I will have to wait until another wagon comes in which is rare to find. I've learned that the wagon does have a slightly longer wheelbase than the non-wagon version, more rear leg room, as well as a little but more curb weight in the rear of the wagon so it's not a 50/50 front to rear balance. Do any of you have one of these vehicles? What are your thoughts of it? If you don't own one or haven't driven one of these delightful vehicles what are your pre-thoughts about a "sport" wagon? I've attached a picture of the car I had in my hands for the weekend.

Posted by: c^2

Nothing wrong with wagons. I drive one myself.

Also take a look at the A4 Avant...nice wagon.

Posted by: Robertl

Couldn´t say anything bad about them. BMW touring (wagon) has always been good looking car. Espescially the E38

Posted by: TheOne

Practical AND fun!

I have an early 03 M3 and can attest to the handling capabilities available in BMW's.

The long wheelbase on the wagon should make the ride less choppy when compared to a sedan or coupe.

Posted by: rovert

Since I drove the sport wagon with modified suspension, how do you compare a 325i/325Ci Sport Package versus a 325iT Sport Package? Will that extra wheel base make a large difference in handling? I agree that the ride will feel more stable at high speed but the regular sedan/soupe still feel very stable!

I also wanted to know what the weight distrubtion differences are also and what effects that will have on handling dynamics. I think if there is more weight on the back I will have added traction when accelerating but then I'm not totally sure how it will be in the twisties and throwing the car about.

One thing the car didn't have that I believe could make a HUGE difference is DSC. Dynamic Stability Control seems to be a nice insurance that works transparantly in the background if I step outside of the traction circle by accident. I am aware that it will not help much if I am driving like an "idiot" but it sure would work 99% of the time if I just stepped a baby toe outside the line and could potentially be the difference of the car losing control with negative outcomes versus a no drama ride. Do you guys think it's work it to wait until I find a preowned car with DSC? I know it has ASC standard but it only works upon acceleration and WILL NOT help out in slight oversteer/understeer conditions. How much will it add to the price? I think it's a small cost for the added "help".

Thanks for your replies! It's been so funny watching friend's faces when they say, "Oh do you want a coupe or a sedan?" and I tell them a "Sport wagon." People stereotype a wagon in such a negative way generally. I had some friends drive the car I had for the extended drive and they were impressed if not amazed on the responsiveness and versatility that this car had to offer. You guys have a good one and I hope one day within the next half year a preowned wagon will come in with all the main options that I want!

Posted by: Frosty Vibe

The BMW wagon are nice, relatively rare too. The MB E500 4Matic Wagon is hella hot too.

My all time favourite is still Audi RS6.

I just love wagons, powerful ones are even better.

Posted by: rovert

I'd like to stay in the $35,000CAD price range and if there is a deal which is $30G's that would be awesome too. I've been looking at the Audi A4 Avant too but I don't see any used 1.8T's in the buy and sell. I like the look of the A4 wagon because it looks more bold and bigger. But I have a weird feeling that I will lose some points in the handling department compared to the BMW. I know winter driving would be awesome with quattro and winter rubber. But I think that BMW with winter tires as well as DSC would be very good too.

Posted by: dojdave

I drive a 2003 sport, premium and cold weather package Alphine White 325i.

All's I can say is

Darn car is the funniest I have ever driven!

Posted by: rovert

Quote:

Originally posted by dojdave
I drive a 2003 sport, premium and cold weather package Alphine White 325i.

All's I can say is

Darn car is the funniest I have ever driven!

Funniest in a good way? Or did you mean 'funnest'?

What did you like and not like about the drive?

Posted by: dojdave

Oops, I meant funnest. Is that even a word? I didn't mean funniest.

The car is just awesome! The handling is incredible. BMW's are everything people say they are!

Posted by: phatroyale

it looks like a nice buy, even though i am against recommending wagons due to the extra curb weight.... its pretty decent

spring for a sedan or coupe, unless you really need that extra cargo room

Posted by: rovert

Quote:

Originally posted by phatroyale
it looks like a nice buy, even though i am against recommending wagons due to the extra curb weight.... its pretty decent

spring for a sedan or coupe, unless you really need that extra cargo room

According to BMW's website:
1. Wheelbase is the same

2. Length is:
a. 176.3" wagon
b. 176.0" sedan

3. Exterior Height is:
a. 55.5" wagon
b. 55.7" sedan

4. Weight is:
a. 3362lbs wagon
b. 3219lbs sedan

5. Weight distribution (f/r) is:
a. 47.7%/52.3% for the wagon
b. 50.3%/49.7% for the sedan

Does 80lbs of curb weight difference make a noticable difference? I'm just waiting for one to arrive at the dealership to drive.