Opinions on the new BMW 440i

movilogo

Between BMW and Lexus, I'd always choose Lexus. A Lexus is built to last and Lexus customer service is second to none.

A friend of mine had his BMW's gearbox broken just one day after warranty expired and BMW refused any goodwill gesture.

On other note, if you have never owned RWD cars before, be aware of their driving characteristics. E.g. if you hit standing water at high speed, your front wheels are more likely to aquaplane compared to a FWD car. And if you don't fit winter tyres, you better leave the car home during winter

RichardD1970

Herzlos wrote: »

Good point. 3 series is very much in the rep / middle manager range too.


So not one that you bought?

...have you ever been in a BMW?

Rough ride, dull interior, poor space, makes you look like a !!!!!!. They aren't the most popular repmobile in the UK because they are good; they are the most popular repmobile because of badge snobbery and the low BIK due to the emissions.

Sure they handle well enough (in the correct set-up) and are relatively good on fuel, but they aren't any better than the competition. Interesting that you're trying to compare it to an Astra. Compare it to an XF, and wonder why there were so many 5-series trade-ins in Jaguar forecourts up and down the country.

Indeed, according to my brother (the BMW engineer) when they did the "tare down and compare" on the XF Sportsbrake and comparable 5 series the only metric in which the BMW came out on top was the engine power was slightly higher, on everything else the Jag was on a par with or better then the BMW.

Oh, and the XE is giving them lots of sleepless nights :rotfl:

Horizon81

Dark Matter.... quality trolling since 2015...

I say trolling but I reckon it's severe autism. Reminds me of Rain Man. Who's on first. Uh-oh.

ChumLee

neil.woos wrote: »

Oh and if you opt for the auto, a lightening fast 8 speed sport gearbox.

if you want you could also opt for the double clutch transmission.

What automatic gearbox does the Astra or Focus use?

Lightening fast gearbox out of their 4x4. The X5 has used that for years.

ChumLee

neil.woos wrote: »

I'm talking about the latest generation Lexus IS.
Yeah it will be like any other BMW, sharp handling dynamics that bests the competition, powerful engine (legendary inline 6) with RWD, quality interior superior to any focus or Astra, good looking car, forged alloy wheels...I could go on.

Have you ever gone underneath a BMW? Multi link independent suspension. What does an Astra use? A torsional bar? LOL

Bmw have always compared their 3 series to modeos and vectras. Why do you as our resident expert compare it to a smaller car?

neil.woos

ChumLee wrote: »

Bmw have always compared their 3 series to modeos and vectras. Why do you as our resident expert compare it to a smaller car?

More nonsense. BMW 3 series have never tried to compete with Mondeos and Vectras. Traditionally, the Merc C class and 3 series have always been in competition, and then Lexus tried competing with the 3 series with the IS200.

dannyrst

neil.woos wrote: »

What do you all think of the new BMW 350i/440i? Contrary to what the name suggests, it isn't a 4 litre engine but instead a 3 litre twin turbo charged engine.

How does it compare to the competition?

Although not on the same power level, I'm quite a fan of the new Lexus IS250. It's shaped very well and I expect the soon to be released coupe/convertible a real looker!

Are you considering buying one?

WellKnownSid

neil.woos wrote: »

More nonsense. BMW 3 series have never tried to compete with Mondeos and Vectras. Traditionally, the Merc C class and 3 series have always been in competition, and then Lexus tried competing with the 3 series with the IS200.

So why are you comparing it to a smaller car? You didn't answer the question...

neil.woos

WellKnownSid wrote: »

So why are you comparing it to a smaller car? You didn't answer the question...

Because there are some people here who believe Focus/Astra>>BMW 3 series.

neil.woos

movilogo wrote: »

Between BMW and Lexus, I'd always choose Lexus. A Lexus is built to last and Lexus customer service is second to none.

A friend of mine had his BMW's gearbox broken just one day after warranty expired and BMW refused any goodwill gesture.

On other note, if you have never owned RWD cars before, be aware of their driving characteristics. E.g. if you hit standing water at high speed, your front wheels are more likely to aquaplane compared to a FWD car. And if you don't fit winter tyres, you better leave the car home during winter

How can you make such a strong statement when you yourself admit you've never driven a RWD car before and so you haven't driven either the Lexus IS or the 3 series.

Herzlos wrote: »

Didn't you buy one of them?

Anyway, BMW 440i, will be like any other BMW - technically pretty good, boring to be in, poor ride, and will prevent you getting let out of any junctions.

Herzlos wrote: »

Good point. 3 series is very much in the rep / middle manager range too.


So not one that you bought?

...have you ever been in a BMW?

Rough ride, dull interior, poor space, makes you look like a !!!!!!. They aren't the most popular repmobile in the UK because they are good; they are the most popular repmobile because of badge snobbery and the low BIK due to the emissions.

Sure they handle well enough (in the correct set-up) and are relatively good on fuel, but they aren't any better than the competition. Interesting that you're trying to compare it to an Astra. Compare it to an XF, and wonder why there were so many 5-series trade-ins in Jaguar forecourts up and down the country.

3 series usually have class leading handling compared to competition. Anyway, you've got something against BMW in general it seems. The 3 series (although not perfect) is generally a good car and consistently receives top praise with every generation from motoring press and reviews. To say they're used as rep mobiles (mind only the entry level 318d/320d are used as) only because of badge snobbery is narrow minded. Maybe they are actually good for long drives as the A4 2.0 TDI's.


And I'll have to reiterate once again, not all 3 series models are rep mobiles. 3 series consists of a number of different model, some of which have a £15,000 plus difference in price between them. A 335i M Sport is a completely different animal to a 318d SE. Seems to me you have a chip on your shoulder and either you have never driven a good BMW or you are envious of people who can and won't give the any credit