SVX owners that's driven Bimmers

[Noir]

I have a question for SVX owners that have driven BMW's. Which do you like better? Maybe I'm actually missing something here because I've never driven in a BMW, I've always been a passenger. Is it worth it to own one?

If it's fun to drive, I may become a sellout and buy one . That would give me a reason to act like a pretentious prick like the lot I encounter frequently.

[Tim]

There's something about the ride in a BMW thats definitely different. It has a very tight feeling to it. Which model are you looking at?

the old M5s (1988), newer M5s, and newer M3s are all amazing. I've driven all 3 of these cars (and the older M6...but its more like the SVX...more of a power tourer gt than a high performer), and the new M3 is the most fun to drive and most expensive.

The one I drove was my friends. He bought it with about 9500 miles on it and it already had a short through shifter and aftermarket exhaust. That gave it about 345-350hp. He could boil the tires at a stop sign, do a 180 with the front of the car barely moving... and peel away the other direction, coninuing the boil in 2nd, and chirping 3rd.

It drives on rails too...but for comparison sake, think about the new magneto high-performance trains.

The SVX has nothing on the permormance of a newer BMW M car...its not supposed to. SVX owners own the car for a unique multitude of characteristics, which tells a lot about a person's personality.

When someone looks at an SVX, they are glued to the unique design, curious about the performance ('cause it looks damned fast), curious about the person inside, etc.

When I see an M3 I usually think, man what a race car, why did they spend all that money? I generally think the same about my audi too, but that's why its now up for sale.

arondale

[Noir]

yeah i don't know which model i'm going to look for. a friend of mine will be buying that bmw suv so i figure i'd go with him and test drive a few. i don't like the 3 series that much. the only one that i hate the least is the m3. other than that, most people i know drive that 330.

i can't justify buying the m3, i'd rather buy a svx with a good body and interior and redo the engine, suspension, and tranny.

Was curious to see what other members thought about the bimmers if they owned one or driven one. other than the m3 or m5 that is. those are a bit high, i was thinking more on the lines of 325-330.

thanks guys.

also i saw a video of the atlanta bimmer meets that went up to suches/dahlonega and those bastages were all over the road and driving recklessly. most people i know my age that drives a bimmer are arrogant punks...it appears that they're not going to the mountains for driving but to show off. i doubt i'd buy one, but was just curious on the drive and handling. i hear the bimmers feel a bit heavy in the handling.

the only bimmer i've ever driven for more than a few seconds was an '02 330xi.. it was pretty nice, but you know what? i was plenty happy to get back into my svx.. oh wait, i also drove a 540i touring wagon.. now THAT was a car i would've traded my SVX for.. of course it's a $60,000 station wagon..

-a

[wawazat??]

I've driven a number of BMW's but have never owned one. Test drove an E30 M3 before we bought the SVX. I wasn't that impressed. Test drove an M6 back in '96. Loved the car, was blown away by the cost of ownership and didn't buy it. Test drove an E36 M3 and an E46 330Ci (5 speed, convt) before we bought my wife her G35. Again, not impressed with the M3. I liked the 330Ci, but the dealer wasn't willing to play, so we moved on.

Todd

[Noir]

great. thanks for the input. i've never driven one, but i have older friends that think they are great drives...they think i should get one...but i think otherwise. i'll see if i can test drive a few next weekend and see for myself, but glad to hear svx'ers who've driven both, still like the svx drive better .

[Landshark]

just my opinion, but your average 3 and 5 series BMW's are everywhere and i'm just sick of looking at them. nice cars, but there's something about their appearance that just says "i'm boring!" i wouldn't mind a M3, M5 or one of those new 6-series, though.

i'd hold out for the new turbo Legacy if you want sport-luxury (and AWD!) and have the cash, but that's just me.

[shelfy]

Originally posted by Landshark
i'd hold out for the new turbo Legacy if you want sport-luxury (and AWD!) and have the cash, but that's just me.

i am excited about the new legacy turbo too. it's the only thing holding me back from buying a forester 2.5xt. i'd probably buy the turbo forester if it could tow my camper.

[Noir]

i too am guilty of waiting for the turbo legacy

long live subaru's

oh i found a video where some the japanese 'drift king' and his 'drifting buddies' were testing out a few new cars on their track and the following vehicles were on it:

Nissan Skyline (camera car)
Porsche Boxer
Nissan 350Z
Toyota Spyder MR2
Honda S2000
BMW M5

from their commentary while driving, apparently they came in at this order:

Skyline owned in the end by a big difference followed by
Nissan 350Z
Toyota Spyder MR2
Honda S2000
BMW M5
Porsche Boxer

apparently, the porsche just plain out sucked, and the bimmer was too heavy and was described with the word 'cow'. they thought the 350Z was ok, but the Toyota Spyder did very well. You can see how it cuts the corners nicely in the video.....i believe all cars were stock.

I lived in germany from 96 till 00. Owned a slightly older (87) 535. ANd rode in a great number of other models. If you havent heard, BMW stands for Bring Money Withyou. Why? Becuase they have lots of problems. Germany requires you to get your vehicle inspected every year. When I asked the German that does the inspections at Spangdahlem A.B. what is a good car to buy he told me NOT to buy a BMW. He even said that only the higher end Mercedes are OK. But if you want to buy a car that is goign to last and not ahve any problems to get a Japanese car. This from a German.. pretty fuuny. The other thing to consider is that a BMW in germany is like a Chevy in the U.S.

Its your money.. but I wouldnt suggest buying a beemer.

My $.02
Chris

[Seraph]

I have driven early 5 series and M3s as well as later 98/99 5series and 3 Series. Although I like the feel of the M3, I can not justify the money for the car yet. If I win a lotto perhaps. As for the 3 and 5 series, I like the looks of the 3s better but unless it's a 5 series, you'll never see me own one. The reasons behind are acouple folds. One. They are small. For a 4 door car, I want 4 people to fit in nicely. You can't do that nicely in a 3 series. Two. Image - Most people that I've seen driving 3 series are Yuppies or kids with rich parents. Not my cup of tea. 5 on the other hand, although bigger, it's much more comfy in it and it's more refined. 7 would be ideal.

[mohrds]

I prefer to drive the SVX over the BMW, although the heated seats are swaying me this time of year.

My 525 handles very well, rides comfortably and is quiet. The one annoyance I have with it is the seatbelts. The buckle by the console is a pain to get latched and they have positioned the attachment on the pillar so that the belt always works its way under my nipple ring and causes discomfort.

Doug

[SVXMAN2001]

anyone ever driven an 850 ci? I one day would like one of those

[svxqueen]

Originally posted by SVXMAN2001
anyone ever driven an 850 ci? I one day would like one of those

I've driven a couple of them. They are a blast to drive as well as the 840s