My brother is selling his 01 BMW 320i F1, with less than 15K miles, so I asked him if we could change the cars for this week so I coul test it and decide (he also wants my Cooper)

Interestingly, in two days I´ve had with the BMW the MINI is still winning my preference ranking.

The MINI´s steering is far superior than the Bimmer´s. Mini is more responsive and direct, the Bimmer feels too anesthesized.

Handling: Both cars are great handlers, but the Bimmer is way too soft, feels disconnected to the road.

Power: The Bimmer is of course more powerful, but from the start it feels amazingly heavy (and I do drive and Accord very frequently so this is not just compared to the MINI)

Build Quality: The Bimmer exels in assembly quality. Not a single rattle and is two years older than the MINI.

Conclusion: I´m still waiting until saturday to make a decision, but so far, I´m missing my MINI. The Bimmer feels too grown-up for my taste.

 

For a 320i? no

It gets a lot more difficult for me to say that if it were a 330i

 

No.

 

330 would take a LOT of thinking...M3, well most likely. Not a 320i.

 

Why is a 330 so much better than a 320?

I'm not that familiar with the different models inside the 3 series - except cosmetic stuff

 

Interesting question. I traded my then 18 month old 325ci for my MINI back in March of '02 :smile: I've never regretted it.

 

I would do it if it were an 2004 M3 with SMG

 

I traded in (well, the lease ended) my '01 330ci for my MCS.
Half the price, twice the fun...

 

What's the difference between a BMW and a porcupine?


The porcupine has the ****** on the outside!

Just an old joke; no offense intended anyone! I don't think I would change; love my MCS.

 

Nope.....the MCS is WAY more fun!! :smile:

Chow! (and I do know the correct spelling)

 

Not a chance.

Earl

 

No way! I can't wait to SELL my old M3 this spring. Never drive it anymore since I got the MCS.

 

No....not as coooooool as the Mini ever will be Sure it's faster...so?

 

I sold my aging and breaking 92 325i right before I bought my mini. The day before actually. About a month ago I started thinking about another 3 series so I went and test drove a few used ones in the 20-25k price range. I just wasn't impressed. The mini spoils you. The bmw's are a fine car, but they just aren't anywhere near as fun as a mini. But they aren't supposed to be either. Nice but no thanks.

 

I have a 2003 325i & although it is a great car to drive, it is not as fun as driving my MINI!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

its simple the first digit is the series number 3,5,7 whatever and the last 2 digits are engine size. 320 has a 2.0liter 325 has a 2.5l 330 has a 3.0l etc.. so on

 

I believe the 320 actually has a 2.2L.

Early in the E46, there was a 323i, which was actually a 2.5L. It was labeled as the 323i, to keep more separation to the 328i (2.8L). Once the 2.8L was bumped up to a 3.0L and the 328i became the 330i, the 323i was correctly badged as the 325i it was the entire time.

Dave

 

I have really enjoyed my 325i. The MINI is just more fun to drive. Everybody and their mother drives a BMW these days.
My choice is the MINI

 

that solves the mystery...

but, no I would not trade! i think the only car i would trade for (ultra-exotics excluded) would be the m3 - and that's not cause I think it is "better" but cause it has been my dream car for long enough that I'm blinded by it.

That said, after many M3 test drives, I like driving my MINI more... but satisfying a several year old dream counts for somthing too

the 3 series is nice, esp. the very recent ones, but they do not have the seem feel - its a different type of car entirely.

 

naw, no 3-series for me either.

 

That's a better line of thinking. Although I wouldn't trade my MCS for anything. The 330 has the larger engine for starters. It probably has more too since it's the most expensive version. But it has a lot more power and the 320 for sure.

Why would you want a 3-series anyway? At least half of America has one!!!

 

>>
>>Why would you want a 3-series anyway? At least half of America has one!!!

Exactly. They're everywhere now, and a lot more "common" (multiple meanings there). Also, you see so many 3XX's falling into the hands of young, overextended yuppie types who like the prestige of the BMW nameplate but have no idea about the car's engineering or capabilities... I wouldn't want to be lumped in with that crowd...

... for these and many other reasons I would never trade my MINI for a BMW.

 

No, if I wanted a BMW I would have bought one.

 

The BMW 3 series- the Honda Accord/Toyota Camry of the Starbucks Every Morning club. I wouldn't even want an M3 because of it's very dull-looking styling. The Z4 is the only Bimmer which breaks a sweat visually. Of course the Z8 Alpina would be nice @ 140K or so. I still look back at my MINI as I walk into work each day and enjoy the view. How many 3 series folks can honestly say that?

 

Thanks for the reassurance.

The 3 series is supposed to be a better car than the Mini, yet when you compare both of them on everyday driving, the BMW feels like a chevy suburban in comparison (big, heavy, soft, yet powerful) as compared to my extra light reflexed Mini...