Test Drive 335i

Bmrboy · 09-11-2006, 04:54 PM

Hi All,

I finally got a chance to test drive the 335i Coupe on Saturday, so I figured I would share my thoughts with you.

At first I didn't think they had a manual in stock, but then all of a sudden they did. I test drove a Space Grey with Coral Red/Grey Poplar interior. Let me first tell you that the Grey Poplar is a fantastic looking trim. I was going to go with aluminum first, but after seeing it in person (and hearing the complaints about the brown tone) I am TOTALLY sold on it. Very classy and you will *NOT* be disappointed. I wasn't too thrilled with the Coral Red. It provides a great contrast from outside the car but I would get tired of it real quick. Going to stick with the black. Space grey looks like an okay color in person, but I felt that it was too subdued when looking at it (if that makes sense). I ended up ordering Sparkling Graphite.

Now, on to the test drive:

Pulling out of the dealer, I couldn't help but notice how much different this interior was than that of the e46. It is much more plush and refined. I have heard some say that the car rides really rough on 18s, but I did not notice that at all. In fact, my 330CI had 18s on it and I felt that it was rougher than this.

When pushing this car on the test drive I couldn't help but notice how smooth and precise the power delivery was; very balanced. I also couldn't help but notice how great the new steering wheel was, seemed a little bit thicker like the M3 and really well designed. The dash and layout is incredible too..everything seems to be in the right place. They had a weird lever below the turn signal...I kept hitting that on accident when making turns, not quite sure what that is, but it was slightly annoying. Comparing this car to an M3, you can tell it doesn't have quite the same oomph...but it is very close. The power in this car is deceiving, you will hit 60-80 almost effortlessly.

Comments about the clutch, shifter: The clutch is definitely a little bit softer than it was on my 330CI. It didn't really bother me, but the layout of the shifter was a little weird to get used to. It seemed like it was harder to shift between gears and that will take some getting used to.

I did manage to turn the stereo on, wanted to test the Logic7. I wasn't really that impressed with it but I only went through a couple of local radio stations. I've heard a lot of good things about it and I will look forward to hearing more of it.

All in all, a fantastic car that none of you will be disappointed with. The inside of the car is TREMENDOUSLY nice and reminds me of a lot of higher end cars costing much more. I was also pleasantly surprised with the exterior. The car is a bit more conservative in terms of styling, but pictures do not do it justice and it really is a fantastic looking car. Put the right wheels and aerodynamic changes and it will look great.

That's my .02....

bmr

BK · 09-11-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmrboy

They had a weird lever below the turn signal...I kept hitting that on accident when making turns, not quite sure what that is, but it was slightly annoying.

Cruise control stalk? I agree, I don't like the cruise control controller either.

Oh, and Logic 7 stereo is excellent, IMO. You need to listen to it some more.

Bmrboy · 09-11-2006, 05:04 PM

It just seemed like it was too flat (not enough highs) on the station I was listening to. Maybe just an adjustment... A good sound system is important to me so I will look forward to getting that IPOD hookup and testing it out in a few months..

Schweitzer · 09-11-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

It just seemed like it was too flat (not enough highs) on the station I was listening to. Maybe just an adjustment...

Maybe you already did this, but when you go to the audio settings and select Music, that makes a big difference in sound quality on Logic.

DerekS · 09-11-2006, 06:04 PM

Thanks for sharing your impressions.

Traceaz · 09-11-2006, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bmrboy

Hi All,

I finally got a chance to test drive the 335i Coupe on Saturday, so I figured I would share my thoughts with you.

At first I didn't think they had a manual in stock, but then all of a sudden they did. I test drove a Space Grey with Coral Red/Grey Poplar interior. Let me first tell you that the Grey Poplar is a fantastic looking trim. I was going to go with aluminum first, but after seeing it in person (and hearing the complaints about the brown tone) I am TOTALLY sold on it. Very classy and you will *NOT* be disappointed. I wasn't too thrilled with the Coral Red. It provides a great contrast from outside the car but I would get tired of it real quick. Going to stick with the black. Space grey looks like an okay color in person, but I felt that it was too subdued when looking at it (if that makes sense). I ended up ordering Sparkling Graphite.

bmr

Go back for a 2nd test drive, and take some pics of the gray poplar for us.

Ive seen pics where it looks great, just lots of gray and black, and then pics where it seems mostly brownish

Bmrboy · 09-12-2006, 01:31 AM

Tracer, trust me when I say the grey poplar is an amazing trim. I'm not even considering any of the others now. There may be a hint of brown in it, but you won't even notice it in person. It is fantastic and I would take it over aluminum or any other wood for that matter. If I get over there again I will take pictures..

abc · 09-12-2006, 03:10 PM

is the logic pkg much better than the non version? i think it's standard on the 335 but it isnt on the 328.

09-11-2006, 04:54 PM	#1
Bmrboy New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2005 Lotus Elise Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Test Drive 335i - Saturday 9/9/06 Hi All, I finally got a chance to test drive the 335i Coupe on Saturday, so I figured I would share my thoughts with you. At first I didn't think they had a manual in stock, but then all of a sudden they did. I test drove a Space Grey with Coral Red/Grey Poplar interior. Let me first tell you that the Grey Poplar is a fantastic looking trim. I was going to go with aluminum first, but after seeing it in person (and hearing the complaints about the brown tone) I am TOTALLY sold on it. Very classy and you will NOT be disappointed. I wasn't too thrilled with the Coral Red. It provides a great contrast from outside the car but I would get tired of it real quick. Going to stick with the black. Space grey looks like an okay color in person, but I felt that it was too subdued when looking at it (if that makes sense). I ended up ordering Sparkling Graphite. Now, on to the test drive: Pulling out of the dealer, I couldn't help but notice how much different this interior was than that of the e46. It is much more plush and refined. I have heard some say that the car rides really rough on 18s, but I did not notice that at all. In fact, my 330CI had 18s on it and I felt that it was rougher than this. When pushing this car on the test drive I couldn't help but notice how smooth and precise the power delivery was; very balanced. I also couldn't help but notice how great the new steering wheel was, seemed a little bit thicker like the M3 and really well designed. The dash and layout is incredible too..everything seems to be in the right place. They had a weird lever below the turn signal...I kept hitting that on accident when making turns, not quite sure what that is, but it was slightly annoying. Comparing this car to an M3, you can tell it doesn't have quite the same oomph...but it is very close. The power in this car is deceiving, you will hit 60-80 almost effortlessly. Comments about the clutch, shifter: The clutch is definitely a little bit softer than it was on my 330CI. It didn't really bother me, but the layout of the shifter was a little weird to get used to. It seemed like it was harder to shift between gears and that will take some getting used to. I did manage to turn the stereo on, wanted to test the Logic7. I wasn't really that impressed with it but I only went through a couple of local radio stations. I've heard a lot of good things about it and I will look forward to hearing more of it. All in all, a fantastic car that none of you will be disappointed with. The inside of the car is TREMENDOUSLY nice and reminds me of a lot of higher end cars costing much more. I was also pleasantly surprised with the exterior. The car is a bit more conservative in terms of styling, but pictures do not do it justice and it really is a fantastic looking car. Put the right wheels and aerodynamic changes and it will look great. That's my .02.... bmr
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-11-2006, 05:04 PM	#3
Bmrboy New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2005 Lotus Elise Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	RE: Logic7 It just seemed like it was too flat (not enough highs) on the station I was listening to. Maybe just an adjustment... A good sound system is important to me so I will look forward to getting that IPOD hookup and testing it out in a few months..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-11-2006, 06:04 PM	#5
DerekS Major 197 Rep 1,180 Posts Drives: '24 X3 M Sport Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: YVR iTrader: (0)	Thanks for sharing your impressions. __________________ on order: 2024 i4 eDrive40 M Sport, Tanzanite metallic with all options
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-12-2006, 01:31 AM	#7
Bmrboy New Member 1 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2005 Lotus Elise Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Tracer, trust me when I say the grey poplar is an amazing trim. I'm not even considering any of the others now. There may be a hint of brown in it, but you won't even notice it in person. It is fantastic and I would take it over aluminum or any other wood for that matter. If I get over there again I will take pictures..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-12-2006, 03:10 PM	#8
abc Captain 27 Rep 772 Posts Drives: 325 Join Date: May 2005 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	is the logic pkg much better than the non version? i think it's standard on the 335 but it isnt on the 328.
	Appreciate 0 Quote