beady
04-30-2008, 11:02 AM
Not trying to start a fight here, just looking for some objective opinions, please.
I've been looking for a car to replace my E36 325is that was totaled by a red light runner. Next car needs to have 4 doors. A BMW is my first choice, as far as handling, looks, knowledge base on information available to work on it, etc. But, I have test driven a 2003 330i/5 Sport and a 2001 540i/6, and neither one really impressed me greatly. Sure, the 540 was faster, but it was so isolated; I want more "feel" to my car. And the 540 still didn't impress with torque delivery at highway speeds. The 330i just didn't feel quick at all, It didn't seem to matter if I dropped down a gear or two at highway speeds, it just didn't get up and go that much. My parents have a Z3 2.8, and it feels much torquier than the 330 I drove.
Anyway, my friend(in another state) has a B5 S4 and he has gotten me thinking about one. They just look so plain though, nowhere near as nice as a BMW. And their interiors look pretty dated already. But, it would be quick, which would be nice. It looks like I can come out about the same price, or cheaper, if I go with a B5 S4 manual car compared to buying a clean 325i and supercharging it. The BMW would be *MUCH* easier to work on being a straight 6 and the supercharger up top. I've got a 300ZX TwinTurbo, so I know how much fun it is to work on a TT V6 car. I've pulled a couple engines, done clutches, timing belts on it, etc. Not enjoyable.
Looking at dyno charts, a Giac chipped S4 looks comparable on torque compared to a 330i with ESS TS2 kit. The S4 just makes a lump of torque a bit earlier. The 330i is up on power quite a bit later on though. A chip is all I'd add to the S4.
Any idea how much "less" a 325i with ESS TS1 or TS2 would feel like? I can't find a dyno for an ESS 325 motor. A supercharger is all I'd add to the 325.
How would an ESS supercharged 325i, manual, Sport compare to a chipped B5 S4 while driving?
I want a car that will move pretty well at 60 mph when I hit the gas. Downshifting to 4th is OK if it needs to be that way.
Thanks for any experiences/comments,
Mike
I've been looking for a car to replace my E36 325is that was totaled by a red light runner. Next car needs to have 4 doors. A BMW is my first choice, as far as handling, looks, knowledge base on information available to work on it, etc. But, I have test driven a 2003 330i/5 Sport and a 2001 540i/6, and neither one really impressed me greatly. Sure, the 540 was faster, but it was so isolated; I want more "feel" to my car. And the 540 still didn't impress with torque delivery at highway speeds. The 330i just didn't feel quick at all, It didn't seem to matter if I dropped down a gear or two at highway speeds, it just didn't get up and go that much. My parents have a Z3 2.8, and it feels much torquier than the 330 I drove.
Anyway, my friend(in another state) has a B5 S4 and he has gotten me thinking about one. They just look so plain though, nowhere near as nice as a BMW. And their interiors look pretty dated already. But, it would be quick, which would be nice. It looks like I can come out about the same price, or cheaper, if I go with a B5 S4 manual car compared to buying a clean 325i and supercharging it. The BMW would be *MUCH* easier to work on being a straight 6 and the supercharger up top. I've got a 300ZX TwinTurbo, so I know how much fun it is to work on a TT V6 car. I've pulled a couple engines, done clutches, timing belts on it, etc. Not enjoyable.
Looking at dyno charts, a Giac chipped S4 looks comparable on torque compared to a 330i with ESS TS2 kit. The S4 just makes a lump of torque a bit earlier. The 330i is up on power quite a bit later on though. A chip is all I'd add to the S4.
Any idea how much "less" a 325i with ESS TS1 or TS2 would feel like? I can't find a dyno for an ESS 325 motor. A supercharger is all I'd add to the 325.
How would an ESS supercharged 325i, manual, Sport compare to a chipped B5 S4 while driving?
I want a car that will move pretty well at 60 mph when I hit the gas. Downshifting to 4th is OK if it needs to be that way.
Thanks for any experiences/comments,
Mike
