E90 325i Sports Edition

[safri]

Check out the latest 325i sports advert on this week's The Edge...

 

[supergripen]

guys,any pics of a monaco blue e90 in m-tech attire??

 

[Ade]

IMO E90 Mtech is no where close to E46 Mtech...

 

[KL2DC]

BMW Malaysia picked up on the game. Not too long ago we had on and off discussion on what would make the e90 range more attractive. I think they've addressed this with the M-Sport model.

Even at 310k I think its great value-mark up over the regular 325i with i-drive, m-tech body kit, m-tech suspension, 193M wheels, sport seats, steering wheel, anthracite headliner. Too bad they left out the manual transmission

I don't see how monaco blue is an exclusive color though, they should've thrown in a proper M color like le mans blue metallic.

 

[David Yong]

I don't see how monaco blue is an exclusive color though, they should've thrown in a proper M color like le mans blue metallic.

Yeah, this color would be much better than monaco blue.

 

[Schwepps]

The return of KL2DC the USF (Ultimate SiFu)! Welcome back. Methought you left BMWClub for LexusClub or something (kidding) Were you back in M'sia for Christmas?

Yes, we had that conversation a while back and it would seem that your advice to me to wait for the 2007 lineup was right. The 325 Sport seems to be the right move to address the lack of sports DNA in the 2005/6 lineup. According to AB, the launch has been delayed because the pricing hasn't been finalised. Also not decided whether they will continue to offer the standard 325. Should be soon though.

 

[David Yong]

So I would assume that Mr Schwepps will be getting a 325i sport very soon

 

[Schwepps]

I guess it's a strong possibility la, David. Already in contact with AB.

 

[3er]

In the new 325i Sports Package you lose Active Steering. I knew they'd take something nice out...

 

[Schwepps]

Actually I think a sport model shouldn't have active steering. That is more for the standard 325i which is for luxury cruising. The SE will also have a stiffer suspension and together with the RFTs, it may be too jarring for some. Remains to be seen - a test drive is a must. I remember that I didn't like to drive our kongsi Impreza Type-C in KL because of the hard ride.

The problem is, my AB guy said they may drop the standard 325i, which would mean the only 6-pot offering is a SE or nothing. There may be some who prefer a cruising version. Let's see what they do...

 

[3er]

Well, i havent really test drove one with Active Steering but the thought of parallel parking with less lock-to-lock turns is a hoot!

Finally, what the 325i should be....

 

[danc]

I guess I fall into to category of cruising, cause one of the main reason I chose the 325i over the 320i was Active Steering. I just felt that the non-AS on the 320 a little too heavy in traffic jams but that's just me coming from jap mobiles.

Now that I am so used to AS, when I drive a non AS car it feels slow to react. I LOVE the AS feature!

 

[Schwepps]

Well, i havent really test drove one with Active Steering but the thought of parallel parking with less lock-to-lock turns is a hoot!

Finally, what the 325i should be....

Sure we'd like it all! A sporty looking car which behaves like a real sports car, but drives like a luxury car Unfortunately cannot lar! Mtech suspension, 18" rims and RFTs probably means a harder, noisier ride than the standard 325i.

It'll be a pity if the standard 325i is canned and there's only the SE available. The cruisers won't have a 6-pot to choose from unless they go for the 330i.

 

[David Yong]

Sure we'd like it all! A sporty looking car which behaves like a real sports car, but drives like a luxury car Unfortunately cannot lar! Mtech suspension, 18" rims and RFTs probably means a harder, noisier ride than the standard 325i.

It'll be a pity if the standard 325i is canned and there's only the SE available. The cruisers won't have a 6-pot to choose from unless they go for the 330i.

But the price for 330i is killing!

 

[wglee]

Those were my thoughts too when I spoke to E46F earlier but are you guys sure this package includes M-sports suspension??? Cos that was not the case in the E46 325i Sports Package and this was a real let-down then. If the E90 325i's package also includes sports suspension (which wasn't stated in the advert - wonder why?), then it's a steal for RM20K mark-up. It would be nice though if it came in choice of funkier colours, heh! If so... I'm getting it!!!!!

Eh? The E46 Sport did not come with Sport suspension? AB told me otherwise when I enquired about the car back when it was still available in the showrooms.

 

[KL2DC]

I think the market will support 2 variants of the 325i as its essentially the difference of trim/packaging of equipment. Case in point, they offer two levels of the 320i E90.

There is no right or wrong answer with regards to Active Steering. Its been much debated by various factions. Proponents to AS say the variable ratio works to their advantage in tight turns and corners, making the car more nimble and agile. Detractors would say the the BMW's rack is legendary as it is and that technogadgetry would only spoil the linearity, feel and weighting (high points).

Imho the packaging for the M-sports model is right. They should call it M-sport not Sport Edition, I think this labeling is more correct. So you lose AS but you gain i-drive/navi.

Wrt ride comfort, the car will definitely ride harder/firmer. Its a tradeoff though, one which enthusiasts like Mr. Schwepps would not mind.

 

[KL2DC]

The return of KL2DC the USF (Ultimate SiFu)! Welcome back. Methought you left BMWClub for LexusClub or something (kidding) Were you back in M'sia for Christmas?

Been out of the loop No I didn't make it back home, I was in europe to tend to some matters. Trip home is postponed until mid-March.

Me in ClubLexus Shocking! lol Btw did you see their IS500 V8 concept?

 

[Schwepps]

Been out of the loop No I didn't make it back home, I was in europe to tend to some matters. Trip home is postponed until mid-March.

Me in ClubLexus Shocking! lol Btw did you see their IS500 V8 concept?

No I haven't. I'm not keen on Lexus eventhough they're coming into M'sia in a big way now. But you've peeked, so there must be some Lexus platelets coursing through you, no?

 

[Schwepps]

I think the market will support 2 variants of the 325i as its essentially the difference of trim/packaging of equipment. Case in point, they offer two levels of the 320i E90.

Yeah, 2 variants of the 325i would be great - the standard and the SE. Let's hope it turns out that way.

Although you seem sure I would like the SE, I have to say I've gone rather soft, and like others here, want the looks and cred of the M-Sport but also want the bum to be coddled by luxury suspension. Maybe it's coz of current lifestyle and KL potholes, y'know?

 

[Schwepps]

But the price for 330i is killing!

Ya lor David, if we were going to spend that kind of money, we wouldn't be thinking 3-series already huh?