[Septro]

First time poster - but long time lurker. I Just took ownership of my first BMW and thanks to all the info here, I felt pretty confident and empowered knowing I was getting the right car at the right price.

I got it from BMW of Seattle and my CA Mark Harrington was great. No B.S., right to the point, and got me and my very pregnant wife with twins in and out within 2 hours with minimal hassle. He started out of the box with $400 over invoice and we negotiated the option credit on the Steptronic to eventually get the car down to $47,695 by splitting the difference. So $605 under invoice and I felt I hit my target and was ready to sign.

He threw in the floor mats for free and gave us a labor discount on an alarm install if we come back and decide to get it installed.

Car Info:
2008 e90 335xi
Steptronic with Paddle Shifters
ZCW, ZPP, ZSP packages
Comfort Access
Navigation
Ipod/USB
HD Radio
Park Distance Control
xi upgraded 18" wheels

Purchase Info:
$52,025 MSRP
$48,295 Invoice
--------
$47,690 Purchase Price
$16,000 Trade-In
---------
$31,690 After Trade
$3,226 Tax
$266 Title+Doc Fee
---------
$35,182 Amt Financed
3.9% BMWFS Financing @ 60Mo
$647 Mo Payment

So now back the e90post research department to figure out what my upcoming mods will be . And without further adieu (and yes those are my Xmas lights still up in July..lol) :

[MikeMidd]

Nice car and a nice deal! Congrats and welcome to the E90Post club.

[PiperG]

Good to finally see another e90. Seems everybody on this board went with the coupe. Nice looking car.

Tint those windows!!

[akack79]

Grats on car, and lol on the xmas lights.

[TimC88816]

I called mark harrison today. I also got that 400 dollars over invoice deal. Also got informed that anything I buy in july has all increased pricing. Looking to pick up a 335i sports without navi or premium.

[flukey]

welcome to the club!!!!

i love my E90 335xi and i know you will too!

get started modding tho :P

[Septro]

So after two days - I figured I'd write my own observations to share. I used to be very skeptical of the superiority of BMWs compared to other cars as it related to the driving 'experience' - but with just 240 miles under my belt, I am officially in fanboi territory about ready to get a e90 tattoo on my arm..lol


Things that I love:

- It isn't quantifyable, but the car asks to be driven hard. I don't know if that's the steering feel and feedback but I have the sense that I can push this card hard with the feeling of still being in control

- Comfort Access is a must have for every new car I buy from here on out

- IDrive

- Steptronic seems to always be in the right gear with few exceptions.

- Side bolsters and the leather on the seats are pretty good and don't feel like a Sealy-Posturepedic found on other luxury cars.

- Ipod/USB integration is great with all my music catalog available thru IDrive

- Cornering is pretty dam precise and the car goes exactly where it's told. I have granny feet on until the car is broken in but I can't solicit any unwarranted under/oversteer in the car so far.

- Pedal response isn't mushy at all but pedal feel from a dead stop seems to have a small gap from first push to wheel roll. It could also be my 1.99 bobo sneakers but then again I'll wait to see.


Things I don't love as much:

- The ride/suspension with sport seems just about right for me but a 6month old pregnant wife of twins says that it is somewhat harsh with noticable hard impacts on crappy streets.

- IDrive

- AutoDimming Mirror dims pretty dark at night already. It will be a problem once the tint is on the window.

- Only 6 preset buttons. Definately need more.

- The armrest needs to be open to utilize the cup holder and it isn't long enuf to rest the right elbow on

- Dash cupholders are as fugly as all get out but functional nonetheless

- Every young wippersnapper in a Civic to a Scion now gives me the 'you ready to race punk?' look at all the stop lights.


Overall - first impressions are on the 'awesome' category for driveability and on the 'kik-ass to not-so-bad' on the useability. I definately had no idea to what I was missing but have been duly impressed so far.

[Dubbedoutbimmer]

wow that dealer is desperate but congrats

[andytaro]

+1 for Mark. He is exceptionally professional as well as easy to work with.