, the people that buy them do it as a protest.
2016 mazda 6
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 6
From: Florida
If we are talking interiors exclusively than I fail to see what makes 3 series or IS luxury cars interior wise? Especially previous gen 3 series. Design wise they are not that great, feature wise they are all ok
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,763
Likes: 6
From: TX
agreed. BMW 3 series is a turn off to anyone who wants luxury.
Formerly Bad Co
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,041
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
I can get the 3 series in any flavor I want, I can get it with a frugal motor and with a high horsepower screamer, I can get it as a wagon, coupe and a sedan, I can get it as a hybrid.
Materials and build:
There is a solidity in the materials that just isn't their in lesser quality cars, same goes with the trim, buttons, the feel of it etc.
Stuff like leather and a pretty face only scratch the surface of what a luxury car is and how its built.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,763
Likes: 6
From: TX
Options Options Options...
I can get the 3 series in any flavor I want, I can get it with a frugal motor and with a high horsepower screamer, I can get it as a wagon, coupe and a sedan, I can get it as a hybrid.
Materials and build:
There is a solidity in the materials that just isn't their in lesser quality cars, same goes with the trim, buttons, the feel of it etc.
Stuff like leather and a pretty face only scratch the surface of what a luxury car is and how its built.
I can get the 3 series in any flavor I want, I can get it with a frugal motor and with a high horsepower screamer, I can get it as a wagon, coupe and a sedan, I can get it as a hybrid.
Materials and build:
There is a solidity in the materials that just isn't their in lesser quality cars, same goes with the trim, buttons, the feel of it etc.
Stuff like leather and a pretty face only scratch the surface of what a luxury car is and how its built.
Truth be told, I have not sat in one in 3 years now since the last turn off.
BMW 3 interiors are hardly bad by any standards, but they don't scream luxury like MB, Lexus, or even Audi. But they could do much better in their lesser offerings. MB is finally doing it better in the CLA/GLA. The X1 is atrocious.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,763
Likes: 6
From: TX
The last few BMW 328i that I test drove had fake leather. Even my Mazda6 had real leather ventilated (no fan) seating, better bolsters, leather steering, and even after 7 years none of the interior parts were faded. The 328i(s) that I test drove all had fake leather, no ventilation, no heated seats. Interior plastic parts had color peeling off of them in under 2 years, especially interior arm rests/door handles. To boot, the sound system was worth not turning on. Solid chassis, good handling. that is it.
edit: quick search reveals this:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=776734
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=213684
edit: quick search reveals this:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=776734
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=213684
Last edited by chikoo; Nov 26, 2014 at 07:48 AM.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,527
Likes: 266
From: Illinois
I agree that the interior of the 3 Series is a bit minimalist (aka sparse) compared to some of it's competition. No issues at all with the quality of the materials or fit and finish though. We traded a Mazda3 which we REALLY liked when we got our car, and shopped the 6.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,018
Likes: 0
From: CA™
Compared to the sea of "me-too" mid-sized sedans, the Mazda6 stands out. Sleek styling and sporty handling make it more engaging than the norm, yet excellent fuel economy shows it has a practical side.
Funny. I own the new "almost" fully loaded GLA250 AMG sport, interior is crap for a 48K car. Mazda6 has better interior feel than entry level Benz. Current 3 series interior feels like Honda Accord maybe worse. The selling points seem to be more options, RWD, brand prestige, and aesthetics, same about Lexus IS, but IS have that reliable factor that Germans don't. New Mazda6 solidify further more of Mazda mid-size offering, I really don't see a wise reason to get 3 series unless RWD is a must.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 20,225
Likes: 266
Funny. I own the new "almost" fully loaded GLA250 AMG sport, interior is crap for a 48K car. Mazda6 has better interior feel than entry level Benz. Current 3 series interior feels like Honda Accord maybe worse. The selling points seem to be more options, RWD, brand prestige, and aesthetics, same about Lexus IS, but IS have that reliable factor that Germans don't. New Mazda6 solidify further more of Mazda mid-size offering, I really don't see a wise reason to get 3 series unless RWD is a must.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,334
Likes: 237
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
(I say IF because I personally have not sampled that particular screen)
Last edited by mmarshall; Mar 6, 2015 at 07:11 PM.