Is the E90 a Good Commuter Car?

mike20022 · 02-07-2006, 06:11 PM

Is the E90 really a good commuter car? I drive approximately 120 miles per day and I have to say that getting 420 miles/tank in my Accord is OK with me. This is all beltway miles, and in some cases heavy traffic.

Do you all feel that the E90 is a good commuter car? And why?

Can I really justify spending $40k on a car that is going to get beat up on the beltway everyday?

HELP!

docbolo · 02-07-2006, 06:15 PM

These cars were made to be driven. Guess its just a personal thing. If you get any enjoyment out of driving..... e90 will rock your world. If you could care less, get a new accord with V6 and nav. thats my 2 cents

sdorn · 02-07-2006, 06:15 PM

It is a geat commuter car. I drive mine everyday and love it. You get all the great features of the car. It is very comfortable to sit in while in traffic. Mine gets great gas mileage so far. What would be the downside, other than it is going to depreciate faster putting all those miles on it? I guess the ultimate answer depends on whether you have that kind of money to spend on a commuter car.

BitStream · 02-07-2006, 06:20 PM

I also drive a little bit over 100 miles a day and I love this car.

Came from an 02 IS300 and this has absolutely made the commute a lot easier. Very comfortable, great gas mileage, and always a blast to drive.

mike20022 · 02-07-2006, 06:38 PM

Well sdorn I see you also have a Mustang in the house. That has been another option I have thought about. Keep driving the boring Honda Accord to work everyday and try to buy the 2007 Shelby GT500. I also have a 66 Mustang to put-put around on good weather days. She is no BMW but she is fun to drive, and she gets plenty of attention driving anywhere. I have considered selling her and putting that money towards the GT500.

David328M-Sport · 02-07-2006, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike20022

Is the E90 really a good commuter car?

Yes

sdorn · 02-07-2006, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike20022

Well sdorn I see you also have a Mustang in the house. That has been another option I have thought about. Keep driving the boring Honda Accord to work everyday and try to buy the 2007 Shelby GT500. I also have a 66 Mustang to put-put around on good weather days. She is no BMW but she is fun to drive, and she gets plenty of attention driving anywhere. I have considered selling her and putting that money towards the GT500.

Yeah, that Shelby is a bad-ass car. I will say that if I didn't have the Mustang that is crazy fast, I wouldn't have bought the E90. I would have been looking at a C6 Corvette or a used Porsche 911 or BMW M3.

LEDZEP · 02-07-2006, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike20022

Is the E90 really a good commuter car? I drive approximately 120 miles per day and I have to say that getting 420 miles/tank in my Accord is OK with me. This is all beltway miles, and in some cases heavy traffic.

Do you all feel that the E90 is a good commuter car? And why?

Can I really justify spending $40k on a car that is going to get beat up on the beltway everyday?

HELP!

I commute about 117 miles per day. I LOVE the E90 for the commute! Get the bluetooth, premium package, stock suspension, and a 325i. I get over 30 MPG always.

Nikki · 02-07-2006, 07:17 PM

Yes, even the sport seats and suspension are fine for moderate highway trips. I found that my butt got tired after aproximately 2 1/2 hours. We averaged 80mph and 28.5mpg. High of about 110mph.

D.D. · 02-07-2006, 07:24 PM

Commuting vs. What other type of driving? Do commuter drives offer something different than "other" types of "driving"? How do you drive differently on a "commute" as oppposed to "??"

noflash · 02-07-2006, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike20022

Is the E90 really a good commuter car? I drive approximately 120 miles per day and I have to say that getting 420 miles/tank in my Accord is OK with me. This is all beltway miles, and in some cases heavy traffic.

Do you all feel that the E90 is a good commuter car? And why?

Can I really justify spending $40k on a car that is going to get beat up on the beltway everyday?

HELP!

Absolute!

stressdoc · 02-07-2006, 07:28 PM

Would you rather face a hazardous life-threatening highway emergency in an accord or an E90?

mike20022 · 02-07-2006, 07:35 PM

Commuting 120 miles/day is a lil different than 40 miles/day. $40k is a good amount of money to spend on a car that is going to get beat up on the DC beltways 5 days a week. So YES, there are different types of work commuting. And as I have seen in other posts, there are current E90 owners that still choose to drive their Civic or Accord to work everyday and save the daily abuse from the perfect E90. I am not saying one is more practical over the other, just simply looking for good feedback.

shuzmaker · 02-07-2006, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike20022

Well sdorn I see you also have a Mustang in the house. That has been another option I have thought about. Keep driving the boring Honda Accord to work everyday and try to buy the 2007 Shelby GT500. I also have a 66 Mustang to put-put around on good weather days. She is no BMW but she is fun to drive, and she gets plenty of attention driving anywhere. I have considered selling her and putting that money towards the GT500.

Sell the Accord.
Get the E90

Sell the 66 Stang.
Get the GT 500.

Win win situation.

govtec · 02-07-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D.D.

Commuting vs. What other type of driving? Do commuter drives offer something different than "other" types of "driving"? How do you drive differently on a "commute" as oppposed to "??"

i think he meant using the car to commute to work everyday as oppose to a weekend use only like some do with luxury cars.

lucas.kent · 02-07-2006, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike20022

Is the E90 really a good commuter car? I drive approximately 120 miles per day and I have to say that getting 420 miles/tank in my Accord is OK with me. This is all beltway miles, and in some cases heavy traffic.

Do you all feel that the E90 is a good commuter car? And why?

Can I really justify spending $40k on a car that is going to get beat up on the beltway everyday?

HELP!

I drive the same beltway as you do--and I have about 65 miles round trip. I would definitely recommend the car for commuting...it makes it much easier.

adr · 02-07-2006, 08:17 PM

IMO, definitely no. I have difficulty finding a comfortable sitting position for a long trip. And the head space is minimum. That's why I drive a Honda Element to work (70 miles).

thd13 · 02-07-2006, 08:19 PM

It's a great commuter car.

Mono · 02-07-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdorn

It is a geat commuter car. I drive mine everyday and love it. You get all the great features of the car. It is very comfortable to sit in while in traffic. Mine gets great gas mileage so far. What would be the downside, other than it is going to depreciate faster putting all those miles on it? I guess the ultimate answer depends on whether you have that kind of money to spend on a commuter car.

I am considering selling my 2000 Mustang GT and moving onto a 330i. My Mustang is a daily driver, but I have a short commute. I would say my Mustang is one of the worst commuter cars I have ever driven. The 5 speed shifter is located too far from driver and the suspension design is outdated to say the least. It has many other shortcomings, but I won't get into it. However, the exhaust sounds terrific and the car is very quick. I love the low-end torque and LSD. I put a 4.10 rear axle gear in and car felt like it woke up big time. It's simply a blast to drive fast and in a straight line.

I am concerned I will be giving up a lot of "fun factor" by going to a 330i. I'm not concerned about the comfort because the 330i is worlds more comfortable than my Mustang.

I almost bit on a 330i last week when I was offered 2.9% financing for up to 60 mos. (The special finanicng is good through Feb. 25.) But the dealer had more profit in the deal than I was willing to give him. Perhaps he will be more willing to give up some additional profit when the 335i becomes official and demand for the 330i drops off. I've got time and he doesn't. Heck, I may just skip the 330i and bump up to a 335i.

34Three · 02-07-2006, 08:57 PM

Im gonna get a hard time for this but I think the official BMW "commuter" car has to be an e46 with the CPO 100k warranty!

Pick up an e46 325i with step for around $16-18K...yeah it may have 50-60K miles but at 140 miles a day thats 700 miles a week or 3000 a month with errands etc...thats approaching 36k annually

So while I love the e90...big mile drivers will surf the depreciation curve at a better point with yesterday's 3-series and still get....okay I'm gonna get flamed for this...88% of the bimmer experience

vu · 02-07-2006, 08:59 PM

For work and where i live, I drive 136 miles round-trip a day, 5 days a week. plus depending on when it's needed anywhere from another 60 miles in addition to the 136 miles a day.

so far, i think it's a GREAT commuter car. zippy enough when i need it. good gas mileage. anywhere from 27MPG-33MPG. (33MPG is the best i ever gotten.. only had it once.. but it was off the onboard comp.. so who knows how acurate that is)

i bought the car on Nov 26th 2005, so far i have 8500 miles.

RichP · 02-07-2006, 09:04 PM

If you are considering a BMW, then you are a person that is into driving, probably. Why deny yourself the pleasures of a BMW simply because most of the driving will be the work commute. I drive my car on some of the worst roads in the country, and while it bothers me to abuse such a fine vehicle, it is only a car, and meant to be driven. I like driving a BMW all the time, not just for special occassions. They bring pleasure, even in mundane driving tasks such as commuting.

02-07-2006, 06:11 PM	#1
mike20022 Private 16 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Is the E90 a Good Commuter Car? Is the E90 really a good commuter car? I drive approximately 120 miles per day and I have to say that getting 420 miles/tank in my Accord is OK with me. This is all beltway miles, and in some cases heavy traffic. Do you all feel that the E90 is a good commuter car? And why? Can I really justify spending $40k on a car that is going to get beat up on the beltway everyday? HELP!
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02-07-2006, 06:15 PM	#2
docbolo BMW worshiper 23 Rep 258 Posts Drives: M3/alpine/manual/prem/19" Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: San Diego, CA, USA iTrader: (1)	These cars were made to be driven. Guess its just a personal thing. If you get any enjoyment out of driving..... e90 will rock your world. If you could care less, get a new accord with V6 and nav. thats my 2 cents
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02-07-2006, 06:15 PM	#3
sdorn Lieutenant 26 Rep 491 Posts Drives: 2006 Jet Black 325i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0)	It is a geat commuter car. I drive mine everyday and love it. You get all the great features of the car. It is very comfortable to sit in while in traffic. Mine gets great gas mileage so far. What would be the downside, other than it is going to depreciate faster putting all those miles on it? I guess the ultimate answer depends on whether you have that kind of money to spend on a commuter car. __________________ 2008 Sparkling Graphite 535i 2009 Land Rover LR2 2003 Porsche 911 Turbo (SOLD) 2006 Jet Black 325i (SOLD) 2001 Bullitt Mustang (450rwhp - SOLD)
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02-07-2006, 06:20 PM	#4
BitStream First Lieutenant 36 Rep 344 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: New Jersey, US iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I also drive a little bit over 100 miles a day and I love this car. Came from an 02 IS300 and this has absolutely made the commute a lot easier. Very comfortable, great gas mileage, and always a blast to drive.
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02-07-2006, 06:38 PM	#5
mike20022 Private 16 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	Commuter Well sdorn I see you also have a Mustang in the house. That has been another option I have thought about. Keep driving the boring Honda Accord to work everyday and try to buy the 2007 Shelby GT500. I also have a 66 Mustang to put-put around on good weather days. She is no BMW but she is fun to drive, and she gets plenty of attention driving anywhere. I have considered selling her and putting that money towards the GT500. Attached Images
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02-07-2006, 07:17 PM	#9
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	Yes, even the sport seats and suspension are fine for moderate highway trips. I found that my butt got tired after aproximately 2 1/2 hours. We averaged 80mph and 28.5mpg. High of about 110mph. __________________ Nikki
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02-07-2006, 07:24 PM	#10
D.D. Private First Class 5 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 330 xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Commuting vs. What other type of driving? Do commuter drives offer something different than "other" types of "driving"? How do you drive differently on a "commute" as oppposed to "??"
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02-07-2006, 07:28 PM	#12
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Would you rather face a hazardous life-threatening highway emergency in an accord or an E90?
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02-07-2006, 07:35 PM	#13
mike20022 Private 16 Rep 86 Posts Drives: Honda Accord Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MD iTrader: (0)	commute Commuting 120 miles/day is a lil different than 40 miles/day. $40k is a good amount of money to spend on a car that is going to get beat up on the DC beltways 5 days a week. So YES, there are different types of work commuting. And as I have seen in other posts, there are current E90 owners that still choose to drive their Civic or Accord to work everyday and save the daily abuse from the perfect E90. I am not saying one is more practical over the other, just simply looking for good feedback.
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02-07-2006, 08:17 PM	#17
adr Handy Armani 11 Rep 59 Posts Drives: Honds Element Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pasadena, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	IMO, definitely no. I have difficulty finding a comfortable sitting position for a long trip. And the head space is minimum. That's why I drive a Honda Element to work (70 miles).
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02-07-2006, 08:19 PM	#18
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	It's a great commuter car. __________________ My other ride is your mom.
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02-07-2006, 08:57 PM	#20
34Three Enlisted Member 1 Rep 46 Posts Drives: e90 6spd, e36, e30 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	Im gonna get a hard time for this but I think the official BMW "commuter" car has to be an e46 with the CPO 100k warranty! Pick up an e46 325i with step for around $16-18K...yeah it may have 50-60K miles but at 140 miles a day thats 700 miles a week or 3000 a month with errands etc...thats approaching 36k annually So while I love the e90...big mile drivers will surf the depreciation curve at a better point with yesterday's 3-series and still get....okay I'm gonna get flamed for this...88% of the bimmer experience
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02-07-2006, 08:59 PM	#21
vu vucorp & sons 13 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 06 325i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: chula vista iTrader: (2)	For work and where i live, I drive 136 miles round-trip a day, 5 days a week. plus depending on when it's needed anywhere from another 60 miles in addition to the 136 miles a day. so far, i think it's a GREAT commuter car. zippy enough when i need it. good gas mileage. anywhere from 27MPG-33MPG. (33MPG is the best i ever gotten.. only had it once.. but it was off the onboard comp.. so who knows how acurate that is) i bought the car on Nov 26th 2005, so far i have 8500 miles.
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02-07-2006, 09:04 PM	#22
RichP Major 144 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	If you are considering a BMW, then you are a person that is into driving, probably. Why deny yourself the pleasures of a BMW simply because most of the driving will be the work commute. I drive my car on some of the worst roads in the country, and while it bothers me to abuse such a fine vehicle, it is only a car, and meant to be driven. I like driving a BMW all the time, not just for special occassions. They bring pleasure, even in mundane driving tasks such as commuting.
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