Wife regret sport package w/ 18" wheels???

oilbelcher · 02-23-2006, 09:10 AM

I need some advice/guidance from those that have the sport package with 18" wheels. This is my first preference (sport pkg), and was only able to try very quickly on slow nicely paved streets. I want to know how it feels in different conditions. When I was in the US, I used to own a G35 with the sport suspension and 17" wheels, and my wife complained just a little on certain streets that were not nicely paved, or on long highway road trips. Anybody driven these cars back-to-back and can give me a comparison? When I want to do hardcore driving, I go by myself, but I don't want my wife and family nagging me everytime we go on an extended trip with a 330i sport package. any advice?

I currently drive a 320 td in Switzerland, but with 16" wheels and my wife loves it -- much better than the G35. but I want better handling at times...

bimmer4me · 02-23-2006, 09:27 AM

I had the same problem with my wife complaining. Our marriage counsleor suggested an easy way to solve the problem; always take two cars. We divorced now so I'm probably the wrong guy to ask, but I'm lovin' the sport pack with 18" wheels....and so is my new girlfriend.

fletcher969 · 02-23-2006, 09:34 AM

Life has taught me...if given the choice of trading in an adorned car, or and adorned wife/girlfriend....trade in the latter!

Seriously though...get that which you like the most in your car if you'll be the primary driver, and if you don't have another car more suitable (to your/her preferences) for longer trips where she will be along, research "comfort" solutions (devices, pillows, cushioning, etc.) that might make the trip more enjoyable for her in those more rare instances where it would really matter for her.

On the other hand, if she'll be the primary driver...you better get her the car she most likes, or she'll someday be trading you in...

SteveMD · 02-23-2006, 09:54 AM

My wife loves the SP. She is not a 'car gal' per se but she just loves the way it feels.

I was quite prepared to slap her around a bit had she told me to cross ZSP off the order sheet

thd13 · 02-23-2006, 10:02 AM

I have a 330i with ZSP. My good friend and work colleague drives a G35 Coupe with the sports suspension and we often have to carpool. Let me just tell you that for me, there is a big difference. The E90 is definitely smoother and I feel/hear less of the road noise than when in the G35. He even says so himself. Even though the suspension in my E90 is harsher than in the non-ZSP, it is still better than a G35 with sports suspension.

oilbelcher · 02-23-2006, 10:30 AM

thanks for the input. did your friend's G35 have the 18 or 17" wheels? I believe the coupe had different than sedan sport pkg

vladinecko · 02-23-2006, 11:03 AM

haha, or get one of those memory foam pillows and put it on her seat

fletcher969 · 02-23-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilbelcher

I need some advice/guidance from those that have the sport package with 18" wheels....

I know, but I have to ask....do you belch oil?

poldim · 02-23-2006, 11:18 AM

I will have to agree and say that you need to tell your wife to adjust. If anything, advise her to place a pllow under her tushin so that its not as bad for her...

Every girl thats gotten in my car has enjoyed the ride, except for the parts where I usually scare them, but then they get back to the enjoyment process.

Mauricio · 02-23-2006, 11:34 AM

I've driven both cars extensively (G35 w/sports pack. and my E90 w/sp) and can say the ride of the E90 is more refined. It is much smoother and when cruising, it doesn't feel harsh like what you'd expect from a sports package. My girlfriend, which drives a 1993 Tercel and swore she'd never get rid of it because it has 195k miles and has never let her down and is not a car fan at all, now wants her own E90. She even takes pictures of other BMW's! I can't believe it!

The other day, I was telling her a story while we were driving and she interrupted me to point out another E90 w/ sp. I never expected her to like this car so much. She says it goes with her...like she's driving the car not the other way around. By the way, her mother drives the G35 and she's never been impressed by it. In fact, when we started dating and I noticed the G35, I asked my girlfriend what she thought about it and if she liked it...she told me that she'd driven it a few times and that she thought it was a Lexus or something like that...in other words, she never really payed attention to what it was.

I'm not saying the Infiniti is a bad car. I enjoy driving it and it is fast. It just doesn't do anything that exciting. The BMW has something that's special. And my girlfriend is now a huge fan. And no, she doesn't mind the sports package...she actually loves it.

noflash · 02-23-2006, 11:55 AM

The e90s ride on 18"s is not harsh.

However, there are somethings you can do for a "cushier" ride.

1. Don't drive on crappy roads - duh.
2. Use a slightly lower tire pressure.
3. Trade out the runflats. I went from 17" runflats to 18" Pirelli PZero Nero M+S and the ride is Lexus-like.
4. Go with 17" rims. The handling benefits of 18"s over 17"s is negligable.

Good luck!

oilbelcher · 02-23-2006, 12:03 PM

I chose the name OilBelcher as I have always driven diesel cars, and my Dad's old mercedes diesel engines from the 70's and 80's did in fact seem to belch oil. They were great cars though. However, with all the new diesel engine technology in the last couple years (common rail injection), you can't even compare. My BMW 2.0 liter turbo diesel is a wonderful engine--smooth, quiet for a diesel, and does have performance. I wish they would bring their 3.0 liter and 3.5 bi-turbo diesels to the US.

noflash · 02-23-2006, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilbelcher

I wish they would bring their 3.0 liter and 3.5 bi-turbo diesels to the US.

As do we all.

shragon · 02-23-2006, 12:46 PM

my gf has no complaints. actually she really loves how the e90 drives. think she was already used to it, since my e34 had a modified suspension which was a little more harsh than the e90.

GoBonesGo · 02-23-2006, 01:30 PM

I traded in an '04 G35 sedan with 17" wheels for my 330i SP. The 330 is a bit better in actual ride quality (not by leaps and bounds, though). What makes a big difference to me is that it seems smoother still because I don't have the audible bump-thump I had in the G35.

Rough roads can get a bit annoying, but my wife hasn't complained about it.

You mentioned highway miles, though, and my 330 is a blast to drive on high-speed stretches. It is very smooth on the freeway and is always asking to be pushed harder.

If your wife tolerated the G35, I think she'll be fine with the 330i SP. And you will love it!

BMWLV · 02-23-2006, 01:50 PM

women vs. 330i

The 330i has higher resale value and is mainetenance free.

eleven24 · 02-23-2006, 02:37 PM

I don't think the harsh ride is a result from the 18's as much as it is the stiffer suspension on the SP. My wife hated my E46 328 w/sport and it had 17's. The thing really did feel like a brick going over bumps. In my new 330xi I have the "softer" suspension, and the 18's. The ride is much softer & my wife is much happier .

stressdoc · 02-23-2006, 03:01 PM

Your wife will be able to attract a lot more Italian pool boys with the 18"s.

billgti · 02-23-2006, 03:06 PM

i have a feeling that she will find the sports package too stiff. i came from a very bouncy car (lowered vw gti) so i'm somewhat used to the stiffness but it does get a little bit harsh if you have bad roads.

oilbelcher · 02-23-2006, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWLV

women vs. 330i

The 330i has higher resale value and is mainetenance free.

i think you are right about resale value, but gotta love the maintenance free part, at least for four years. then I hear two people nagging, one my wife, then the BMW service guy -- both fighting for share of my wallet.

BMWLV · 02-23-2006, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilbelcher

i think you are right about resale value, but gotta love the maintenance free part, at least for four years. then I hear two people nagging, one my wife, then the BMW service guy -- both fighting for share of my wallet.

LEASE!!!

A new ride every four years. (wow... works on sooo many levels)

thd13 · 02-23-2006, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oilbelcher

thanks for the input. did your friend's G35 have the 18 or 17" wheels? I believe the coupe had different than sedan sport pkg

No problem. He has the 18 inch wheels.

02-23-2006, 09:10 AM	#1
oilbelcher Private 3 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 320 td (diesel) Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Geneva Switzerland & Peoria Illinois iTrader: (0)	Wife regret sport package w/ 18" wheels??? I need some advice/guidance from those that have the sport package with 18" wheels. This is my first preference (sport pkg), and was only able to try very quickly on slow nicely paved streets. I want to know how it feels in different conditions. When I was in the US, I used to own a G35 with the sport suspension and 17" wheels, and my wife complained just a little on certain streets that were not nicely paved, or on long highway road trips. Anybody driven these cars back-to-back and can give me a comparison? When I want to do hardcore driving, I go by myself, but I don't want my wife and family nagging me everytime we go on an extended trip with a 330i sport package. any advice? I currently drive a 320 td in Switzerland, but with 16" wheels and my wife loves it -- much better than the G35. but I want better handling at times...
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02-23-2006, 09:27 AM	#2
bimmer4me Captain 52 Rep 996 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Northern Virginia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I had the same problem with my wife complaining. Our marriage counsleor suggested an easy way to solve the problem; always take two cars. We divorced now so I'm probably the wrong guy to ask, but I'm lovin' the sport pack with 18" wheels....and so is my new girlfriend. __________________ 2006 330i Monaco Blue \| Grey \| Walnut ...Manual \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Nav \| Comfort Access \| PDC \| Sirius \| Sunshade ...M-Tec Steering Wheel \| M-Tec Shifter \| TLC ...Performance Center Delivery \| Oct 14, 2005
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02-23-2006, 09:34 AM	#3
fletcher969 Dad: "Can't never did nothing" 8 Rep 319 Posts Drives: '96 Camaro Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0)	Life has taught me...if given the choice of trading in an adorned car, or and adorned wife/girlfriend....trade in the latter! Seriously though...get that which you like the most in your car if you'll be the primary driver, and if you don't have another car more suitable (to your/her preferences) for longer trips where she will be along, research "comfort" solutions (devices, pillows, cushioning, etc.) that might make the trip more enjoyable for her in those more rare instances where it would really matter for her. On the other hand, if she'll be the primary driver...you better get her the car she most likes, or she'll someday be trading you in... __________________ 2006 330i: SG/Blk-Blk-Burl/6MT/ZSP/Heated seats/Sat prep 01-26-2006: Ordered Vehicle 02-01-2006: Production Start 02-06-2006: Production End 02-09-2006: Arrived at POExit 02-13-2006: Transit - Don Juan 03-01-2006: Unloaded in Charleston 03-02-2006: VPC 03-06-2006: Arrived at dealership 03-08-2006: Took delivery
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02-23-2006, 09:54 AM	#4
SteveMD Colonel 196 Rep 2,485 Posts Drives: 2016 F10 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Raventown! iTrader: (3)	My wife loves the SP. She is not a 'car gal' per se but she just loves the way it feels. I was quite prepared to slap her around a bit had she told me to cross ZSP off the order sheet __________________ 2006 E90 330i (retired) 2009 E90 335i (retired) 2012 E70 X5 50i M Sport (retired) 2016 F10 535i M Sport
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02-23-2006, 10:02 AM	#5
thd13 Major 46 Rep 1,445 Posts Drives: A07 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Murrland iTrader: (4) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I have a 330i with ZSP. My good friend and work colleague drives a G35 Coupe with the sports suspension and we often have to carpool. Let me just tell you that for me, there is a big difference. The E90 is definitely smoother and I feel/hear less of the road noise than when in the G35. He even says so himself. Even though the suspension in my E90 is harsher than in the non-ZSP, it is still better than a G35 with sports suspension. __________________ My other ride is your mom.
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02-23-2006, 10:30 AM	#6
oilbelcher Private 3 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 320 td (diesel) Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Geneva Switzerland & Peoria Illinois iTrader: (0)	thanks for the input. did your friend's G35 have the 18 or 17" wheels? I believe the coupe had different than sedan sport pkg
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02-23-2006, 11:03 AM	#7
vladinecko Brigadier General 277 Rep 3,924 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.00] 2008 BMW 335i [0.00] 2006 BMW 330i [0.00] 1994 BMW 325i [0.00]	haha, or get one of those memory foam pillows and put it on her seat __________________ 2011 E92 M3 - IB/Beige/Sycamore Wood/6MT/EDC/ZPP2/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/iPod-USB/Enh. Audio 2008 E92 335i - Montego Blue/Black/Gray Poplar/6MT/ZPP/ZSP/Nav/PDC/Heated Seats/HDRadio/iPod-USB - *Sold* 2006 E90 330i - Mystic Blue/Black/Aluminum/6MT/ZPP/iDrive/PDC/Heated Seats/Sat. Prep - *Sold* 1994 E36 325i - Boston Green/Beige/Automatic/ZPP/Heated Seats/Premium Sound - *Sold*
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02-23-2006, 11:18 AM	#9
poldim Vroom Vrrooooom 300 Rep 3,146 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i Sedan [0.00] 2003 GSX-R 600 [0.00]	I will have to agree and say that you need to tell your wife to adjust. If anything, advise her to place a pllow under her tushin so that its not as bad for her... Every girl thats gotten in my car has enjoyed the ride, except for the parts where I usually scare them, but then they get back to the enjoyment process. __________________ -Dmitriy 06' BMW 330i & 03' Suzuki GSX-R600 SG \| Beige Dakota \| Poplar \|\| iDrive w/MP3 \| PP \| SP \| CWP \| PDC \| Comfort \| Shades \|\| 40% Tint \| Black Line Tail Lights \| Hardwired V1
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02-23-2006, 11:34 AM	#10
Mauricio Private First Class 16 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2006 330i, MT, SP Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	I've driven both cars extensively (G35 w/sports pack. and my E90 w/sp) and can say the ride of the E90 is more refined. It is much smoother and when cruising, it doesn't feel harsh like what you'd expect from a sports package. My girlfriend, which drives a 1993 Tercel and swore she'd never get rid of it because it has 195k miles and has never let her down and is not a car fan at all, now wants her own E90. She even takes pictures of other BMW's! I can't believe it! The other day, I was telling her a story while we were driving and she interrupted me to point out another E90 w/ sp. I never expected her to like this car so much. She says it goes with her...like she's driving the car not the other way around. By the way, her mother drives the G35 and she's never been impressed by it. In fact, when we started dating and I noticed the G35, I asked my girlfriend what she thought about it and if she liked it...she told me that she'd driven it a few times and that she thought it was a Lexus or something like that...in other words, she never really payed attention to what it was. I'm not saying the Infiniti is a bad car. I enjoy driving it and it is fast. It just doesn't do anything that exciting. The BMW has something that's special. And my girlfriend is now a huge fan. And no, she doesn't mind the sports package...she actually loves it.
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02-23-2006, 11:55 AM	#11
noflash Captain Caveman 148 Rep 1,715 Posts Drives: '06 325eyeyiyi Join Date: May 2005 Location: midwest iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	The e90s ride on 18"s is not harsh. However, there are somethings you can do for a "cushier" ride. 1. Don't drive on crappy roads - duh. 2. Use a slightly lower tire pressure. 3. Trade out the runflats. I went from 17" runflats to 18" Pirelli PZero Nero M+S and the ride is Lexus-like. 4. Go with 17" rims. The handling benefits of 18"s over 17"s is negligable. Good luck! __________________ E90 325i Monaco Blue, Black Leatherette, Sport, Cold Weather, Xenon, Sat Prep, 18" BBS RGR Mods: Polorized Film for Business CD, added lumbar, rock chip on hood
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02-23-2006, 12:03 PM	#12
oilbelcher Private 3 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 320 td (diesel) Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Geneva Switzerland & Peoria Illinois iTrader: (0)	I chose the name OilBelcher as I have always driven diesel cars, and my Dad's old mercedes diesel engines from the 70's and 80's did in fact seem to belch oil. They were great cars though. However, with all the new diesel engine technology in the last couple years (common rail injection), you can't even compare. My BMW 2.0 liter turbo diesel is a wonderful engine--smooth, quiet for a diesel, and does have performance. I wish they would bring their 3.0 liter and 3.5 bi-turbo diesels to the US.
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02-23-2006, 12:46 PM	#14
shragon Moderator 497 Rep 27,441 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	my gf has no complaints. actually she really loves how the e90 drives. think she was already used to it, since my e34 had a modified suspension which was a little more harsh than the e90. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon
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02-23-2006, 01:30 PM	#15
GoBonesGo What do you do when you see a spaceman? 10 Rep 236 Posts Drives: SG/Terra E90 335i Step Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: La Quinta, CA iTrader: (0)	I traded in an '04 G35 sedan with 17" wheels for my 330i SP. The 330 is a bit better in actual ride quality (not by leaps and bounds, though). What makes a big difference to me is that it seems smoother still because I don't have the audible bump-thump I had in the G35. Rough roads can get a bit annoying, but my wife hasn't complained about it. You mentioned highway miles, though, and my 330 is a blast to drive on high-speed stretches. It is very smooth on the freeway and is always asking to be pushed harder. If your wife tolerated the G35, I think she'll be fine with the 330i SP. And you will love it!
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02-23-2006, 01:50 PM	#16
BMWLV New Member 2 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 335i holdout Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Las Vegas iTrader: (0)	women vs. 330i The 330i has higher resale value and is mainetenance free.
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02-23-2006, 02:37 PM	#17
eleven24 Foppa! 29 Rep 214 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Furlong, PA iTrader: (0)	I don't think the harsh ride is a result from the 18's as much as it is the stiffer suspension on the SP. My wife hated my E46 328 w/sport and it had 17's. The thing really did feel like a brick going over bumps. In my new 330xi I have the "softer" suspension, and the 18's. The ride is much softer & my wife is much happier . __________________ 2018 X5 xDrive35i past: 96 323ic \| 00 328i \| 06 330xi \| 11 Q5 \| 14 Touraeg \| 17 Q7 ~ 2011-2017: my era of darkness
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02-23-2006, 03:01 PM	#18
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	Your wife will be able to attract a lot more Italian pool boys with the 18"s.
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02-23-2006, 03:06 PM	#19
billgti Lieutenant 26 Rep 506 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330i Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	i have a feeling that she will find the sports package too stiff. i came from a very bouncy car (lowered vw gti) so i'm somewhat used to the stiffness but it does get a little bit harsh if you have bad roads.
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