You really wouldn't cough up the extra $100/month for that?

As you can tell, I'm a big fan of the 3-series ;)

But allow me to justify continuously, and accurately, with this and my previous posts (and perhaps future ones). There's a reason Bimmerfest is somewhat of a religious cult following and peppered with 3-series in particular...

We all recognize the new G37 as perhaps the most compelling and competent package, and the very latest, to compete in the class (or even a bit below and above it) to come out of Japan. Brand new chassis, engine, brakes, technology, you name it. So, how does the very best so far from the Land of the Rising Sun compare to the lowly 3-series?

When the new G35 sedan came out, there was much anticipation. It was quickly squashed, even against the prior 330. But when the G37 COUPE news broke out, with the new engine and chassis and brakes, anticipation reached fever pitch.

My bullet points below pretty much hint to you what I hold near and dear when looking for characteristics in a car:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=121462#10

• ENGINE: "turbo inline-6 is smoother than the G37's V6. And as free-revving as the Nissan VQ V6 is, this twin-turbo six likes to rev even more."
• SUSPENSION TUNING: "on back roads the 2007 BMW 335i was faster in real-world driving, even though its got softer suspension"
  • "The BMW 3 Series coupe crouches lower than the sedan, but even on run-flats, it's still more compliant than the Infiniti"
• FEEDBACK: "Feedback is what makes the difference. Both coupes talk to their drivers, but the 335i speaks in great detail."
• FEEDBACK: "We're so locked into the car's progress down the road through the compliant chassis and textured steering, we push on without reservation."
• STEERING: "Although the BMW's steering ratio of 16.0:1 suggests otherwise, the 3 Series reacts to its steering more quickly than the G37."
• BRAKES: "came to a halt in 109 feet and never deviated more than a foot over our series of stops with no fade"
  • Even with "superior" hardware, the G37 brakes faded by the 5th lap, and had inferior stopping distances (
• GEARSHIFT: "Compared to the G's shift action, though, the BMW has a lighter-effort feel and it snaps positively into gear. The 335i's clutch engagement is also smoother and more predictable than that of the G37"
  • I personally tried the new automatic in the 335, and it's freakin amazing, by far the best I've tried, ever.
• RIDE COMFORT (despite runflats): "held only a surprisingly slim advantage in ride comfort over the Infiniti, perhaps because of the 335i's run-flat tires."
  • Ok, 18 vs 19 inch, but still
• EXHAUST: "manly exhaust roar"
• DRIVING POSITION: "This is the same interior design you'd see in any other 3 Series, yet somehow it never gets old — legible gauges, superb materials, perfect driving position."
• QUALITY AND ROOM: "If quality and interior passenger volume matter to you, the BMW is the one you want."
  • "Slick and attractive, the G37's cockpit still lacks the quality of a BMW."
• LEATHER: "True, you pay extra to get leather in the Bimmer, but the standard hides in the G feel like they belong in a $30,000 car, not a $40,000 one."
• DRIVER ENGAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT: "By most standards, the Infiniti G37 is an impressive car and a lot of fun. But it does not engage its driver with equal commitment."
• FEEL: "Nearly every aspect of our drive feels more natural in the 335i"
• PRIORITIES ? "I'm not sure what the price difference is, but the BMW feels $15,000 better."

• "Judged on the surface, the G37 has a lot to recommend it. It's sleek and swift, and the implied promise of a BMW-like driving experience for fewer duckets is tempting indeed..."
• "...strike that."
  • The G37's long-stroke V6 is helpless against the 335i's velvety midrange punch, and it sure doesn't feel as fast out in the real world. What's more, the G37's V6 is strained at high engine speeds, warbling uncertainly on its way to the fuel cut-off as if it would prefer you weren't in such a damned hurry."
  • "There's little indication as to what the Infiniti's front tires are doing and the load-up of steering effort feels artificial."
  • "Once you factor all this against the BMW's lively, informative steering, more delicate control feel and punchier power plant, there's no doubt about which coupe is more satisfying to pilot."

"Simply put, the 335i drives on a whole other level."

Yes, you pay more, but it's not like you're bankrupting-yourself-and-your-family amounts of money. But on top of all these points you have:

• considerably more power, better fuel economy, way more headroom, better visibility, a backseat that's actually useful for adults, a much bigger trunk, better resale value, more supportive seats, free maintenance for 4 years (in the USA), and of course tunability.
• Nevermind the brand cachet which we all know is a factor for most buyers. It's something you EARN.
• There are also hidden engineering treats too that aren't advertised too much, to aid safety or practicality or comfort. Yes, the G has toys that the Bimmer doesn't, like backup camera and a cooler nav.
  

Still surprised they are selling so well? The bullet point items are mainly what is nothing new here between most Bimmers and their peers, even 20+ years back, and certainly for the 3-series. Sure, a hot item on the G is the LSD, which they offered on the old car as well (and sedan) with the sport package. But before you get your feathers all ruffled up about that, know that 5th Gear in the UK recently had the 335i beat the 354hp AWD Audi S5 around a tight under-2-minutes racetrack.

The 3-series is an insanely well-rounded package and the market knows it. And you know what else, their 1, 5, 6, 7 and X series all have the bullet point qualities. They never waver off. Heck, go outside North America and test drive a 4-cylinder 3 series with no sports package and 15 inch wheels, and see how great and superior THAT still feels. I have. More than once.

Now come on, you really wouldn't pay an extra $100 a month for that?