I own a 2001 Aero sedan with stick shift, and I have meaningful seat time in a 2002 330i with manual and sport package, and a 1999 540i automatic. I agree with phred's executive summary that BMWs are better drivers' cars if equipped with the Sport Package, but that the Aero is a better value. I also think the Aero is vastly better on the merits as a family car that needs to please an enthusiast, and the 2002 revisions to the Aero close the gap with BMW to a meaningful degree, especially in terms of steering, seats, and front end rigidity. (I've driven a 2002 Aero.) BTW, I think the pre-revision Aero steering was overly criticized. Yes, it's numb on center, but off center, which is where the precision matters most, it is fantastic. I can't believe how good it's been when I've taken it through the back road of Northern Delaware.

My friend who owns the 330i had a reaction similar to Jason's cousin after driving my Aero -- he couldn't believe how light the clutch is. He found it very easy to drive smoothly. Interestingly, I didn't think the BMW's clutch is heavy at all; then again, my other car is a comparitively brutish 1995 Jetta GLX. (After driving my Aero for two weeks, I was horrified when I next drove the Jetta. I thought the clutch mechanism had seized!) I found that the BMW's shifter is overrated. It's not nearly as good as the best from Honda, and I had expected more given all the praise in the enthusiast mags.

I would like to stick with Saab the next time around, but I have four wishes for the next Aero to make it more competitive with BMW as a drivers' car: (1) a six speed manual with shorter second gear; (2) better shift linkage; (3) an overall feeling of solidity comparable to BMW, Audi, and Mercedes (we're just not there yet); and (4) an all wheel drive option.

posted by 147.31...

• Reviving the 9-5 vs 5 series debate, bRAD, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 10:29:48
  • Re: Reviving the 9-5 vs 5 series debate, PeteSaab, Thu, 19 Sep 2002 16:27:03
  • Uniqueness is priceless...., Mike Lynch , Tue, 17 Sep 2002 16:20:18
  • Here's the executive summary, phred, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 13:28:59
  • 2002 9-5 Aero vs 2000 528ia Prem and 2001 325i Sport, Jason, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 13:28:06
    • Re: 2002 9-5 Aero vs 2000 528ia Prem and 2001 325i Sport, Ned, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 14:30:40 <-- Viewing This Message
      • re: wish list, bRAD, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 14:54:51
        • Dog ramps widely available, phred, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 16:28:52
          • Re: Dog ramps widely available, bRAD, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 17:00:26
        • Door detentes, Kevin, Tue, 17 Sep 2002 15:07:29
          • Re: Door detentes, Jonathan, Fri, 4 Oct 2002 07:59:08
          • Re: Door detentes, Ned, Wed, 18 Sep 2002 10:06:15
            • no complaint with door detentes from me either, but, Aero'ed, Wed, 18 Sep 2002 19:26:19

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