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  The 3er is getting softer with each generation but I don't consider that as "falling" since it still performs superbly.   I don't think the 3er is "falling", it is just that the competitors are getting better so it really doesn't stand out that much anymore compare to say, 10 years ago.   Let's see who were 3er's competitors back in 1998:   Audi A4 (the closest one in my opinion) MB C-class (yeah right...) Saab 9-3 (what's that again?)   Now fast forward to year 2008:   Acura TL (arguably the best FWD car up to date) Audi A4 (still a formidable and worthy challenger, although getting fatter with each iteration) Infiniti G35 (need I say more?) Lexus IS350 (this car is one pedal and couple more inches for rear seat away from being perfect) MB C-class (getting better with each iteration) Boy, how the time has changed...

  Here's the link to a featured article by Paul Leinert from Inside Line that I am going to talk about: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=127406?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*   There are many flaws in the author's reasoning but first of all, he failed to see that Toyota is a full-line auto manufacture like GM but Honda is not. Takes out Toyota's trucks and body-on-frame SUVs then Toyota's sales would be just as impressive as Honda's. Also, Toyota has the ability to shift its assembly lines from trucks to sedans (or other more fuel-efficient models) fairly easily...

  Okay, The short version of the story is that I almost pulled the trigger to buy a 2005 e46 M3 SMG with only 8k miles ...   Here's the longer version if you are still interested:   Ever since I got back from the track day my interest in a slightly used M3 has been growing on me. So couple weeks ago I went to my local BMW dealer and told one of the sales that if he ever comes across a SMG M3 (just can't live with a manual as my DD in LA) with low mileage ( < 25k ) then let me know...

For those who of you still hung up on the rumored $225k price tag...   First of all, that whole report from Edmunds IL was very fishy, and it got even fishier after the reference from Lexus official was taken off shortly after (see http://thepassionatepursuit.com/2008/05/21/is-the-lexus-lf-a-going-to-cost-over-200000/ ). But neverthless even if Lexus ended up only sold 100 units a year world wide as long as this car gets universally praised by the auto presses regarding its performance then it'll be a victory for Toyota...

Buick has just announced the prices for the Lucerne Super and CXL special edition and here are the summaries:   Lucerne Super: - 4.6L Northstar V-8 - 292 horsepower - 288 lb.-ft. of torque - MSRP: $39,395 (including a $765 destination freight charge)   Lucerne CXL Special Edition V-6: - 3.8L V-6 - 197 horsepower - 227 lb.-ft. of torque - MSRP: $32,150 (including a $765 destination freight charge)   Lucerne CXL Special Edition V-8: - Northstar 4.6L V-8 - 275 horsepower - 295 lb.-ft...

  Recently reported, Acura is working on a “huge shift” next year that will move the brand closer to tier 1 luxury brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. There is also a chance that we'll see Acura's version of M/AMG/RS/F. Here's what I thought: Well, before walking Acura needs to prove that:   1...

Since I got the lowering springs installed couple weeks ago I decided to get the alignment done today. I've heard from couple friends that Firestone has a pretty good "lifetime alignment" program so I decided to check it out. The cost is $169, the program is good through the lifetime of the car with no limitations as long as I own the car...

Granted the RL was plain but at least it wasn't ugly, well that's not the case anymore. Folks here's the 2009 Acura RL: Seriously, I think Acura has gotten a little bit carry away with that shield grille design. Can someone please tell the Acura designers that IT DOESN'T LOOK GOOD...

Okay, not exactly...   I had the Eibach springs installed on Saturday and it might be an exaggeration to say that it feels like a totally different car but to be quiet honest, that statement might not be that far from the reality.   I was surprised to find out that the springs actually give the car a smoother ride quality than before, I wouldn't call it softer but it is definitely better...

I am having a RX350 as loaner car for today due to the 25k miles service and a TSIB fix. After driving about 10 miles to work I have to say that those marketing gurus at Lexus must be genius to make this car as the number one selling luxury SUV in the US. To me this is just a floatier ES350 (yes, floatier than an ES), I personally don't think that's possible but somehow Lexus engineers have done it...