[Amaru]

Currently driving an '09 335 coupe. Fun car... very fast and still looks pretty good... but it has squeaks and rattles now, and just hasn't ever felt reliable or particularly well-built. Plus it no iPhone bluetooth/music capabilities = :blueguy:

Time to consider replacing it.

Need something new/modern, comfortable for daily use, RWD or AWD, quick/fun, nice to look at. Bias is towards German brands but I'm reasonably open-minded. Not into modding.

Two options:

1.) Lease new. Maybe a 435i, S5, G37, etc. Warranty + cost certainty + choosing option packages = :). But which car?

2.) Buy used. Something under $40k preferably, max 5-6 yrs old. M3? Cayman? C63? Something that won't need servicing twice a week.

Soooo... yeah.

What car should I buy, RS?

Thanks in advance.

PS. Can't do Subaru. Or Cadillac. Or Corvettes. Or anything with an interior featuring mostly dollar store quality plastics.

[Qmx323]

Lexus IS-F?

Won't be a road magnet like a BMW but ample fast, very comfy, and all the tech you need.

Very reliable as far as I know too

[wstce92]

If you like the way your BMW drives, everything else aside, used m3/1m/z4m or new 335/435 would all be good choices with the stick.
New Cayman is excellent as well with the stick.
Personally, the other cars you listed: g37, s5, c63, I didn't find to be nearly as good or fun to drive as their BMW counterparts, especially the auto only c63.

[sdubfid]

Buy a can of wd40 and a new radio, that's like buying a new house because the fridge isn't stainless

[BrownBear]

How about you be a man and fix it, instead of throwing away something that ain't broke. This generation is so wasteful.

[meme405]

Lol. Guy wants a new car asks for advice and people tell him he's being wasteful.

It's not like he's going to crush his old car and buy a hummer to daily. He's just looking for a little upgrade...

The ever helpful RS.

[jpark]

^lol its worse than my parents sometimes when i was 16, i swear

[nma]

inb4 335i on classifieds "babied car zero problems and super reliable"

:troll:

I say go with the 435i, or an older M3..

[meme405]

^lol its worse than my parents sometimes when i was 16, i swear

Seriously though. People are talking to him like he's going to treat his car like a bottle of aquafina and throw it in the trash. :fulloffuck:

[Energy]

inb4 335i on classifieds "babied car zero problems and super reliable"

:troll:

I say go with the 435i, or an older M3..

Haha mine is babied with zero problems and super reliable... after I replaced everything :|

OP, get a used 911 or Cayman.

[punkwax]

Seriously though. People are talking to him like he's going to treat his car like a bottle of aquafina and throw it in the trash. :fulloffuck:

You saying you don't recycle? :suspicious:

[The_AK]

How about downgrade to a 330ci? Bet you didnt see THAT ONE coming!

[smoothie.]

is your car one of the american built ones or from germany?

[xjc11]

e92/e90 m3

[westopher]

Lol. Guy wants a new car asks for advice and people tell him he's being wasteful.

It's not like he's going to crush his old car and buy a hummer to daily. He's just looking for a little upgrade...

The ever helpful RS.
I just think its hilarious that he's justifying his need for a new car with complaints about squeaks and rattles, then mentions an m3 from the same year as an appropriate replacement. Nothing wrong with wanting something different but the reasoning is funny.
That said, the 08-13 M3 would be my first choice for a replacement.
What are your real reasons behind wanting the new car? Faster, more fun, looks, track potential?

[meme405]

I just think its hilarious that he's justifying his need for a new car with complaints about squeaks and rattles, then mentions an m3 from the same year as an appropriate replacement. Nothing wrong with wanting something different but the reasoning is funny.
That said, the 08-13 M3 would be my first choice for a replacement.
What are your real reasons behind wanting the new car? Faster, more fun, looks, track potential?

Or maybe he drives a lot and his 09 335 has 200k km on it?

If he can pick up a simillar year M3 which was only driven in the summer and only has 50k km's on it, is that still a problem?

You saying you don't recycle? :suspicious:

No I don't recycle. Fuck the environment. My job is to produce as much as possible, and without you clowns wasting and needlessly buying garbage, I would soon be out of a job. So keep it going guys cause unemployment doesn't suit me, and I kinda like my job.

:troll:

[westopher]

Or maybe he drives a lot and his 09 335 has 200k km on it?

If he can pick up a simillar year M3 which was only driven in the summer and only has 50k km's on it, is that still a problem?

Its not a problem, its simply funny. 150k decrease in KMs isn't going to change the fact that its a 3 series, and therefore a rattle trap. Also, decreases in KMs don't give you bluetooth technology.

[bcrdukes]

09 335i and starting to shake and rattle? Sounds about right. Sounds like a BMW. Might even take a huge leak on the floor with that cooling system too.

OP - You won't be able to get a 911 or Cayman to fit your criteria (max 5 - 6 years old and under $40K.) And it won't have Bluetooth integrated unless you want to ghetto-rig that shit, but we all know that ghetto-rigging electronics in German cars is a nothing more than a can of worms.

You have better options leasing than buying used. Good luck.

[tofu1413]

C63, IS-F or M3.


just start saving money for gas and rear tires. :lawl:

[bcrdukes]

+1

I'd say M3 is the best bet, but pray that the previous owner has all the preventative maitnenance complete. Like Energy said, the car will be reliable...once everything is replaced. :pokerface:

I can't speak for the Bluetooth thing however.

[tofu1413]

well.... I do have a fire orange M3 DCT in stock.... :troll:

[BBMme]

C63

[westopher]

well.... I do have a fire orange M3 DCT in stock.... :troll:

How much can I get for a trade in.
Low kms, rare colour, lady driven, never tracked or redlined.:pokerface:

[twitchyzero]

Seriously though. People are talking to him like he's going to treat his car like a bottle of aquafina and throw it in the trash. :fulloffuck:

well to be fair, his current car is only 6 years old and his reason for switching is because of rattles and lack of bluetooth.

what type of response were you expecting from the DIY crowd?

[punkwax]

fire orange.. :sweetjesus:

[Energy]

09 335i and starting to shake and rattle? Sounds about right. Sounds like a BMW. Might even take a huge leak on the floor with that cooling system too.

OP - You won't be able to get a 911 or Cayman to fit your criteria (max 5 - 6 years old and under $40K.) And it won't have Bluetooth integrated unless you want to ghetto-rig that shit, but we all know that ghetto-rigging electronics in German cars is a nothing more than a can of worms.

You have better options leasing than buying used. Good luck.

You can get a 7 year old Cayman S though.

2008 Porsche Cayman for $37,995 in Toronto | autoTRADER.ca (http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/Cayman/Toronto/Ontario/5_24342556_20110127075959692/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=51_15_58)

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Porsche/Cayman/Granby/Quebec/5_24413939_20150618114624473/?showcpo=ShowCPO&orup=53_15_58

[tofu1413]

How much can I get for a trade in.
Low kms, rare colour, lady driven, never tracked or redlined.:pokerface:

Will assure you extra value on trade... because race.... i mean techno violet and hurricane cloth :lawl:


There is no evidence of track days on that car right....? :troll:

[Harvey Specter]

M3. Awesome car and it'll be good long term investment.

[The_AK]

This thread makes me want to upgrade to a 335 now...

[Energy]

Oh OP, your car should have bluetooth that allows you to make and receive calls from your phone.

I added bluetooth music streaming with an A2DP adapter. I stuck it in the center console and now my music automatically starts playing when the car is turned on. You have to control it through your phone though. Steering wheel controls won't work.

[Galactic_Phantom]

Pony up for a F80/F82 lease.

Just my opinion, but not that big of a fan of E9X M3s. Or get a E46 and more leftover money for maintanance :)

[multicartual]

Or anything with an interior featuring mostly dollar store quality plastics.


Why? Would your vagina hurt if you drove something a bit more spartan than an interior made from leather massaged personally by the ghost of Isadore Horween?


The whole "interior" argument is kind of lame


Driving experience > interior


Why don't you just get a car with a giant 13" screen in the middle of the dash like every other jackass and still find a way to crash it with all of the electronic nannies there to hold your hand!

[Galactic_Phantom]

^Because there are people out there who values things other than the driving experience in a car. Why else would Mercs and Bentleys sell? They're boring as fuck to drive. And besides, you spend most of the time inside a car, thats why it kinda matters to some people.

[multicartual]

M435i then


/thread

[Gucci Mane]

M235i


/thread

[a00755836]

porsche 911 carrera s. reliable, good resale value, and fun to drive.

good investment too. random thought...have you guys seen 1995 models on craigslist? holy! the prices are the same or more than the 996/997s.

[extracrunchie]

Reliability and cost effective is not really a european car strong suit.........but leasing would be a good choice.

Either a M3 or Q50 would get my vote.

[knight604]

This thread makes me want to upgrade to a 335 now...

You mean m3, do it right once.

[richardmozis]

2011+ C63

[GS8]

PS. Can't do Subaru. Or Cadillac. Or Corvettes. Or anything with an interior featuring mostly dollar store quality plastics.

Lulz

You could just say "I don't want these because I don't like them" but you're using interior materials to justify it? Not to mention none of those are cross shopped......ever......

Oh motherfucking lulz

I'd very much consider the Cadillac ATS / ATS Coupe. 2.0L Turbo with M6 and LSD. And that isn't even the price topping model. A trifecta tune can get you 80hp.

[knight604]

There is so much turbo lag in the 2.0L ATS, Cadillac never again.

[meme405]

Q50 would get my vote.

The Q50 sucks. Don't bother.

This coming from an infiniti fan, and fellow owner.

If they mess up the new Q60 half as bad as they messed up the Q50, infiniti is headed down a river of shit.

[StylinRed]

http://resources.carsguide.com.au/styles/cg_hero_large/s3/lexus-rc-350-group-2014.jpg

http://www.lexus.com/cm-img/gallery/2015-Lexus-RC-350-fsport-gallery-1204x677-LEX-RCG-MY15-0075.jpg

or

http://www.auto-types.com/images/_autonews/2016-Audi-TT_26.jpg

http://images.thecarconnection.com/lrg/audi-tt_100458485_l.jpg

or

http://images.thecarconnection.com/hug/2016-jaguar-xe_100479964_h.jpg

http://www.jaguar.com/Images/XE_16MY_133_GEE-device_desktop-1366x550_tcm76-113595_desktop_1366x550.jpg?v=2
had to put a different colour in here, thought i was going overboard with the red :D

[Gucci Mane]

2011+ C63

a buddy recently bought a 2011 c63 with a few mod's already done to it including an IPE exhaust. dat sound :sweetjesus:

[c4@urdoor]

Why have German cars gone downhill in quality control the past decade? I'm looking at you specifically, BMW and VW. Is it because they started manufacturing outside of Germany? Need a German auto guru to make sense of all this, man! Where is Ja Rule?!

[Amaru]

Lexus IS-F?

Won't be a road magnet like a BMW but ample fast, very comfy, and all the tech you need.

Very reliable as far as I know too

Thanks. Good suggestion. I'll definitely go drive one. Clarkson hated it, has reception been good elsewhere?

Buy a can of wd40 and a new radio, that's like buying a new house because the fridge isn't stainless

How about you be a man and fix it, instead of throwing away something that ain't broke. This generation is so wasteful.

:fuckthatshit:

OP, get a used 911 or Cayman.

I wish. Good 911's are way out of my price range, and I fear any Cayman I could buy for $40k might just be replacing my current rattles and reliability fears with new ones.

I sure do like a driver's car, though, and the Cayman seems like one of the best....

How about downgrade to a 330ci? Bet you didnt see THAT ONE coming!

:toot:

Ironically: been there done that. Prior to my current 335, I owned an e46 335 coupe for many years. Loved that car to death, nearly a perfect car, miss things about it all the time.

is your car one of the american built ones or from germany?

Built in Germany. Does it actually make a diff?


That said, the 08-13 M3 would be my first choice for a replacement.
What are your real reasons behind wanting the new car? Faster, more fun, looks, track potential?

Thx. Love the M3 of all gens. This thread further strengthens my suspicion that I would immediately love owning an M3.

If I went the 'buy used' route, I think a low-mileage e92 m3 would be the leading contender. Question is, can I find one that's in top shape within my budget?

Looking for something more modern, better build quality and/or newer and lower mileage, better equipped, and equally fun to drive. Any performance increase over my current 335 would be a bonus. Needs to look pretty, but thankfully I like the look of most of the cars mentioned in this thread.

Oh OP, your car should have bluetooth that allows you to make and receive calls from your phone.

I added bluetooth music streaming with an A2DP adapter. I stuck it in the center console and now my music automatically starts playing when the car is turned on. You have to control it through your phone though. Steering wheel controls won't work.

Yeah, that's exactly what I have currently. But my 335 has no iDrive (nor, I assume, does yours) so the bluetooth is controlled via the CD player buttons and it's complicated and annoying to use. I don't really use it much anyway, care more about the music.

Having to change songs and control music functions via the iPhone plugged into the center console *sucks*. It's probably going to land me a distracted driving ticket sooner than later. If there was a USB port and I could at least change tracks with the factory stereo, but alas there is not.

I'd find and punish the imbecile who first leased my car for failing to pay a few hundred to get a USB port (in the post-iPod era!).... but I'll let him off the hook because he took a huge depreciation hit on the car, thus making it affordable enough for me to buy.

And yeah, agree with the dude who said modding German cars is just no. Not into any interior mods, period.

[Amaru]

Thanks to all for the suggestions, this has definitely been a helpful thread.

Why? Would your vagina hurt if you drove something a bit more spartan than an interior made from leather massaged personally by the ghost of Isadore Horween?

The whole "interior" argument is kind of lame

Driving experience > interior

Why don't you just get a car with a giant 13" screen in the middle of the dash like every other jackass and still find a way to crash it with all of the electronic nannies there to hold your hand!

Hmm. I think you and I have a different outlook on that one, sir.

To answer your question, I have to sit in my car every time I drive it... so yes, the interior fucking matters.

Do you drive an open-wheel race car as your DD? It is a great driving experience, so surely it's no problem to overlook the lack of a cup holder, passenger seat, roof, etc...

For the record, we agree about electronic nannies. Shit like "lane departure warning" and "active collision avoidance system" sound absolutely tragic.

M235i

/thread

No. Thread remains open.

Thanks for the suggestion, it's prob a logical one... I know I'd love driving that car every day.

But I don't like looking at it. It looks wrong. It looks like a 435 that's been shrunk to 80% of its original length, but the same height/width:

http://www.musclegainguide.com/warped.png

M435i then

/thread

Yeah. If the e92 M3 leads the list of contenders if I were to buy used, then the 435 is at the front of the pack if I went the lease route.

Lulz

You could just say "I don't want these because I don't like them" but you're using interior materials to justify it? Not to mention none of those are cross shopped......ever......

Oh motherfucking lulz

I'd very much consider the Cadillac ATS / ATS Coupe. 2.0L Turbo with M6 and LSD. And that isn't even the price topping model. A trifecta tune can get you 80hp.

I didn't use interior materials as an excuse to justify my brand-hate, I simply said that I *also* don't want something with cheap shit interior build quality.

And to be completely honest, the reason I don't want a Subaru/Cadillac/etc is because of the image associated with the brand. Call me a snob, sure... but, fuck it, I am sufficiently vain to blacklist a few cars that I just can't see myself in. It's nothing against the brands... Subarus are good cars and maybe the ATS is too, they're just not for me at this point. I don't think I have to justify further.

Also, I'm sure your ATS is fast, but I doubt very much it is any faster than my current car (~380bhp with Cobb engine maps, 6spd, AWD). I don't put straight line speed at the top of my must-haves list, so I'd happily drive something with less power, but the performance of a 2.0L 4cyl is just not going to get my automotive dick hard.

In summary: thanks for the suggestions, but I disagree on all points.

[dhari]

Why have German cars gone downhill in quality control the past decade? I'm looking at you specifically, BMW and VW. Is it because they started manufacturing outside of Germany? Need a German auto guru to make sense of all this, man! Where is Ja Rule?!

It's 8:30am and you have already made my day :D

Someone get Ja on the phone!!

[bumsuck]

. Have you looked at lease rates for the Macan S?

[westopher]

Before someone comes in and interjects that the macan is not a drivers car, man that thing was moving around the track at a day I spent at mission. I can assure you the guy was having a great time running circles around me.

[belka]

. Have you looked at lease rates for the Macan S?

Or a Golf R for that matter - hair under $600/month for 48 months with zero down.

[jjson]

^I'm all for the new VW MQB platform cars but how is that price even possible???
+1 new MK7 Golf Gti gets my vote

[JoshuaWong]

Can't go wrong with either one...
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/19496_10153103924394153_2265554493435526796_n.jpg? oh=88592d38885a6172ed999b569ef5b90b&oe=5616BFB2

[westopher]

You literally can't go wrong with any m3 (except the e36 of course,) especially in alpine white.

[Ferra]

kinda in the same boat.

since B9 A4 is out, why not wait for the B9 S4?
Love the S5 too, but that model is basically 9 years old...
Cayman with 2 seats really isn't practical (for me)

Not sure about you, but for me, no stick shift = no care...
that kinda eliminates a lot of the other choices... (Lexus, ATS, C-class, CLA..)

[Traum]

To the OP, don't diss a Corvette unless you've actually checked out a C7 Corvette Stingray / Z06. Those monsters are every bit as nice as an M3/M4, inside and out, on and off the track. The Stingray is also easily more affordable than an M3/M4.

[Gucci Mane]

To the OP, don't diss a Corvette unless you've actually checked out a C7 Corvette Stingray / Z06. Those monsters are every bit as nice as an M3/M4, inside and out, on and off the track. The Stingray is also easily more affordable than an M3/M4.

not to mention, for the price of the m3/m4 you can buy a new stingray, bolt on a vortech supercharger and install a tune and have a 700hp savage beast. and that's 700hp all day long too without any issues. they're great fucking cars.

[Gucci Mane]

Thanks for the suggestion, it's prob a logical one... I know I'd love driving that car every day.

But I don't like looking at it. It looks wrong. It looks like a 435 that's been shrunk to 80% of its original length, but the same height/width:



435 is actually a pretty damn big car. m235i is the same size as the e46 m3.

[Galactic_Phantom]

^they're also numb as fuck to drive. M-sport is nothing compared to a real M

[originalhypa]

not to mention, for the price of the m3/m4 you can buy a new stingray, bolt on a vortech supercharger and install a tune and have a 700hp savage beast. and that's 700hp all day long too without any issues. they're great fucking cars.

While I agree with you, plastic interiors make the OP sad.
I willing to bet that the couldn't handle 700hp anyway. Driving cars with the assistance of traction control, electronic stability control, 5th gen ABS, et al actually makes one a worse driver.

FailFish

[multicartual]

I don't even have a stereo in my car, ABS or a cupholder


It has a 5 speed, gauges and a fun pedal :) GO! :)


But hey... you're right, some people want to drive a car that is more like an entertainment center now. Holy fuck GPS, giant screens, talking cars, buttons everywhere... how the fuck does anyone enjoy driving a damn near desktop PC? The manual on iDrive is like 300 pages thick?!?!

[tofu1413]

^they're also numb as fuck to drive. M-sport is nothing compared to a real M

M sport X drive.........



they drive like the regular cars nowdays.. since they dont have the M sport suspension because of the X drive.

[Amaru]

. Have you looked at lease rates for the Macan S?

:suspicious:

Can't go wrong with either one...
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/19496_10153103924394153_2265554493435526796_n.jpg? oh=88592d38885a6172ed999b569ef5b90b&oe=5616BFB2

:fappery:

To the OP, don't diss a Corvette unless you've actually checked out a C7 Corvette Stingray / Z06. Those monsters are every bit as nice as an M3/M4, inside and out, on and off the track. The Stingray is also easily more affordable than an M3/M4.

First of all, I didn't diss Corvettes... I have a ton of respect for them, and I know the C7 is a great car. I am simply not interested in owning one, they're not for me... I personally find it too 'showy' and loud. To each their own.

Also, from what I can tell, a Stingray and new M4 are pretty close in performance (Vette might have a half second advantage in 0-60 and 1/4 mile) and price (depending on options).

435 is actually a pretty damn big car. m235i is the same size as the e46 m3.

Yeah, true. And the e92 is big enough, IMO.

That said, it's not that the 235 is too small, it's that the proportions don't look right. Hopefully the next gen is a bit less homely.

Also, pretty much all cars (in all market segments) are growing longer and wider with each generation, so I'd imagine the 4-series is roughly the same size as competing vehicles in that segment? The C-series Merc's look especially huge for a 'compact' model.


I willing to bet that the couldn't handle 700hp anyway. Driving cars with the assistance of traction control, electronic stability control, 5th gen ABS, et al actually makes one a worse driver.

Agree that driver aids probably make for less competent drivers, but then again everything you've mentioned is mandated by law now, so it's not like anyone buying a new car today needs to learn threshold braking, etc unless they're driving an older model car or hitting the track.

Not sure about your "can't handle 700hp!1!" comment. No, I do not have special track driving skills (altho I did spend some time on the track in an Aventador and 458 and survived to tell the tale). I really don't think a person needs to be a rally legend in order to drive a stock Vette. Plus, I'd much rather have a very usable 450hp daily driver than a barely-controllable 700hp beast.

[Amaru]

I don't even have a stereo in my car, ABS or a cupholder


It has a 5 speed, gauges and a fun pedal :) GO! :)


But hey... you're right, some people want to drive a car that is more like an entertainment center now. Holy fuck GPS, giant screens, talking cars, buttons everywhere... how the fuck does anyone enjoy driving a damn near desktop PC? The manual on iDrive is like 300 pages thick?!?!

Some tech features are awesome (rearview cam, HUD, intelligent GPS, bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, etc) but I agree that the rest of them are just irritating distractions.

What I want is pretty simple, nothing out of the ordinary: basic luxury pack (power seats, solid stereo, keyless start, etc +, bluetooth to play music from my phone + a cup holder that does not eject my beverages at random.

Thanks to all for the suggestions so far. Planning to test drive an RC-F, 435, e92 M3, and perhaps a Cayman if I can find a good one in the next few weeks. The 435i is in the lead currently.

[tofu1413]

well there is one more sleeper car that i've been super impressed with.......



Q50S Hybrid.

But before the bashing begins.... 360hp with 400lb/ft torque stock. and still returns stupid awesome gas mileage.

Should look into it as well. ATTESA-ETS AWD as well. (100% rwd under normal conditions)

[Oshiguru]

Some tech features are awesome (rearview cam, HUD, intelligent GPS, bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, etc) but I agree that the rest of them are just irritating distractions.

What I want is pretty simple, nothing out of the ordinary: basic luxury pack (power seats, solid stereo, keyless start, etc +, bluetooth to play music from my phone + a cup holder that does not eject my beverages at random.

Thanks to all for the suggestions so far. Planning to test drive an RC-F, 435, e92 M3, and perhaps a Cayman if I can find a good one in the next few weeks. The 435i is in the lead currently.

I'm a huge bmw fan and love the way they drive, but don't forget to checkout the new Audi S3 as well imo. Small car, decent features if optioned and the steering feels just like the new bmws where it's electronic but with different settings can imitate the hydraulic feel of your e92

[Marshall Placid]

but don't forget to checkout the new Audi S3 as well imo. Small car, decent features if optioned and the steering feels just like the new bmws where it's electronic but with different settings can imitate the hydraulic feel of your e92

1- Test drive the S3.
2- Buy or lease it if you love it.
3- If the pocket rocket's stock 0-60 in 4.4s is too slow., Stage I APR ECU tune it for 3.9s or Stage II if you dare.

Source:
0-60 in 4.4s (roadandtrack.com).

The 2016 model just came out (but few changes from 2015 model).

You get 4 doors, AWD, and blistering speed, and save gas on the 4-pot.

And take it from an owner... it's thrilling to drive it.

[Mike.L]

If you are looking at an M3 or Cayman for $40k, the question is are you ready to buy a car that is 7-8 years old? How long are you planning to keep it, 5-10 years? thats will be a 12-18 year old car by then. Not cheap my friend

[multicartual]

If the pocket rocket's stock 0-60 in 4.4s is too slow


Too fast... not really good for city driving. Hard to have fun with a fast car in the city because shit gets too illegal, too fast.


Also... that 0-60, is that from power off idle or do you need to setup launch control?

[Energy]

Some tech features are awesome (rearview cam, HUD, intelligent GPS, bluetooth connectivity, heated seats, etc) but I agree that the rest of them are just irritating distractions.

What I want is pretty simple, nothing out of the ordinary: basic luxury pack (power seats, solid stereo, keyless start, etc +, bluetooth to play music from my phone + a cup holder that does not eject my beverages at random.

Thanks to all for the suggestions so far. Planning to test drive an RC-F, 435, e92 M3, and perhaps a Cayman if I can find a good one in the next few weeks. The 435i is in the lead currently.

I don't think the 435i is an upgrade from your current car. You're going to be paying so much more for the same power (I think the N54 is also better than the N55). The materials quality in the E92 is also superior to the new cars. Plus the steering of the 435i is not as "nice" as the E92. The steering of the 435i annoyed me so much when I drove one.

I got my car specifically because it had no idrive. In car technology gets outdated so fast now and I prefer a basic, functional interior. I have no back up sensors or rearview camera either and I'm totally fine with that.

Like you, I wanted a car with good looks, manual transmission, RWD, power, good stereo, good build quality.

I felt bored with my car earlier this year and actually wanted to get a fun car like an S2000 again. But I realized that my car fits my current needs and there's nothing comparable in price I can replace it with. Need to save up for the car I really want :)

[prolepsis]

I might have missed it, but do you want a stick shift car or auto?

I have an E92 M3 and the shifter is meh. Standard BMW feel--a little rubbery, but then I used to drive an S2000 so many shifters feel meh in comparison.

The 435i is nice, and I've driven it a bit, but it does feel less analog in comparison to the older bimmers, especially in terms of the electric steering versus hydraulic.

A used Cayman would be a lot of fun, and would feel quite different when compared to your 335. You'll notice the weight difference as well.

Though I really like my M3, I still would eventually like to own a Cayman. That's because I've always liked them and want a mid engine platform.

[multicartual]

I used to drive an S2000 so many shifters feel meh in comparison.


When my S2K had a 6 puck clutch the shifter was godly. I couldn't believe how incredible the shifter felt. Every shift felt like a female orifice teased to the max and penetrated smoothly by 50 Shades of Gear.

It groaned like a 60 year old pleasuring herself off the line from a stop though :heckno:

[prolepsis]

^ Lol! :toot:

I'd hate to think of how you'd describe the clutch in the S2000.

Shifter = great/agree. Clutch? Meh--sort of numb feeling, not as good other clutches (BMW/Porsches come to mind).

[synchrocone]

not to mention, for the price of the m3/m4 you can buy a new stingray, bolt on a vortech supercharger and install a tune and have a 700hp savage beast. and that's 700hp all day long too without any issues. they're great fucking cars.

To add to that, said it once and will say it again; if you live in Europe, the Stingray is significantly more expensive than the M3/M4. Take advantage of your North American position!

[Marshall Placid]

Too fast... not really good for city driving. Hard to have fun with a fast car in the city because shit gets too illegal, too fast.


Also... that 0-60, is that from power off idle or do you need to setup launch control?

I forgot to mention that it's also very nimble.

It's the best of both worlds: power when you need (or want) it and the agile and nimbleness of a small sedan.

It's from launch control (the 0-60).

[multicartual]

It's from launch control (the 0-60).

What about without launch control?

I'm interested in knowing how it feels if you slip the clutch at like 1500-2000 RPM off a light.

My T88 Supra was fairly beastly with 520 rwhp on pump gas, but in 1st gear if you wanted to "scoot" off the line and make sure you didn't get stuck behind a bus... it was a huge, attention-getting deal to rev the engine to like 5-6k RPM and slip the clutch in 1st and hope you didn't bog or spin too much. When you got it just right it was insane, but if you missed the sweet spot, a minivan could keep up with you 0-30!

Now it is more like, what feels fast as hell 0-40 MPH ( 0-80 KPH ) without too much drama?

Also, how many steps to activate launch control? Do you need to be fully stopped? How about traction control? Is it a quick switch or do you have to hold down a button like I did in my 135i? That damn traction control button was so lame.

I bet your car feels nuts with the launch control as HELL YEAH does it work, but launch control feels like the Tinder of driving. Your car does all the work, all you do is swipe and hold on for the car to respond.

[iHeat]

c63 gets my vote even though i would love to have a e92 m3

[EuroRepresent]

M235i

[Fafine]

the new 4 series look so nice!

[rcoccultwar]

c63 gets my vote even though i would love to have a e92 m3

C63 is certainly a good option. One factor or something to consider, is the talk that Mercedes is possibly going to unionize a significant plant.

If it has the theme of some 3rd wave feminist taste to it, noooo! 4th wave(?) feminist ways?(use your imagination)... yesss!!

[Drow]

the new 4 series look so nice!

i disagree... the M4 looks nice, but just the 4 series looks bad...

the 3 series before it became the 4 series was wayyy more aesthetic

[StylinRed]

I dont like the 4 or the m4 :/ looks oddly shaped
Not a fan of coupes with long sedan-like bodies but having said that the gran coupes look weird too :lol

[Amaru]

I might have missed it, but do you want a stick shift car or auto?

I have an E92 M3 and the shifter is meh. Standard BMW feel--a little rubbery, but then I used to drive an S2000 so many shifters feel meh in comparison.

The 435i is nice, and I've driven it a bit, but it does feel less analog in comparison to the older bimmers, especially in terms of the electric steering versus hydraulic.

A used Cayman would be a lot of fun, and would feel quite different when compared to your 335. You'll notice the weight difference as well.

Though I really like my M3, I still would eventually like to own a Cayman. That's because I've always liked them and want a mid engine platform.

Prefer manual. I like the shifter in my 335 to be honest, not sure how different it is from your M3.

And yeah, Cayman is probably the car I'd choose if my budget was $10-$15k higher than it is. I want one. But I've realized it's just not within reach unless I get one that's pooched / high km's.... which would defeat the point since I'm selling partly due to quality/reliability/cost of ownership.

M235i

I've warmed to the 235i a bit recently, but I don't think I can get past the way it looks from this angle:

http://resources.carsguide.com.au/styles/cg_hero_large/s3/bmw-m235i-2014-(2).jpg

[AstulzerRZD]

Prefer manual. I like the shifter in my 335 to be honest, not sure how different it is from your M3.

And yeah, Cayman is probably the car I'd choose if my budget was $10-$15k higher than it is. I want one. But I've realized it's just not within reach unless I get one that's pooched / high km's.... which would defeat the point since I'm selling partly due to quality/reliability/cost of ownership.



I've warmed to the 235i a bit recently, but I don't think I can get past the way it looks from this angle:

http://resources.carsguide.com.au/styles/cg_hero_large/s3/bmw-m235i-2014-(2).jpg

If you take a look at the photo, the camera looks pretty close to the ground. This might be why the trunk looks weird

[prolepsis]

Prefer manual. I like the shifter in my 335 to be honest, not sure how different it is from your M3.

And yeah, Cayman is probably the car I'd choose if my budget was $10-$15k higher than it is. I want one. But I've realized it's just not within reach unless I get one that's pooched / high km's.... which would defeat the point since I'm selling partly due to quality/reliability/cost of ownership.


It's been a while since I tried a non-M3 E9x manual, but from what I recall, if you like your 335 shifter, the M3 will feel similar and be fine. Both have that slightly notchy, somewhat rubbery feel to the shift action, typical of BMW shifter feel.

When I was looking, there were more M3s readily available versus Caymans. 987.1 Caymans have potential IMS issues, but from my research, most owners are ok. 987.2 has a different engine (without IMS), and is more reliable, but the resale prices reflect the increased desirability.