[newoldbeemer]

So after some research I realize the car I'm describing is an M3 sedan or a C63amg. Only they are both out of my budget for the year and miles I'm looking for with warranty/cpo.

So it really boils down to three options:
- compromise a bit on the power I want and get an s4 or 335i or G37, that has "acceptable" power.
- compromise a bit on tight handling and shop a bit bigger - 550i, 650i, I'm even seeing a CLS550 listed for 45k. Negotiate down to sY 42 or 43k and get a German good looking car with V8
- keep saving up for my dream M3 and drive 328i till then. I'm not inclined to do this.

So I guess the question here is how badly will I miss a v8 if I go 335i or how badly I'll miss a small car if I go 550i when taking turns. Anyone have experience with both let me know if you have any thoughts..

[IEDEI]

get a brand new EVO. last year of production. you will NOT find any Sedan with better steering, handling, or brakes. You can get it with a dual clutch gearbox. Go drive one......

under $40k easily brand new.

that's EASILY what i would buy IF i had the same criteria as you.

[DanG]

You could get a 2014 M235i for near your budget CPO. Great handling and good acceleration. For a little less money a 228i M-Sport is still a blast.

[CSanto]

Get the S4. They will run until 100k miles no issues.
My wife has one and I really love the car. Fit and finish of interior is a notch above BMW. Material wise I'd say they are even but there's 0 creaks or rattles in her car. My 2015 M3 has more creaks and rattles by a long shot.
Suspension rides nice. Car is quick but not fast, they are very moddable though.
Also I don't know where you live but AWD is just amazing to have just in case.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by DanG

You could get a 2014 M235i for near your budget CPO. Great handling and good acceleration. For a little less money a 228i M-Sport is still a blast.

I wish. However its not a 4-door...

[newoldbeemer]

So updates from a couple of test drives, hope this will help you give me some more suggestions:

- S4 - Its quick but I was underwhelmed. It feels quick but not fast. Its acceptable-level quick (similar to 335i) but nothing exciting. Doesn't have that powerrr feeling I am craving. Handles great, feels heavier than 335i in the bends but holds it equally well (if not slightly better). Does have some body lean but not too much. Though steering is typically Audi with an artificial feel, I still like it because its sharp and precise. Overall I like it, just wish its faster. The one I test drove was a 2012 CPO model priced at 42K.

- CLS550 - What a car! This car has the "gobs of power" feeling I was referring to. Its plenty fast with power on tap at all speeds. It looks great too and has pretty nice cabin tech, even has self-parking and stuff. The only thing is this car is much bigger than the car I started out to shop, though I like it I'm not sure if I will regret going for a bigger car once the newness wears off.

Now that I like CLS550, I want to try a few bigger cars as well. The V8s seem to be what I want in my mind, I just didnt realize it so far. I am not going to look for an M3 because it has its power higher up the rev range. Low-down torque between zero to 100mph is what I want in everyday driving.

How is the 550i for my requirements? Is it too boaty, how is the power and handling compared to CLS550?

Also how well does the 335i with MPPK compare with these V8s, considering its much lighter?

[bahasad]

Didn't you just buy the E92 like a few months ago?

I would sit down, calm yourself, and carefully rationalize this purchase before making another move (unless you got money to burn). I am in the camp that if you really want an M3, start saving up for it, nothing else will scratch that itch until you get it.

I know because I am in a similar boat. I have less than 1.5 years left before I can pull ahead my lease, I love my F30 but I am eagerly awaiting that day so I can buy an E92 M3 or lease an F80.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by bahasad

Didn't you just buy the E92 like a few months ago?

I would sit down, calm yourself, and carefully rationalize this purchase before making another move (unless you got money to burn). I am in the camp that if you really want an M3, start saving up for it, nothing else will scratch that itch until you get it.

I know because I am in a similar boat. I have less than 1.5 years left before I can pull ahead my lease, I love my F30 but I am eagerly awaiting that day so I can buy an E92 M3 or lease an F80.

Yup you're right - six months back. But I'm not feeling too bad about that, since it was a lateral trade (exchange for same price for a car a year older with more miles) -328i for 328i. I just paid tax, and I have driven six thousand miles after that so... yeah some money wasted but not that bad. However if I had gone 335i instead of keeping it lateral, I would've probably been happy with it now.

Anyway, wife is not happy with 2-door and she wants a "slightly taller" car. So its either plonk down 10K on a used Corolla, or use that 10K as a down payment for an upgrade. That's why I'm back in the market shopping, since I have this niggling feeling my 328i isn't fast enough . This started out as a conversation about possibly trading in the 328i for a Golf R, and now I am all over the place with the options.

Test drove the 550i today. It has that "power on tap" feeling I am looking for, but its too big and rolls about in the corners. The CLS550 was pretty similar but came with some nice electronics (self parking etc) and an insane sound system with 14 speakers. Would be pretty hard to pick the 550i over that. Anyway, they're both too big for what I'm looking for.

Looks like I'll end up with another 3 series, 335i this time. Possibly with an MPPK. Everything else feels too big, and anything smaller wife isn't ok with. Considered S3, but if S4 felt just "acceptable quick" then I don't imagine the S3 will be any faster. At least the 3 series doesn't feel heavy in corners like the S4, and it seems to perform equally well from what I can tell. Not sure how much usable power the MPPK will add to that.

Maybe I should still go Golf R, but I somehow don't see myself paying 40K - oops, sorry 45K I forgot the crazy dealer markup going on now - for a 4-cylinder Volkswagen, no matter how they tuned it.

It will be my fourth 3 series

[codeyf]

Infiniti Q50S
MB C350 Sport
Lexus GS350 F-Sport

All cars I've considered (plus F30 335i) as replacements for my G35.

[tvo9]

Originally Posted by einbruch10

The new dodge charger scat pack comes with most of your basic requirments. Add beats audio pack and alcantara/leather interior for an extra 1,800. So right at 41k for full size sedan 485hp and 475lb ft tq 392 hemi and 8 speed zf trans it shares with the SRT, itll be ny next car.

Or a Charger R/T in B5 Blue, with 8.4" touch screen navigation, leather seats. About $35K out the door.

[Zer0Cool92]

If your willing to do light mods, the s4 with a tune transforms the car. Upgrade the pulley and you'll be smoking e92 m3s.

[einbruch10]

Originally Posted by tvo9

Or a Charger R/T in B5 Blue, with 8.4" touch screen navigation, leather seats. About $35K out the door.

im not impressed with the 5.7L hemi, plus the regular R/T comes with the standard charger bumpers. the Scatpack comes with the SRT exterior trim the only thing you really dont get from the SRT is the 6 pot brembos and the EFDC bilstein setup. you still get 4 pot brembos and standard Bilstein suspension, basically what last years SRT came with.

[newoldbeemer]

Hey guys sorry I need to revive this thread because something changed after I discussed financials with my wife.

- Can now go up to 45K instead of 40K
- Can now divide this into two cars: one with four doors/four seats and another roadster if thats better.

I've also test driven a few cars and filtered out CLS550, 550i, 370Z, Mustang, S4. The M235i is out of my range. I looked at CLA45AMG and personally I don't like the looks. Its too flowy and I don't know, just not my kinda looks. G37 is great but its way too common and too many of my friends have it.


Here are a few options I am thinking of:

Option 1: Wait for a 2012 M3 (non-convertible) or C63 AMG to show up CPO, low miles (30Kish) around 45K. If I go for this, I may be waiting a very long time since even non-CPO ones are 50K where I live.
I'll be driving a very special car if I do manage to get one.

Option 2: Get a Civic/Corolla for 10K and a 2012 Z4 35i or a 2013 135i with low miles for 35K. In fact I'm looking at a CPO Z4 one right now wondering if I should grab it
Can't think of any downside really for this option, I won't be driving a V8 but it won't be heavy, it will be one of the best handling BMWs and I'll save on gas too when using the Corolla. Also if its a 135i, I can go for a soft top convertible making it a great weekend car.

I could also pair Corolla with some other roadster (maybe even a stick), but not seeing many options. Already ruled out 370Z, Miata, BRZ.. it needs to have that "something special" feeling.

Option 3: Get a well loaded F30 335i (2013ish) for 45K and call it a day
Its only 100lb heavier than a Z4 and 200lb heavier than a 135i, handling may not be very far behind.
Downside will be: early F30s were not as good as 2013+ ones, difficult to find well loaded ones. Also it will be my fourth 3 series.

Option 4: Get a well loaded new Golf R for 45K and call it a day
Downside will be resale value and no BMW feeling. It will be a high-strung 4-pot instead of an inline-6. Not convinced about paying 45K for that.

Thoughts? What would you do in my shoes?

[codeyf]

$45k seems high for a '13 335i. Just paid $38.8 for mine:

7600 miles
M Sport
Technology Package
Premium Package
M PPK Installed

Non-CPO, bought from Beepi, and its amazing!

[Never_Enough]

S4 or 335i out of your list

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by BoostedRide

S4 or 335i out of your list

Torn between doing that, or doing a used Civic + 370Z split. I had a lot of fun the 15 mins I drove a 370Z, only that and the M3 really pulled at my heart out of all the cars I test drove recently. But I can't tell how quickly I'll grow out of it. I have to find it fun for at least two years, else I'll wish I'd gone bimmer.

Part of the problem is the fact that my E92 is so great in steering feel. Anything I test drive feels like a tradeoff: F30 335i, S4, Mustang GT, 550i... all feel a lot more powerful but they all leave me with the feeling that my car's steering and handling feel more natural and organic.

Considered an upgrade to E90 335i (or even somehow stretch to M3), but wife isn't ok with it. She says if we spend huge $$ on an upgrade, those dated interiors have to go. And I can't say I disagree.

So its weird. I wanna upgrade but nothing feels completely like an upgrade. There's nothing to upgrade to. Yes they are better in some aspects but will leave me missing this car in other aspects.

First world problems.

[PoorLurker]

Wow - I thought I had a lot of car scenarios running through my mind haha

I'd save your money, drive the BMW for a while longer, and then get something you are truly passionate about versus something that fits today's financial circumstance.

I always ask people, "do you want one scoop of ice cream today, or do you want two scoops tomorrow?"

Basically, drive the three series for a year and a half, bank roll some money, and then get an F80 M3. (or if you want to go fast in a four door, get a new Honda Civic Type R when it comes out hahahahaha)

[BavarianDevil]

I am reading this post and asking myself a few questions. Why would you ask perfect strangers what kind of car to buy? See that you are San Jose. High cost of living location. Financially do you have your priorities covered like owning a home, 10% + contribution going into a 401K plan, 6-12 month emergency fund?

If not, then spending $45K on a car is a bad choice IMO. But again you wouldn't be the first person that made that mistake.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by PoorLurker

Wow - I thought I had a lot of car scenarios running through my mind haha

I'd save your money, drive the BMW for a while longer, and then get something you are truly passionate about versus something that fits today's financial circumstance.

I always ask people, "do you want one scoop of ice cream today, or do you want two scoops tomorrow?"

Basically, drive the three series for a year and a half, bank roll some money, and then get an F80 M3. (or if you want to go fast in a four door, get a new Honda Civic Type R when it comes out hahahahaha)

Originally Posted by BavarianDevil

I am reading this post and asking myself a few questions. Why would you ask perfect strangers what kind of car to buy? See that you are San Jose. High cost of living location. Financially do you have your priorities covered like owning a home, 10% + contribution going into a 401K plan, 6-12 month emergency fund?

If not, then spending $45K on a car is a bad choice IMO. But again you wouldn't be the first person that made that mistake.

Thanks for the sound advice, and you guys are spot on! I do have my financials in order, hence the strict budget. Back in my irresponsible days I would've said screw the budget, you only live once and pulled the trigger on something by now. But the funny thing is this isn't just about the money anymore. The new cars don't have the raw feeling I thought they would, and the old M3 doesn't have the interiors (and value retention once its out of warranty) to justify the money in my mind.

After driving automatic for like 10 years I test drove a 370Z stick and it kindled a deep craving in me. Was a lot of fun, was so much fun that I did the test drive twice!. Now I'm kinda leaning towards getting a combo of the used 370Z or an STI stick and a civic for DD. I also tried a BRZ, it was a lot of fun too but not really fast on the freeway (felt about as fast as my 328i).

I think I should rent these budget sports cars for a few weekends and see if I outgrow them quickly or not.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

Now I'm kinda leaning towards getting a combo of the used 370Z or an STI stick and a civic for DD. I also tried a BRZ, it was a lot of fun too but not really fast on the freeway (felt about as fast as my 328i)..

why would you buy one of those AND buy a civic? makes no sense at all.

buy ONE daily driver....and drive the crap out of it.

[newoldbeemer]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

why would you buy one of those AND buy a civic? makes no sense at all.

buy ONE daily driver....and drive the crap out of it.

Naah it'll have to be a weekend toy if I go in that direction. Wife needs to drive the car once in a while, won't learn stick, I will also get tired of it in bumper to bumper traffic. Saturday morning though... I had a motorcycle for this last year but sold it off .

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

Naah it'll have to be a weekend toy if I go in that direction. Wife needs to drive the car once in a while, won't learn stick, I will also get tired of it in bumper to bumper traffic. Saturday morning though... I had a motorcycle for this last year but sold it off .

sucks for you. driving a manual is way better in traffic than any automatic...unless you like keeping a foot on the brake all the time.

i drive a lot every day in horrible traffic......and wouldn't drive anything else but a 1M.....it's an amazing experience to drive something FUN every single day. Highly recommended!

Teach the wife to drive a manual...it's easy...mine does it whenever she needs to.