[trooper1414]

This week, I finally sold my beloved F30. I couldn't have asked for a better vehicle and even though I drove it for around 60k miles or so, this was way more reliable than any other previous car I have owned. I sold my car on Carvana/Shift/Vroom model...and my car value had gone up by 6k in the last three months . .due to the used car hike

Maintenance: Only regular service and nothing more. I did miss not getting the M Sport every single Day 🥺

Gratitude: I also want to take this opportunity to thank this forum, for the countless guidance and insight into our cars. This forum is what makes the ownership so much fun.

Looking Forward: Ok, now I am going to say things which might leave folks confused or baffled but I'm going to look for my next car soon and some choices could be questionable. Here is my shortlist... please don't judge me:

1. BMW 540I
2. BMW M3/M550I (Not sure if it's wise to own these super luxury cars as pre-owned given out of warranty expenses)
3. I have always wanted to own a V8, So my only two choices are M550I/ Dodge Charger Scatpack Widebody (please don't hammer me for mentioning dodge)
4. Go electric and get a Tesla
5. Kia Stinger Gt2
6. Any audi or other recommendation

Any suggestions

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by trooper1414

This week, I finally sold my beloved F30. I couldn't have asked for a better vehicle and even though I drove it for around 60k miles or so, this was way more reliable than any other previous car I have owned. I sold my car on Carvana/Shift/Vroom model...and my car value had gone up by 6k in the last three months . .due to the used car hike

Maintenance: Only regular service and nothing more. I did miss not getting the M Sport every single Day 🥺

Gratitude: I also want to take this opportunity to thank this forum, for the countless guidance and insight into our cars. This forum is what makes the ownership so much fun.

Looking Forward: Ok, now I am going to say things which might leave folks confused or baffled but I'm going to look for my next car soon and some choices could be questionable. Here is my shortlist... please don't judge me:

1. BMW 540I
2. BMW M3/M550I (Not sure if it's wise to own these super luxury cars as pre-owned given out of warranty expenses)
3. I have always wanted to own a V8, So my only two choices are M550I/ Dodge Charger Scatpack Widebody (please don't hammer me for mentioning dodge)
4. Go electric and get a Tesla
5. Kia Stinger Gt2
6. Any audi or other recommendation

Any suggestions

It's too late for the suggestion I'd give you. Keep the F30. It's just getting started at 60k miles. Oh well.

[trooper1414]

Originally Posted by sygazelle

It's too late for the suggestion I'd give you. Keep the F30. It's just getting started at 60k miles. Oh well.

I would most gladly have but the lack of msport and a V6 .. Mine was a 328i. None the less, lots of happy memories in it.

[ZoranTerzic]

When I sold my 435i I missed it straight away and went straight back to bmw . If you love and know bmw's, I suggest stay with what you enjoy
A 550i is a beautiful machine.

[AllaVodka]

I'd get a used porsche. First drive of any 911 and it will blow your mind. An m3 will never handle or feel like a 911.

[frchdragon]

Originally Posted by trooper1414

1. BMW 540I
2. BMW M3/M550I (Not sure if it's wise to own these super luxury cars as pre-owned given out of warranty expenses)
3. I have always wanted to own a V8, So my only two choices are M550I/ Dodge Charger Scatpack Widebody (please don't hammer me for mentioning dodge)
4. Go electric and get a Tesla
5. Kia Stinger Gt2
6. Any audi or other recommendation

Any suggestions

BMW V8 are... hmmm maintenance hungry.
Are we talking new cars or used?
But your list is kinda all over the place. Between dodge, tesla, BMW and Kia.
I also tried other brands, and got burned each time I did. I now stick to the devil I know, BMW. Most of my friends went to Porsche as their income grew.

1- BMW 540i or M550i, I would give it a hard pass.
2- M3 yes go for it but yes maintenance is higher
3- Dodge... Why not, go try one see how you like it, why not a corvette?
4- It makes sense depending on your commute and habits but review the built quality. Might be a bit early to get into the EV as many are coming online.
5- See #3
3-I like audis but I don't like working on them, so this would be out for me.

You can ask 100 people an you will get 90 different answers, go try them, at the end if is your car. We are here because we buy and drive BMWs, go to a Dodge forum and they will probably Boo the BMW and tell you to get the Dodge.
Your car, you will live with it, try them all and see how you like them.
And also look at maintenance/reliability if you are looking at used cars.

[paul e]

Why not try an M340 set up the way you wanted the 328? Nothing like the BMW straight 6.

If you want a V8 get a Mustang/Camaro, at least the maintenance is affordable, plus they handle better than the 70-tech Dodge.

[sygazelle]

Originally Posted by trooper1414

I would most gladly have but the lack of msport and a V6 .. Mine was a 328i. None the less, lots of happy memories in it.

Do what makes you happy. It seems like the 328 wasn't fast enough. I went from a 2003 BMW 540 (V8 with M-Tech package) to my 2014 328. The 540 was fast to me. Was it an M5? Hell no, but that's way too much for me. Interestingly, the 328 I have now is almost the same 0-60 but with 1/2 the cylinders and twice the gas mileage. I get wanting to go fast. It seems like we all want to go faster. But the weight advantage of the 328 is huge and with an m-sport package and DHP on go flat tires and Dinan Shockware, its really a perfect set up for me. Granted, it is not as smooth and doesn't have the sound, but I cannot hear anymore anyway!

BTW, don't be looking for a V6 BMW. There aren't any available

[Sigtran]

G20 M340i - best bang for the buck... Performance on F30 M3 level, but more advanced, refined, easier to drive and cheaper to maintain. Can also choose RWD or xDrive. Even sounds great, check on YT. Almost sure will be my next car...

[trooper1414]

Thanks...wow dint expect so many quick responses. I realized i should have clarified a few things and why even dodge and other choices are in the picture. I cannot do coupes, so Mustang, Camaro - heck even a 911 are out of question . Need a 4 door sedan which also is performance oriented for my alone drive / commute

Reason i dint want to jump into a M340i is because it looked very close to my outgoing vehicle but i guess maybe thats not a bad thing, if it drives close to a F30 M3 as someone above mentioned.

[cfm56d7b]

Low mileage, well maintained M550i might be the most balanced choice: V8, still a BMW, sedan, and extended warranty can bring about a peace of mind.

Whatever choice you make, just enjoy the new ride.

[aardate]

As others have suggested go test drive all of the above and see which one sings to you.

I almost bought a charger widebody, it looks sick and it sounds intoxicating, but its a gas guzzler and I had an infinity V8 at the time that was averaging 15 mpg in combined driving.

I think you will really the space in the m550 V8 but its not as engaging to drive as the 3 series. The 5 series BMW's are more isolated and are more executive sedans than sports sedans.

The kia Stinger looks cool and it has the power to back it up but the interior quality would leave you wanting a bit more

Tesla is a Tesla, you are either a Tesla fan or you're a car fan

Good luck, you really cannot go wrong with any of the options above.

I'm just curious, have you thought about an X3M?

[johnung]

Originally Posted by trooper1414

This week, I finally sold my beloved F30. I couldn't have asked for a better vehicle and even though I drove it for around 60k miles or so, this was way more reliable than any other previous car I have owned. I sold my car on Carvana/Shift/Vroom model...and my car value had gone up by 6k in the last three months . .due to the used car hike

Maintenance: Only regular service and nothing more. I did miss not getting the M Sport every single Day 🥺

Gratitude: I also want to take this opportunity to thank this forum, for the countless guidance and insight into our cars. This forum is what makes the ownership so much fun.

Looking Forward: Ok, now I am going to say things which might leave folks confused or baffled but I'm going to look for my next car soon and some choices could be questionable. Here is my shortlist... please don't judge me:

1. BMW 540I
2. BMW M3/M550I (Not sure if it's wise to own these super luxury cars as pre-owned given out of warranty expenses)
3. I have always wanted to own a V8, So my only two choices are M550I/ Dodge Charger Scatpack Widebody (please don't hammer me for mentioning dodge)
4. Go electric and get a Tesla
5. Kia Stinger Gt2
6. Any audi or other recommendation

Any suggestions

Just from reading through the thread, I'd suggest that you drive/price a 340i and an M340i. The M340i I'm guessing would be outfitted and priced to drive as is.

The 340i would probably come in at a much lower price. I would add some very specific mods to it, including BootMod3 Stage1, aFe drop-in Pro Dry air filter, Kies monoball Upper Control Arms, H&R sway bars, Hawk 5.0 brake pads, and oversized (such as square 245/40-18) Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Good luck!

[trooper1414]

Originally Posted by aardate

As others have suggested go test drive all of the above and see which one sings to you.

I almost bought a charger widebody, it looks sick and it sounds intoxicating, but its a gas guzzler and I had an infinity V8 at the time that was averaging 15 mpg in combined driving.

I think you will really the space in the m550 V8 but its not as engaging to drive as the 3 series. The 5 series BMW's are more isolated and are more executive sedans than sports sedans.

The kia Stinger looks cool and it has the power to back it up but the interior quality would leave you wanting a bit more

Tesla is a Tesla, you are either a Tesla fan or you're a car fan

Good luck, you really cannot go wrong with any of the options above.

I'm just curious, have you thought about an X3M?

Thanks, funny you mentioned X3M, i just started looking at that and the X4M Last night. Does it make sense to get the regular X3M and not competition? Also how engaging are these cars coming from a sedan --- I have been hearing BMWs are really pushing to be engaging vehicles?

Originally Posted by johnung

Just from reading through the thread, I'd suggest that you drive/price a 340i and an M340i. The M340i I'm guessing would be outfitted and priced to drive as is.

The 340i would probably come in at a much lower price. I would add some very specific mods to it, including BootMod3 Stage1, aFe drop-in Pro Dry air filter, Kies monoball Upper Control Arms, H&R sway bars, Hawk 5.0 brake pads, and oversized (such as square 245/40-18) Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

Good luck!

It looks l should really contemplate a BMW M340i. I will also look into the 340i, but thank you, this is improving my thought process.

How are the Audi S5 Sportback? Any suggestions?

[Horn High Aces]

The S5 Sportback would be a decent option if you want something different and prefer AWD. However, if you want to stick with BMW and want the option for RWD, the M340, 340 or 440 Gran Coupe would be a nice upgrade.

[trooper1414]

Originally Posted by Horn High Aces

The S5 Sportback would be a decent option if you want something different and prefer AWD. However, if you want to stick with BMW and want the option for RWD, the M340, 340 or 440 Gran Coupe would be a nice upgrade.

Thanks, looks like the M340i should be on top of my list. I will be going the CPO route and eager to start test driving the cars.

If anyone has any other 4 for cars/performance SUVs you would like to suggest, it would be wonderful. I'm open to all, just will be getting a low mileage CPO

[AllaVodka]

Originally Posted by trooper1414

Thanks, looks like the M340i should be on top of my list. I will be going the CPO route and eager to start test driving the cars.

If anyone has any other 4 for cars/performance SUVs you would like to suggest, it would be wonderful. I'm open to all, just will be getting a low mileage CPO

M340i is a great choice if you want a 5 series. Its a big car, and u can feel it when u drive.

[SCS55]

M340i Just for the B58 alone.
From a wrenching perspective...
No bearing,Vanos, OFHG job air pocket issues, cooling issues, on and on.

[Sigtran]

Few days ago I drove (G20) M3 Competition on the race track for total over 1.5hrs under BMW M-Power Experience instructor supervision.
https://navak.rs/en/performance-driv...er-experience/

OMG, what a beast and what a thrill. On straight line maybe not that much faster then M340i+MPPSK, but braking, cornering, handling precision, sound, is just way better, not to mention that it just perform lap after lap after lap (carbon-ceramic brakes + cup tires and engine made for track)... Just Brutal!

However, owning M3 Competition as a daily car comparing to M340i doesn't make much sense unless to be driven frequently on track or one has to much money and must show off. It is just way more expensive to buy and own, high maintenance, expensive parts, expensive insurance etc.

[Randy Johnson]

I've got a 435i right now and will probably keep it for a few more years. After that I really want an M3 but even an '18 model will be at least 5 years old when I am ready. The Audi S line is nice. I would look into them. I bet you can get a used Dodge Charger pretty cheap compared to BMW. The Stinger is also something to consider. Man too many choices.

[cride1]

I had a Challenger Scatpack and loved it! Dodge does muscle right for sure. You could look into the Jeep Wrangler 392, but not going to find a CPO anytime soon.

Good luck.

[trooper1414]

Originally Posted by Randy Johnson

I've got a 435i right now and will probably keep it for a few more years. After that I really want an M3 but even an '18 model will be at least 5 years old when I am ready. The Audi S line is nice. I would look into them. I bet you can get a used Dodge Charger pretty cheap compared to BMW. The Stinger is also something to consider. Man too many choices.

Exactly, just to many choices. I know stingers and dodge are frowned upon but they make good cars for the money. Just the refinement and quality isn't BMW levels. But I'm not sure I should save on my cash and get one of them and still be as happy. Right now I'm leaning towards staying with BMW fam and getting the m340i

Originally Posted by cride1

I had a Challenger Scatpack and loved it! Dodge does muscle right for sure. You could look into the Jeep Wrangler 392, but not going to find a CPO anytime soon.

Good luck.

Do you also own a BMW or rather have used both? Anything that you sorely miss on the dodge or vice versa