[stt816]

I have a 2012 Camaro SS 6spd manual with full bolt ons and tune. I love it but it's time for a change. I've bought it new, and used it as a daily driver since...My price range is around 25k for a used car


I was looking at 335 M Sport, 340 M Sport, 435 M Sport, (and an Audi S4 b8.5). I hear great things about the 2 series M Sport, but personally I don't like how small they are. Which would you say is the most fun to drive amongst those cars? The most reliable? Or any other suggestions are welcome

I am also contemplating whether to go manual or automatic, I know pros and cons to both but maybe you can give me more insight on specific to BMW

Another thing I am contemplating is x drive vs rwd. I live in connecticut and I have been getting by with driving my camaro in the winter with all seasons. I hear rwd is a little more fun to drive though?

Should I be looking into only cars under 5 years old and under 50k miles? Making sure it's under warranty still?

[Solidjake]

Since your Camaro is 6 speed stick with that as you will most likely regret not getting another manual car. For the RWD it's not a problem. Just look in the classifieds and pick up a set of wheels with winter tires for 800-1200. It will be A LOT better than all seasons.

The 2 I think should be the same reliability wise so you can get the 3/4 series. The 340 is a more modern F30 with more power, better engine etc so that would be my pic

[eluded]

Originally Posted by stt816

I am also contemplating whether to go manual or automatic

Please save the manuals.

Get a 340 6mt add a DP and flash.

[IraHayes]

Are you tired of two doors? I'm 46 and every car that's been my personal daily driver has always had two doors. Having a Sedan now, I doubt I will ever go back. So far as RWD vs AWD, since your Camaro is a RWD and you already are used to that, and know how it handles, going to a RWD bimmer won't really take that much getting used to. So far as AWD is concerned, not for me personally; it's just one more thing that can go wrong with the car. That said, I also live in sunny Southern California where it only snows up in the mountains, and hardly ever rains. If you have four seasons and a lot of inclement weather conditions, which will then lead to inclement driving conditions, then AWD may be a welcome addition.

[Desertnate]

I see there being two real questions here. Three vs Four doors and AWD vs RWD.

If you'd like to go with the practicality of four doors, I'd say you need to look at a 435 or 440 Grand Coupe. You get the 4 series styling and the great hatchback usability. The only downside is the lack of a manual. I'm not sure it was ever offered in a GC. The ZF 8 speed is very good and pretty entertaining to drive with the paddles (and I own a MT car).

For two doors, if you don't really ever carry more than one other passenger, I think the two series would be a strong contender. The smaller, shorter size should make it more chuckable.

On AWD cars, I'll be the decenting vote here and say go Audi, either the S4 or S5 depending on the number of doors you want. I've never driven a modern AWD BMW 3 series really liked. Something about the ride and handling just didn't seem quite right. The S4's I've driven (and a B9 A4) all felt like they were magnetically attracted to the road, much more stable. RWD is the only reason I'm in a BMW today.

As for being fun to drive, I like the feel of a RWD car over FWD or AWD. There are great handling examples of each platform, but something just "clicks" when I get behind the wheel of a RWD car; especially one with great handling.

[scottmoyer]

I'm also a prior Chevy owner, but on the truck side and I recently purchased a 2016 435i M sport. It's a fun drive, but more fun when the windows are down. It seems the AC really puts a drain on the total power. I would also recommend RWD over AWD coming from the Camaro. However, my only issue is the traction control is more aggressive than I'm used to and having fun isn't as easy as I'd like. My "older" cars that I've driven for years didn't have the newer tech so I need to learn to change modes to have fun. You, having a '12 SS are probably familiar with doing that.

[Desertnate]

Originally Posted by scottmoyer

I'm also a prior Chevy owner, but on the truck side and I recently purchased a 2016 435i M sport. It's a fun drive, but more fun when the windows are down. It seems the AC really puts a drain on the total power.

I am so glad you said this, I thought it was just me! With cooler weather finally arriving, I was shocked at how much better the car performed when I turned off the auto climate control and killed the AC.

I don't count it as heat soak either since noticed the same difference when I autocross and I kill the climate control and AC regardless of how hot is is. Temps never had an effect on the engine, but the AC really does.

[upsidedownfunnel]

I bought a 2017 Chevy SS sedan which was also built on the Zeta platform with the LS3 and TR-6060, so I'll go over what you will miss:

- Steering feel
- LSD (only available as a dealer installed option or on the M3)
- MagneRide suspension (not sure if the 2012 Camaro SS had this or not)
- Exhaust note

The power is actually not something you will probably miss that much. Especially if you get a tune. Definitely get the manual. You will get bored with an automatic in a few months and blow more money getting another car with a stick.

As far as fun to drive, the 435i M Sport will be a little more fun. The 335i and 340i M Sport cars are not very sporty unless you install the M Perf suspension or go aftermarket. But if you do, the car's rigid chassis makes it really fun to toss around. And it feels lighter than it is. Definitely noticeably lighter than your 5th gen Camaro.

I've never actually driven a 5th gen Camaro, but all I know is that from a dynamics perspective, the F30/F32 cars aren't that fun unless you make some small mods.

[azuritschwarz]

Get a RWD 340i or 440i with a 6 speed & don't look back. Big power is more attainable on the 340i/440i platform than the 335i/435i, obviously with the addition of having some newer technology as well.

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by yeg440i

Get a RWD 340i or 440i with a 6 speed & don't look back. Big power is more attainable on the 340i/440i platform than the 335i/435i, obviously with the addition of having some newer technology as well.

+1

I had an xDrive F30 and suspension is soft, traded it in and picked up a RWD M-Sport F30, much better driver and more fun. I live in Michigan, we get our share of snow, I have a dedicated set of winter wheels and have no problems in snow. I highly recommend the following options:

• M-Sport Package as this includes 704 sport suspension (RWD Only), Sport Seats, leather steering wheel, etc.
• Six Speed, no one does manuals better than BMW (I have auto, but wish I had stick)
• 340i is better engine, it is water cooled inter-cooler (20+ HP vs. 335) but if you find great deal on 335i, do not let it go.
• If you find one with MPPSK and Stick, get it ($4,500 add on for +35 HP and great exhaust (M-Performance Power and Sound Kit))
• 2015 and later have upgraded 5-bolt front struts and better tuned electronic steering
• Technology Package for the HUD (Heads Up Display) & Navigation
• If you can find: Dynamic Suspension, this is the electronic adjustable suspension (later models is track package)
• Nice to have: M-Sport Brakes (this is the powder coated calipers)

Good luck in your search.

[F30lolz]

A 340 @ $25k will be hard to find unless it has title issues/high mileage. Car shopping is fun, just did it a few days ago. GL OP.

[Randy Johnson]

435i all day!!!!