Quote:
Originally Posted by Alloyed
Well, given the mileage on both cars (165,000 km vs 140,000 km), a difference of 25,000km (a little over 15K miles) isn't really a significant difference, in my opinion (approx 103K miles vs 87K miles).
Assuming that the models offered in Canada are the same as the ones here in the states, I would go with the 2011 335i xDrive. This is the same car I drive.
Here in the US, the 2011 E90 (sedan) was the last E90 to be offered with the N55 engine (my personal preference), and hydraulic steering instead of the new electric steering. Some folks prefer the hydraulic over the electric due to the "lack of feel" with the eletric steering. Comparing my E90 with hydraulic steering, to the newer electric steering models I have driven as loaner vehicles, I can say that this is true. At any rate, both the 2008 and the 2011 should have hydraulic steering. However, the 2008 uses the N54 engine, where as the 2011 uses the N55 engine. Anyway, the N55 engine with the hydraulic steering was one of the main reasons I looked specifically for a 2011 E90 when I was looking for a BMW*.
*To all N54 owners out there, my intent is not to diminish the N54. It's underrated in terms of power compared to the N55, as well as plenty of other "300hp" engines. I have read (somewhere on this forum, i think) the N54 is actually closer to 320-330hp at the crank rather than it's advertised 300hp. It was simply the HPFP issues I read about on the N54 that made me choose the N55. Since the HPFP was replaced on the vehicle you are considering, I'm guessing BMW solved the issue.
Also, my experience with modified cars is that they have been driven HARD by their previous owners. For me, this meant more time and money spent on maintenance as well as a decrease in reliability (Your experience may vary, of course).
I'm not sure what else to add. The 2008 is likely the faster (and more fun) car and it is cheaper off the bat. However, the 2011 (while being more expensive initially) might have the edge in terms of relability and maintenance.
Hope that helps.
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Thanks for the help
I agree to most of your points.
After driving the 2008 and 2011, with all the mods he has done, its really fast and the sound is quite good. Its close to 400HP. But I totally agree to the fact that he probably has driven hard and had fun with it. Maintenance is my main worry with this. Not sure how many mechanics will do the work on this car if i run into any issues.
Pricewise, its about a CAD2K difference - not sure whether its worth the risk and get the 2008 and spend it on any issues that may come up??
But after reading the posts, I'm also leaning towards the 2011..