[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by Bob Shiftright

I wanted a station wagon or 5-door hatchback with a manual transmission that was fun to drive and I thought a BMW would be more reliable than a VW...

That makes two of us, and I prefer RWD over FWD. Though replace "more reliable than a VW" with "can do European Delivery". I've owned many VWs, and they were all quite reliable.

[Clammy]

Since the early 2000s, I've really liked the look of the 3 series. To be honest, when it came time to buy, my criteria was "BMW 3 series, manual transmission, black, 4 door, folding rear seats", and that was it. I didn't know about E90s, E92, 335i vs 328i vs 325i, sport suspension vs non-sport, X Drive, etc...

Since buying my 328i, I've become educated about all that, the ups and downs to be expected regarding maintenance and certain known issues that will lead to parts failures (water pump, for example), and the fun of modding.

So far, the only major repair I've had is replacement of the oil pan which had corroded through where the level sensor plugs in. All the other money I've put into her has been regular maintenance (oil change, brake fluid change, wiper blades, etc... ) and fun stuff (AA tune, rims/tires, split arm rest, sunglasses holder, etc... and I have a 3 stage intake, and the parts to do a 6FL retrofit, waiting for the time to install)

All in all, I'm super happy with my car, and she's an absolute blast to drive.

Cheers!

[norsairius]

Fact of the matter is, BMW makes an excellent driver's car. If you want a responsive, fun-to-drive, and non-exotic vehicle, BMW will easily be in the top 3 if not #1.

In the case of the E90, BMW made an excellent everyday driver's car. You can toss it around corners, speed around on the freeway, and yet also run some errands and transport people in comfort.

I used to have an E92, and it worked great all around in terms of speed, handling, and running errands, but it was only ever really a problem when people needed to sit in the back. I picked up an E90 because the right color combo came along and I had to go for it! The upgrade from the NA I6 to the N55 didn't hurt either!

A lot of people unfortunately just look at the badge and come up with their own assumptions about the value of the car, but the car really makes its case when you get behind the wheel. I still know people who see BMW as nothing more than a badge, but all you really need to do is try driving one and the value becomes more apparent (especially compared to some of the more mass-market options they claim are just as good).

Originally Posted by krhodes1

That makes two of us, and I prefer RWD over FWD. Though replace "more reliable than a VW" with "can do European Delivery". I've owned many VWs, and they were all quite reliable.

Agreed that VWs are actually pretty reliable. The key is just to take care of them and promptly when needed. I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of keeping up with maintenance (not here, but outside of here, definitely).

I've had a couple GTIs and a CC and all were reliable despite being driven hard every day. The GTI was actually the closest thing to an "everyday driver's car" that I had found prior to jumping ship to BMW, but I couldn't stand front wheel drive after a while. It's not bad, and a lot of it is due to driver preference/skill, but it wasn't for me in the long run.

[iturbo_bmw]

because i fell in love with the e46 m3 when i was a kid and when i finally had money to buy it, the e92 335i seemed like a better buy with all its tune-ability and more modern interior. why my particular e92? cuz look at it, white on red gets mad bitches yo

[Continue5]

I bought it for teh torqueee

[sjf430]

So I don't have to use indicators

[El Cheapo Loco]

because I like being a douche bag.

[SSW]

Was looking for a new (used) car in the $15-20k range.

The 335i kept popping up. Didn't know anything about it previously. Read up on it, test drove a couple, found an E90 locally for only $16k ($3k under book) and bought it because it was fast and appealed to my eye.

Have put about $8k into it to refurbish it and upgrade it (looks/performance wise) and it rocks! It's so nice now, I go out to the garage just to look at it and make excuses NOT to drive it because that will get it dirty. LOL!

The only thing I don't like about it is that it's BLACK (and a PITA to keep clean) but other than that I love it.

[canny714]

I wanted something fun. I've had 2 NSXs, e46 very, s2000, 350z, all fun cars to drive. I like having a back seat for passengers and a hard top convertible is great. Plus love Cobb, tuning, and mods.

[Gizm0]

Three main things is was primarily after is 6MT, RWD and cheap to mod. It can go really fast for really cheap, while at the same time it can be a very comfortable daily driver.

The only thing I hate about the car is the lack of LSD

[Hops128i]

This is what i wanted, and there was not much else out there except the 1 series:

RWD
~3200lbs
manual transmission
child seats could fit in the back seat
nice sounding engine

[PascalsWager]

My E90 is easily the best combination of styling, comfort, power, handling, efficiency and economy available at the price point.

I was comparison shopping S4's & S4 Avants - but the fuel costs and reliability issues reinforced the E90.

My only 'regret' is not being able to find a E91/6mt/Sport....but those are unicorns. It was hard enough finding 6mt/sport/cold/premium/non-Idrive in an E90.

[Gertalian]

Great question. For me, I grew up as an Army brat in Europe in the 80's. My dad got a 325i brand new from the factory in Nurnberg at the time. That started it! After many Honda's or cars that made "sense" including VW's. I wanted to grow up and get into my dream-brand I remember as a kid. Of course always seeing Bimmers, Benzes an Porches in the left lane on the autobahn and experiencing 120+MPH, I wanted a car that was built for that thrill! I have had 525, 530, X3 and now my 335i. I somehow identified with the brand in the early years zipping around in the Alps in the backseat....I have always loved the feel of my Bimmers, even after owning a Benz.

[Needbmwpartzz]

I was shopping for a car after selling my dodge journey(good fast vehicle but not fun in the turns)
Test drove a few cars....Audis,Lexus then I got behind the bmw wheel....I was in love with the feeling and handling characteristics of this car and damn it looked good in black.
Let's see how long it lasts will be the deciding factor if I stay loyal to this brand....so far so good

[andysat]

I'm BMW mad-my e93 is my fourth after a 5 series, 3 series and a z4

[spencers]

E30 -> E36 -> E46.. the next step was only logical

[Kwike92M3]

Because the bitches love it.

[davejensen34]

Originally Posted by kwike92Msport

Because the @#%@# love it.

Thread killer...

[Kwike92M3]

sorry i had to.
I bought my BMW because i fell in love with them at an early age. They handle better than any car i have ever driven. Plus... that turbo...

[TEAM SLO]

Always have liked an i6 Turbo, but didn't want to shell out $$$ for a Supra that is 20 years old. Obviously there are other platforms like the EVO and STI, which I have owned 3 now among others, but I wanted something that wasn't the mainstream (Look, I'm a racer boy) image either.

[CarFan]

Originally Posted by oneup335

I bought mine for the bitches

Mrs. CarFan thought this was hilarious.

[adriang]

That diesel tho.
A dream car for me and I probably would have kept it forever and ever if it was an MT.

So far in my opinion nothing compares to the 335d, it's so unique but if something pops up on the market that is equally as unique I may consider selling..