[lab_rat]

Chassis wise, I prefer the E90; better handling, and less complexity/weight.

Engine wise, I would say both are great; however my personal opinion the N55 has a slight engineering/mechanical reliability edge...all things being equal.

Both engines are well engineered. The "scary" HPFP/turbo issues of the N54 is overblown. It all comes down to care/maintenance/upkeep/pride in ownership.

Ultimatrly, I would say the best advice is to choose the car that is in better cosmetic & mechanical shape, better/more comprehensive maintenance records/receipts, and better documented history. You can almost never go wrong with that approach.

[max_330i]

Originally Posted by John 070

I always think that sometimes the forum isn't necessarily representative due to context....I've had my 335i almost 11 yrs. My ABS/DSC failed, which would be the only failure that would be more than say $800 retail (vanos solenoids failed 2X). ABS is huge, but it is not specific to the N54, it's a 3 series thing. I've had less go wrong I think, than my aunt's 2006 330i. If one listened to this forum, an extended warranty is a no-brainer, but that's not the case. imho the 90% of the people who got burned and paid into the pool, don't speak up...

But I'm with you, I want my cars to last a long time, so BMW isn't really the best car for that to begin with, it's a driver's car, at least the E9x was...

I hear you loud and clear, it's possible to have a trouble-free N54, as you have had the pleasure of owning and driving. It bears mentioning that the squeaky wheel gets the grease and people only ever come onto the forum to say "help it's broken" rather than "it's reliable and I love it," which certainly skews everyone's opinion. I believe you that your aunt's 330i has had its fair share of problems, and I think I would be in trouble with mine if I had to take it to a mechanic for every little thing, but overall my car has been basically bulletproof. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but if I was looking at any newer E9x, it would be N55-equipped-- I don't own one and can't say for sure if they're really that reliable, but the things I see and hear and read make me lean more towards that side.

[max_330i]

Originally Posted by lab_rat

Chassis wise, I prefer the E90; better handling, and less complexity/weight.

Engine wise, I would say both are great; however my personal opinion the N55 has a slight engineering/mechanical reliability edge...all things being equal.

Both engines are well engineered. The "scary" HPFP/turbo issues of the N54 is overblown. It all comes down to care/maintenance/upkeep/pride in ownership.

Ultimatrly, I would say the best advice is to choose the car that is in better cosmetic & mechanical shape, better/more comprehensive maintenance records/receipts, and better documented history. You can almost never go wrong with that approach.

N54 vs. N55 discussion aside, this is the right answer. +1

[Rg21044]

Thank you all.

The truth is that I don't know what I want. I currently have a C5 Corvette and a Honda Pilot. I am looking for something as a consolidated compromise. I have two young kids so a backseat is a must.

I have looked at 335s, 750s, 911s, Mercedes E and S class, Lexus ls460, mustang gt and a few others.

I am stricken with FOBO (fear of better options).

[NFiftyWon]

#2 because verts are gross

[335commuter]

Originally Posted by Rg21044

Thank you all.

The truth is that I don't know what I want. I currently have a C5 Corvette and a Honda Pilot. I am looking for something as a consolidated compromise. I have two young kids so a backseat is a must.

I have looked at 335s, 750s, 911s, Mercedes E and S class, Lexus ls460, mustang gt and a few others.

I am stricken with FOBO (fear of better options).

Let me be the first to tell you that you are making a huge mistake. No compromise car will be nearly as fun as the c5 or as utilitarian as the Pilot. Every time I have tried to replace two cars with one I have regretted it. If you feel the need for something new upgrade one of your existing cars. Combining is a huge mistake.

[Rg21044]

Originally Posted by 335commuter

Let me be the first to tell you that you are making a huge mistake. No compromise car will be nearly as fun as the c5 or as utilitarian as the Pilot. Every time I have tried to replace two cars with one I have regretted it. If you feel the need for something new upgrade one of your existing cars. Combining is a huge mistake.

This is probably accurate.