[funkle]

Originally Posted by roundle

Regarding the suspension, I cannot agree. In my opinion, the ZSP suspension makes the car. While it's only an inch or so lower, the car feels much more confident (you get different shocks, spring, and sway bars). Also, the ZSP seats are worth $1,500 alone...

If I lived in New England, due to the crap roads, I'd consider skipping the ZSP.

The E36 & E46 I had both had sport package, and had no issues with the (sometimes) crappy roads in the Bay Area. I always found them to be compliant but at the same times sporty.

You could duplicate (or go beyond) the sport suspension with aftermarket solutions, but for me, there's no substitute for those seats. I love them. It is true that you've got to me on the thin side, and the ladies don't like them usually.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by krhodes1

If I lived in Europe, where the roads are like billiard tables for the most part, and I was 200lbs lighter, I would have ordered ZSP. But I live in Maine, where a suspension that actually allows to the wheels to move up and down is a bonus, and I am a big fat bastard, so I didn't.

Totally understand. When i lived in Maine, my E36 (non ZSP!) ate front control arms every 20K-30K miles!

[f0xfire021]

Late to the party, but to the OP, my e91 definitely satisfies the "fun to drive" requirement. I had to fly across the country to get one with a 6mt, and would do it again in an instant (plus, I got to include a 3 day road trip in the deal).

As others have stated, the wagon is really a swiss army knife. It is fairly quick, although its stability at speed and overall balance are where it truly shines. The car gets smaller the harder you drive it.

I would opt for no x-drive in retrospect. You save 200 lbs, $2,000 and you can later swap in an M3 suspension if you're inclined. That said, x-drive works remarkably well at what it does.

Good luck in your search.

[seagrasser]

Have an E91 with xDrive and feel it is almost required in Alaska. Really an asset when driving conditions get questionable.

[GTKrockeTT]

I was in the same boat, would have liked the 335i, but really wanted a RWD wagon in stick more than anything else. Happy with my decision, and don't regret it one bit.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by GTKrockeTT

I was in the same boat, would have liked the 335i, but really wanted a RWD wagon in stick more than anything else. Happy with my decision, and don't regret it one bit.

Same here - even though my MT '07 has everything but the Sport Package.

But the chances of finding a RWD, MT ZSP E91 are about nil at this point. And the current F31 wagen is only available with AWD and Steptronic

Tom

[Rselby]

A few months ago, I posted my thoughts about my 2012 E91 X-Drive 6MT over on our local BMW CCA Puget Sound chapter club forum. I list the pros and cons compared to my other cars.

http://www.bmwpugetsound.com/vbb/sho...-pics%29/page2

Scroll down to the bottom of the thread.

Net-net, I'd buy it again, but I'm already planning for (at a minimum) new dampers to give the car a more planted ride, and the 3-stage manifold swap to get some extra ponies...

Lots of Welt/Euro Delivery pics on the first page of the post, too, for those interested....

-Rick

[Grendeltouring]

Good review, Rick - love the blue color of your estate.

I'm a new member of the BMW CCA PS and was at the meeting at 425 Motorsports last weekend, will be doing the car control clinic in May in my '11 E91 M-sport/RWD/manual.

I've had proper sports car fever on occasion and was thinking about something like a 911 lately, but every time I get in my 3 and drive somewhere I rethink that. This car is just about perfect for what I need at the moment, it's got a fantastic blend of utility/handling that I think would be tough to replicate. I've thought about the 3-stage manifold as well, I currently have the BMW Performance Exhaust fitted and I think the sound is fantastic, the engine seems to have a bit more hp on the top end as well. I've got about 12k of warranty left and will likely explore the 330i upgrade then, I agree that this car would enjoy another 40hp.

I previously had a '10 E90 335i xDrive (auto), I gave up 70hp and 100 lb/ft but with the manual in my E91 I don't miss that extra power at all. Having quite a bit more fun now.

[sleepydinosaur]

Originally Posted by Grendeltouring

I've had proper sports car fever on occasion and was thinking about something like a 911 lately, but every time I get in my 3 and drive somewhere I rethink that.

If you can keep both cars, do it. If anything, it should make you appreciate both more.

My 997, supposedly refined compared to previous generations, is a much more raw and visceral driving experience. It makes driving ordinary cars not worthwhile.

Then I jump into my E91, I say to myself, "wow, this is a really comfortable place to be in... and I can still have fun with this car!"

I love my cars.

[roundle]

If you have a E91 6MT ZSP, I highly suggest a trip to Germany

[Grendeltouring]

Originally Posted by sleepydinosaur

If you can keep both cars, do it. If anything, it should make you appreciate both more.

My 997, supposedly refined compared to previous generations, is a much more raw and visceral driving experience. It makes driving ordinary cars not worthwhile.

Then I jump into my E91, I say to myself, "wow, this is a really comfortable place to be in... and I can still have fun with this car!"

I love my cars.

I was looking at '07/08 997s recently, also looked at a few 991s - but I need to cart around two children on occasion as well as a golden retriever, and those are probably too small for that kind of duty. If I could have three cars about I'd probably have one, but I need a bigger garage for that. I have a '13 BMW K1300S which serves as my speed machine, but it's not very fun to ride around Seattle in the winter .

I'm kind of in a sweet spot with the E91, I don't really know what I would've done if I didn't happen upon this car at my dealer. It's configured just about exactly how I would've ordered it. I've driven the new F31s, I don't like that they're only offered here in xDrive and only with an automatic - they're also more disconnected than my E91, they feel more Accord-esque than I think they should.

And I'd love to take my car to Germany, I'll just have to settle for the occasional track day.

[Grendeltouring]

I've had my share of estates over the years, I've had a few Saab 9-5 Aeros (one auto, one manual), also had an '04 Volvo V70R manual. I'd always heard people talk about how those two cars were the sort of estates that made the driver feel like they were in a sedan, I'm not really sure that was entirely true. Driving this E91 with ZSP and a manual (also have the staggered 18" 193M wheels, though right now my 18" O.Z. Ultraleggeras are on it with winter tires) makes me think that I'm in an E92. I may have 10+ cubic feet less cargo room than the bigger Saab/Volvo estates, but to me the trade is worth it. The handling is brilliant.

[paddy335]

I wanted an M3 so badly but needed the utility of the wagon.

So got a 335i E91 6MT, and after reading a lot of reviews by Evo etc got a Quaife LSD, a tune to about 380hp (engine)/500Nm, upgraded Bilstein suspension, sport cats and beefier front sway bars. Suffice to say it is a fantastic all-round car with incredible mid-range, and is good fun on the track too.

I could wax lyrical about it all night.

[sal_park]

(newly registered here and using post this so I can start my own, unrelated topic)

I've had an E91 325i (3 litre) manual m sport for the last 3 months and I'm really enjoying it. (previous bmw was an E34 525 sport). Only niggles are because it's a 5 year/55k car and some things need fixing. Oh and run flat tyres - I really don't like those.


sp

[sal_park]

Originally Posted by paddy335;*****008

I wanted an M3 so badly but needed the utility of the wagon.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=492494

[07lilredwagon]

even though I could not find a 6MT for my estate...I am in E91 heaven. the XI is awesome in the snow as I believe the low center of gravity and a decent X-drive system coupled with new tires and a tight suspension leave most other 4wd SUVs in the dust on dicey snow covered roads.

Even though also, I have to "deal with" the AT...the sport mode can be fun and I can pretend Im shifting sometimes.....not the real deal...but what the hey....

the wagons do have some utility advantages over sedans and the roof bars add options beyond the somewhat small "cargo" area in the wagons. I can get 3 pairs of skis and related equipment inside the car easily (with one seat down) Admittedly I keep forgetting about the spare tire well storage area which is pretty big in its own right.

JP

[NorthernCAE90]

Welcome to the Forum OP!!! Nice Car!~!!!!! I was looking for a Black E90 but couldnt find one with the mileage/price i needed so had to settle Looks great!!!

[Antetokounmpo]

I have a friend with a 2008 E91 328xi 6MT ZSP and I can tell you it drives just as nice as my E90. It handles well and doesn't really sacrifice balance versus the E92 or E90.

Edit: Didn't realize this is an old thread.