[Jns2001]

Hi guys, I am on the market for a new car, and I went to Audi, Mercedes and BMW.

I am obviously more prone to buy a BMW, as I love our cars, but I have a 325i with 18K and this is a very reliable car, and looking at this forum, the 335, no matter if it is the N54 or N55, has a lot of stories of failures, being the most common the HPFP failure and to a lesser degree the sunroof exploding.

So I started looking at cars from different manufacturers and I found nothing at Mercedes, and I found this beautiful Silver TT-S at Audi, went to look at their forum, and I don't see a lot of people complaining about it, however I went to the dealership yesterday,and I told the salesperson that I would like to spend some time with the car on my own.

I sat in the car, and then I start counting the features that the 335i has and the TTS doesn't and it goes like this:

1. No comfort access, not even a button to start, you need a friggin key.
2. A/C has only one zone
3. No seats memory, nor side mirrors memory.
4. No Active steering
5. No Adaptive headlights
6. No high beams sensor

On a positive note, the engine has 272 HP, the car weight around 2700 lbs. It is an all wheel drive and it really is a pleasure to drive.

Have you guys had any experience with Audi, in particular with the TT-S or TT that you would able to share and shed some light on my decision making process.

Any comment would be highly appreciated.

[Tee212]

Did you test drive them all? The audi's have some very attractive stylin cars/lights but for some reason those TT's look very girly?

[David9962000]

The 3 is also easier to live with back seats and I like RWD cars. The TT S is a lot of money for a car that's based on a Golf too.

[Kolyan2k]

I like TTS. Its a tough choice. Need to test drive both. 3-series are everywhere, TTS on the other hand are not. Excellent motor, good MPG, adaptive suspension (i think), center LSD....

I wanted to buy one, but they only have/had automatic (or dsg...whatever its called) in USA

[BK]

Your 325i has only 18K miles? I don't understand why you would consider switching cars now. But FWIW I like both the Audi and the BMW. If you are looking at the E90 335i and your 325i with 18K miles is an E9x, I have to wonder what's the point with switching now. The Audi would at least be something different, and the BMW is imminently due to be replaced with a new model.

If push-button start, dual zone A/C, mirror memory, high beam sensor, and so on are important to you, it seems like your decision is easy. For many of us, those things are not important at all; we'd pick the car that drove better. But I can't help but think you're probably best off keeping your car that only has 18K miles for a while. Maybe look at the new 3-er when it comes out next year, at the soonest.

[RX7guy]

The 1M coupe just beat the TT-RS in a comparison. (same motor as the 335i)


The TT-S is weak, only like 260hp and expensive.

Also, this is a BMW forum so what do you think we'd choose?

The TT competes more with the Z4 or 1 series. The A4 or A5 competes with the 335i


**** THE TT-S is around 3400 lbs, not sure where you got 2700 lbs from.. I wish!!!

[Never-Enough]

TT is a chick car

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by RX7guy

The 1M coupe just beat the TT-RS in a comparison. (same motor as the 335i)


The TT-S is weak, only like 260hp and expensive.

Also, this is a BMW forum so what do you think we'd choose?

The TT competes more with the Z4 or 1 series. The A4 or A5 competes with the 335i


**** THE TT-S is around 3400 lbs, not sure where you got 2700 lbs from.. I wish!!!

TTS has 265HP and is 3240lbs. 335i is a bit faster then TTS. 335i is RWD and TTS is AWD. 335i does not have LSD, TTS does. both can be tuned. TTS probably more reliable.

I would like to see that comparison...have a link ?

edit: if going by this review, then TT-S is a bit faster and handles better.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...mw_135i_page_2

[Dr. Nate]

I personally would take the 335 because you get a decent back seat, a decent trunk, and you still have a good power plant under the hood. I agree that the TT does come off as a chick car, and I feel really cramped when sitting in one.

-Nate

[RaceBlood]

The TT is a small AWD car with no rear seat or trunk to speak of, the 335i is coupe with elements of trunk/rear seats and RWD, so not even apples and apples.

I assume you want a manual?

[TheRox]

I have a 335xi

Would never do all wheel drive again if I didn't live in an igloo

[shockin330i]

Two very different cars

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by shockin330i

Two very different cars

[Jns2001]

Guys, I asked on this forum because I want to make an informed decision, I have a 2008 E90 325i Auto. I want something more powerful and that handles equal or better than my current car. I don't have a shitload of money nor I want to finance the car, I will buy it and that leaves me with limited options price wise. The logical path if it was a reliable car would go and buy the 335, they are discounting the car heavily due to the change in MY, from 2011 to 2012 and there are quite a few in the lot of the dealers around where I live. The second option would be the M3, but I can't afford a new one now, so it is not on the list.

I have looked at the comparos between the TTS and the 335i, and the TTS goes faster. One thing in favor of the TTS is the DSG tranny that is really fast, M3 fast, in changing gears.

But I also heard several times that a TTS is a girlie car, the secretary's car, Motor Trend call it "The poor's man boxster" and the adjectives are a lot.

Not purchasing is not an option, I want a new car and I am confused as fuck on where to put my sweaty money and living with it for the next 2/3 years.

BTW, I don't feel offended with your opinions, even the negative ones, it makes me think. Thanks for those that chimed in. Now back to this frigging spreadsheet, closing the month (business related).

[CAPSGOD]

It is simply not a practical car so depends on what your needs are. The base TT has as much torque as the TT-S now, I think it's a better deal.


FWIW I dont judge people from the car they drive.

[FVM3]

Originally Posted by David9962000

The 3 is also easier to live with back seats and I like RWD cars. The TT S is a lot of money for a car that's based on a Golf too.

+1

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Jns2001

Guys, I asked on this forum because I want to make an informed decision, I have a 2008 E90 325i Auto. I want something more powerful and that handles equal or better than my current car. I don't have a shitload of money nor I want to finance the car, I will buy it and that leaves me with limited options price wise. The logical path if it was a reliable car would go and buy the 335, they are discounting the car heavily due to the change in MY, from 2011 to 2012 and there are quite a few in the lot of the dealers around where I live. The second option would be the M3, but I can't afford a new one now, so it is not on the list.

I have looked at the comparos between the TTS and the 335i, and the TTS goes faster. One thing in favor of the TTS is the DSG tranny that is really fast, M3 fast, in changing gears.

But I also heard several times that a TTS is a girlie car, the secretary's car, Motor Trend call it "The poor's man boxster" and the adjectives are a lot.

Not purchasing is not an option, I want a new car and I am confused as fuck on where to put my sweaty money and living with it for the next 2/3 years.

BTW, I don't feel offended with your opinions, even the negative ones, it makes me think. Thanks for those that chimed in. Now back to this frigging spreadsheet, closing the month (business related).

Poor man's Boxster thats funny considering Boxster is a poor man's Porsche

ps. If you dont have money to throw around, why not buy used. There is no need to take $7-10k depreciation loss the very first year.

[1Sleeper]

I like the TTS a lot. Very nice inside, although as others have said smaller. Gotten good reviews. 335 and TTS are different, but I looked at one before I got the 335 so I get the cross shop. I just thought it was a little expensive for what it was. S4 in the price range as well, would give you more space, 4 driven wheels and plenty of go. My 335 has been a lot of fun. No regrets. The girly car argument is probably relevant for a certain demographic, I guess. Personally, well, less so. A VW Bug is a chick car but if they put some kind of crazy good motor in one, I'd rock a Bug.

[RBinDC]

Originally Posted by RX7guy

The 1M coupe just beat the TT-RS in a comparison. (same motor as the 335i)

Not quite. The TT-RS blew away the 1M based on objective data (0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds! That blows away the M3! See: http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezfl...29515ea9e2.pdf

The 1M edged out the TT-RS based on the reviewer's subjective rating of the Bimmer's suspension and grip. But he also said the 1M was harder to drive well. For the average guy driving on public streets the TT-RS looks like the better choice based on it remarkable straight line performance. Audi has done a great job with this little toymobile.

That said, I would not buy the TT-RS because it's a 2-passenger vehicle. That back seat is all but useless. In addition, the TT-RS MSRP is way too expensive and Audi dealers do not discount like BMW dealers do.

I agree with others; the OP should keep his current ride for a year until the new Bimmers come out. BMW is now playing catch-up with Audi. The e9x chassis is old compared to the new Audis.

[Jns2001]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

TTS has 265HP and is 3240lbs. 335i is a bit faster then TTS. 335i is RWD and TTS is AWD. 335i does not have LSD, TTS does. both can be tuned. TTS probably more reliable.

I would like to see that comparison...have a link ?

edit: if going by this review, then TT-S is a bit faster and handles better.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...mw_135i_page_2

Do you know how much a 335 weights?

[Jns2001]

Originally Posted by RBinDC

Not quite. The TT-RS blew away the 1M based on objective data (0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds! That blows away the M3! See: http://www.caranddriver.com/var/ezfl...29515ea9e2.pdf

The 1M edged out the TT-RS based on the reviewer's subjective rating of the Bimmer's suspension and grip. But he also said the 1M was harder to drive well. For the average guy driving on public streets the TT-RS looks like the better choice based on it remarkable straight line performance. Audi has done a great job with this little toymobile.

That said, I would not buy the TT-RS because it's a 2-passenger vehicle. That back seat is all but useless. In addition, the TT-RS MSRP is way too expensive and Audi dealers do not discount like BMW dealers do.

I agree with others; the OP should keep his current ride for a year until the new Bimmers come out. BMW is now playing catch-up with Audi. The e9x chassis is old compared to the new Audis.

The seats in the back are fine, I took my twins (5 years old) last saturday and the girls loved how cozy they were in the back seat, when we got home and asked them what car would they buy, Izzy (one of the twins) said that she would buy "the ladybug" which is the TTS, that made me laugh.... Second, my wife has a SUV and we can always ride on her car, what makes me wonder is how my co-workers will look at it...I am 42 y.o. and crazy about cars.

[RBinDC]

Originally Posted by Jns2001

Guys, I asked on this forum because I want to make an informed decision, I have a 2008 E90 325i Auto. I want something more powerful and that handles equal or better than my current car. I don't have a shitload of money nor I want to finance the car, I will buy it and that leaves me with limited options price wise. The logical path if it was a reliable car would go and buy the 335, they are discounting the car heavily due to the change in MY, from 2011 to 2012 and there are quite a few in the lot of the dealers around where I live. The second option would be the M3, but I can't afford a new one now, so it is not on the list.

I have looked at the comparos between the TTS and the 335i, and the TTS goes faster. One thing in favor of the TTS is the DSG tranny that is really fast, M3 fast, in changing gears.

But I also heard several times that a TTS is a girlie car, the secretary's car, Motor Trend call it "The poor's man boxster" and the adjectives are a lot.

Not purchasing is not an option, I want a new car and I am confused as fuck on where to put my sweaty money and living with it for the next 2/3 years.

BTW, I don't feel offended with your opinions, even the negative ones, it makes me think. Thanks for those that chimed in. Now back to this frigging spreadsheet, closing the month (business related).

Is the TTS faster than a 335i? It is not the TT-RS. While it is 10% lighter than than an e92 coupe it has more than 10 percent less horsepower and torque. Furthermore, it comes with the s-tronic transmission, not the DCT, which Audi is not bringing into the US (at least not soon).

Look into a CPO 335i or an M3 (if you can spend $50,000). The M3 will probably hold its value better and doesn't have the HPFP problem.