[iwanna335]

I hate to say it, but I'm considering a trade or straight sale of my E90 335. It's been the best overall car for performance and utility I've owned, I just can't keep throwing money into it.
Every month it's something I need to fix or replace. Right now I'm looking at new clutch as the POS I have is already slipping (roughly 12-13,000 miles on it). I partly blame myself for lack of research on the clutch but between my shop and the manufacturer I am really unhappy the the clutch! Other pending issues: Dash is starting to squeak (could probably get dealer to fix as I'm still within the warranty), need new wheels as the stockers sound funny, trim over front window rotting out, and need an intake cleaning bad as the carbon build up has to be BAD! I know someone if these I could do, at least with others help, but I'm just spending more time and money than I wanted too for the car. If I was to spend the money for things I want like wheels or suspension it's be a different story!
So as the title says looking for a replacement that will be dependable and fun. It will be hard to find something that could compete "speed" wise but really liked having close to 400whp! Four doors not a must but practicle for a family man with 3 kiddos. Last but not least, I'd like an even trade or very very little $$ need to purchase this car. Here are my thoughts so far:
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????????????

Yep I haven't a clue! I really don't want to do this but feel that it is the best solution to my angst with holding on to my 335.
Thanks in advance for your input
Cheers
Todd

[dce93atl]

As much as I don't want to say it...but maybe an Lexus IS or GS would be a decent replacement. Not as much HP or great handling but it is a fun car. Reliability is definitely there. I have a 1999 LS 400 with 310,000 miles and counting.

[NCGermerican]

I would go with the Lexus GS or a 2011/2012 TL Type SH in a 6 speed. 305HP, all wheel drive and Honda reliability. I believe they got rid of that awful grill in 2011.

[NiVeDh]

C63 AMG. Unfortunately, manual transmission is not available.

[Raja Ventureshield]

i think some of the issues are normal but i do understand that you want something that is less of a headache. Now to honestly answer your question, what is you budget?

As many have said Lexus or Acura will be a good solution, but i am pretty sure after getting it you will get bored and will want to be back in a bimmer. Why not consider getting a newer bimmer model and trade the 335 in.

[iwanna335]

Originally Posted by NiVeDh

C63 AMG. Unfortunately, manual transmission is not available.

Ha, I wish plus for less $ I could have this:

[See5]

G35? G8?

[dotmit]

335D with a remap
M3?
M4??

[iwanna335]

Honestly if I can't get my car fixed and running like I want cheaply, I will probably get a "stop gap" car until I get the "bug" again to get a fun car.
What that really means is I don't want to put any money into this replacement car....I would venture to guess my car is worth $15-20,000 so that wouldn't include any of the options I've heard so far!
If I had to pick right now I'd be leaning towards a newer (2010-12) GTI. Thoughts?

[dce93atl]

If you think your BMW is a headache, wait until you get a hold of that Volkswagen GTI after the warranty ends. The good news is that a new one will net you the bumper to bumper warranty as well as free maintenance. So you will not have to pay for anything for a while, but once that warranty goes out I would get rid of it ASAP.

[Bamaben]

G37

[scalbert]

I can certainly appreciate your situation as I have been there before. Unfortunately nothing will satisfy you in the same way for the same amount.

[shadow191]

You can get a G37 sedan for under $20K. IS350's are under that number as well. But I'd avoid the IS because you have 3 kids. I had an IS350 and the backseat is useless. I could barely get a car seat in there and if I carried passengers, I had to move my seat up just so they could get a little legroom.

[iwanna335]

Originally Posted by scalbert

I can certainly appreciate your situation as I have been there before. Unfortunately nothing will satisfy you in the same way for the same amount.

...and that's the only reason I'm still hanging on to it!

[scalbert]

How much do you drive it besides going to and from the airport?

[iwanna335]

Originally Posted by scalbert

How much do you drive it besides going to and from the airport?

Airport round trip for me is roughly 126 miles once a week. I'd say I drive it another 100 miles a week, so averaging just under 1000 a month. I drive too much to buy a M3

[scalbert]

Originally Posted by iwanna335

Airport round trip for me is roughly 126 miles once a week. I'd say I drive it another 100 miles a week, so averaging just under 1000 a month. I drive too much to buy a M3

What, 18 MPG to and from the airport is great in the M3.

Here is a thought, what about a cheap car to get you to and from the airport and then a "fun" car for you when you are not at 35,000 feet? I loved my old M Roadster and was a blast to drive. There are many other options out there that could satisfy your needs.

[BrunoT]

If you can stretch to around $27K there are some '11 Volvo S60 T6 awd sedans used that came with 5 year/60K "safe and sound" warranties which cover maintenance visits and even brake pads/wipers for about 3 more years, to keep costs down. A 300hp inline 6 makes it interesting if not exactly BMW performance. Just look for ones with the "Four C" adjustable suspension, the standard is their "dynamic" setting. Not a bad car to settle for.

[DieselDiner]

This is sacrilegious on this board, but what about a Charger or 300? 4 doors and room enough for 3 kids, power with the V8, and not too expensive as a stop gap until you get the bug again.