[BMW-330i]

I purchased a 330i (about 2 years ago) over the 335i due to reliability considerations. I looked at a stunning 07 335i SE coupe locally but the dealer was so desperate to get rid they knocked 2k off the asking price due to an "unknown knocking noise", probably a turbo wastegate issue. Instead of trading in my old car for the 335i I sold my car privately and traveled 400 miles to purchase the cleanest reasonable mileage, high spec 330i (n52 powered) M-Sport I could find (which happened to be an E90 rather than a coupe).

I sometimes wonder if I should have purchased the 335i or M3 I'd looked at, however when I consider the cost of maintenance the 330i still seems like the logical choice. They have enough power to entertain, sound awesome and are comfortable on long tours.

Having had BMW for 10 years I was first shocked to hear the cabin squeaks (since sorted) in the E90. BMW's build quality has certainly decreased while most mainstream makers have increased. Are BMW still top, hell yeah. Find another mainstream maker who builds rear wheel driven cars with high powered engines and similar driving dynamics.

325i/330i = less power but less risk of going wrong
335i = more power but more risk of going wrong