[booforty]

My E90 330i is 3 years old in June and I am thinking about changing it. I really don't know what I want next and therefore would appreciate everyone's views. My thoughts at the moment are:

1) Nearly new 335i manual

2) Nearly new M3 (if I really push the boat out!)

3) Nearly new Audi S5

4) Something else? Please let me have your suggestions

I have thought about sports cars but I need a car with both performance and some practicality and boot space, so that knocks a Porsche on the head.

I would love an M3 but still think 2nd hand prices are too high and I expect them to come down further. I could keep my E90 for a fourth year and upgrade to an M3 then when prices should be much more bearable.

I really like the S5, but it seems bigger than the 335i and more of a grand tourer and less of a sports coupe. I love the looks of the S5 and its interior but I would lose out on fun and handling as its a quattro and not rear wheel drive.

At the moment, I'm favouring a 335i. I drove an auto a while back and it was very quick, certainly quick enough for me, but I still find the interiors of the BMW's lacking the build quality of Audi. But it would be a good car to mod.

I also find BMW service piss poor, but have been well looked after ever since I started using Cobham.

Let me know your views guys. Feel free to suggest other makes and models you feel are worth considering.

Cheers!

[dxb335d]

Paul i think you mean S5, the Coupe not the S3 the hatcback?

Go witht he 335i and procede it!

Or do what we discuss at Wadhurst, keep the 330i untill next year and grab a bargain M3!

[jaspy412]

I agree with dxb on the waiting till next year
have you considered the new s6? I had a test drive in one a few months ago and it was comfy and fast as a mofo

[jaspy412]

after my post above I looked on trader to compare prices of my choice of sporty saloons from the lowest prices found (not in any order): -
S6 = 36k 1 year old
new M3 = 46K
M5 = 35K 2 year old
RS4 = 37K 2 year old

I really should get on with some work but it is one of those cant be arsed days

[NFS]

Paul,

My vote was for a 'nearly new' 335i manual. I've also driven the auto and it's convincingly quicker than the 330i. The downside of this plan though is:

1. Once again you are buying your way into some very serious depreciation. Is the 335i different / better enough to justify that cost?

2. The 335i engine note lacks some of the refinement of the 330i's and on that basis, you really have to start to think about the 335d instead. Just as quick, better economy and better residuals.

I'm personally somewhat hacked off by the plummeting value of petrol engined BMW's (and petrol cars generally).

My 330i is still a great car and there is very little I don't like about it. It's still going to be a great car when it's 5 years old.

Having said that .. because I am an idiot and get excited about new cars, I've been wondering what I'll replace it with for the last year.

I'm feeling my latest plan is going o suit me best. Hang onto the 330i until it's 5 or 6 years old and owes me nothing. It's still going to be a great way to travel and an enjoyable drive.

Then .. instead of pouring all my money into one car which needs to do everything. I'll satisfy my whimsy with something that is purely a toy and as a result will not be a money pit of depreciation.

[Evil Diesel]

Are you prepared to pay £25 to come in to Central London?

[Steve A]

Originally Posted by Evil Diesel

Are you prepared to pay £25 to come in to Central London?

.

if i never came to london again it would be too soon!!............bollocks im there on Saturday.

[Steve A]

ALPINA B5

Residuals are better than the M5, fairly economical 26mpg ( due to a specially designed supercherger)

Fast as f**k, great engineering, 196mph, sounds amazing....40k


My 335d

Beautiful condition, remapped, low milage, ace spec, H&R race springs ( save you a job) and two sets of wheels....POA..

[c-hri-s]

Originally Posted by Steve A

bollocks im there on Saturday.

Come in as many Saturdays as you like, the KenTax only applies weekdays ;-)

[chrisbin]

Got to be a Lotus Elise, surely...????

[booforty]

Don't know why I put S3, yes I did mean the S5!!

[dazzapb]

as re: s5 and m3 I am sure that a new Banding will be created (band h) over 300 gm Co2 / KM and both will just be under it

mpg won't be great, but if the 335i is the S5 competitor then the M3 should be your choice!! what a machine (if you can afford it

[booforty]

Originally Posted by Evil Diesel

Are you prepared to pay £25 to come in to Central London?

I never go near Central London in the car, the car is for fun and weekends

[chrisbin]

S5 is awesome inside....still not sure about exterior...tends to look a bit "squashed" from some angles....but certainly a very nice motor, even if it is more grand tourer!

Reading between the lines I reckon you're another candidate for a "toy" car.....

[booforty]

I don't want a diesel by the way, I don't do the mileage

Lotus Elise is very nice but doesn't pass the practical test

[booforty]

Originally Posted by chrisbin

Reading between the lines I reckon you're another candidate for a "toy" car.....

A want a toy car, but a practical one also. I don't want two cars like NFS is considering

[G33]

id have s5 if u r happy to pay for the petrol! the sound it makes is gooorgeous - even in standard form. with unresonated millteks its pure sex it also looks 10x better inside and outside in comparison to my msport IMHO. id love one but theyre kinda a bit slow and numb compared to a tuned 335i.

[chrisbin]

How much practicality and boot space do you need??? Its amazing how much you can fit in a 911.........and they don't depreciate anything like as much as the others you are considering.....

[NFS]

Originally Posted by chrisbin

How much practicality and boot space do you need??? Its amazing how much you can fit in a 911.........and they don't depreciate anything like as much as the others you are considering.....

Or a Cayman S

[chrisbin]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Or a Cayman S

Indeed!

Personally I'd go for a pre-owned 911 over the price of a new Cayman.....but maybe a pre-owned Cayman...??

[G33]

however cayman has no LSD, after having the 335 i dont think id settle for another rear wheel drive car with no LSD, especially with a decent amount of power back there it just kills any potential fun

[NFS]

Originally Posted by G33

however cayman has no LSD, after having the 335 i dont think id settle for another rear wheel drive car with no LSD, especially with a decent amount of power back there it just kills any potential fun

Good point, but a Cayman S is always going to be fun.

Lovely noise. Off my list on account of having 2 kids though