[2fnfast]

I am new to the BMW world so looking for some insight. I live in a northern climate and now have a couple teen drivers in the house so looking to probably sell my C5 Z06 and replace it with an AWD model.

Looking to keep the purchase price under $20k so that I have some $ for mods and repairs.

Because i’ll Be replacing my fun car I am looking for BMW models that are quick and sporty. I’m initially drawn to the E92 335xi with the thought that with a stage 1 tune they can be quick and with the m-sport package and some lowering springs or coilovers they can have a more aggressive stance.

I prefer coupes but might consider the right sedan. What other models should I be considering in my search that fit my budget and needs?

Also I’ve read extensively not to purchase a used BMW without a warranty. I’m guesing with a car likely 6-10 years old that a warranty might be tough to come by. Are there known third party extended warranties that are any good?

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by 2fnfast

...Because i’ll Be replacing my fun car I am looking for BMW models that are quick and sporty. I’m initiakky drawn to the E92 335xi with the thought that with a stage 1 tune they can be quick and with the m-sport package and some lowering springs or coilovers they can have a more aggressive stance.

The MSport package on BMW's (esp E9x) is completely an appearance package - all xDrive cars get the xDrive suspension no matter what other options (except for the rare car with the Adaptive suspension.) You want to go coilovers if lowering an xDrive car.

You might want to wait a few months until the newer G20 is out - it might well cause some F3x cars to come into your price range.

[2fnfast]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

The MSport package on BMW's (esp E9x) is completely an appearance package - all xDrive cars get the xDrive suspension no matter what other options (except for the rare car with the Adaptive suspension.) You want to go coilovers if lowering an xDrive car.

You might want to wait a few months until the newer G20 is out - it might well cause some F3x cars to come into your price range.

Good to know that coilovers are the way to go. Interesting thought too on waiting for G20 to see if that will soften the F3x market. thanks

[b92]

The E92 335ix comes with two engines, N54 and later the N55 which was used in the next gen 335i/435i as well. The N55 is the mature N54 - more reliable, smoother powerband, better exhaust note. Stage 1 tuning isn't expensive, however it doesn't have the same power potential as the N54.

The N54 is the fan favorite since it's a true twin turbo and it doesn't take much money to hit >350whp on the dyno. It also has the potential to easily exceed 600-700whp without having to touch the engine's internals. The N54 is a maintenance queen though, HPFP, injectors, spark plugs, waterpump, turbos, etc.

Some other fun notes about these two engines:
- N54 was replaced by the N55 in 2011, however BMW chose to use the N54 for the sportier 335is (2011-2013)
- A higher output variant of the N54 was used in the 1M (IMO the greatest car produced by BMW)
- A higher output variant of the N55 was used in the M2 up until recently, being replaced by the S55 from the F80/F82 M3/M4

[2fnfast]

Originally Posted by b92

The E92 335ix comes with two engines, N54 and later the N55 which was used in the next gen 335i/435i as well. The N55 is the mature N54 - more reliable, smoother powerband, better exhaust note. Stage 1 tuning isn't expensive, however it doesn't have the same power potential as the N54.

The N54 is the fan favorite since it's a true twin turbo and it doesn't take much money to hit >350whp on the dyno. It also has the potential to easily exceed 600-700whp without having to touch the engine's internals. The N54 is a maintenance queen though, HPFP, injectors, spark plugs, waterpump, turbos, etc.

Some other fun notes about these two engines:
- N54 was replaced by the N55 in 2011, however BMW chose to use the N54 for the sportier 335is (2011-2013)
- A higher output variant of the N54 was used in the 1M (IMO the greatest car produced by BMW)
- A higher output variant of the N55 was used in the M2 up until recently, being replaced by the S55 from the F80/F82 M3/M4

Thanks for the info. Yeah have heard the N54 can be a maintenance pig. I have read that need to carefully check maintenance records and see if some of the problem areas have already been addressed.

[Scout10]

What ever you end up with.
Good luck with those new additional drivers

[2fnfast]

Originally Posted by Scout10

What ever you end up with.
Good luck with those new additional drivers

Yeah thanks. There will certainly be a lot more demand for use of our other vehicles so I can see myself needing to change out the C5Z for a car that can be a daily for me hence the reason looking at AWD models.

[2fnfast]

Should I be looking at the m235i xdrive coupe as an option? Some of the 2015 and 2016 models with around 50k miles are priced low $20k range. Not sure if I like the looks quite as well but they appear to have pretty good performance numbers stock. Pros/cons vs 335xi?

[mkoesel]

^^^ Have you researched these vehicles in the Bimmerpost knowledge base?

Here is a quick trick:

https://www.google.com/search?q=site:bimmerpost.com

You can use that to find anything you want on this site - just add your search terms to the text box.

The thing is, the feedback loop is going to be much quicker that way. That is, research the vehicles you are interested in first, and then ask questions when you cannot find answers by searching.

Also, here is the official M235i release thread:

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=903957

[b92]

Originally Posted by 2fnfast

Should I be looking at the m235i xdrive coupe as an option? Some of the 2015 and 2016 models with around 50k miles are priced low $20k range. Not sure if I like the looks quite as well but they appear to have pretty good performance numbers stock. Pros/cons vs 335xi?

Solid car, no manual transmission offered in the m235i xdrive so I never pursued further. Has the N55 engine and a glorious exhaust note with the M exhaust. I recommend test driving! I'm a big fan of the two series, looks great in every color.

50k miles on an N55 won't be a problem, but 50k on an N54 and you're looking at about $1k in preventative maintenance items