[jlspeed29]

Im in the market for a new car ( or will be very soon) and like most of you reading this, am doing quite a bit (okay, a lot) of research before I decide on what my next car will be.....plain and simple, my E92 RUINED any other chance of me wanting to buy any other car except for a BMW =(

So here's where you guys come in....what are your thoughts?
Has owning a BMW completely raised the bar for your next purchase?

Im strongly considering a 335 sedan......I hate to sound like a "fanboy" but I've looked at the following..all sport models

G35/37 Sedan
A4
IS350
and C350

out of those i feel i get the best bang for my buck with the Infiniti G sedan, however their "sport" model is quite uninspiring =(
the A4 is a sexy car but ive been reading about peoples oil problems putting in 1qt every thousand miles ????wtf
the C350 appeals to me because its sexy in a MBZ sorta way....

bottom line, i think its gonna be hard to steer away from buying a 335 sedan, but since i already have a coupe, why get the sedan? seems redundant right?


chime in and dont hold back

[BimmerRob]

to be honest, in lieu of sounding like a conformal fanboy, BMW's are the best in its class. Yea, you can buy an Audi if you want to be different, a C if you want to be entry-level luxury, or a G37 if you haven't got the money, but none of these are comparable to a BMW in terms of sportiness and finesse. Don't even get me started on that spongy IS..
I've driven an Audi, yea it kind of feels like a sports sedan but not on par with a BMW. G37 feels cheap, and the C just plain tries too hard for me. My E92 was the first car I bought for myself after years of hardwork, and I have never looked back on my purchase. In terms of handling, sportiness, and the occasional track day (N52, can't imagine you guys with an N54 doing more than 4 hot laps without overheating) it's the best bang for your buck (if you don't want a mini or a GTI).

I'm sure there are those that feel differently, but these are my opinions

[maswastage]

If you want to stick with BMW, try the 335d. How do you feel about 0-60 in 5.2 and 40mpg?

[Shiftinggearz]

Are you going from a coupe to a sedan for a reason? Budget? The sedan is a great car if that is the car you are choosing. You can add a few mods that will change the look in some great ways. Start with the wheels and work your way up.

[jlspeed29]

well i definitely dont want to spend another 50K..and sedan because someday soon my wife and i are planning on starting a family...pre-owned fo sho

going to keep the coupe...no mods...those days are over..lol

[skinrock]

What about a 5 series? If I were in your shoes, I would like the idea of an E92 for sporty driving and a nice bigger sedan for family driving and errands.

At the very least, I don't think it would be redundant by any means to get an E90. If you love the E92, but want the accessibility of a sedan, it seems like the perfect match. I love sedans, which is why I got an E90. It's not as sporty looking, but it sure as hell surprises people.

[Shiftinggearz]

Very cool. What about a used X 5? I am sure there are some great ones to be had for un 50K. Check out cars.com and autotrader.com.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by skinrock

What about a 5 series? If I were in your shoes, I would like the idea of an E92 for sporty driving and a nice bigger sedan for family driving and errands.

Since the OP says he's starting a family soon, I wouldn't recommend an E60 as a 5er. Side impact ratings are marginal and have been the weak spot (literally) with the E60. Check the all the safety ratings. And ask any body shop or insurance agent.

The new F10 on the other hand, is now top rated in safety. Have to give props to BMW for paying attention this time around. The new 5er has the highest rating of its class.

[kyleb350]

That new G37 IPL will probably steal some potential e92 buyers away. Looks like it'd fit right between the 335 and M3 (performance and price wise)

[jlspeed29]

word...if i can get a smokin deal on a used X5 that would be nice...
i think, no i know, the new 5er is wayy more than i want to spend...lol

to you guys with the E90's....hows the interior space?

[gatorfast]

I say stick with BMW. My dad has the IS350 and it is very boring to drive. I believe it has 300hp but it sure doesnt feel like it. My mom has the G37 coupe and its actually a pretty sweet car. Its got some pep and the exhaust note is great. Has a much sportier feel than the Lexus. Audi - under powered and over priced. I would probably look into getting a VW Passat or CC if you wanted to go that route. Mercedes - never driven one. Only car I can see giving the bimmer a run for its money if the Infiniti but all things being equal I would keep the BMW.

[fherjohn]

if u put a carseat in the back of an e92, it's gonna suck for the passenger up front if they are tall. my coupe days are over after having a son. well at least until he is big enough for a booster seat i might get a coupe again. it's just a lot more practical having four doors with a kid.

[positiveions]

"if" i have to choose another make, it would be the C350. MB have made a milestone with that car in terms of design, engineering, product quality, and performance.

[mosx]

Originally Posted by kyleb350

That new G37 IPL will probably steal some potential e92 buyers away. Looks like it'd fit right between the 335 and M3 (performance and price wise)

The IPL is a joke. You get a whopping 18 more horsepower, a "true" dual exhaust, stiffer springs/dampers, and probably an aero kit & wheels. Same crappy engine, same crappy transmission options. With all that said I own a current G coupe and the "bang for the buck" is far above BMW. BMW's standard options suck for a luxury car...

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

Im in the market for a new car ( or will be very soon) and like most of you reading this, am doing quite a bit (okay, a lot) of research before I decide on what my next car will be.....plain and simple, my E92 RUINED any other chance of me wanting to buy any other car except for a BMW =(

So here's where you guys come in....what are your thoughts?
Has owning a BMW completely raised the bar for your next purchase?

Im strongly considering a 335 sedan......I hate to sound like a "fanboy" but I've looked at the following..all sport models

G35/37 Sedan
A4
IS350
and C350

out of those i feel i get the best bang for my buck with the Infiniti G sedan, however their "sport" model is quite uninspiring =(
the A4 is a sexy car but ive been reading about peoples oil problems putting in 1qt every thousand miles ????wtf
the C350 appeals to me because its sexy in a MBZ sorta way....

bottom line, i think its gonna be hard to steer away from buying a 335 sedan, but since i already have a coupe, why get the sedan? seems redundant right?


chime in and dont hold back

Sort of.


I still have a strong appreciation for cars like the S-Class and Lexus LS...and I think after a long 12+ hour day at work...I would much rather be in an S-Class or Panamera than a 3 series.


However for a small sports sedan, 3 series is king -- and so is BMW. As we get into larger cars...esp the large luxury segment...I think I'd ditch 6MT (it ain't an option anyways) and go the comfort route. The Panamera is the ideal compromise. The v6 is plenty here in north america and gets good mileage.

What I'm getting at is that BMW is good for small sports sedans...I probably wouldn't bother with BMW after the 5 series. And too is going downhill, now that its more of a cruiser.

[Elie335]

S5 ?

[jlspeed29]

S5? youve gotta be kidding me..lol...
thanks everyone for their input...it helps to take others views in consideration.
after looking at the C350sport, they can be built out pretty nicely...ill wait for the leases to start coming back haha

[jlspeed29]

anyone driven the C350?

[josephr25]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

anyone driven the C350?

I would have gone C350 if they offered a stick. I think out of all your options, i would choose this, especially w/ the new redesigns. I would choose the G37 sedan next (friend has one); it has good power and the interior is pretty good.

As much as I like my car, I am open to other options... I don't have a hard on for BMWs like many people here. I can't imagine having a E90 and E92 at the same time; what a lack of imagination... unless I've had a good reliability history w/ the same make.

[stickypaws]

fwiw, you can get the C300 sport model in a stick. Not a huge difference in power and with better gas mileage. Some car mag editorials even claim the 300 is a better deal in the end.

I have an E63 AMG and I get the C350 as a loaner when mine's being serviced. I like the cars although the suspension is a bit harsh (but really no different than my E46 330i.) They are nimble but still feel planted and safe. No rattles. The turning radius is great. Reliability has been very good according to all reports. It's an IIHS top pick in safety.

My only real issue is the crappy ugly interior. It's a definite deal breaker. But that's been all fixed with the latest model coming out. The new C Class facelift is a major improvement. If I needed a smaller car, I'd get the new one. And I may someday replace my 330i with one. If they would bring over the C Class wagon here, then I'd for sure get one. MB hit a low point in reliability right around 2000, but seven years later they really turned things back around again. Knock on wood, but my E63 has been flawless.

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

Im in the market for a new car ( or will be very soon) and like most of you reading this, am doing quite a bit (okay, a lot) of research before I decide on what my next car will be.....plain and simple, my E92 RUINED any other chance of me wanting to buy any other car except for a BMW =(

So here's where you guys come in....what are your thoughts?
Has owning a BMW completely raised the bar for your next purchase?

Im strongly considering a 335 sedan......I hate to sound like a "fanboy" but I've looked at the following..all sport models

G35/37 Sedan
A4
IS350
and C350

out of those i feel i get the best bang for my buck with the Infiniti G sedan, however their "sport" model is quite uninspiring =(
the A4 is a sexy car but ive been reading about peoples oil problems putting in 1qt every thousand miles ????wtf
the C350 appeals to me because its sexy in a MBZ sorta way....

bottom line, i think its gonna be hard to steer away from buying a 335 sedan, but since i already have a coupe, why get the sedan? seems redundant right?


chime in and dont hold back

I've driven all cars listed save the is350 and wouldn't take any of them over any of my BMWs, I've owned 335i coupe and sedan and now the 135.

However if your this fed up with the marquee I won't try to change your mind.

If it were me it'd be between the merc and Audi. My buddy used to be a tech at a Park Place Mercedes and he says the mercs are plagued by computer issues. I haven't heard complaints of the a4 leaking oil, but I don't frequent any Audi boards and the guy I know with one I don't talk to regularly.

After driving the g35, I'd NEVER be interested in that car. The g37 is a beautiful car though and with it's price point is definitely worth considering, but as you mentioned the sport package adds almost nothing.

I'd probably choose the a4 if I were you, aside getting the e90.. You seem opposed to that as it is though.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by jlspeed29

the A4 is a sexy car but ive been reading about peoples oil problems putting in 1qt every thousand miles ????wtf

Fixed...

the 335i is a sexy car but ive been reading about peoples HPFP problems putting upwards of 6 new pumps in one car ????wtf