From E90 M3 to E91 328 xdrive

[03SG///M3]

ANyone make the switch? I might have to due to my priorities changing. I' drive about 500 miles (I have to get gas every other day) a week and i just moved to an area where there a lot of hills and the winters can be bad (I do have snow tires but its not ideal with all of the hills).

With all of that being said, i'm not sure i can make the change given the large gap in performance between the 3er and the M3.

I might also consider an E90 335xi although i like the style and extra cargo of the touring (E91) for an all purpose everyday car if i have to get out of the M3.

I hate autos so i guess i will have to get a manual. I wish the DCT was an option for the 328 or 335xi. The M-DCT has been by far the best transmission i have ever owned.

[smmmurf]

That's a bit of a dramatic change, but as long as you are expecting it to take twice as long as before to get to 60, by all means. It's a really practical car like you said, and it is a bit easier on gas and better in the winter.

[mkoesel]

If you are still considering the 3 series sedan, it must be mostly the gas mileage pushing the change? I can understand that although if it is mainly the range issue, I'd probably just suck it up and deal with the frequent fill-ups. Then again, I'm not in your shoes. And with all the hills, I can see where the xDrive would be a big win.

In any case, you should probably give the 335xi Steptronic a test drive, if they offer it with the paddle shift like they do the 335i (can't remember if they do or not). It's supposed to be one of the better autos out there and might not be as bad as you think when compared to your DCT. I hear you though - I would likely be leaning toward the manual myself.

[cap_freez]

If you get a sedan go for the 335ix for sure... you will be bored with the 328 after an M3. If you get the wagon unfortunately, you have no choice.

I can't believe we can't get the 335 touring here... so sad

[1sikbmr]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.... don't do it
Just messing around if your looking at a practical car why not the F10 535? Pretty roomy and good on gas also... But good luck getting over the ///M

[tailgate1234]

How about a 335d? Great mileage, great torque.

[Poppin Fresh]

I hate to say it but why not an S4?

[03SG///M3]

I'll have to give the 335xi a test drive. I drove the E91 M sport yesterday (with auto and paddle shifters) and while its a nice car, the M3 is in another league obviously. the auto shifts soo slowely when shifting manually it was not fun. I wish they had the E91 335 xdrive in the US with DCT.



I would consider the 335d but if i trade i need to get AWD.

I'm not a fan of Audi so if i end up trading the M3, it will be for another BMW.

what a difficult decision.... I love my E90 M3

[SlamMan]

Would you be trading the M on a new 3 series?

[cap_freez]

Originally Posted by Poppin Fresh

I hate to say it but why not an S4?

I love BMW's but he's right... the S4 is a bomb. Very comfortable yet very fast and more spacious than a 3er. The quattro system is also arguably a better AWD than xdrive.

I test drove one a few weeks back and I was blown away. It's a great value and IMO looks very good too. Plus the model is new, whereas the 3 will change next year and you will be left with ''old styling''. Plus you can get it with a twin clutch transmission that is tested and true :-)

[03SG///M3]

I wish I could get the dct in the 335xi. Maybe I should hold off another year to see if they put the dct in the 335 e90. I love the e90/91/92 so I'm not concerned with getting the second to last or last year of production. In fact I'm worried the new f30 3er will be to big for my liking.

[Genericuser1]

I'd take an A4 Avant over the 328xi wagon. Sedan would be S4 or 335xi. If you don't mind not owning a premium brand Subaru STI will have the performance of the 335xi with more hauling capacity and is mod friendly.

[Scoobe]

The S4 also has a very good DCT. I test drove one and loved it. I almost went with it buy the M3 won me over with its V8. But that blown V6 performed well. You might try it a test drive.

[03SG///M3]

I just don't have good experiences with Audi and don't like the exterior or exterior plus i think its too big. I agree that i have heard good things about its performance though. Right now its between the E91 328xi and E90 335xi.

[adc]

Eh, just get a GTI (new or used) or Cooper S (new or used) for daily driving and keep the M3. Mileage will get a lot better, car is not expensive at all and both of these are fun to drive - way more fun than a 328xi (dare I say, more fun than a 335xi even).

And with the right winter tires/rims, they will do very well in the snow.

[JasonCSU]

Originally Posted by adc

Eh, just get a GTI (new or used) or Cooper S (new or used) for daily driving and keep the M3. Mileage will get a lot better, car is not expensive at all and both of these are fun to drive - way more fun than a 328xi (dare I say, more fun than a 335xi even).

And with the right winter tires/rims, they will do very well in the snow.

I would also suggest a used Subaru WRX wagon if the OP decided to pick up a separate winter car. The wagon body style would offer utility and the AWD will get through the snow, though the fuel mileage wouldn't be as good as a GTI or Cooper.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by 03SG///M3

Right now its between the E91 328xi and E90 335xi.

Probably not necessarily your type of vehicle, but the X1 looks like a winner too. If it has the new turbo 4 as rumored it could prove to be very tune-able. Then again, no DCT there either, and maybe not even a manual.

[03SG///M3]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

Probably not necessarily your type of vehicle, but the X1 looks like a winner too. If it has the new turbo 4 as rumored it could prove to be very tune-able. Then again, no DCT there either, and maybe not even a manual.

Actually i really like the X1 and was considering waiting for it. My wife is planning on trading in her X3 for the X1 next spring.

[mPlasticDesign]

I would steer anyone looking at an SAV towards a wagon. The same utility with better looks and handling! Although if there was an M3 wagon that would be my next car for sure!

[RevFreak14]

Originally Posted by Poppin Fresh

I hate to say it but why not an S4?

[03SG///M3]

Damn that would be awesome!

[cap_freez]

M3 wagon... dreamy