Thoughts/Experiences?

"PG; the scalpel wielder" (pgr34)
08/06/2014 at 05:20 • Filed to: None

Getting a bit over the Honda these days and starting to look elsewhere. I feel like trying out a rwd platform (sorry Golf GTI, Megane Rs225 and Focus ST) . Has to be manual. I haven't been super impressed by the wrx and evos I've been in, I love my interiors too much. Still need something vaguely practical (hence no s2000) and comfy with at least 4 seats. No big cars because I simply don't have the need just yet (still 23). The brz twins just don't do it for me.

Thought about the 335i (not too much heavier) but I can't get over how douchy I would look. The e82 I think can still look stealthy in a "oh its just a baby beemer" kind of way. They are dropping into the $30k mark here downunder for a lightly used one. Obviously fuel pump issues area relevant to the n54 engine, but I have a friend who works for BMW who would help me check the car's history.

Any owner's out there care to give me their opinion? (especially if the hefty weight is noticeable? the thing weighs 140kg more than the dc5, with almost the same dimensions)

DISCUSSION (14)

GhostZ > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 05:39

How much money do you plan on dumping? Here's my totally unbiased suggestion:

Kinja'd!!!

Vic-in-Norway > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 05:46

Something in the Lexus IS series maybe? I think the more powerful versions are almost exclusively automatic though. :( At least what I have seen from Norwegian classified ads.

Here's a nice IS wagon: http://www.finn.no/finn/car/used/…

PG; the scalpel wielder > GhostZ
08/06/2014 at 05:47

thought about, but not as practical as I want. But it is an epic car...

25-35k AUD would be possible

samssun > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 07:08

It's very difficult to find a car with both a reasonable engine (FI 6 or V8) and reasonable weight (say 3300), especially if you want AWD. A 135/335 has lots of tuning potential.

Really wish the S4 engine could be had in something 500 pounds lighter...if you're ok with a turbo 4, an S3 could be an option. Aside from that, Genesis or 370Z?

trynthink > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 08:48

If you need practicality and RWD, why not the 5-door 1er (E87)? I'm fairly certain that was sold in Australia. Is a Falcon/Commodore V8 too bogan or too thirsty?

Jon-o > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 09:14

My parents both have 07 335i's one coupe/mt/Dinan stage 3 tune (it's a rocket btw) and a cabrio/auto also fast but a bit heavier. Can't argue that the N54 engine is fantastic and the fuel pump (replaced on both cars) is only one of the major service areas needed and that's an easy fix that was usually done under warranty years ago.

Check to see if the turbos have been replaced, our coupe had them done the cabrio hasn't needed it but it also has fewer kms. try driving a 128i as the maintenance and insurance costs on the turbo cars is not for the faint of heart especially if you're under 25 and the car is approaching 60k miles. The daily driven coupe needs about $1-2K a year on maintenance and the occasionally driven winter stored cabrio needs next to nothing.

E92M3 > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 09:48

I would rather look like a douche than to see this image everytime I look at my car.

N51fanatic > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 12:11

128i 6 speed owner here. I have had my 1er for 13 months. I was originally looking for a low mileage (30k miles <) N55 CPO, 6 speed 135i. The car was bonkers fast. However, the lowest i could get one down to was 33k and frankly that was just more than i wanted to spend. With the N54 you'll have to worry about HPFPF, carbon buildup and turbo maintenance.

I then looked into the 128i. Normally Aspirated, straight 6, with a 6 speed. I specifically was looking for one with the M-Sport package which added the M Sport suspension, (same as 135i) the thicker M- Sport steering wheel, the blacked out shadowline trim, the black headliner, and the front and rear bumpers from the 135i. The car was obviously not as fast as the 135i. But for daily driver usage, its fast and fun enough. Hydraulic steering is awesome. I paired mine with a BMW Performance Exhaust and it sounds amazing. Pulls real strong through the band.

A simple DISA intake mainfold from an X3 or 330i and you bump up to 260hp and 230 Tq from the 230hp and 200tq stock. If you can find one with manual seats and sunroof delete, and you ditch the boat anchor runflats, you are looking at car that weighs under 3050 lbs.

RWD, 6 speed, and the 128i's can be found readily under $20k USD. What more could you want.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/06/2014 at 13:08

I have to ask, have you test driven an 86 or brz?

PG; the scalpel wielder > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua
08/06/2014 at 20:53

yeah drove both. Auto and manual. Just didn't fall in love with it. Also not a fan of its looks. It's entirely a personal thing, I do recognise it's a great car. I think I'm getting over the whole body racer look especially with my work.

PG; the scalpel wielder > N51fanatic
08/06/2014 at 20:54

wowzors. Epic reply mate. Definatly will look into that. They around $30 aud here. Just not many manuals to choose from.

PG; the scalpel wielder > trynthink
08/06/2014 at 20:56

yeah too Thirsty and big for my needs. Plus I don't like the falcon seating position and just not keen on gm cars. My dad has a commodore and it's always causing trouble.

PG; the scalpel wielder > samssun
08/06/2014 at 20:57

hadn't considered the s3. Just a bit iffy about Audi maintenance. No genesis in Australia unfortunately, also rules out mustangs.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > PG; the scalpel wielder
08/07/2014 at 09:06

At least you gave it a chance. A lot of the haters have never driven one.