What It's Like Going From Cheap American Muscle To Expensive German Performance

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
08/16/2015 at 12:40 • Filed to: GERMAN ENGINEERING

I have been obsessed with American muscle for as long as I can remember. I never could get enough of the aggressive throaty American V8 exhaust noise - the kind of noise that pisses off your neighbors and makes people around you look at you with disgust.

American muscle has always been so cheap and such a great value that it has been tough to justify spending double on something else that was just as quick. These days, of course, American muscle is no longer cheap and price ranges can rival that of BMW, Audi, Mercedes or other brands that are known to create enormous amounts of financial pain and marital distress.

When I bought my 2007 Mustang brand new, specifically configured from factory, I got every option possible. This meant that my car came with leather seats, a 6-disc CD changer, a multi-colored display...and that was pretty much it . I know you were expecting much more like navigation, heated seats or a rear view camera - I did too, but unfortunately the options were even more limited than what you can get at Chipotle. Can’t they offer different types of tortillas and change things up a bit?

What I got was a “ fully loaded ” Mustang - the most luxurious version of the Mustang you could get at the time - and it basically came with nothing. Today’s base Kia comes better equipped than my Mustang did.

But, honestly, I didn’t care much about the luxury because that’s not why I bought it. I purchased it to just enjoy the torquey V8 and the loud, booming exhaust. Sure, I lost some hearing over the years but thoroughly enjoyed driving the Mustang - it was built like a rock (Chevy - don’t be jealous ) and withstood just about everything that I threw at it.

After many years of ownership, it came finally time for something different. Although I love American muscle and would readily move onto a Corvette or a Camaro, I felt like I needed to give European engineering a try. I’ve enjoyed driving Mercedes’, BMWs, Audis, Porsches and figured it was now time to own one and see what it would be like to live with one. I mean - who wouldn’t want a life of financial misery?!

So I sold my cheap !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and got my hands on a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for not much money at all. I only paid $17.5K, but of course, that may not mean much considering that I’m dealing with unparalleled reliability (that’s a joke, of course). Owning a 335 means that I may have to end up paying $3K for new fuel injectors, or fix the dreaded wastgate rattling for $3K-$4K, or replace the transfer case for $3K or face dealing with a laundry list of other things that may go wrong with my car, thereby ruining my vacation plan to go to Morocco for a week.

So after some transcendental meditation and several days of mental preparation (and by days I mean seconds) to deal with the potential loss of money I might experience with the 335, I pulled the trigger on the car. I don’t plan on keeping it for long, but for the time that I do, I’m prepared to deal with anything. At least that’s what I’m saying now until I get the repair bill and instantly feel the same kind of regret that I did when I lost $5K in Vegas ( I thought for sure I would double my money by betting it all on black! ).

The Transition

I love starting the car without having to insert a key. I don’t need to push a button to unlock the car either since it has sensors on the door handles that automatically unlock if I have the key-fob somewhere on me.

I certainly could not do this with the ‘Stang!

As soon as you start the car up, one of the first things you notice right away going from a car like the V8 Mustang to a 6-cylinder BMW is losing the beautiful exhaust sound. The 335 sounds slightly better than a screaming baby. Actually, it’s not terrible, but, as you can imagine, the sound is nothing like what emanated from my Mustang.

I really thought that I would miss the loud burble of the Mustang V8 (especially with the aftermarket mufflers I had on the car), but honestly, I didn’t. It’s funny how the markedly superior driving experience of the 335 can make me completely forget about the lack of engine noise.

Exhaust noise aside, we all know that the BMW 335 operates on a different level compared to the Mustang when it comes to handling and suspension. I can now comfortably take a turn at 70 mph where in the Mustang I would be praying that I wouldn’t die from taking that same turn at 35 mph. The 335 just gives you so much assurance that you might feel almost a little too good about doing things that you shouldn’t be doing. I’m enjoying it so much that I am constantly looking for reasons to drive the car.

Oh, do I need to go to Walgreens to pick up some Motrin? There’s one I found in San Antonio that’s about 100 miles away...

…perfect!

What makes driving the BMW that much better is the interior. It is so much better than the Mustang’s that there is really no comparison. But if we were to compare, it would be something like this.

Mustang:BMW::IKEA:reallyfancyfurniturestore

Yep. I’m comparing a Mustang to IKEA, and the BMW to some high end, snobby furniture store. To the Mustang’s defense, it was only about half the cost of what a new 335 would have been going for at the time and so I can understand that Ford could only afford to put in the car the cheapest plastic they could find in a landfill.

Even though the BMW is 6 years old with 53K miles on it, everything still feels solid. The seats are one of the best aspects about the car; they’re extremely supportive and although the Mustang seats were good, the 335’s seats provide way more support so that driving for hours on end doesn’t create a problem at all. Going to San Antonio to pick up the pills and driving back was quite enjoyable; even driving for six hours to and from !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! was great .

I can’t say that particularly like how the car looks. Well, from certain angles I do or if I put five coats of wax on the car and it glistens under the sun. But, in general I feel like the 335 tends to blend in with most of the cars out on the road. Compared to the Mustang, I would say that there are parts of the Mustang I liked and there are aspects of the 335 I find visually appealing. I don’t know if I could pick a clear winner between the two.

Overall, I’m enjoying this transition to German engineering quite a bit. Part of me is always worried every day that I get into the car. I immediately start thinking - oh god, today’s the day that my oil gasket will need to be replaced and I’ll be out $3K, when I could’ve gone to Amsterdam instead!

But that worry is instantly gone as soon as no lights pop up on my dash and I start driving. I’m not sure how much slower a regular 335 would feel compared to the Dinan tune, but whatever I’m driving now should’ve definitely come from the factory this way. It’s so much fun to step on it - the 335 is not only much faster than the ol’ Mustang but it can turn! Imagine that. Everything is so smooth and quiet that you look down only to realize you’re going 80 mph in a 50 mph zone.

With the Mustang you could feel the struggle. Every horsepower had to be squeezed out of the car and it made sure you knew exactly how fast you were trying to go. There was no looking down at the speedometer to find out that you were going 90 mph because the fluttering hood was a clear indicator that you were definitely driving above 50 mph.

I had no idea that I would appreciate the 335 as much as I do. But, of course, all that might change if things start breaking. But let’s hope they don’t and for now everything appears to be in good shape.. .fingers and toes crossed.

I’m not planning on keeping the 335 forever, and if I’m lucky perhaps I could get some enjoyment out of this without spending a ton. For now, the BMW is really proving to be the ultimate driving machine.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is about exploring my fascination with cars; I’m always on the lookout for things that interest me in the car world. Like !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and follow !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !

DISCUSSION (100)

pjhusa > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 12:42

The Mustang still came with more stuff than our 328xi.

dogisbadob > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 12:44

Don’t forget to factor in the handicapped parking fines :p

The Mustang isn;t like a rock; it’s built ford tough :p

GhostZ > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 12:49

A lot of this seems specific to the 2005-2009 Mustang’s issues and the time period where muscle cars were still pretty crappy, pre-horsepower wars.

From what I’ve seen, the 4 series and 2015 Mustang GT comparison is a lot closer.

Torque Affair > GhostZ
08/16/2015 at 12:51

Yep, it is, also more expensive.

Torque Affair > dogisbadob
08/16/2015 at 12:52

Built Ford tough! Yes!

Torque Affair > pjhusa
08/16/2015 at 12:52

What year?

AM3R shamefully returns > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 12:53

Spend some time on E90post.. You have a later built N54 engine, not as bad as you'd think reliability wise. Also, still have some warranty left. Turbos and other notorious parts got extended warranties and will get replaced with a better designed part. Warranty is like 8 years/80k or something.

Torque Affair > AM3R shamefully returns
08/16/2015 at 12:55

Yeah, I found this thread which gave me an idea of what I could expect, but hopefully not! http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthr…

pjhusa > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 12:56

Well, our 2014 has a basic iDrive, but not even leather.

Torque Affair > pjhusa
08/16/2015 at 12:59

Wow, I didn’t know BMWs came without leather!

MultiplaOrgasms > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:02

(sigh) #merica

pjhusa > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:03

Heck, my ML didn’t come with Leather; it was part of a “LEATHER PACKAGE” (which we ordered).

Our past two (E90s) came with sunroofs, the 2011 even had angel eyes. Now our 2014 didn’t come with a sunroof, and has crappy halogens!!!

Also, Bluetooth Audio Streaming was not standard until the 2015 model year.

LongbowMkII > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:10

what? the mustang? The premium GT starts at 36k while the base 4 series starts at 40k.

FlimFlamMan > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:13

I would not want that uneasy feeling every time I went to fire up a car either. That certainly explains why only plan on having it for a short time. Nonetheless, kudos to you for giving German engineering a chance.

davedave1111 > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:32

“thereby ruining my vacation plan to go to Morocco for a week.”

Bad plan. The way Morocco is, it’s about 5-10% more expensive to go for two or three weeks - or at least ten days, if you can’t get more time off. Not worth flying all the way there for a few nights from the UK, really, let alone the US.

davedave1111 > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:34

Seems like you get leather on everything these days, but it used to be the case that even an S Class or whatever had cloth or plastic as standard on the base models.

mitology > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:43

nice post, what will you try next? Japanese ingenuity? Please dont say GTR

DetroitMuscle > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:48

As a muscle car owner enthusiast,I had to laugh about the statement about pissing off the neighbors with a loud v8 exhaust.It’s true.My 427 Chevys are loud,but I tossed the Flowmaster exhausts in favor of a bit less power and friendlier neighbors.Plus,my ears aren’t ringing so much.Yep,there’s some sort of subconcious desire on the part of Mustang owners to have the loudest car within earshot.

Wolc *grammar nazis go f*** yourselves* > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:51

srsly, don’t forget your blinker fluid

on another end, still quite pleased with my 1992 german engineering

E92AP1991.2JK > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:51

Good luck with it. My E92 M3 is the most reliable car I've ever owned. Hope your experience is similar.

DerrickD > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 13:52

Good article. As a 2001 owner I can see a lot of similarities. Though the handling part isn’t as drastic for me, as the ‘ol girl does pretty well. Strangely, a good friend of mine with an 07 said my car was more comfortable and rode better. Go figure. I have been looking at moving to a 911 (used) but haven’t built up the bravery to take the plunge. For one thing, it’s nice not having a payment, and 2, the payment would be about double than what I would like to spend per month... then we get into maintenance. Any maintenance would be a shock for me as the 01 has been the most reliable car I have ever owned. Outside of tracking it, and some costs associated, I would be shocked if I have had to put more than $3k into it over 11yrs and 80k miles, including tires. 1 battery, 1 gasket, belt, pullies (bearings making noise), clutch (pressure plate was weak), and oil changes. That’s really it. And I drive it HARD every time I am out pretty much.

Shaggy > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:00

Get a qualified aftermarket bumper to bumper warranty...it'll reduce you worry about 95%. Got one for my AMG SL55 and let me tell you I'm GLAD I did. Already paid for itself and still got another couple of years on it.

Zacstroh > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:01

I recently upgraded from an STI to a Mercedes GLA45 AMG. All the guys I work with gave me shit for spending 66k on a 4 cylinder car. They told me for that money I could have bought a Corvette, for which I replied yes I could, and I could also be like everyone else. My one coworker has a late model Camaro SS with cam work, headers, exhaust, tune and well over 100 HP more than my wimpy 355 hp 2.0 liter turbo. We went down to the drag strip last weekend and lined em up. Needless to say after my 12.92 and his 13.04 he left with his tail between his legs. It’s not always about how much power you have, but how you put it to the ground.

1337HPMustang > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:02

looook we have (had) the same car! Mine has cams so I got a lopey burble coming out the rear. It’s hard for me to justify selling her but I actually want to go german too. Great minds think alike and all that jazz

Kinja'd!!!

Sethism > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:05

I had these same optimistic impressions when I puchased my Space Grey 2009 E92. After the 4th $2k+ repair in fewer than 6 months (under warranty), I was completely over it, sold it, and got another GTI. I miss exactly 1 thing about that car: the heated steering wheel. That’s it. Hopefully, luck will treat you and yours more kindly and you’ll have years of trouble free enjoyment from it.

Darigaaz > DetroitMuscle
08/16/2015 at 14:06

Which was always the funniest part of our household. My brother-in-law was always amazed that my ‘95 383 Impala SS sounded beastlier than his ‘02 4.6l Mustang Roush. What he didn’t realize is that I wasn’t trying to make mine sound loud, it just was. He ended up cutting his cats off and getting a ticket.

LongbowMkII > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:13

I’d be surprised if most 2/3/4 series didnt come with sensatec rather than leather.

Cincy-Donut-Chef > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:18

05-09 Mustangs have their flaws, sure.. I owned a 05 v6 convertible that spent more time in the shop than on the road. I now own and drive daily a 2008 Shelby GT..

I would rather drive a car that I know i can fix myself and modify without selling my kidney to pay for maintenance at the BMW dealership.

When I start my car up, a bald eagle sheds a tear of joy.

#Merica!!!

signintoburnerlol > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:18

N54 is a good engine, get a tune and a nice exhaust, it’ll be all you need.

jasmits > LongbowMkII
08/16/2015 at 14:20

That's a far narrower price gap than in 2005-2009, which makes the far narrower quality gap make more sense.

La Mia Ferrari > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:20

Kinja'd!!!

Or you could have chosen the best of both worlds: an SRT Challenger/Charger. German independent suspension, shocks, and transmission, keyless go and all the convenience options and more from the BMW, with American muscle in the engine bay, American style, and most importantly, American pricing and maintenance.

NightDriver > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:20

Great article! I kind of did the same thing myself about 12 years ago, going from a 1996 Camaro Z28 (Gen 4 - flying wedge) to a 2003 BMW 330Ci (E46 body). So I thought I’d share some of my experience:

I actually got the BMW not entirely because I was looking for a BMW but rather I found an exceptionally good deal on it. Some guy had to get rid of the thing so I assumed the lease, I had it for really only the monthly payments and the car was brand new (a little over 4K miles). Within two weeks, I got why people loved ze Germans so much. Everything in the BMW worked , every component had a single job to do and it did it exceedingly well. The fuel gauge was thing first thing I noticed - in the Camaro, after a fill-up I’d show a full tank for a good long while, then the needle would zing right through the middle of the gauge, and then I’d be able to drive around 75 miles on the last eight or so of the tank. In the BMW, if the fuel gauge read 5/8 then you’d better believe you had (14.9 gallons * 5/8) left in your tank. There was a small reserve at the end if you were acting like an igit fuel wise.

As for the interior generally - let’s just say everything that is true now was true then LOL. The Camaro’s hood didn’t flutter, though with the T-tops out I got a really interesting buffering effect at highway speeds.

The 33oCi couldn’t accelerate like the Z28, but my God was it a better car to drive. The Camaro had outstanding acceleration for the day, decent turn in, but transition was kind of an issue and nobody would call it nimble. It was kind of nose-heavy too with the big honking 350 small block up front. On the other hand, the 330Ci did everything well - accelerate well enough, turn-in, transition (mine had the sport package), and brake. And the road feel through the steering wheel and chassis was simply outstanding. I joked that the Z28 could get squirrely on you pretty easily. If I ever found myself in trouble with the 330Ci, I knew it was entirely my fault.

I respected the Camaro. She was fast, gave me 100K miles, and would pretty much take out anything else on the road short of the Corvette/300ZX Twin-Turbo level sports cars. A lot of car and a lot of fun for the money.

I loved my 330Ci. After a while, the steering started to seem telepathic. I wouldn’t necessarily thing “turn into the left lane” - I just think left lane and the car would move over, like it became an extension of me. I still miss her.

Enjoy the 335i! I went on to buy another two BMWs, I’m currently in a F30 335i right now. One thing I’d add is that if you go looking for another BMW, I’d check out their 2-series as you start looking for post E90/E92 BMWs. The F30s really did take some of the sporty feel out, though it’s still a very, very good car. From what I’ve read, the 2-series (M235i is what I’m thinking of) has assumed the mantle of “BMW Driver’s Car.”

Perhaps ironically, I’m now taking a long hard look at the new American muscle - Gen 6 Camaro and current gen Mustang - for my next ride. I really don’t know yet, but when you can get the M4 performance for $20-30K less. I think it will be interesting to see how much the interiors in the two pony cars have improved.

472CID > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:23

These days, of course, American muscle is no longer cheap and price ranges can rival that of BMW, Audi, Mercedes or other brands

How do you figure?

WillEE > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:24

My E90 averages $1000 per year in dealer maintenance and another $750 in tires (I get about 1.3 yr per set). Add oil, washes, etc, you’re looking at 2k per year. I’m living the carmax warranty life and it is a great warranty. I am 1k ahead of what the warranty cost me.

WillEE > WillEE
08/16/2015 at 14:25

Still though, I am getting out before the warranty expires at 120,000

Adam Panzica > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:28

On german cars, literally everything is an option. Even simple things like heated seats, that you’d expect to be standard on a car costing north of $40k, are options. I don’t think I’ve ever configured a German car that wound up coming in at less than $7-10k over base.

Adam Panzica > LongbowMkII
08/16/2015 at 14:30

The Author I believe means relative to what a GT cost in 2007. Basically, the big ‘stang has moved up market, so of course it’s going to be better. A 2007 GT was like $10k+ cheaper than the 3-series coupe of the time.

Adam Panzica > 472CID
08/16/2015 at 14:33

I think the Author specifically means V8 muscle cars, which at this point are all pushing $40k with any reasonable set of options. That’s well into German territory. Though you almost certainly get better straight line performance for your dollar out of the Americans.

WillEE > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:39

Here is what my 08 335i has had done:

Front control arms 600

HP fuel pump (twice) factory recall 0

Spark plugs (rough idle) 600

Take valve covers off and blast carbon with walnut shells (600)

Clean injectors twice (rough idle) (700)

Replace water pump (? 400?)

Replace shifter switch for sport mode 1200

Replace door lock (300)

Replace rear windscreen motor 600

Replace heat/ac fan controller 600

Replace washer fluid motor 200

Replace fuel tank air pump for emissions 400?

Replace valve cover gaskets (oil leak) 1000?

30k , 60k services...800 Total?

Replace seat belt (300) (Cover broke)

Rear diff leak .. Replace gasket

There have been days when both of us 335 guys have had loaner cars in the parking lot at work.

Good luck!!!!

Junker_CM > GhostZ
08/16/2015 at 14:39

If you had a V8 from that timeline, just get the new V6. Same amount of horses, more goodies. Push-start, IRS, decent looking console, gorgeous body.

I’m not a fan Euro cars.

67mgb > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:39

For a different perspective, I don’t think of Mustangs as being cheap. Built to a price-point, they offer excellent value and there is a difference. The Coyote engine certainly isn’t cheap. The BMW isn’t expensive; it’s price-point is higher so the standards for the entire car is raised. A solid rear axle can be of very high quality. An independent rear suspension can offer both quality and benefits but at a price.

WillEE > WillEE
08/16/2015 at 14:40

Eat it carmax warranty!!!!

Birddog > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:40

“I can’t say that particularly like how the car looks.”

If at any time you can say that with a straight face about a car you just purchased..

Well, you might have bought the wrong car.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:40

Call me when you’re ready to get rid of the Bimmer ;)

Thanks for the post. As a former Mustang guy, I think you hit the nails on their heads.

LongbowMkII > Adam Panzica
08/16/2015 at 14:42

now a base GT is only a mere $8k less than a 428i? You can get crazy with the options on a Mustang before touching the base 435i price of 46k. Considering how much the mustang has improved relative to BMW in the past decade that modest change in the price difference is hardly important.

Eldiablo > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:43

“ Cheap” being the correct word, my boy had 2007 Mustang. Interior looked like it was made by little Tikes with all the cheap looking plastic, then Speedo and Gas gauge died after two years. Ford quality at its best.

Maxaxle > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:45

^This is why I call bullshit on electric car haters.

LegsMalone > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:45

Pretty much the same thing happened to me when I got my 525i. Not even a fast car but so easy to find yourself doing 100.

GroupC63uae > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:47

German engineering is undefeatable there research and development departments are industry leading.

imwithjefe > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 14:51

The wife’s wedding present was a 2009 convertible Mustang but I was comparing these two models. What really sold me on the Ford was the low cost of ownership for the level of performance you get. Clearly there are trade offs... fit and finish is cheap, terrible stock suspension, fit and finish is sooo cheap but as we mature I will definitely appreciate more luxury and accept the larger price tag. Until then I’m gonna exploit our cheap American steel and be fast and loud.

The Razors look great.

COMTNDRVR > LongbowMkII
08/16/2015 at 14:57

This is a correct statement. Everything up to, and including, the 5 starts with Sensa-tec in the US. I’m still upset they have alcantara packages in Europe and not here.

JustDoALittleResearchFirst > La Mia Ferrari
08/16/2015 at 15:02

And 4400 lbs.

foobajoob > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 15:02

I recently made a similar transition from American to German, though my 2004 SRT-4 wasn’t the same kind of classic V8 American car. However, the comparison I’d make between it and the 2008 335 sedan I replaced it with is very similar to what you described with your mustang. Even had a nice loud after market exhaust on the SRT-4 that I also kind of miss, but the 335 just drives so much better.

Hopefully we can both enjoy our German performance machines with minimal damage to our wallets.

Ornery Duck Is Always The Answer > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 15:09

Kinja'd!!!

Both are great cars. I’ve carried a lifelong affection toward Mustangs despite never owning one. I presently have an 09’ 335i M-Sport in the same Space Gray Metallic, trading away a raucous but practical Pontiac G8 GT for a very mechanical and quick driving experience. The M-Sport package goes a long way to snuff the bland and add styling that matches the performance. Different interior or exterior colors can go a bit further in spicing it up.

As someone who long hoped to attend automotive design school and studied art, the coupe has fantastic lines and a unified design-language inside and out. The sedan/wagon (E90/E91) is wonderful as well all the way to the mid-point of the front fenders, forward of that the sedan-specific designer went too upright, trying to add character with complicated headlamp and hood lines that don’t flow with the rest of the car. There is a reason the M3 sedans carry over the coupe front and it wasn’t solely for cost-savings in the manufacture of the niche model hard parts. I will bow to the sedan designer for his exceptional work on the rear of the car, it keeps the car looking light and compact despite E36/E46 owners statements to the contrary.

For exhaust note, perform the ‘golf tee mod’, electronically by disconnecting the driver-side exhaust valve. It will add consistency to the exhaust note and make it much-more enjoyable during startup and decel. To perform either unplug and block the vaccuum line underneath the car at the driver-side exhaust tip OR pull back the trunk carpet on the driver-side and locate the electrical connector (Bosch 2-pin style) for the valve. It has two wires, violet/gray and red/white, simply un-clip to disable the valve, leaving both exhaust exits permanently open. This will not trigger a code and can be undone simply by plugging the connector in again if you don’t like it (hogwash).

Initial reliability is meh but better than many say it is, and given it is a direct-injected twin-turbo inline six, rear-wheel drive, German-engineered sports coupe it fares well. My car had new injectors, new high-pressure fuel pump, new water pump, and new turbochargers all courtesy of BMWNA via the long-factory warranty. The general consensus is that the redesigned parts that BMW is offering via warranty replacement are vastly superior to the original items. Add in X-drive, if AWD is your fancy, and you have a properly modern Skyline GT-R with a nicer interior.

Of all the cars I’ve had, including an S14 240sx and FD3S RX-7, this has been the best all-around car to enjoy on the road that could storm a track quite easily if I found my way to one. The RX-7 was exceptional but it stood out too-much, garnering unwanted attention from local constabulary and Honda hatch enthusiasts alike. This car allows me to enjoy speed, handling and a nice interior without sacrifice of attention or distraction. The torque makes it easy to live with, like an American V8, which is where the M3 fell short in normal driving. Sadly practicality is becoming the crux of mine, I love it dearly but with a baby in the house, outings are proving more difficult with the two-doors and gracious but still limited trunk afford. Had BMW given us lowly Americans the 335i Touring, the answer would be clear but alas it just isn’t that simple and this market just doesn’t appreciate practical and fast in the same sentence (honorable exception, the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee). I’m trying to trudge forward and stick it out until kiddo can install herself in the rear seat, otherwise I may be looking at CUV/SUV alternatives and perhaps a hot hatch for my daily travels until impracticality is a luxury once again available in my household.

Rensho > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 15:11

Not sure if the wastegate issues are the same as the turbo issues, but boy have I seen and heard a lot of horror stories re turbo shaft play issues on the 335s. $4k repairs. Or i guess it might only be $1-2k for DIYers like me.

T off the New > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 15:13

I couldn’t deal with how whisper quiet it was when I switched to bmw. I made it about a week before I bought the m-performance exhaust from a local dealership, worth it imo. Lovin that nice growl on start up

Mailbox Cancer > Torque Affair
08/16/2015 at 15:15

Did this same thing back in January. Congrats!

Kinja'd!!!