Test drove some cars today

"E90M3" (e90m3)
02/15/2017 at 19:48 • Filed to: None

Since I’ve got an offer that I’m going to accept on Friday unless this other company makes me a better offer, I’ve been doing some car shopping for my next DD. First car I drove today was an E90 328i.

It was a little rough and not very well equipped. It drove fine, but had three owners in the 6 years it’s been in existence. While I’d want a sport pack, which this one lacked, I could see myself in another E90.

Then I went to Ford and drove a FoST. I actually really liked the car, I see why these get such good reviews.

Let’s be honest thought, I’m probably getting another 128i so this car shopping is superfluous.

DISCUSSION (86)

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 19:50

Why would you be looking at another E90? It’s just going to be a slow squishy version of your M3.

E90M3 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
02/15/2017 at 19:53

Cause I really like the E90. Basically I’m looking for something that doesn’t suck to drive and is cheaper to run than my M3, which the E90 fits perfectly. I mean, I had a 128i in conjunction with my M, so it’s not like I mind having a non-M BMW.

Matt Nichelson > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 19:55

Why not an e92? But yes, you’re going to end up getting 128. What about a 2 series?

E92M3 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
02/15/2017 at 19:55

335d is a better daily driver than a M3. 328i is okay, but the extra low end torque that comes with a turbo makes all the difference around town.

TheTurbochargedSquirrel > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 19:55

It’s just kinda odd that you are looking at the Non-M version of the M car you already own. The 128i was a different platform.

E90M3 > Matt Nichelson
02/15/2017 at 19:56

Had a 2 series as a loaner, didn’t really like it. I would consider an E92, if I found one that was decent.

I may or may not be having carmax transfer a 128i from Chattanooga to Roswell so I can look at it...

E90M3 > TheTurbochargedSquirrel
02/15/2017 at 19:59

Yeah I guess, I just really like the E90. It’s not going to be as good as an M3 to drive, but it’s something to rack up the miles on.

CB > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:00

If you enjoy German cars, a Mercedes C300 with the stick, maybe?

E90M3 > E92M3
02/15/2017 at 20:02

Yeah, I’ve thought about one of those, but they seem like they’ve got a lot of potentially really expensive problems. I’m going to be down where there are no emissions, so no DPF worries, but the carbon build up kinda scares me.

Matt Nichelson > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:03

I haven’t driven a 2 series yet. What did you not like about it?

Sweet. Color?

DrScientist > CB
02/15/2017 at 20:03

i dont think these exist in the states.

E90M3 > CB
02/15/2017 at 20:05

Those are rare, very rare and I’ve heard not that fun to drive. I’m thinking about one of those, an auto one. I might get an auto car so others can drive it if need be. My sister lives within 30 mins of where I’ll be, so since it’s a 4 hour drive home, I’d assume we’d carpool home for holidays. That doesn’t mean I have to get an auto, but a manual isn’t a must, I would prefer one, but most of the manual cars that are for sale are up there in miles.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:06

XF - Supercharged, or R, would be my cruiser of choice. BC Jaaaaaaag

https://www.carmax.com/car/13846781

E90M3 > Matt Nichelson
02/15/2017 at 20:07

I didn’t like the steering. It’s not bad in the 3/4/5 series, but it wasn’t very good in the 2.

Here’s the car. It’s basically the same as my 1, but with more options and in almost same shade of blue as my first car.

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/15/2017 at 20:08

I was about to say, I don’t make oil money anymore I can’t afford one of those, but damn that is cheap.

theloudmouth > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:10

The most smiles per responsible car ratio I’ve had is a sport pack, RWD, 6MT E90. That thing just put a grin on my face non stop for the day I had it. would make an awesomely fun but responsible daily.

Textured Soy Protein > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:10

Totally serious here: check out the Hyundai Elantra Sport.

Reason I say this is because when I had 2 cars I wanted them to be different, where each did things the other didn’t. I had a 135is and Grand Cherokee. I liked having the Jeep for when I wanted room to spread out and a comfy ride. Plus in winter.

Since you are in the south and I know one of your reasons for having a DD is to keep extensive highway miles off your M3, I’d look for something that is relatively good mileage, plus comfy on the highway, while still being sorta fun. Personally I found the 1-series to be just a bit too small for longer trips, it was ok by myself but I like to have some room to spread out and it’s not the right car for that.

The Elantra Sport has the 201 hp 1.6 liter turbo motor, but takes regular gas and get 33 highway mpg. It ditches the regular Elantra’s twist beam rear suspension for a multilink setup. Fully loaded with a DCT it stickers at a hair over $25k.

The Kia Forte5 SX is the same basic car in hatchback form but it has a “sport tuned” twist beam rear suspension and costs a few grand more when fully loaded.

Honda Civic hatchback in EX-L Navi or Sport Touring trim is also very nice, although it’s 174 hp (or 180 on the Sport Touring).

E90M3 > DrScientist
02/15/2017 at 20:11

Kinja'd!!!

They sold them until 2010.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:11

It’s shocking. They even have a face lifted car for 29k. I like the look of both so I would save some cash and get the older one. You can also get the NA V8 for ~20k. Add in a few grand for the Doug warranty and you would be set for a while.

E90M3 > theloudmouth
02/15/2017 at 20:12

I was thinking I’d enjoy driving it everyday. Not sure if I’d get a manual for the only reason of I can’t seem to find a decent one near me.

Saracen > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/15/2017 at 20:16

Holy depreciation, Batman!

E90M3 > Textured Soy Protein
02/15/2017 at 20:20

I had a rental Hyundai, and I liked it, apart from the steering. I hated that so much, I ended up hating the car. I’ll be honest, if the steering wasn’t so terrible I’d be looking at one of those. I’d probably be looking at a Veloster, but I’m not sure I can put up with the steering. I think it’s over boosted and lacks any feel.

I actually really like my 128i on the highway, I made a pair of 1000 mile trips in it. It was a little small but it never bothered me.

I’ve been thinking about something like an X1. Apparently an S-drive 2.0 I4 is rated for 34 mpg on the highway, I believe they still have hydraulic power steering.

I have thought about a Honda.

At this point I’m not really sure exactly what I want. I’ve just got a slight obsession with BMW, so that’s why I’m leaning toward another N52 powered ride.

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/15/2017 at 20:21

I had no idea these were this cheap. Sadly the pay cut I’m about to take is massive, so I’m trying to be cheap with this second car. Cheap being relative.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:30

Always a good plan. No need to stretch the budget if you can help it.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > Saracen
02/15/2017 at 20:31

It is Jag’s superpower!!

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/15/2017 at 20:32

If I was still in my old job, I’d be looking to replace the 128i with an AMG, but I guess I won’t be doing that. Despite the pay cut, my life should be a hell of a lot better so I’m looking forward to this, plus the M3 is paid off so that helps.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:40

Dude. In similar situations cars other than BMWs have left me perpetually at least a little disappointed / dissatisfied. I’ve had some great Audis but they just weren’t the same, you know?

Just saying.

If E90's have appeal, they aren’t making any more and right now they’re pretty much at the sweet-spot intersection of the depreciation curve and the nice-ones-still-available curve. This might be a good time.

Also, with the luxury of not needing one immediately, if you want to you can look around for one you really like, in ccondition you really like.

Haha is that United BMW in the pic? Evan in Sales DD’s E46 M3, he’s in his mid-20's and did great for us...probably if you tell him what you want he’ll find it.

If you wanna go the dealer route.

Also FWIW they say the X1 is a major sleeper

OK, yeah I’m being vicarious here

E90M3 > Tazio, Count Fouroff
02/15/2017 at 20:44

I have a very strong negative emotion associated with Audis, so those are out.

The reason I’m looking is cause they’re like 15k, and I really like the platform. I know it’s not an M3, but that’s the point. It seems like it’s the right time.

It took me 2 months of car shopping everyday to find me M3, I would rather not repeat that.

The car was at United BMW, I forget who I talked to today, but I basically told him want I wanted and he was going to keep an eye out.

I am having this transferred...

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:46

Looks nice!

E90M3 > Tazio, Count Fouroff
02/15/2017 at 20:49

It might be auto, but it’s got pretty much every option and it’s the right price.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 20:51

Not necessarily recommending Audi...just trying to say, whenever the BMW bug bit nothing else really worked, for me anyway. If that’s of help.

E90M3 > Tazio, Count Fouroff
02/15/2017 at 20:57

Yeah, I think the same thing has happened to me.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:04

(If you’re sure about no 2-pedal remorse...MT is kind of an endangered species, right?)

E90M3 > Tazio, Count Fouroff
02/15/2017 at 21:10

You can find plenty of auto E90/E82s with under 50k miles, the manuals all seem to have near 100k. I don’t want to deal with that service in my first year of having the car. I want a stick, but good ones are hard to find, plus I’ve got the M3 for when I need to row my own. Although, I texted my sister and she would be open to learning manual. If I can find a good one with a stick, I’ll probably get that one.

Matt Nichelson > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:19

That’s a shame. I kinda like the 2 series. I really want a 4 series coupe when the time comes to replace my car, but I was afraid I won’t like the steering in it compared to the hydraulic steering.

Not bad. I do like that it doesn’t have the halogen headlights.

Textured Soy Protein > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:20

I get it, I’m on my second BMW and I generally like their cars but I very much believe in a diverse portfolio of cars. To me, the problem with the X1 and all the other N20-equipped BMWs is even though they get good mileage they run on premium. If you’re tanking up highway trips, even with checking GasBuddy you’re probably going to get gouged on premium.

I had a rental Sonata and I feel it’s like a less-crappy Altima. Comfy quiet boats that get good mileage. Definitely not on the sporty end of the family sedan spectrum.

Hyundai poached some dude from BMW M to run their vehicle dynamics, and he supposedly had a lot to do with the Elantra Sport.

The Elantra is on the newer-generation platform compared to the Veloster Turbo, and the Elantra Sport gets the much better multilink rear suspension vs. the twist beam on the Veloster. It also has retuned steering.

Anyway, reason I think it’s right up your alley is because it’s kinda like a hot hatch but a bit more relaxed, so has better potential as a cruiser.

This guy is maybe a bit hyperbolic but a decent overall look at it...

DrScientist > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:21

how bout that. i didnt know.

also, the rear seat looks about as comfortable as a bench at laguardia. :-/

B_dol > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:24

Toyota Corolla iM in manual. Don’t buy a used 1 series with 50K miles, why more of the same? Get a proper daily, beat on it, have some fun while at it too.

E90M3 > Textured Soy Protein
02/15/2017 at 21:27

BMW was what got me into cars, now that I’ve got the resources to actually buy cars, I tend to lean toward BMW.

You raise some really good points, I might actually have to go drive one instead of discounting it based on my experience with Hyundai. I hated the rental Sonata I had, I was ready to hate on the Chevy rental I had, but I ended up liking that. Maybe they’re worth another look.

E90M3 > DrScientist
02/15/2017 at 21:28

Yeah, not common at all.

JFK is worst NYC airport. They left my luggage there. I made it to Moscow, but my bag didn’t.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:29

Happy hunting

Standing by for any updates

E90M3 > B_dol
02/15/2017 at 21:29

I liked my 1 series and the only reason I don’t have it anymore is because I lost my job. I’m just worried I would hate a cheap car after a while.

DrScientist > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:29

jfk is terrible. laguardia was definitely less terrible, before they started construction. at least its small. now its pushing for that leader spot.

hate to say that the best ny airport is in nj. :(

E90M3 > Tazio, Count Fouroff
02/15/2017 at 21:30

I’ll keep oppo updated.

On a side note, have you gotten posting privileges yet?

E90M3 > DrScientist
02/15/2017 at 21:32

The international terminal is separate from the domestic terminal at JKF, like you have to leave the building then go through security again. It’s the worst designed airport i’ve ever been in, and I’m including the airport I flew into in Siberia.

theloudmouth > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:32

It’s definitely a struggle, but why the need to find one near you? I guess when I got my 335is and I flew it was less than 2 years old from a main dealer with tons of warranty so I wasn’t really worried but on a higher mileage (relatively speaking) out of warranty example I could see the nerves.

I just enjoyed my exciting fly to get the car I want and drive it back journey and look forward to doing it again when I likely buy a ‘16 CPO S4 6MT next year when my GTI lease is up.

E90M3 > theloudmouth
02/15/2017 at 21:35

I bought my M3 over the phone from 6 hours away. They brought it to me for free which was awesome.

I’m just not sure if I feel like the hassle of traveling, and it’s more of the it’ll be out of warranty now so I don’t want to buy a car long distance without a warranty, the M3 was still under factory warranty.

DrScientist > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:38

yet simultaneously the best...

(i know... i know... not in use... still the twa terminal is pretty rad)

Kinja'd!!!

B_dol > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 21:38

You might indeed - any thoughts on leasing or do you drive too many miles? I just think there are plenty of better, livable, fun cars out there to get a new experience. Used GTI, FRS/BRZ, 2 series Msport come to mind.

E90M3 > B_dol
02/15/2017 at 21:42

Depending on where I live, the plant will be like 25-30 miles away, so I think mileage would be an issue. Plus a round trip home would be 500 miles.

I’d rather have a 1 series than an FR-S or a BRZ, they’re both kinda the same thing. I didn’t like the 2 series I had a loaner.

I’m open to something differnt, but nothing seems to check all the boxes like a N/A BMW.

DipodomysDeserti > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 22:22

Only the gen 1 AWD X1s have hydraulic power steering. Kinda defeats the better feel as the awd ones dont handle as well

E90M3 > DipodomysDeserti
02/15/2017 at 22:23

I’d get a gen 1, and if I did it’d be a 2 wheel drive one. I live in GA, I don’t need AWD.

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 22:28

I test drove an E91 with the sport package before buying my ZHP, and I definitely would’ve gone for a non-sport package equipped one because the ride was rather harsh for a daily driver (at least in my opinion). Though I did like everything else about how it drove.

E90M3 > touring the brook - now with ZHP!
02/15/2017 at 22:30

I had no problems with the ride in my 128i and that had a sport pack. No complaints about the ride in my dad’s 135is. You get the sport seats with the sport pack, and that’s what I want.

E92M3 > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 22:33

Yeah, a NA car should prove to be more reliable. Have you considered anything Japanese?

E90M3 > E92M3
02/15/2017 at 22:38

I thought about something like Civic Si, but the prices on those are more than a BMW I’d want. I’d consider one, it just can’t suck to drive.

DipodomysDeserti > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 22:39

Those ones all have electric steering. That’s what my wife drives. I thought it was a bit numb when comparing it to my 335d, but now I have a Wrangler and it feels great.

E90M3 > DipodomysDeserti
02/15/2017 at 22:40

Let’s be honest, I’m going to end up with another 128i.

DipodomysDeserti > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 22:44

That’s what I would do.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 22:47

Thanks for asking! Not yet

E90M3 > Tazio, Count Fouroff
02/15/2017 at 22:47

Just ask! http://oppositelock.kinja.com/psst-hey-you-want-some-authorship-1787635220

E92M3 > E90M3
02/15/2017 at 23:38

A 2008 TL is a phenomenal daily, reliable, and cheap to operate.

E90M3 > E92M3
02/15/2017 at 23:57

Do they still eat torque converters? One of my high school friends had a 2000 3.2TL and it ate through 3 torque converters.

Tazio, Count Fouroff > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 00:42

Tempting. Thanks for link

E92M3 > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 07:27

No, that was only a problem with the previous generation.

E90M3 > E92M3
02/16/2017 at 08:54

That’s what I though, wasn’t sure though. I’ve seen a few of the type s ones rolling around and think to myself that is actually a pretty good looking car.

E92M3 > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 09:21

They drive really nice too. Perhaps the best FWD sedan of it’s time.

E90M3 > E92M3
02/16/2017 at 09:33

Did you used to have one? I know you’ve got an MDX as your DD right now.

E92M3 > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 10:36

Yeah, I had a 2004. One of my favorite cars I’ve owned. Quite a few on the forums with 300k+ miles with the factory engine/trans.

Azrek > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 10:44

Lexus IS-F or similar? Those quad pipes look amazing. Huge beefy engine. Fast. And the cost isn’t too bad.

It is a perfect stealth car. It looks like a Lexus...then it keeps up with the M3

E90M3 > Azrek
02/16/2017 at 10:49

I think those might be a little more than I want to spend. I’ve also never really liked those for some reason.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 11:43

https://tulsa.craigslist.org/cto/6006014212.html

B_dol > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 11:45

You seem set, all I will say is variety is the spice of life my friend! I DD a Z4MC ~60 miles a day, no sense lugging around an extra car payment without any fun...

Azrek > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 11:45

Not sure your budget, but they are around 20k+

I like them. But....I don’t want to give up a manual just yet.

https://www.truecar.com/used-cars-for-sale/listings/lexus/is-f/

E90M3 > B_dol
02/16/2017 at 12:18

Yeah, I’ve done some math on running costs and the M3 is just too much plus I don’t want to put the miles on it. I do kinda want something different but it’s like I could have a BMW for the same price so IDK what I’m actually going to do.

E90M3 > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
02/16/2017 at 12:19

Damn I like that, if the was 2015 and I wouldn’t have to figure out how to get 2 BMWs back to Corpus, I might have gone and looked at that.

E90M3 > Azrek
02/16/2017 at 12:20

I think I’m about to take an effective 50k pay cut, so I’m trying to spend around 15k on my next car.

You don’t have to give up the stick, just get a second car!

Azrek > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 12:24

That is a brutal paycut! I hope it is worth it!

I live in a downtown area. I rarely drive my car on the weekends. I walk or ride my bicycle everywhere. So a 2nd car doesn’t make a lot of sense unless I get a track car.

I was offered some crazy trades for my M3 as it has only been owned by me and only has 55,000 miles on it for a 2011. I’ve debated taking a few...but what do I get?

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 12:29

Hopefully the new job will be less stressful than the old. Oil money is nice, but oil stress is not. There is a point where no amount of money is worth your happiness.

E90M3 > Azrek
02/16/2017 at 12:42

I really hope it’s worth it, I’m going to see if I can negotiate a few more dollars for myself. At some point though happiness is worth a lot more than money.

I have no idea what you’d replace it with.

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/16/2017 at 12:43

It should be way less stressful. It is true what they say about money not buying happiness, I’ve got first hand experience on that, yeah those couple of 5 figure paychecks were really nice, but I was miserable.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 13:44

Exactly! Best of luck and good luck in the DD search! Just out of curiosity, what is your DD requirements? 4-door, reliable, MPG’s, etc?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 14:08

Slow day, came across it whilst scrolling, and thought of your hunt.

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/16/2017 at 14:56

Requirements: something that doesn’t suck to drive, cheaper to run than the M3, around 25 mpg. Basically a 128i, or a 328i or something along those lines fits perfectly. I’m also going to look at a C300 and maybe seriously consider a FoST.

SPAMBot - Horse Doctor > E90M3
02/16/2017 at 16:26

All good options. Have you thought about a CPO FRS/BRZ? Not very practical but they are cheap and good fun to drive. Much like all of us here, I like giving off-the-wall unsolicited opinions. I personally do not want another FWD car but I hear great things of the FoST. I also like the idea of a diversified fleet, even though I’ve bought multiple Miatas haha. Anyways, congrats on the job and good luck with the search!

E90M3 > SPAMBot - Horse Doctor
02/16/2017 at 16:58

I think I’d rather have a 128i than an FRS/BRZ. I sat in one once and was like, I couldn’t live with this. It was just too tight in there and it also lacked a center arm rest. I’ve heard really good things about the FoST and I thought it was worth a shot. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, but I’m sure there will be a lengthy oppo post in the future.