Would you rather

"E90M3" (e90m3)
07/20/2016 at 12:10 • Filed to: None

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It appears that I might be looking for another second car soon as it seems like the job search is going pretty well right now. So I ask you, which one would you pick? It’d be tough for me considering I do really like BMWs but I already have an E90 so the Benz could be a nice change. Maybe I should have just kept the 1...

DISCUSSION (36)

For Sweden > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:15

Aye Six > Vee Six

gin-san - shitpost specialist > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:16

Solely on looks, I prefer the E92.

CB > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:16

C300, since you’ll be able to carry around friends, it’s lower mileage, and cheaper.

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:16

The E92, the only way is could be better is if it was a 335is

Rico > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:18

335 kills the C300 in driving feel and power. I drive a 2014 C300 and don’t even like BMWs like that but I would take the 335i over it.

S65 > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:18

The BMW because inline 6

Party-vi > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:19

Pre-2012 W204 C-Classes have a shit interior. Also, that 3.0L V6 is only pushing 220-ish horsepower which is a dog compared to the 300+ in the E92. I would hold out for a C350 manual, as the extra power would be worth the crap interior.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > Party-vi
07/20/2016 at 12:32

Did they make a C350 manual?

AM3R shamefully returns > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:32

Kinja'd!!!

I have both, but my C300 is auto. Go for the 335i. It's much more fun to drive, much faster, gets similar MPG (better around town if I'm nice). The C is a great daily driver, mine is fully loaded so it's a great place to spend time in everyday. The navi system is good, the sound system is great, I LOVE the pano roof, and it feels very solid.

E90M3 > Party-vi
07/20/2016 at 12:37

That is true. I have heard only bad things about the C300 interior. I test drove a 2009 C63 and the interior was kinda falling apart.

E90M3 > AM3R shamefully returns
07/20/2016 at 12:38

It looks like whatever my next job is, I’ll be commuting on more rural roads, so the fun to drive part is probably more important.

E90M3 > Carbon Fiber Sasquatch
07/20/2016 at 12:39

I’ve looked for a 335is, but they seem to be around 30k still.

Party-vi > Flyboy is FAA certified insane
07/20/2016 at 12:39

Yes. Pre-2008 I believe, which I guess would have been the W203. It was quick, too. 60mph would come up in 5.5 seconds. Quicker than the W204 C350.

Flyboy is FAA certified insane > Party-vi
07/20/2016 at 12:43

Oh, cool. I’ve only seen the c300

AM3R shamefully returns > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:44

Definitely get the 335i then. The C can handle backroads decently well, but the steering is just way too light for it to be enjoyable. There’s no feedback.

Ugh, I want to buy that 335i so bad!! I’ve been pricing out M-sport bumpers and a few other bits and pieces for days now.

My speed3 is happy > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 12:50

E92 for me.

But you’re really gonna buy another 2nd car? Can’t you just live with the M3 being out in the sun and save more money? What if you get laid off again?

Textured Soy Protein > AM3R shamefully returns
07/20/2016 at 12:57

Haha this picture is so quintessentially DC suburbs to me. Un-fancy townhouses without garages, boxing in a parking lot full of pretty-nice cars, because housing costs too damn much.

Matt Nichelson > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 13:03

GA seems to have good prices on their cars. I drove from Mississippi to a dealer in Fayetteville last year to buy mine.

FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 13:17

I’ve had a weird irrational want for a manual C300 for a few years. My wife talked me out of actually going to drive one and I’ve heard they really aren’t fun... but I just love the look and ride of that generation C-class. Plus its weird and I like weird things... I think the shift knobs in these are aluminum so watch out in summer!

E90M3 > My speed3 is happy
07/20/2016 at 13:28

Couple of reasons, looks like any commute I’d have would be 30-60 mins each way. I’d also be in driving distance from my friends and family, 150 miles+ each way and when I had friends in other cities in Texas I did a lot of driving. I’m also trying to keep the M3 for a while, plus I want a car that’s somewhat good on gas and doesn’t eat $400 tires. I mean you have a very good point. It’s more of I think it’s worth it to me to have the second car where I don’t have to worry about the M that much. It’s worth that peace of mind to me. Might not be the most logically sound argument ever. Have to think about it when I get a job and find a place to live. I’ve also thought about a beater as well.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 13:34

Maybe buy a car that’s reliable with decent gas mileage instead?

/runsandhides

My speed3 is happy > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 14:12

Okay, everybody has their own financial priorities, and it sounds like you will spend time thinking about yours.

Personally seeing the stress my older sister had to go through after the 2008 financial crisis where she was unemployed for almost 2 years while I was in college has made me extremely frugal, even though I’ve never been laid off myself as a software engineer. Right now my fiancee and I are trying to save enough money to not even need a job at all where we could potentially live off dividends and capital gains. Our forecast spreadsheet says it will happen in 60 months. *fingers crossed*

Also as someone who writes ML algorithms to automate people’s jobs. I worry that someday someone will automate mine.

Rico > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 14:27

If you already have the M3 and are going to spend 20k anyway on another vehicle why not get something like a FoST or FiST that way you can have a decently fun car, with storage, with a manual, that can get good gas mileage and best of all has warranty.

Twinpowermeansoneturbo > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 14:48

E92 every day of he week. I don't care for the C300 at all.

Textured Soy Protein > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 15:20

Aside from the fact that you just sold the car that filled this role, for what you’ve described as your parameters for a second car to complement your M3, I don’t think either of these is a good choice.

If you’re stuck on a manual transmission, I’d seriously look at a 2012 or older Accord EX-L V6 6MT coupe. Comfy for highway cruising, runs on regular gas, still has the stick and decent power. 2012 was the last year before Honda went all screen-crazy with the dash. I wouldn’t recommend the stick shift Acura TL SH-AWD, they ride too harsh.

InfinityAero > AM3R shamefully returns
07/20/2016 at 15:28

I wonder if you could just go with a lower pressure power steering pump to restore some of the steering feel...

E90M3 > Textured Soy Protein
07/20/2016 at 15:34

Looking back, it would have probably been the better choice to hang onto the 128i. Only time will tell though.

I’m not stuck on a manual, I’d prefer one though. I had thought about something like a Fiesta ST or a Honda Civic Si. Would definitely look into a 6MT Accord.

E90M3 > Rico
07/20/2016 at 15:35

I have thought about one of those. A college friend has a Focus ST and loves it. I’d also think about a Civic Si.

E90M3 > My speed3 is happy
07/20/2016 at 15:39

I got laid off. I’m actually pretty frugal, the two BMWs notwithstanding, so I had a decent amount of money saved up. I’m less worried about that anymore. Being debt free is nice, and I’ll look at my finances once I get a new job.

Textured Soy Protein > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 15:58

I think you made the right move selling the 128i. I know you want to keep the miles off your M3 but I would wait until you get started in the new job before you start worrying about a commuter car.

Also I would look at the weaknesses of the M3 and try to get something that covers those weaknesses, not something that’s mostly similar to the M3 but cheaper and gets marginally better fuel mileage.

I had my 135is for fun, Grand Cherokee for winter/utility, and fiancee’s Civic for commuter/economy. We got sick of 3 cars and went down to 335xi for winter-capable fun, and her Impreza hatch for winter-capable economy/utility. Either way, trying to cover as many bases as possible.

So, what’s your M3 not good at? The obvious answer is it burns a shitload of premium fuel. And you’re talking about getting something to do a bunch of highway cruising.

So I’d try to get something that’s a good highway cruiser that gets decent mileage on regular or 30+ mpg on premium. Fiesta ST hit the mileage part but they have stiff rides and short gearing for too much highway noise.

E90M3 > Textured Soy Protein
07/20/2016 at 16:32

I probably should have said I’m not getting anything until I have a job. I was more curious to see if people would actually chose the C300 over the 335i. Putting the mileage on it while I’m in between jobs really doesn’t bother me, it’s necessary as it seems driving here was the correct move and to find a job in Georgia, I need to be in Georgia.

I’ve been thinking about what I would want to get next probably either be fun to drive or luxurious. I had thought about a Fiesta ST or maybe a Civic Si or maybe a 335d or maybe I could even get an early E90. Not really sure, this is kind of my fun distraction from my job search. I find myself shopping for cars all the time. Once I get serious, I’m sure I’ll make a post asking for suggestions.

Textured Soy Protein > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 16:39

I know that distraction all too well. I also know the feeling of unwanted suggestions. ;)

Carbon Fiber Sasquatch > E90M3
07/20/2016 at 19:57

Oh yeah, I'm waiting around myself hoping they'll fall a bit note for the last S bmw

AM3R shamefully returns > Textured Soy Protein
07/21/2016 at 12:25

Haha you are right. This is in fairfax county. Houses are ridiculous... These townhouses nearly sell for $500k!

AM3R shamefully returns > InfinityAero
07/21/2016 at 12:26

I wonder how involved of a swap that would be.

InfinityAero > AM3R shamefully returns
07/21/2016 at 14:26

Not sure, depending on the PS pump manufacturer it might not even require a swap, looks like the GM guys can get by with this kit:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-8990…