[Emiliglo]

Hello everyone! I honestly just want to make a post asking everyone's advice on which car they would purchase! I am not asking cost of ownership, of stuff along those lines. Just simply want to know what YOU know about these cars in terms of driving experience, and bang for the buck. Im gonna write a lot of stuff about me and how I would plan on building these cars just to give you that much more detail on how they will be. I will also include a picture of my favorite build of the car basically how I would do it! with credit to car owner of course! I think about this a lot since all I am doing is stacking up to finally obtain an M car lol Tell me what you think! The cars I am very interested in ( E82 135i N54, E90 M3, E39 M5, E46 M3) more details later on! NOTE: Car would be a mild daily? I would drive it more that often because obviously were on this forum because we like to drive, and drive fun cars right? but I have Hondas Toyotas and a Subaru at my disposal as well just an FYI.

Heres a little background on me:

I am 19 years old, I live in the San Fransisco (East) Bay Area and I am a mechanical engineering major in college and Im pretty well educated on all cars, can work on many due to the fact that my house never has less than 8 cars and usually only 3 run, so me and my dad are usually fixing something lol , I'm now looking for something new to me, that's able to destroy the twisties surrounded by redwood trees up in the roads in the hills. cool cars I've owned: 90' 325is (for 2 weeks), 2000 mustang gt, 96 miata, 93 civic hatch, and 3500 Silverado hd. Yes I know im 19 and I should be driving my accord or civic until im 40 and own a house BUT fortunately or unfortunately (however you see it) im living at home while getting my degree and working so I have some extra money (: (yes I pay my bills but my mom washes my pants still :/ ) all jokes aside I would love your opinion! I am experienced driving fast cars as I have been driving way before the law says I can, and I've had a couple cars that I can really push and my dad has owned 2 newer 5.0s and I have friends with some crazy cars, and would think im pretty alright at it. I am also hoping to get a job at Dinan soon (yes Dinan) so I think that would open some good doors as far as networking, getting parts, etc. but who knows right? Sorry for all the information, its just on similar threads I always see people say "well how much you make" "get a civic" or "RoD BEaRiNgs wIlL geT u BrO" so I just wanted to establish that. Now the cars!


E82 135i:

135i 6MT with the basic $1700 mods, Jb4, downpipes, intake, intercooler, etc
I love this car because its a small drivers car, cheap power gains, and the looks. I think I like this car that much more because I had the chance to keep a Long Beach Blue M2 (DCT) for a week. What a car that was. I took it on some of the best canyon roads near me, it blew the doors off of my dads 2016 5.0, and kept up with about most of my friends faster cars in a straight line, but nobody could touch me in the corners, the amount of grip was amazing!!! So it seems I am leaning toward the 135i because I can get the same and MORE power as the m2, and get the blissful handling as well. what do you think?

My Favorite Build: CREDIT: Joe_135i


CREDIT: @ Joe_135i Instagram


E90 M3 6MT:

2011 E90 M3 Competition, in Alpine white. I Haven't driven this car, but it is sexy in every other way possible. a v8, hips, 4 doors, and a manual? yes please! I know this is the newest and most expensive car, but is it worth it over the other 3? My ideal mods: BBS LMs or stock zcp wheels, CSL style trunk, Gintani tune, cat / muffler delete, Power wise there isn't much is there? yeah a supercharger but why spend $7000 on a supercharger when I can use that to buy another e30 or a fox body? I mean if I have an extra money sure but would probably never happen. any current/previous owners have thoughts opinions on this car?

my ideal builds: CREDIT: Pom Performance & @m3nyc_ (instagram)





E46 m3

E46 m3 competition , CSL Wheels, CSL Trunk, manual. again, I know power isn't a really extractable thing from this motor unless you supercharge. I drove one once for a half mile in my neighborhood when I was 13. I barely learned how to transition the clutch from a dirt bike to a car so it really wasn't a drive. I just remember the ride was bad because it was a track car, and throttle response was sharp. How was your e46 m3 compared to the other cars?


E39 M5

If I had a m5 id probably lower it, that's about it, it is a beautiful car period. Haven't driven one or sat in one, but this guy that lives in my area has a Dinan m5 and it sounds brutal and is so clean! I know the hype behind them but can anyone comment? in comparison to the other cars, what would you pick?


Again, Apologize for the heaps of text and information, I am just really confused lol. I know each of these cars is completely different, im asking for you to compare a sub compact car and a grand touring car lol. But I like all Cars, im not really looking for a purpose, I don't have a commute, don't care what is better on gas from here to work whatever. I just want to know what is worth it in your opinion and what will be the most fun in your eyes. Don't know what else to say but appreciate you reading all this and let me know!!!

[tuco44]

It's very hard to answer this because of the diversity of the chosen cars, but if I were at your age and stage of life, I would go with the lighter, cheaper, less complicated coupe, the 135i. But the feedback you get here may not be very meaningful, it's hard to put us into your shoes, and cost of purchase and operating does come into the question.

YMMV.

[DanG]

Personally, I like smaller coupes. So I would go with the 135i. If you could afford it, an M235i can be had for around $20K and would be even more fun to drive.

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by tuco44

It's very hard to answer this because of the diversity of the chosen cars, but if I were at your age and stage of life, I would go with the lighter, cheaper, less complicated coupe, the 135i. But the feedback you get here may not be very meaningful, it's hard to put us into your shoes, and cost of purchase and operating does come into the question.

YMMV.

Of course! I know it is a hard question to answer because everyone has their opinion and mine is different from everyones as well. And each car has its own grenades and cost of ownership, but I guess more or less just want to know what car in your opinion is more badass in your eyes, thanks man!

[Grumpy Old Man]

1M or Porsche

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by DanG

Personally, I like smaller coupes. So I would go with the 135i. If you could afford it, an M235i can be had for around $20K and would be even more fun to drive.

I was looking at those as well! After having the m2 for a week and a Miata is really let me appreciate smaller coupes much more! thank you!

[xQx]

If you can afford it, get the E90.

The 135i is an amazing car. I can't say enough nice things about it. It's going to cost you half what the M3 will and (with a few mods) it's just as much fun.

But that feeling of "I wish I'd bought a M3" never goes away.

The E90 is the last of the naturally aspirated M3's. Do the rod bearings, keep some money aside for throttle actuators and in a couple of years you might end up supercharging it. The 135i is far better value for money; but the fact that you're cross shopping it with M3's - take it from me - you'll be itching to upgrade that 135i for a M3 in no time flat.

[EndOfAnEra]

I've had a E92 M3, a E82 135i, and now I have my E90 335i. I think the 135i is the car that gave the best driving experience. I miss that car a lot

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by xQx

If you can afford it, get the E90.

The 135i is an amazing car. I can't say enough nice things about it. It's going to cost you half what the M3 will and (with a few mods) it's just as much fun.

But that feeling of "I wish I'd bought a M3" never goes away.

The E90 is the last of the naturally aspirated M3's. Do the rod bearings, keep some money aside for throttle actuators and in a couple of years you might end up supercharging it. The 135i is far better value for money; but the fact that you're cross shopping it with M3's - take it from me - you'll be itching to upgrade that 135i for a M3 in no time flat.

Not gonna lie you made me shed a couple tears )': very much appreciated! I think I'm gonna just have to drive both then make up my mind! I know either way im gonna have regrets. thanks for the input man

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by EndOfAnEra

I've had a E92 M3, a E82 135i, and now I have my E90 335i. I think the 135i is the car that gave the best driving experience. I miss that car a lot

Thanks man, you've had both and your 135i is just wow I don't think I can do it any better. appreciate it! Im probably gonna PM you with questions one day about either car so be on the lookout lol

[P1]

My wife had a 135i and it was fun, minus the DCT. Terrible.

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by P1et

My wife had a 135i and it was fun, minus the DCT. Terrible.

DCT is terrible as in not matched to the n55 well? I drove a m2 and obviously it was sublime and well suited. or you strictly manual guy? just wondering I was thinking about a 2011+ but didn't know how that DCT is with the engine.

[DanG]

Originally Posted by P1et

My wife had a 135i and it was fun, minus the DCT. Terrible.

DCT on an M2 is fantastic. Quick shift with better 0-60 mph times and better mileage than the 6 speed.

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by DanG

DCT on an M2 is fantastic. Quick shift with better 0-60 mph times and better mileage than the 6 speed.

Agreed! the one I drove for awhile was so great, especially low speed downshifts at every light and stop sign just to hear the crackles and pops lol but is the DCT a good match to the N55?

[DanG]

Originally Posted by Emiliglo

Agreed! the one I drove for awhile was so great, especially low speed downshifts at every light and stop sign just to hear the crackles and pops lol but is the DCT a good match to the N55?

The M2 has a N55.

[Emiliglo]

Originally Posted by DanG

The M2 has a N55.

oops! I was confusing the M2's version of the n55 with the s55

[10"]

135i. no brainer. you're 19. start small and fun.

[P1]

Originally Posted by Emiliglo

DCT is terrible as in not matched to the n55 well? I drove a m2 and obviously it was sublime and well suited. or you strictly manual guy? just wondering I was thinking about a 2011+ but didn't know how that DCT is with the engine.

Once you're going, I suppose it's fine. But the jerking, lunging and at times stalling got old very quickly.

[positiveions]

I will say this, every used car I look at to buy I read the good and the bad about reliability and cost to maintain them and whether I am able to perform those maintenance. Keep that in mind and choose the best that fits you.

[omera60]

I’m 21 now so I believe we are close in terms of age, I got my 2 when I was turning 19. As times goes on as you can see I expended my garage with other BMW’s. But my starting point of 2 series was a great point. It’s a small nibble car. I live in the city but take the car to back roads to enjoy it. While I was ordering my 2 after adding the options the dealer suggested me to drop it at that price range and go for a really nice 40th anniversary 3 series. I really liked it but the deciding point was the fact that I didn’t need it. I’m teenager, I’m usually alone or with 1 passenger, I don’t need to carry people. I thought to my self that I can always buy a 3 but once I get older have a family etc small coupe is usually not the best idea. Plus if you don’t want to be the designated driver you have a excuse towards your friends saying you have a coupe and it will be tight back there (believe me it’s not actually). In Europe BMW advertise 1 & 2 series as young people car. I would say start with the 135 coupe and then you can expand your garage. Small BMW coupes are always fun to drive...

[Jayf30]

I live in SF as well and am only about 5 years older than yourself but I think if I were in your place I'd get the e90. Ive been wanting one myself actually, just something about that NA V8 and I'd do the same exhaust mods.

[Humdizzle]

sounds like you have a lot of different ideas.

The 135/335 cars are nice. But the last thing they need is more power out the box. I'd spend the first 2500 on a diff so it actually handles and puts down the power.

If I was in your shoes i'd go E90 comp pack, slicktop, 6mt, exhaust, wheels, springs, roof wrap... done. Plus you have a shop where you can work on the cars so doing rod bearings and general maintenance should be cake.