[01tj]

I'm considering selling my Jeep and 330i and getting an E90xi. I've been told numerous times that I'll be let down by going to an awd BMW. Anyone on here done this? If I do so I'll be running good different wheels and tires for summer and winter.

What would it take to get a base 325xi or 328xi to perform as well as my 330i with the sport package? Could this be done by getting slightly lower/stiffer springs and more aggressive tires? I'd probably also add an exhaust and if necessary an intake.

[makisupa]

I went from a 2002 325ci to a 2008 328xi. Wanted to get a 335xi but it was too good of a deal to pass up. I'd say go with a 335xi.

[01tj]

I'm probably going to need to stay at about $20k which makes me at a fairly high mile 335xi

[jsrbrown]

Originally Posted by 01tj

I'm probably going to need to stay at about $20k which makes me at a fairly high mile 335xi

What's high mileage? I just bought a 2008 335xi with about 53K miles on it. I paid about 22.5 for it.... you can get a good one with lowish miles for that.

[chillbil79]

I've been debating on selling mine. 08 335xi sedan 6mt about 38k. Giac stage 1 tune and injen dci

Located in DE. Prob looking to get 25k

[Braumin]

I went from on e46 RWD but I didn't have the sport suspension. I've got an e90 xDrive now. I think saying you will be let down would be an overstatement. It still feels great, even though it's a bit heavier and there's no optional sport suspension. If you need xDrive, you'll love it. When I was shopping, I wanted RWD but this AWD 335i was available and I don't regret it, especially after the winter we just had.

[ajsalida]

I went from E36 M3 to 335xi. Regretted every minute of it (the suspension) until I a) gt rid of RFLT tires and b) upgraded to Koni/Eibach susp. Now it is pretty nice, tossable with firm good sporty handling, not harsh at all. OEM susp is worst ever on a BMW by far.

Also cranking up the turbos with a tune and other FBO mods is pretty amazing. I have driven 328xi, would not recommend one unless it is a manual and you do not have the HP gene. Even then you'll wish you'd gotten a 335i at some point. Esp if you spend much time on this board and start reading about the 700+ AWHP kits.

[01tj]

Originally Posted by ajsalida

I went from E36 M3 to 335xi. Regretted every minute of it (the suspension) until I a) gt rid of RFLT tires and b) upgraded to Koni/Eibach susp. Now it is pretty nice, tossable with firm good sporty handling, not harsh at all. OEM susp is worst ever on a BMW by far.

Also cranking up the turbos with a tune and other FBO mods is pretty amazing. I have driven 328xi, would not recommend one unless it is a manual and you do not have the HP gene. Even then you'll wish you'd gotten a 335i at some point. Esp if you spend much time on this board and start reading about the 700+ AWHP kits.

I'd probably be okay with the 328xi if it is about the same as my 330i but of course I would really like to have a 335xi. My car has about 40k miles on it and I was hoping to stay under that but I will consider a 335xi with a little more

[ajsalida]

Originally Posted by 01tj

I'd probably be okay with the 328xi if it is about the same as my 330i but of course I would really like to have a 335xi. My car has about 40k miles on it and I was hoping to stay under that but I will consider a 335xi with a little more

Well certainly read as much as you can then go drive a few 328 & 335. You will prolly not like the handling so regardless of choice you'll need to lay out minimum ~1k for new susp. and then non-rft tires.

[ahschell]

Originally Posted by 01tj

What would it take to get a base 325xi or 328xi to perform as well as my 330i with the sport package? Could this be done by getting slightly lower/stiffer springs and more aggressive tires? I'd probably also add an exhaust and if necessary an intake.

You can do the 3 stage intake manifold conversion (basically putting a 330i intake manifold on a 328i). I've been thinking about doing it myself. You will need a tune to get the extra horsepower though. Here's a DIY with more info about it.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...old+conversion

Handling wise I have heard many things on these forums. An inexpensive way to make your car more aggressive and handle better is lowering springs. Popular choices are H&R or Eibach. Some say that springs on stock shocks is not recommended but many forum members who have done this have had no issues at all. Many claim its just as comfortable as stock but feels way stiffer (in a good way) when thrown into turns. Another route is shocks and springs or coilovers. This is a more expensive route but has the best results. Those are probably the best way to go for suspension upgrades but if you are on a budget springs will not disappoint (based on what I've read).

I haven't done too much research on exhaust but based on what I've heard the BMW Performance Exhaust is popular along with the Active Autowerke exhaust.

Search the forums and you will find what you need to know. Your own research will help you get an idea of what you want. I hope this helps!

[01tj]

Originally Posted by ahschell

You can do the 3 stage intake manifold conversion (basically putting a 330i intake manifold on a 328i). I've been thinking about doing it myself. You will need a tune to get the extra horsepower though. Here's a DIY with more info about it.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...old+conversion

Handling wise I have heard many things on these forums. An inexpensive way to make your car more aggressive and handle better is lowering springs. Popular choices are H&R or Eibach. Some say that springs on stock shocks is not recommended but many forum members who have done this have had no issues at all. Many claim its just as comfortable as stock but feels way stiffer (in a good way) when thrown into turns. Another route is shocks and springs or coilovers. This is a more expensive route but has the best results. Those are probably the best way to go for suspension upgrades but if you are on a budget springs will not disappoint (based on what I've read).

I haven't done too much research on exhaust but based on what I've heard the BMW Performance Exhaust is popular along with the Active Autowerke exhaust.

Search the forums and you will find what you need to know. Your own research will help you get an idea of what you want. I hope this helps!

That will probably be the Rt. I would go. A nice set of wheels and slightly lower springs. I would probably go with wider wheels and tires, either 225/255 or maybe even squared and maybe 1" lower springs

[ahschell]

I upgraded to the style 189 rims (18") and have 225 in the front and 255 in the rear and I immediately noticed a difference. I know that's not a crazy setup or anything but compared to my stock 205 square setup (16" rims) it feels way better

[01tj]

Originally Posted by ahschell

I upgraded to the style 189 rims (18") and have 225 in the front and 255 in the rear and I immediately noticed a difference. I know that's not a crazy setup or anything but compared to my stock 205 square setup (16" rims) it feels way better

Yeah, tires make a big difference. I just put UHP summers on my 330i and it almost sticks to well. It used to have a very tossable/controllable floating feeling. I could feel the rear move around going around turns but never felt like I was pushing my limits but now I can't get it to move.

[DBall]

I went from an 02 330i (w/ sport pkg) to an 08 335xi (also w/ sport pkg)... I tried an 08 328 and it made me sad... it just felt sluggish compared to the 330. I haven't compared the 335 xi to the i, but living in snow country, I'm guessing I won't be too sad about AWD...

[Richbot]

Had an E46 328. Get a 335. The best reason to move from an E46 to an E90 is the availability of the N54/N55. Otherwise, stick with the E46 IMO, because no amount of springs and tires are going to make up for it being 300lbs heavier when you chuck it into a corner

You can buy 335xi's all day long with 50-80k miles for under $20,000 around here

[bwco]

I went from e46 m3 to e90 335 xdrive, didn't regret it 90% of the time cause its my daily drive to and from work, but I lose the precise steering, throttle respond, and wild exhaust noise. The turn in at on ramp and off ramp are a bit tardy. Throttle is a less responsive. To conclude the switch, if you are growing up and wanted less spending tickets, go with the e90.

[DBall]

Originally Posted by bwco

I went from e46 m3 to e90 335 xdrive, didn't regret it 90% of the time cause its my daily drive to and from work, but I lose the precise steering, throttle respond, and wild exhaust noise. The turn in at on ramp and off ramp are a bit tardy. Throttle is a less responsive. To conclude the switch, if you are growing up and wanted less spending tickets, go with the e90.

The difference is that you are going from an M3 to a 335... I think the OP is going from a 330i to a 335 like I did and the difference is night and day between those cars... the 335 seems like a race car in contrast.

I've actually never had the experience of driving an M car... I imagine that is one hell of a fun car, though...

[bwco]

Originally Posted by DBall

The difference is that you are going from an M3 to a 335... I think the OP is going from a 330i to a 335 like I did and the difference is night and day between those cars... the 335 seems like a race car in contrast.

I've actually never had the experience of driving an M car... I imagine that is one hell of a fun car, though...

I used to drive a 330i regularly for business use (company car) and it's a fun car to drive too. It's quick and nimble. I won't say it's a big difference from a 330i to 335i, except for the fact that you get tons of torque and quicker off the line with the 335i. But i could assure you that you would be disappointed with the 328i. I'd almost settled with a 328ix briefly before I bought the 335i xdrive.

[DBall]

Originally Posted by bwco

I used to drive a 330i regularly for business use (company car) and it's a fun car to drive too. It's quick and nimble. I won't say it's a big difference from a 330i to 335i, except for the fact that you get tons of torque and quicker off the line with the 335i. But i could assure you that you would be disappointed with the 328i. I'd almost settled with a 328ix briefly before I bought the 335i xdrive.

Oh yeah... agree 100%

[Br0okLYnzSouLJa]

I went from an e46 M3 to my current 335xi coupe.... wasnt overall too disappointed. with the 335 the power potential is there. After getting some staggered wheels on michelin pilots the vehicle felt like a whole other beast. I love the AWD factor especially driving in DTC mode engaged. Copule that with a JB4 and Alpina flash well lately ive been smiling more in my car!!!