I have had a few scoobs etc in the past and currently own a 2006 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI, which I have had for just over 3 years but starting to think about having a change....

There is nothing wrong with my A3 and wouldn't mind another Audi (maybe a S3) but to feel like I have changed my car I would have to jump up a few years to get a change of model as a 07/08 S3 looks very similar to my A3 both inside and out and with an added 60Bhp i'm not sure the 6k or so needed would be worthwhile. Going to a model change S3 would be a BIG jump up in price - mid 20k's probably, if not more, which is more than my pocket can take

So, having a look around to find something that I would feel like I have actually changed my car, I quite like the E90 330's or 335 BMW's. Any of you on here owned any? There seem to be a few models both Petrol & Diesel, some non turbo, some twin turbo etc. Are such twin model turbo's a disaster waiting to happen or are then generally reliable?

Also, most models seem to be auto's, hardly any manuals about these days.... is this the case now with most modern BMW's?

Other cars I have looked at are Audi RS4 but not so sure I would want the bills from those! plus to get one for the sort of money i'm looking to spend it would probably have to have a few miles on it. Or an A5 or something but not sure if they will be a bit too boring?

Or anything else to consider.......... a hatch scoob maybe?

 

Had our 335d almost five years. I look after it well but it's still been amazingly reliable and easy to run.

They are auto only when diesel bit it's a decent box.

The only properly quick diesel that's actually quite fun on the twisties too. Highly recommended.

 

According to Which 2012? The 3 series convertible topped the charts for being the most unreliable car aged between 4 and 8 years. New to 3 year old cars came out 4th most unreliable car. It doesn't say whether this is down to the roof alone but it has deterred me enough from looking at any other car in that range, which is a shame as I think they look really good.

 

Had a 330 msport 56 plate and that was auto.....nice car, quick enough but the interior is a bit too business'y and boring .....much prefer the older e46 interiors to be honest. But was reliable

 

Thats the thing. I havent ever heard of anyone actually having a problem with the 6 cylindered 3 series but the press would suggest otherwise.

 

335i is problematic, some had issues with late 330is, the 320i was rubbish and useless. The others were all pretty good in E9* form.

 

I was contemplating a 330i for my next car but having much bad press about BMWs have switched to contemplating the Mitsubishi Ralliart.

 

Plenty of threads about them if you do a search.
330d owner and love it

 

You think that would be easier to run?! TBH if you're considering one, a BM 3 series isn't for you.

 

I had done yes.
Why isnt a 3 series for me, it seems to be for every other man and his dog?

 

An Evo (or similar) is a focused, manic, loud saloon. The BM is refined, smooth, fairly luxurious. Very different cars!

The late 330i has had issues but its a lovely engine. 270bhp, super smooth, sounds ace. Worth a look.

 

was it the 3 series that could be stolen with great ease?

 

At the price Im paying there will be compromises. The BMW has everything I would want except the reliability which is a big thing for me. The Ralliart shouldnt be seen as an Evo, rather a normal Lancer with 4x4 and a turbo added on to make around 250bhp. It wont be quite as refined as the BMW or as economical but it would be much younger with lower miles so its a price I would pay for having what should be less trouble.

 

i hope so i would never buy a low mileage one owner car again id rather buyone with 100k plus with history

 

Im thinking that new/high miles is better than old/low miles now as well.

Do you actually live in Ibiza?

 

I have a 2012 335i touring with Harmon Kardon sounds, autobox with flippers and lots of other toys. I have done 9,500 miles in it since Aug-2012 including 2 ski trips to Austria in the last month. Had the front disks/pads changed under warranty at 7,000 owing to low speed squeaking. I would never have gone with such an expensive and complicated machine without robust warranty cover to be honest.

Its a great drive with straight six roar which works well on tunnel runs and is also ultra-stable at high speed with 4-up + roof coffin.


This is my beastie in its winter clothes (17" rubber compared to 19" in summer). Surprisingly, the wind noise from the roofbox was acceptable upto 135mph.

 

it called aerodynamics

 

If you have a few quid to spend and seating/luggage space isnt important why not get something more interesting?

The usual bmw/audi look boring as hell even if they do post some quick 60-100mph times.
Somebody posted up a picture of a dull looking 3 series estate that no one would give a second look or be interested in!

I would be thinking Porsche Cayman which is a fabulous car, particularly in the 3.4S form , 05-08 plate 15-20K.

If space is important, thean obviously you would have to go for one of the dullards ( like that 3 series estate) but otherwise- Live a little!

 

Matt; read the post. All suggested cars have four seats and some space.

I've seen off a Cayman and several Boxsters in my dull estate car... ;-)

 

I dont think so-a well driven Cayman S would muller a 335d across country-different leaugue. Remember a few years back when Top Gear raced a 535d against a 545i on the track? The 545i blitzed it- and a cayman S would blitz the 545i!

Trying to race a Boxster 2.5 with a careful lady driver doesnt count!!

PS- i am sure i once overtook a 3.2 Boxster S in my Pickup truck on the minehead-Taunton road but dont think i was outpowering/driving them!!

 

Ps- yes all cars sti scooby listed are 4 seats and some space but not said this is actually needed.

And you must admit- 3 series estates look soooo Boooring! If you need that sort of vehicle, then fine but if not , much more desirarble cars out there.

 

Two shapes ago (the 2nd version) Boxster S on the A30 near Bodmin - engine screaming, my soot chucker pulled comfortably ahead. Have you heard of torque? Clearly not.

And did I say Cayman S? No I didn't.

Performance Car tested a 335i against a 335d around Bruntingthorpe a while back - the d won. The 545i is a LOT more powerful than a 535d. So of course it would win - the 335i and 335d are marginal but the i if faster off the line.

The point is, you're talking about a completely unsuitable car that you clearly haven't owned or driven (my uncle had a Boxster S which I drove many times). Relying one hearsay and numbers.

This is a tactic of a vacuous internet goon.

The OP wants a FOUR SEATER quick car NOT a TWO SEATER. If he did, you'd look slightly less silly.

However it just happens that these impractical two seaters, despite having a decent chassis, aren't actually very quick. Apart from the Cayman R.

 

I think I need to add further info

I'm not after a 4 door/estate car as such, just so happens a couple of the cars I mentioned could come in 4 doors eg BMW 3 series.

My current A3 is three door and come to think of it the only 4 door car I have had previously was one of my scoobs.

Personally I think the 3 series bmw's look better as a 3 door anyway as do most cars I think.

So, any other recommendations/ideas are more than welcome . 3 or 4 door doesn't really matter.

I also only do around 6k miles a year so running costs aren't too much of an issue, although I'm not so sure I would want the running/repair bills of a Porsche!

 

Have I missed one of the most important questions? How much is your budget?

 

Which? magazine's editorial falls into 2 camps: washing machines etc where they lab test them and get meaningful results; and ownership surveys where the Which? readership demographic will always put a reliable car at the top of the chart. It then becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that readers buy the cars at the top next time round. And eventually they'll all drive a Honda Civic

If, and I say if, BMW gets bad press, it's because of the sheer number of examples out there, notwithstanding that they are quite a technically complicated car and have more to go wrong. Personally, I like BMWs but I am reluctant to buy another because my local dealer refused to honour the BMW Approved used car warranty on one occasion then on another occasion failed to deal with some rust on a <3 year old car.

 

you will be surprise the cost of porsche ownership if you only do low mileage !

 

Nothing set in stone really but something around 16k -17k ish?

 

I was quite impressed by BMW listing most models with 4WD now,they must have thought about time

I'm quite tempted at the 330d 4wd or even a 320 4wd they don't seem to have given the 5s it yet, but I did see some in the USA so it's a matter of time now.

 

Im exactly the same. I think the 3 series is a great looking car for a saloon/2door car (pre-elephant sitting on the bonnet look). Its fuel efficiency and good drive is a real lure but I have read many bad reports on reliability - not just from which? and as you say reports of dealer arrogance and refusal to make good on warranties. I know with the sheer numbers you will get more reports of issues but it seems a little disproportionate.

 

335i approved used?

Little older but a 4.2 V8?