BMW
X7 and XM
forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BIMMERPOST Universal Forums General BMW News and Cars Discussion Which BMW xDrive model to replace my Corvette?

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      12-04-2018, 10:50 PM   #1
2fnfast
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: C5Z
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

Question Which BMW xDrive model to replace my Corvette?

I am new to the BMW world so looking for some insight. I live in a northern climate and now have a couple teen drivers in the house so looking to probably sell my C5 Z06 and replace it with an AWD model.

Looking to keep the purchase price under $20k so that I have some $ for mods and repairs.

Because i’ll Be replacing my fun car I am looking for BMW models that are quick and sporty. I’m initially drawn to the E92 335xi with the thought that with a stage 1 tune they can be quick and with the m-sport package and some lowering springs or coilovers they can have a more aggressive stance.

I prefer coupes but might consider the right sedan. What other models should I be considering in my search that fit my budget and needs?

Also I’ve read extensively not to purchase a used BMW without a warranty. I’m guesing with a car likely 6-10 years old that a warranty might be tough to come by. Are there known third party extended warranties that are any good?

Last edited by 2fnfast; 12-05-2018 at 03:53 PM.. Reason: Shortened post / correct spelling
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2018, 03:44 PM   #2
floydarogers
Curmudgeon and Pedant
floydarogers's Avatar
United_States
690
Rep
3,489
Posts

Drives: 2010 335d, 2014 328d
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Bellevue, WA

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2fnfast View Post
...Because i’ll Be replacing my fun car I am looking for BMW models that are quick and sporty. I’m initiakky drawn to the E92 335xi with the thought that with a stage 1 tune they can be quick and with the m-sport package and some lowering springs or coilovers they can have a more aggressive stance.
The MSport package on BMW's (esp E9x) is completely an appearance package - all xDrive cars get the xDrive suspension no matter what other options (except for the rare car with the Adaptive suspension.) You want to go coilovers if lowering an xDrive car.

You might want to wait a few months until the newer G20 is out - it might well cause some F3x cars to come into your price range.
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2018, 04:22 PM   #3
2fnfast
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: C5Z
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by floydarogers View Post
The MSport package on BMW's (esp E9x) is completely an appearance package - all xDrive cars get the xDrive suspension no matter what other options (except for the rare car with the Adaptive suspension.) You want to go coilovers if lowering an xDrive car.

You might want to wait a few months until the newer G20 is out - it might well cause some F3x cars to come into your price range.
Good to know that coilovers are the way to go. Interesting thought too on waiting for G20 to see if that will soften the F3x market. thanks
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2018, 04:25 PM   #4
b92
Major
b92's Avatar
United_States
538
Rep
1,040
Posts

Drives: E92 335is, 6MT
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rhode Island

iTrader: (2)

The E92 335ix comes with two engines, N54 and later the N55 which was used in the next gen 335i/435i as well. The N55 is the mature N54 - more reliable, smoother powerband, better exhaust note. Stage 1 tuning isn't expensive, however it doesn't have the same power potential as the N54.

The N54 is the fan favorite since it's a true twin turbo and it doesn't take much money to hit >350whp on the dyno. It also has the potential to easily exceed 600-700whp without having to touch the engine's internals. The N54 is a maintenance queen though, HPFP, injectors, spark plugs, waterpump, turbos, etc.

Some other fun notes about these two engines:
- N54 was replaced by the N55 in 2011, however BMW chose to use the N54 for the sportier 335is (2011-2013)
- A higher output variant of the N54 was used in the 1M (IMO the greatest car produced by BMW)
- A higher output variant of the N55 was used in the M2 up until recently, being replaced by the S55 from the F80/F82 M3/M4
__________________
2011 E92 335is, Space Grey/Coral Red, 6MT.
RB 2+, Wedge tuned. E85 PI coming soon.
Appreciate 2
No Boost4019.00
      12-05-2018, 08:38 PM   #5
2fnfast
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: C5Z
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by b92 View Post
The E92 335ix comes with two engines, N54 and later the N55 which was used in the next gen 335i/435i as well. The N55 is the mature N54 - more reliable, smoother powerband, better exhaust note. Stage 1 tuning isn't expensive, however it doesn't have the same power potential as the N54.

The N54 is the fan favorite since it's a true twin turbo and it doesn't take much money to hit >350whp on the dyno. It also has the potential to easily exceed 600-700whp without having to touch the engine's internals. The N54 is a maintenance queen though, HPFP, injectors, spark plugs, waterpump, turbos, etc.

Some other fun notes about these two engines:
- N54 was replaced by the N55 in 2011, however BMW chose to use the N54 for the sportier 335is (2011-2013)
- A higher output variant of the N54 was used in the 1M (IMO the greatest car produced by BMW)
- A higher output variant of the N55 was used in the M2 up until recently, being replaced by the S55 from the F80/F82 M3/M4
Thanks for the info. Yeah have heard the N54 can be a maintenance pig. I have read that need to carefully check maintenance records and see if some of the problem areas have already been addressed.
Appreciate 0
      12-05-2018, 09:42 PM   #6
Scout10
Second Lieutenant
United_States
86
Rep
268
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW X3 X28i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: S.W. Michigan (stalag michigan)

iTrader: (0)

What ever you end up with.
Good luck with those new additional drivers
__________________
2017 BMW X3 x28i SOLD
2015 Honda CRV-EXL AWD
2019 Honda CRV-Touring AWD
1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327 / 4spd Convt
Appreciate 0
      12-06-2018, 01:11 AM   #7
2fnfast
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: C5Z
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scout10 View Post
What ever you end up with.
Good luck with those new additional drivers
Yeah thanks. There will certainly be a lot more demand for use of our other vehicles so I can see myself needing to change out the C5Z for a car that can be a daily for me hence the reason looking at AWD models.
Appreciate 0
      12-06-2018, 11:22 AM   #8
2fnfast
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: C5Z
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Washington

iTrader: (0)

Should I be looking at the m235i xdrive coupe as an option? Some of the 2015 and 2016 models with around 50k miles are priced low $20k range. Not sure if I like the looks quite as well but they appear to have pretty good performance numbers stock. Pros/cons vs 335xi?
Appreciate 0
      12-06-2018, 11:29 AM   #9
mkoesel
Moderator
United_States
7506
Rep
19,370
Posts

Drives: No BMW for now
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Canton, MI

iTrader: (1)

^^^ Have you researched these vehicles in the Bimmerpost knowledge base?

Here is a quick trick:

https://www.google.com/search?q=site:bimmerpost.com

You can use that to find anything you want on this site - just add your search terms to the text box.

The thing is, the feedback loop is going to be much quicker that way. That is, research the vehicles you are interested in first, and then ask questions when you cannot find answers by searching.

Also, here is the official M235i release thread:

https://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=903957
Appreciate 0
      12-06-2018, 02:42 PM   #10
b92
Major
b92's Avatar
United_States
538
Rep
1,040
Posts

Drives: E92 335is, 6MT
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Rhode Island

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2fnfast View Post
Should I be looking at the m235i xdrive coupe as an option? Some of the 2015 and 2016 models with around 50k miles are priced low $20k range. Not sure if I like the looks quite as well but they appear to have pretty good performance numbers stock. Pros/cons vs 335xi?
Solid car, no manual transmission offered in the m235i xdrive so I never pursued further. Has the N55 engine and a glorious exhaust note with the M exhaust. I recommend test driving! I'm a big fan of the two series, looks great in every color.

50k miles on an N55 won't be a problem, but 50k on an N54 and you're looking at about $1k in preventative maintenance items
__________________
2011 E92 335is, Space Grey/Coral Red, 6MT.
RB 2+, Wedge tuned. E85 PI coming soon.
Appreciate 1
Run Silent15127.00
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:10 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST