why did they select that specific vehicle and what are the pros and cons having purchased these vehicles?
2005 E90 325i Exclusive Package Manual, bought it brand new for 285K plus 70K options. Reason was BMW’s good aftersales service and VWSA pissing me off with my previous Golf 4 GTi.
Pros: Good aftersales service, straight six engine, perceived brand status, 4 years ownership with only one issue on built quality.
Cons: 17” Runflat tires. I hated them in 2005. They were first generation, harsh ride and a little expensive, manual gearbox was crap. The door handle trim was peering off but fixed on warranty.
2007 E92 335i Coupe M-sport Steptronic Auto, bought it second hand in 2009 for 450k. While servicing my 2005 E90 325i, I was shown this car, test drove it and never wanted to let go.
Pros: Best looking 3 Series in my opinion (besides the E92 M3), built quality improved, runflat ride quality much improved (19” runflats were better than previous 17” runflats). Auto Gearbox is solid, Prof Sat Nav, Harman Kardon sound were standard items. Sounds and handles like a dream.
Cons: Rear tires don’t last long (25 000kms on average). It also guzzles petrol. Last but not least, with a 335i N54/N55 engine you run a risk of reoccurring High Pressure Fuel Pump problem.
2010 E93 335i Convertible M-Sport Double Clutch Transmission, bought it second hand in 2011 for 650k. Reason I bought it is convertible and 335i engine.
Pros: Great engine sound, Double Clutch Transmission gear box is amazing, 3 Piece metal folding top (not everyone’s taste) but often the biggest attraction and admiration versus any BMW I owned.
Cons: Slower than 335i Coupe, not as good in handling like a Coupe and Sedan. Guzzles petrol because you often wanna drive fast rom robot and rev it.
The biggest question is : Auto or Manual and of course the pros and cons to this.
Auto anyday.
I drive the BMW’s with Double Clutch Transmission Auto and Audi A3 with manual. The manual gearbox is useful when I want to have control over the car which is 20% of the time. Auto is useful when I just want to drive which is 80% of the time.
Double Clutch Transmission is the best Auto/Manual. This is the first Auto gearbox with proper manual mode.