another which car thread

[theken]

well I have narrowed down which 3 I want, but I am unsure. Pricing is similar, options are similar.
I am looking at a 2009-2010 335xi a 2009-2010 c350 4-matic/2013 c300 4matic
or an 09 A4

I like all of these vehicles, the Audi is kind of out of place, should be more towards the s4, but the pricing gets way up there. I have driven the BMW and Mercedes, not an Audi. I do not know what could sway my purchase either way.
any opinions

[VWEvo]

I haven't driven the c350, however I would expect the 335xi to be more of a spirited driver, whereas the Mercedes would be more a comfy driver. I'm sure there are members who have driven/owned both.

I'm biased, I absolutely love BMW's. They have always been the type of car I really look forward to driving.

[theken]

No other comments? Leaning towards bmw

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by VWEvo
I haven't driven the c350, however I would expect the 335xi to be more of a spirited driver, whereas the Mercedes would be more a comfy driver. I'm sure there are members who have driven/owned both.

I'm biased, I absolutely love BMW's. They have always been the type of car I really look forward to driving.

I second this.

[colinxx235]

Yah I think the 335 is a major standout in the ones you listed, unless you compare to an S4 thats the only one that will make it a tough choice

[redline]

I would get the BMW but if you do get an M-sport version.

[CRXguy]

I think Archie(B18C) has a C350 4matic. Should ask him if he likes it. :D

[theken]

He doesn't have it anymore, s4 is way more than it should be, the Mercedes seem really nice but I think That if I was to get one it would be a c63 would be more interesting and rare but I like the awd for the wife

[Sorath]

335xi man, fun car, i sure missed mine. too bad dealerships in our city suck for service. I must say that the s4 is a very nice vehicle as well. i probably like it more than the 335xi however the pricing difference is just not justifyable

[heavyD]

I know this concept is a little different but how about driving them and buying the car that you like best rather than the ones posters on the internet like? All those cars are similar in equipment which means it's going to come down to personal taste.

[theken]

I have driven all but the audi, I'm looking long term, maintenance fun factor. A quick drive at the dealership doesn't generally give you an idea bout your car for the next 5 years

[heavyD]

Originally posted by theken
I have driven all but the audi, I'm looking long term, maintenance fun factor. A quick drive at the dealership doesn't generally give you an idea bout your car for the next 5 years

Chances are you won't own it 5 years if you are the average Calgary car buyer. Warranty covers maintanance and fun factor can be determined from a test drive. All you will get here is personal biases towards one manufacturer or another and since all the cars you are looking at are German any non-warranty maintenance will be more expensive than domestic or Japanese.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Definitely the 335 unless you can get your hands on an S4. The 335 will be quite a bit faster than those other two, especially in Calgary. The C300 would be the least fun car on your list by far, IMO.

If you can get into a B7 or B8 S4 though that would be my pick, and I have driven everything on your list.

Fun factor will be highest BY FAR on that 335, or S4 if you can swing it. If you get a B7 S4, there is not turbo plumbing to worry about, if that concerns you at all. Very solid cars.

I've owned two trouble-free S4's in the past, but would have likely been just as happy with a 335.

Doesn't matter much what we think though, the car is for you!

[colinxx235]

Originally posted by theken
He doesn't have it anymore, s4 is way more than it should be, the Mercedes seem really nice but I think That if I was to get one it would be a c63 would be more interesting and rare but I like the awd for the wife


Yah depending on the packages added, the S4 has a few more perks loaded than the e90's do. But you are correct they are a bit more expensive unless if you get lucky like I did with the S4.

Otherwise I was super super close to a 335ix as the C63 is more expensive and the RWD is tough in calgary

[Evo prec]

Have you ever considered a 2008 and up 535xi same motor but way more options then the 335, only down side is the slight size increase

[Kg810]

335xi gets my vote

[Xtrema]

There should be more 335xi on the market which means probably cheaper to get one and more choices.

I'm bias but I would take a B8 S4 over 335xi, especially your back seat has frequent passengers over 5'6"

[theken]

I'll look into the newer model s4's. I have considered the 535 also. I will have to drive one and feel it out

[Buster]

Originally posted by theken
I'll look into the newer model s4's. I have considered the 535 also. I will have to drive one and feel it out


I happen to be selling my 2008 535xi. It's a wagon. I actually think the wagon looks better, anyway.

I know 5-series inside and out, and can have a rather intelligent conversation with you about the cars, the known issues (I fixed/mitigated them all).

The 535 is way more car than the 335.

[max_boost]

All three are such nice cars.

[clem24]

The HPFP issues on the N54 scares the crap out of me. But otherwise, I'd give my vote to the 335. On the used market, they're quite a hard value to beat. 535 is quite the different beat from the 335. Goes from being a somewhat tossable sedan to a beginnings of a boat. Depends on what your priorities are..

[Buster]

Originally posted by clem24
The HPFP issues on the N54 scares the crap out of me. But otherwise, I'd give my vote to the 335. On the used market, they're quite a hard value to beat. 535 is quite the different beat from the 335. Goes from being a somewhat tossable sedan to a beginnings of a boat. Depends on what your priorities are..

A valid concern. Since BMW issued the actual recall on these things, it seems to be a non-issue.

I went in immediately to get the recalled pump, and it's been running just fine. It also has a 10 year parts and labour warranty on it.

[Aleks]

Yeah HPFP issue as well as injectors issues have been resolved. With a 10 yr warranty it's nothing to worry about.

Mine went in for the recall in 2011 and it's been fine since. Running Dinan software (+75hp, +115tq) since April 2012 without issues too. Since so many of these cars were sold they are an excellent used value.

I went with RWD myself as I liked the steering feel better and is about 15-20% more fuel efficient. But I understand why people like AWD as it is nice on those snowy days.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

No problems with HPFP on mine, and its been tuned as well.

[Sorath]

good to hear that they finally resolved the fuel pump issue, it was the only thing i didnt like about the 335 when i owned one