Should I buy a C6, 2010 Camaro SS, or 335i
12-01-2010, 05:59 PM
#22
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I've had a 00 C5 Coupe, 04 Z06, an 06 3series and rented innumerable 08 ZHZ LS3 powered Vettes. C6 LS3's are the way to go. Much easier to live with day to day vs. the Z06. Hatch provides significantly more cargo room. Conversely, the A6 in the C6 is terrible. It's never in the right gear for any sort of spirited driving. The 3 was way more comfortable, and the trans was much more responsive. I've only been a passenger in a 335, but they seemed pretty similar. If it were me, and my money, 08+ LS3 Vette.
12-01-2010, 06:24 PM
#24
TECH Apprentice
12-01-2010, 07:09 PM
#26
The 335i is going to handle almost as good as your c5 but it will NOT have the same thrill and you 'd regret your decision very soon.
Any of the new muscle cars will have more room than the c5 but not a whole lot.
Have you looked into Trail Blazer SS or srt8 GC? They have the power to keep you entertained.
I'm in the same boat as you, I want to get a c6 but dd that car in my area would be a nightmare. So I'm gonna be picking up a cheap subaru for dd and winters.
Any of the new muscle cars will have more room than the c5 but not a whole lot.
Have you looked into Trail Blazer SS or srt8 GC? They have the power to keep you entertained.
I'm in the same boat as you, I want to get a c6 but dd that car in my area would be a nightmare. So I'm gonna be picking up a cheap subaru for dd and winters.
12-01-2010, 09:10 PM
#30
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I own a 2010 335i sedan w/ an auto and I have a love/hate relationship with it.
My good friend has a 2008 335i coupe w/ a manual, he likes his better than I do mine, but he just ordered a 2011 Mustang (5.0 w/ manual) and is trading the 335 for it.
I also own a 2001 TA, which I love unconditionally (first car I bought new). The same friend as above owns a 2002 TA, which he thoroughly enjoys. We both believe that the TA is a much better performance vehicle.
Short answer:
Don't get the bimmer. I know that I'll never buy one again (neither will my friend, partly due to my my experience).
Long answer:
For every day driving, which is about 99% of what I do (I drive ~50k mi/yr), the BMW is great (except for auto and all the problems it has). The rear seats are reasonably comfortable (note: fold down seats are an option, not standard, at least on the sedan).
As for handling, with the traction control on, the car is pretty good. Turn it off completely, and you will drift, but it just doesn't feel right. Personally, I don't like the balance of the car in performance driving. BMW has tuned it to understeer. If the front tires were closer in width to the rears, it would be quite a bit better (I think you can "fit" 265s up front, though...). Also, it does not have an LSD (~1k). With the auto, it is difficult to drive hard because of the weird throttle response, but the manual doesn't do that.
The auto has an inconsistent throttle response and boost builds differently every time, but the manual does not have these problems. Stock power is OK, but it needs lots more torque. A good piggyback will run you ~$1k, but with an exhaust (~$1700, downpipes are another $700), you'll get > 425 hp and > 425 lb-ft. An intercooler (~1k, and another 15+ hp) and upgraded radiator and oil cooler (~1k) would be good for reliability.
I have had absolutely nothing but problems with trying to get BMW to fix anything under warranty. I went to the dealer to tell them I had a slight misfire and they said "If it does not throw a code, there is not a problem." Three weeks later I had severe pre-detonation for ~20 sec before the check engine light came on. Why did I drive it that long? Because I wanted to see if the engine would blow up before the light came on (sadly, it didn't). Their "solution," rotate the injectors and coil packs. I still have lots of throttle/ignition issue that they refuse to fix.
My friend has had very few problems.
Also note that BMW is designing their vehicles to have a 3-5 yr lifespan.
Might want to read this, too:
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...reliable-cars/
I apologize for the absurdly long post, but I hope that I have provided you with enough info to make a more informed decision about the 335.
My good friend has a 2008 335i coupe w/ a manual, he likes his better than I do mine, but he just ordered a 2011 Mustang (5.0 w/ manual) and is trading the 335 for it.
I also own a 2001 TA, which I love unconditionally (first car I bought new). The same friend as above owns a 2002 TA, which he thoroughly enjoys. We both believe that the TA is a much better performance vehicle.
Short answer:
Don't get the bimmer. I know that I'll never buy one again (neither will my friend, partly due to my my experience).
Long answer:
For every day driving, which is about 99% of what I do (I drive ~50k mi/yr), the BMW is great (except for auto and all the problems it has). The rear seats are reasonably comfortable (note: fold down seats are an option, not standard, at least on the sedan).
As for handling, with the traction control on, the car is pretty good. Turn it off completely, and you will drift, but it just doesn't feel right. Personally, I don't like the balance of the car in performance driving. BMW has tuned it to understeer. If the front tires were closer in width to the rears, it would be quite a bit better (I think you can "fit" 265s up front, though...). Also, it does not have an LSD (~1k). With the auto, it is difficult to drive hard because of the weird throttle response, but the manual doesn't do that.
The auto has an inconsistent throttle response and boost builds differently every time, but the manual does not have these problems. Stock power is OK, but it needs lots more torque. A good piggyback will run you ~$1k, but with an exhaust (~$1700, downpipes are another $700), you'll get > 425 hp and > 425 lb-ft. An intercooler (~1k, and another 15+ hp) and upgraded radiator and oil cooler (~1k) would be good for reliability.
I have had absolutely nothing but problems with trying to get BMW to fix anything under warranty. I went to the dealer to tell them I had a slight misfire and they said "If it does not throw a code, there is not a problem." Three weeks later I had severe pre-detonation for ~20 sec before the check engine light came on. Why did I drive it that long? Because I wanted to see if the engine would blow up before the light came on (sadly, it didn't). Their "solution," rotate the injectors and coil packs. I still have lots of throttle/ignition issue that they refuse to fix.
My friend has had very few problems.
Also note that BMW is designing their vehicles to have a 3-5 yr lifespan.
Might want to read this, too:
http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/auto...reliable-cars/
I apologize for the absurdly long post, but I hope that I have provided you with enough info to make a more informed decision about the 335.
12-01-2010, 09:39 PM
#31
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Ever consider a CTS-V? The C6 doesn't have cargo space, the Camaro doesn't have much more, the backseat is useless if you're taller than 3' 9", and the maintenance and repairs onthe Bimmer will be expensive. CTS-V is basically a 4 door Vette, and useful cargo space. Just my .02
12-02-2010, 02:05 PM
#37
TECH Junkie
I agree with this, especially if you can't do BMW repairs on your own. Very pricey to repair. I own one so I know the details (great cars though!). With money somewhat of an issue for you it would be nice to have that warranty and enjoy the new SS completely without worries. Good luck with your choice. IMO you narrowed it down to 3 excellent cars.
12-02-2010, 10:15 PM
#38
If youve had a c5 z06 i would not buy a regular c6 (maybe an 08 up ls3 car) but then again there goes your budget...I cant believe im actually saying this but if i were you i would pick out a 2010 camaro
The prices are almost where they should be since the newness has worn off...Maybe you can pick up a nice 2ss with a few miles on it for under 30k...ONLY UNDER 30K!!! Positives you would be getting an almost brand new car with an ls3(pending m6 or auto) and you would be getting something different...Just my opinion......
The prices are almost where they should be since the newness has worn off...Maybe you can pick up a nice 2ss with a few miles on it for under 30k...ONLY UNDER 30K!!! Positives you would be getting an almost brand new car with an ls3(pending m6 or auto) and you would be getting something different...Just my opinion......
12-03-2010, 02:02 AM
#40
Your sig is amazing. When I was deciding whether or not I was gonna try and find a clean M6 fbody or get an A4, the idea that road dome would be almost impossible with an M6 greatly factored into my decision. Guess what I bought..
To the OP: I know it's been said but dude.. CTS-V. I've never personally drove when but I know when I graduate school that's the first car I'll be looking to get. It's a caddy, can be daily driven all the time any time, and it's gotta big *** Corvette V8 under the hood. Basically the perfect car if you ask me and they can be had used for around 20k if you find a sick deal.
To the OP: I know it's been said but dude.. CTS-V. I've never personally drove when but I know when I graduate school that's the first car I'll be looking to get. It's a caddy, can be daily driven all the time any time, and it's gotta big *** Corvette V8 under the hood. Basically the perfect car if you ask me and they can be had used for around 20k if you find a sick deal.