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      08-08-2021, 08:38 AM   #1
Oldschoolandy
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Best non-M bmw Sports sedan w/MT?

I’m going to keep my new-to-me F80 w/ DCT, but I decided I should get another Bimmer sedan with a MT to satisfy my MT itch on Sunday’s…

What’s my best option for a non-M model?

I.e., What would be the sportiest non-M sedan BMW has made - since, say 2006 - available with a manual transmission? Ideally I would get something smaller than the 5 series. There are so many bimmers I can’t keep them all straight…
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      08-08-2021, 08:43 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldschoolandy View Post
I'm going to keep my new-to-me F80 w/ DCT, but I decided I should get another Bimmer sedan with a MT to satisfy my MT itch on Sunday's…

What's my best option for a non-M model?

I.e., What would be the sportiest non-M sedan BMW has made - since, say 2006 - available with a manual transmission? Ideally I would get something smaller than the 5 series. There are so many bimmers I can't keep them all straight…
Probably an M340i but if you don't even need an M badge, then probably just a regular 335i with sport package
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      08-08-2021, 08:56 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46 View Post
Probably an M340i but if you don't even need an M badge, then probably just a regular 335i with sport package
Right on. What would be the equivalent in the E90 generation? I might look for something I the 2007-2011ish era, to take advantage of the depreciation…
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      08-08-2021, 09:07 AM   #4
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Quote:
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fanofbmwe46 View Post
Probably an M340i but if you don't even need an M badge, then probably just a regular 335i with sport package
Right on. What would be the equivalent in the E90 generation? I might look for something I the 2007-2011ish era, to take advantage of the depreciation…
E90 335i M Sport LCI 09+
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      08-08-2021, 11:51 AM   #5
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since it will just be a sunday driver you probably want to have a more raw experience than what more modern BMWs can offer

E46 ZHP is a good choice. values are stable. it weighs 3200 pounds ish.
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      08-08-2021, 09:13 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oldschoolandy View Post
I'm going to keep my new-to-me F80 w/ DCT, but I decided I should get another Bimmer sedan with a MT to satisfy my MT itch on Sunday's…

What's my best option for a non-M model?

I.e., What would be the sportiest non-M sedan BMW has made - since, say 2006 - available with a manual transmission? Ideally I would get something smaller than the 5 series. There are so many bimmers I can't keep them all straight…
E92 328i - manual, N/A, and reliable motor for revving. Cheaper than the 335's and less abused as tuning potential is limited
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      08-09-2021, 10:23 AM   #7
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I vote an E90 335i w/ sport or M sport pack. A 340 6MT would be good too, but I prefer the E90 over the F30. If four doors aren't needed a 135i is an awesome car.
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      08-09-2021, 09:47 PM   #8
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As others have said an E9x 335i would be a great pick for a fun weekend manual car, the steering feel is great. They are fairly cheap to modify if that's something you are interested in. I really enjoyed working on mine and didn't find it terribly difficult. That being said the market for them as with all cars is crazy high right now. They are great cars at their old prices of around or under 10k, I don't know if I could justify the current asking prices. As someone else mentioned too they are becoming harder and harder to find in good condition. If you have any questions about the platform fee free to shoot me a PM.
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      08-10-2021, 11:53 AM   #9
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E90 LCI, N52 or N54/55. Doesn't have to be a 335 necessarily to be fun.

Ditch run-flats and heavy stock rims
Install shocks and springs
Install M3 rear subframe bushings
Install LSD
Get a bit more front camber
Try find BMW Performance short-shift kit

Done.
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      08-10-2021, 12:31 PM   #10
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335i / 340i manual? Otherwise Probably the 2004 330i ZHP. They still look good..
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      08-10-2021, 01:55 PM   #11
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Porsche 911 turbo 🥴
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      08-28-2021, 06:33 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JamesGames View Post
335i / 340i manual? Otherwise Probably the 2004 330i ZHP. They still look good..
That's probably the best looking non M 3 series made

IMHO
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      08-30-2021, 10:47 PM   #13
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E36 with ls7 swap and supporting mods

Or get a vert and cruise. Why you gotta go 2 sedans? Variety!!
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      08-31-2021, 09:58 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Humdizzle View Post
since it will just be a sunday driver you probably want to have a more raw experience than what more modern BMWs can offer

E46 ZHP is a good choice. values are stable. it weighs 3200 pounds ish.
+1. Following one on Bring A Trailer as we speak. Not a bad ride to rip around in.
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      09-01-2021, 04:40 PM   #15
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Had a 2011 335is w/ 6MT. Loved that car w/ the N54 engine that had the overboost function. It was quicker than standard 335s, felt light, drove very nicely and had a surprising amount of interior and trunk space.
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Last edited by AlterZgo; 09-01-2021 at 04:49 PM..
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      09-09-2021, 12:42 PM   #16
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About two years ago I walked (well, drove) into the local BMW dealership looking for a daily driver replacement for my venerable E46 330i ZHP (6MT with cloth/alcantara), a car I'd had for well over a decade.

Over the course of the next hour and change I drove the F22 M240i, different G20 variants, the F87 M2C, and the F82 M4. Some of the best, in my humble opinion, of contemporary BMW's best. All of them were (obviously) newer, more tech forward, and far quicker by every single metric. They'll even be more reliable too, at least for a time. Much better cars on paper.

On my way out, with much to ruminate on, the sales manager chases me out. Instead of the hard sell I was expecting, he simply goes, "How many miles on your ZHP?"

"Around 100k right now. It's an '05."

"If you end up buying a car--don't trade it in. I'll buy it off you instead. Here's my card."

If that wasn't a clue as to what I should do? I won't spoil it--ok, I will: I still have it today.

In short: E46 ZHP is the car you want.
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