[redz06]

I feel like I have been abandoned by BMW. I am the original and only owner of a European delivery 335i sedan. It is completely stock and has 101k miles on it. I have been tempted to trade it in for a newer model a couple of times. the first time on an M3 and the last time on a 2023 M2. The problem is that the newer BMW cars failed to seal the deal. My 335i is still fun to drive, and at 3500 lbs, 300 hp, with hydraulic power steering and a 6 speed manual transmission gives great feedback to the driver at say 60-80 mph on windy country roads.

My most recent experience was a 2023 M2, over 450 hp, electric power steering, but over 3800 lbs. Not so fun to drive as my old car. The other revelation is that the engine has been totally redesigned and really stuffed into the car. Variocams at the back of the engine now and it looks so tight that the engine will need to be removed for any major service. This will be costly and I am not sure I can afford ownership.

So tell me, is the new M2, with its tiny fuel tank and service-abhorrent engine the future of BMW? If so, I will be shopping elsewhere.

[M2M3M3]

It is. I wrestled with the same issues. I am an E30 and E36 M3 guy. The huge size, bad styling, tank like weight, and video game/disco lounge interiors of new bmw's are tough to take.

That said, I am giving BMW one last chance by ordering a new M2. I am not fully convinced I am going to love it like I do my current cars, but the new car options are slim....

[Squidget]

I STILL own an 2011 E90 335i with 100K miles on it and drive it to this day, just so you know where I'm coming from.

If we are talking about fun to drive, the G87 blows the doors off of the 335i. I mean, it's not even close and I don't know what test you could come up with where the 335i would be more fun.

If the weather is nice, and I don't have more than 1 passenger, the G87 is what I choose every time.

Is the e90 more practical? Yes. Do I miss the hydraulic steering when in the G87? Also yes. But in terms of fun, the G87 is sublime.

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by redz06

I feel like I have been abandoned by BMW. I am the original and only owner of a European delivery 335i sedan. It is completely stock and has 101k miles on it. I have been tempted to trade it in for a newer model a couple of times. the first time on an M3 and the last time on a 2023 M2. The problem is that the newer BMW cars failed to seal the deal. My 335i is still fun to drive, and at 3500 lbs, 300 hp, with hydraulic power steering and a 6 speed manual transmission gives great feedback to the driver at say 60-80 mph on windy country roads.

My most recent experience was a 2023 M2, over 450 hp, electric power steering, but over 3800 lbs. Not so fun to drive as my old car. The other revelation is that the engine has been totally redesigned and really stuffed into the car. Variocams at the back of the engine now and it looks so tight that the engine will need to be removed for any major service. This will be costly and I am not sure I can afford ownership.

So tell me, is the new M2, with its tiny fuel tank and service-abhorrent engine the future of BMW? If so, I will be shopping elsewhere.

How did BMW “abandon” you? Because of their decision on how they build cars? I was expecting them screwing you over for some service work but it sounds like you just don’t like the newer models. There are other manufacturers out there. Maybe look at their offerings.

[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

How did BMW “abandon” you? Because of their decision on how they build cars? I was expecting them screwing you over for some service work but it sounds like you just don’t like the newer models. There are other manufacturers out there. Maybe look at their offerings.

You didn't mention OP's comment about the S58 being a "service-abhorrent engine"? No idea where that statement came from but it's absolutely inaccurate.

Honestly, based on his/her post, I hope they do go elsewhere as I foresee future posts in the G87 forum to be as bad or worse than this.

[ednir98]

Originally Posted by M_Power Rob

You didn't mention OP's comment about the S58 being a "service-abhorrent engine"? No idea where that statement came from but it's absolutely inaccurate.

Best part is their recent posts are all related to having N54 problems. https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=31796788

[Ronin76]

Originally Posted by ednir98

Best part is their recent posts are all related to having N54 problems. https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=31796788

Complaining just to complain. I think it may be best to go with another manufacturer. Something like Toyota.

[Carefree]

Originally Posted by Ronin76

Complaining just to complain. I think it may be best to go with another manufacturer. Something like Toyota.

Agree.
As the kids say, “meh”.

[DSTR]

In other news..............Driver of old BMW.............

[jmg]

OP has already made a decision. They are just here to tell everyone else that we are all wrong and they are not. Congrats OP? Enjoy whatever it is you get next so you can poison that community instead.

[SpaceGhost]

OP can consider the IS500. It is likely very reliable and still somewhat fun but not in the same performance league as the M2.

[Charley135]

i don't know what else you might be shopping for....
maybe you should try a Honda Civic Type R.
The M2 is reliable but it will still be expensive on the maintenance.

[DSTR]

Originally Posted by Charley135

i don't know what else you might be shopping for....
maybe you should try a Honda Civic Type R.
The M2 is reliable but it will still be expensive on the maintenance.

BMW was not ever really an 'inexpensive' auto to properly maintain.

[ajchoi]

If you want a fun reliable manual RWD car you can rip around and not have reliability issues you can get both a BRZ/GR86 to daily and another to track for the same price as a G87. But based on OPs statements I think he might think he’s “too good” for that

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by redz06

I feel like I have been abandoned by BMW. I am the original and only owner of a European delivery 335i sedan. It is completely stock and has 101k miles on it. I have been tempted to trade it in for a newer model a couple of times. the first time on an M3 and the last time on a 2023 M2. The problem is that the newer BMW cars failed to seal the deal. My 335i is still fun to drive, and at 3500 lbs, 300 hp, with hydraulic power steering and a 6 speed manual transmission gives great feedback to the driver at say 60-80 mph on windy country roads.

My most recent experience was a 2023 M2, over 450 hp, electric power steering, but over 3800 lbs. Not so fun to drive as my old car. The other revelation is that the engine has been totally redesigned and really stuffed into the car. Variocams at the back of the engine now and it looks so tight that the engine will need to be removed for any major service. This will be costly and I am not sure I can afford ownership.

So tell me, is the new M2, with its tiny fuel tank and service-abhorrent engine the future of BMW? If so, I will be shopping elsewhere.

I had a 2009 E90 335i that was totaled while waiting for my i4 M50. I was going to make that a track car.

There was nothing motivating me to ditch the car with a tune, near FBO, BBK, etc. The only reason for my M2 purchased is that car is gone.

New cars add some tech, but they don't add fun factor.

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by ednir98

Best part is their recent posts are all related to having N54 problems. https://www.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...php?p=31796788

It took 100k miles, 3 sets of injectors, top end rebuild, CSF radiator, and 3 fuel pumps for my E90 to be rock solid for the next 100k miles.

The N54 was a nightmare. Not the engine itself, but all the crappy systems.

[M2M3M3]

Originally Posted by DSTR

BMW was not ever really an 'inexpensive' auto to properly maintain.

Disagree. 2002's, E30s, E36s are cheap to maintain.

[Carefree]

I’d guess every model in 2002 was proportionally cheaper to maintain than its’ contemporary.

Since then GPS, Bluetooth, DCT, multiple cameras, massaging seats, gesture controls, window displays, lane controls, biometric access, etc. have become somewhat mainstream. Not to mention the ever increasing role of computers in our cars.

IMO

[M2PDX]

I had a 2012 335i M Sport, and then a 2013 335iS.

Two great cars, but NO Match for either my F87 or current G87 M2.

They are in a totally different universe. My G87 Literally sticks to the road, has amazing power, and a fantastic 6MT.

Plus, a 6MT with the carbon roof, lighter wheels and a lithium battery feels both nimble and light. It's barely more than 3,600 lbs, not 3,800.

It's my favorite BMW ever (out of 11).

[BradMX5]

Originally Posted by M2PDX

I had a 2012 335i M Sport, and then a 2013 335iS.

Two great cars, but NO Match for either my F87 or current G87 M2.

They are in a totally different universe. My G87 Literally sticks to the road, has amazing power, and a fantastic 6MT.

Plus, a 6MT with the carbon roof, lighter wheels and a lithium battery feels both nimble and light. It's barely more than 3,600 lbs, not 3,800.

It's my favorite BMW ever (out of 11).

What battery did you go with?

[Squidget]

Originally Posted by techwhiz1

New cars add some tech, but they don't add fun factor.

I'm really not trying to start an argument, but I don't understand how you are defining that term.

So, more powerful engines, better transmissions, better brakes, better suspensions, order-of-magnitude better tire compounds, better lap times... none of those things are fun? What is fun, then?

[techwhiz1]

Originally Posted by Squidget

I'm really not trying to start an argument, but I don't understand how you are defining that term.

So, more powerful engines, better transmissions, better brakes, better suspensions, order-of-magnitude better tire compounds, better lap times... none of those things are fun? What is fun, then?

Not trying to start an argument either.

I had a near FBO N54, BBK, Bilsteins, better wheels and modem compound.
So while the new cars are better. How much better is the debate. The steering and connection on a E90 definitely felt better

I'm buying an M2 and not buying a used N54 after mine was totaled. But if I still had my N54 a new car wouldn't in the picture for a weekend only and sometime track car. If it's the track, improve your skill in the old one. If it's the street you just run out of road faster in the new one.