128i or 328ic or VW GTI or Volvo C30 or Audi A3

imom · 08-17-2011, 09:36 PM

What about the toyota/subaru development...the scion FRS or the subaru equivalent?

I really like the 128i...though I get the 135i myself personally...and would get a used one if I had too for $40K. If new car is your thing the FRS is something I'm waiting to see...hopefully will be release next year.

Monterra · 08-18-2011, 09:06 AM

Golf R is a good call too if you can wait. '04 R32 was/is a sweet car that was 100% worth the premium over the GTI. I would have owned in a heartbeat if the timing was right- but it just wasn't and the resale on them was crazy good. GTI has gotten better but the R will address (I'm sure) the areas still somewhat lacking so you don't have to. If you're not 100% set on rowing gears the 335d is just a phenomenal car- one I dream of for a DD. Its not exactly what you're looking for and will go north of your price ceiling but its so good it just might change your mind (food for thought.) I think by the time 40 comes along I'll be ready for slightly more mature fun- a great GT, motor is an absolute beast- impossibly fuel efficient. We need more diesels!

tamster00 · 08-19-2011, 10:29 PM

I currently have a 05 GTI 1.8T (yes older but love it) and its a fun drive. Currently have it with sport suspension, GIAC X+ ECU, turbo-back exhaust and drop-in K&N filter. Its my fun DD, still gets about 29mph on freeway, 24 in the city. I had a 128i as a loaner car and wow, that thing is super fun, but poorly no room to anyone, the GTI however, got plenty.

Monterra · 08-21-2011, 10:26 AM

GTI will obviously win the practicality contest but does have one significant shortfall (for me)- golf clubs won't fit without folding a seat and exposing them. I'm 5'8" and me sitting behind me in 128 is ok (doable for short-medium distance) which is more than I can say for many other (larger) 2+2s- G37, Genesis, A5, CTS, Camaro, Mustang, Accord, C-coupe- and I'm speaking more in the way of head room, but it has as nearly as much or more leg room than most of these as well. This is why I can't understand ppl saying the 1 is so damn small. Compared to mid-size sedans, yes sure its small, compared to most coupe competitors I think it does pretty well given its small footprint. But yes the GTI does offer a surprising amount of rear passenger space...

Frack · 08-21-2011, 11:53 AM

128 is a good choice, I've had mine for 2 years already and if it wasn't for a factory recall last year car never needed anything but the maintenance. It's quick enough and it's a very solid and safe choice. If you decide to go with 328 don't forget the f30 body style is right around the corner... so with this car the longer you wait the better you are

the other 3 are awesome but since you're a bmw owner posting on bmw forums you might just made your choice

jrobbins · 08-22-2011, 02:50 PM

I had a C30 for about 3 and a half years before i got my 06 330i. The C30 was i cool car I would get thumps up all the time from people. But now that I have the 330i I would never go back. Its far better than the C30. I only had a few problems with the car and everything that happened got taken covered warranty.

08-17-2011, 09:36 PM	#23
imom First Lieutenant 30 Rep 313 Posts Drives: Subaru BRZ ....... Z4MR (SOLD) Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	What about the toyota/subaru development...the scion FRS or the subaru equivalent? I really like the 128i...though I get the 135i myself personally...and would get a used one if I had too for $40K. If new car is your thing the FRS is something I'm waiting to see...hopefully will be release next year.
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08-18-2011, 09:06 AM	#24
Monterra Captain 19 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	Golf R is a good call too if you can wait. '04 R32 was/is a sweet car that was 100% worth the premium over the GTI. I would have owned in a heartbeat if the timing was right- but it just wasn't and the resale on them was crazy good. GTI has gotten better but the R will address (I'm sure) the areas still somewhat lacking so you don't have to. If you're not 100% set on rowing gears the 335d is just a phenomenal car- one I dream of for a DD. Its not exactly what you're looking for and will go north of your price ceiling but its so good it just might change your mind (food for thought.) I think by the time 40 comes along I'll be ready for slightly more mature fun- a great GT, motor is an absolute beast- impossibly fuel efficient. We need more diesels! __________________ 2015 Valencia Msport X1 sdrive28i 2014 Mazda CX-5 AWD gt Was: 2009 Montego/terra 128i 6MT (ouch)...great car Last edited by Monterra; 08-18-2011 at 09:14 AM..
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08-19-2011, 10:29 PM	#25
tamster00 Uhh, Hi =) 9 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 11' E90 335i, 12' Fit Sport Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Daly City iTrader: (2)	I currently have a 05 GTI 1.8T (yes older but love it) and its a fun drive. Currently have it with sport suspension, GIAC X+ ECU, turbo-back exhaust and drop-in K&N filter. Its my fun DD, still gets about 29mph on freeway, 24 in the city. I had a 128i as a loaner car and wow, that thing is super fun, but poorly no room to anyone, the GTI however, got plenty. __________________ Was - 08' E90 328i\|Sparkling Graphite Metallic\|AA Tune\|Steptronic\|Navigation\|Comfort Access\|Sport\|Matte Black Kidneys Now - 11' E90 335i Performance Edition\|Space Gray Metallic\|Sport\|Premium\|Navigation\|Steptronic\|JB4\|E R Charge Pipe\|HP Autowerks Foam Filter
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08-21-2011, 10:26 AM	#26
Monterra Captain 19 Rep 619 Posts Drives: 15 X1 msport sdrive28 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: HVNY iTrader: (0)	GTI will obviously win the practicality contest but does have one significant shortfall (for me)- golf clubs won't fit without folding a seat and exposing them. I'm 5'8" and me sitting behind me in 128 is ok (doable for short-medium distance) which is more than I can say for many other (larger) 2+2s- G37, Genesis, A5, CTS, Camaro, Mustang, Accord, C-coupe- and I'm speaking more in the way of head room, but it has as nearly as much or more leg room than most of these as well. This is why I can't understand ppl saying the 1 is so damn small. Compared to mid-size sedans, yes sure its small, compared to most coupe competitors I think it does pretty well given its small footprint. But yes the GTI does offer a surprising amount of rear passenger space... __________________ 2015 Valencia Msport X1 sdrive28i 2014 Mazda CX-5 AWD gt Was: 2009 Montego/terra 128i 6MT (ouch)...great car
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08-21-2011, 11:53 AM	#27
Frack Euro Member 39 Rep 481 Posts Drives: SGM e46 M Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hudson Valley iTrader: (7) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i 6MT s ... [0.00] 1996 BMW 328i vert [0.00] 2019 BMW 230i Msport [0.00] 2004 BMW M3 [10.00] 2009 128i [10.00]	128 is a good choice, I've had mine for 2 years already and if it wasn't for a factory recall last year car never needed anything but the maintenance. It's quick enough and it's a very solid and safe choice. If you decide to go with 328 don't forget the f30 body style is right around the corner... so with this car the longer you wait the better you are the other 3 are awesome but since you're a bmw owner posting on bmw forums you might just made your choice __________________ SGM e46 M
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08-22-2011, 02:50 PM	#28
jrobbins New Member 0 Rep 29 Posts Drives: '06 bmw 330i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: DFW, Texas iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [0.00]	I had a C30 for about 3 and a half years before i got my 06 330i. The C30 was i cool car I would get thumps up all the time from people. But now that I have the 330i I would never go back. Its far better than the C30. I only had a few problems with the car and everything that happened got taken covered warranty.
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