Ode to the winter driver (E90)

[F83]

When I got my M I came very close to trading in my old E90. In fact, I did trade it in - and then my wife asked if that made sense (vs. just keeping it) particularly given that the M would require winter tires to head into the mountains around the Seattle area (and even then...not a great choice for winter mountain passes)

I thought that made sense and I was able to stop the paperwork on the trade-in before it was filed/completed.

Now, I gotta tell you - I am so happy I did. The funny thing about having both cars is that having the ability to switch between them causes me to appreciate each of them more. After driving the M for a while - I genuinely look forward to driving the E90. After driving the E90 for a while - the reverse is true.

So my E90 (2009 335xi) has been fairly heavily modified. Dinan Stage II - CIA, Exhaust, Suspension and a bunch of other smaller stuff which added up to a "Dinan 3" designation. It doesn't have the visceral feel of the M but it does completely haul ass. It's AWD so out of a dig its rocket fast. 0-20 (which is the classic "from a red light getting in front of the other guy before the lane ends sprint") the thing is lightening - probably even faster than the M. And I have to admit, the feel of the steering is fantastic. I do wish my M had the hydraulic steering that the E90 has.

Don't get me wrong - those are probably the only ways that it beats the M. The M is much faster in basically every other scenario - sounds far more aggressive - handles much tighter - has a far nicer interior - has dramatically superior electronics integration - better headlights, stopping power, etc, etc, etc.

But... after several days of driving my M - I still look forward to grabbing the E90's keys and taking it for a run. I can imagine driving these two cars for a long time.

Hats off to the mighty E90 and the N54.

[Brosef]

always good to hold onto cars if you can. loved my 08 335 back in the day - it served me well for the 18 months I owned it.

[sA x sKy]

Great post. I did the same exact thing. I still have my 2011 E92 335xi. Only problem is that I turned it completely stock before the trade in. Ended up using the sold mod money for mods on the M lol.

[solstice]

The E46 and E39 are generally the most praised BMW era but personally I prefer the E90 and E60. The thing is you don't need to own an M, ALL of them, every single model is great. And yes, the steering kicks the F30/F80 and F10 models @ass.

Still like my F80

[anerbe]

The refreshed E90 with the N54 is still a great car. I loved my 07 335 in the driving/engine characteristics, but hated the front styling (and rear before blacklines) and the DVD IDrive. If it was an 09, I probably would have kept it.