[SilverEmu]

So, I have a TiAg E92 328. It's a 6MT and it also has the sport package. Needless to say, I am enjoying every second I drive it.

It just so happens that my SA has this E90 335i Mtech auto as a demo and he invited me for a test drive. Here are my impressions:

- obviously, the power/torque differences are there, no surprise for me, enjoyed every single bit.

- auto vs. 6MT - this has been beaten to death in this forum. My preference is for 6MT, preference reinforced by the test drive. It feels like giving control away from you and let the car decide when to shift - when you accelerate, downshifting feels like an afterthought and not a natural part of the process. It also felt like I lost the mechanical connection between me and the car. Again, not surprised. The paddle shifters are fancy, but for me it's not the same thing.

- Mtech steering wheel - oh boy! Thick and grippy, nice feeling.

- Sound - a lot more growl (stronger engine, better exhaust and probably the lack of insulation on the hood) - I like it a lot.

- Chassis response - my biggest surprise. I have noticed the car feels more planted when cornering than mine. Now, mine probably has some worn suspension components (as stated, I have the sport package - I am not sure there are any differences between the '07 E92 sport suspension and '10 E90 M Sport), otherwise I can't explain it. I know the E90 is a bit wider than the E92 (but it's also a bit taller) and the car I tested had the Michelin PS2 vs the Bridgestones on my E92 - but I did not expect the difference to be this big. Anyway, it felt good.

- Body style. I have to admit, I am converting (you'll see below why), from an E92 exclusive addict to E90LCI...I really like the look of the E90LCI with the Msport bits.

Add to the comparison the added functionality (kind of important with a relatively fresh set of adorable twins at home ) and ...trouble hits home...I find myself naturally talking to my SA about my early lease termination, prices and applicable demo discounts. I am a weak man, but what can I do other than surrender to the powers of N54 and its goodness?

I have to say that this would be my only way into a 335i, as a new one will be too expensive for me. Oh, and it's Alpine White with black interior - gorgeous and classy. The only issue is the lack of 6MT, would the rest of package compensate for this missing? The good thing is that the better half will get to enjoy it too...(see, I am already talking myself into it )

What do you guys think? Would it be a good move?

I'll post pictures if I get it.

[AS335i]

Its all about personal preference, but the 335 is a great car even as an auto. The transmission is lightning quick and is actually a little faster in short term sprints than the MTs, unless the MT driver is crazy good. Back when I was car shopping I was looking for a manual 335, since I love manuals and they are so fun. However, I had to give up the manual and get an auto or else I would not have been able to get a 335, because my parents wanted to be able to drive it if they needed to . I was a little pissed at first, but when I began driving it I got used to it and was able to appreciate it. The auto may not be as engaging or fun as the manual, but its not a night and day difference. I would say if thats your only option and it pleases the other half go for it!

However, go drive a manual one and decide for yourself. I would think everything else in the car makes up for the manual, but again, its preference.

[dcorn]

Autos were a deal breaker for me. If I'm going to get a sporty sedan like this, I want to be able to drive it like intended. I drove a 335i auto with the paddles a while back and the shifting was just too sluggish, even when using the paddles. My thoughts were confirmed when I drove an Audi A3 with the DSG trans and the shifts were amazingly quick. It shifted instantly when you pulled the paddle instead of a second or so later.

All I have to say is the LCI E90s with Msport look so sick, I wish I was able to afford one. Especially in AW/black.

Good luck on your decision, maybe the auto while driving around the family wouldn't be such a bad idea since your mind will be on the twins in the back.

[Potty_Pants]

you'll never be happy with an auto...

[BTM]

Originally Posted by dcorn

My thoughts were confirmed when I drove an Audi A3 with the DSG trans and the shifts were amazingly quick. It shifted instantly when you pulled the paddle instead of a second or so later.

Dual clutch transmission to the ZF "traditional" torque converter unit is a little apples to oranges no?

OP: It's all personal preference, I came from manual, test drove the 335 in both manual and auto, bought an auto, don't regret it at all. I would've been just as happy in a MT, but I'm coming to appreciate the auto more and more, sitting in traffic is much less of a pain in the ass...and traffic is getting bad around here lately

Drive a 335 MT. You'll know whether you need it or not, don't settle just because of dealer incentives...

[5soko]

Nice review. i agree on alott of levels of what you mentioned.

I owned a 07 e92 335i sport and a 10 e90 lci m-sport 335i for about 5 months. I just recently sold my e92 335i to my cousin.

I must say i really LOVEEE the E90 LCI, i think it looks amazing!!

BTW, the E90 LCI M-sport most DEF, without a doubt handles and feels ALOT better around corners than my 07 e92 335i sport. When i first drove it i couldnt understand why and if what i was feeling was just from a new car, but the more i drove it, the more confidence it had in the corners, the less understeer and body roll it seemed it have, it def handles better.

[SilverEmu]

Thanks for input everyone! Really appreciated!

Originally Posted by 5soko335i

BTW, the E90 LCI M-sport most DEF, without a doubt handles and feels ALOT better around corners than my 07 e92 335i sport. When i first drove it i couldnt understand why and if what i was feeling was just from a new car, but the more i drove it, the more confidence it had in the corners, the less understeer and body roll it seemed it have, it def handles better.

I am glad I am not alone in observing this...I keep wondering though...wasn't E92 supposed to be the more athletic brother? I am no expert, but it was so obvious to me...(probably the shorter wheelbase and the wider track have something to do with this...curious to see what the experts on this board have to say about it).

[SilverEmu]

soooo, I bit the bullet and, for relatively similar payments I stepped up into the 335 world. My cool-headed drives after the purchase confirm my test drive and I am no longer as pissed for the lack of 6MT (def. more fun for me in the 328 where I needed to work the engine/tranny a bit more than in a 335 where the available torque can easily turn me into a lazy shifter).
Pictures don't always do justice to the E90 LCI and it's growing on me every second. I will try to take better pictures and will add them here.

So far....LOVE IT...

God, I hope my HPFP will stay the way it is (car is manufactured 11/09)

[bmrcfreak]

Beautiful car...

You'll regret not holding out for a 6MT IMO. Nonetheless, very nice looking!

[BTM]

Looks awesome!!


I was in the same situation as you, pretty much convinced I needed the MT, but once I got real with myself I'm more than happy with the auto - the paddles are fun to play with in traffic too

[Schm]

If I was you, I probably would have go ahead and traded up for that 335i, just because of the beautiful color combo and the M-Sport goodies!

[zamboni]

Not sure about the HPFP on 335.

[BTM]

Originally Posted by zamboni

Not sure about the HPFP on 335.

What's not to be sure about? It's bound to be problematic at some point, whether it's 500mi or 3k or 20k or 50k is in consequential, it's warrantied and a new part is out. If the new part is the solution, he's got 10 yrs or 120k to figure out whether he wants to ditch the car or not

[cotmfk]

Congrats on the car, looks great!

[Verbiage]

Congrats, OP! Welcome to the 335i world! She is a beauty Nice and M-Sporty.

[robbiss7]

Congrats on the car.

[mekeni]

very nice !!

congrats !

[hjernazian]

you know, although this topic has been beaten to death, i ended up going with the AT on my 335i as well because I couldn't find a clean enough MT. I thought I would regret it, as my last two BMW's (328i, 540i) were both stick and were an absolute joy to drive. I agree in the small degree of sluggishness on the paddle shifters, and although the MT offers more control, I have never found myself regretting my decision. I think you just have to remember it's not a manual car and that there is no clutch and get a feel to the shifters. Once you do, I find them very smooth and responsive actually. The car has so much power and torque, especially if you slap a JB3 or JB+ in there, that the paddle shifters suffice, imo.

[hubble bubble]

Congrats on the new 335. I know you'll love it. I've been driving a 08 335i MT for 19 months now and I love it everyday. The torque is intoxicating.

And congrats on the twins. I have 2 kids, 9 & 11, so I drive the e90 too. Pratical, but still more fun to drive fast than 95% of the cars on the road. Enjoy.

[SilverEmu]

Thank you kindly for the comments...some other pictures, as promised (by far not the best photographer out there, I am sure you can find better pictures on this board of AW E90 LCI M-tech beauties).

Also, for reference, my previous car...it will be missed - my first BMW.

[Verbiage]

Good stuff! What % tint you got? Looks dark

[positiveions]

congrats. love AW on the E90 LCI w/ Mpackage