Hi everyone! It has been a while.
My daily driver is a 2015 m235i and I truly love it. But, for reasons I will spare you, I need to replace it with something else and I’m turning to this trusted Reddit to help me decide with what.
My m235i is the best, most fulfilling car I’ve owned. Quick, AWD, small form factor, a joy to drive, confidence-inspiring, comfortable, technologically modern and decently equipped. But if I had to identify something I occasionally miss, it’s the ‘utility’ factor. It’s not an impractical car, don’t get me wrong (certainly more practical than a 2-seater), but moving things or people can be a task. So if I were going to replace it, I’d want something with at least 4 doors that wouldn’t be too much of a compromise in the other areas.
I’m trying to stay at or below $15k. Here are some options I’ve considered and my thinking on each (I have found examples of each in this price range, so no need to discuss my price range): E90: I would target an n55 model, so 2010+ 335i sedan. Future upgrades could conceivably match or outperform my m235i. F30: same as above, a 335i, could mod/upgrade it in the future. F36: 435i Gran Coupe has the looks! same thoughts as above. F10: haven’t driven this generation, but many accounts make the 535i sound like a bargain, while others make it sound like a boat. For something this big, I wonder why I wouldn’t just go for the practicality of an SUV. E60: I have seen a couple M5’s in this price range. I know the V10 can have its issues…but it’s an M 😅 E84: the X1 xDrive35i seems like a potentially very worthy platform. I’ve read that it drives like an E90 with crossover/SUV practicality in a package that is only 2-inches longer than my m235i. With future upgrades, I wonder if this could be the “ultimate balance” or if I’m completely crazy. (I know I might lose the purists here, as many dislike the idea of an SUV altogether. I don’t mean to offend!) E70: I’ve seen a couple X5M’s in this range. Never driven this generation, but the reviews were great. Like my comment about the F10, if I had the choice between an E70 X5M and an F10, I don’t know why I wouldn’t pick the X5M. At the same time, I’m not naive enough to believe it would drive anything like my m235i, but could be fun in its own right.
I’m open to other suggestions too, even non-BMW ones (blasphemy, I know). Have even considered an earlier Porsche Cayenne (GTS, Turbo, or Turbo S) but I’ve never driven one of these either.
Of course I plan to test drive anything I haven’t yet, but wanted the opinions of this trusted community to help me narrow my focus.
Please let me know what you think and why, and know that I value your perspectives!
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The E70 will be super fun for an SUV of its size, and while it does handle well and has tons of power, it still feels heavy. Its a 5300# SUV. I can attest to a Cayenne S feeling a little bit more nimble despite not being really any lighter. It’s also got shockingly heavy steering, which could be a plus depending on your mindset. I have a tuned xDrive35d and I love the comfort and waves of torque, mine has similar lb-ft figures to an X5M and it’s lovely. That said the F10 M5 can be had for reasonable money and that sort of power in a RWD sedan would be a hoot.
X1 35i would be a fantastic choice for you IMO. Basically a lifted E91 and the 35i still has hydraulic steering.
How about the Porsche macan
I’m very curious about those. I need to drive one and see if they carry enough Porsche DNA or if they are just an upbadged Q5. I like the concept and price point.
Great post btw. I am thinking the same. Also have a 2016 M235 xdrive and loving it. Utility is less imprtant than having the grin factor.
At that price point, I would definitely skip the e60 M5, the e84, the e70, and anything with a V8.
Based on your description, it sounds like the 435 GC is a good match.
Staying at or below $15k, are maintenance and repair costs a concern? Anything Porsche will be horrifyingly expensive for maintenance or repairs. The same goes for the M or any of the BMW V8s.
My vote would be the X1 xDrive35i. Best compromise between all major factors. Small like the M235i, got the N55 engine, AWD, spacious and more practical.
X5M would also be a good option but original S63s are horrible motors for what they are. Definetly better than the N63 of the time, but not by much. Only get a X5M E70 if you are willing to deal with the major issues these engines have, including rod bearings.