Looking for a car similar to E90

[koticphreak]

I have a 2007 328i and I absolutely love it. It is however starting to get a bit old and repairs are becoming quite expensive... Therefore, thinking about getting a new car, even though this one STILL drives amazing.

I will say I don't know much about cars, except if I like how one drives or not. Just recently, I had my car at the dealership for service and had a 2015 328i for a couple days... I thought I'd love it, but alas, I did not. It was a very nice, smooth drive, and handled well, but here are the things I like about my 2007 328i more:

1. The steering is much stiffer (the 2015 felt soft, like my mom's lexus)
2. The car feels more solid, when I drive a friend's Kia and then get in mine, I feel like I upgraded to a Tank. (the 2015 did not have that solid feeling)
3. My car is small and makes it easy to park, maneuver in traffic, etc (I believe the new ones are about 5 inches longer?)
4. I also didn't like having to constantly turn off the auto on/off or switch it into sport mode each time I turned on the car.

After having my 2007 328i, I thought I was sold on BMW forever, but now I'm forced to consider other cars that drive more like my current one. Does anyone have any suggestions in the sub $40k starting range? I honestly don't even know where to start... Thanks in advance!

[floydr]

After having my 2007 328i, I thought I was sold on BMW forever, but now I'm forced to consider other cars that drive more like my current one. Does anyone have any suggestions in the sub $40k starting range? I honestly don't even know where to start... Thanks in advance!

Try the 228i with track package. Or the M235i.
People like the Golf GTI, also the Audi A3/S3 and A4/S4. Some people are liking the Cadillac ATS.

[cochise325]

The BMW X1 is built on the E9x platform. And it is priced more in line with what we paid for our E9x cars. You can have an X1 in rear wheel drive or all wheel drive.

[shiftmygears]

Used porsche 997 911?

[koticphreak]

Thanks for the tips, will definitely go test drive the S3! I guess I should mention I'm looking for a 4 door sedan, preferably small, but midsize would be okay too...

[cochise325]

Car and Driver said recently that a VW is about as reliable as a parent who is a drug addict. And since the Audi is a fancy VW I expect them to be about as reliable. Let the buyer beware.

[Nikojt]

Try the 228i with track package. Or the M235i. People like the Golf GTI, also the Audi A3/S3 and A4/S4. Some people are liking the Cadillac ATS.

I second the 228i with track (and m sport package). Still has the hydraulic rack, a good engine (4cyl-turbo), and is just a fun car.

[Snayko]

only x models have hydraulic steering (up to 4 series)

[Nikojt]

only x models have hydraulic steering (up to 4 series)

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/m/us/pressDetail.html?title=the-bmw-228i-coupe-with-track-handling-package&outputChannelId=9&id=T0177929EN_US&left_menu_item=node__8678&forceMobilePage=true

Excerpt:
"…Variable Sport Steering employs a mechanical steering rack…"

[Snayko]

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/pressclub/m/us/pressDetail.html?title=the-bmw-228i-coupe-with-track-handling-package&outputChannelId=9&id=T0177929EN_US&left_menu_item=node__8678&forceMobilePage=true

Excerpt:
"…Variable Sport Steering employs a mechanical steering rack…"
It doesn't mean that it's hydraulic. 2 series has no hydraulic at all whatsoever. It's just sport electric-mechanical steering and it doesn't mean that it's bad.
Real hydraulic is on X1 xDrive. At least realoem shows that.

[Nikojt]

It doesn't mean that it's hydraulic. 2 series has no hydraulic at all whatsoever. It's just sport electric-mechanical steering and it doesn't mean that it's bad. Real hydraulic is on X1 xDrive. At least realoem shows that.

Sigh... Marketing

[luckydawg003]

I've been doing the same search. Was going to upgrade to a 335i, but then stuff kept breaking on my 07 328i, more stuff has broke on this car than any other car I have ever owned. Makes me want to run far away from BMW. I think I'm going to trade for a 12 accord exl sedan V6, its just as fast as my 328i and interior is nice with leather and nav and backup camera, plus folding rear seats. Plus I'm sure maintenance and repairs are a lot cheaper. Just test drive what you want. I liked a bunch of cars, then test drove and decided they weren't right for me.

[Spetsnaz Op]

The ATS is basically Cadillac ripping apart the E90 and attempting to recreate vital aspects of it, I think it even has a ZF steering rack. I'd test that (2.0t). I also wouldn't write off the F30 until you drive one with a properly optioned suspension set to full sport mode (sport+). Nothing wrong with considering a newer e90 335d or N55 based 335i or 335is either while you can still find them with low miles.