Sorry long first post on here though previous member a few years back.
I had a 3lr Z4 E85 m sport with the sound generator modification and a few other custom bits and enjoyed the sound and handling though the ride was pretty shocking and it needed plenty of things replaced under warranty (wheels, steering rack, rear springs etc.)
Mover to an E46 M3 which I loved, but got married and the running costs were getting too high to justify. Best engine and fantastic m-diff, loved the sound, space and handling and always felt special. Down side being the boot floor cracks, bushes and springs lasting 30k miles and service costs in four figures.
Changed for a 130i and it has been the best of both, being similar to my old z4 in running costs, not had any reliability issues or warranty work and it is almost as quick as the M3 up to legal road speeds. Doesn't feel as special but easy to drive and doesn't scare the wife like the M3 did.
Had E39 M5, E46 325ci and E90 330i in the past too so done enough three series, but not finding much that I like in the current BMW line up. Prefer N/A over turbo, straight 6 or V8 rather than a 4 pot and has to be manual not flappy paddles or auto. Budget is about £18k for trade in but can be a bit flexible.
Options are:
1. Keep the 130i but get the bmw performance exhaust and induction kit plus a remap and differential to give 280 bhp and the excitement and sound I miss from the M3.
2. Look for a manual e89 3lr N/A with a manual gearbox. (not that many around and the e89 gets a bit of a slating in most of the reviews I have read though none seem to have tested the specific version). Looks like the dealer 30 miles away has one in approved used so I might go for a test drive. Anyone else with a similar history comment on how the E89 works as a daily driver, is it a bit of a boat to throw down a road and really a cruiser? Is the boot space much worse than the previous z4 with the roof down? Is the electric handbrake as bad as I expect, used the handbrake quite a bit to help get the 130i and old z4 off my drive in winter.
3. Wait for a manual 645/650i or 545/550i to turn up on the AUK site or just go for a z4m.
4. Other?
I had a 3lr Z4 E85 m sport with the sound generator modification and a few other custom bits and enjoyed the sound and handling though the ride was pretty shocking and it needed plenty of things replaced under warranty (wheels, steering rack, rear springs etc.)
Mover to an E46 M3 which I loved, but got married and the running costs were getting too high to justify. Best engine and fantastic m-diff, loved the sound, space and handling and always felt special. Down side being the boot floor cracks, bushes and springs lasting 30k miles and service costs in four figures.
Changed for a 130i and it has been the best of both, being similar to my old z4 in running costs, not had any reliability issues or warranty work and it is almost as quick as the M3 up to legal road speeds. Doesn't feel as special but easy to drive and doesn't scare the wife like the M3 did.
Had E39 M5, E46 325ci and E90 330i in the past too so done enough three series, but not finding much that I like in the current BMW line up. Prefer N/A over turbo, straight 6 or V8 rather than a 4 pot and has to be manual not flappy paddles or auto. Budget is about £18k for trade in but can be a bit flexible.
Options are:
1. Keep the 130i but get the bmw performance exhaust and induction kit plus a remap and differential to give 280 bhp and the excitement and sound I miss from the M3.
2. Look for a manual e89 3lr N/A with a manual gearbox. (not that many around and the e89 gets a bit of a slating in most of the reviews I have read though none seem to have tested the specific version). Looks like the dealer 30 miles away has one in approved used so I might go for a test drive. Anyone else with a similar history comment on how the E89 works as a daily driver, is it a bit of a boat to throw down a road and really a cruiser? Is the boot space much worse than the previous z4 with the roof down? Is the electric handbrake as bad as I expect, used the handbrake quite a bit to help get the 130i and old z4 off my drive in winter.
3. Wait for a manual 645/650i or 545/550i to turn up on the AUK site or just go for a z4m.
4. Other?
Just a note on the reviews there is a Top Gear test from Clarkson in 2009 on the net where he tests a 35i and he says if it was the only car he had to drive until he died he would die happy so going on that premise I am 60yrs old in October and have just ordered a 35imsport manual which I am going to keep as my toy until I cant get out of it anymore. 
:driving: :wink: