[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Fixed...

the 335i is a sexy car but ive been reading about peoples HPFP problems putting upwards of 6 new pumps in one car ????wtf

seriously...i think ive gone thru 3 maybe..and we ordered ours new fresh off the boat in 09

[david gtr]

Id prefer BMW over any of those cars you mentioned, lol.

[Rikster]

Infiniti have bombed in the UK. It is considered to have no pedigree.

[Tallest]

they are alll similar and given one for 6 months, you'd get used to it enough to ignore the flaws and love the benefits. So with that said, I'd take the one that looks better and costs cheapest and rides the most comfortable. I think engines and all that is comparable, and you won't go wrong with any of those. SO it's down to style, comfort and wallet.

I've heard many good things about the C class btw. but facelift looks ugly to me on outside (inside much better though). BTW; C class will have a coupe out in a few months, pics are on internet. look into that.

[sosas07335i]

jl, ive owned to a4's and then i moved to bmw. on the one hand i will agree with you and say i can never drive anything but a bmw but the a4 is just not the same car the engine the transmission the suspension they are just not comparable. on the plus side is the a4's AWD system which is incredible but it just doesnt have the same feeling. everytime i get into my 335 i love it and it never looses that excitement, im reminded everytime i put the pedal to the floor

[alexckma]

I have had the C300 and C55 in the past (2009 and 2005 respectively)

I have to say that the C55 was a lot of fun, provided comfort when I wanted it and provided the speed when I felt the need for some excitement.

As to the C300 (less powerful than the C350,but nonetheless AMG Sport) It was great, the new design w204 provides a new benchmark for interior design for compact luxury sedans. The baby merc offers most of the luxuries you would expect, save for the massage seats and infra-red headlamps (but really, we have to think about the price). I like Merc's new system in comparison to the iDrive; very easy to navigate. And best of all, the C class feels bigger on the interior than the e90.

Having said all this, you can't expect the same level of sportiness on the Merc even with the AMG package, indeed it has sports suspension and wheels and what not, but the turning is not as crisp. And further is the speed, I believe the C class is heavier (correct me if I am wrong here) but the acceleration is slower.

On a day to day basis I find the C300 to be sufficient, and accordingly the C350 would also.

As to reliability, not much of a problem, especially with the new w204s there aren't even the need to change lightbulbs.

hope this is helpful

[Bowser330]

I have ridden in IS250 & G35 and driven C300.. Currently own and love my loaded e92 335i...

I would reccomend an E90 335i over anything else. I know you said "no mods" but to be honest a simple ECU tune is so easy and inexpensive its hard to rationalize not doing it.

E90 335i ecu tuned to 400hp basically trumps anything in its class (with the same amount invested for perfromance modification)

[esqu1re]

You could get a 328i wagon. N/A tuned so you don't have to worry about the HPFP. Get it in manual.

[Mikeei]

I just purchased a used 335i over a g37 coups and sedan. I liked the way the g37 coupe looked (not the sedan) but I found the Infinity's ride significantly harsher, then there is that stupid timex watch in the center of the console. The A4 didn't have the power without signicanltly more money but the interiors and ride were great. When push came to shove I bought my first BMW.

[3002 tii]

When I was in the market for a 2nd car, I put things like sportiness and driver experience 2nd to reliablity since it was going to be a daily driver that was going to rack up over 20,000 miles per year. I opted for the G35x and could not have been happier. In the last few storms we've had, the ATTESA awd system performed flawlessly. Ownership costs are low and maintenance is very easy (if you are DIY type of guy).

But BEST OF ALL, the service at my local dealership is astounding, really great service. Always have loaners lined up for me, staff is friendly, they don't push any unnecessary service, and car never needs to go back a 2nd time around for faulty service - which I can't say the same about my local BMW dealerships.

[krnnerdboy]

from Nissan I owned 2 350's de/hr motor, 1 g35 coupe, currently own an 05 fx35 sport, and an 09 m35s. It's not that I love infiniti but they offered the lowest leases/financing at the time. I believe that every bmw counterpart to infiniti is superior in driving dynamics. So I would only buy an infiniti over a bmw only if there is a significant price difference. My biggest gripe is how artificially heavy nissans feel in order to mimick bmw

As for the c300/50 I hate them as well. In fact I hate even riding in it. The interior and driving dynamics are identical to my chrysler 300srt8. It's so numb and not confidence inspiring.

I've never really considered the Audi's until the new a3 tdi came out but I don't see them in the same class as bmw, mercedes, or infiniti. They are front wheel drive biased w/ tiny 4cyl motors.

e90>c300>g37>a4 but I would buy any one of those cars b/c it all comes down to opportunity cost

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Of all the cars listed I would probably SETTLE on the G37. However, I would miss the power and potential of the E9x though.

The audi's never sit well with me just because of their reliability reputation. (Not that this particular BMW is the most reliable). I dont know any friends with reliable Audi's, from any era, period (that includes VW). As well with the audi its slow and a boat.

I would settle for an S5 though.

Benz has its moment but ive driven the c350 and c300, both remind of something my grandma would drive. Peppy but kind of bland. C350 would def be a downgrade again.

Believe me I dont want to sound like a BMW fanboy, you will see why in my next sentence, but your 4 options listed are downgrades easily.

Be that as it may, I feel all of those cars are downgrades, and if I was spending the money on fully loaded G37, I would probably pick up a c6 z06 (couple years old).

However, I do have a BIAS, cause I want my next car to be a true performer.

If anything maybe you might appreciate a nice E9x M3? (used?). or IS-F.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by JPSlick

Of all the cars listed I would probably SETTLE on the G37. However, I would miss the power and potential of the E9x though.

The audi's never sit well with me just because of their reliability reputation. (Not that this particular BMW is the most reliable). I dont know any friends with reliable Audi's, from any era, period (that includes VW). As well with the audi its slow and a boat.

I would settle for an S5 though.

Be that as it may, I feel all of those cars are downgrades, and if I was spending the money on fully loaded G37, I would probably pick up a c6 z06 (couple years old).

However, I do have a BIAS, cause I want my next car to be a true performer.

If anything maybe you might appreciate a nice E9x M3? (used?). or IS-F.

I love Audi (being a former 1.8T guy) but as much as the S5 looks great, it's just too damn heavy. I'd rather get the S4... plus who doesn't love boost?

In regards to the IS-F, I can't get around the faux tips - really annoying.

[Robert]

A lot of time it's what you are accustomed to than one is better than other. I had a hard time going from BMW to Lexus, which is softer, heavier and less toss-able. But places where Lexus are inferior it makes up in other area.

If you are the type who not willing to adjust or try new things I say stick with BMW. On other hand if you adventurous give other brands a try. Obviously there will be compromises.

[jlspeed29]

thanks for all the responses...its awesome to get input from people who have actually driven the vehicles in question....

the FX caught my eye to be honest wh you guys..it does look very sporty and cheaper than the X5 (X3 i wouldnt even consider)

I have driven the G35 sedan and i assume the G37 feels much the same, with the addition of some extra HP

Its not that I plan on having kids whin the next year but definitely in the next 3-5 and when that time comes, i dont want to get rid of a car and have to get into another one..lol

[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

I love Audi (being a former 1.8T guy) but as much as the S5 looks great, it's just too damn heavy. I'd rather get the S4... plus who doesn't love boost?

In regards to the IS-F, I can't get around the faux tips - really annoying.

agreed.. the S5 looks very sexy....the S4 is probably the only Audi I would consider, that or a Q5

[3002 tii]

Just do your research on every detail, random things like do rear seats fold down. You'd think that's a given but was not the case in my 06 G35x. Wasn't a make/break factor for me but maybe it is for you?

[Robert]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

Just do your research on every detail, random things like do rear seats fold down. You'd think that's a given but was not the case in my 06 G35x. Wasn't a make/break factor for me but maybe it is for you?

That's a biggie, is350's seats don't fold.

[jlspeed29]

Originally Posted by Robert

That's a biggie, is350's seats don't fold.

wtf really?

why would ...n/m...stupid question...who knows what these car companies are thinking nowadays...

[CJF]

s4?

[SavvyByNature]

Coming from a G37S Coupe, I'd agree with the general consensus that the BMW is unparallelled in regards to the overall build quality, ride, and just plain sexiness.

The G37 is extremely fast and has a great engine, but the refinement is not there. They also have a major issue with the paint (extremely soft and thin clear coat), transmission (manual has terrible engagement), and rough (you'd feel every bump).

With the 328i coupe w/ the sports package, what I lose in HP, I gain in everything else.

And don't forget how timeless BMW looks are!

[jlspeed29]

going back to the A5 and A4..i see a lot of 2.0T's on the road..given the weights of these cars, I have to feel like they are grossly underpowered? Especially with that tiny engine...

anyone driven either?