I too came from BMW (2001 E46 330i) and was seriously considering the 335. In fact when the 335 first came out I considered it to be my dream car. A dream car that I could actually afford!! But a few things started to seriously turn me off of the 335.

1) No dipstick. (I like to check my own oil, look at it, smell it, taste it)
2) No spare tire (Just super expensive hard-to-find runflats. Good luck finding one on a road trip. What would happen is that you would have to buy a non-runflat tire to get back home, and then purchase a run-flat when you get back home $$$$ Cha Ching! )
3) No LSD
4) Crude looking Brake Calipers
5) Stupid looking yellow Corona Rings around the headlights.
6) The 335 wasn’t really that exciting to drive (unlike my evo)
7) Ridiculously long Oil Change intervals. (I would never buy a used BMW)
8) Car looks a little too understated (didn’t look mean enough).
9) Boring Interior and plain gauges. Evo isn’t any better (the guages are), but the Evo doesn’t cost $50k.
10) Everybody and their mother own a BMW (It feels good to drive my car around for weeks and not see another EVO. Lancers? Yes, Evo’s No. I see 335’s daily)

I remember the first time I drove a 335. It was nice and fast but I wasn’t really that excited. To be honest it felt a bit dull. When I first drove an EVO? it put a big smile on my face. And I absolutely love the TC-SST Transmission.

Are the Evo’s perfect? No. Fuel mileage sucks for one. But I found far less flaws with the EVO x then I did when the 335. And to be honest, after the EVO I doubt I’ll get another BMW (Except for maybe an M3 DCT). The only BMWs that appeal to me now are the “M” cars. The other cars are a bit mundane IMO.

Good Luck

 

There's always the Subaru legacy, very nice ride and similar specs!

 

I bought my X used for 24k, so I would say 26k is really good. Hmmm, maybe I should start looking again.

 

and cheaper than the beemer

 

+1

GSR really needs a 6th gear.

 

If you're looking for 6th gear why didn't you get MR? Bimmers are not that great unless we're talking M, like someone said. But anyway it's your choice after all. Good luck with your new car.

 

I think its a good choice... good luck with it, you can definitely turn it into a fun car.

The EVO being entry level luxury interior? No way, not even close. A G35 coupe is entry level luxury, huge difference.

 

As far as highway crusing? I've yet to have any issues with any highway driving. In fact, I drove the car to Atlanta from NY (and back). The ride was more enjoyable a more comfortable than when I did the same trip with my BMW. I guess the 6th gear that the MR has really makes the difference.

 

are you going for the saloon or coupe??

 

i also just came from an 2006 e46 m3 with comp. the x does handle better and feels faster then the m3 because it has more torque but the m3 has much better top end and its more linear. as far is the 335i is concerned i would say just go for the e92 m3 if its in your budget...

 

in the U.S of A. they're called sedan lol

I think he's going that route since he said he needs 2 transport people in the back seats

 

good luck and don't look bakc,
evo is a pos

 

both great cars, i use to have a e30 325is and that was a great car on the highway

 

Agree with almost all your points. Like I said, if the GSR has a 6 speed with a real over-drive and a bigger fuel tank, I'd be keeping mine.

 

Saloon (or sedan as known in the US)