No, I didn't wreck the car, but in about 3-4 days its going to its new owner (who happens to be one of my best friends and a huge car/turbo guy, so I'm excited). I had a VERY hard time trying to decide if I was going to keep the Evo with the purchase of my new car, but in the end its just not a smart move for me to have that kind of money tied up in cars (I save up and buy outright) at my age.

Before I delve into my Evo experiences, a little about my newest toy. I have been looking around for a 335 6 speed for a while. I was initially interested in the sedan as the coupe for some reason really didn't do much for me. Lately that all changed and I can across a great deal on a cherry of a car. Its only 3 months old with 3k miles. Anyway, a pic of her until I get her back and get it all cleaned up:




Ok, so on to the Evo experience I've had for the last 4 years and 68k miles. Best way to describe it? The Evo has been the BEST car I have EVER owned. I originally picked it up because I got a smoking deal on it and I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I planned on driving the car for a couple years max and then moving on. Well obviously I realized what was so great about this car. Absolutely intoxicating to drive, so responsive in all of its moves, its lithe like a go kart and I loved every single minute of it. I've had some bad days in the past years with schooling being so tough and the evo was always there to put a smile on my face at the end of a 15-18 hour day of school and studying. It was a blast moving the car up through the various levels of power.

So my ownership experience. Like I said, the best car I've ever owned. I never had a single issue with the car and it went to the dealer one time for the caliper and wing recall. Civic owners wish for the kind of reliability I had. Other than that, I put tires/brake pads/oil and gas in her. Never a single issue with the stock clutch, even with occasional drag passes with the stock turbo and no problems with the 35r either. I very rarely launched the car and I think this is the reason my clutch has held on like it has. Anyway, no P0300 code, no issues with the trans or t-case. No problems with rusting, rattling, or anything else that I have read about on here. Recently my cluster lights all failed, but I heard they eventually did that. Couple bucks at the dealer for new ones. Front rotors have been turned a few times, hawk HPS pads are not so great, IMO.

The car is a real treat to play with and tune, especially since the ECUflash revolution. My car makes about 230 hp more than it did stock and it gets better mileage now than it ever did stock. People's reactions were always priceless as well. Most were fairly reserved about the car and its looks until I took them for a ride. Most of the girls screamed Most of the guys had a "holy ****" look on their faces. All were surprised. I guess that was what was the most fun. The evo isn't really a "sleeper" but most just think its some little slow, rice mobile and its fun to blow their minds with the power the car can make even with the factory blower.

All in all just wanted to say that its been a blast. I've learned so much more than I thought I would over here, especially about the large framed turbos. I've enjoyed reading Buschur's threads quite a lot as well as other big wigs like Malibu Jack, Ted B, etc. All have had great input and this community wouldn't have progressed like it has without them. Anyway, I'll still be around and still tuning all my friends Evos for some dinner

 

making me cry

 

i would trade my evo too for a 355i.. do u have more pictures?

 

by the sound of your voice in the post it sounds like you havent let the Evo go yet.
Good Luck.

 

Not right now, once I get it back and all cleaned up I'll take lots more. Only thing that bugs me is the front license plate holder We don't need those down here in the South and they drill the bumper to install it.

 

u guys make me jealous i wanted a 335i but since i am 19 i choose the evo for now M3 next hahaha but on topic COngrats man!

 

Very nice write up. Threads like this always put a smile on my face and make me look forward to days when I actually put some mods on the Evo.

I hope you enjoy the Bimmer.

 

Sweet write up and nice choice with the 335i!

 

i love the 335i... =)

 

I know just what you mean. I had an 03 evo all modded and looking good. I just sold my 06 BR350 IX #005. The BR350 was the best car i have ever owned and enjoyed. BTW,Trent from Buschur Racing bought my 03 and look what he,s done with it. Anyway to make a long story short i sold the BR350 about a month ago and ordered an 07 335i coupe,space grey metallic,sport package,aluminum trim w/black leather.6spd manual. I should have it by the end of august.The evo as far as i,m concerned is still the best bang for the buck in all around raw performance in the world. But i,m 50 and my tastes are starting to change in cars.The time is right for the 335 now. The evo and bmw are two completely different cars and i wouldnt think about comparing them. No matter how much i will love the 335(and i know i will) the EVO,s will always be a part of me.

 

Danny, I completely agree. There's a different purpose to this car for sure. I'm ready for something quiet for a change. Something with cruise as I'm going to be doing a lot of driving over the next year. This one has Sport, 6 speed, cold weather package, etc. One day when I can comfortably have different cars for dedicated purposes, I'll definitely have another Evo.

BTW, I dug up the other two pics I have on hand. I apologize for the size ahead of time.

 

Do you want to drive the car(Evo) or have the car drive you(335i)? Congrats on your change.I love many cars aside the evo.

 

Congrats on your purchase. I am with you on the coupes styling, I prefer the looks of the sedan, but the coupes styling is starting to grow on me. I think the 335i is a very nice car and I am really interested to see what there potential is. I hear they have put a single GT series turbo on one, look forward to seeing the results when that one gets officially dynoed. Hope you enjoy your ride, and maybe one day we will see you back with a EVO X, EVO XI, or EVO XII, LOL.

 

You act like that is such a bad thing, oh the pain of owning a brand new EVO IX SE at the age of 19 I really feel your pain

 

That is a sweet ride. I think often about getting rid of the Evo for something more comfortable and practical but its responsive and raw nature keep me holding on to it.

But I don't understand...you're getting rid of the car because you had a lot of money tied up in it for a near new 335i? That is still quite a bit of money tied up into cars at 25.