What car to replace 135i?

[Brissie]

I can't sleep so have been browsing the net last couple of hours, thinking about what to replace my 135i which is almost 5 years old. The car has been good fun, but it is also the most unreliable car I have ever owned. It's had the well report HPFP issues (reprogrammed, then eventually replaced), and also had all 6 fuel injectors replaced (car had to be towed), turbo inlet pipe broken and replaced, electric steering wheel lock malfunction (needed a tow again), rear lights and third brake lights replaced. However, it hasn't put me off BMW completely. My other BMW hasn't been completely reliable either, but not as bad as the 135i. May be I just have a bad example.
So I am looking for a daily driven car, with 4 seats, up to 100k. Can afford more but don't see the point of paying more in LCT. Also dreaming of the day that import duty and LCT are finally abolished now that there will be no more car manufacturing in oz.
I need suggestions as there isn't really anything that gets me excited. What I really want is a 991 carrera S, but more realistic options are:
1. M135i. Never thought I would consider this as the front end is just tragic. The interior is bland, but the rest of the package seems good. At 65k, reasonably priced.
When is the facelift due?
2. Wait for the M2. Anyone know the release date? Expect it to be at least 110k given that the M235 is 80k.
3. A45/CLA45. Waiting list will probably rule them out.
4. Audi S3 sedan/hatch, but not enough grunt, and never really liked audi's. They seem to be just overpriced VW, with the exception of RS models. Are we going to see an RS3 here?
5. Less keen idea: buying used, E90/92 M3, c63.
Have not driven any of these so probably should get off the computer and test drive some cars.....

[bmw1racer]

Buying into another turbocharged car might be buying into the same problems.

[thewafflecaust]

Not sure why you think the S3 doesnt have enough grunt. Off the line its almost as quick if not quicker than the A45 due to the A45s torque limiter in 1st and 2nd, and the s-tronic is considerably more refined than the unit mercedes has and gives a more seamless sensation of power.

If you really want more power out of it APR will almost certainly hook you up.

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by thewafflecaust

Not sure why you think the S3 doesnt have enough grunt. Off the line its almost as quick if not quicker than the A45 due to the A45s torque limiter in 1st and 2nd, and the s-tronic is considerably more refined than the unit mercedes has and gives a more seamless sensation of power.

If you really want more power out of it APR will almost certainly hook you up.

I am just going by the specs, as I said, I have not driven any, and is still on the list to consider.

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by bmw1racer

Buying into another turbocharged car might be buying into the same problems.

It hasn't turned my off one, but the reliability was poor to say the least. It has only done 30k, never tracked, and no mods other than a catback exhaust.
BMW has at least waived the cost of parts for the injectors even though the car was out of warranty.

[thewafflecaust]

Originally Posted by bmw135fan

I am just going by the specs, as I said, I have not driven any, and is still on the list to consider.

What about a F32 428, slower but its a bit of a looker.

or a HSV GTS!

[sparoz]

Macan S or Macan Diesel

[Chandon]

Import an rs3 ehehe

[choppedliver]

Wow, you've had issues.

I've had the HPFP, broken foldy roof and taillight, all under warranty.

Touch wood as I've had no issues in the last 20,000. Car is up to 51k and 5 years old.

B

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by choppedliver

Wow, you've had issues.


B

I haven't had issues, the bloody car had.

[Curare86]

Originally Posted by bmw135fan

2. Wait for the M2. Anyone know the release date? Expect it to be at least 110k given that the M235 is 80k.
3. A45/CLA45. Waiting list will probably rule them out.

If the waitlist rules you out from the 45's, then that excludes the m2 as well, since its not expected till late 2015 or 2016 last I heard. Its all speculation of course, but can't imagine it'll be within a year

[Smiley1175]

Originally Posted by sparoz

Macan S or Macan Diesel

I'm currently thinking about one of these. There will be one at the F1, need to see it in person.
Back on topic, there are GTR's going for 100k ... It has 4 seats

[david.orr]

Low kms 1M, not tracked for reasonably less than $100k. Tweak it? and drive for another 1-2 years. By then the pocket rocket sector would be more clear with new cars released. There's a good one around.

[AndrewCowley]

A used Lexus IS-F? Seeing as how its close to its end of life there's some sharp pricing out there at the moment. Interior looks old school but the engine is reportedly a thing of greatness. Bit of a sleeper from the outside too, less exterior bling than an C63 for instance. Then you hear it accelerate away and it don't sound like a normal Lexus.

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...?Cr=10&sdmvc=1

[Nugget]

They do sound awesome, only slightly slower than a tuned 135i as well.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by AndrewCowley

A used Lexus IS-F? Seeing as how its close to its end of life there's some sharp pricing out there at the moment. Interior looks old school but the engine is reportedly a thing of greatness. Bit of a sleeper from the outside too, less exterior bling than an C63 for instance. Then you hear it accelerate away and it don't sound like a normal Lexus.

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/de...?Cr=10&sdmvc=1

only issue i have with them REALLY is the cosmetic/ "fake" exhaust tip part

love them otherwise!.. fairly subtle looking and great sound.. aren't they similar priced to a C63 or E9x M3 though?

[AndrewCowley]

Originally Posted by flinchy

only issue i have with them REALLY is the cosmetic/ "fake" exhaust tip part

love them otherwise!.. fairly subtle looking and great sound.. aren't they similar priced to a C63 or E9x M3 though?

Yeah, the stacked exhaust tips look stupid but it's made even worse by the fact that they are fake.

Pricing is completely different to a C63 or E9x M3. Look at that one I linked above. Its a 2012 model that's done 20,000km for $95k. Don't think you'll find a C63 or E9x M3 priced like that. You'd be paying at least $20k more. I'll stand corrected on this however if anyone wants to search.

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by AndrewCowley

Yeah, the stacked exhaust tips look stupid but it's made even worse by the fact that they are fake.

Pricing is completely different to a C63 or E9x M3. Look at that one I linked above. Its a 2012 model that's done 20,000km for $95k. Don't think you'll find a C63 or E9x M3 priced like that. You'd be paying at least $20k more. I'll stand corrected on this however if anyone wants to search.

ahh right fair enough - yeah for that money you're probably looking at a 2010 M3 :/

Plus the IS-F will have warranty even.

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by Nugget

They do sound awesome, only slightly slower than a tuned 135i as well.

Heard a couple of them and I do agree they sound awesome!

[///Chase]

CLA45

[Brissie]

Originally Posted by sparoz

Macan S or Macan Diesel

I did think about this and GLA for about 2 second, then I remember that I really dislike driving any SUV, even the small ones.

[AndrewCowley]

Why not an M235i?