So I drove a C300 Sport the other day and attended a BMW Ultimate drive event today. I got to drive a 335 coupe, 328 convertible, Z4 3.0si and rode shotgun in a new (V8) M3. There were no salesman, no-one riding shotgun keeping you in check and not DTC
The 328 was ok, but I think the extra weight made it feel slow. Was not overly impressed, although it was nice. The Z4 3.0si was awesome, and it was the only manual transmission car there I could drive(you had to be 30 to drive the M3). I got the tires nice and hot.
The star of the show was the 335. I love that car and that engine. I never got to drive it hard on the test drive. I remember it being fast, but hot damn. I beat a 760Li (V12) at a stoplight race, he was part of the event as well. I really want that engine. If I stay without a car payment for an extra several months, I can save up the difference between a 128 and a 135. Plus I'll get a raise next month and in September. The other thing is, if I do I would want Blue outside and red leather. I think it looks awesome. How much will the resale suffer? Would black/red be any better?
The C300 was nice, but it lacked grunt and the shifter was extremely notchy, it was hard to upshift at times without forcing it. Very refined car, but compared to the 335, it was weak.
So the front runners are:
135(wait til the end of the year)
G35(find a used one or wait til 09 model year and more power)
C300, buy it now. Not as sporting, but a nice car.