So I was trying to figure out if this ATS-V had any packages on it and it looks like just the polished wheels and Recaro seats (very basic). For 2017 the Bose Audio is in the Luxury Package, but it also includes navigation, alloy pedals, and a bunch of other items this car didn't have. So the Bose must have been a stand alone option in 2016 because this car had it. I looked everywhere online, but cannot find a 2016 brochure.

 

I had to look back at this:

While seemingly minor, the lack of buttons would be a huge PITA. My wife has a '17 Accord, which doesn't have a volume ****, but instead has a slider in the display. Virtually impossible for to adjust when moving. The fact that the HVAC controls are like that too would seemingly make it tough to adjust when moving--much easier to rotate a ****.

 

When the current gen CR-V came out, Honda couldn't stop bragging how they put the volume **** back in their radio. It was a thing for them.

You know, I really don't like gratuitous metallic looking trim on a dashboard, console and doors. And I like gratuitous CF pieces even less. At least there isn't any fake stitching on plastics... that's a bridge too far.

 

Same thing with the Accord redesign. You wouldn't think it's as big of an issue as it is. Volume **** is at least something you can work around via steering wheel controls (at least for the driver). Trying to manipulate the HVAC with that interface would be tough.

The more I look at the interior, the less I like it

 

I didn't have any problem adjusting either while driving due to the smooth ride. I could not say the same for my car on a bumpy road. Then again I almost never adjust the climate. I just leave it on auto. I adjust the volume on the steering wheel. The only adjustment I made on the center console was the heated seat and it seemed to work fine. It is really not a deal breaker for me as I really never touch that stuff, but I agree that I would have also preferred actual buttons. No need to try to reinvent the wheel here Cadillac.

Thankfully for me, the Recaro seats make a few little "wrongs" for me with the interior just right. The relief of not trying to screw around with aftermarket seats again also makes me pretty happy. I have heard some horror stories of trying to do this on GM cars.

 

For me I am going to be getting out of the car game for a little while. I am thinking about buying a Silverado since I enjoy hunting and want to buy a boat and need something that can tow. But I keep flip flopping between that and the Jeep SRT.

 

Been toying with the idea of a used 2012-2013 BMW 335i Sedan. I've seen some on youtube with pure stage 2 turbo upgrade making 500whp easily. The turbo is less than $3k.

Anyone here familiar with that platform? Would like to hear some opinions about the 2012+ 335i in general.

 

If it were going to be a project car, I'd go for a BMW with the N54 power plant. It's the more tuner friendly motor, twin turbos and a forged crank vs the single twin scroll and the cast crank. That said, if you're planning on keeping the car under 600whp you should be good with internals of anything with a N55 power plant. Reliability favors the N55 as well.

 

Thanks for the input. I have heard the same about the N54 motor however it wouldn't be a project car. It would be a replacement for the G37. So a daily driver.

I stated 2012+ sedans because that's the new gen F30 body style. It looks more modern than the old E9x models. They appear too dated imo.

 

I always get the N54 and N55 mixed up. Which engine is in the 2015+ M3? I know those can be over 500 whp with just a tune. Can you do something similar with regular 3 series or do you need to replace turbos to get there?

 

n54 is in the 06 335i has 2 turbos
n55 was first used in the 09 535i and 2010 335i. Single twin scroll turbo
2014+ m3 is s55 motor. It has 2 turbos according to wiki

 

Qman hit it.

To my understanding, the N54 was an "experimental" engine from the sounds of it. The N55 was created as a successor but with reliability/fuel efficiency in mind. If It were a tuning platform I was choosing, the N54 without a doubt would be the one I'd go with. If I were looking to go no more than 400whp then the N55 would be the choice to go with.

The S55 basically took the best of both the N54 and N55 while eliminating their weaknesses.

 

Oh yeah, the M3 is the S55. I always screw that up. Was the N54 just used in model year 2006? Can you get 500+ whp out of that motor with tuning or do you need new turbos?

That makes sense. If you can get 500 whp out of an N54 that would make a good option for me instead of an M3. I think they made that car with AWD and a manual transmission? Does that sound right? Hmmm....

 

100% capable of 500 whp on stock turbos and internals.

 

Hmmm, very interesting. Is it just the 2006 335i that has the N54?

Edit: Nevermind, I see it was used in 2006-2010 335i and 2011-2013 335is (according to wikipedia)

However, was it ever in an AWD 6spd? That would be a killer combo