I don't believe so. I did a search on cargurus yesterday for the xi model but didn't see anything offered in manual.

Tempting though....$20k for a RWD, manual, TT inline 6 with <30k miles....capable of 500whp with intake downpipe, exhaust and a tune (under $2k total in mods)....very tempting...From my research, the car utilizes two fuel pumps already so that wouldn't be an issue.

Possible faults: I believe the water pump is made of plastic though but can't confirm. HPFP also had a recall with an extended warranty so both would need to be upgraded as well for preventative/maintenance reasons. Asides from those two, the rear differential is open so a M3 LSD would need to be installed.

If it's something you're interested in pursuing and researching, I'd run with a search on 2011-2013. It looks like BMW resolved a lot of issues that plagued the earlier models running the N54. Mainly, the blocks seems to cool a lot better. I looked into a couple builds were forum members were running 700+ whp an stock internals. Not sure I'd tempt fate but it's nice to know you could run it into the 500+ range without worry.

If you look at it as a whole, you can tell BMW neutered the car as much as they could to keep the N/A V8 M3 at the top of the food chain during that cycle. If I remember correctly, it was BMW's first attempt at FI on a six cylinder and it was capable of more than they anticipated.

 

I'm 99% sure you could spec out a 6MT 335xi, however the optional sport packages were watered down compared to the RWD versions. Probably not a deal breaker if you're planning to mod it. At several points, I researched 335i CPOs, and actually found more AWD with the 6MT than RWD.

Here is a '15 335 6MT xDrive

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...6915/overview/

 

 

I don't know what I'd replace my G37 with to be honest. If I had to, it would have to be a car that is built before 2010, have real keys and not the dumb FOBs, RWD or AWD, and preferably manual. Maybe a BMW E39 sedan with an LS engine swap and manual transmission as well as complete replacement of all the wires to make it reliable as hell. I was also considering one of my childhood dream cars the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (VIII and IX) but was disappointed when I found out it was FWD bias. I know Subarus are RWD bias and a good alternative to Evos, but in my opinion they aren't good looking. New cars are not fun in my opinion, very boring with those childish paddle shifters. Seems people only care about 0-60 times or badges and not about the car anymore.

 

I've always thought they would be a nice upgrade, but was soured based on my experience with my wife's 328.

The twin-turbo 6MT AWD is actually still available as of model year 2018. I love the cognac colored interior

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...4691/overview/

At this point, I'm pretty spoiled by things like push button start and adaptive cruise control, I don't think I could go back 8+ years and be content with the technology, unless it was a toy car.

 

At this point, I've finally got the G37 to the point I really enjoy driving it and there's no longer a "if only only it [insert peeve]". Plenty of power as a DD, comfortable, good looking, reliable, AWD, four doors, easy to maintain and handles much better with the modifications. The 7AT is annoying but I'm going to wait to see what a tune in the summer does to the overall responsiveness. In my opinion, the time, effort and money that would be required to revert it back to stock seems to outweigh the benefits. Maybe I'd collect $1,000 selling my used aftermarket parts? TMV is $7,100 as a trade-in and almost $9,000 as a PP sale for my scenario. Not sure there's another $7-9k car that could touch it and all it offers.

I'm leaning towards keeping it until the wheels fall off and just having a designated weekend/occasional DD, fun/toy. Not ideal for everyone but I just can't justify giving it up for something more expensive that I'll beat on everyday going into work and driving in traffic 90% of the time. Nor does keeping it and having an expensive toy that I'll only enjoy from time to time. The allure of cheaper, older, potential HP monsters that are a blast to drive is very appealing now that they are all <$25k.

 

So all this BMW talk of N54, N55, and S55 engines led me down a pretty big rabbit hole yesterday. The forged internals of the N54 sound appealing, but it looks like a pretty serious custom tune would be required to get it up to tuned M3 power levels (500 whp). Kits from the most respected tuners like Turner, Dinan, and Cobb don't even get the car up to 400 crank hp w/o some bolt ons. There are not a lot of 3 series out there with the N54 and a manual transmission and I only found one in the sedan. They are all pretty vanilla looking compared to the M3. Trying to sort cooling issues, brakes, seats, etc. is all the time and money I spent on the G37S that I really don't want to repeat.

This got me thinking about the 1 series. I don't love the styling, but I have seen some with different wheels and body kits that look decent. The interior is all last gen M3 and I am not a huge fan of that either. They are pretty cheap if you can find them, but then I run into the same issue of spending a lot to upgrade cooling, seats, brakes, etc. for track days. The 1 series got me looking at the M2 & the M2 Competition. They both sound great except for the ride and the price. Then I compared the styling and practicality to an M3 which would be a way better choice and I am right back where I started. Well, that was fun while it lasted.

Thanks for finding that car for me. I believe that is the N55 single turbo engine (unless wikipedia is wrong- I know that never happens...) It's just a little too vanilla for me and probably a lot more money than I want to spend in upgrades to get to the next performance level that I am seeking.

The Lancer Evo has more weight over the front end compared to our cars, but it is not FWD biased. The handling is phenomenal in those cars and so is the steering for AWD- especially compared to Subarus. The STI has had varying degrees of adjustablility of the center diff to try to send more power to the rear, but it is still an understeering pig compared to our cars. The Evo X was the first one on our shores with S-AWC that actually speeds up the outer rear wheel to get you around the corner faster (just one of its many tricks.) It is basically like cheating if you are not a very smooth driver or lazy with your inputs. You can still drive faster with the system off if you are good and drive clean lines.

Those Evos are fun cars if you can find one that is relatively clean and has not had the crap already kicked out of it (good luck). They do hold their value much better than our cars and almost to the silly level of a used STI (still only 305 hp 14 years later??). However, the interiors on all of them will feel very cheap with lots of hard plastic compared to a G37S. I came out of a '14 Evo X GSR to get my G37S and the only thing I miss a few days in the winter is the AWD (and sometimes the punch of the turbo, but not the awful sound of the exhaust).

 

 

I bought a project E46 328i this past summer, it has already had 5 engine codes, not fun haha. I've been trying to bring it back to its former glory though. I love rowing the gears around town, despite the >100hp power difference between the G and it.

 

Definitely agree with you to be honest. It really is a perfect car since it's got a good balance of luxury, sportiness, and it's not that difficult to work on compared to other cars in it's time period. The G has some flaws but the pros outweigh the cons. It is also the best bang for the buck. I want to keep mine forever as well. Hell, it's a Nissan Skyline so it explains why it's so good!

 

Oh no, you aren't hitting those numbers on a tune alone. It requires full bolt-ons and a tune to put you into 500 whp country. Before even that, HPFP, cooling, brakes and installing an LSD would all need to be taken care of first like you mentioned.

I think if the body style isn't of your taste then you'll never be satisfied with the car; no matter what you do to it. The looks never grow on you (contrary to belief) and it's always a lingering itch that you'll never scratch. I prefer the E90/E92 over the current F30-F35 body style...but I also have a crush on the 04-06 GTO when most think it's fugly .

Not an easy task. It's tough finding a manual with power, handling, looks, reliability (as much as possible) and a stout drive-train in the same package.
American, BMW, VW R, Subaru, Genesis G70 2.0....Not a lot of choices but it's a tough one.



...Or you can finally take the plunge and throw a snail into the G for around $7k...As you said, you already updated the handling, brakes and cooling. Only thing getting to you is seeing those other cars pull on the straights. Imagine another 100-150 whp propelling you...

 

Believe me, I have given that a lot of thought lately too. But putting that much power into a chassis, axles, and brakes that were never designed for it is a recipe for disaster on the track. If I did it right I would want to upgrade the engine internals. Then it would just become a game of "what part will break next."

I think I am ok keeping the car a bit longer. I think I am narrowed down to the M3 or ATS-V when I am ready (if I could ever find one with the options I want). Both of these options would be a big upgrade compared to the G and both have a lot more potential for tuning. A GT-R or RS3 is a consideration. I am also curious to see the new Subaru STI S209 that is supposed to be released in January, but I am sure it will not be enough of a change to get my interest. Although, they should have an all new STI out in the next year or two. I really hope that is a contender, but I doubt it will be.

 

I've got a new obsession: The 2016 Camaro 2SS w/ MRC and NPP in Garnet Red Tintcoat.



For under $30k, you get the Alpha platform (ATS-V, CTS) with a glorious sounding 455hp LT1 (base Corvette engine), MRC, NPP dual mode exhaust, heated/cooled seats, heated steering wheel, HUD, and some other goodies. With the 8 speed auto, it'll run a 3.9 0-60 and 12.2 1/4 mile (6 speed is a tenth slower). It'll keep up with the 2018 M5 and E63 AMG around the track also, which is pretty damn impressive for a $30k car.

As a daily driver, aside from the visibility issues, it's supposedly practical, unless you have children. The MRC provides a smooth ride, gas mileage in the auto is actually better than the G, and it's got a lot of creature comforts.

Its weak points lie in the looks (inside and out) and the interior quality. Looks are good and much more improved over the 5th gen IMO, but still not as sleek as the new Mustang. The interior is kind of crap, but that's never been a deal breaker for me; it's acceptable for my standards (which are fairly low).

I've been ignoring pony cars for a while now, mainly because you see so many of them and I aim to be a unique butterfly. But I can entirely forgo that notion for this car. Please let me know if there's a better deal out there, because this has taken the spot for my next car here in a few years. Shoot, by that time they should be in $25k range.

 

I considered this car for quite some time with the 1LE package as a great track performer. The lack of visibility, any rear seat legroom, and decent quality materials inside have removed it from my list. I really want to like this car, but no one seems to pick it in comparison tests for most of the reasons I listed.

 

Have you had the chance to test drive one? I hear you get used to the visibility issues, especially with blind spot monitoring, but it still kind of worries me.

Can't say I care much about rear leg room - no kids and usually just one passenger at the most. A better interior would be nice, but I don't really look at it as a downgrade from the G - my interior squeaks and rattles all of time (it's just part of its charm ).