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I'm debating this or a used F30 3 series next year to replace my current E90 daily. But I'm on the fence with giving up a manual sedan for a crossover ... don't "need" the crossover size but I've always liked the Macan.
Macan would be a good choice. We had a 6MT E90 (328i) that got replaced with a Macan GTS and a 6MT F80. I cross shopped the M3 with the F30 340i and would say that the F30 and Macan GTS have quite similar driving dynamics as long as you can live with only two pedals.
Macan would be a good choice. We had a 6MT E90 (328i) that got replaced with a Macan GTS and a 6MT F80. I cross shopped the M3 with the F30 340i and would say that the F30 and Macan GTS have quite similar driving dynamics as long as you can live with only two pedals.
Yup got an E90 328i LCI - if it wasn't starting to rust in the rear fender, I think I would keep it forever. MT, NA, RWD is the perfect combo. Actually the F80 is also on my list too... Interesting to hear that the F30 and Macan are quite similar.
I just picked up a 2017 Macan GTS with sport chrono packag for a daily driver. It is an awesome little suv (it’s more like a hot hatch). Quiet and refined when needed and a performance machine at a push of a button. I am actually going to take it to the Tail or the Dragon on my next trip there to see how it performs.
While I could write a novella on this, having owned 75 vehicles over 50 years and a car guy from gestation, having 9 previous 911s and a current 987.2 BS, my ‘18 Turbo Macan (tweaked and will leave it at that) is the most enjoyable vehicle and all-around “driver’s car” I have ever driven or owned.
I'm debating this or a used F30 3 series next year to replace my current E90 daily. But I'm on the fence with giving up a manual sedan for a crossover ... don't "need" the crossover size but I've always liked the Macan.
I also had a 2011 E90 and was looking at switching to the F30 for my DD. I'm not sure if you've had a chance to drive the F30, but I test drove three different versions (diesel wagon, wagon with full M-sport package and plain old 328 sedan) and was disappointed with the driving dynamics of all of them. The E90 chassis and build quality are vastly superior to the F30 in my opinion. Apparently the new 3-series is a big upgrade to the F30, so you might want to wait for that if it's an option.
I ended up going with a 2016 S4 and couldn't be happier. The Macan was also on the list, but I didn't end up test driving one as I found a very clean 2016 S4 with 35K on the odometer and snatched it up. I don't spend much time in traffic on my commute to work, so really wanted manual. A simple stage 1 tune really opens these cars up and gets you to 400-420 HP for about $1500.
Congrats! I did the same recently, picked up a 2015 CPO Macan S as an addition to my 911... I was not really in the market until I saw this one pop up for sale at Pfaff. Heavily equipped ($28k in options!) and of course the perfect colour. I don't need anything too large living in the city but nice to have a bit of extra space hauling family + gear to the cottage. Also allowed me to store the 911 for the winter for the first time as opposed to driving through the snow (which I do enjoy of course).
Couple pics below... first one from pickup and second with winter wheel/tires after wrapping the chrome window trim. As others have mentioned it is a hoot to drive too, especially with the Pfaff modified 'McCarthy Exhaust' that came with.
Couple pics below... first one from pickup and second with winter wheel/tires after wrapping the chrome window trim.
The black wrap is a stellar solution to the chrome "bling" of the window trim and it ties in the awkward "plasticy" look of the side blades. If unable to find an example with body coloured side blades I'll be doing the same.
Did you have the bright window trim vinyl wrapped?
Yes, wrapped the chrome window trim in gloss black vinyl. Not sure why the original owner didn't spec the black window trim to go with the Sport Design package + 21" Sport Classic wheels in black but it was an easy enough fix and looks so much better. Easily worth the $250.
Originally Posted by Balu
The black wrap is a stellar solution to the chrome "bling" of the window trim and it ties in the awkward "plasticy" look of the side blades. If unable to find an example with body coloured side blades I'll be doing the same.
Agreed, I don't mind the side blade actually but do wish it was also finished in gloss black to go with the rest of the trim elements. The prior owner actually had all of the black plastic in the front bumper cover and rear diffuser painted in gloss black (Pfaff Autoworks) so really only the side blades + mirrors are left in unfinished black plastic. Looks fine though, much better than black + chrome window trim.
12-19-2018, 11:20 AM
