Replacement for my TL Type-S

Hi all,
I was hoping to get some advice.

I own a 2008 TL Type-S. I like the interior, bells and whistles, but it is huge, has a horrendous turning radius, and I just can't stand FWD. I do like the power, although it often seems wasted by steer torque.

I am looking to replace it with either a 2008-2009 335i, or a 2011 328ix.

I never go to the track. I am too old to race at lights. I DO love power, especially in a pinch.
I love performance handling, and feeling like part of the car. My pleasure driving is mostly on swerving, hilly roads.

Any suggestions? They cost about the same.

I would get the newer car if the other equipment was similar

before i got my 335, i test drove the 328 and 335 back to back. 335 won hands down in driving satisfaction. Between xi and non xi - I liked the non xi, between n54 and n55 I liked the N54 , between AT and 6MT , i liked the 6MT. Basically test drive them all and you will find your car. Hopefully the color combo you like is not a rare combo cause thats where I was stuck for a long time. I had a very hard time finding space grey on coral red with 6MT. I got the non xi even though i live in Chicago. good luck

2009 335i.

Considering my OP, why do you suggest the 335 over the newer 328? Thanks for your responses!

So you're candidates are a 2011 328xi and an older 335i.
Not considering reliability and/or warranty, but considering your comments about wanting power....the 328i (not xi) is plenty powerful, but the xi definitely blunts the performance of that engine. In particular when mated with an automatic transmission.

Great reply, thank you sir.

RWD for me, then.

I am definately open to other models if they fit the bill better, especially considering my issues with the Type-S (although a nice car).

Originally Posted by Pinkeye

Considering my OP, why do you suggest the 335 over the newer 328? Thanks for your responses!

Because an accord will give the 328 a run for its money... 328i is going backwards from a tl type s (imop )

335d FTW!

This past fall, I picked up a 2009 335i (E90 sedan), CPO, with sport, navi and 6 MT. VERY hard to find that combo. You'll find a lot more if you are shopping the coupe or are willing to forgo the 6 MT. At the time I bought mine, it was the only CPO with those specs in the entire country. By dumb luck, it was at my local dealer and had a decent color combo (black with saddle interior).

Whichever car you pick, you're going not going to miss the TL.

If it's between 2008-2009 335 or 2011 328 then go for the 2011. What about 2010 335? 2008-2009 335 should not be the same price as a 2011 328...that's a huge difference in years.

Money no object, the 335 is the obvious winner. The xi is just heavier and less responsive, not to mention thirstier.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

Because an accord will give the 328 a run for its money... 328i is going backwards from a tl type s (imop )

Backwards?? Front wheel sucks and like OP stated..Ever turn one of those rigs?? Acura=Zero Cache. By the way I owned one of those discontinued CL's as my 1st car, it sucked.

Originally Posted by Chop362

Backwards?? Front wheel sucks and like OP stated..Ever turn one of those rigs?? Acura=Zero Cache. By the way I owned one of those discontinued CL's as my 1st car, it sucked.

CL is about as close to a TL-Type S as a 328 is to a 335i... I'd pick his TL over a 328 all day everyday.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

CL is about as close to a TL-Type S as a 328 is to a 335i... I'd pick his TL over a 328 all day everyday.

Guessing you'll be at the showroom tomorrow morn.Europe has a name for Acura...Honda!! Good sound cars though not ripping by any stretch but this Japanese Rah Rah needs a populated forum.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

CL is about as close to a TL-Type S as a 328 is to a 335i... I'd pick his TL over a 328 all day everyday.

I drove Honda/Acura sedans for about 25 years before coming to BMW, and I test drove the hell out of the TL before I bought my BMW.

The 2008, if I recall, was the last year of the previous gen of TL - which was probably the best version of that car ever built. It had a ridiculous amount of torque steer though, a flinty ride (worse than a ZSP with RFTs), and all the handling traits of a heavy FWD vehicle. It was a great car for what it was, but doesn't compare to anything in the E9x line.

I will say that the NAV and cabin ergonomics in the 2008 TL still kick the crap out of anything that BMW sells. So, in that sense, Acura has BMW beat.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

I drove Honda/Acura sedans for about 25 years before coming to BMW, and I test drove the hell out of the TL before I bought my BMW.

The 2008, if I recall, was the last year of the previous gen of TL - which was probably the best version of that car ever built. It had a ridiculous amount of torque steer though, a flinty ride (worse than a ZSP with RFTs), and all the handling traits of a heavy FWD vehicle. It was a great car for what it was, but doesn't compare to anything in the E9x line.

I will say that the NAV and cabin ergonomics in the 2008 TL still kick the crap out of anything that BMW sells. So, in that sense, Acura has BMW beat.

I mean I harp on 328i's but its just a personal thing. Heck if someone can get all the satisfaction spending less than 60k on a car more power to them! They're saving money over me I just can't stand the car and would rather walk then be forced to drive one

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

Because an accord will give the 328 a run for its money... 328i is going backwards from a tl type s (imop )

The first part is simply not true. The Accord is actually more powerful than the 328i, but it doesn't get the power to the ground nearly as efficiently and the AT is optimized for economy. So, it is quite a bit less friskly around town.

The 328i is going backwards from a TL in acceleration, but power is not everything. It won't handle, brake, or even ride as well as the 328i.

OP quick question, did you ever run the TL at the track?


EDIT: OPPS sorry I missed your statement about the track. Not sure how old you are but I can still cut a good light.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

I mean I harp on 328i's but its just a personal thing. Heck if someone can get all the satisfaction spending less than 60k on a car more power to them! They're saving money over me I just can't stand the car and would rather walk then be forced to drive one

No offense meant (and you are certainly entitled to your opinion) but I think you're being a tad silly. I definitely understand and respect why a buyer would opt for the power and fun of a 335i. But, you are making out here like the 328i is an entirely different vehicle, and that is simply not true.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

The first part is simply not true. The Accord is actually more powerful than the 328i, but it doesn't get the power to the ground nearly as efficiently and the AT is optimized for economy. So, it is quite a bit less friskly around town.

Dude I've had them as loaners and watched them lose or almost lose to cars half their price.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

No offense meant (and you are certainly entitled to your opinion) but I think you're being a tad silly. I definitely understand and respect why a buyer would opt for the power and fun of a 335i. But, you are making out here like the 328i is an entirely different vehicle, and that is simply not true.

I've yet to see a 328i give me any kind of problem. The one guy who tried stock v. stock still got handled and I took a turn with the 200+ awd pounds @ 105, not sure what he took it at cause he was so far back.

Its not like its 335i pride, we've had multiple cars that have doubled my 335i's price. It's just the 328i is for a different kind of buyer and driver and if the OP falls into that category great! But to try and overhype its abilities is about as silly as me saying I'd prefer to walk over drive a bmw.

I think you would be happy with either choice. Both are upgrades IMO. The 6 speed manual is highly recommended for maximum enjoyment

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

Dude I've had them as loaners.

Is that supposed to impress me? Everybody on this board has had 328s as loaners. What is your point?

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

and watched them lose or almost lose to cars half their price.

I really have no idea what you mean by "you watched them lose". Do you live at a racetrack or something?

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

I've yet to see a 328i give me any kind of problem. The one guy who tried stock v. stock still got handled and I took a turn with the 200+ awd pounds @ 105, not sure what he took it at cause he was so far back.

I have never given anybody in a 335i "any kind of problem". I've also never given anybody in a Honda Civic a problem. I don't go around drag racing every car I see on the street.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

Its not like its 335i pride, we've had multiple cars that have doubled my 335i's price. It's just the 328i is for a different kind of buyer and driver and if the OP falls into that category great! But to try and overhype its abilities is about as silly as me saying I'd prefer to walk over drive a bmw.

When did anybody "overhype" the 328i? I don't even know what you are talking about here.


No offense, but you are coming off as a bit of boy racer here. Its like you get in your car and then worry about who can go faster or has a bigger engine than you do. Most of us don't think that way. Personally, I couldn't give a rat's A who has a car that is faster than mine.

The point in buying a 335i is not to have a car that "wins" or is faster than the next guy at a red light. You buy the 335i because you enjoy driving it.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

Is that supposed to impress me? Everybody on this board has had 328s as loaners. What is your point?

lol I thought that was obvious but ok... You seemed to imply I was wrong in my assessment of a 328, and I was simply pointing out I've spent plenty of time in them.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

I really have no idea what you mean by "you watched them lose". Do you live at a racetrack or something?

Uhh I can only assume based on this response you've never been cut off. I congratulate you as it must be a rare feat.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

I have never given anybody in a 335i "any kind of problem". I've also never given anybody in a Honda Civic a problem. I don't go around drag racing every car I see on the street.

Lol again congratulations!

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

When did anybody "overhype" the 328i? I don't even know what you are talking about here.

No offense, but you are coming off as a bit of boy racer here. Its like you get in your car and then worry about who can go faster or has a bigger engine than you do. Most of us don't think that way. Personally, I couldn't give a rat's A who has a car that is faster than mine.

The point in buying a 335i is not to have a car that "wins" or is faster than the next guy at a red light. You buy the 335i because you enjoy driving it.

lol my point all along the OP will decide what kind of driver he is... And for the final time congratulations on not caring , I don't know if you're looking for a best driver certificate, but I'd be happy to make you one.

Originally Posted by SuperTerp

lol I thought that was obvious but ok... You seemed to imply I was wrong in my assessment of a 328, and I was simply pointing out I've spent plenty of time in them.


Uhh I can only assume based on this response you've never been cut off. I congratulate you as it must be a rare feat.


Lol again congratulations!



lol my point all along the OP will decide what kind of driver he is... And for the final time congratulations on not caring , I don't know if you're looking for a best driver certificate, but I'd be happy to make you one.

Could you please? I'll send it to my insurance company!