FRS vs 335i

[blacknbean]

I own a 335i and id never want to track it. beside dealing with Limp mode and high heat issues from the turbo, the consumables on the bmw are expensive. new brakes/rotors, oil changes and other maintanence get pricey. plus eventually you would end up swapping the entire suspension for m3 parts so it keeps adding up. the frs is a way better base to start tracking. keep the 335i as a daily driver as its meant to be.

[phillip]

To the OP: I'd suggest looking at a 135 as well. Same engine as 335, but more similar to the BRZ (lighter package, 2 doors, etc). The only thing in the suspension that really needs attention would be swapping out the bushings for M3 ones, which is only a couple hundred dollars in parts (of course, this all depends if you get a sport package). I assume you've already found a car though, but if I were you I'd try to get a N54 motor instead of N55 (assuming the high pressure fuel pump issue has been fixed) because while they are basically the same, the N54 has a much bigger aftermarket currently. I expect the N55 will, but that'll probably be a couple years down the road before it's at the same level.

I'd say what it comes down to for the OP is this:
1) Modifying: it will be easier with the BMW (platform has been out for a long time, much more potential) but more expensive. For example, the JB4 will give you 60 extra HP and 80ftlb stock and also give you a bunch of maps for when you get upgrades for a relatively low price of ~$600.
2) Daily Driving: Honestly I've never driven a BRZ, but I'd give it the advantage in cargo space to a 135 (can't attest to 335, but I'd imagine the BRZ loses on that front). The BRZ will get better mileage (around 30 vs around 24 mi/g). I can't attest to how fun the BRZ is to drive (reportedly: a ton), but I love driving my car. I did get all the packages/options, so it's easier to compare to a BRZ. If you aren't getting any, then you miss out on stuff like nav, push start, etc.
3) Tracking: You say you haven't done much but want to get into it. I'm sure either car would be a blast to track, and one may be better than the other on shorter/longer tracks, so it seems like a push to me.

All in all, I feel that car ownership comes down to fun. Which do you think would be more fun to track? How about daily driving? At which point would it be worth it to sacrifice one for the other (i.e. how often do you think you will actually take it to the track)?

Originally Posted by blacknbean

I own a 335i and id never want to track it. beside dealing with Limp mode and high heat issues from the turbo, the consumables on the bmw are expensive. new brakes/rotors, oil changes and other maintanence get pricey. plus eventually you would end up swapping the entire suspension for m3 parts so it keeps adding up. the frs is a way better base to start tracking. keep the 335i as a daily driver as its meant to be.

Well if he's getting one used, I'd assume it's CPO with extended service/warranty, which means he pays for nothing but tires/gas. Nobody wants to track with the runflats or the stock BRZ tires, so he'd need some new ones either way and the prices should be similar.

[termigni]

hmmm... do i want an apple or an orange?

[sdiver68]

Having owned 2 BMW 335i's (both N54) and tracked 1 of them lightly modified I'd say tough choice. The N54 335i was a brilliant car for the money. Limp mode/high heat issues are fixable in fact I got BMW to put an auxiliary oil cooler for free and no issues.

More track use, I'd say BRZ once the aftermarket catches up. More street use, I'd say tough choice do you want a Sports Car or a GT?

[Max Schnell]

One important part is the cost differences once you own the car. I expect the FRS/BRZ to be much cheaper overall to own and abuse than a BMW.

[Alphaghost]

For starters and personal experience(shouldve listened to my dad)....1st and foremost you dont want your play toy to also serve as daily driver, things malfunction, need to get back and forth to work. That being said, if you want to do it keep the lexus for dd 200k is nothing, buy 335i if not worried about maintence, but if you need a car for double duty....for sure go frs/brz much cheaper to maintain