[defurr]

I own a 2011 911, base model coupe and a 3335i of the same year model, and I am contemplating consolidating them into a brand new M3.

The Porsche currently has 31k miles and the BMW has 65k miles. The Porsche has given me zero problems, and the BMW has been a nightmare. The BMW has been my daily driver since I bought it 16 months ago at 51k miles. To just quickly enumerate its history:

• I immediately put a Cobb Aggressive tune on it.
• Two months in, I replaced charge pipe and tensioner pulley, at recommendation of indy, who
• said serpentine belt was starting to walk.
• Then the Valvetronic solenoid went out. This was $3000 plus two weeks of repair and troubleshooting.
• Then the water pump went.
• After relative calm, I put in a ETS FMIC and bumped the tune up to Stage 1+ FMIC Aggressive. Even more fun, but the occasional CEL.
• Then the oil filter housing gasket went out, ruining my alternator in the process. This repair cost $2700 and included a new battery and a new serpentine belt.
• Just last week, the serpentine belt inexplicably broke. Indy has not yet explained why. God knows what this will cost.

The above constitutes BY FAR the most expense and disruption I’ve had in any car I’ve owned, period. (This track record is not helped by the fact that my last three DDs were Acura/Honda.)

I love the Porsche, but its heavy clutch is brutal in commuter traffic, literally giving me knee aches as a DD. I also have the strong impression of pissing away money when I grind it at 30 MPH back and forth across Dallas streets. I had planned to pay it off (which I will in another year) and keep it as my dream car. As everyone knows, it steers/handles like no other car, but its size is a bit restrictive as an only vehicle.

I could get a pretty good down payment on a brand new M3, spec it out, and I’m sure it would be the best DD I’ve ever owned, with total warranty coverage, etc. But part of me is sick at the notion of being so practical and giving up a car I’ve always dreamed of (the Porsche) just to avoid constant repairs.

I am open to any thoughts/suggestions. Perhaps this is the last major repair I will have with the 335i, and everything will be daffodils and sunshine from here on out. (Its fuel pump hasn’t yet failed. Can’t wait.) Perhaps if I get a custom Cobb tune, the CEL action will stop. But I am just not sure I can rid myself of the lingering sense of mistrust towards this car at this point. Call it PTSD.

[BMWcurious]

Sell the 335i, get physio/fix for the knee, hire a van when you need space Will save you money on psychotherapy. If you cannot fix the knee, swap 911 for auto.

[northbranchroad]

All super common maintenance for these cars, looks like you got a good amount of it out of the way. I have a 11’ 335 and have done all the same stuff as you besides alternator and solenoid issue.

Everyone’s charge pipe breaks, everyone’s water pump goes out between 50-80k, and everyone’s ofhg goes out and if not caught early enough can lead to things like needing a new serpentine belt, alternator, pulleys, etc. issues will always arise with bmw, but surprising a lot of them are very diy friendly if you are somewhat mechanically inclined.

No one can tell you what to do with your cars, just do whatever feels right but I’d personally keep it (because it’s easier to make way faster than an m3, and a good daily driver), and I’m sure the 911 is amazing and you would probably be super sad once it’s sold. Keep both and buy a used m3 when the timing is right and have 3 awesome cars.

Also sell that outdated Cobb and get an of the shelf mhd tune, or a custom tune through them. You will start liking your car even more.

[Gearhead327]

The struggle is real....

[Mean E92]

I hope your engine didn't eat your belt...

[TeinBMW]

Hopefully there isn't more issues that are coming up but your water pump and thermostat will need to be replaced soon. Also if you open to working on the stuff yourself, you could save some money.

Glad your Porsche isn't costing you as much!

[TBM]

Fun fact: Those items you experienced on your N55 are relatively small issues lol.

[GATORB8]

Those service costs look significantly higher than even the dealership. $3k for the valvetronic solenoid?

Sounds like you need a new mechanic more than a new car.

I wonder if your "new" serpentine belt is the old one with oil on it from the OFHG.

[OP3NAIR]

Seems like you previously had the right solution. Daily a Honda, keep the 911.