I just sold my 2007 BMW 335i and bought a used 997 Carrera. I've always wanted a Porsche and I finally decided to sell the BMW and look for a used 997 in good condition to use for a daily driver. Both the sale of the BMW and Porsche purchase happened last week. First of all, I have to say that the 335i is just well built car and a great all-rounder. I had all the bells and whistles built-in to my beemer from the factory. The overall materials and build quality, especially the interior, was top-notch. After driving a Corvette Z06 for a few years, the BMW spoiled me in terms of comfort. After getting more familiar with the Porsche this weekend, I find that the interior build quality isn't as good as my BMW. As expected, the interior is noisier. I love the rumble and revving of the motor behind me, but I don't like the rattle of the passenger seat and and squeaks and jitters I hear all about me. That said, I was all smiles every time I ran it through the gears and tore into curves wishing I was in the hills of northern Italy or on the German autobahn. When I stepped out of the 911 this evening, I was glad to part of the P-club. I guess I just need to get used to being in a sportier car and all that goes with it. I just hope my self-inflicted hype of Porsche greatness didn't set the bar too high for my first Porsche to achieve.

 

I'm sure you can fix the passenger seat rattle?
I haven't been in a Porsche that squeaks or rattles.
Is it faster than your 335?

Congrats on the car btw.

 

Wow . First congrats on the car and welcome to 6speed. I am very familiar with the 3 series as it's been either a second car or even a primary car at times . I currently have an M3 with all the bells .

I can't even compare it to a Porsche . Yes it's comfortable and less edgy and a great daily car . Yes it has a passenger seat which doesn't rattle . But I think the interior dash is awful . The seats are good but so are the Sports Adaptive . The manual shifter has a terrible position and gear throws lack the precision of the 997 . The 335 has some issues that the M3 doesn't have . I post on a BMW forum and posts of overheating and limp mode engine has been discussed on that forum . 2007 was the first year of that Turbo engine and there are quite a few owners who question its long term reliability . I can go on and comment that I had an 06 330i launch car and the 335i was released before I even changed the oil . BMW is notorious for frequent revisions --not lately though .

I don't drive my Turbo every day . Part of me considers a 997S to replace my third car at some point . The 3 series will always be a good car. I like it but am not in love with it.

Good luck in coming to terms with some of emotions of the changing aspects of your driving experience . Best wishes with the car.

 

I also came from a 335i coupe to a 997S. I had no problems with the BMW, but had major issues with how BMWNA just screwed over so many people who were unlucky enough to have problems with the high pressure fuel pump. They even had the guts to blame one owner filling the car with 10% ethanol, which is seen in many gas pumps in California. There have been so many horror stories with a brand new car stalling and leaving the new owner stranded. When the car works, it's great. But I just could not stand how BMW just turned their head the other way. I've been a Bimmerphile for years, but ever since BMW inappropriately addressed the high pressure fuel pump issues I won't ever go back to them. When I'm back in the market for another car, it won't be a Bimmer...I'll most likely consider an Audi. As for the 997S...everyone else can re-iterate how great it is in almost every sports car aspect. It's definitely no luxury car...and it wasn't designed to be one.

 

Congrats on the new car, enjoy it and drive the car like you stole it!

 

Being a new porsche owner, I haven't had the opportunity to deal with PCNA yet. How well do they respond to customer issues?

 

Welcome to the Pcar club and congrats on your new car.

I too came from an 07 E92 coupe, it's a fun car but no where near the 997 league. I cant comment on the interior build of the 997.1 but my 997.2 interior is far more superior than the E92. The new NAV alone is worth the money of the car.

Be safe and enjoy her in good health.

 

Welcome aboard...I too have owned many BMW's including a 03 325i, 2 E46 M3's and now I currently have as a DD a 08 328i. I will actually agree with you on the build quality of the BMW. My 997S has been flawless with no rattles but they are just so different cars.

Anyway welcome aboard, the PCar will grow on you trust me. I kind of felt the same way when I got out of my 04 E46 M3 which I totally just loved. It did take some getting used to...now I am totally in love with my 997S and it truly has become one with me.

Dave

 

Congratulations, and welcome to the Porsche world. I joined it 2 years ago and don't regret it a bit. I even sold my C55AMG after confirming the Porsche would meet all my needs as a daily driver AND a fun car. You should be able to fix the squeaks and rattles. I don't have any, and I have a Targa. You can't do much about road noise except try to find smooth pavement and have good tires.
I swear that my car feels better and runs stronger every week. Enjoy.

 

I came from a 8 month stint in an E92 M3 to the 997.2 and I feel the interior in the porsche is far more to my liking, though wouldn't say superior necessarily. The E92 is pretty top notch when it comes to regular cars, but to me (at least my porsche) has the supercar hand-worked look and feel to it. Mine has the double stitching and the GT2 CF back seats with suede headliner. The interior look and feel is very similar to my buddy's 06 gallardo, which I feel is very refined and quality looking.

 

welcome! curious, did you trade in the 335 or sell privately?

both cars are fantastic.

 

I appreciate all the comments and especially the welcomes...thanks! The passenger seat "rattle" is a bad description. What's actually happening is the seat back is vibrating at idle. I've had the fortune of not having any issues with the BMW, BMWNA, etc. I sold the BMW privately. The other noises can't be heard with low volume music playing. Those of you with the upgraded interior are right, I'd say the quality is equal or even more in Porsche's favor. The top-notch Porsche interior is pretty classy. Unfortunately, the used Porsche I bought has the basic interior, but that's my own darn fault for not shopping around a bit more. Bottom line is that those of you inferring that I shouldn't compare the two cars are right on so I will cease and desist cause the 911 is...well...a 911 and now I own one and I'm going to enjoy every mile I put on it as I drive it like I stole it! :-)

 

I have both a loaded 08 BMW 335 coupe and a loaded 05 Carrera. You really cannot compare the two vehicles. The road noise in a 997 is way more than any BMW. Larger tires (19s), less insulation, and an engine in your ears!!! I have no rattles or unusual noises in the 997. My Carrera is tricked out with the full leather package and it is very close, if not nicer than the BMW interior. The NAVs both blow compared to a Lexus or Acura but these are driver cars. The BMW of course is more usable but face it, you aren't doing the McFlurry thing in the Porsche. Go out..drive it like you stole it and never look back

 

You gotta have the full leather interior to compare the 997 to the BMW. I regret not getting it whenever I see a porsche that has all that nice stitching. The basic interior is pretty sad with all the cheap plastics. I mean, put a little tiny slice of leather on the door panels for $100 grand for chissakes! And I was shocked at the little change holder in the 997's center console. I love how the coins rattle around in the 3 plastic fins molded in. My BMW had an awesome spring loaded change dispenser. (it is sometimes the little things that bug you) I also don't think there is anything in a BMW as flimsy as the center console of the 997. But, my hand wavered on the option sheet concerning the leather interior and that is my bad.
I am glad however, that the pennies they pinched on the interior were put into things that I am appreciating more every day. Like the great shifter! My M3 had a crappy, notchy shifter. The new M3 was exactly the same. Considering how much you use the darn thing, I would have wished BMW took the item more seriously. The 997 also has a wonderful motor, with both power and economy. Those engineers are surely crafty! Porsche also spent some extra money on the brakes, which continue to amaze me. I never had much luck with BMW brakes! Anyway, I am still very excited about getting to know my 997. What initially felt bizarre in the handling of the car, is now starting to make sense to me. I am waiting for 2K miles so I can start doing some autocrosses! And, At this point of ownership, my M3 was already feeling like old shoes. I just wish porsche would spend some time on things like the interior and stereo quality.

 

I think all of us here did not buy the Porsche for the interiors, since cars costing 1/4 the price have nicer interiors. These are driver's car after all.

The thought of a M3 did cross my mind while I was shopping for my Porsche. A test drive in a 997 quickly buried that thought.