Hi all,

Looking for some advice on my next car, will most likely stick with BMW as I like the build quality, the way the drive/handle and I have a v good local specialist. Currently I have a 53 Z4 3.0 which for 5+ years has been awesome (except 1 costly spring collapse taking out the tyre and now the roof motor has started to die). My budget is prob my car + £5-6k, so say £11k or so.

I want something a little more comfy as I'm not driving to the station + gym daily (20ish miles a day) and also for weekend use, also I want 4 doors next, however I want something a bit faster than my Z4, been lucky to drive some fast cars so the Z feels pretty slow now. .

I was thinking a 335i 335d or 535d - (all would be remapped). I don't want massive M style running costs ideally, or £500 tax and sub 25mpg on the combined.

Problem is most of these are autos, I'd love an auto if it's good but what are the general thoughts on the 3 series Auto boxes? Are they all the same throughout the years on the E90's? I noticed the 5 series got a step box from 2007 (LCI) onwards, how does that compare to the 3 series box and the pre LCI 5 series boxes?
I've driven RS4, S4 (2013 + 2009) recently and they had amazing auto boxes, but I doubt the BM's will be as good due to age etc.

Any other models I've missed out? Trying to find some locally at dealers to test drive, I'd rather have a manual but these seem v rare on the 335i and I don't think they even made them in manual for the 335d/535d's.

I'd really appreciate any replies.