Originally Posted by BoilerUpXFire
Excuse me, it is only 98HP LOL
and 129Ft lb of torque, try and get that out of an M3 for ~$2,000. Pricey Dinan stuff, but powerful as well...
Dinan Cars - Stage 3 Performance Engine Software/Boost Upgrade
And if you want a little less HP and lots less money, visit our friends at EuroCharged, here is 73HP and over 100ft lbs for $600 - $8.20 per HP,
I think this speaks for itself...
335i Performance Engine Software (N54) - Stage 2
Not trying to say the M3 is anything less than awesome, but inexpensive power can be made on that N54 with little investment, and I am with you, there is a point you hit the wall on the OEM turbos, but it doesn't look like the OP wants to break the sound barrier, just get a fast car that looks great and does not destroy a gas pump - E92 N54 335i is a hell of a ride...
That's not 98hp that's 98hp over BMW's claim (which they state in the last sentence of the first paragraph) which I've already proven was much higher via dyno results. I can say Eurocharged's pulley and tune gave me a 100hp increase over stock too, if I use Chrysler's horsepower claim, but in reality it's only like a 70bhp gain which isn't surprising with a boost increase and tune.
You're right though, if he's not looking to push 400whp then he can't really go wrong with any of the cars mentioned. That's where price point comes in, the SRT6 and M3 are a lot cheaper than the 335. At least for a couple more years. That's why I'd still recommend the M3.