Julie,
Seeing as we're both BMW-fans, I highly recommend you test an S4. I tested one at Crosby Audi in Kitchener a couple months ago.
In short, I was impressed. The car goes like stink. Simply endless amounts of power on tap. It's definitely underrated...gotta be closer to 350hp.
I goosed the 135i the whole way there and back so I had something to compare it to before and after. The S4 definitely has more power on the high end, but very comparable off the line and mid-range. It took me a bit to get used to the transmission in the S4, so that may account for the difference.
It handles like it's on rails. I took it up and down a few highway ramps at silly speeds and it was completely unshakable. It felt incredibly solid. Glued. It also rides a little softer than my car...the BMW rides rougher, feels almost "sportier".
The interior is beautiful, but there seemed to be too much going on. I didn't spend any time playing with all the buttons. I just looked down at the dash when I got in and it looked complicated and busy. That's what I love about the 1 series (and BMWs in general), the interiors are always so simple and clutter-free. Steering wheel was nice...but not thick enough. I've been spoiled with the meaty BMW/M sport wheels.
Incredible seats but I would definitely skip the option for the leather inserts. I prefer the standard alcantra. I sat in an A4 S Line and they were much "grippier". Same seats otherwise. The backseats are much bigger than the 335i.
My next car will need 4 doors. Having recently driven a 335i sedan with sport package...it would be a tough decision between the 335i sedan (none xDrive) and S4.
You obviously won't regret the test drive. The manager at Crosby (Dan) was the previous manager at BMW Waterloo I dealt with while purchasing my 135i in 2008. The salesman (Dino) at Crosby was also at BMW Waterloo at the time. Tell them Dave sent another possible BMW convert their way
![Wink ;)](https://www.autos.ca/forum/Smileys/CarTalk/wink.gif)
Anyways, back on topic; love the idea of the 335is but I'd probably go with Dinan or BMW Performance and save some money. What I'd REALLY like from BMW is a stripped-down, light-weight, performance oriented "tii" versions of the 1 series and 3 series. The 335is is getting too close to ///M territory...especially since BMW is likely dropping the V8 from the next M3.