[3Putt]

I don't like the headlights on my 2011 328i so I'm thinking of trading backwards to a 2009 that has xenon headlights.

Mechanically the '09 and '11 are pretty much samey-same right?

My car is a sedan and the '09 is a coupe with the sports package. Mileage is about the same but I would be giving up 1 year of warranty.

Thanks

[CruzS4e92]

lots of ridiculous threads in here but this one might take the taco, pal.

Your car either doesn't have the premium package or wasn't ordered with the xenon lights. model year has nothing to do with your car having xenons or not. all 335s have them.

all coupes have xenons.

[taibanl]

Also, if you're going to a 2009 coupe, you are going from an LCI sedan to a pre-LCI coupe

[ChipB]

Depending on mileage this may work out OK for you, as long as you'll be pocketing a few thousand dollars in the exchange. You are making money on this deal, right?

[fazman]

Originally Posted by 3Putt

I don't like the headlights on my 2011 328i so I'm thinking of trading backwards to a 2009 that has xenon headlights.

Mechanically the '09 and '11 are pretty much samey-same right?

My car is a sedan and the '09 is a coupe with the sports package. Mileage is about the same but I would be giving up 1 year of warranty.

Thanks

If your trading backwards... why not get a 2008-2010 335? I mean at least move a step up?

[3Putt]

Originally Posted by ChipB

Depending on mileage this may work out OK for you, as long as you'll be pocketing a few thousand dollars in the exchange. You are making money on this deal, right?

I haven't gone to look at it yet but the dealer is asking about the same for it as he is a few other '11 sedans just like mine. Another question is are the coupes worth more just because?

I had to look up LCI. I don't think that will bother me, I'm more concerned with the motor or if the 09's are known for a bad batch of (fill in defective BMW part here).

[Stance321]

Not sure about your latest question. Do you like the looks of coupes more than sedans? It's all preference man. Don't think logically, get what makes you happy to drive in.

In my opinion - I would not move down years

[Mardio]

I would not do it.

[3Putt]

I do like the coupe but I'm looking at it because I can't find anything newer around here with xenons. I love my car but the older I get the harder it is to see at night.

[Gizm0]

Wouldn't it be easier/more cost effective to retrofit xenon headlights in your current car rather than changing for a car that's two years older?

[3Putt]

The coupe is two years older but has fewer miles and I like the looks of it better than mine. Seeing better at night is more important than any money lost in a trade. I bought the '11 used so I wouldn't take a big hit on depreciation. Even if I did you only live once and you can't take it with you.

I asked the dealer about retro fitting, aftermarket, anything, and was told nothing could be done. OEM upgrades are usually not doable on the bike side so I figured the same with their cars.

[CoffeeBean]

This is purely personal preference. Many differences here: sedan vs coupe, probably different colors/interior, maybe some other feature differences. I can vouch that the xenons are great, and look so good at night with LED angel eyes. You'll also like the lowered height of the sport package suspension and the 18" wheels, big difference in appearance there, plus the nicer steering wheel. I've driven a 328i vert without the sport package, but didn't push it so I can't say how much better the handling is. Ride quality seemed about the same as mine when it had runflat tires aka pretty bad. Also, which model year it is doesn't matter if you like the car, and you don't care about any cost difference and warranty difference. Mechanically they are the same.

[3Putt]

Originally Posted by Ross328i

This is purely personal preference. Many differences here: sedan vs coupe, probably different colors/interior, maybe some other feature differences. I can vouch that the xenons are great, and look so good at night with LED angel eyes. You'll also like the lowered height of the sport package suspension and the 18" wheels, big difference in appearance there, plus the nicer steering wheel. I've driven a 328i vert without the sport package, but didn't push it so I can't say how much better the handling is. Ride quality seemed about the same as mine when it had runflat tires aka pretty bad. Also, which model year it is doesn't matter if you like the car, and you don't care about any cost difference and warranty difference. Mechanically they are the same.

Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

[CoffeeBean]

Originally Posted by 3Putt

Just what I was looking for. Thank you!

No problem, I noticed the others weren't really answering your question. (no offense)

Here are my xenons at dusk. What's not to like? BTW I said 18" wheels, but meant 17". The 328 sedan with sport package has 17", whereas the 335 has 18". Think it's the same for the coupe.

[Myrder]

Just retrofit xenons...why get an entirely different car for headlights....

[brinkmann]

Originally Posted by CruzS4e92

lots of ridiculous threads in here but this one might take the taco, pal.

I had the same reaction, but refrained from railing him haha.

Btw.. did someone say tacos?!

[rondocap]

[Dinamita25]

Don't do a trade if you wont be profiting!! Sell your car for more, buy an 09 coupe , and pocket a few grand..

[3Putt]

Originally Posted by CruzS4e92

lots of ridiculous threads in here but this one might take the taco, pal.

Your car either doesn't have the premium package or wasn't ordered with the xenon lights. model year has nothing to do with your car having xenons or not. all 335s have them.

all coupes have xenons.

I can handle getting flamed but is it that dumb of a question? All I asked was besides one being a sedan and the other a coupe, are there any major differences mechanically between the two years. FWIW my 328i xDrive does have the premium package. Xenon headlights are part of the Convenience Package or you can get them as an à la carte add on.

I did not ask what years have what lights. Reading is hard.

As far how smart it is to trade down that's open to debate. My car is long since paid for so it's not like I'd take out a new loan on a older car. If I can go in and just trade keys, maybe even put a little cash in my pocket, and walk out with a car I like better, I say why not? Life is short.

[3Putt]

Originally Posted by Dinamita25

Don't do a trade if you wont be profiting!! Sell your car for more, buy an 09 coupe , and pocket a few grand..

I thought about this too, problem being once I sell my car I'd need to buy something asap and 328 coupes with xDrive are scarce.

[Miller335]

I think it was how you lead into it, the head lights.

But otherwise I see your point.

The non-lci sport coupes have a look all their own esp in the right color, I have a taste for all cars and I must say when I first saw my 07 sport coupe I was blown away with how sharp it looked and not many regular cars do that for me.

I don't like the halogen rings though, I would like to find a good a replacement to get the rings white like the xenon headlamps.

[Meeni]

Why not an aftermarket headlight kit, or an OEM retrofit? You are going to spend money to get an older car. That cannot make sense anyway you look at it.