[ping65810]

I have a 328 and love it. Go with what you want and makes the most sense- you are the one who has to pay for it and deal with the car.

That said, I feel as though a manual 328 is much more fun than an auto 335 simply because it is a manual.

[Dark_Knight_335]

It's definitely on your mind- just DOO IT! Even with the Tri- state and all four seasons, I am definitely regretting nothing.

Of course, there is the occasional body flex, creaks, rattles, and heavier feel off the line due to the 400 or so extra pounds of fluff with the hardtop hardware and its mechanisms, and all the extra reinforcements, and that ever present, albeit slim possibility that the hardtop could screw the pooch and cost you dearly, but once you take it out on a nice day with that top down, you forget about all of that

[fazman]

Originally Posted by pjroberts

Hey Guys - Need some advice on a big decision, or at least opinions.

My "Owner's Choice" lease on my 328 e92 is over and I have to buy it out or do something else. Only 23k, loaded with most options, 6 speed, which is super rare in Texas -- I custom ordered this back in 2010. At the time I could not afford the additional $ for the convertible (and then regret) or really the 335, which was Ok at the time because of the horror stories on the N54 engines (and yet here I am asking about it).

Yes, I have the option to buy a e93 335 with same low miles for same price (about $28K). It's a couple years older, with no warranty left, but only 25K — so very low miles, and I'll continue the low mileage thing. But it's an N54:-) Any insight as to when water pump or other issues I've read about start occurring? Anything I should really check under the hood? The dealer sold this car originally and has serviced it — engine looks pristine (mine is clean too, so I am not sure if it is clean because low miles or massive work:-).

I have 23K with no problems on my 328 and a year of warranty left -- I know everything about the car obviously ... almost perfect shape. Kind of slow tho and well... I would keep the 335 e93 for 3-4 years, driving same low miles (so up to about 60K).

I'm asking all the questions about the engine, but you know how these guys can be. I have emphasized this is to hold me over for my next new one in a few years ... hopefully they connect the dots.

What do you guys think? Or any advice on what to look out for? They are doing a full safety and system check today and detailing tomorrow — but I'm a little nervous when I compare to the warm fuzzy I get with my own 328 coupe. And I will miss the stick. But, I would love to have a convertible again. And go faster...and faster ... oh no!

thanks in advance for any thoughts

Easy... trade your lease in at a place where you find a CPO 335is that you like. The CPO will cover you for 6yr/100k and about a month before your factory warranty (4yr/50k) is about expire... just contact Jeff Steel @ Passport BMW in Maryland and ask him prices to upgrade your CPO to the better Gold or Platinum packages if you really feel like your car is a time bomb. Realistically tho, all cars need maintanence, find a good BMW Indy near you and just get your work done out of pocket instead and you will more than likely come out ahead! Enjoy that N54 in the 2011/2012 335is till it reaches 200k miles and get the most value for your money. N54 FTW!

[XM_Rocks]

Originally Posted by ping65810

I have a 328 and love it. Go with what you want and makes the most sense- you are the one who has to pay for it and deal with the car.

That said, I feel as though a manual 328 is much more fun than an auto 335 simply because it is a manual.

The manual in the E90 isn't very good imo... rubbery and long throws.

Full disclosure I have driven only cars with the CDV as well and I have had a S2000 and a Miata so they have kind of ruined me for other cars.

The 335i thrust can put a smile on your face... especially when passing on the highway.

Just my .02.

[Denton]

No brainer to keep the 328i. 2011 manual and M Sport, what a sweet car.

[pjroberts]

So I purchased he 2009 335 e93, because he made the deal a bit irresistible. Spent some more time with the car after they checked the whole thing out and detailed -- as clean as I kept my 328, and of course it's a rocket just stock. He "threw in" (adjusted price more that he had) an extended warranty. 48 months or 50K from current 25K, and this should take me to when I'm ready for another brand new something. Of course that warranty not exactly same as full factory warranty, but it made it the right choice. And my last test drive made me feel "OK" with the Steptronic, after messing with that semi manual mode a little bit more. No, it's not the same, but the rest of it is mostly better. Missing a few tweaks here and there, like the lock/unlock alarm, which I'm not even sure how I got on the 328, because I didn't order the alarm, and the back up sensor thingy.

I will take a couple shots this weekend. Thanks for the opinions/recommendations.

[bimmette]

Congrats!! Good decision! Looking forward to the pics!