[Gator328i]

I'm facing a decision and I'd be interested to get some opinions:

My 328i is paid off so I'm tempted to take 5 grand and add a BMW performance exhaust, new set of 18" wheels, and BMW performance suspension to it.

On the other hand, I could take that 5 grand and put it towards a CPO 335, but then I'm stuck with payments for 3 or 4 years.

By modifying the 328, I get a nice, but underpowered, customized car exactly how I want it free and clear.

By buying a CPO 335, I get a more powerful car that will basically have all the upgrades I would have added to the 328, plus 70 more bhp and 100 more lbs/ft of torque. But then of course I'm back to cracking that nut every month.

What's the better way to go?

[Alen E90]

ive also got a 328 and i have honestly been thinking the same exact thing for the past few weeks now

[JBE90335]

if you have an extra 5 grand just trade in your car+5 grand. That should get you a decent 335.

[QC335]

335

[E90 87ss]

If you aren't satisfied with the power don't do it. I limit the mods on my car. Looking for something faster, but equally as reliable...

[gatoman39]

modding the car makes it harder to sell. I would keep the 328i stock and enjoy it for what it is and still relish in the amazing handling and vault like structure and place 5k in a savings account. Once you're ready to sell the 328i use the proceeds plus the 5k you saved and gained interest on to buy what you really want. Which will probably be a 4 series coupe or what ever they want to call it F32, etc...

[Gator328i]

Originally Posted by GMAC63

if you have an extra 5 grand just trade in your car+5 grand. That should get you a decent 335.

Ordinarily I would, but if I get the 335 I want to keep the 328 as my back-up vehicle. I know it doesn't make sense to keep it but knowing I have a paid-off car just gives me a lot of comfort.

That's basically the deal I've made with myself when I was budgeting this money: no matter which way I go the 328 stays in-house.

[Gator328i]

Originally Posted by gatoman39

modding the car makes it harder to sell. I would keep the 328i stock and enjoy it for what it is and still relish in the amazing handling and vault like structure and place 5k in a savings account. Once you're ready to sell the 328i use the proceeds plus the 5k you saved and gained interest on to buy what you really want. Which will probably be a 4 series coupe or what ever they want to call it F32, etc...

The mods I'd be doing would be all BMW performance parts (including Style 230 wheels) so they would actually enhance the resale value of it, not erode it.

Plus, I plan on keeping this car for a while. Trading it isn't an option at this time.

[JBE90335]

then just keep it and mod it. Love my 328, great for everyday power and super reliable. I never "race" anyone so don't really need the 335i.

[N55]

Instead of the $5k on the 328 I would go with the 335.

[Dark_Knight_335]

Allow me to share my story, if i may.

I had a 328xi coupe, and it was a lease. I put a shit load of mods into it, mostly cosmetic, because God knows you can't get a hell of a lot more horsepower out of an N52- I know, I've tried early on then gave up when reality hit.

At the end of the day, it still wasn't enough. I compare it to a super sweet girlfriend that was reliable, and always there for you but just didn't put out.

A lot of money went into her, and I fell in love again for a short time each time I put on this mod, or that mod, but at the end of the day, she doesn't didn't do it for me (especially after several 335 loaners- damn you BMW!)

I bit the bullet, traded in 3 months early, and traded up to a 2011 335 M-sport convertible, fully loaded to the teeth.

I couldn't be happier. I only wish I did it sooner instead of dumping shitloads of money into a car I knew wouldn't do it for me long term.

Thankfully, the majority of my mods were sold again, and I ended up making up a good part the money.

In my heart I knew all it all along, from the moment I drove off the lot with it, still eyeing that 335 M-sport in the corner that was JUST out of reach...if I had only had just a few more months on that lease of my 2006 325, who knows...

You already have your answer, you know what you need to do. Good luck.

[DDS2015]

If it were me I'd put the money in a savings account for a couple of months and try not to think about it. Then when I came back to it (say 6 months later) I'd know for sure what I wanted to do with it. Frankly though I'd save up a little more and get an M3 over a 335.

[Catalina Wine Mixer]

335i

[davidkotok]

don't spend any money modding a 328, get a cpo 335i.

The cpo warranty is actually great, I would try to get a 2 year old one so you get 2 years of full warranty and 2 years of CPO.

[Jace_91]

I would definitely just trade the 328 for a 335. I think you will be much happier in the gains, and nothing you do to the 328 will bring it close to the performance level of a 335. Plus its basically the same car otherwise so you don't have to have the 328 as a back-up. since the only variable on the 335 breaking is the turbos/ waste gate and thats covered.

Plus if you put down 5k and make good payments you'll own the 335 shortly. Also regardless of the mods you make, having any performance mods is going to limit your buyers when you go to sell.