[peterg1965]

I have just spent the last 4 hours at the dealership! Previously drove a 335i a few weeks back and I was totally hooked. However, I went out this morning in a 335d auto and a 330i manual. Having spent a fair while with my dealer friend looking at engine options, availability and models (SE Vs M Sport), I think I have now come to a decision based on my budget, which regretably does not stretch to a brand new 335i M Sport.

I looked at an ex BMW management E92 335i SE Auto (reg'd Feb 07, 4000 miles, lots of options inc Pro Nav) that was £35,700. My alternate option, having discounted the diesel (sorry you 'd' fans) is a brand new E92 330i M Sport Auto with toys (Pro Nav, BT, Jade Lthr, 6FL Folding mirrors, 225s) which although is £2K more than the 335i, is cheaper on the finance (cos its new and its on a PCP) and also, in the opinion of the salemen will be a 'better' more sought after and saleable car come resale due to it being an M Sport. I would have to wait until the end of the year for a new 335i M Sport, whereas the 330i is readily available (8 weeks ish) and I would go for Sept delivery.

The 330i does drive nicely, albeit it was a SE on 17" wheels that I drove, and it does make a racous 6 cylinder sound which is what I crave! The 335d was awesome in terms of power delivery and torque, but it makes a diesel noise at idle!

So, I am on the verge of signing the contract for a brand new 330i M Sport Auto. But, before I do what do you people think? The ex management 335i SE or a brand new 330i M Sport???

What a dilemma!

[Dave_3]

Tough one.

Only you will know the answer.

Which will you enjoy owning and driving more?

Don't want to be stuck for a long time with a car that is slightly more sensible (fiscally), if everytime a 335i roars past you kick yourself.

I should have bought a Ford Ka for the miles and type of trips I do. But don't regret getting the 335D at all. Makes me smile when I walk up to it.

If you get the 335i what is the projected difference in trade-in values ? Will you loose substantially more ?

D.

[mjh93sa]

As Dave says it's a question that only you know the answer to.

I think that at some level you know what you really want and just need the confirmation that you making the right decision. Let's face it, all of the options are great and you'll get as many opinions as posts here.

Personally I'd prefer a new car over the used one, more toys over less... and at the moment I'd take the d over the i given the fuel pump issues. But that's just my 1/2p worth

[rjs]

I'd probably go for the 330 as it's new and has more toys.
It's only 0.5 secs slower to 60 than the 335 as well, and its' the M sport, which looks great!
Depends how much that little bit of extra accelleration is worth to you...

[Colonel'K]

I went for the 330i, because of the slightly less firm suspension (in SE form the 335i is not available without sports suspension). Got the 18" (189) wheels, and really like the comfort and road-holding.

No regrets about the 330 engine- it's a peach Plenty of torque for wafting around at leisure, and lots of spine-tingling revs when you want them

You can't really make a bad choice with either 330i or 335i.

[peterg1965]

Thanks! Answers as I expected, I realise the decision is all mine! I too prefer new over used, although having had an ex BMW management car before they are virtually 'as new'.

I am no speed freak, although I like the 6 cylinder petrol noise and to be honest the small differences in performance will be imperceptible to me with the way I drive, I suppose the it comes down to aesthetics - two 'very big' exhaust tail pipes seperated by 1/2" or 36" !! and the 335i badge!

Having seen pictures on this forum of the M Sport it looks subtlely better than the SE..... and if new I can have the colour combo I really want.... The spec for the new (330i M Sport) car is:
Le Mans Blue
Jade Grey Dakota
Dark Grey poplar trim
Automatic gearbox and paddles
Prof Nav
BT and telematics
Voice control
6FL - USB/IPOD Connection
Folding door mirrors
DAB Radio
19" 225 Alloys
Mats

The price is £38,250, which represents a 6% discount, this is good I think. I know you can get more at some internet sites but I actually like my local dealer! Are there any more 'must have' options that I may regret at a later date?? Realise, once again, this comes down to personal opinion but I would hate for a dealer to shake his head comes trade in time and say to me 'if only you had specified ............'

[chrisbin]

I'd go 330i to your own M Sport spec. but of course its personal....

Only thing I'd add is that I got a discount approaching 10%......BMW main dealer, factory order to my own spec......

If you want a name let me know

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by rjs

I'd probably go for the 330 as it's new and has more toys.
It's only 0.5 secs slower to 60 than the 335 as well, and its' the M sport, which looks great!
Depends how much that little bit of extra accelleration is worth to you...

half a sec to 62mph but about 2 secs slower to the ton, thats where the 335i/335d will annihilate the 330i

i personally woudl go for the new car, the 330i :rocks: whatever choice you make im sure it will be the right one!

[squeezebm]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

Thanks! Answers as I expected, I realise the decision is all mine! I too prefer new over used, although having had an ex BMW management car before they are virtually 'as new'.

I am no speed freak, although I like the 6 cylinder petrol noise and to be honest the small differences in performance will be imperceptible to me with the way I drive, I suppose the it comes down to aesthetics - two 'very big' exhaust tail pipes seperated by 1/2" or 36" !! and the 335i badge!

Having seen pictures on this forum of the M Sport it looks subtlely better than the SE..... and if new I can have the colour combo I really want.... The spec for the new (330i M Sport) car is:
Le Mans Blue
Jade Grey Dakota
Dark Grey poplar trim
Automatic gearbox and paddles
Prof Nav
BT and telematics
Voice control
6FL - USB/IPOD Connection
Folding door mirrors
DAB Radio
19" 225 Alloys
Mats

The price is £38,250, which represents a 6% discount, this is good I think. I know you can get more at some internet sites but I actually like my local dealer! Are there any more 'must have' options that I may regret at a later date?? Realise, once again, this comes down to personal opinion but I would hate for a dealer to shake his head comes trade in time and say to me 'if only you had specified ............'

Nice spec,only thing i would add is Hi-Fi or Logic7 as the standard set-up is shite Oh and comfort access is cool!!

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

half a sec to 62mph but about 2 secs slower to the ton, thats where the 335i/335d will annihilate the 330i

i personally woudl go for the new car, the 330i :rocks: whatever choice you make im sure it will be the right one!

Trouble is if I attempted a 'ton' Mr Plod would be sure to find me!

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by squeezebm

Nice spec,only thing i would add is Hi-Fi or Logic7 as the standard set-up is shite Oh and comfort access is cool!!

So is HiFi and Logic 7 really that much better?

[rjs]

I've got hi-fi and that sounds rather good to me

If I was on a budget there are other things i would rather have than logic 7. It's not cheap although i'm sure it's good

[NFS]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

I have just spent the last 4 hours at the dealership! Previously drove a 335i a few weeks back and I was totally hooked. However, I went out this morning in a 335d auto and a 330i manual. Having spent a fair while with my dealer friend looking at engine options, availability and models (SE Vs M Sport), I think I have now come to a decision based on my budget, which regretably does not stretch to a brand new 335i M Sport.

I looked at an ex BMW management E92 335i SE Auto (reg'd Feb 07, 4000 miles, lots of options inc Pro Nav) that was £35,700. My alternate option, having discounted the diesel (sorry you 'd' fans) is a brand new E92 330i M Sport Auto with toys (Pro Nav, BT, Jade Lthr, 6FL Folding mirrors, 225s) which although is £2K more than the 335i, is cheaper on the finance (cos its new and its on a PCP) and also, in the opinion of the salemen will be a 'better' more sought after and saleable car come resale due to it being an M Sport. I would have to wait until the end of the year for a new 335i M Sport, whereas the 330i is readily available (8 weeks ish) and I would go for Sept delivery.

The 330i does drive nicely, albeit it was a SE on 17" wheels that I drove, and it does make a racous 6 cylinder sound which is what I crave! The 335d was awesome in terms of power delivery and torque, but it makes a diesel noise at idle!

So, I am on the verge of signing the contract for a brand new 330i M Sport Auto. But, before I do what do you people think? The ex management 335i SE or a brand new 330i M Sport???

What a dilemma!

330i is quick enough, but it's not top of the range any more.

Nearly new really isn't the bargain at main dealers that it should be. Personally I would really work hard to attack the 'new' prices of both cars then choose from there.

I would also ditch the auto in both cases.

[Colonel'K]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

So is HiFi and Logic 7 really that much better?

Coming from my old E46 saloon, the bog-standard E92 system is much better, especially the sub-woofer. It was good enough for me- I'm no audio geek, but know what I like when I hear it

[Slaz]

Logic 7 is superb and worth every penny in my opinion. One factor in my decision to get it was that I use my iPod a lot via the AUX input and many of the tracks on the iPod are at lower volume than you get off a CD/radio etc..

The extra amplification available with the L7 makes this a non-issue, whereas when I recently had an E90 320d SE loan car with the standard stereo there were a number of tracks where even on max volume the iPod was too quiet.

If you love music you will kick yourself if you don't go for L7 basically. It has real precision and depth of sound - the best I've ever heard from a factory set up.

[330cdsport]

I had the Harman Kardon setup in my last E46 330cd - which was excellent - so I sort of had to go for Logic 7 or I would have been very underwhelmed.

I am well pleased that I did as it is even better than the HK.

[squeezebm]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

So is HiFi and Logic 7 really that much better?

Oh yes, i didn't spec any upgrade to system as my E60 sounded awesome in standard spec,i'm no expert but however i set up my stereo in the E92 it sounds nowhere near as good popped into stealers listened to a E92 with Hi-Fi upgrade loads better than standard

[rjs]

Originally Posted by squeezebm

Oh yes, i didn't spec any upgrade to system as my E60 sounded awesome in standard spec,i'm no expert but however i set up my stereo in the E92 it sounds nowhere near as good popped into stealers listened to a E92 with Hi-Fi upgrade loads better than standard

I cranked mine up this morning (Hi-Fi), it sounds great, bass is really good as well. the logic 7 must be amazing.

[squeezebm]

Originally Posted by rjs

I cranked mine up this morning (Hi-Fi), it sounds great, bass is really good as well. the logic 7 must be amazing.

Are you trying to make me feel better for only having a Audioline set-up If so i hope your ABBA cd gets scratched

[peterg1965]

Back to the subject at hand!

I have spent the day looking at finance options on the 330i M Sport, calling different finance houses/Brokers to get PCP quotes to beat BMW Finance, which at 10.9% APR is taking the mickey!

I am slightly perplexed by the range of Guaranteed future values offered; from £13.5K to £17K over 4 years, and also the monthly payments and the APR's. What strikes me is the huge amount of interest incurred over a 4 year PCP. In the case of BMW Finance the Interest is a whopping £9,500

I am not in the fortuitous position of a cash purchase, but can afford the high monthly payments (asset rich, cash poor I think is the phrase!). An alternate option is two personal loans to cover the finance amount, it being over £25K. The interest incurred at 6 - 7% APR is much more palitable, around £6900 over a 6 year term, which gives similar monthly payments and saves over £2500 in Interest. The other advantage is that the car is mine with no mileage limits. I am unilkely to keep the 330i for four years, my only proviso in all this is that the car should always be worth more than I owe on it! This is more likely to be the case with a Personal Loan IMHO.

Has anyone else gone down the PCP route?

[BC4J]

Originally Posted by peterg1965

Back to the subject at hand!

I have spent the day looking at finance options on the 330i M Sport, calling different finance houses/Brokers to get PCP quotes to beat BMW Finance, which at 10.9% APR is taking the mickey!

I am slightly perplexed by the range of Guaranteed future values offered; from £13.5K to £17K over 4 years, and also the monthly payments and the APR's. What strikes me is the huge amount of interest incurred over a 4 year PCP. In the case of BMW Finance the Interest is a whopping £9,500

I am not in the fortuitous position of a cash purchase, but can afford the high monthly payments (asset rich, cash poor I think is the phrase!). An alternate option is two personal loans to cover the finance amount, it being over £25K. The interest incurred at 6 - 7% APR is much more palitable, around £6900 over a 6 year term, which gives similar monthly payments and saves over £2500 in Interest. The other advantage is that the car is mine with no mileage limits. I am unilkely to keep the 330i for four years, my only proviso in all this is that the car should always be worth more than I owe on it! This is more likely to be the case with a Personal Loan IMHO.

Has anyone else gone down the PCP route?

I looked into it before ordering my 335d. BMW Finance are currently offering a deal at 8.1% APR with a £1250 contribution towards your deposit. You have to take the PCP out for 3 years and register the car before 29 June - though the dealer thought this might well be extended. Even so, it worked out to be about £3250 in interest (after netting off the £1250) over the three years, based on 15K miles per annum and £25K financed. In the end I went with a Northern Rock personal loan - 6.2% APR (3.2% Flat) and over a grand saved in interest.

[peterg1965]

Originally Posted by BC4J

I looked into it before ordering my 335d. BMW Finance are currently offering a deal at 8.1% APR with a £1250 contribution towards your deposit. You have to take the PCP out for 3 years and register the car before 29 June - though the dealer thought this might well be extended. Even so, it worked out to be about £3250 in interest (after netting off the £1250) over the three years, based on 15K miles per annum and £25K financed. In the end I went with a Northern Rock personal loan - 6.2% APR (3.2% Flat) and over a grand saved in interest.

Hi BC4J, regretably that BMW Finance incentive is limited to the E90/E91 3 Series (and other incentives exist for the 1 and 5 Series). It does not, and in the opinion of the finance manager at my dealership, will not be applied to the E92/E93 in the foreseeable future. I suppose those cars sell themselves with no need to offer cheap money.

Still makes me a little annoyed that the BMW PCP finance is 10.9% APR, there is a bit of negotiation on this, I suspect, but not that much.