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      12-31-2012, 12:30 AM   #1
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Test drove a couple coupes today, impressions and what to do now?

Hey everyone,

I am a recent college grad and am trying to get together the funds for a new car. I have been infatuated with the m3 and lately the 335i for a while now and decided I needed a test drive to confirm what I was looking for.

First drive was a '12 335i coupe auto. Felt solid, very smooth, and had a great feeling of torque on tap. The ride was firm but comfortable. The seats and overall quality of interior were excellent! The motor just felt awesome though. I really get why you guys love these things so much, it was adequate and fast. No noticeable turbo lag, more like a little bit of tranny lag. Some minor hesitation upon throttle, but then it would rip.

Second drive was a '11 328i coupe auto. This felt good, just not AS good as the 335i that I just stepped out of. The seats were leatherette and the steering wheel did not feel as thick or comfortable. Otherwise, the power train was smooth and quick. Felt really good and did not feel slow at all. It just did not feel as good as the 335i. The salesman threw it into sport mode and I immediately appreciated the quicker downshifts and snappier up shifts. Made me consider an auto...

Overall these cars had a solid tight feel to them which I really enjoyed. The red leather seats in the 335i were really nice.

Now I just need to figure out what I am going to do. It seems this trip to the dealer raised more questions than it answered. Now I am all over the board with sedan, coupe, manual, auto, but I think it is safe to say I will be getting the 335i for that motor.

What are thoughts of using bmws graduate program (low monthly payments with balloon) or do you think a used one with around 50k mi will be reliable for years to come? (I have read a lot of threads on here about reliability, so I am just wondering how much cash I may have to put out over the next 50k mi for parts/labor if I buy used)

It is tough for me to weigh these options. I could get a new car built to my spec with covered maintenance and warranty for 50k, I would just be spending around 50k total on the car over 5-7 yrs... OR get a used one, which I am worried could be headache.

Thanks for reading!
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      12-31-2012, 12:34 AM   #2
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Congrats on completing college. When I was out of college, I bought a used 335i. However, up in Canada they are much more expensive. If you can afford a new 2012, I would do that. Otherwise, keep in mind housing. I also went with a used one so that I could still qualify for a mortgage and I bought a condo. My condo is much more of an investment than a car!

Have fun!
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      12-31-2012, 12:35 AM   #3
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Both 328i and 335i are fun in their own ways. You may want to check out the new F30 328i as well (the 2013 sedan) because the performance is almost on par with the 2007-2012 335i. I am not too familiar with the graduate programs but I know that they have BMW Select and regular leases, now is the time to do the deal so that you can take advantage of the Happier New Year event. I think it expires on January 2nd but am not too sure.

Good luck!
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      12-31-2012, 12:54 AM   #4
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I'd never buy a new car but I understand how some people don't like that feeling of wearing someone else's old clothes.

If buying used doesn't make you feel weird and you want reliability then buy a used car with a warranty intact.

If you want to save a lot your best bet is finding a used car, out of warranty, and do your best to find a non-modified car and have it checked out by a 3rd party shop before buying.
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      12-31-2012, 06:58 AM   #5
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If you buy a new one, it'll be the last year model. Depreciation will be terrible when the new model comes out and you'll be driving yesterday's model in a few months.

It's all up to you. I bought mine new a year after graduating too. But I had to buy new as it was a brand new model. I'd personally recommend getting the new one that comes out next year if you're doing new. You'll get to drive the "latest" body style for 7 years.

The photos for the new ones look amazing. Considering that the new coupe will be using essentially the same engine as in the outgoing 335i, I'd feel good about getting the new model. Unlike the current 335i back in 07, it was the first time BMW had a turbo'd inline 6. Great engine but there were it's kinks early on, mostly which have been resolved.

If you're set with the e92, I'd recommend going with an 07 to 10 e92 335i for the N54 motor (or new 335is). They're awesome motors with great potential when modded.
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      12-31-2012, 07:37 AM   #6
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You test drove the 335 before the 328. Actually driving the 335 before OR after is going to make a it a hard sell to go for a 328. Not bashing at all, but it is definitely a different feel in the pedal. I had a 328 coupe before this car. It was reliable, with smooth power delivery you had to lay into to get to, and satisfying for the most part. Once I took the 335 out though, for me at least, I fell in love- hard.
If your finances allow, then get the 335, or you'll regret it. I stress 'if your finances allow'. You're still young and you don't want to be working for your car. Just be responsible driving. Better plan right along for the balloon at the end. It's a common and very financially disastrous mistake. Save here and there, put a fund aside. Good luck.

Last edited by Dark_Knight_335; 12-31-2012 at 07:46 AM..
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      12-31-2012, 08:53 AM   #7
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+1 on the depreciation. Within days of driving off the dealer lot, you've lost a good 15% off your cash. Unless you can find a killer incentive on the outgoing model. Also keep in mind the more complex a car is, the more it will cost in upkeep. The 335i does have more tech wizardry than the 328i but there are more things to cost you down the line (if you intend to keep the car past warranty). Not saying that's a showstopper, but just something to be aware about.

As far as the transmission goes, it used to be that automatics were inferior on shift speeds and fuel economy. But the new crop of automatics equal or surpass the manuals in both areas, thanks to advancements in control algorithms. But BMW is probably one of the last remaining OEMs putting out high quality state-of-the-art manual trannies as manistream. A few years down the line, manuals may not exist anymore when EVs and hybrids proliferate. Something to consider, especially if you are the sporty kind of driver which it seems like you are... Personally, I am a firm believer in manuals and every car I've owned has been a manual.

I would also recommend the Sport Package in whatever you're getting. It comes with better front seats and a slightly lowered, stiffer suspension than stock.
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      12-31-2012, 09:20 AM   #8
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get a honda or toyota. It is more economical for a recent grad. BMW can get expensive really fast
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      12-31-2012, 09:50 AM   #9
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I was in the same shoes a couple months ago. I'm a recent college grad too, and I ended up going with a CPO'd 335XI coupe. I had it checked out and everything was ok so I went for it. I have no regrets about the car so far. Im at 49k miles now. You can find a good preowned one, it'll just take some time and patience.

You def wont be disappointed if you get a 335 but it will cost more to maintain than a 328 in the long run so keep that in mind (i think it's worth it for the performance you get out of it though). That new 4 series is on its way but if you like the E92 and have the means for a new one go for it, just know that you will get hit with that depreciation like everyone says.

I've been in the car business for a few years and I would advise you to NOT do a balloon program, that payment in the end is a bitch and not worth it IMO. Your better off going new or CPO. Good luck though
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      12-31-2012, 10:17 AM   #10
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Whatever you buy, buy it outright. Don't collect debt, especially as a college grad entering a depressed economy. I waited until I could buy mine outright.
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      12-31-2012, 10:33 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer Barney View Post
Whatever you buy, buy it outright. Don't collect debt, especially as a college grad entering a depressed economy. I waited until I could buy mine outright.
you sounds very much like Warren Buffett...

Whatever you end up buying, make sure you are absolutely in love with it. If 328 is not doing it for you, stick with 335.

If you can buy it outright, awesome!!! but not everyone can. What I suggest is never buy a car worth more than 33% of your gross income. So Buy a $50k car only if you're making $150k give or take a few. That just makes sure that you have plenty of $ left for everything else that life throws your way.
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      12-31-2012, 10:38 AM   #12
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You didnt test drive teh 335is ? You missing out on alot
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      12-31-2012, 10:39 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer Barney View Post
Whatever you buy, buy it outright. Don't collect debt, especially as a college grad entering a depressed economy. I waited until I could buy mine outright.
with 0% APR or 0.9% APR it really makes no sense to buy outright for many people, unless you have alot of EXTRA cash.
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      12-31-2012, 11:02 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
with 0% APR or 0.9% APR it really makes no sense to buy outright for many people, unless you have alot of EXTRA cash.
Even then it doesn't make sense. Invest the cash and use BMW's money for the car.

Unless you have a gold-plated job with a massive signing bonus, I cannot imagine buying a new $40-50K car in this economy as a recent graduate. And even then, put the bonus in the bank, you will likely need it someday.

But if you do, and can afford it, I would be contrary and say get a 328i with the manual transmission. More than fast enough to get your license shredded, a little cheaper to buy, a little cheaper to insure, a little cheaper for gas, and a LOT cheaper to maintain once the warranty is up. The manual ups the fun factor considerably. Realistically, assuming you are in the US, where exactly can you USE the added performance of the 335i? 2 seconds at a time? Oh, THAT'S exciting...

For that matter, take the difference in price between a 328i and a 335i and use it for the Euro delivery trip of a lifetime. You haven't lived until you have driven 130mph on the Autobahn in your new BMW.
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      12-31-2012, 11:08 AM   #15
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Best of advice(From my past experiences) Buy a low mileage, stock bmw. You can grab one at decent price if you really look for it. Never buy new car since bmw does not retain a good used car value.
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      12-31-2012, 11:43 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
with 0% APR or 0.9% APR it really makes no sense to buy outright for many people, unless you have alot of EXTRA cash.
+1. With those kind of interest rates I wouldn't buy a car that expensive outright either. Doesn't really cost you to take that 0% (free money), put the rest of the money into something that could bring you more in return, (if you got 0.9% and not 0%) or just have it available to you in case something comes up, while having the option to pay it off whenever you want down the line, instead of putting all that money on the street all at once.
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      12-31-2012, 11:55 AM   #17
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Agreed. Just bought a CPO 335is (must drive if you haven't) and was going to pay for it until the dealer offered 'almost' free money. Now I'm taking the cash, prepaying for my little girl's private preschool this year and buying some mods.! I went to buy an M3.. enjoyed driving the 335is more and the purchase price was considerably lower. Funny thing insurance is the same.
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      12-31-2012, 12:02 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BuraQ View Post
You didnt test drive teh 335is ? You missing out on alot
+1. OP I think you should test drive a '11-13 335is with the N54 engine. It's even more powerful than the N55 you test drove and it won't kill you on gas like the M3. My recommendation would be to get a lightly used 335is with CPO. Good luck.
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      12-31-2012, 02:26 PM   #19
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How about checking out a used 335is? You get the DCT transmission if you go auto, plus the fun overboost and the extra cooling ducts. I also like the small cosmetic improvements on the 'is', but that's personal preference. I absolutely love my car, and having driven with a couple of friends in 335i coupes, they say that there is a small, but noticeable difference with the 'is' model - stock to stock, it really is somewhere in between the stock 335i and the M3.
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      12-31-2012, 04:47 PM   #20
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BMW's are very affordable as long as you dont have way too many options that you want to put into it.
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      12-31-2012, 05:00 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverII
get a honda or toyota. It is more economical for a recent grad. BMW can get expensive really fast
And buy that used Honda or Toyota with cash
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      12-31-2012, 05:09 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by e92_Mack
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kolyan2k View Post
with 0% APR or 0.9% APR it really makes no sense to buy outright for many people, unless you have alot of EXTRA cash.
+1. With those kind of interest rates I wouldn't buy a car that expensive outright either. Doesn't really cost you to take that 0% (free money), put the rest of the money into something that could bring you more in return, (if you got 0.9% and not 0%) or just have it available to you in case something comes up, while having the option to pay it off whenever you want down the line, instead of putting all that money on the street all at once.
If you don't have the cash then you can't afford it. Playing the spreads on interest rates for a car purchase is ridiculous. 0% is not interest free money because you only get that rate for a new car and you'll take a beating on depreciation. Go find yourself a used 2006 in great shape and pay no more than $15k with cash.
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