Here is my problem.. Used M3 or New 335i/is

So, title kinda spells is out.

I will soon be in the market for a new car and I am stuck between these two options. For me, I prefer to lease, but I am considering a used (2008/2009) M3. I did some rough calculations and it looks like the used M3 (purchased) will cost about the same as a new 335i / 335is (leased).

So, now I am having my own internal struggle. Ideally, I would like to lease new, but I am considering the used M3.

My concern with a used M3 is potenial abuse, costly repairs (once warranty expires), etc. Are there any issues with the 08 / 09? If I grab a CPO 09, I would have between 3-4 years of warrant depending on when the car was registered.

Any thoughts?

Also, I do drive about 18k per year. So, while gas mileage is not a huge concern, it does cross my mind.

You have to drive them, as they are very different.

CPO should take care of warranty concerns.

Before graduating from my 335i to my E90 M3, I also considered the 335is, but they don't lease as well and you're getting close to M3 territory in terms of payment.

All 3 are amazing, but again I strongly urge you to drive the M, as per my initial impressions post, it is a massive difference. For a used CPO that's in your budget, I would be very, very tempted, but only if CPO and favorable terms.

Good luck and again all are amazing vehicles...

I have drive all 3. I basically eliminated the 335id for the reasons you stated.

The CPO is really tempting. My only real concern is getting stuck with a car that has higher miles that I owe money on. A buddy of mine is in that boat with an 06. Great car, but out of warranty and he is having issues.

As far as the drive, the M was just amazing. There is no comparison. And, being a bit of an enthusiast, I start to think with the smile on mg face and I forget about practical aspects.

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Originally Posted by homerjay4242

I have drive all 3. I basically eliminated the 335id for the reasons you stated.

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Seriously?

No matter what car you look at, buying used carries risk. I know people that tell me that they would never consider a used M, purely because of how they think people drive them, which of course is a generalization. CPO is a good option, but dealers sometimes don't CPO an M just to keep the cost down. Be careful about assuming just because it is a BMW that it will have issues outside of warranty. It's all about how the car was taken care of. I have owned two BMW's out of warranty and never had any significant issues with either of them other than normal wear and tear, but I took very good care of them.

The 335 is a great car and does very well as a daily driver. In the end, you have to decide what you want day to day. Personally, my next car will likely be an M, but I also don't drive significant miles and I have a third car, so some of your concerns don't really come into play for me.

In regards to issues. Can't really speak to that. However, remember that in '09, there were some significant upgrades to the Nav and iDrive.

+1 on an 09+ M3, especially if you're looking for one for the long term. The 08 iDrive is now outdated. And 2008 was the first model year. But dealers will be pushing and offering incentives on the 08's to clear them. Or get an 08 without iDrive/Nav, but then you will miss out on MDrive, if youre okay with that. (I am, but i am in the minority)

One consideration to make is that if this is a daily driver, you will need real snow tires. Personally, living in snow country I would not own an M as my only daily driver. It is just too risky in regards to the other drivers trying to go too fast. And don't forget about a lower car that may high center in deep snow and one that can't have chains placed on it without a change of wheels/tires.

I would personally look to have a spare set of real snow tires for any rwd vehicle, just as my wife has for her e39.

Originally Posted by beden1

Seriously?

Well, I had ruled it out. Figured the 335i would work and the price difference between the 335is and M3 (granted slightly different options), wasn't significant when I spec'd them out. But now I'm on the fence again.



I would get snow tires or just work from home in bad weather.

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