2011 335i vs. 2009 650i - Thoughts?

I've been looking for a preowned 335i w/ M package and upgraded sound system. They are few and far between. For 10K more I can get a 2009 CPO 650i. What do you guys think? I know this is a 3 series forum, but please try to give an unbiased opinion. Although the 650 has 60 more HP and torque, it sounds like it is a wash in terms of performance vs the 335i (300 hp), because of the weight of the 650. Also, opinions on handling of one vs. the other??

Originally Posted by JMarleyboo

I've been looking for a preowned 335i w/ M package and upgraded sound system. They are few and far between. For 10K more I can get a 2009 CPO 650i. What do you guys think? I know this is a 3 series forum, but please try to give an unbiased opinion. Although the 650 has 60 more HP and torque, it sounds like it is a wash in terms of performance vs the 335i (300 hp), because of the weight of the 650. Also, opinions on handling of one vs. the other??

I think.....650i mucho lux. Back road blast not so much. Very sweet cruiser.

It's all a matter of personal preferences - the 650 is a consummate luxo-tourer, but not at all as athletic as the M335i. I like more tossable cars and I've never liked the rear styling on the 650, so the 335i is the car I'd drive home.

Ixnay:

You will not ever have 4 people in the 650i unless they are kids.
They are the same overall size, but the 335i is quite a bit lighter.
The 650i will walk all over the 335i over 100 mph.

Originally Posted by floydarogers

You will not ever have 4 people in the 650i unless they are kids.
They are the same overall size, but the 335i is quite a bit lighter.
The 650i will walk all over the 335i over 100 mph.

Chipped, maybe not. No turbo or supercharger came w/2009 650i; curb weight 4277 lb. 360 hp - 335i can easily run over 400 hp & ft lb torque; even an E93 significantly lighter.


.

As one enthusiast magazine so eloquently put it re: the rear of the 650 (I'm paraphrasing): Why is it the last thing BMW does to a 650 before it leaves the factory is to back it into a guard rail?
'nuf said.

Originally Posted by GVFlyer

It's all a matter of personal preferences - the 650 is a consummate luxo-tourer, but not at all as athletic as the M335i. I like more tossable cars and I've never liked the rear styling on the 650, so the 335i is the car I'd drive home.

Ixnay:

Damn that thing is fugly. Looks like it had a nose job in Pakistan.

Originally Posted by JMarleyboo

I've been looking for a preowned 335i w/ M package and upgraded sound system. They are few and far between. For 10K more I can get a 2009 CPO 650i. What do you guys think? I know this is a 3 series forum, but please try to give an unbiased opinion. Although the 650 has 60 more HP and torque, it sounds like it is a wash in terms of performance vs the 335i (300 hp), because of the weight of the 650. Also, opinions on handling of one vs. the other??

I say you should buy the first convertible you mentioned. It seemed to be everything you wanted. Take it to the car wash, blast it with water, and if it doesn't leak buy it.

You know what, at the end of this, that's exactly what I am going to do. I went to drive both cars today. First the 335 and then the 650 about 2 hrs later. The 650 is a really solid car, almost too solid. It felt heavy. Was not as quick and nimble as the 335. It is definitely more lux, but that really wasn't what I was looking for. Gonna buy the original 335 I looked at. Price is right and still have 2 yrs warranty on it. I'll take the 10K plus I save on not buying the 650 and put it toward an extended warranty. contacted Pacific BMW and they seem to have good rates.
Wow, Finally! Decision made.

Originally Posted by JMarleyboo

You know what, at the end of this, that's exactly what I am going to do. I went to drive both cars today. First the 335 and then the 650 about 2 hrs later. The 650 is a really solid car, almost too solid. It felt heavy. Was not as quick and nimble as the 335. It is definitely more lux, but that really wasn't what I was looking for. Gonna buy the original 335 I looked at. Price is right and still have 2 yrs warranty on it. I'll take the 10K plus I save on not buying the 650 and put it toward an extended warranty. contacted Pacific BMW and they seem to have good rates.
Wow, Finally! Decision made.

Excellent! Be sure to post some pics.

Congratulations on your new car!

I was actually in the same position as you a few months back and was sure that I wanted this 2010 650i Convertible vs. a 2011 335i M Sport Convertible.

Ended up going with the 335i M Sport Convertible and am so happy with it.

I do have to say, they had a brand spanking new M6 Convertible on the showroom floor, fully loaded, with front brakes that look like they could have stopped a train. They actually sold it to a dealer in Houston while I was there...!

Originally Posted by JMarleyboo

You know what, at the end of this, that's exactly what I am going to do. I went to drive both cars today. First the 335 and then the 650 about 2 hrs later. The 650 is a really solid car, almost too solid. It felt heavy. Was not as quick and nimble as the 335. It is definitely more lux, but that really wasn't what I was looking for. Gonna buy the original 335 I looked at. Price is right and still have 2 yrs warranty on it. I'll take the 10K plus I save on not buying the 650 and put it toward an extended warranty. contacted Pacific BMW and they seem to have good rates.
Wow, Finally! Decision made.

So you're going to enjoy New Jersey this fall in a new ride! Many times I've traveled through, to NYC, Atlantic City; Wildwood. Relatives East o'Philly too.

Waitaminute.....did you say....Pacific BMW?

Guessing that's LA. True?

Nah, I'm a Jersey girl right now (originally NY - don't know why I feel that I need to qualify that). I saw a thread that said Pacific BMW had the best prices on the extended warranties. I emailed Daniel Dutton based on recco. Price for the extended maintenance (extra 2 yrs to 100K mi beyond MFG) seemed good compared to local dealer. $1695. The dealer I was at today wanted 2400. Price for actual extended warranty seemed a bit high though. Quoted as follows:

For the Warranty portion BMW will allow you to extend up to 5 years or 100K, 6 years or 100K, 7 years or 70K, or 7 years or 100K (please be aware that the 5, 6, and 7 years is really an extra 1, 2, or 3 years on top of the original coverage date). You can also choose between the Powertrain Plus, Gold and Platinum coverage. The Powertrain Plus is pretty limited so I would recommend either the Gold or Platinum coverage (the main difference is that the Platinum will cover navigation, stereo, CD player and entertainment and the Gold will not). The closest comparison to the CPO plan would be the Gold coverage up to 6 years or 100K. Here are the prices for those plans.



Gold

5 year / 100K $2,030

6 year / 100K $2,490

7 year / 70K $2,590

7 year / 100K $2,940



Platinum

5 year / 100K $2,300

6 year / 100K $2,830

7 year / 70K $2,950

7 year / 100K $3,350