[ward]

how bout holding out for an M3???????


50 grand is a tough amount to swallow considering people are driving around in basically the same car for 15-20 grand less

but if it was an M, then it'd all make sense

[gohawks23]

Originally Posted by TracerHawk

Thanks for the replies guy. I guess mostly, when I added it up (expecting 40-42k base, 3-5k in options, 4-5k in tax/tag/license = 50k out the door), that 50k number threw me a little. Not so much just the number of 50k, as it is that "okay, I'm paying $50,000.00, for a 3-SERIES?!??! A 3-Series." I think that was/is my initial concern. It just seems, that for 50k+, you're still buying "just a 3-series", you know? The lowest level model bmw even sells in the US (not counting like the Z4 etc).

Dont get me wrong, I love the 335i design and everything, and am a big BMW fan and a BMW CCA member and have owned 3 BMW's and currently own one, but I sort of wonder if this isnt a lot of money for what you get. It seems like for 50k, you could buy a 545i or 550i, just a couple years ago or so. I wouldnt want a 5 series as they are too big and heavy and to me scream "family car" (and am not much of a fan of the new design on them), but still, its a 5-series for that kind of money, you know?

I considered the CTS-V, but that was somewhat shortlived. The caddy had lots of problems with the differential and a huge wheel hop problem. To be honest, if the Acura RL had more power and was faster, I probably would have bought that instead of putting down my down payment on the 335i. The RL is great with some pretty amazing technology, but its just flat out slow (0-60 in 6.7 sec). However they have great deals on them, you can get one fully loaded for 41k as they arent selling well. I'd consider the S4 too, but its pretty heavy and I really dont want a sedan (unless its the RS4, but thats too far above what I would be willing to spend on a depreciating asset like a car). M45 Sport was an option, but I dont want a sedan (single, no kids to worry about toting around).

I guess I was getting to the point of "well, if I'm in 50 grand territory now, should I suck it up, pay 5k more or maybe 8k more, and get something even better?" I guess I just think of the lowest model BMW sells in the US, the 3-series, as being 50k out the door. I mean, it is, but it just seems like for 50k, you'd be getting a little more value or something. *shrug*

I'm sure I'm still 90% likely going with the 335i coupe, unless someone gives me some incredible alternative I forgot about, but man when I starting thinking "50k for a 3-series out the door?!??!?!", that rattled me a little. Not the cost, but the cost for what you get.

Even though paying cash is an option I seriously doubt I would put that kind of $ into a first year model...especially with a potential ZHP like version in a couple years...an M3 sedan in less than a couple years...plus I just don't like the idea of paying $4K in taxes upfront and in full! Leasing will make it less painful...MF will stink but residual should be decent...I'm going to do a 24 month lease so it will always be under warranty and allow me the flexibility to change out due to the options I mentioned above.

[cntlaw]

I would hold until the V8 E90 Motorsport is available. I love the 4-Door E90; and for me , I would not pay 25% more for a not much better looking 3-series coupe with 2 doors less. ( Same reason I got the C55 instead of CLK55 ). I would wait and also check out the E90 turbo. Or even I go for a handsome 2-door, E93 Turbo Cab or a CLK500 V8 388hp coupe/cab should be all on my list for evaluation. Rushing for the E92 is only good for those who have quited for the E90 and now need a BMW sports badly.

[sunnywuh]

i will hold out & wait for the M3. If the e92 335i is hitting 50k territory, that makes a 65k M3 relatively cheaper & value for money (65k is just my wild guess).

[val3ntin3s]

Originally Posted by pawarrant

I'm just throwing out an alternative in that price range...a Corvette. That's a powerful sports car.

Corvettes STARTs at $44,500 i dont think many owners would want just the bare min for that car, add a few options and what not and you're in the mid to upper 50's. I dont really think thats in the same price range. Close but not the same unless for some reason the 335s start at 45k which is kinda outta the league when they seem to always be compared to the g35s and TLs. If you want a powerful car and an american why why not a Pontiac GTO? that starts around 33k. That be my "alternative" even though i'm not a fan of american cars.

[BMerDRMer]

Looks like Fords new Shelby w 500HP in the $50 to $55 range will outplay upcoming M3 for 335 price.......

[BMerDRMer]

Of all the American stock I drove......the Mustang GT had the most BMW point and shoot feel ....... I think the Cobra is going to be a killer w 500 HP on top of a solid platform

[Squawks]

For the folks who are 'waiting' (for the 335, ZHP, or E92 M3) why not just take over someone's short-term lease like on www.leasetrader.com if you want something to drive around right now? Many leases 12 months and under can be had...some with ridiculously low payments since the original leasees may be forking up cash incentives for you to take over them.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by foofighter

for 50k you're a few k shy of a V8 powered S4

which isnt any faster than a 335 and cant hold a candle to the handling of the 335i.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by greginaz1

Even though paying cash is an option I seriously doubt I would put that kind of $ into a first year model...especially with a potential ZHP like version in a couple years...an M3 sedan in less than a couple years...plus I just don't like the idea of paying $4K in taxes upfront and in full! Leasing will make it less painful...MF will stink but residual should be decent...I'm going to do a 24 month lease so it will always be under warranty and allow me the flexibility to change out due to the options I mentioned above.

Be ready to pay at least 725 a month.

[USCpower]

Originally Posted by val3ntin3s

Close but not the same unless for some reason the 335s start at 45k which is kinda outta the league when they seem to always be compared to the g35s and TLs. If you want a powerful car and an american why why not a Pontiac GTO? that starts around 33k. That be my "alternative" even though i'm not a fan of american cars.

the GTO stickers at $33K

I see dealers givin them away, U could get one for 30K OTD, yes that includes
4 leather bucket seats
6 speed manual
6.0 L Corvette LS2
400HP 400lb-ft...
I mean u know the details. for 30K OTD, it is a nice "option"
or a toy

I test drove one, and I test drove the 335i, unluckily the BMW "test drive" was sceduled after the GTO "joy-ride".

to each his own.

I would also look up the a barely used C55 AMG. ultimate sleeper. again to each his own.

[thealbert]

Originally Posted by TracerHawk

I put a down payment down a couple months back in April for the 335i coupe. I'm the first allocation spot at my dealership out here.

Sometimes though, when I think about it, I wonder if 50k is just too much for a 3 series. Does anyone else have those 2nd thoughts? I mean, lets say the 335i coupe is 40k-42k base, add in 3-5k in options, and add in another 4-5k in tax/tag/license. Your out the door cost for this car is 50 grand. Its a sweet car, but still, its a 3 series. Are any of you having 2nd thoughts that for 50k, you should just be buying another production 3-series? I don't know, some times I just think about it and think "damn, thats a lot of money for a 3-series car. Its not even limited production or anything..."

What do you guys think?

I think once your drive it, and once you get a taste of it, you'll think its worth it. Just pray you don't have a fuel pump problem!

[jasper1978]

I wish prices here in the UK were the same as in the USA. I took delivery of my E92 335i a couple of weeks ago and the price i paid converts to roughly $81k so i think for $50k your getting a fantastic car for a great price.

[bimmer newbie]

Originally Posted by jasper1978

I wish prices here in the UK were the same as in the USA. I took delivery of my E92 335i a couple of weeks ago and the price i paid converts to roughly $81k so i think for $50k your getting a fantastic car for a great price.

I don't think one can compare prices in different countries. In the UK you may earn more than one would in the US doing the same job. It's about the economy and cost of living. In Japan, everything is expensive, but at the same time the people there on average have higher salaries than the US. I've seen it first hand.

[purplewidow]

i spent 62 k and got her fully loaded and never thought twice i love every feature and it is worth it when i look at my parents new S63 they were first in the country to get it or at least first in the midwest!!!! the car ius a beast by the way...way way way nicer than the old s 55's...i was super pumped about my car and ehhh about the new s63 at first but when i drove the s63 for the first time i was overly shocked at how awesome it was and how awesome the seats are!!!!! but all in all i would rather drive my 335 than the s63 as an everyday driver...but that is b/c of the nimbleness...ehh different tastes for diff folks!!!!!!

[flush01]

when I ordered my 335 i was excited, then 2 weeks before delivery I had the same thoughts (i think it's just natural to think like that), but I could not come up with a better car for me... i test drove many car

lexus is350 - didn't like it, and it's expensive too
g35 - didnt like at all
test drove used e500 and it was nice, but with auto i'd be bored in a month
a4 - nope
used boxter - i dont see myself driving one
used 745 - was the only thing i liked, but early models had alot of problems, and 750 is way too much $ for me, then count in gas expense

anyways, i didnt cancel 335 and took delivery, and oh man i'm glad I did... it's a perfect car for me, trust me once you take delivery you won't look back, there's NO better car in its class imho... everything feels right in it, i just finished breake in, pushed it few times to redline, and I had a huge smile on my face

hopefully fuel pump wont give up haha ;>

[VIZSLA]

If you're looking for a cheaper BMW wait for the 1. If that's "not enough car" pay the 50k or do an ED and save. W/ that discount there really is no competition,

[RIP-A4]

Originally Posted by USCpower

the GTO stickers at $33K

I see dealers givin them away, U could get one for 30K OTD, yes that includes
4 leather bucket seats
6 speed manual
6.0 L Corvette LS2
400HP 400lb-ft...
I mean u know the details. for 30K OTD, it is a nice "option"
or a toy

I test drove one, and I test drove the 335i, unluckily the BMW "test drive" was sceduled after the GTO "joy-ride".

to each his own.



I would also look up the a barely used C55 AMG. ultimate sleeper. again to each his own.

C55 is badass my friend has one but fugly, plus you have alot more engine mod possibilities on the 335i which will take you higher than C55, S5/S4 am I missing anyone??

[NaTuReB0Y]

$50k for 335i coupe is a bargain

[USCpower]

Originally Posted by RIP-A4

C55 is badass my friend has one but fugly, plus you have alot more engine mod possibilities on the 335i which will take you higher than C55, S5/S4 am I missing anyone??

I personally love the NA engines a lot more than the FI. Thats the way I am, thats why I pointed to the 6.0L GTO. and the C55 AMG.
C55 is fugly, but i am sure it also brings the ultimate sleeper looks with the "fugly". Same true for the GTO. who knows. No replacement for Displacement.

[ALPINE6SPD]

Originally Posted by USCpower

the GTO stickers at $33K

I see dealers givin them away, U could get one for 30K OTD, yes that includes
4 leather bucket seats
6 speed manual
6.0 L Corvette LS2
400HP 400lb-ft...
I mean u know the details. for 30K OTD, it is a nice "option"
or a toy

I test drove one, and I test drove the 335i, unluckily the BMW "test drive" was sceduled after the GTO "joy-ride".

to each his own.

I would also look up the a barely used C55 AMG. ultimate sleeper. again to each his own.

nice job of bringing it back from the dead

[ejazbmw]

i actually did back out on my 335 due to some things came up and i was up to 50kish as for the price tag but maybe in a year or so my wife will buy me a 08 M3