To Upgrade to the 135i or Get a Second Car?

dontask · 07-27-2009, 02:59 AM

Quandry:

I've currently got a 130i 07 Hatch - but have been wanting to upgrade to the 135i. And I've figured - with the 50% tax rebate for small business - here's my chance. But, it would cost about $40k to upgrade - which is about the cost of a second car for my partner. Am I getting value for money?

Instead... I can get a Focus XR5 or Mazda 3 MPS for about the same money. Would be better for her, but we would have to drive it most of the time because I need to put on the Kms....

I drove the new Mazda 3 MPS on the weekend. Real slow below 2k RPM, but then Torque Steer like crazy. The 130i is nosier (runflat tyres) but the engine is soo much nicer! I've got to try the Focus and see if I like it. The Mazda is actually a nicer ride overall.

Will have to try the Focus and report back.

amk2912 · 07-27-2009, 03:19 AM

I upgraded from an '07 130i to an '08 135i......no contest!

dk130i · 07-27-2009, 03:41 AM

Value for money? Looking purely at numbers and not taking age of the car into consideration: $40 K difference and engine power 220KW(?) versus 195KW that works out to be $1,600 per KW or about $470 per Nm difference.

I'd get a second car..

AussieRacer · 07-27-2009, 03:48 AM

I upgraded from a '05 120i to a 135i. Change over was something in the range of over $50k. A lot for the engine! I don't regret it, but I do miss the flexible luggage space of the hatch. If I didn't have other cars I can call on, I'd be looking for a cheap second hand "fit a TV in the back" car.

So if you don't need to carry anything bulky and think the 130i just doesn't have enough balls, you'll love the 135i. Otherwise, go the second car.

amk2912 · 07-27-2009, 04:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dk130i

Value for money? Looking purely at numbers and not taking age of the car into consideration: $40 K difference and engine power 220KW(?) versus 195KW that works out to be $1,600 per KW or about $470 per Nm difference.

I'd get a second car..

It's more than just a case of kW and nM. The twin turbo gives you the ability to SIGNIFICANTLY boost the power with a chip mod.

I've since moved on from the 135i but if given the choice between both cars again, I'd go the 135i in a heartbeat!

BTW - Value for money? Not an issue....these cars are heart decisions not brain decisions.

sparoz · 07-27-2009, 06:54 AM

If you are going for sense - then you should not get anything at all. Put it in your house loan etc - or even shares

would even be better.

If you are going for heart - then what's the point of getting something you are not 100% happy with.

dk130i · 07-27-2009, 07:02 AM

The turbo focus or MPS will give you the ability to do the same thing (boost the power by retuning it) but his question was whether he would be getting a good value, numbers would suggest not.

I agree that you don't buy a BMW because it is a good value, cars (at least for enthusiasts) are typically an emotional purchase and there is more to it than Kws and Nms.

takahashi · 07-27-2009, 10:14 AM

I am not talking about cars... I will make some simple sense here.

2 cars. Double the insurance cost. 2 rego to pay.

I don't think the insurance of 135i = Focus + MPS. On the contary I will hesitate to guess your premium of 135i x 2 will be < Focus + MPS. Just my guess.

Not to mention double the maintainence. Just the fact that you half your mileage does not mean that you wash your car twice as less frequent, change oil less frequent...

I know I have 2 cars

.

If you ask me 2 x 135i or 1 x M3 V8... my answer will always be the latter.

dontask · 07-27-2009, 09:25 PM

OK, I probably didn't give enough information to make a more informed decision. Now that I have actually worked things out, its a little more complicated.

So - I've added a new option - to buy a new 130i. This is actually the cheapest option!

Here are my calculations. The tax bracket I would be in is 38%, and I'm assuming I will hit 15k a year (for FBT calculations).

Code:

		|Drive 	| Immediate Comp | Simplified 	|Deduction| Deduction   |GST Rebate |Total 	|Trade 130i  |Trade 	| Net	    |Extra FBT  |  Total
		| Away 	| Tax Deduction  | Depreciation |Subtotal | Value to Me |(60%       |Deduction	|(15k 	     |Subtotal	| Diff	    |(at 38% 	| Of Pocket
		| Cost	| (50% rebate)	 |Deduct(1st Yr)|	  | (38% Tax)	|Apportion) | Value	|odomometer) |		| 	    |Tax)	| 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMW 135i	|80000	|57180		 |12000		|69180    |26288.4      |4363.636364|30652.03	|40000	     |70652.03	| $9,347.96 |5800	| $15,147.96 
Ford Focus XR5	|40000	|20000	 	 |6000		|26000    |9880	  	|2181.818182|12061.81	|0	     |12061.81	| $27,938.18|3040	| $30,978.18 
Mazda 3 MPS	|45000	|22500		 |6750		|29250    |11115	|2454.545455|13569.54	|0	     |13569.54	| $31,430.45|3420	| $34,850.45 
New BMW 130i	|65000	|57180		 |9750		|66930    |25433.4	|3545.454545|28978.85	|40000       |68978.85	|-$3,978.85 |4840	| $861.15

dontask · 07-27-2009, 09:34 PM

Other factors:

1) 135i is faster. Probably cooler.
2) I really like my 130i! And its more practical.
3) Extra insurance should only be about $200 a year.
4) If I buy a 135i, the floodgates to modding will definitely open! (reopens the money pit)

cargeek · 07-27-2009, 09:39 PM

dontask shouldn't the 50% tax deduction be 28590 and not 57180?

dontask · 07-27-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cargeek

dontask shouldn't the 50% tax deduction be 28590 and not 57180?

I think you're right!

dontask · 07-27-2009, 09:49 PM

Updated figures...

Code:


		|Drive 	| Immediate Comp | Simplified 	|Deduction| Deduction   |GST Rebate |Total 	|Trade 130i  |Trade 	| Net	    |Extra FBT  |  Total
		| Away 	| Tax Deduction  | Depreciation |Subtotal | Value to Me |(60%       |Deduction	|(15k 	     |Subtotal	| Diff	    |(at 38% 	| Of Pocket
		| Cost	| (50% rebate)	 |Deduct(1st Yr)|	  | (38% Tax)	|Apportion) | Value	|odomometer) |		| 	    |Tax)	| 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BMW 135i	|80000	|28590		 |12000		|40590    |15424.20     |4363.636364|19787.84	|40000	     |59787.84	| $20,212.16|5800	| $26,012.16 
Ford Focus XR5	|40000	|20000	 	 |6000		|26000    |9880	  	|2181.818182|12061.81	|0	     |12061.81	| $27,938.18|3040	| $30,978.18 
Mazda 3 MPS	|45000	|22500		 |6750		|29250    |11115	|2454.545455|13569.54	|0	     |13569.54	| $31,430.45|3420	| $34,850.45 
New BMW 130i	|65000	|28590		 |9750		|38340    |15424.20	|3545.454545|18114.65	|40000       |58114.65	| $6,885.35 |4840	| $11,725.35

smarm · 07-27-2009, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieRacer

I'd be looking for a cheap second hand "fit a TV in the back" car.

So if you don't need to carry anything bulky and think the 130i just doesn't have enough balls, you'll love the 135i. Otherwise, go the second car.

I managed to fit a 40" LCD into the TT!

wmj73 · 07-27-2009, 10:30 PM

pardon my ignorance, but why you would think of getting another 130i if you've only got 15k on the clock?

05C4R · 07-27-2009, 10:51 PM

you should have got the dream car first up, not matter what math you do its expensive to change. I wouldn't buy another car thats not a dream car either. And how have you only done 15k kms, i've done that in 9 months. If your only doing tiny amounts of kays why not buy a 135i with 40-50k kms on the clock at half the price. You'll be upset with anything you buy if its not what you want.

dontask · 07-27-2009, 11:05 PM

Yup. After getting all excited about the prospect and realising my FBT column is ALL WRONG (both tables, above), its not worth upgrading after all. Particularly, I will be paying FBT for the next few years, and its not really worth doing if I only do 15k kms (and struggle to do so).

So I guess I need to buy a car on its own merits.

Quote:

pardon my ignorance, but why you would think of getting another 130i if you've only got 15k on the clock?

The only reason I'd buy a new 130i is because I thought the difference was so small. But, no, the difference isn't small - my calculations were wrong.

Quote:

you should have got the dream car first up, not matter what math you do its expensive to change. I wouldn't buy another car thats not a dream car either. And how have you only done 15k kms, i've done that in 9 months. If your only doing tiny amounts of kays why not buy a 135i with 40-50k kms on the clock at half the price. You'll be upset with anything you buy if its not what you want.

Tiny Ks cos I live close to town. Also, I originally wanted the practicality of the hatch, but now I want the grunt of the turbo.

Thought the tax break was a good time to upgrade.

All academic now.

takahashi · 07-28-2009, 12:28 AM

LOL... I am shocked that you have wasted your time.

sparoz · 07-28-2009, 02:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takahashi

LOL... I am shocked that you have wasted your time.

I do that all the time..

takahashi · 07-28-2009, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparoz

I do that all the time..

My social manager at home has been complaining about my time managing capability. All after we have couple of lil monsters running around home.

. So I would not have time to calculate. I rather look at how to earn more money. Suppose I should learn how to spend wisely like dontask

ansellpa · 08-06-2009, 06:09 AM

130i vs 135i for drivin experience?

Am I alone here, or does anyone agree with me?
I was all ready to buy a 135i, money on the table, lets roll!
But after the drive, it left me a bit cold.
Sure it went like the clappers and wasa beutiful car but sounded a bit muffled and the steering felt a little insulated.
So I drove a used 130i at the dealership and could not get the smile off my face. It felt sharper, had a meaner engine note, turned in better and was 20k cheaper. Ok not as fast in a straight line, but I don't really get up to much late night drag racing.
I was digging the 130 like a mine!, found a good demo, snapped it up, sold it to be sensible with money and now want another one asap!

sparoz · 08-06-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ansellpa

130i vs 135i for drivin experience?

Am I alone here, or does anyone agree with me?
I was all ready to buy a 135i, money on the table, lets roll!
But after the drive, it left me a bit cold.
Sure it went like the clappers and wasa beutiful car but sounded a bit muffled and the steering felt a little insulated.
So I drove a used 130i at the dealership and could not get the smile off my face. It felt sharper, had a meaner engine note, turned in better and was 20k cheaper. Ok not as fast in a straight line, but I don't really get up to much late night drag racing.
I was digging the 130 like a mine!, found a good demo, snapped it up, sold it to be sensible with money and now want another one asap!

I guess depends on what you are after

. NA engines from BMW are fantastic - always have great response, and you have so much fun up the higher revs.

But if you are going to compare the coupe to the hatch, I will take the coupe everytime. Much better balanced, but I guess you loose 2 doors and a sizable boot.

How about a 120D? I have one for sale

. It can keep up with the 130i once it's in range

.

07-27-2009, 02:59 AM	#1
dontask Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 286 Posts Drives: White BMW 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (1)	To Upgrade to the 135i or Get a Second Car? Quandry: I've currently got a 130i 07 Hatch - but have been wanting to upgrade to the 135i. And I've figured - with the 50% tax rebate for small business - here's my chance. But, it would cost about $40k to upgrade - which is about the cost of a second car for my partner. Am I getting value for money? Instead... I can get a Focus XR5 or Mazda 3 MPS for about the same money. Would be better for her, but we would have to drive it most of the time because I need to put on the Kms.... I drove the new Mazda 3 MPS on the weekend. Real slow below 2k RPM, but then Torque Steer like crazy. The 130i is nosier (runflat tyres) but the engine is soo much nicer! I've got to try the Focus and see if I like it. The Mazda is actually a nicer ride overall. Will have to try the Focus and report back. __________________ Modded 135i RHD Bumblebee
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07-27-2009, 03:19 AM	#2
amk2912 Lieutenant Colonel 87 Rep 1,663 Posts Drives: '10 X5 40d & '12 F10 520d Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Perth iTrader: (0)	I upgraded from an '07 130i to an '08 135i......no contest!
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07-27-2009, 03:41 AM	#3
dk130i Private First Class 5 Rep 134 Posts Drives: Blue car Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Value for money? Looking purely at numbers and not taking age of the car into consideration: $40 K difference and engine power 220KW(?) versus 195KW that works out to be $1,600 per KW or about $470 per Nm difference. I'd get a second car..
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07-27-2009, 03:48 AM	#4
AussieRacer Major 24 Rep 1,058 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Aust iTrader: (0)	I upgraded from a '05 120i to a 135i. Change over was something in the range of over $50k. A lot for the engine! I don't regret it, but I do miss the flexible luggage space of the hatch. If I didn't have other cars I can call on, I'd be looking for a cheap second hand "fit a TV in the back" car. So if you don't need to carry anything bulky and think the 130i just doesn't have enough balls, you'll love the 135i. Otherwise, go the second car. __________________ Current: 135i Auto, Le Mans Blue - w/ Bridgestone RE-11 rears, GP Thunder 7500k angels, & "golf tee" mod plus a few M3 suspension bits and pieces...
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07-27-2009, 06:54 AM	#6
sparoz Brigadier General 191 Rep 4,848 Posts Drives: VO 1///M; Macan Turbo Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Sunshine Coast iTrader: (0)	If you are going for sense - then you should not get anything at all. Put it in your house loan etc - or even shares would even be better. If you are going for heart - then what's the point of getting something you are not 100% happy with. __________________ Macan S Diesel - Carrera White Macan Turbo - White 1///M - Valencia Orange
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07-27-2009, 07:02 AM	#7
dk130i Private First Class 5 Rep 134 Posts Drives: Blue car Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	The turbo focus or MPS will give you the ability to do the same thing (boost the power by retuning it) but his question was whether he would be getting a good value, numbers would suggest not. I agree that you don't buy a BMW because it is a good value, cars (at least for enthusiasts) are typically an emotional purchase and there is more to it than Kws and Nms.
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07-27-2009, 10:14 AM	#8
takahashi Retired trackie 36 Rep 1,527 Posts Drives: 1///M Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	I am not talking about cars... I will make some simple sense here. 2 cars. Double the insurance cost. 2 rego to pay. I don't think the insurance of 135i = Focus + MPS. On the contary I will hesitate to guess your premium of 135i x 2 will be < Focus + MPS. Just my guess. Not to mention double the maintainence. Just the fact that you half your mileage does not mean that you wash your car twice as less frequent, change oil less frequent... I know I have 2 cars . If you ask me 2 x 135i or 1 x M3 V8... my answer will always be the latter. __________________ TAKA 一仔BLOGブログ: BMW 1 series M 2011! Delivered 18/11/11.
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07-27-2009, 09:34 PM	#10
dontask Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 286 Posts Drives: White BMW 135i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (1)	Other factors: 1) 135i is faster. Probably cooler. 2) I really like my 130i! And its more practical. 3) Extra insurance should only be about $200 a year. 4) If I buy a 135i, the floodgates to modding will definitely open! (reopens the money pit) __________________ Modded 135i RHD Bumblebee
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07-27-2009, 09:39 PM	#11
cargeek Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 239 Posts Drives: Old man's comfy car Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Tasmania iTrader: (0)	dontask shouldn't the 50% tax deduction be 28590 and not 57180? __________________ E90 M3 \| DCT \| EDC \| M-drive \| AW \| 19's E91 323 18's E46 320i
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07-27-2009, 10:30 PM	#15
wmj73 Captain 25 Rep 715 Posts Drives: M2 Comp, 440i GC Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: QLD iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 [0.00] 2020 BMW M2 Comp [0.00]	pardon my ignorance, but why you would think of getting another 130i if you've only got 15k on the clock?
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07-27-2009, 10:51 PM	#16
05C4R Major 62 Rep 1,147 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: sydney iTrader: (0)	you should have got the dream car first up, not matter what math you do its expensive to change. I wouldn't buy another car thats not a dream car either. And how have you only done 15k kms, i've done that in 9 months. If your only doing tiny amounts of kays why not buy a 135i with 40-50k kms on the clock at half the price. You'll be upset with anything you buy if its not what you want.
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07-28-2009, 12:28 AM	#18
takahashi Retired trackie 36 Rep 1,527 Posts Drives: 1///M Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Melbourne, Australia iTrader: (0)	LOL... I am shocked that you have wasted your time. __________________ TAKA 一仔BLOGブログ: BMW 1 series M 2011! Delivered 18/11/11.
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08-06-2009, 06:09 AM	#21
ansellpa Enlisted Member 2 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 130i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Queensland iTrader: (0)	130i vs 135i for drivin experience? Am I alone here, or does anyone agree with me? I was all ready to buy a 135i, money on the table, lets roll! But after the drive, it left me a bit cold. Sure it went like the clappers and wasa beutiful car but sounded a bit muffled and the steering felt a little insulated. So I drove a used 130i at the dealership and could not get the smile off my face. It felt sharper, had a meaner engine note, turned in better and was 20k cheaper. Ok not as fast in a straight line, but I don't really get up to much late night drag racing. I was digging the 130 like a mine!, found a good demo, snapped it up, sold it to be sensible with money and now want another one asap!
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