Cross-Shopping a CPO 328

[ejm3]

I am new to this forum and am considering a 135 convertible.
I have a fairly long commute and generally have kept 2 cars to keep too many miles to be piled on to a car.
I live in the land of ice and snow so this will not be a daily driver but a fun car to drive help keep mileage off my main car.

My original thought was to pick up a 3 year old 328 convertible CPO off lease at a dealer somewhere. A car like that should run mid $30k’s which was my budget for this car. But poking around on Autotrader it seems that if you want a manual transmission (which I do) these 328’s are hard to find. Right now, using the criteria above there are exact 5 cars in the entire country that qualify (103 cars if I would accept an automatic).

So then I began to research a new 1-series as an alternative figuring I have a better chance at getting what I want (seems like a high percentage have manual transmissions). I’m thinking 135 but the price is a little scary for what you get. Seems like you need to option it out pretty well to get things one would normally expect in a $45k car (like leather seats), which drives the price even higher.

Did anyone else cross-shop a CPO 328 with a new 1-series? Any thoughts? .

[TX78666]

I looked at the three series and really didn't like it. Didn't like the size. Didn't like the cupholders ejecting from the dash. Didn't like the mismatched interiod door handles. Didn't like the horrible junction of seems at the door/fender/hood/A-pillar on the exterior. Didn't like the wide, straight, flat, boring Buick dash. There's just too much about the car, that makes me think someone lost interest, before the design was finished.

ALL of those issues were addressed in the 1, which makes me think that I am far from the only one who was turned off.

The 128 is also more fun to drive than the 328, IMO.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Did anyone else cross-shop a CPO 328 with a new 1-series? Any thoughts?

I'm sure some have probably in coupe and convertible trim, however you have to remember the drop top version is a porker. Now coming from an Acura you are spoiled by the standard tech and luxury goodies, well BMW charges extra for almost everything. Acura shares many components with Honda cars so its able to offset cost but BMW doesn't do this. I would assume if you are coming from a TL a 3 Series sedan would be on your list, which is already a smaller more nimble car than the TL but still retains a refined composure. The 1 series takes it up a notch in the Sport dept while retaining that BMW sporty luxurious feel. I agree with you on finding a manual, its not easy i was planning to go the CPO route myself but just couldn't find the car i wanted so i purchased new.

[Clovef]

The 135i will be a lot sportier but probably less reliable then the 328. Drive them both and you will quickly see the difference. I compared the 335i and 135i and liked the 135 better but I would bet I have different needs and taste then you. I would say there is a bigger difference in performance then there is luxury between the two. Really you need to drive both.

[ejm3]

Yes my Acura is a TL. In 2004 I didn't really cross shop it with the 3-series simply because the TL was already at top of my budget range and it performed comperably and would be more reliable. The Infiniti G35 was out at the time but I don't think Nissan reliability is all that great and I needed FWD for the snow (though as it turned out the TL is not good in the snow anyway). Today my "fun car" is an 05 Wrangler which solved my snow problem and my need for toplessness at a reasonable price. After nearly 8 years with the TL and 4 with the Jeep I regret neither purchase.

In a few months if all goes well I should be able to get a 2010 Lexus RX low mileage daily driver (also good in snow) at a deep discount which allows me to sell the TL and Jeep and buy something nice. My initial thoughts was CPO Z4 but finding the one of those used is more impossible than that 328 convertible manual. And more expensive by quite a bit.

Then I talked myself into the CPO 328 conv. figuring it would be [relatively] reasonably priced and common enough to be readily available. I ruled out the 335 because of potential reliability issues (I hear the words "used" and "turbo" and "BMW" used together and I see huge repair bills in my future).

When I settled on the 328 convertible I was willing to sacrafice some performance for a car I could afford, got decent reliability ratings and was still reasonably fun to drive. The BWM CPO warranty seemed pretty good as well.

Then when I saw so few 328 conv. were available in the configuration I wanted I began thinking new 1-series, initially the 128. Then I saw the 135 was REALLY quick and only a couple thousand more I said what the hell lets get that. But as I noted earlier when you start to add options the price gets steep pretty quickly.

I purposely haven't started test driving anything yet because I know once I do I'll want to move quickly (I have no willpower). I should be able to close the deal on the Lexus between Feb. & May and I won't move on the BMW until that's a done deal.

What I really want to do is walk into the dealer in the middle of winter in cold snowy Connecticut and try to make a deal on a convertible. If I have to wait until May I'm screwed and will have no negotiating power.

Can I realistically use a 1 convertible for 2 people to take a long weekend at Cape Cod? Is it really *that* small?

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by ejm3

What I really want to do is walk into the dealer in the middle of winter in cold snowy Connecticut and try to make a deal on a convertible. If I have to wait until May I'm screwed and will have no negotiating power.

Can I realistically use a 1 convertible for 2 people to take a long weekend at Cape Cod? Is it really *that* small?

You don't need a whole lot of skill to get a good deal. First, you're not going to find one of these cars sitting on the lot. You'll have to order it. Second, most savvy buyers on this board paid no more than $1,000 over invoice which, in most cases, is about $3,000 off the MSRP. We're in CT, not Miami. I got my 135i coupe from Darien for $700 over invoice and it was the first 2010 delivered in the country. What you do is go to edmunds.com and build up the car with the options you want. It will tell you exactly what the MSRP and invoice prices are and you simply call the dealer with your offer. Start at $500 over and don't pay more than $1k over and you've got yourself a solid bargain.

Also, my folks have a place on the Cape and I've done the trip a few times in my 1er. I went with my wife and my dog and a week of luggage and had no issues. The trunk is plenty big.

Also of note, this car is a BEAST in the snow with a solid set of snow tires. I was shocked at how well this car performed last year during the insane snowfall we had in CT.

[ejm3]

They actually have a 135 convertible at the BMW dealer in North Haven (they actually have several 1's in stock according to their website).

I would not mind ordering one simply because I can be specific about which options I want and which I don't (like the $2k nav). But generally you can make a better deal on a car sitting on the lot than one they have to order.

I'm worried that the convertible top will suck down my trunk space (all the way down to 8CF I believe). I can throw stuff in the back seat if I have to so size doesn't really bother me, so long as I can go away for a few days with 2 people.

Not really worried about the snow since I doubt this car would ever see snow. I have put Bilzzaks on my cars in the past and they are awsome in the snow and worth every penny.

I think the engine is new for 2012 but any specific reliability issues?

[KingOfJericho]

2011-12 is much more reliable (according to my dealer foreman) but has little available for tuning, which might not be your thing anyway. North Haven has one 135i vert listed on their website and the lack of an actual vehicle photo makes me doubt that it's on the lot. They often post the cars they have on order with stock images but they may not actually be available (customer car on order). I know what you mean about being able to get a better deal on something taking up space but these cars are rarely on the lot. That's more of a Acura, Toyota, Honda type of thing where they all come pretty much the same and the options are added at the dealer.

[infinitekidM2C]

cpo 328? yuck

[KingOfJericho]

I've been biting my tongue thus far but a 328 is a pretty snooze-worthy ride.

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I've been biting my tongue thus far but a 328 is a pretty snooze-worthy ride.

I like it as well, i spent a weekend in one and I enjoyed the softer but still sportier ride along with the great throttle response and that great snarl of that NA inline 6. However when I got back in my 1er with the PPK installed I was like "hell yeah"!!!

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by doublevanosrc

I like it as well, i spent a weekend in one and i sort of enjoyed the softer but still sportier ride along with the great throttle response and the great snarl of that NA inline 6.

I would file "snooze-worthy" as a negative...

[doublevanosrc]

Originally Posted by KingOfJericho

I would file "snooze-worthy" as a negative...

My bad I mistook it for something good

[ejm3]

Ok I get the picture. The 328 is not as fun or exciting as a 135 or a 128 for that matter.
I figured as much.

Going back to high school I always loved cars considered "pocket rockets" (GTI's & the like) and always said I would love an 'adult' version of a car like that. It seems like the 135 is essentially that car.

Edit: also, how long does it take from order to delivery? Does European Delivery save anything?

[ken1137]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Ok I get the picture. The 328 is not as fun or exciting as a 135 or a 128 for that matter.
I figured as much.

Going back to high school I always loved cars considered "pocket rockets" (GTI's & the like) and always said I would love an 'adult' version of a car like that. It seems like the 135 is essentially that car.

Edit: also, how long does it take from order to delivery? Does European Delivery save anything?

Yes, you are correct. The 328 is a fine luxury auto, but not fun to drive. Manual is the way to go with a coupe or convertible, but everyone and their mother will pass you on the hwy FYI...the 135 has the same engine and HPFP as the 335. I have not had any issues though and the HPFP is under warranty for 10 yrs. So, if you are looking for THE car to fulfill the need and desire for FUN, then buy the 135. I would also recommend the Porsche 911, M3, or M5, but the 135 is more economical at least for me while my daughter spends $ in college.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Ok I get the picture. The 328 is not as fun or exciting as a 135 or a 128 for that matter.
I figured as much.

Going back to high school I always loved cars considered "pocket rockets" (GTI's & the like) and always said I would love an 'adult' version of a car like that. It seems like the 135 is essentially that car.

Edit: also, how long does it take from order to delivery? Does European Delivery save anything?

ED does not save any time. It actually delays the process as you still have to order the car, find an open slot, then go on your trip for a week or two, THEN the car gets shipped back which takes a month or so. It's not for everyone but it's an amazing experience.

Ordering a car takes about 2 months unless they find something available in the queue that matches your specs.

[ejm3]

ED sounds like a perfect excuse to isit Germany to me!

Its interesting how they don't stock many 1's but a million 328's.

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by ejm3

ED sounds like a perfect excuse to isit Germany to me!

Its interesting how they don't stock many 1's but a million 328's.

My wife and I went to the dealer to buy a 328i convertible, test drove it, a 335i coupe and the 135i coupe and convertible and left with the 135i coupe. It was the right balance of sporty without feeling too heavy.

Keep in mind that the 328i will have the folding hardtop (which some (me) think is horribly ugly) and the 135i convertible will have a cloth roof. You mentioned a long commute, just know that cloth roofs do tend to be a little noisier. Further both cars are set for new models in about a year, so you might be able to better negotiate to invoice in about a year on current models.

While I agree that the 1er feels sportier because of the shorter wheelbase and slightly less weight, the 3er does handle better, the suspension is much better sorted and they come standard with better sized tires. Losing the factory run flats helps a lot, but the 1er still has a rather rough ride and a surprising amount of understeer when compared to other BMW's.

[KingOfJericho]

Originally Posted by ejm3

ED sounds like a perfect excuse to isit Germany to me!

Its interesting how they don't stock many 1's but a million 328's.

Same reason there are so many Camrys and Accords on the road... It's their bread and butter car and many people are not very performance oriented and just want to say "I drive a BMW."

[AW128i]

How did you go from comparing a CPO 328i convertible to a new 135i convertible? There is a huge price difference between the two cars, with the CPO 3-series being significantly less expensive. And, you say your budget is $30k? A new 135i convertible, with decent options, will run you close to $50k. Why not consider a CPO 128i convertible, or even a CPO 135i convertible? Both cars are perkier than a 328i convertible and less expensive.

If you decide to go with a new car, I'd recommend using Overstock (cars.overstock.com). If there's a participating dealer in your area (there likely are at least a couple) the process is super easy and you'll get a great deal. My family has purchased several new cars this way, including BMWs, and we've always paid under invoice.

[ejm3]

No my budget isn't $30k. Couldn't get either car for that.
I've been watching and it seems that a 3 year old CPO 328 conv. lists for about $34k-$35k and selling for somethinbg less than that. A 2012 135 conv. will run about $10k more than that. I could do either, though my original budget was for the 328.

[ptack]

Originally Posted by ejm3

Ok I get the picture. The 328 is not as fun or exciting as a 135 or a 128 for that matter.
I figured as much.

Going back to high school I always loved cars considered "pocket rockets" (GTI's & the like) and always said I would love an 'adult' version of a car like that. It seems like the 135 is essentially that car.

Edit: also, how long does it take from order to delivery? Does European Delivery save anything?

The ED definitely adds more time, but it can save you a few grand depending on how you do the trip. If you go as cheap as possible just to take ownership of the car and drop it off for shipping, you can save money. If you decide to tour Germany while you're at it you may spend a lot more.