BMW 135i vs. 328i: Lease/Buy?

dan051 · 12-17-2007, 10:03 PM

So my dealer contacted me today and informed me that I could order my 135i as I pleased. So I did: jet black, auto, iphone adapter.

I know the lease prices on these vehicles will be exorbitant because of the fact that it's a 1st year model, but I don't think purchasing the 1er is a good idea for me-- being 24 y.o., annual income $100-$150 K, and in the market for a condo (also realizing what a mistake buying a car before property could be, especially b/c I could afford the latter). So I have revisited the idea of leasing a 328i (I live with a notion that a car a sunk cost, month over month, not an investment for me at this point... or anyone else).

I think the lease prices on the 328i will be much more in line with what I am willing to spend on a vehicle at this point.

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a small beast, but I am not sure my current place is an ideal situation for buying a car instead of a condo. Much rather just take the hit of a $2500 down payment and $450-$500 monthly payment, instead of plunking down $20 K and financing the rest on a 135i... or even worse leasing the 1er for $550/month (that's just my ballpark for where I feel the 1 lease prices will end up, at the very least, if not more).

Anyone think I should still go for the 1er, given my current situation? Feedback, insight is much appreciated, as always.

fuhgetaboutit · 12-18-2007, 03:58 AM

I think you are spot on. A nicely equipped 328i will be a much more affordable lease than the 135i. Not to mention that insurance may be cheaper on the 230hp 328 version 300hp 135. We are in the third year of the E90, so early issues should be worked out (yes, I know the 1-series sold in Europe since 2004, but it wasn't a coupe with the same engine). Gas mileage difference will be negligible.

I put a deposit down on a 1-series, but like you I am tempted to go with a more practical, affordable (lease-wise at least) 328.

Obviously car purchases are very subjective, but having driven the 335i a few times including a driving class at the Performance Center in SC - that engine is serious overkill for me personally. Is it fun? Hell yeah. But I still have fun driving my 184hp E46, so I am thinking a 230hp 328 may do just fine.

And the first time you want to take more than two people in your vehicle, you'll be happy you got a 328.

clubspec330i · 12-18-2007, 03:57 PM

It depends on what condo you purchase. With that kind of income, you can comfortable live in 400-500k condo, 3500-4000/month mortgage and still be able to drive 135i no problem.

24..140k = 5384/bi-weekly
takehome = 3760/two weeks.
That's roughly 7500/month
- 4500 (mortgage and insurance & utilities) For 500k home with 50k down
- $650/month lease on 135i with 2.5k down(due to high MF probably)
- $150/month insurance
- $300/gas & car stuffs

= $1900 for food and other stuffs..

But what you get yourself into is probably what is best for you. Get 328i and than condo. Once you are comfortable with you payments, than you WILL upgrade to M3 for sure...:thumbup::thumbup:

mikeo · 12-18-2007, 04:13 PM

Condo in NYC. 2008 will probably be the best buying opportunity is years.

Brandon26pdx · 12-18-2007, 07:47 PM

I wouldn't automatically say buying a car before a house/condo/whatever is a bad idea, especially if you're 24, single(?) and a little unsure what you're career might do. A house is a much larger commitment than a car, and alot harder to get out of if you ever needed to.

larryn · 12-18-2007, 09:27 PM

The ole bait n switch. I wonder if that's why they are being so stingy on allotments? Get people in to see the new car, have then realize the allocations are not there, plus there's not a deal to be had, then switcheroo them to the 328i for cheaper...

EINSER M · 12-18-2007, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryn

The ole bait n switch. I wonder if that's why they are being so stingy on allotments? Get people in to see the new car, have then realize the allocations are not there, plus there's not a deal to be had, then switcheroo them to the 328i for cheaper...

NOT A BAD thought at all!!! BMW continues to massacre the competition with the 3 series, and they still get their $$$ on the 1 series from premiums and high lease rates.

12-17-2007, 10:03 PM	#1
dan051 New Member 7 Rep 28 Posts Drives: Join Date: Jul 2007 iTrader: (0)	BMW 135i vs. 328i: Lease/Buy? So my dealer contacted me today and informed me that I could order my 135i as I pleased. So I did: jet black, auto, iphone adapter. I know the lease prices on these vehicles will be exorbitant because of the fact that it's a 1st year model, but I don't think purchasing the 1er is a good idea for me-- being 24 y.o., annual income $100-$150 K, and in the market for a condo (also realizing what a mistake buying a car before property could be, especially b/c I could afford the latter). So I have revisited the idea of leasing a 328i (I live with a notion that a car a sunk cost, month over month, not an investment for me at this point... or anyone else). I think the lease prices on the 328i will be much more in line with what I am willing to spend on a vehicle at this point. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of a small beast, but I am not sure my current place is an ideal situation for buying a car instead of a condo. Much rather just take the hit of a $2500 down payment and $450-$500 monthly payment, instead of plunking down $20 K and financing the rest on a 135i... or even worse leasing the 1er for $550/month (that's just my ballpark for where I feel the 1 lease prices will end up, at the very least, if not more). Anyone think I should still go for the 1er, given my current situation? Feedback, insight is much appreciated, as always.
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12-18-2007, 03:58 AM	#2
fuhgetaboutit Private First Class 10 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Charlotte,NC iTrader: (0)	I think you are spot on. A nicely equipped 328i will be a much more affordable lease than the 135i. Not to mention that insurance may be cheaper on the 230hp 328 version 300hp 135. We are in the third year of the E90, so early issues should be worked out (yes, I know the 1-series sold in Europe since 2004, but it wasn't a coupe with the same engine). Gas mileage difference will be negligible. I put a deposit down on a 1-series, but like you I am tempted to go with a more practical, affordable (lease-wise at least) 328. Obviously car purchases are very subjective, but having driven the 335i a few times including a driving class at the Performance Center in SC - that engine is serious overkill for me personally. Is it fun? Hell yeah. But I still have fun driving my 184hp E46, so I am thinking a 230hp 328 may do just fine. And the first time you want to take more than two people in your vehicle, you'll be happy you got a 328.
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12-18-2007, 03:57 PM	#3
clubspec330i First Lieutenant 71 Rep 396 Posts Drives: MG F39, CB F86, MB 911T Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (0)	It depends on what condo you purchase. With that kind of income, you can comfortable live in 400-500k condo, 3500-4000/month mortgage and still be able to drive 135i no problem. 24..140k = 5384/bi-weekly takehome = 3760/two weeks. That's roughly 7500/month - 4500 (mortgage and insurance & utilities) For 500k home with 50k down - $650/month lease on 135i with 2.5k down(due to high MF probably) - $150/month insurance - $300/gas & car stuffs = $1900 for food and other stuffs.. But what you get yourself into is probably what is best for you. Get 328i and than condo. Once you are comfortable with you payments, than you WILL upgrade to M3 for sure...:thumbup::thumbup:
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12-18-2007, 04:13 PM	#4
mikeo Santa Fe Concorso 103 Rep 2,984 Posts Drives: '11 M-sport 328i, '13 X1 28i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Santa Fe, NM iTrader: (3)	Condo in NYC. 2008 will probably be the best buying opportunity is years. __________________ Santa Fe Concorso - The Southwest's Premier Automotive Gathering.
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12-18-2007, 07:47 PM	#5
Brandon26pdx Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 1,938 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (1)	I wouldn't automatically say buying a car before a house/condo/whatever is a bad idea, especially if you're 24, single(?) and a little unsure what you're career might do. A house is a much larger commitment than a car, and alot harder to get out of if you ever needed to.
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12-18-2007, 09:27 PM	#6
larryn Lieutenant General 2146 Rep 10,176 Posts Drives: '97 332ti, '21 X5 45e, '16 GT4 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	The ole bait n switch. I wonder if that's why they are being so stingy on allotments? Get people in to see the new car, have then realize the allocations are not there, plus there's not a deal to be had, then switcheroo them to the 328i for cheaper...
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