uncertainty- 08 vs 09, 135 vs 335.

[UnsungZero]

Was wondering about everyones opinions on the following (short version below):

I am in the market for a manual transmission coupe and was interested in the 135 with sport/premium pack no other frills. I went to several dealers and the sales manager at two of them really pushed me on the 335 coupe. They had no real reason to do this as neither had a manual 335's on the lot but one did have a 135 in AW that I was interested in. Both would have to order a 335 from another dealer. One said it was a no brainer, that the 3 was a better car and they were offering better incentives (0.9%). Some reviews I read seem to suggest the same. I have not driven the 335 manual although I have driven a 335 auto convertible which was good but not near as nice as the 135's drive (expected due to convertible).

So im looking at 335's now. But now the only one in the country I (supposedly) find is a silver one and so now Im looking at ordering an 09 and now the price difference is bigger etc etc.

So, additionally, there is much more local dealer pushing me on a 135 that I like (MT, AW, Sport/Premium etc) but is asking 41.5 or so. I told him I could wait and order an 09 for 39k. How much should I be looking to pay for this 08 on the lot or is it better to just wait for the 09 since I am not an impulse buyer.

Summary: Opinions on the 335 coupe vs 135 and on purchasing an 08 or waiting for an 09 build.

-UZ

[buckwheat986]

in your case 135 is the way to go

[ulrichd]

Go for the 08, an 09 price increase is anticipated. I would do the same but most cars I've seen have 8-10K of options, all I really want is the sport package and a manual tranny.

[04Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by ulrichd

Go for the 08, an 09 price increase is anticipated. I would do the same but most cars I've seen have 8-10K of options, all I really want is the sport package and a manual tranny.

Why go for the 08 because of a price increase? Any savings on the 08, you would lose in resale value not getting the 09.

[yourfriend]

but remember, 08 is year one of the 1!

[emm3tt]

Originally Posted by 04Enthusiast

Why go for the 08 because of a price increase? Any savings on the 08, you would lose in resale value not getting the 09.

.........unless you're like me. I was able to buy an 08 vs. an 09 for probably 2k less (take delivery in 2 weeks). My resale value will not suffer on the model year because I have not been driving the car for basically the entire model year as I believe there was only 1 more week of '08 production after mine. When I go to sell in 3 or 4 or however many years, the miles will be comparatively low for the model year.

All depends on where you're sitting!

[UnsungZero]

Ive been thinking about the 135 vs the 335 and decided I like the looks of the 135 better and to hell with everyone else who thinks its ugly. Plus I do not need the extra room or size or whatever of the 335 and I do not care that 3 is a larger number than 1.

So, I called another dealer and can order an 09 135 for 38k that I would be happy with (manual, sport, premium). What should I be looking to spend on a similar 08 + premium+sound upgrade+ipod+satellite radio. I mean those are not critical options to me. I think if I can get it for 37k or so Ill jump on it although thats probably right at invoice.

Side question: What is everyones thoughts on the brushed aluminum. Im not sold on it, it looks much better without the textures in the 335.

For 09 are we talking about like a 500$ price increase or more than that?

I think the best option is just looking like wait a few months and see what the market is like.

-JP

[wu2x]

I ordered my car with the aluminum trim without looking at it. When I finally did get to see it on a dealer lot, I was very disappointed with the way that it looked, but that was also because it clashed with the gray boston leather that was also in the car. My car has black leatherette, and it looks much better, adding a bit more detail and contrast. Although I think I would still prefer the 335i aluminum trim, the 135 trim is growing on me and I do not mind it at all.

If it really bothers you, United BMW is selling the titanium trim that is smooth, without texture (last I checked).

[mistermojorizin]

08 will be cheaper up front, 09 will have better residual on the end - do you want to spend extra now ('09) or later ('08) - i would say its always better to delay extra expenses.

since you're not getting the nav - the 08 and 09 will be very similar (btw sport pack + premium is an excellent choice of options)

as for 335 vs. 135 - there's a price difference, the 1'er will have better performance/feel and classic bmw looks, the e92 will have modern bmw looks (the e90 will get a facelift, i'd definitely wait for that if you want the sedan) and the e92 will have more prestige (for picking up girls, impressing the neighbors, if that's your sort of thing).

check this out for a same day/same driver copmarison of 335 and 135: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...ticleId=125908

as for room, the 135 has more room than the e92 in certain measurements and vice versa in others.