Need opinion on 335is upgrade to M3

[Rogue916]

Guys,

I need your opinion on this. I currently have a 2011 335is and I'm considering upgrading to an M3. The 335is I have current has 57,000 miles because I have a long commute and I have an extended warranty and maintenance that will take it up to 100,000 or 2017. I'm going to be moving closer to work soon however, and so mileage and gas price considerations will change. I would ideally prefer to spend under $50k on any car and stay under the 20% monthly income rule. I'm currently about $2000/3000 above water on my 335is so I'm wondering if now is a good time to get rid of it also.

I'm considering these options:

Option 1) Get an older M3 2009 or 2010 model with under 50,000 miles right now and tack on extended warranty and maintenance which would cover it to 2015/2016.

Option 2) Get an older M3 2008/2009 and don't bother with the warranty and do repairs myself or go to an independent shop. I understand the M cars are no joke when it comes to repair costs however, and I've used the extended warranty and maintenance on both BMWs I've owned so far.

Option 3) Keep the 335is and wait til 2014 or 2015 and get a slightly used 2013/2012 E92 M3 after the depreciation from the F80 rollout filters down.

Option 4) Wait for the brand new M4 to roll out. (most expensive option and may not be financially the smartest move but you only live once right?)


Thanks for the help!

[mdosu]

so this is more of a financial question than a M3 vs 335is question.... we really dont' know what your personal situation is. The M3 is better than the 335is in every measurable performance category, only you will know whether you can afford it. Good luck

[Rogue916]

From a financial standpoint, would the repairs/maintenance need a warranty? I know the overall reliability of the e92 M3 is much better than the N54 and N55 cars but I'm wondering how expensive having one without a warranty would be.

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by Rogue916

From a financial standpoint, would the repairs/maintenance need a warranty? I know the overall reliability of the e92 M3 is much better than the N54 and N55 cars but I'm wondering how expensive having one without a warranty would be.

depends on the issue at hand. I elected not to buy the extended b/c I have a low mileage car and I'm taking a calculated risk.

Extended is around $3k. Most common problems for the car would be idle air control valve issue or valve issues (bent/stuck), the former costing about $600 to fix, the latter about $1500-$1700.

The only good thing about having extended is if something happens, it's minimum stress when it happens, you just drop it off, and it gets fixed. Without it, you have to shop around for the parts and labor...etc.

[Rogue916]

Are there any potential common engine issues that could cost over $3000? I understand the e92 M3's engine design is pretty simple in comparison to the 335i family because it's naturally aspirating but I'm just wondering if there's some issues that may arise as ridiculous as the HPFP failures we get in our cars.

[05Mdriver]

Originally Posted by mdosu

I elected not to buy the extended b/c I have a low mileage car and I'm taking a calculated risk.

I'm with this guy.

I have done my homework before purchasing, and asked the necessary questions prior to purchasing (i.e. One owner car who I got to know personally / all records car / clean carfax / private sale / BMW dealership performed Pre-purchase inspection).

With the M3, my palms sweat everytime I get on an open road, and everytime I park the car, I think to myself how utterly fantastic it is.

I say go for an 08-09

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Rogue916

Guys,

I need your opinion on this. I currently have a 2011 335is and I'm considering upgrading to an M3. The 335is I have current has 57,000 miles because I have a long commute and I have an extended warranty and maintenance that will take it up to 100,000 or 2017. I'm going to be moving closer to work soon however, and so mileage and gas price considerations will change. I would ideally prefer to spend under $50k on any car and stay under the 20% monthly income rule. I'm currently about $2000/3000 above water on my 335is so I'm wondering if now is a good time to get rid of it also.

I'm considering these options:

Option 1) Get an older M3 2009 or 2010 model with under 50,000 miles right now and tack on extended warranty and maintenance which would cover it to 2015/2016.

Option 2) Get an older M3 2008/2009 and don't bother with the warranty and do repairs myself or go to an independent shop. I understand the M cars are no joke when it comes to repair costs however, and I've used the extended warranty and maintenance on both BMWs I've owned so far.

Option 3) Keep the 335is and wait til 2014 or 2015 and get a slightly used 2013/2012 E92 M3 after the depreciation from the F80 rollout filters down.

Option 4) Wait for the brand new M4 to roll out. (most expensive option and may not be financially the smartest move but you only live once right?)


Thanks for the help!

I agre with mdosu 100% ... also you need to make Pro and Con List or using better words a Positive and Negative list then review it based on your financial situation and make the decision only you can make ...

also have a look at this thread and my post No 8 --->Click here to open

Good Luck ... let us know what you decide oh yes don't forget the photos

[Transfer]

The engine is supposedly quite robust but if something catastrophic happens, you're looking at about $20-25k to replace (from what many have said on here). If you want a DCT transmission, it could be $15k to replace and they are not rebuildable. The clutches can be replaced but the transmission itself is not internally serviceable. That's just some food for thought when planning an M3 purchase.

Personally, my car DCT is under warranty for a few years yet but depending on prices, I'm almost certain I will be getting an extended warranty. Not because I'm worried about small $500-$2500 repairs, but I'm worried about catastrophic stuff that would really damage me financially. I'm guessing you would be in the same boat there.

I think you would be very happy upgrading to an M3, but I don't think I would do it without some warranty. The odds of a $10k+ repair are quite small but it could cost you dearly if it happens. I vote wait until next year and then pick up a 2012. I wouldn't wait for the M4 because while it will be faster, you've gotta own the S65 V8 for at least a few years in your life. It is astounding.

[mjposner]

I bought a used 2008 with little warranty left and in one year needed several repairs that w/o warranty would likely have cost about $2,500. If you want a BMW extended warranty, then a late 09 may be your only choice, must be under warranty to extend. Also, 09s have much better nav/controller.

[mjposner]

P.S. Dealer quoted 34k to replace engine after flood. Engine new from Germany cost 25k

[Rogue916]

If I bought a late 2009 with a few months warranty left, would I be able to have an extended warranty that would cover 5 years of repairs or 100k miles? I take out 60 month loans for my cars to keep payments down and try to pay them off before that time.

[mdefalco25]

How about changing your thinking. Instead of betting/thinking something will go wrong consider how strong these cars are and think positive about it and not get all caught up on an extended warranty. Most extended warranties typically will not cover what you need due to all the clauses but this is just my personal opinion.

[SDSmain]

Get a 2011 M3

[M3takesNYC]

These are one of those things that is such a personal choice and I have done it both ways with and without extended warranty.

Some people honestly can drive day to day without worrying about something happening or with any CEL, take it with a grain of salt and not really get flustered and in the end does not add one minute of stress to their lives. These people I do agree are better off without the warranty if their cars are in good shape.

I do believe (its obvious or insurance would not exist) that statistically speaking you are more likely to spend more on a warranty than you are on repairs so I concede that.

BUt if you are like me, and enjoy some level of certainty day in and day out than you are a warranty guy. To me its so worth the 4-5k for a warranty for the peace of mind on a day to day basis which avoids frequent stress or thoughts of what could go wrong. I am not ssaying it was a daily thing but any little problem would lead me to be really concerned and in the end it was a no brainer to get the warranty and "sleep easier at night" (not literally)

So from someone that had it and did not have it, albeit not on an m3 (although I am looking for a warranty now for the m3) you sound like someone who is concerned enough to post online which my guess is you are someone who likes a level of certainity that only a warranty will provide.

With that said, I think you should enjoy the newest m3 you can afford now. The next gen m3 will be quite similar to your 335is in terms of power delivery and throttle/engine experience which if you ask anyone here, is 90 percent of the enjoyment off the track-enjoying the v8. So I think you go with a newer e9x m3 asap. Get the extended waarranty and you are set

[jpuzas]

I personally have not had any of my extended warranties pay off. Acura 3.2 TL, 2005 MB E500, and 2008 Honda Odyssey. I either didn't need it (Acura/Honda) or there was some technicality for why they would not honor it (Mercedes). I have around $7500 wrapped up in extended warranties that I have never used. My decision is to insure myself for the M3. My plan is to maintain it properly and not worry.

Jeff

[highmodulus]

Another factor is that a car with the extended warranty is much easier to sell down the line as well.

I thought the N54 HPFP issue has long since been sorted.

[mdefalco25]

It's simple, if you have the money for the extended warranty put it in a high yielding account and let it earn interest. If you end up not needing it you are that much better off. It's a gamble either way. I would rather have the money on hand earning interest than spend it on something you will not need. Consumer Report did a review on extended warranties way back when and determined that they are not worth the money.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by mdefalco25

It's simple, if you have the money for the extended warranty put it in a high yielding account and let it earn interest. If you end up not needing it you are that much better off. It's a gamble either way. I would rather have the money on hand earning interest than spend it on something you will not need. Consumer Report did a review on extended warranties way back when and determined that they are not worth the money.

This is generally my feelings on warranties. It's, of course, a gamble because the warranty could end up covering a $20k engine or $10k transmission, but the odds of that are low.

If I'm car shopping I look at certified/CPO cars, but I wouldn't pay a major premium for an otherwise similar car.

[scm6079]

I honestly am not sure that I would make that change.

I came from a 2011 335is to my 2913 M3 -- and miss quite a bit from the 335is. The m3 *IS NOT* a better car in every way. It is better in a few ways, and the 335is is better in others.

1) the 335is has significantly more useable torque - and the butt dyno feels faster. I am constantly missing the push to the back of the seat feeling when the over boost kicked in on the IS. Having also owned a 335 earlier, the IS is a really special car.

2) the 335is has better LED lights. Even with the lux replacements, they are not as bright/ good looking as the IS.

3) no front PDC on the m3. Although not a deal breaker anywhere, the front PDC was a nice to have that I miss.

4) joke of a center console in the rear. The floppy cushion in the m3 sucks. My family riding in the back complains about it. Obviously not a driver issue, but if you have rear seat occupants expect a few complaints on this and lack of seat nets.

5) the 335is has a better exhaust note from the factory. Of course, purchasing a new exhaust changes that - since the m3 has a better engine noise. The factory m3 exhaust is not very pleasing.

6) steering weight is nicer on the 335is. Not everyone will agree, but I find the m3 either too light or too artificial when set to sport.

I have not had the opportunity to track my m3 - which I had with the 335is - so I will reserve handling measurements, but I expect the m3 to excel there -- which ultimately is why I bought it. Just don't go into this expecting an all-around better car -- it's not.

-Scott

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by Rogue916

If I bought a late 2009 with a few months warranty left, would I be able to have an extended warranty that would cover 5 years of repairs or 100k miles? I take out 60 month loans for my cars to keep payments down and try to pay them off before that time.

well, if you buy today, the 2009's original warranty all can expire as early as late this year through the first 6 months of 2014 depending on the original purchase date.

So you'll have about less than a year to make a purchase decision on extended. So to answer you question, yes, by buying extended, it'll extend the warranty period and mileage. Go to your dealer to get the quote of the final extended warranty coverage date and read the fine print.

[Peahi]

Originally Posted by mdefalco25

It's simple, if you have the money for the extended warranty put it in a high yielding account and let it earn interest. If you end up not needing it you are that much better off. It's a gamble either way. I would rather have the money on hand earning interest than spend it on something you will not need. Consumer Report did a review on extended warranties way back when and determined that they are not worth the money.

What high yield accounts are you talking about? You need to educate people here. Nothing at banks and credit unions are high yield, that is a misnomer since interest rates are basically zero. Lol. If you are thinking income funds you should explain which ones so people can look up actual rates of return and volatility.

[mdosu]

Originally Posted by scm6079

I honestly am not sure that I would make that change.

I came from a 2011 335is to my 2913 M3 -- and miss quite a bit from the 335is. The m3 *IS NOT* a better car in every way. It is better in a few ways, and the 335is is better in others.

1) the 335is has significantly more useable torque - and the butt dyno feels faster. I am constantly missing the push to the back of the seat feeling when the over boost kicked in on the IS. Having also owned a 335 earlier, the IS is a really special car.

2) the 335is has better LED lights. Even with the lux replacements, they are not as bright/ good looking as the IS.

3) no front PDC on the m3. Although not a deal breaker anywhere, the front PDC was a nice to have that I miss.

4) joke of a center console in the rear. The floppy cushion in the m3 sucks. My family riding in the back complains about it. Obviously not a driver issue, but if you have rear seat occupants expect a few complaints on this and lack of seat nets.

5) the 335is has a better exhaust note from the factory. Of course, purchasing a new exhaust changes that - since the m3 has a better engine noise. The factory m3 exhaust is not very pleasing.

6) steering weight is nicer on the 335is. Not everyone will agree, but I find the m3 either too light or too artificial when set to sport.

I have not had the opportunity to track my m3 - which I had with the 335is - so I will reserve handling measurements, but I expect the m3 to excel there -- which ultimately is why I bought it. Just don't go into this expecting an all-around better car -- it's not.

-Scott

good thoughts, but I think you misread, OP's concern is regarding financials and warranty issues, not performance.