[jcee76]

I've been shopping around for a bit and I want your guys opinion. I've been drawn to the new 335i coupe bad @ss car. I want the twin turbo car but the car is really hot right now and I dunno if there is any room to bargain. I've been checkin out the 2004 M3 and i've been seeing some for under $40k with under 50k miles on them.
What are your guys suggestions?
Is it possible to get 335i coupe for $43k or under?
Also can someone give me a quick break down of the maintenance schedule and costs for the 335i and M3? I've been trying to look for this info.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by jcee76

I've been shopping around for a bit and I want your guys opinion. I've been drawn to the new 335i coupe bad @ss car. I want the twin turbo car but the car is really hot right now and I dunno if there is any room to bargain. I've been checkin out the 2004 M3 and i've been seeing some for under $40k with under 50k miles on them.
What are your guys suggestions?
Is it possible to get 335i coupe for $43k or under?
Also can someone give me a quick break down of the maintenance schedule and costs for the 335i and M3? I've been trying to look for this info.

Advantages:

M3 --
- M (a different kind of 3)
- 2004 with 50k miles is probably cheaper than new 335
- no RFTs
- IMO, still the best looking BMW ever made...

335 --
- New
- 4yr/50k free maintenance
- warranty
- new toys inside
- you break it in, etc...
- TT is great, and probably better mileage than M3
- New Step/MT choices

I'd go with new, although I love the M...

[ward]

M, it's a no brainer

[jcee76]

Thanks for the replies very informative! What about the maintanance schedule and costs comparison? keep in mind its a used M3 compared to a new 335i TT.

[ward]

m3 is more expensive of course

[DFW_M]

335 has FREE maintenance and warranty for 50,000 miles, M3 has (most likely) non, so...

[ward]

Originally Posted by dr325i

335 has FREE maintenance and warranty for 50,000 miles, M3 has (most likely) non, so...

not completely true, M would still have 4/50

so it's got less free maint/warranty but for it to have none is unlikely as well

[daheechang]

I too am very much considering trading my 06 330i in for a 03 m3 with only 16k miles i found nearby. Im interested in this post as well.

[jcee76]

Originally Posted by dr325i

335 has FREE maintenance and warranty for 50,000 miles, M3 has (most likely) non, so...

I understand what you're trying to say. Thanks.

But I've never owned a beemer. I was thinking it has the same maintanence schedule just like typical cars: every 5000 miles oil/oil filter change. 30,000 intermediate service, 60000 major service. Am I right? And what are prices usually for these services. And does the M3 and 335i have the same maintanence schedule?

[sterns]

I struggled with that too, I had a '95 E36 M3 and it was either get a used 2004/5/6 E46 M3 or the 335i E92/93. An '05 M3 with 30K miles was about the same price as a new 335i coupe.

For me, the M3 was an "upgrade", more power than the e36, similar but softer handling, but same "old" technology. The 335i was a "new" car, more power than the M3, new technology, but worse handling than I was used to.
The M3 will not hold its value as good as the 335i, especially once the new M3 comes out.

Driving the Cabrio was the icing on the cake... I was sold. Hey, if I don't like it in 1-2 years I can upgrade to the new M3

[MarkY]

Originally Posted by sterns

The M3 will not hold its value as good as the 335i, especially once the new M3 comes out.

Are you sure about that? Dollar-to-dollar, I bet the M3 holds its value much better then a non-M 3-Series. Lower overall sales volume of M3s would seem to be a key indicator.

[ward]

Originally Posted by MarkY

Are you sure about that? Dollar-to-dollar, I bet the M3 holds its value much better then a non-M 3-Series. Lower overall sales volume of M3s would seem to be a key indicator.

+1

people looking for an M want an M car

people looking for a 3 series are going to cross shop a 335 with 328/330/325 and many people don't know the difference and will buy the cheaper one, bringing down the resale of the high end models.

[jcee76]

Originally Posted by jcee76

I understand what you're trying to say. Thanks.

But I've never owned a beemer. I was thinking it has the same maintanence schedule just like typical cars: every 5000 miles oil/oil filter change. 30,000 intermediate service, 60000 major service. Am I right? And what are prices usually for these services. And does the M3 and 335i have the same maintanence schedule?

bump

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by jcee76

I understand what you're trying to say. Thanks.

But I've never owned a beemer. I was thinking it has the same maintanence schedule just like typical cars: every 5000 miles oil/oil filter change. 30,000 intermediate service, 60000 major service. Am I right? And what are prices usually for these services. And does the M3 and 335i have the same maintanence schedule?

Just to point out:

Beemer= BMW's motorcycles
Bimmer= BMW's automobiles

[jcee76]

Originally Posted by jcee76

I understand what you're trying to say. Thanks.

But I've never owned a beemer. I was thinking it has the same maintanence schedule just like typical cars: every 5000 miles oil/oil filter change. 30,000 intermediate service, 60000 major service. Am I right? And what are prices usually for these services. And does the M3 and 335i have the same maintanence schedule?

Or point me to where I can find this information.

[GS833]

I was asking myself the same question for a while... ... ...

[derryck]

I own an 03 M3 with almost 70K miles and an 07 335i with about 2K miles. Maintenance on any new BMW is taken care of so that's not an issue an M3 that is not under free maintenance can be costly to maintain. They need an 'inspection' about every 30K miles which basically adjusts the valves (if needed) and inspects and lubes everything and it runs about $1,800 a pop. As they get older things wear out and need to be replaced...if you don't have cash for the upkeep and maintenance then I would steer clear of the M3. The 335i offers most of the M3's performance in a package much better suited for daily driving. The 335i is quieter...offers a more passenger friendly ride and has much improved versions of things like bluetooth and is just as much fun to drive.

[Crazy Bimmer]

My reasons for picking the 335i over a used M3.

335i = lower interest rate since its new
Insurance is cheaper.
Wont look outdated anytime soon
Dont know the history of the M3 (was it beat on?)
More usable low end torque for daily driving

As for driving experience, the M3 has more of a fun factor of course. IMO

Tough call but you cant go wrong either way.

I am kinda worried how the N54 will be after warranty is up. At least you know the M3 engine is proven to be reliable now.

Crap now you making me double-guess myself on which car to get.

[MJO9040]

yo with 335i man brand new and very fast

[BMW3FXD]

Go for a nearly new 335 and mod it if you still need more. The M3 is gonna be old hat when the new one hits the streets soon.

[DFW_M]

Originally Posted by ward

not completely true, M would still have 4/50

so it's got less free maint/warranty but for it to have none is unlikely as well

I thought in his first post he said M3 with 50k miles

[Carnage]

Originally Posted by dr325i

I thought in his first post he said M3 with 50k miles

he said he's seen some with under 50K