[hoppy6698]

Originally Posted by Ramathorn

My 2 cents - order the one with the options you really want and don't settle for anything else.

I made that mistake with my last car. The anticipation of waiting for the new car and the hassle of driving something else until it arrives is far better than years of buyers remorse after the fact.

+1, this for sure! Nothing worse than knowing you could have had what you wanted, but chose not to.

[jgunnz]

So, I was in a similar situation last year. I wanted a 2014 model for the deals, put in an order only to find out that "my" allocation was sold a few hours before my order got placed. Had the choice of getting a car identical to the one I ordered, but with different seat color and trim. I went for it, and haven't regretted it once. The car is a blast to drive, I don't notice the color of the seats.

Your situation, though, is quite different. I don't think settling for an automatic when you want a manual would make you happy. The transmission on this car is amazing, every gear change is a pleasure. If you're inclination is to get a manual, wait for it. It's worth it, and you'll be really disappointed if you don't.

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Neither, just have them locate or trade for a car that comes closer to what you are looking for.

I agree. I can't wait for cars anymore. There is almost always a car you will like on the ground somewhere.

[G-Mann]

I say order and don't look back else you will always be second guessing, particularly if you don't get the transmission you prefer.

For a nominal fee I might sacrifice a preferred color but not on the transmission or must have options. I can work with over equipped.

[angler]

Order no questions asked!

[335BOY]

Originally Posted by G-Mann

I say order and don't look back else you will always be second guessing, particularly if you don't get the transmission you prefer.

For a nominal fee I might sacrifice a preferred color but not on the transmission or must have options. I can work with over equipped.

I did that. Fell for black on cr with AT. First at in 30 years and hated it. Don't settle for transmission!

[Alpine F31]

Order.

The time flew by and now I have the EXACT car I wanted.

[drivethemachine]

There is usually a 3rd option, which is find inventory elsewhere in the country and make it into an epic road trip.

The 235’s inventory is so low that there is practically nothing out there. I did a quick scan with cars.com and the only black manual is at South Bay bmw in Torrance CA. But at $44k might be under-optioned for what you need though.
If you're OK with other colors, you can find better:
There is a red in Florida at Coggin bmw
And a mineral gray in Oregon at Kuni bmw

[lukin07]

OP, if you're open to purchasing one from another dealer, there is an alpine white MT M235i at BMW of Turnersville, NJ. It's been on the lot for a while so they're probably interested in moving it. The interior color isn't what you want, but it's nicely optioned and has some extra goodies on it (M rocker panel decals, performance stripes, CF spoiler I believe).

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Settle...

One in the hand is worth 2 in the bush...Get the automatic, go for immediate fulfillment. Who cares if its auto and you love manual. The right transmission is NO BIG DEAL!

Postpone regret for 2 mos...Right about when that new car smell is gone...I'll look forward to those angst posts come July

[dmboone25]

Rental car be damned, order the thing the way you want it - especially if you are considering to keep it long term.

[angelbones]

Originally Posted by Dr Fatpuss

unless they are giving you over 10% off on the one they have in stock i would wait it out for the order. if your not saving big bucks and its just a matter of waiting then you wait.

This.

[MichaelL]

I would wait. Get what you want so that you will be happy long term...

[NEUE02]

It's your $50k...get exactly what YOU want. Order it...or keep searching.

[skitsos]

Imo, wait and order what you WANT! Don't let the dealers push you to take that car off the lot. If you want something else, order it the way you want it. It will definitely be worth the wait. Don't make the fast buy just to have a car that doesn't even have the specs you really want (especially color, because that's a big part, and transmission being another big aspect). Do yourself a favor and wait to get the car the way you want. You will be WAY happier! Not to mention, for a price in the $50k range, you would want the car to your specifications.

[iamdabest1]

Originally Posted by Zooks527

Harder choice with the rental car question. Still, order what you want and wait. Negotiate across the car rental places for a small POS. You don't want to spend a long time regretting not getting EXACTLY what you wanted (speaking from personal experience).

FWIW, I sold my 335 3 weeks ago. I'm driving a 2004 Passat with 185k miles on it until what looks like June when my new M235xi comes in.

Is there an m240 coming ?

[Zooks527]

Originally Posted by iamdabest1

Is there an m240 coming ?

From the articles and production guides I've seen, it doesn't look like it at the moment. They seem to be going to the x40 designation in most of the lines except in the 2-series.

[IDBMW]

Order and get what you want.

I was in a similar situation. I ordered my M235i and put my 135i up for sale. Within a day it was sold but I needed a car. The buyer of my 135i gave me two weeks to find a car and I bought a 2003 Nissan Sentry for $2500. The car is in great shape, worth about $4000 but it is such a good car for the money I am going to keep it and drive it on bad weather days. A POS rental was $30/day and it took 75 days from my order to delivery which would cost $2250 for a rental.