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      03-11-2014, 05:48 PM   #1
tmpendergrass
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135i vs M235i

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I have been looking for quite some time to find a good 135i to replace my 323i. I'd like to get an N54, sport package, manual, black or red interior 135i (I know, I'm picky). Lately after seeing all the hype about the 235i I'm starting to fall in love with it. However I have a few concerns about the 235i.

1. I never thought I would be looking at buying a new car. Whatever I buy, I plan to keep it for a very very long time so if I feel like the M235i is the right car, then I can justify the costs. I'm not that concerned with depreciation since I hope to keep it for a long time(hopefully over 20 years)

2. Since this is my "dream car" that I will be driving for a long time, putting lots of money into mods etc, I'm concerned that an M2 will come out and I will regret not saving my money and getting an M2.

3. With the new 2 series coming out, I assume e82 prices will go down which make the 135i for appealing and saves more cash for mods.

What do you guys think? Would especially like to here thoughts from guys who have driven both. Would it be ok to visit a dealer for a test drive even if I'm not sure if I even want to buy the 235i?

Thanks!
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      03-11-2014, 06:29 PM   #2
number1draftpick
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Don't think of a test drive as something someone should only do if they've decided on a car. It's a big part of the evaluation process, which is exactly what you'd be doing since you are considering the M235i. I think it would be very much appropriate and recommended that you do a test drive.

I've driven both and liked both. I do find the M235i to be a bit less bumpy on bad roads and of course more powerful. The steering may be a slight step back in its current form but I still enjoyed it and felt engaged with the road. Other than that, I can't offer much more since I never really considered the 1 series. At that time, I had a 328i and was quite fine with that size. BMW's new larger models are what made me look towards the 2 series. They are just too big for me now.

Overall, it sounds like you should take your time and decided. What the length of commitment you have in mind, you're pretty much getting married! If you'll feel back that you didn't wait for an M2, sit back and see when and if it will be launched before you make your move. If you're ultimate goal is to save money, go with the 135i. But over 20 years, it probably won't matter which one you get, so just go with the one that you love the most.
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      03-11-2014, 06:35 PM   #3
tmpendergrass
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Thanks Kamara!
Money is not "no object" for me but I am willing to make sacrifices to have the car I really want. I guess I will try to get a M235i test drive and go from there. I watched the review from that asian dude (don't remember his name) he seemed to be very happy with the steering, which I was curious about since it's one of the things I really value about these sports cars. Guess I need to try it for myself.
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      03-11-2014, 07:09 PM   #4
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Here's how I look at it. I have an 2007 E93 335 manual with only 25,000 miles I thought I would keep forever. Now I plan on keeping the M235 I ordered forever even though I leased it. You never know how technology will improve cars in the future or make them worse. This is as close as I can get to my 2004 E46 M3 I can get yet its $48.4K and my 2004 E46 M3 had a $57K sticker. So $9K less after 10 years is a value. One advantage of a new body style is it will look like the latest version for 7 years because that's the BMW life cycle. I'm leasing because if I really like it I can buy it and get it certified after 3 years and get another 3 years warranty for less than $1,000 so its low risk. If it's now what you thought turn it in because it's going to depreciate the same the first 3 years whether you buy it or lease it. You lease and you don't have to put money down, it's like a trial marriage.
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      03-11-2014, 07:38 PM   #5
tmpendergrass
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky13 View Post
Here's how I look at it. I have an 2007 E93 335 manual with only 25,000 miles I thought I would keep forever. Now I plan on keeping the M235 I ordered forever even though I leased it. You never know how technology will improve cars in the future or make them worse. This is as close as I can get to my 2004 E46 M3 I can get yet its $48.4K and my 2004 E46 M3 had a $57K sticker. So $9K less after 10 years is a value. One advantage of a new body style is it will look like the latest version for 7 years because that's the BMW life cycle. I'm leasing because if I really like it I can buy it and get it certified after 3 years and get another 3 years warranty for less than $1,000 so its low risk. If it's now what you thought turn it in because it's going to depreciate the same the first 3 years whether you buy it or lease it. You lease and you don't have to put money down, it's like a trial marriage.
I like the lease to buy option. I can't seem to find the figure for how much you owe after 3 years if you want to keep it.
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      03-11-2014, 07:49 PM   #6
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I have driven both cars within the last month. The M235i was brand new obvs, the 135i was a fleet car (driven by a BMW executive) with 6k miles on it. Both are nice, the M235i is undoubtedly nicer. That said, I negotiated the 135i down to $35K from an original MSRP of close to $50K. Is the M235i $15K nicer? Honestly I don't think so. I skipped the 135i because I want warranty, lease, drive it for 3 years and give it back no hassle. Completely different situation than what you are looking for.
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      03-11-2014, 08:07 PM   #7
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I purchased mine because I've wanted the 1 replacement for a long time, but I know for a fact should an M2 actually hit in 2 years I'll be trading it in for the long haul on an M2. But only time will tell if that happens and how good it will be.

I wish the M2 launched alongside the M4 that would be nice, but BMW marketing knows their stuff and will get both ends of the spectrum by doing it this way I suppose.
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      03-11-2014, 08:09 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cmkde View Post
I purchased mine because I've wanted the 1 replacement for a long time, but I know for a fact should an M2 actually hit in 2 years I'll be trading it in for the long haul on an M2. But only time will tell if that happens and how good it will be.

I wish the M2 launched alongside the M4 that would be nice, but BMW marketing knows their stuff and will get both ends of the spectrum by doing it this way I suppose.
I hope BMW marketing doesn't neuter the M2. I personally think the M2 would be more of a spiritual successor to the M3 than the M4 and therefore I think it should be the "king" of the M cars. M6 is to M4 is to M2 if that makes sense
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      03-11-2014, 08:15 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tmpendergrass View Post
I hope BMW marketing doesn't neuter the M2. I personally think the M2 would be more of a spiritual successor to the M3 than the M4 and therefore I think it should be the "king" of the M cars. M6 is to M4 is to M2 if that makes sense
Totally agree, if they come out with high output version with flared fenders similar to the M235i racing car out right now or an NA V8 I'm all in no matter the cost. Now if it's a 4CYL jacked up such as the CLA45 AMG there's no way in hell I would ever buy it.
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      03-11-2014, 08:21 PM   #10
tmpendergrass
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I would love to see a M2 GTE race car in TUSC and Le Mans!
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      03-11-2014, 08:44 PM   #11
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You can basically get the car for the residual price, some finance charges but not much. I leased a 2004 M3 and almost bought at the end but I ran the hell out of it so I passed on it. The dealer has the option to buy the car from BMW finance at the end of the lease for a discount from the residual. Dealers don't have to take the lease cars but usually do because they make money on them. If they don't take them they go to auction.
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      03-11-2014, 09:03 PM   #12
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      03-11-2014, 09:50 PM   #13
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I'm assuming you are a younger male. Maybe in college. Lots of life in front of you, little experience behind you. If so, it is understandable how you would think you'd keep this car for a long time. But, let's look at reality. Would you want a 88 Camaro? Those were pretty bitchin in their time. I won't ask about an E30, cause yeah, we all would love a clean one . My point is, cars change rapidly. Technology is crazy fast. The 135 and 235 will likely be laughable in 10 years. Also, you might find u have a better job or your wife does. You have kids. That car won't matter as much then as it does now. I'd look more towards a nice ride now, putting cash away for later, than a bit better ride yet costing much more. You could get a CPOd 135 and have a long warranty period, plus let someone like me take the big depreciation hit when I drove it off the lot.
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      03-15-2014, 04:10 PM   #14
tmpendergrass
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wdlfbio View Post
I'm assuming you are a younger male. Maybe in college. Lots of life in front of you, little experience behind you. If so, it is understandable how you would think you'd keep this car for a long time. But, let's look at reality. Would you want a 88 Camaro? Those were pretty bitchin in their time. I won't ask about an E30, cause yeah, we all would love a clean one . My point is, cars change rapidly. Technology is crazy fast. The 135 and 235 will likely be laughable in 10 years. Also, you might find u have a better job or your wife does. You have kids. That car won't matter as much then as it does now. I'd look more towards a nice ride now, putting cash away for later, than a bit better ride yet costing much more. You could get a CPOd 135 and have a long warranty period, plus let someone like me take the big depreciation hit when I drove it off the lot.
Yes I am college (aged) but I have a good job and don't take a dime from my parents so please don't hate I am test driving a CPO 135i with DCT next week. 25k for a 135i with a warranty is super temping but I really want a manual and those are nearly impossible to find on the 135i
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