[bmw1010]

Greetings all:

I hope you’re all well and safe. I needed help with a decision I’m about to make. I currently own a 2017 m240i convertible, estoril blue on oyster. It’s a beautiful car. My lease is expiring in 1 month.

I love the car and basically wanted to order the same car in its 2020 variant, black Sapphire Metallic on cognac. However, with the factories currently closed - and who knows how long they’ll be closed for - I’m not sure if I’ll get the chance.

My question is- should I just keep my 2017? Or order a 2020? The reason why I wanted to order it is because I’m kinda over the estoril blue - it’s a beautiful color - but as far as keeping it for the long term - I feel a more neutral color like black would suite me more.

I would hate to turn it in, and have it be too late to order a 2020.

What do you guys think?

[seansurfn2]

dang your lucky to be able to make those decisions at a time like this =P

my .02 is live within your means and be happy with what you have and not what you don't have... i debated going up to a m240i but im quite happy with a near mint and paid off 2014 m235i with full tune and mods. best thing ever owning a like new bmw and no payments can take that money and pay off your house next faster.. dave ramsey ftw

[morphomeman]

Many companies are extending leases in these times.
I would extend the lease 6 mo.
You have a good bet that the factory will be up and running in 3 mo.
That will allow you to put in an order for a 2021, the last model year on this vehicle and factory.
And if you like the car so much, buy the new one instead of leasing it, and keep it.
You will save a good bit in the long run.

[stein_325i]

Like morphomeman said I would extend the lease, however for your next car it may actually be a better idea to finance (or buy out at the end of the lease), as the 2-series will eventually will change to the G42 generation and be bigger, heavier, and likely less beautiful, so if you don't like the direction BMW is going, buying out your current 2er or the next one, may be a good idea.

[bmw1010]

Yes I agree - I’m leaning towards extending my lease and seeing if I can just finance my order or the current one I have. I really like the current model a lot. Thanks fella’s!

[BEM-S4]

If you can find something leftover on a lot you like when the new one comes out you'll save a ton of cash. I got my 2016 235 after the 2017 240 already came out and got way under invoice.

[chattanooga240]

Originally Posted by seansurfn2

dang your lucky to be able to make those decisions at a time like this =P

The vast majority of people are still working as usual.

Originally Posted by seansurfn2

best thing ever owning a like new bmw and no payments

There are at least 1000 better things.

OP, as others have mentioned, do a short term extend if you can to see how things pan out. The way the economy is right now and the mass fear and hysteria, BMW is going to want to work with you.

[Sportstick]

If it’s really and only about the exterior color, why not just have it wrapped?

[BimBimM2]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

If it’s really and only about the exterior color, why not just have it wrapped?

Words of wisdom! Seriously, OP, listen to Sportstick and get it wrapped! For our 2-ers it won't cost more than 5k for high quality wraps (did my research last year).

[morphomeman]

5K for a bit of plastic wrap!!!
For that price, I'd keep the car and spend my money on something other than coloring a car.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

5K for a bit of plastic wrap!!!
For that price, I'd keep the car and spend my money on something other than coloring a car.

I never expected to find myself thinking so much about a new color vinyl wrap, already having chosen the one, clearly superior color ever produced on a 2 Series .

I personally agree with your second sentence. But, OP stated this entire question is due only to exterior color. I wouldn't change a car just for that reason either, but we take our OP questions as we find them. I guess one could use your opening sentence positioning to reduce the perceived value of almost anything...."Over $50 THOUSAND dollars for a small bit of a car with just two doors!?"

For me, it would come down to a simpler equation....Less than $5k to wrap the entire car or likely a good bit more to replace with an entirely new, otherwise identical car...again, for OP, not you nor me, just for the sake of color.

I did watch a vinyl wrap artist spend about 4 hours perfecting the application of black gloss wrap on the previously bright window surrounds on my car. $400. Much of the value is in the expertise of the application, not just the cost of materials.

One other reason to advocate the wrap. When it ever does come time to sell, OP can offer the car in a choice of two colors....the black as wrapped, or the since-then, excellently protected, original Estoril, ready underneath to be revealed.

[USA-RET]

I would extend the lease and see if you still feel the same way then. IMO this is the easiest thing to under the circumstances and lets you kick this can down a road a bit and see where we are near year's end.

You never know what new models will be hinted at or offered going forward. You may find something you would be happier with than the same car you have now in a different color.

If nothing else, this virus teaches us that living with payments on everything can be a very precarious position when and if one loses their job. There is comfort in knowing that if the SHTF, you won't get re-possessed or foreclosed upon if you go the "cash and carry" route.

[bmw1010]

Thanks for all the input and insight, everyone! I just wanted to clarify that it’s not just the exterior but also the interior color that I would like a change in. From estoril blue to black sapphire metallic, and from oyster to cognac. Again, I’m thinking about keeping the car long term, so I figured why not try and get the exact car I can.

I do feel that the best course of action is to extend the lease and see how things play out later in the year, who knows I may not even be able to order one...

Does anyone know typically how far into the current year I’ll most likely be able to order the 2020 model? I’m assuming production on the 2021’s will start later in the summer or the fall? Any ideas?

Thanks fellas!

[keylime503]

Originally Posted by bmw1010

Thanks for all the input and insight, everyone! I just wanted to clarify that it’s not just the exterior but also the interior color that I would like a change in. From estoril blue to black sapphire metallic, and from oyster to cognac. Again, I’m thinking about keeping the car long term, so I figured why not try and get the exact car I can.

I do feel that the best course of action is to extend the lease and see how things play out later in the year, who knows I may not even be able to order one...

Does anyone know typically how far into the current year I’ll most likely be able to order the 2020 model? I’m assuming production on the 2021’s will start later in the summer or the fall? Any ideas?

Thanks fellas!

At this point, I'd be shocked if you can order a 2020 model. I bet when the factory opens back up they will retool for MY2021 and start from there.

[p912guy]

Originally Posted by keylime503

At this point, I'd be shocked if you can order a 2020 model. I bet when the factory opens back up they will retool for MY2021 and start from there.

^This. I am fairly certain BMW generally shuts down orders around the April / May time frame to prep for the next model year.

[morphomeman]

All predictions are difficult in the face of the virus.
I suspect that they may simply shift over to the next model year when they resume production. There will be minimal differences, though, if any, since 2021 will be the last year in this particular plant. It's off to Mexico for the new car the next year.

[Shovelman]

A changover is an effort of many months in preparation. If they have lost a few weeks of prep they will likely have to delay changeover by a similar amount so 2020's will still roll off the line for a while.

[MasterFloody]

I would look to see if you can find a used low mileage 2019 (or even 2020) that's spec'd out how you like it. The price drop would be a major selling point and you still warranty and CPO and all that jazz. Pretty sure you can work some insane deals right now. I work at Nissan and the sales team is still nailing out cars because of interest rates and businesses taking everything they can get.

Otherwise, see if you can do the extension for the lease. Tough spot in a way, and I love that you love your car too. Let us know what happens!

[msej449]

My 2016 M235i Convertible was the first purchase in many years that was up-front cash, in part reflecting an intention to keep this one indefinitely.

I'd echo that either now or after a lease extension, you should do the math on outright purchase, with the depreciation and costs compared to other financing options over at least 5 years or longer. When I did this, the difference was substantial and favoured outright purchase.

(I had access to an offset mortgage. This is a facility for a homeowner to 'balance' a savings account + cheque account against a mortgage account, and be charged the interest on the monthly balance. It's aimed at people with a very variable income, like sales or anyone on commission. And someone with a good track-record of reliably paying-off the capital on loans. The rate was about 0.7% less than any other financing option at the time.)

Of course, the numbers might not work out the same for you. But if you do intend to keep your new or existing car for some time then it's worth putting outright purchase in the mix. Just be prepared for the dealer/finance to try and dissuade you from this as it's less business for them.

[bmw1010]

Thanks for the info guys, I’ll keep y’all posted about what happens!

[Phillymb75]

I was told 2020 production goes through June, but who knows now. I ordered the end of December and got an allocation the end of February. It's locked up at the port in South Carolina now. I wanted Performance delivery, which started out being in April, then May, now June...

Kinda like you, I have one already but after driving it I realized that I wanted it long term but wanted changes, that's why I ordered. Going from a alpine white on cognac xdrive convertible to long beach blue on black rear drive manual convertible. When I bought the white one it was a rushed decision and I took what they had on the lot, not my ideal color choice or my ideal transmission choice, it was a costly decision to order a new one but I know I'll be happy with it for a long time.

[bmw1010]

Originally Posted by Phillymb75

I was told 2020 production goes through June, but who knows now. I ordered the end of December and got an allocation the end of February. It's locked up at the port in South Carolina now. I wanted Performance delivery, which started out being in April, then May, now June...

Kinda like you, I have one already but after driving it I realized that I wanted it long term but wanted changes, that's why I ordered. Going from a alpine white on cognac xdrive convertible to long beach blue on black rear drive manual convertible. When I bought the white one it was a rushed decision and I took what they had on the lot, not my ideal color choice or my ideal transmission choice, it was a costly decision to order a new one but I know I'll be happy with it for a long time.

Yes, exactly! It's always nice to get exactly what you want - in conditions permit. Hoping you get updates and good news about your car soon!