[MichBadger]

I'm shopping for a 2011 135i convertible all the way through a 2018 CPO M240i convertible. Cost isn't the biggest issue, but I think I might be more comfortable with $20k-$30k invested in my first BMW. This weekend I plan to look at a 2013 135i vert with about 60k miles for $20k, a 2015 M235i vert with 30k miles for $32k and I am also interested in a 2016 M235i vert for with about 36k miles for $37k. I've also seen a 2015 M235i vert with close to 60k miles for under $25k.

I know that options make a big difference in price, but wondering if anyone has seen a "rule of thumb" that says 10k miles = $5,000 or 1 model year = $6,000? Those are just examples, but I'm wondering what other people use?

From my examples above, would I be foolish to pay $20k for a 2013, when I could make the jump across the model generation and get a 2015 for $25k? (unfortunately the 2015 does have low options and I'm probably not that interested.)

[p912guy]

I'd recommend the newest, lowest mileage vehicle, with the features you want, which you can comfortably afford. There is a big difference in features and feel between the 135 and the 235/240. Most who have owned both will agree. Most folks would tell you the 135 is a bit more analog with the biggest advantage of the 135 being better steering feel as it's the older hydraulic rack vs the new electric rack. Personally I have no issues with the steering feel on my M235i but some do. While the 135 is a bit of a quirkier design which some like and others don't, I think it looks great. That said, I prefer the 235/240 styling better. Drive them all and see what you like best. As with any previously owned BMW, if you can get it with some warranty left, you're in better shape.

[MaximumG]

I don't think it's foolish to cross-shop a 135i with the newer 2-series, but obviously make sure that the 60k mile 135i is in the proper condition to be valued at $20k.

I've driven both 135i and M235i, and to me, they feel quite different even though their sizes are somewhat similar.

Coming from 3 E46s (325i, 330i, M3), I test drove two CPO 135i before finally deciding on the M235i, because even though a 135i felt very familiar and raw, the M235i felt more luxurious, faster, and was easier to live with.

Take a look at them this weekend, but make sure that you drive them. I have a strong feeling you'll know exactly which one you'll buy once you've driven them.

[hwntime]

I have a buddy who was a finance manager for a large car dealership for 11 years. He told me rule of thumb with mileage is around $750 per 5000 miles for preowned vehicles with higher mileage. So if you have a used car that has 40k miles going for $20k, expect to pay around 18,500 for one with 30k with all things being equal.

I honestly think $20k for a '13 with 60k is too much. Fair market value average for that car is around $18,800 with sport and premium package. So unless that car is loaded with everything including NAV, I wouldn't do $20k. Keep in mind that packages and equipment is depreciated on a used vheicle. A NAV system in a new car will generally run $1500-$2500 but when shopping for a used vehicle, that NAV adds maybe $400-$500 in value to said vehicle. Also, if the seller has all maintenance records, that would be a plus.

[stevenvillatoro]

A common rule suggests buying a 3 year old car for the best balance of depreciation, warranty, and features. I'd go for a 2017 model or newer to get the B58 engine. My personal rule is to prioritize low mileage when shopping, even if it means top dollar for the model year.

[overcoil]

for pricing use online price guides and the classifieds in Roundel Magazine and this forum.
don't get suckered into HIGHWAY miles. Remaining factory warranty is a big deal.


convertibles are trickier to purchase, water, tops, rear-window, motors.

Though 20K-dollars or less is a very enticing price for any nice car, just do a pre-inspection at a BMW dealer.

[MichBadger]

Thanks for the opinions so far. How about this choice:
2015 RWD 26k miles, CPO with 1.5 yrs warranty left, $34k versus
2016 AWD, 55k miles, unsure of service date yet. $32k non BMW dealer
no negotiation with either dealer yet.
I live in MI and don't need it to be my primary car, but worried about resale of non-AWD.
Which do you choose?

[overcoil]

MichBadger, there have been some recent post from people who purchased used 2-series from dealers and non-bmw-dealers who found unpleasant surprises. Browse older post to learn the kind of things to look out for. Some recent complaints were cracked HVAC buttons another crash repair.

[wichitagreg]

I just bought a cherry 2016 M235i Convertible garage queen, First put into service Dec of 2015, has 18,096 when I bought it a couple weeks ago for $31k. One year of factory warranty remaining. Fully loaded.

Shop around. I bought this one in Tulsa, but it was a north Texas car.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by MichBadger

...wondering if anyone has seen a "rule of thumb" that says 10k miles = $5,000

A local BMW dealer's used car salesman told me 10K = $1K. The car I was looking at had 32K on it - it's be awhile, but IIRC it was priced around $28K.

I wonder if that rule of thumb is true for every 10K, though; e.g., would a BMW dealer offer a 3K 2 series for only $1K more than a 13K car?

[morphomeman]

I second the 3-year-old rule. For any car, the depreciation curve flattens out right at three years, regardless of mileage. Years ago, I worked for an economist who bought a three-year-old Honda Accord every three years. I keep on telling myself to do the same with BMW, but I just love ordering a new car fitted out exactly the way I want it and keeping it forever. In the end, that is a reasonable strategy too.

[Big boi m5]

Imo all that changed from 1 to 2 was the car got bigger. Engine had minor reworks and the car got heavier and number. 2 inches more cabin space.

Power you can fix easy enough on the 135i.

Ultimately you're deciding on style. I think the 135i holds up well for a car released in 2004.
The 235i is also appealing to me because the race version runs Nürburgring in May.

Repair wise also I'd expect the 60k miles on the 135i to be cheaper to repair than you'd spend on a 2 series.

Also, you'd have an excuse to trade again when the 1 hits 100k miles.

Your call.

[Big boi m5]

Originally Posted by MichBadger

Thanks for the opinions so far. How about this choice:
2015 RWD 26k miles, CPO with 1.5 yrs warranty left, $34k versus
2016 AWD, 55k miles, unsure of service date yet. $32k non BMW dealer
no negotiation with either dealer yet.
I live in MI and don't need it to be my primary car, but worried about resale of non-AWD.
Which do you choose?

I'd take AWD, I'm from IN.

I use winters on my 1 and it works great but the AWD would help as well.

[Big boi m5]

Originally Posted by MichBadger

Thanks for the opinions so far. How about this choice:
2015 RWD 26k miles, CPO with 1.5 yrs warranty left, $34k versus
2016 AWD, 55k miles, unsure of service date yet. $32k non BMW dealer
no negotiation with either dealer yet.
I live in MI and don't need it to be my primary car, but worried about resale of non-AWD.
Which do you choose?

Also, I was SHAFTED, by a non BMW dealer when I bought my 1. They hid a major accident from me with a rebuild and it ended up costing me thousands within a few months of owning.

It's simply worth it to get the small shaft from BMW than risk the big shaft from honest Gil at the premium discount auto IMO.

[MichBadger]

Saturday morning I had an appt to drive the 2015 M235i at the BMW. My wife agreed to come along, even though she hates dealerships. Performance wise, the car felt great. Everytime, I punched it, it put a big smile on my face. (Reminiscent of my only other true sports car - a Boxster S about 15 years ago.) When my wife made the comment that "this thing sounds cool", I knew I had the green light. When she found out that I was going to pay the same as her Chevy SUV, that sealed the deal.

We did attempt to go look at the 135 later in the afternoon. I had a very poor experience with trying to contact the salesperson that was assigned to me and ended up driving past the non-BMW dealership thinking they were closed and we could just see what kind of shape this thing was in. Turns out they were open, the sales guy had been "too busy" to check his messages, and the car was still out for it's 3rd day of detail work. That tells me there were some issues with that car they were taking care of. At this point, the only way I will see that car is if they can give me the details of what work they needed to do on it and a different sales guy is willing to drive it to me during the week to see it.

I had driven a co-worker's 2011 M135i vert with about 65k miles this past week and felt it was much "looser" than the 2015 I drove. I don't have much experience with convertibles, but believe the 2 series to be much more rigid. I'm not sure if that's a product of the design or the difference in ages and miles on the cars.

Anyhow, I think I've settled on trying to find a CPO 2015/2016 M235i vert in my preferred Mineral Gray / Coral Red / Auto with as many options as possible and max warranty remaining for $30k-ish (see Wichita Greg above) I don't need a car today and am willing to fly to pick it up.

The car at the dealership met most of the criteria except that it had a black exterior. That will be my second choice, but it needs to be a smoking deal and I think this one was $3k away from that. Also, it had a very worn center trim piece and a few other interior scratches that they weren't immediately willing to replace for me. (Are they able to change that out easily - and if so, can I change from a silver carbon fiber look to a darker gray carbon fiber?)

Thanks for everyone's comments. Hopefully I will be part of the club soon.

[jaximointhecut]

Originally Posted by MichBadger

Thanks for the opinions so far. How about this choice:
2015 RWD 26k miles, CPO with 1.5 yrs warranty left, $34k versus
2016 AWD, 55k miles, unsure of service date yet. $32k non BMW dealer
no negotiation with either dealer yet.
I live in MI and don't need it to be my primary car, but worried about resale of non-AWD.
Which do you choose?

Here's an inside scoop (used to work at BMW)

These smaller, sporty cars are barely selling. 2 series barely sell, similarly to the previous one series. People just want bigger cars, and typically want something a bit more flashy.

You can get around 5k off total from their initial selling price. Those prices are far too high. I bought my 2015 m235i at 48k miles for almost 10k less than that, certified. 25-27k is a good price range for these cars currently.

[MichBadger]

How much would you value one model year at? I'm trying to compare two cars that have almost identical options, mileage and time in service dates but one is a 2015 and the other is 2016.

[morphomeman]

Depreciation over three years is normally around 50%, first year about 22%, second year 16%, and third year 12%. For this model (especially the 235), the depreciation is a bit better, so you can adjust, but the 2015 should be about 12% less than the 2016 regardless (calculating from original MSRP), though equipment and mileage will skew that slightly, since no two cars are completely comparable in those areas.
This is standard stuff.

[MichBadger]

Originally Posted by morphomeman

Depreciation over three years is normally around 50%, first year about 22%, second year 16%, and third year 12%. For this model (especially the 235), the depreciation is a bit better, so you can adjust, but the 2015 should be about 12% less than the 2016 regardless (calculating from original MSRP), though equipment and mileage will skew that slightly, since no two cars are completely comparable in those areas.
This is standard stuff.

Thanks to all for your help. Last post on this topic, and then hopefully I'll have other posts regarding my new car.

If anyone else is willing to share via PM any details of a recent purchase with pricing and options, I'd appreciate being able to get some more data points for the negotiations. I participate in a couple of other forums that are at both ends of the spectrum with openness on pricing.

[B58togo]

Originally Posted by SleepingBMW

Imo all that changed from 1 to 2 was the car got bigger. Engine had minor reworks and the car got heavier and number. 2 inches more cabin space.

Power you can fix easy enough on the 135i.

Ultimately you're deciding on style. I think the 135i holds up well for a car released in 2004.
The 235i is also appealing to me because the race version runs Nürburgring in May.

Repair wise also I'd expect the 60k miles on the 135i to be cheaper to repair than you'd spend on a 2 series.

Also, you'd have an excuse to trade again when the 1 hits 100k miles.

Your call.

The engine got more than "minor reworks" by the time the M240i came out. It got an entirely new engine.