[Chiz74]

Hi everyone,

New to writing on the forum, have been lurking for years. I've been wanting a BMW for a while, and have came to the conclusion that I should get the e92 335i xdrive msport under 60k miles when my lease ends in December (c300 w205)

I have considered a bunch of Bimmers, including the f80 M3, f82 M4, e92 M3, f10 535, 550, f30 - all models.

I want a clean looking car, that handles well, is powerful and is not breaking the bank too much. I'm not sure If i will keep it for too long and would prefer that it won't depreciate too much. I know the e92 m3 fits this, but I'd maybe upgrade after a year or two. I want xdrive.

I've always loved the e92's look. I've wanted it for so many years, I just want to know if you were starting here would you get a f30 335, f32 435 or e92 335i like i described?

[TemjinX2]

the f series is more reliable then the e series. If your only going to keep it for a year or two, then i would suggest getting a 6 speed e92 m3. Those cars already hit the bottom of their depreciation curve, so the manuals will probably hold their value, long as you get a low mileage one and keep the miles down.

everything else your going to take a hit on depreciation since its a BMW and not a subaru.

[atmosphericM]

I think a 435i would be the easiest to sell down the road. If it fits the bill it would be my choice.

BUT, if you are looking for a car to "love" (which it doesn't really sound like), and are caught up in E92 styling, not to mention driving dynamics (no electric steering), you can't go wrong with an E92. That said, I personally can see the value of E92's in the used market plummeting soon as more 4 series are available. I think 335i's will probably "bottom out" in the 6-$10k range just because of their easy power.. so an older/higher mileage one wouldn't devalue as much. But I think any and all $15-20k priced E92's are going to go down to the $10-14k range real fast. Just my two cents...

[Chiz74]

Originally Posted by TemjinX2

the f series is more reliable then the e series. If your only going to keep it for a year or two, then i would suggest getting a 6 speed e92 m3. Those cars already hit the bottom of their depreciation curve, so the manuals will probably hold their value, long as you get a low mileage one and keep the miles down.

everything else your going to take a hit on depreciation since its a BMW and not a subaru.

I understand the car will depreciate, I just meant i dont want to eat the major depreciation like buying a new 340i would. I'd rather buy a car where the major hit has already been taken.

[Chiz74]

Originally Posted by atmosphericM

I think a 435i would be the easiest to sell down the road. If it fits the bill it would be my choice.

BUT, if you are looking for a car to "love" (which it doesn't really sound like), and are caught up in E92 styling, not to mention driving dynamics (no electric steering), you can't go wrong with an E92. That said, I personally can see the value of E92's in the used market plummeting soon as more 4 series are available. I think 335i's will probably "bottom out" in the 6-$10k range just because of their easy power.. so an older/higher mileage one wouldn't devalue as much. But I think any and all $15-20k priced E92's are going to go down to the $10-14k range real fast. Just my two cents...

Thanks!

I actually do want to love the car. I leased my c300 but never loved it, which made it a terrible experience. I loved my G35 before that, and want to love the next car. I appreciate the insight about the 435i. I will go test drive that back to back.

[CTinline-six]

The E92 has better road connection and driving feel than the F30. I'd drive an E92 and see what you think.

[atmosphericM]

Sounds good. Let us know your thoughts! I don't have any seat time in a new 4 series, but the 2 series just didn't do it for me (felt 'cheaper').

On the depreciation scale, I feel that any BMW right around it's 4-5 year old mark is where most of the depreciation has taken place. I paid ~40% of the MSRP for my E92 ~4 years after it was first sold.

[TemjinX2]

Originally Posted by Chiz74

I understand the car will depreciate, I just meant i dont want to eat the major depreciation like buying a new 340i would. I'd rather buy a car where the major hit has already been taken.

your not going to be taking a 20k depreciation but you'll still probably lose 3-5k depending on the mileage and condition of the car. All the non m cars basically keep depreciating past the 5yr mark till there not even worth selling. you can find some high mileage e90 335i's for 6-7k.

i would say test drive the m3...the e90/e92 m3 is probably the last of the old school bmw road feel type cars. The 335i will be a better daily driver...but you will lose the bmw road feel, the electric steering is not good, even on the f80/f82 m3/m4. if your comparing the electric steering from the f series to a newer audi or mercedes, you probably won't notice the difference.

[Fredo]

I have two 335i sedans: 2012 F30 and 2009 E90. I love the technology my F30 has. However, I love the way my E90 drives.

Hopes this helps. Good luck on your decision !

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Chiz74

I just want to know if you were starting here would you get a f30 335, f32 435 or e92 335i like i described?

I drive an E90 and there is also a 2014 F32 in the household that I drive periodically as well as driving many different F30s of the years as loaners. If depreciation is your biggest concern obviously purchase the newer vehicle, done and done. If you want a more enjoyable car, personally I would recommend E9x. I feel that they drive more like older BMWs, very direct, firm, and lots of feedback. The F3x while fast, feels neutered to me, almost like there is a safety net? Not sure how to describe it, just a newer driving feel I think.

F3x isn't a bad car by any means, just depends on what you are looking to get out of it. Also the doors on the F32 specifically feel extra large to me, spent a lot of time in an E92 years ago and the F32 definitely feels larger. To answer your quoted question, for me personally it would be E92 > F30 > F32.

[dylane_92]

Definitely buy a 335i E92 M-sport. I have a 2011 328i E92 sport pkg, my dad has a 2012 F30 328i sport line, loaded nav/leather all that. I have spent a decent amount of time driving his car. The E92 is clearly a better vehicle. Drive/feel hands down, but even the interior of the F30 feels cheaper, theres no question. It looks nice in pictures with the screen above dash and all, but doesn't have the high end feel of the E92. However, the ZF8 it comes with is far better than either 6speed option in E92. but thats it. E92 all day.
2011-2013 E92 335i M-sport is the perfect car.

I realize its not fair to compare coupe to sedan as the coupe has some upscale touches that separate the two, but the 4 series looks weird and huge with that tall trunk line. the f30/f32 just didnt turn out that well, unfortunately.

[Kev0]

I have a 2012 E92 N55 FBO with MHD and driven my friends 335i F30 that's FBO with JB4/E85. Honestly, i thought his car felt dull. I didn't like the steering and thought the car was too big. E92 all the way, even though I might be biased. If you don't want to go FBO with your e92, the xhp transmission flash itself will make it a more fun car than an F30 if you plan on getting an AT.