50k out the door for a 3-series?

Traceaz · 06-13-2006, 08:57 PM

I put a down payment down a couple months back in April for the 335i coupe. I'm the first allocation spot at my dealership out here.

Sometimes though, when I think about it, I wonder if 50k is just too much for a 3 series. Does anyone else have those 2nd thoughts? I mean, lets say the 335i coupe is 40k-42k base, add in 3-5k in options, and add in another 4-5k in tax/tag/license. Your out the door cost for this car is 50 grand. Its a sweet car, but still, its a 3 series. Are any of you having 2nd thoughts that for 50k, you should just be buying another production 3-series? I don't know, some times I just think about it and think "damn, thats a lot of money for a 3-series car. Its not even limited production or anything..."

What do you guys think?

MoreCowbell · 06-13-2006, 09:01 PM

Well....which cars are better buys for the 50k?

You can certainly make this argument if you come up with better alternatives for the 50k. I'd be curious what the members here come up with.

gohawks23 · 06-13-2006, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TracerHawk

I put a down payment down a couple months back in April for the 335i coupe. I'm the first allocation spot at my dealership out here.

Sometimes though, when I think about it, I wonder if 50k is just too much for a 3 series. Does anyone else have those 2nd thoughts? I mean, lets say the 335i coupe is 40k-42k base, add in 3-5k in options, and add in another 4-5k in tax/tag/license. Your out the door cost for this car is 50 grand. Its a sweet car, but still, its a 3 series. Are any of you having 2nd thoughts that for 50k, you should just be buying another production 3-series? I don't know, some times I just think about it and think "damn, thats a lot of money for a 3-series car. Its not even limited production or anything..."

What do you guys think?

I think you will be in the mid to high 40's...and I think that is a pretty good price for a loaded TRUE sports coupe with a double 300+ engine...HP and torque...you will not regret it...

MoreCowbell · 06-13-2006, 09:10 PM

Come on Tracer...what are the alternatives?

Asiann · 06-13-2006, 09:12 PM

I think 50 g's is a good estimate.

magmd · 06-13-2006, 09:15 PM

$50K out the door for 335i on release???

Glass is half full..........

Nikki · 06-13-2006, 09:18 PM

I don't think it's a bad price considering how powerful it is.

roburado · 06-13-2006, 09:24 PM

Well, BMWs are all getting more expensive. Cars in general are getting more expensive it seems.

IIRC, 15 years ago the 5er (535i, top of the non-M range at the time) and the Lexus LS 400 were around $40K. Now the 5er STARTS at $43,500 MSRP. One can easily spend more than $70K for a 550i. Same goes for the Lexus.

The 3 Series is following suit. The E36 M3 started around $40K. Now, a 330i is around that mark.

It sucks that things seem to be getting more and more expensive. I used to aspire to an M3 or M5. Now, it seems like a 335i will be the most expensive BMW I'm going to be willing to buy when it comes time.

pawarrant · 06-13-2006, 09:31 PM

I'm just throwing out an alternative in that price range...a Corvette. That's a powerful sports car.

roburado · 06-13-2006, 09:36 PM

Before I buy my next car which will probably be an E90 or E92, I will probably test drive the Corvette, because of the bargain it represents. It's just not really "me," but I'll give it a try.

Daneel · 06-13-2006, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roburado

Well, BMWs are all getting more expensive. Cars in general are getting more expensive it seems.

IIRC, 15 years ago the 5er (535i, top of the non-M range at the time) and the Lexus LS 400 were around $40K. Now the 5er STARTS at $43,500 MSRP. One can easily spend more than $70K for a 550i. Same goes for the Lexus.

The 3 Series is following suit. The E36 M3 started around $40K. Now, a 330i is around that mark.

It sucks that things seem to be getting more and more expensive. I used to aspire to an M3 or M5. Now, it seems like a 335i will be the most expensive BMW I'm going to be willing to buy when it comes time.

If you do the math (compare inflation rates and standard equipment), then BMWs are actually getting cheaper (at least the 3 series is). Check out the standard equipment of an early E46. Add in the cost of what the E90 comes with standard, and then adjust for inflation. The E90 is cheaper.

roburado · 06-13-2006, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daneel

If you do the math (compare inflation rates and standard equipment), then BMWs are actually getting cheaper (at least the 3 series is). Check out the standard equipment of an early E46. Add in the cost of what the E90 comes with standard, and then adjust for inflation. The E90 is cheaper.

That's a comforting thought. It just seems that things seem to be more expensive these days.

deltron · 06-13-2006, 09:55 PM

300+ HP is a lot of power. You can beat a normal porsche with that kind of power no? The 330i with a 6MT can do 0-60 in like ~6 sec. I figure the new 335i can probably make it ~5 sec at the least. If so you might be in Boxter S territory, and for 50k, that's doing pretty good, price/performance wise.

You can look at it in another way too. Most sports cars with that kind of power you couldn't "practically" drive every day. Your E92 can be you daily driver and insurance is probably less on it than the Corvette or the porsche.

You don't get 4yr/50k warranty on the porsche or the 'vette either, and the maintenance on both those cars are probably pricey. I think if you can afford the 50k the total cost would be less than other sports cars.

JSpira · 06-13-2006, 09:56 PM

I don't really see the problem - it's a great value.

If you want something less expensive, you can get a 325i for close to $30,000.

How much you spend is a personal decision based on a variety of factors including ability to afford the car and what your expectations are. Only you can decide.

foofighter · 06-13-2006, 10:20 PM

for 50k you're a few k shy of a V8 powered S4

BMerDRMer · 06-13-2006, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TracerHawk

I put a down payment down a couple months back in April for the 335i coupe. I'm the first allocation spot at my dealership out here.

Sometimes though, when I think about it, I wonder if 50k is just too much for a 3 series. Does anyone else have those 2nd thoughts? I mean, lets say the 335i coupe is 40k-42k base, add in 3-5k in options, and add in another 4-5k in tax/tag/license. Your out the door cost for this car is 50 grand. Its a sweet car, but still, its a 3 series. Are any of you having 2nd thoughts that for 50k, you should just be buying another production 3-series? I don't know, some times I just think about it and think "damn, thats a lot of money for a 3-series car. Its not even limited production or anything..."

What do you guys think?

Tracerhawk .......... at the risk of getting beat around a bit on this blog ....... I share your concerns, AFTER having plopped down mid forties for a well decked 3 series .......Its not an issue of affording ....... its like, for this kind of money, I expected more ......... Its a great car .......... very balanced in every way ........I studied and drove a lot of cars, and I remain convinced that it is the best car in its "space" ......... I think the only solution is to spend more and buy a PORSCHE, next round .........

I think a 335 Coupe would have helped, or better yet an Z4M Coupe ....... for this kind of money you ought to experience some real fun.

BMerDRMer · 06-13-2006, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roburado

Before I buy my next car which will probably be an E90 or E92, I will probably test drive the Corvette, because of the bargain it represents. It's just not really "me," but I'll give it a try.

Or a CTS V, Caddy sedan with Corvette engine ........ I love the way e90 handles, but I find it hard to find many curves to play with on a regular basis ....... find myself attacking my final turn into garage each day.......

On the other hand, always opportunities for a quick 0-40 after every stop light!

Barry626 · 06-13-2006, 10:35 PM

Surely 50K is not a loaded 335i?
I paid $48,900 for my 330i. No cruise or steering.
My guess is loaded 335i has to be much more?

ward · 06-13-2006, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMerDRMer

Tracerhawk .......... at the risk of getting beat around a bit on this blog ....... I share your concerns, AFTER having plopped down mid forties for a well decked 3 series .......Its not an issue of affording ....... its like, for this kind of money, I expected more ......... Its a great car .......... very balanced in every way ........I studied and drove a lot of cars, and I remain convinced that it is the best car in its "space" ......... I think the only solution is to spend more and buy a PORSCHE, next round .........

I think a 335 Coupe would have helped, or better yet an Z4M Coupe ....... for this kind of money you ought to experience some real fun.

this is my thinking exactly, time for a porsche next time for me too!

N1 · 06-13-2006, 10:54 PM

My 320d as the price of 59.250 EUROS, too much money of course.
But the value of money is now lower.

David328M-Sport · 06-13-2006, 10:56 PM

Once you get in and start driving the car, you will forget how much it cost.

ward · 06-13-2006, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David325Australia

Once you get in and start driving the car, you will forget how much it cost.

and once a month when you have to write a check, you'll be reminded

06-13-2006, 08:57 PM	#1
Traceaz First Lieutenant 21 Rep 341 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M550i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i coupe [0.00]	50k out the door for a 3-series? I put a down payment down a couple months back in April for the 335i coupe. I'm the first allocation spot at my dealership out here. Sometimes though, when I think about it, I wonder if 50k is just too much for a 3 series. Does anyone else have those 2nd thoughts? I mean, lets say the 335i coupe is 40k-42k base, add in 3-5k in options, and add in another 4-5k in tax/tag/license. Your out the door cost for this car is 50 grand. Its a sweet car, but still, its a 3 series. Are any of you having 2nd thoughts that for 50k, you should just be buying another production 3-series? I don't know, some times I just think about it and think "damn, thats a lot of money for a 3-series car. Its not even limited production or anything..." What do you guys think?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-13-2006, 09:01 PM	#2
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel 490 Rep 1,700 Posts Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Well....which cars are better buys for the 50k? You can certainly make this argument if you come up with better alternatives for the 50k. I'd be curious what the members here come up with.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:10 PM	#4
MoreCowbell Lieutenant Colonel 490 Rep 1,700 Posts Drives: 24 i5M60 23 X740 23 Vette Z06 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Westchester, NY iTrader: (0)	Come on Tracer...what are the alternatives?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:12 PM	#5
Asiann Got Seoul? 116 Rep 2,862 Posts Drives: 2012 535i MSport Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Honolulu iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 535i [0.00] 2008 750Li [0.00] 2006 BMW [0.00]	I think 50 g's is a good estimate. __________________ Can you say Alooooha? [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:15 PM	#6
magmd Major General 160 Rep 5,271 Posts Drives: '06 330i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Torrance, CA iTrader: (13) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	$50K out the door for 335i on release??? Glass is half full.......... __________________ 2006 330i \| Black Sapphire Metallic \| Step Auto \| Navi with iDr \| Sports Pkg \|OEM Rear Spoiler \| 3M CS35 Tint \| H&R Sport Springs \| Koni Yellows \| Advan RS Racing Hypersilver: 19x9 et22 19x10 et20
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:18 PM	#7
Nikki Major General 990 Rep 6,381 Posts Drives: Sepang Z4MC Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: LA iTrader: (9)	I don't think it's a bad price considering how powerful it is. __________________ Nikki
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:24 PM	#8
roburado Lieutenant 36 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '03 Passat, '09 Cayman S Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Troy, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 1991 318is [0.00]	Well, BMWs are all getting more expensive. Cars in general are getting more expensive it seems. IIRC, 15 years ago the 5er (535i, top of the non-M range at the time) and the Lexus LS 400 were around $40K. Now the 5er STARTS at $43,500 MSRP. One can easily spend more than $70K for a 550i. Same goes for the Lexus. The 3 Series is following suit. The E36 M3 started around $40K. Now, a 330i is around that mark. It sucks that things seem to be getting more and more expensive. I used to aspire to an M3 or M5. Now, it seems like a 335i will be the most expensive BMW I'm going to be willing to buy when it comes time. __________________ E30 1991 318is, Red on Black Leatherette Family History: Two E21 320i, One E28 535is, One E34 535i, One E34 540i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:31 PM	#9
pawarrant SECDEF 120 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2020 X3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2013 328xi [0.00]	I'm just throwing out an alternative in that price range...a Corvette. That's a powerful sports car. __________________ 2020 X3 xDrive30i Carbon Black/Black Vernasca Leather w/ Blue stitching Retired: 2016 435i M-Sport Alpine White/Black Dakota Leather, 2013 328xi Melbourne Red Metallic/Black Dakota Leather, 2009 328xi Montego Blue Metallic/Saddle Brown Dakota Leather, 2006 325xi Monaco Blue Metallic/Gray Dakota Leather, 2003 325xi Steel Grey Metallic/Black Leather
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:36 PM	#10
roburado Lieutenant 36 Rep 446 Posts Drives: '03 Passat, '09 Cayman S Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Troy, MI iTrader: (0) Garage List 1991 318is [0.00]	Before I buy my next car which will probably be an E90 or E92, I will probably test drive the Corvette, because of the bargain it represents. It's just not really "me," but I'll give it a try. __________________ E30 1991 318is, Red on Black Leatherette Family History: Two E21 320i, One E28 535is, One E34 535i, One E34 540i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:55 PM	#13
deltron Private First Class 8 Rep 101 Posts Drives: 325xi Monaco Blue Join Date: May 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	300+ HP is a lot of power. You can beat a normal porsche with that kind of power no? The 330i with a 6MT can do 0-60 in like ~6 sec. I figure the new 335i can probably make it ~5 sec at the least. If so you might be in Boxter S territory, and for 50k, that's doing pretty good, price/performance wise. You can look at it in another way too. Most sports cars with that kind of power you couldn't "practically" drive every day. Your E92 can be you daily driver and insurance is probably less on it than the Corvette or the porsche. You don't get 4yr/50k warranty on the porsche or the 'vette either, and the maintenance on both those cars are probably pricey. I think if you can afford the 50k the total cost would be less than other sports cars. __________________ Monaco Blue 325xi Black'ette, Aluminum Trim, Xenons, Steptronic, Comfort Assist, Cold Weather - Delivered 6/15/2006
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 09:56 PM	#14
JSpira Freude am Fahren 336 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	I don't really see the problem - it's a great value. If you want something less expensive, you can get a 325i for close to $30,000. How much you spend is a personal decision based on a variety of factors including ability to afford the car and what your expectations are. Only you can decide. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 10:20 PM	#15
foofighter Captain 66 Rep 840 Posts Drives: 2017 TRD Off Road 4r - 2018 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: The OC iTrader: (1)	for 50k you're a few k shy of a V8 powered S4
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 10:35 PM	#18
Barry626 Captain 23 Rep 724 Posts Drives: Coming: 2012 135i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Surely 50K is not a loaded 335i? I paid $48,900 for my 330i. No cruise or steering. My guess is loaded 335i has to be much more?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 10:54 PM	#20
N1 Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 272 Posts Drives: BMW 320d M Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	My 320d as the price of 59.250 EUROS, too much money of course. But the value of money is now lower.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-13-2006, 10:56 PM	#21
David328M-Sport Brigadier General 101 Rep 3,566 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 328i Estoril Blue Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Melbourne Australia iTrader: (0)	Once you get in and start driving the car, you will forget how much it cost. __________________ 328i M-Sport, Estoril Blue, Carbon XP 35 Tint, front heated seats, black Dakota, Sports Suspension, Anthracite Headliner, HUD, Pro Nav, Sunroof, hk 600w, Bi-Xenon, 19" 403M wheels, Reversing Camera, DAB+, Xenon, BT Ext Connect, MST turbo intake pipe, MST Cold Air Intake, JB4 on Map 2 with Catless DP produces awesome performance in Sport.
	Appreciate 0 Quote