[Go Autobahn]

If you have time, please read and then help me decide which car would be best for me...
I have had an order in since early February for a 2011 335is, and it has finished production and is being shipped to the U.S. as we speak. Meanwhile, I've been reading a lot lately on this forum with so many comparisons between the M3 and the 335is. Yesterday, I started finding out how the 335is controls for the M-DCT transmission are limited to a "Sport" button, and whether you have your shifter in "D" or "S" mode. I was kind of disapointed, as I know the M3 gives a lot of control over the M-DCT modes, so I started finding myself looking more seriously at the M3 and lurking away from the 335is camp, and on the M3 cheating side of town.
Then my world got rocked. I found out that my dealer has a 2011 Melbourne Red M3 with Competition Package on the way that should be arriving in the next 10 days. I spoke with my dealer, and they are very nice and are allowing me to basically choose which one I want and just pay the difference for the M3 if I want to upgrade to the M3.

Here are the two exact cars that I am considering, with the options listed:

2011 335is Coupe
Lemans Blue Metallic
Black Dakota Leather
M-DCT
Harmon Kardon Premium Sound
iPod & USB
Anti-Theft
Auto Hi Beams



2011 M3
Melbourne Red
Fox Red Novillo Leather
Carbon Leather Trim
Competition Package (includes those GORGEOUS 19" 359M wheels)
Premium Package
M-DCT with Drive-Logic
Heated Front Seats
iPod & USB
Satellite Radio
Technology Package (includes Navigation, M-Drive, EDC, and Comfort Access)



I estimate it will take me 13K or 14K more in the deal to go with the M3. However, because it has taken so long to get my custom-ordered 335is built, I have managed to save up enough to practically pay for the car in cash, so if I have to get a small BMW Financial Services loan, that is OK by me, so the cost difference is not the primary deciding factor here.
Obviously, there are a lot of options on the M3 that I did not feel I needed when I ordered my 335is (Navigation, Sat Radio, Comfort Access, Heated Seats), so there is a bit of "excess" that I will be paying for, but oh well.
I am not the kind of person that would ever track my car, but I do care a lot about performance. The car must be able to serve as a daily driver, as I have about a 30 minute commute to work, and I drive about 12K miles per year. I was very surprised at my calculations to discover that the M3 will gobble up $7,464 more dollars per year in gas. Can you find the fault in my numbers below?
I took the average of the Hwy and City MPG for the 335is (18/26) = 22 MPG average.
Next, I took the average for the M3 (14/20) = 17 MPG average
That's a 5 MPG difference. I drive 12,000 miles per year, so that divides up into 2400 gallons difference. Multiply that by the price of 93 octane premium gas $3.11, and I get $7,464, or $622 per month difference.
Surely there is a glitch in my calculations above. That's HUGE difference. I apologize in advance if I'm just stupid and didn't calculate it right.
Although I realize that I said above that the up-front cost difference ($13 - $14K) wasn't that big of a factor for me, this recurring operating cost, if it really is $622 more per month, IS a big difference to me.

Anyway, I was perfectly happy with my 335is order until I browsed the Internet and saw some pictures of the 2011 M3 in Melbourne Red with the Competition Package and those fantastic 359M wheels. I am just totally in love with that vehicle, and I really don't want to look back in regret after purchasing one or the other.
Arrrrgh, someone just shoot me, I am agonizing over this!

[Verbiage]

As soon as I saw Competition Package, this instantly became a no brainer. Since financing either does not seem like it is a problem, then do that MB M3. I am almost certain that you will not regret it

You only live once.

[sngencarelli]

If it really is that much difference in monthly operational cost, I'm not sure what I'd do. I wouldnt mind agonizing over that decision, though.

[Verbiage]

I'd rather be happy with it than unhappy without it. That was one of my reasons for why I picked my 335 over a 328.

[anowlan]

Originally Posted by Go Autobahn

If you have time, please read and then help me decide which car would be best for me...
I have had an order in since early February for a 2011 335is, and it has finished production and is being shipped to the U.S. as we speak. Meanwhile, I've been reading a lot lately on this forum with so many comparisons between the M3 and the 335is. Yesterday, I started finding out how the 335is controls for the M-DCT transmission are limited to a "Sport" button, and whether you have your shifter in "D" or "S" mode. I was kind of disapointed, as I know the M3 gives a lot of control over the M-DCT modes, so I started finding myself looking more seriously at the M3 and lurking away from the 335is camp, and on the M3 cheating side of town.
Then my world got rocked. I found out that my dealer has a 2011 Melbourne Red M3 with Competition Package on the way that should be arriving in the next 10 days. I spoke with my dealer, and they are very nice and are allowing me to basically choose which one I want and just pay the difference for the M3 if I want to upgrade to the M3.

Here are the two exact cars that I am considering, with the options listed:

2011 335is Coupe
Lemans Blue Metallic
Black Dakota Leather
M-DCT
Harmon Kardon Premium Sound
iPod & USB
Anti-Theft
Auto Hi Beams



2011 M3
Melbourne Red
Fox Red Novillo Leather
Carbon Leather Trim
Competition Package (includes those GORGEOUS 19" 359M wheels)
Premium Package
M-DCT with Drive-Logic
Heated Front Seats
iPod & USB
Satellite Radio
Technology Package (includes Navigation, M-Drive, EDC, and Comfort Access)



I estimate it will take me 13K or 14K more in the deal to go with the M3. However, because it has taken so long to get my custom-ordered 335is built, I have managed to save up enough to practically pay for the car in cash, so if I have to get a small BMW Financial Services loan, that is OK by me, so the cost difference is not the primary deciding factor here.
Obviously, there are a lot of options on the M3 that I did not feel I needed when I ordered my 335is (Navigation, Sat Radio, Comfort Access, Heated Seats), so there is a bit of "excess" that I will be paying for, but oh well.
I am not the kind of person that would ever track my car, but I do care a lot about performance. The car must be able to serve as a daily driver, as I have about a 30 minute commute to work, and I drive about 12K miles per year. I was very surprised at my calculations to discover that the M3 will gobble up $7,464 more dollars per year in gas. Can you find the fault in my numbers below?
I took the average of the Hwy and City MPG for the 335is (18/26) = 22 MPG average.
Next, I took the average for the M3 (14/20) = 17 MPG average
That's a 5 MPG difference. I drive 12,000 miles per year, so that divides up into 2400 gallons difference. Multiply that by the price of 93 octane premium gas $3.11, and I get $7,464, or $622 per month difference.
Surely there is a glitch in my calculations above. That's HUGE difference. I apologize in advance if I'm just stupid and didn't calculate it right.
Although I realize that I said above that the up-front cost difference ($13 - $14K) wasn't that big of a factor for me, this recurring operating cost, if it really is $622 more per month, IS a big difference to me.

Anyway, I was perfectly happy with my 335is order until I browsed the Internet and saw some pictures of the 2011 M3 in Melbourne Red with the Competition Package and those fantastic 359M wheels. I am just totally in love with that vehicle, and I really don't want to look back in regret after purchasing one or the other.
Arrrrgh, someone just shoot me, I am agonizing over this!

Here's the right way to do the mileage math:
12,000mi at 22 mpg= 545 gallons per year
12,000mi at 17 mpg= 705 gallons per year
705-545= 160 gallons/year more for the M3
160gallonsx$3.10/gallon = $496 per YEAR, /12months/year = $41 a month more.

So yeah, it's more, but not as much as you thought.

[dcat151]

I think your fuel cost calculation figures are off.

12,000 miles per year at 22mpg = 545.45 gallons used. At $3.11 per gallon, that is about $1,696.34 per year on gas.

12,000 miles per year at 17 mpg = 705.88 gallons used. At $3.11 per gallon, that is about $2,195.29 per year on gas.

So, you'll pay more for fuel in the M3, but only about $498.95 more per year.

[zzzbullseye]

Originally Posted by anowlan

Here's the right way to do the mileage math:
12,000mi at 22 mpg= 545 gallons per year
12,000mi at 17 mpg= 705 gallons per year
705-545= 160 gallons/year more for the M3
160gallonsx$3.10/gallon = $496 per YEAR, /12months/year = $41 a month more.

So yeah, it's more, but not as much as you thought.

You beat me to it, I just got this calculated up.

@ Go Autobahn - If this was the only thing keeping you from jumping on the M3, then based on what you've indicated, I wouldn't think $41 additional a month is cost prohibitive. I'd say go with the M3.

[Verbiage]

Whoa. Mathematicians in the hizzouse.

[jopa489]

Originally Posted by zzzbullseye

@ Go Autobahn - If this was the only thing keeping you from jumping on the M3, then based on what you've indicated, I wouldn't think $41 additional a month is cost prohibitive. I'd say go with the M3.

Agreed with this and the correct maths posted above. I would take the M3; 17MPG or 22MPG is irrelevant to me.

You should, however, also consider the large depreciation hit you'll take buying a new M. If you plan on keeping the car for a while, it's not something to stress out about. But if you're the type of person who likes to switch it up every 2-3 years (or less), you're going to take a noticeable hit. Just something to be aware of, though this nor the +$40/mo in gas would deter me from buying the M3 over the 335is.

[Verbiage]

I mean, it has a COMPETITION PACKAGE on it

[PsychoSlug]

If money isn't the issue, get the M3.

[srcstc]

I don't see any reason to get the 335is over an M3. The price difference is too small imo.

[Brunotheboxer]

You're phucked now.



For me money is Always an issue. No matter if I made 200K or 1Million a year I would always factor in money and this is why I didn't even consider the M3 plus I Never track and never will track a car. No way was I spending more than 55K for any car, I just dont need to at this point in my life.

You say for you money is not the issue. Then the question you ask is very easy. Get the M3. Its the better performer of the two cars. M3>335is.

Good luck with this and stop over thinking it bro.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by srcstc

I don't see any reason to get the 335is over an M3. The price difference is too small imo.

At what point does 14K become a small price difference? How much do you have to be making for 14K to be a little bit of money. I feel my wife and I do very well, we drive very nice European cars and own two single family homes in Massachusetts and to me 14K is still a lot of money. Maybe I'm just a cheap bastid????

[John 070]

without getting too overly analytical about things, there is no question that an M3 is a superior car. One of the biggest problems I have with it are poor fuel economy and gas guzzler tax--they go against my values.

Maintenance will be unreal (I believe it's in an F class vs. B for a 335i, not sure about 335is), and insurance.

If all those hurdles are overcome, now you have the price. If the price is ok, it's time for an M!!! Nobody can say that looks or feel it's inferior to a 335, because it isn't. It's just less practical, that's all.

[j330xi]

From an 335is owner... GET THE M3!

Once you cross to the "I think M3 is better" you've jump the shark..

If you do not get the M3 you will regret it, and be trading for one in less than a year..


GET THE M3!!

[John 070]

Originally Posted by Bavarian III

I'd rather be happy with it than unhappy without it. That was one of my reasons for why I picked my 335 over a 328.

At the time, I actually thought that the 335 represented much better value. As the N54 issues surfaced maybe not true, but back in late '06, 335 really was do you have the cash or don't you, no-brainer (insurance, fuel costs, etc. were the same).

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by Brunotheboxer

At what point does 14K become a small price difference? How much do you have to be making for 14K to be a little bit of money. I feel my wife and I do very well, we drive very nice European cars and own two single family homes in Massachusetts and to me 14K is still a lot of money. Maybe I'm just a cheap bastid????

Maybe you are

Just kidding. It's all relative.

[Brunotheboxer]

Originally Posted by Bavarian III

Maybe you are

Just kidding. It's all relative.

No, I am.

[Verbiage]

Originally Posted by John 070

At the time, I actually thought that the 335 represented much better value. As the N54 issues surfaced maybe not true, but back in late '06, 335 really was do you have the cash or don't you, no-brainer (insurance, fuel costs, etc. were the same).

Agreed. I still love mine though

[PhiDeltBeers]

You said you fell in love with the M3. Sounds like you made your decision.

[Go Autobahn]

Originally Posted by anowlan

Here's the right way to do the mileage math:
12,000mi at 22 mpg= 545 gallons per year
12,000mi at 17 mpg= 705 gallons per year
705-545= 160 gallons/year more for the M3
160gallonsx$3.10/gallon = $496 per YEAR, /12months/year = $41 a month more.

So yeah, it's more, but not as much as you thought.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH. Now my HEAD can agree on what my HEART really wants to do. M3 Competition Package FTW!!!