[madou]

Sup guys!

I just registered on the forum and this is my first post! I've been reading this board a lot though before registering.

I don't own a BMW, but it has always been my dream car.
I'm planning on buying one in exactly one year as a personal gift when I'll be graduating med school

I'm really in love with the 335i, but don't know if I can afford that, or the 328i coupe.

I currently drive a 1999 Pontiac Grand AM GT. I find it sporty, so I can't even imagine what driving a 230 (or 300 HP) car would be like lol! But this thing really is a gaz guzzler, probably because the motor is so old. I can barely get 130 KMs for a 20 litres filling (don't know how much gallons that is)..
I'm guessing any BMW even a 335i would probably use less gas?

Also, it may seem a bit of a weird question but I'm just wondering at what kind of income/age can someone comfortably afford a new car? I see people driving BMWs here all the time and I'm thinking it's impossible all these people are making 100ks a year? Sorry for discussing that kind of issue, it's just that I've been in school and paying for so long, and won't be getting a full salary for another 3 years and I'm just curious. I'd love to get a 2007 or 2008 car next year though

Finally, do you guys have any secret info on when BMW is announcing the new 2012 model? Or what kind of new features it will have? What kind of downpricing should I expect for the E90 when the 2012 is announced?

Thanks guys and sorry for my writting

Edit: just another question that has popped in my mind. Do any of you drive your bimmer all year long, even in the winter? Because that would probably be the case for me since that would be my main car... not sure if a 3 coupe likes snow, but judging by the vids on youtube it drives well with the xdrive right?

[PhiDeltBeers]

The doctor that lives across the street from me is in his 50's and is still paying for med school. Something you might think about. Anyway, I'm guessing the median income in my neighborhood is $200k per year. Median home is $500k. There's Mercedes, Lexus, Bimmers, a C6 Z06, Escalades, etc. I'm guessing there's 12 homes total. You can make $35k a year and drive a Bimmer....you just won't live next door to me! All about what you want. Get a house first.

[dreamingat30fps]

I don't think there is a certain income level that automatically qualifies you to get a BMW (or any "luxury") car. There are many factors that come into play and you're really the only one who can decide if it's the smart choice for you.

Not to mention a 3 can go from $10k (older gen used) to $60k (335is brand new). You might make $50k but have a paid for house and not debt while the guy making $100k has a crazy mortgage and student loans.

[Verbiage]

Congratulations! Of course you can drive them in the snow. Just get some snow tires I drive mine all year round.

Best of luck with med school!

[Chriztofor]

Do yourself a favor and buy a used 06-07. Its half price, maybe a little bit of warranty left, and its an e90.

Welcome!

[sickem]

Welcome OP! Yeah there is no "cutoff" for income. You will find snobs who think only rich people should drive these cars and then you find people who place a high value on the driving experience and may cut back on other things to be able to afford it. And then of course there are those who simply cannot afford it all. Car poor is the term.

Anyhow, I would highly recommend in your situation to buy a used one. Obviously paying off loans/getting a home if you don't alreay have one would be higher priority if it were me. I've been there and "suffered" through driving lesser vehicles for some time. I am only 31 but feel very fortunate to be driving my E90. In short, they ARE all they are cracked up to be.

Also driving in all weather conditions is no problem esp. with xdrive and/or snows.

cheers!

[Tiz113]

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

Do yourself a favor and buy a used 06-07. Its half price, maybe a little bit of warranty left, and its an e90.

Welcome!

+1 yes, be careful getting a 335... hpfp

[WilliamE92]

hi

[BTM]

HPFP is warrantied 10yrs or 120k so I wouldn't really include that in repair costs (unless of course you're coming up on 120k)

+1 on a used one with warranty remaining. That way you can either either extend it or decide to roll the dice

[VWtoBMW]

Welcome! I assume by MTL you live in Montreal? Ex-Montrealer here, transplanted in Toronto since 96.

I see income, profession and type of car to be all over the map. I know people with 5 series that make less than I do, but have kids. I have no kids, make a good 6 fig salary and drive a 3... I have a 3 because I like it, unrelated to affordability. I know a 5 driver that stretches his budget because he loves the 5. My cousing in an nuclear engineer, he drive a 2006 Civic. Another cousin is a Dr and drives a 2005 Civic. They both earn less than I do and I do not have an official designation of any kind.

I would go for a CPO BMW, one or two years old, if I were you. If you are paying off school loans, then the last thing you need is a smack in the wallet since you have no warranty.

I drive mine all year round. It is an xDrive and I also put on snow tires. Whichever combo you go for, GET SNOW TIRES, especially in Montreal.

All the best and welcome!

Originally Posted by madou

Sup guys!

I just registered on the forum and this is my first post! I've been reading this board a lot though before registering.

I don't own a BMW, but it has always been my dream car.
I'm planning on buying one in exactly one year as a personal gift when I'll be graduating med school

I'm really in love with the 335i, but don't know if I can afford that, or the 328i coupe.

I currently drive a 1999 Pontiac Grand AM GT. I find it sporty, so I can't even imagine what driving a 230 (or 300 HP) car would be like lol! But this thing really is a gaz guzzler, probably because the motor is so old. I can barely get 130 KMs for a 20 litres filling (don't know how much gallons that is)..
I'm guessing any BMW even a 335i would probably use less gas?

Also, it may seem a bit of a weird question but I'm just wondering at what kind of income/age can someone comfortably afford a new car? I see people driving BMWs here all the time and I'm thinking it's impossible all these people are making 100ks a year? Sorry for discussing that kind of issue, it's just that I've been in school and paying for so long, and won't be getting a full salary for another 3 years and I'm just curious. I'd love to get a 2007 or 2008 car next year though

Finally, do you guys have any secret info on when BMW is announcing the new 2012 model? Or what kind of new features it will have? What kind of downpricing should I expect for the E90 when the 2012 is announced?

Thanks guys and sorry for my writting

Edit: just another question that has popped in my mind. Do any of you drive your bimmer all year long, even in the winter? Because that would probably be the case for me since that would be my main car... not sure if a 3 coupe likes snow, but judging by the vids on youtube it drives well with the xdrive right?

[Bimmer This]

Originally Posted by Tiz113

+1 yes, be careful getting a 335... hpfp

I still love my 335 though even will all it's HPFP problems.

[Angioguy]

MD2B,
I suppose it depends a lot on your financial situation. I drove a pre-owned toyota celica in med school, followed by a VW Jetta in residency and fellowship. When I became an attending, I (like most grads) was paying off loans but wanted a bmw so badly, that I got myself a co-signer and leased a 330xi (b/c I knew the awd would come in handy in all weather conditions-- and it lived up to the expectation!)... second car was a 335xi coupe, which is about to go 'bye bye' and be replaced by a 335is 'vert, which will hopefully be ready by mid-summer. Keep your eye on the ball, and save wisely. Soon enough, you will make a good enough living to get what your looking for-- you've certainly paid your dues!! Good luck.

[tldoxmf87]

I'm still in Business School and I got a preowned 328i coupe with money I saved while working part time and it's only been a month and a half since I owned the car and I already spent $2000 on modding.
It's very affordable.

[E92-Lighting]

congrats and welcome aboard

[mike3000fl]

its all relative man, couple years ago i put down 20,000 i earned from jumping out of planes and shooting people into a nice CPO 330i. payments are $200 a mo. don't let snobs drive you off, anyone with real money would be in a 6 or 7 series. 3 series is a glorified german taxi car.

[jopa489]

Welcome!

[debussie]

hi

[Oulixes]

Welcome aboard. Regarding your question on driving in snow - sure, there are no unusual problems driving BMWs in snow with winter tires, with or without the x-drive. As you are a student, you could consider either a CPO or an older, used BMW, to let someone else take the initial depreciation hit.

[PhiDeltBeers]

Originally Posted by mike3000fl

its all relative man, couple years ago i put down 20,000 i earned from jumping out of planes and shooting people into a nice CPO 330i. payments are $200 a mo. don't let snobs drive you off, anyone with real money would be in a 6 or 7 series. 3 series is a glorified german taxi car.

Anybody with real money would be in the back seat of an Rolls.

[CollinsE90]

Originally Posted by PhiDeltBeers

Anybody with real money would be in the back seat of an Rolls.

on the way to their G5

[tcc230]

I just got my first 335i I am a Dr. Graduated 2001....I am still paying off loans...and will be for awhile....

Like other have stated...owning a BMW is possible (within reason) affordable...you may not get a brand new one, you may not be able to travel or eat out as much...have to rent instead of owning a house....the jist is you may have to sacrifice in other areas of your life to get one....

My 335i is my "fun" summer car. I have two other vehicle an suv and 11 year old acura TL. Do I really need a car? Nope...Is it the best investment? Nope...but is it fun? Yep...does it make me happy? yep... so I think it is an invidual decision and what is important to you....

Luckily for you, you will have the ability to pay it off....it is just when and how comfortable you are with MORE debt right now.

My philosophy in life.... Live now and plan for the future...everything is an experience...do it while you can.

So what am I telling you to do? GET A 2011 335I!

[jeremicium]

Congrats on nearing the end of med school. I'm sure it took a lot of hard work...unfortunately you still have a lot to go.

I imagine you're relatively young. I'd go for a CPO. Buy a house before you jump into a BIG new car payment. It took me a while to get all the fun, unnecessary, materialistic things I have. BUT, if you do it smartly you want be burdened with huge debt and no disposable income. I was able to afford my 335 about three years after buying my house...and that was with my wife still in school. I would not buy a new 335 if i was making under 6 figures. Obviously this is not the gospel...just my .02