[scarface27]

Hey Guys

Newbie here and am in the process of buying my first 3 series which has been a dream for a while (coming from a VW GTI). Am considering purchasing a new 335i in the UAE and would appreciate your feedback on the following -

A 2013 fully loaded New Old Stock Luxury Line model with the AC Schintzer body kit installed (front bumper and chromed out dual exhaust so not really ground breaking I think) by the dealership who is also a franchisee for AC Schintzer. They have quoted a price of approx $53k (assume there will be some room for negotiation on this given that the car is 2 years old)

A 2015 brand new fully loaded Sport Line stock model and they have quoted $61k (price is firm as its a 2015 model)

I know that these prices will seem ridiculous compared to the US but unfortunately we are constrained with the two stealerships that we have here.

I have the following questions -

A. Would you recommend to save the approx $8k and go with the older 2013 luxury line model as opposed to the 2015 sport line one ? Not sure if there will be a significant different when it comes time to resell the car 3 years down the road ? The warranty and 5 year ultimate service package are the same for both as they haven't been registered to anyone yet.

B. Will having an AC schintzer body kit have an impact on resale ?

C. I love the red leather sport seats on the sport line but not sure given the $8k price difference if it's worth getting it over the cheaper luxury line version. The luxury line seats are pretty plain looking so would be great if people that were on the fence in the past for both could comment

D. How does the Saddle Brown Leather seats hold up over time vs. the Red Leather Sport seats (esp. with jeans stains etc.)

Appreciate all your thoughts

Thanks

[613Bimmer]

Originally Posted by scarface27

Hey Guys


A. Would you recommend to save the approx $8k and go with the older 2013 luxury line model as opposed to the 2015 sport line one ? Not sure if there will be a significant different when it comes time to resell the car 3 years down the road ? The warranty and 5 year ultimate service package are the same for both as they haven't been registered to anyone yet.

B. Will having an AC schintzer body kit have an impact on resale ?

C. I love the red leather sport seats on the sport line but not sure given the $8k price difference if it's worth getting it over the cheaper luxury line version. The luxury line seats are pretty plain looking so would be great if people that were on the fence in the past for both could comment

D. How does the Saddle Brown Leather seats hold up over time vs. the Red Leather Sport seats (esp. with jeans stains etc.)

Appreciate all your thoughts

Thanks

I'd personally spend a little more on the new sport line for a few reasons:

A. There are a few reasons to choose the 2015 over the 2013 : It probably has the sports suspension and sports auto transmission, it has the newer iDrive interface (which includes the new touchpad). I also think that someone would rather pick a 4th model year vs. 2nd model year when purchasing it later down the road despite the fact that there's going to be an LCI very shortly coming out.
B. It may or may not impact the re-sale value that much, it depends on how agressive the body kit is (I haven't seen it) but it probably wouldn't be a major turn-off for most buyers.
C. I personally prefer the saddle brown colour but I would still have a tough time choosing between them. The final decision is up to you. However, it should be noted that the 2015 will come with the sports seats which have the adjustable bolsters and thigh-rests whereas the 2013 won't.
D. I'd assume they hold up the same, I've seen a few used Saddle cars and none of them showed signs of premature wear compared to others with the same mileage.

OP, the final decision is up to you, if you prefer the 2013 and are willing to sacrifice a few "sports" options, go for it and don't look back. After all, you're buying the car for yourself first, not the next owner.

Good luck!

[Professor///M]

Body kit can either positively or negatively affect resale, so consider that a wash.

At the end of the day the question is, which do you like more, the car or your money? That will make the decision easy.

[puma1552]

Wouldn't touch the '13. It's depreciated a LOT more on the lot the last two years than the $8k you'll save. Not to mention if this thing has been sitting on an outdoor lot baking in the sun for two years with no wax or cosmstic maintenance?

Then add in better features on the '15 and I'd forget the '13. Dealer should be giving you a BJ to take the '13, it's value has tanked on the lot and isn't worth any more than a lightly used '13 at this point and should be priced accordingly.

[scarface27]

Thanks for the responses so far after a bit of digging i found out that the 2013 model is also better equipped with a Harman Kardon speaker system, Adaptive M running gear (which as I understand is the Adaptive M suspension?).

The 2015 Sport Line doesnt have all of this...not sure if your thoughts would be different ?

[Mobster1983]

I would also choose the 2015 model, no question. The sports line, if it includes DHP and SAT, is far and above the luxury line. Also, the sports seats are far more comfortable than the basic seats in the luxury model.

The technology on the 3 series also received a fairly significant upgrade in the 2014 model year, so the 2015 is better in this regards as well.

As others have said, I would not touch a two year old car that has never been really driven. Cars need to be driven, not sit in a lot collecting rust.

[kent11202]

Originally Posted by puma1552

Wouldn't touch the '13. It's depreciated a LOT more on the lot the last two years than the $8k you'll save. Not to mention if this thing has been sitting on an outdoor lot baking in the sun for two years with no wax or cosmstic maintenance?

Then add in better features on the '15 and I'd forget the '13. Dealer should be giving you a BJ to take the '13, it's value has tanked on the lot and isn't worth any more than a lightly used '13 at this point and should be priced accordingly.

I'll have to agree - pass on the 2013 - they really have dropped like a rock in value for whatever reason and they don't seem to be leveling out - just keep dropping. Also, sitting for two years can't be a good thing IMO.

[scarface27]

Originally Posted by kent11202

I'll have to agree - pass on the 2013 - they really have dropped like a rock in value for whatever reason and they don't seem to be leveling out - just keep dropping. Also, sitting for two years can't be a good thing IMO.

The 2013 car is a display model and the condition is top notch...not brand new but top notch with 10 miles on the clock.

[adhrp]

I would say the 2013 is better value considering it is very well equipped and is $8k cheaper than the 2015, which is a lot of money. As other have said, certain technologies have changed since 2014, but those are not major changes that make the 2012/13 models obsolete or anything. So I would not worry about that. I would suggest haggling more on the price and seeing if that works. The saddle brown seats have worked great for me and do not show stains/marks from jeans. Haven't sat on sport seats so I cant comment on how they compare.

[puma1552]

why not just order what you want since neither car seems ideal?

[scarface27]

Originally Posted by puma1552

why not just order what you want since neither car seems ideal?

Its an absolute bitch to do so with the dealership making BS excuses. They order a standard set with predetermined options in bulk (guessing more economical) and better margins.

[puma1552]

if they arent willing to accomodate you, why give them the satisfaction of settling for something on the lot they should be bending over backwards to get rid of? they need to sell a car, you dont need to buy one. id consider other makes if they are that difficult and unwilling to work with you, make them know they arent the end all be all

[smv]

OP, I sell you my 335i sport line fully equiped, M running gear, 19inch wheels, DHP plus M Power kit, 20k KMS, 2013 model, glacier silver+coral red for 48KUSD. i'm in Dubai, let me know!

[Babo335]

It seems that you are already inclining towards the 2013 model which is a better value but as others have mentioned, the 2015 model sport has all the goodies that you want. Do not settle just because just it seems such a good deal to pass on.

[Professor///M]

Originally Posted by scarface27

The 2013 car is a display model and the condition is top notch...not brand new but top notch with 10 miles on the clock.

There's always a red flag if there is a car with very few miles and has not been sold after an entire model year.

Consider that. You get what you pay for

[DrivenByE30]

If i were you, i would do the following:
- 2015
- 340i
- sport
- red leather
- sport seat!
- AC Schnitzer

[m_alnimah]

Well i think if you'd go for the 2015 there are a fee updates on the suspension and a little extras added (as stated ^) but DO NOT GO FOR AGMC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've heared a lot of bad things about them (My brother and sisters are customers of AGMC, I'm a customer of Al Fardan in Doha) for example... My brother drops it to get an oil change and they don't change it... They have taken a car with minor damage into their workshop using a freakin forklift!!!

[m_alnimah]

Here is a photo of the Z4 going in on a forklift... I really think ADM is better!!

[tuned2ride]

I see no interest to buy a 2yo new car, unless heavily discounted which not the case here.

I understand the equipment thing but I wouldn't touch the 2013 over 48K$.

And then what about interest rates if any?

[scarface27]

Originally Posted by tuned2ride

I see no interest to buy a 2yo new car, unless heavily discounted which not the case here.

I understand the equipment thing but I wouldn't touch the 2013 over 48K$.

And then what about interest rates if any?

Its going to be a cash purchase but I reckon i could get it to about 48k...

[scarface27]

Originally Posted by m_alnimah

Here is a photo of the Z4 going in on a forklift... I really think ADM is better!!

Thanks i live in Dubai so Abu Dhabi servicing is not an option. Its unfortunate that we are stuck with one stealership.

[m_alnimah]

Originally Posted by scarface27

Thanks i live in Dubai so Abu Dhabi servicing is not an option. Its unfortunate that we are stuck with one stealership.

I guess you can try to make a deal with them that they'd take your car to Abu Dhabi for servicing and bring it back