[GreenThree]

I have been agonizing over this decision for the past 2 weeks…

2015 335

Mineral grey, black dakota leather, Sport Line, Drivers Assistance Package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, NAV, Xenons, Munich build : )

Pros:
I get a (kick ass) new car now
Heavily discounted
Spec'd exactly the way I want
Fits nicely within budget

Cons:
I give up HK stereo, sport trans w/ paddles, that are now standard on 2016 340, as well as all the LCI improvements

2016 340

Pros:
HK Radio, Sport Trans w/ paddles, premium package now standard
All of the LCI updates (more powerful engine, revised suspension, insanely good looking LED coronas, etc) are extremely intriguing

Cons:
Its not an outgoing model, so scoring the kind of deal Im getting on the 335 even Q1 or Q2 of next year is highly unlikely
That being said, who knows if it will fall within my budget
New LCI updates, potential early LCI issues

Bottom line: The current MSRP of this 2015 335 and 2016 340 are identical - Literally to the dollar. Do I pull the trigger right now on this enticing 335? Or wait until Q1 or Q2 next year and hope the discounts on the 340 improve, but realistically concede that the latter will be the more expensive option (probably over budget)?

What would you do??

Thanks!

[spuntyb]

Save some coin and get the 335. Then in a few years, use that saved up money to put towards a G series car.

[nicknaz]

personally, I think HK stereo and sport 8AT are in the "must have" category so it would need to be a GREAT deal to give those up.

I gave up on m sport package, 18s and back up camera on my '13 to get a good deal too, so I definitely understand where you are coming from.

Will be a nice car either way

[Portimao Blues]

Get the 335 now and save the money. The changes going from a 335 to 340 are not that drastic. It's not as if it's an entirely new generation 3-series. I have my car almost a year and I've never used the paddle shifters...lol. Although, I have to say the HK is a pretty good sound system. Sometimes you have to make compromises in order to save money. In the long run you will still be very happy!

[mrich1353]

Get the 335 and add PPK if you want the added horsepower of the 340

[rolltidef32]

You should get the 340i and do it now. Why wait? You either can afford the car or you can't. There will be no real "deals" on the 340i in 2 or 4 months even. Your resale will be much higher with the 340i also, so you save some on the backend.

Others have heard me say this before, don't cut corners on a purchase this expensive. You'll kick yourself in a year for passing on the LCI goodies; and for what, $30 per month? If that'll break you, get a cheaper car that you can afford. Nothing wrong with doing so. Pride does you no good.

[smithf80]

The 340i really is an excellent car, and the suspension/steering improvements are great, so if you haven't driven one then DON'T, it will make you want it more.

I agree though, save the money and get 335i. You'll be happy with it.

EDIT: Wait, I really need to know just how much you would be saving, as rolltidef32 mentioned if its something stupid like 30 a month you're better off getting the 340i.

[Jbrock22]

If the way the car drives is important and it obviously is otherwise you'd be looking at other cars, then get the 340i. The 340i handles so much better then the pre LCI. No contest.

[GreenThree]

The 335 deal is 7500 off MSRP. Recent 340 sales have been going for 500ish over invoice from what I've read on the forums. I doubt that discount will improve much even in a few months. So the cost difference will be considerably more substantial than 30 a month. who am I kidding, I'm not gonna find a discount like that on a 340 even after it's been out for a year. So leaning heavily towards 335. Unless you guys convince me otherwise : )

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

The 335 deal is 7500 off MSRP. Recent 340 sales have been going for 500ish over invoice from what I've read on the forums. I doubt that discount will improve much even in a few months. So the cost difference will be considerably more substantial than 30 a month. who am I kidding, I'm not gonna find a discount like that on a 340 even after it's been out for a year. So leaning heavily towards 335. Unless you guys convince me otherwise : )

$7K should be no more than around $70 per month for even a 36 month term. Spread that out even longer, and it's even less money.

If you can get a 340i at only $500 over invoice, it would be dumb to pass that up. Just admit that you're stretching to even get into the 335i. If that's the case, sure, take the fire sale car.

These cars aren't cheap; we all know that who buy them new, trust. If you have the coin, get the better car, but don't compromise just to say you have a new BMW. Also doesn't seem that you really want a stripper, so if you want the car with the options, get the options that you want; it's your money.

You have to drive the car, we don't; we all have our own. Think ahead, and just do the math on what you can afford.

[GreenThree]

A few hundred over invoice for the 340 I want is $51,500. The negotiated price on the 335 is $47,500. Plugging in relevant money factor and residual value means $150 a month more for the 340. So 335 payment is 500 / mon. 340 payment is 650 a mon. Not willing to spend that much on a lease payment right now. I wonder if the 340 deals will improve with holiday cash or in a few months time?

[EJL]

I wasn't happy with the 335s I've test drove, but am very happy with my 340. Test drive both and take home which one makes you smile more.

[versailles]

Buy the one you can afford, I have a 435i and can say you won't be disappointed with the car at all!

Applying the logic above you should also go and test drive a m4, that will make you smile even more but could you afford one

[LUV335]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

A few hundred over invoice for the 340 I want is $51,500. The negotiated price on the 335 is $47,500. Plugging in relevant money factor and residual value means $150 a month more for the 340. So 335 payment is 500 / mon. 340 payment is 650 a mon. Not willing to spend that much on a lease payment right now. I wonder if the 340 deals will improve with holiday cash or in a few months time?

Man I would have said yes to 335 in a blink of an eye, if it had the sport transmission with paddles. That is a must item. Can u find one with discounts and that option?

In any case if you are leasing, u can get JB4 for 500 bucks on ur 335 and have more power than the 340i. U'll still come on top by 5000 bucks at the end of the lease!

[gongtowjai]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

A few hundred over invoice for the 340 I want is $51,500. The negotiated price on the 335 is $47,500. Plugging in relevant money factor and residual value means $150 a month more for the 340. So 335 payment is 500 / mon. 340 payment is 650 a mon. Not willing to spend that much on a lease payment right now. I wonder if the 340 deals will improve with holiday cash or in a few months time?

I have to agree with rolltidef2...btw..have you tried playing around in truecar dot com...that website has good info on pricing. Also, a UDE is coming to nyc in mid Nov for incentive credit...https://ude.bmwusa.com/ I got 1k from Team USA event & 750 option credit (finance/lease thru BMWFS) taken off my negotiated price... If all this info doesn't help bring down your lease payment, then go with the 335i. I see you didn't mention MSD and MF....Also, XDrive version??

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

A few hundred over invoice for the 340 I want is $51,500. The negotiated price on the 335 is $47,500. Plugging in relevant money factor and residual value means $150 a month more for the 340. So 335 payment is 500 / mon. 340 payment is 650 a mon. Not willing to spend that much on a lease payment right now. I wonder if the 340 deals will improve with holiday cash or in a few months time?

That's a high payment for the 340i at $51K. This means that your money factor is higher than what I'd see.

We won't get into your FICO score here, doesn't sound like it's low, but they just aren't giving you the best deal. Maybe has to do with the car being so new.

If this is a lease, how many miles? and the term (36)? that you're quoted?

[NightWriter]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

That's a high payment for the 340i at $51K. This means that your money factor is higher than what I'd see.

Not really. My 340i's settled price was around $54k. With taxes and fees, 3/30 (62% residual, 130MF) and only $2k down, I'm at $716/mo. My FICO score was something high like 823.

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by GreenThree

I have been agonizing over this decision for the past 2 weeks…

2015 335

Mineral grey, black dakota leather, Sport Line, Drivers Assistance Package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Package, NAV, Xenons, Munich build : )

Pros:
I get a (kick ass) new car now
Heavily discounted
Spec'd exactly the way I want
Fits nicely within budget

Cons:
I give up HK stereo, sport trans w/ paddles, that are now standard on 2016 340, as well as all the LCI improvements

2016 340

Pros:
HK Radio, Sport Trans w/ paddles, premium package now standard
All of the LCI updates (more powerful engine, revised suspension, insanely good looking LED coronas, etc) are extremely intriguing

Cons:
Its not an outgoing model, so scoring the kind of deal Im getting on the 335 even Q1 or Q2 of next year is highly unlikely
That being said, who knows if it will fall within my budget
New LCI updates, potential early LCI issues

Bottom line: The current MSRP of this 2015 335 and 2016 340 are identical - Literally to the dollar. Do I pull the trigger right now on this enticing 335? Or wait until Q1 or Q2 next year and hope the discounts on the 340 improve, but realistically concede that the latter will be the more expensive option (probably over budget)?

What would you do??

Thanks!

Go for the discounted 335. The 340 might be improved but not to the degree of the delta in price. The 335 is a great car. With a deep discount, even better

[cmplaya]

340 is definitely the better car but if your budget is already at your limit might not be worth the 30% extra you are saying from 500 to 650 per month.

i agree with maybe not test driving the 340 if it is out of your budget...ignorance is bliss

[jd_perspective]

wait and find exactly what you want. better yet find a broker. i can give you a contact in NYC area - they do deals all over and you can pick up or they can deliver. They can get you the best price on the new model however you want it. They give amazing prices! PM me if you want.

[gongtowjai]

Originally Posted by exl_ent_v6

wait and find exactly what you want. better yet find a broker. i can give you a contact in NYC area - they do deals all over and you can pick up or they can deliver. They can get you the best price on the new model however you want it. They give amazing prices! PM me if you want.

The person is listed in the Boston area...pickup in NYC and drive back home...

[mike@x-ph.com]

get the 335i. The 340i is great but now is a great time to get the 335 + i like to wait couple years after engine release before committing to a purchase