[BimmerBren]

Don't listen to all these people telling you that the GT isn't the right car for you. I just fit 6 pairs of skis,3 passengers, and roughly 7 bags of belongings inside of my GT. Went on a 3 day ski trip with dirt roads, snowy roads, icy roads, etc. you'll be fine going on an occasional camping hiking trip. I also go on ski trips like this multiple times every winter. I've never had any issues. You'll be able to fit your dog in the back no problem but you should should probably keep him in the back seat for better safety. When I got my 328i GT, I spent an hour cleaning all of the golden retriever hair in the trunk indicating that I'm sure you'll dog will be perfectly ok hangin out in the trunk. All in all, definitely get the GT. My only regret is not getting the 6cylinder haha.

[pacificnwbmw]

Thanks for all of the great info! I think this solidifies my decision to go with the GT, although as mentioned previously there are very few of the 335i/340is out there.

I was hoping to hold out for one with 40k or so miles (yes might take a while to find one), but currently there is one in Utah with a home delivery option with 60k. Would you be concerned over that, or should I hold out for one with lower mileage? Realistically a lot of them have more than 60k, so this one may not be too bad. I should also mention my budget is $30k, and upon doing nationwide searches this shouldn't be an issue. In case it's of relevance I live in Oregon.

https://www.kengarffnissanogden.com/...3x9c55gd869357

[Bavarianwagon]

Most likely too late to the party but I still want to throw a few cents into the conversation.

Have you considered the F31? If I'm not mistaken you guys in the states got the 330i x-drives in wagon form. Should be a bit cheaper allround to get a nice one of those, dish the extra cash on some chunky off-road tires , a dog cage and a roof-box. Voilà and you've got the cooler version of a Subaru Outback.

They are also quite a bit lighter than the 3GT and with the 4cyl up front you get better turn-in while tearing up those curvy scenic forest roads.

There are a few people on this forum who've done up these wagons and they're super cool looking!

[pacificnwbmw]

Originally Posted by Bavarianwagon

Most likely too late to the party but I still want to throw a few cents into the conversation.

Have you considered the F31? If I'm not mistaken you guys in the states got the 330i x-drives in wagon form. Should be a bit cheaper allround to get a nice one of those, dish the extra cash on some chunky off-road tires , a dog cage and a roof-box. Voilà and you've got the cooler version of a Subaru Outback.

They are also quite a bit lighter than the 3GT and with the 4cyl up front you get better turn-in while tearing up those curvy scenic forest roads.

There are a few people on this forum who've done up these wagons and they're super cool looking!

Agreed the wagon would be cool and I've seen some sweet ones on the road, but I'm guessing it'd be similar speed to the 328 GT? I test drove the 328 and 335 GTs, and definitely prefer the power of the 335. It probably wouldn't hurt to test drive one though.

[Billfitz]

I didn't go with the F31 in part because the F34 has more rear seat legroom, and when I have passengers they're adults. If I could get along without real rear seats I'd have gone with the F36. I preferred the smoother ride of the longer wheelbase as well.

[pacificnwbmw]

Bumping my link in case anyone wants to provide input... also the recent change in ownership on the Carfax stemmed from the dealership's auction purchase (seemed odd to me at first, but probably standard) - https://www.kengarffnissanogden.com/...x9c55gd869357/

It looks like I can get a $100 flight in to Salt Lake and then 12 hour drive home... getting this car would definitely require some effort.

[skyline408]

Originally Posted by pacificnwbmw

Bumping my link in case anyone wants to provide input... also the recent change in ownership on the Carfax stemmed from the dealership's auction purchase (seemed odd to me at first, but probably standard) - https://www.kengarffnissanogden.com/...x9c55gd869357/

It looks like I can get a $100 flight in to Salt Lake and then 12 hour drive home... getting this car would definitely require some effort.

The price isn't terrible, but not great. If I were you, i'd look out for one with the M sport package. It makes the car look 100x better IMO.

For reference, I had a 2016 Alpine white 335 GT with M sport + premium. The car had 48K miles on it, and mint. I traded in to the dealer for $22K, and they re-sold it for $28K.

[pacificnwbmw]

I’ve spent a lot of time looking at different GT models and some look fairly boring whereas others look flashy. Perhaps the m-sport is the main distinguishing factor then… I’ve had a hard time putting my finger on why some look more sport than others, but I chalked it up to tinted windows and bigger wheels.

[skyline408]

Originally Posted by pacificnwbmw

I’ve spent a lot of time looking at different GT models and some look fairly boring whereas others look flashy. Perhaps the m-sport is the main distinguishing factor then… I’ve had a hard time putting my finger on why some look more sport than others, but I chalked it up to tinted windows and bigger wheels.

the M sport models have more aggressive looking bumpers and side skirts. Also has the nicer 3 spoke M steering wheel and minor trim differences. Many were also equipped with 19" M-sport wheels. Here is a pic of my old car:

[skyline408]

Also want to mention the grill and headlights are unique to the F34 and not compatible with the other Fxx models. I still have my custom plate and I hung it up in my garage.

I picked up my 2016 335 GT with 17k miles in 2018 for 33k, and was a CPO car with warranty.

[pacificnwbmw]

That’s a clean looking car - thanks for the reference pics. I think I’ll probably hold out for the m sport then, because that’s the look I was hoping for.

[Billfitz]

Look around for 640GT as well. It's the GT version of a 5 series, with seriously upgraded interior compared to the 335/340. I've seen them listed around $35k.

[maxtreme]

Believe it or not I got my 340 F34 w/o M Kit because it's the cheapest among competitors, but really are there any competitors? When I picked up my 30K miles 2018 340 F34 for less than 29K, it was cheaper than a 330 F30, but faster than a 2018 SQ5 which is almost 15K more.

The only complaint I have during the past year of ownership is the lack of support from the stock soft non m sport suspension. It doesn't give me too much confidence in tight corners and there is also intensive body roll. It just feels that the suspension can't support enough the heavy weight of the car. The higher COG along with the softer suspension make F34 more of a gran cruiser rather than a sporty utility vehicle.

Have you tried Stelvio? Stelvio was actually the top on my shopping list as it is practical, sporty and relatively cheap due to very high depreciation. It doesn't feel as quick as 340 F34 but definitely much more stiff suspension, and they look nice too.

[Billfitz]

The GT suspension seems soft because it's supposed to be soft. The GT was developed for the Chinese market as a small limo, because in China one's status is defined not by the car but by whether you drive it yourself or if you have a chauffeur and you ride in the backseat. Every manufacturer has long wheelbase limo versions of their cars for the Chinese market, BMW is the only one to sell it worldwide. Yes, it's a great cruiser, no, it's not an SUV. That's why I bought one. Besides, if you need it stiffer there are ways to make it so.

[pacificnwbmw]

I haven't ever seen the Stelvio, but I could check that out too. After a quick search most of them are beyond my $30K price range in this area though.

I'm looking very closely at a 2016 335i GT with 48K miles and the M-Sport package. As I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger, the nerves are starting to kick in a bit regarding future maintenance costs. The last six years I've had a Mazdaspeed 3 and most currently a V8 Pontiac G8... not counting oil changes and new tires I bet I haven't spent more than $2-$3K on other maintenance this entire time (so approx. $400/year). Am I opening myself up to a considerable increase in annual expenses with the BMW (According to online repair estimate sites I certainly am...)? I discounted oil changes from my numbers above, but I suppose those will cost a fair amount more too.

[Billfitz]

Other than normal maintenance items I haven't spent a dime on repairs. Do whatever you can by yourself, and don't even think about going to a dealer shop.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by pacificnwbmw

I haven't ever seen the Stelvio, but I could check that out too. After a quick search most of them are beyond my $30K price range in this area though.

I'm looking very closely at a 2016 335i GT with 48K miles and the M-Sport package. As I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger, the nerves are starting to kick in a bit regarding future maintenance costs. The last six years I've had a Mazdaspeed 3 and most currently a V8 Pontiac G8... not counting oil changes and new tires I bet I haven't spent more than $2-$3K on other maintenance this entire time (so approx. $400/year). Am I opening myself up to a considerable increase in annual expenses with the BMW (According to online repair estimate sites I certainly am...)? I discounted oil changes from my numbers above, but I suppose those will cost a fair amount more too.

Zero repair issues on my 2018, warranty or otherwise. Just routine maintenance which I have the dealer perform.

[Bavarianwagon]

Originally Posted by pacificnwbmw

I'm looking very closely at a 2016 335i GT with 48K miles and the M-Sport package. As I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger, the nerves are starting to kick in a bit regarding future maintenance costs. The last six years I've had a Mazdaspeed 3 and most currently a V8 Pontiac G8... not counting oil changes and new tires I bet I haven't spent more than $2-$3K on other maintenance this entire time (so approx. $400/year). Am I opening myself up to a considerable increase in annual expenses with the BMW (According to online repair estimate sites I certainly am...)? I discounted oil changes from my numbers above, but I suppose those will cost a fair amount more too.

It's all relative, BMW maintenance cost in general is going to be higher than the Japanese equivalent. If you can DIY most things even better for your wallet.

The most costly regular-ish consumables in my personal experience is definitely brake disks but the pads are fairly cheap around $180-$200 for all 4 corners. Castrol 5w-30 oil is like $90-$100-ish for a 4L jug and the oil reservoir can hold about 6,5l-ish if I'm not mistaken. Otherwise having the fluids/filter changed and a yearly inspection has only cost me around $300-$450 at a local BMW indie and I do one once a year.

Seeing as the particular example you're looking at is semi-high mileage I'd let someone look at the condition of your charge pipe and intercooler. Those are known weak points on the N55, especially if they've been ran hard or tuned.

The only thing gone wrong on my personal GT is the mechanism failing on the panoramic roof, luckily it was covered under the extended warranty.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Bavarianwagon

Castrol 5w-30 oil is like $90-$100-ish for a 4L jug

You're getting screwed, and not in the good way.
https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03084...871352857&th=1

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by pacificnwbmw

That’s a clean looking car - thanks for the reference pics. I think I’ll probably hold out for the m sport then, because that’s the look I was hoping for.

This one's a steal, only 4k miles. I'd say it's worth the hassle to ship it. https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1897826

[skyline408]

Originally Posted by pacificnwbmw

I haven't ever seen the Stelvio, but I could check that out too. After a quick search most of them are beyond my $30K price range in this area though.

I'm looking very closely at a 2016 335i GT with 48K miles and the M-Sport package. As I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger, the nerves are starting to kick in a bit regarding future maintenance costs. The last six years I've had a Mazdaspeed 3 and most currently a V8 Pontiac G8... not counting oil changes and new tires I bet I haven't spent more than $2-$3K on other maintenance this entire time (so approx. $400/year). Am I opening myself up to a considerable increase in annual expenses with the BMW (According to online repair estimate sites I certainly am...)? I discounted oil changes from my numbers above, but I suppose those will cost a fair amount more too.

Got a link to the car you're looking at?

In my experience, I had one odd failure on one electrical box in the trunk that caused a bunch false alerts on the rear camera and sensors. Luckily it was covered under warranty and happened early (20k miles) The other common problem I delt with was the passenger heater not working correctly. This is a well known fxx problem and can be costly to fix. I decided to just not deal with it. Any fxx car you look at, make sure you check that the passenger heat works.

Other than that, the car was trouble free and after my warranty was up, I just took it to good indy BMW shops. I did oil changes by when the car told me to, which is generally around 8k miles and I did do cabin filters every other year (DIY) I had the brake fluid changed around 35K but it was cheap.

The BEST upgrade I did to the car was ditching those Runflat tires, which wears out after about 20K anyways. On my 3rd set of tires, I decided to go non-run flat and that was the best upgrade i've made to the car.

[pacificnwbmw]

Noted about the charge pipe and intercooler, as well as the passenger heater.. Definitely harder to set up a mechanic's inspection since I'd be flying in to CA to get it, but I could probably set something up should I proceed w/ that one. We have a couple indy BMW/Euro shops near me, so sounds like I should be good for any repairs/maintenance from that perspective.

Unfortunately I don't have a link, as the seller removed his listing due to scammers and flakes. However, he's still open to selling it and I have his number. Honestly there's a good chance I would've purchased it already if a flight and 10 hour drive back wasn't involved... makes you think way more before going to check it out.