[Wills2]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Yep but I assume it's loaded. Top spec M4s now are high £70s into £80s crazy stuff.

Still revelling in my £51k all options I wanted M3

That was good price Chris.

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Booked to drive a 340i demonstrator next week. Am assuming it's near as dammit identical to the 440i coupe.

Lot of 3 series stock getting cleared on good deals which is due to the new model I assume?

Yep, I think a 340i will be pretty representative. I drove a 440i convertible for my test drive, which is also pretty different to a 440i GC in structure.

Deals are good due to runout, but have actually been very good for several years. I got around 25% in 2016 and the dealer told me at the time that a coupe would have been cheaper still due to the greater contributions. Not really possible to compare across time though - make sure that you get quotes from Car wow and coast2coast to see what a benchmark deal looks like.

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

Yep, I think a 340i will be pretty representative. I drove a 440i convertible for my test drive, which is also pretty different to a 440i GC in structure.

Deals are good due to runout, but have actually been very good for several years. I got around 25% in 2016 and the dealer told me at the time that a coupe would have been cheaper still due to the greater contributions. Not really possible to compare across time though - make sure that you get quotes from Car wow and coast2coast to see what a benchmark deal looks like.

Thanks. I have some benchmarks from Trl, c2c, carwow etc for the 4 coupe so I have a good idea. It's harder if I am swung by a 3 series as they've been pulled and each dealer has different levels of stock run-out discounts.

Part of me (the wife) thinks keep it simple, stick to the budget for a used one and then potentially change in a few years after a relatively cheap bit of motoring and move up to the new g20 models.

Part of me thinks 340i shadow with every single thing optioned and try and turn the screw on a dealer on 27th December for as massive a discount as possible

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Thanks. I have some benchmarks from Trl, c2c, carwow etc for the 4 coupe so I have a good idea. It's harder if I am swung by a 3 series as they've been pulled and each dealer has different levels of stock run-out discounts.

Part of me (the wife) thinks keep it simple, stick to the budget for a used one and then potentially change in a few years after a relatively cheap bit of motoring and move up to the new g20 models.

Part of me thinks 340i shadow with every single thing optioned and try and turn the screw on a dealer on 27th December for as massive a discount as possible

Your wife may have a point!

Personally I wouldn't touch a new F3x 3-series unless the discount was very attractive (so around 30% in addition to 0% finance). It's now an obsolete model and hence to me a second-hand 440i coupe - and upgrading to the new 3-series in two or three years - makes more sense than paying a fullish price for an F30 which won't necessarily reflect your preferred colour combination and/or spec.

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by JNW1

Your wife may have a point!

Personally I wouldn't touch a new F3x 3-series unless the discount was very attractive (so around 30% in addition to 0% finance). It's now an obsolete model and hence to me a second-hand 440i coupe - and upgrading to the new 3-series in two or three years - makes more sense than paying a fullish price for an F30 which won't necessarily reflect your preferred colour combination and/or spec.

Yes it's where my head is at right now. 22k gets me into a 350 engine rather than a 440 as it stands but it would also be a good toe into the water for a couple of years and some money in the car at the end as its done its worst depreciation.

I've thought a little about a 335d but I just think I'll always want the sound and feel of the petrol.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by blueislander

I've thought a little about a 335d but I just think I'll always want the sound and feel of the petrol.

Unless you really want or need X-Drive my advice would be to stay away from the diesel. It certainly has effortless go but in my experience it's not actually that economical - my F31 is "only" 8 mpg better than my old E92 335i which had the N55 engine - and they're certainly not as good in terms of noise and refinement.

And in the event you do want X-drive be prepared to do some chassis upgrades; even 335d M-Sport models have SE suspension as standard and it's a touch soft (especially on pre-LCI cars). From what I've heard a 435d may be better in that respect but even so I'd say stick with petrol, especially if noise and refinement are a priority!

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Thanks. I have some benchmarks from Trl, c2c, carwow etc for the 4 coupe so I have a good idea. It's harder if I am swung by a 3 series as they've been pulled and each dealer has different levels of stock run-out discounts.

Part of me (the wife) thinks keep it simple, stick to the budget for a used one and then potentially change in a few years after a relatively cheap bit of motoring and move up to the new g20 models.

Part of me thinks 340i shadow with every single thing optioned and try and turn the screw on a dealer on 27th December for as massive a discount as possible

Not really a huge stock of 340i at dealers now though from what I've seen. I doubt there would be any/many moving into December. Could give it a try though for a deal.

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Not really a huge stock of 340i at dealers now though from what I've seen. I doubt there would be any/many moving into December. Could give it a try though for a deal.

Yup it does seem that way. If thats the case it probably is another indicator I should stick to original AUC budget for a 4 series.

[B6WAF]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Hi all,


So – is there a big difference between N & B engines in each power band, and are the LCI cars significantly better? The spanner in the works is that the 435i actually falls into that price range as well – which could be the best of both worlds in terms of 20k for a sixer (which then raises the question, why pay 50% more for the 440i?)

A lot to consider I know, I am just looking for real world opinions on the situation.

Sorry for not reading all 5 pages of responses and perhaps repeating something already said but I think I can answer your 435i/440i and LCI question for you ...

My first new BMW coupe was a 325i M Sport and it was my best car ever. Next was a 330i M Sport and it was my new best car ever. Next was a 435i M Sport and it was a very nice car but it wasn't the new best car ever. In some ways it was a slight disappointment after the 330i.

The pre-LCI 435i with turbo was a fair bit faster than the 330i, but it was soulless, and the ride was jiggly. A spin round the Yorkshire Dales would leave me feeling slightly queasy. I retain fonder memories of the 330i.

I kept all these cars 3 years.

Then I got the 440i LCI and it is miles ahead of the 435i. The engine is superb - smoother, nicer sounding, faster to warm up - altogether absolutely brilliant. The ride is transformed - a completely different drive and a real pleasure in all situations. Not too hard, not too soft, and certainly not jiggly any more. This is DEFINITELY the best car I've ever had.

And as for the gearbox - 8 speed ZF - it's my first ever auto box after decades of resistance and I am totally converted - it's a peach.

OK, I only get 27 mpg overall and low thirties on a run, but I do low mileage and I enjoy every one of them. I did once, and only once, see 40mpg on a long 70mph motorway run but that's not why I bought it. If you can afford/justify it, I recommend the 440i unreservedly.

Hope that helps (and I know it's what you wanted to hear, really !)

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by B6WAF

Sorry for not reading all 5 pages of responses and perhaps repeating something already said but I think I can answer your 435i/440i and LCI question for you ...

My first new BMW coupe was a 325i M Sport and it was my best car ever. Next was a 330i M Sport and it was my new best car ever. Next was a 435i M Sport and it was a very nice car but it wasn't the new best car ever. In some ways it was a slight disappointment after the 330i.

The pre-LCI 435i with turbo was a fair bit faster than the 330i, but it was soulless, and the ride was jiggly. A spin round the Yorkshire Dales would leave me feeling slightly queasy. I retain fonder memories of the 330i.

I kept all these cars 3 years.

Then I got the 440i LCI and it is miles ahead of the 435i. The engine is superb - smoother, nicer sounding, faster to warm up - altogether absolutely brilliant. The ride is transformed - a completely different drive and a real pleasure in all situations. Not too hard, not too soft, and certainly not jiggly any more. This is DEFINITELY the best car I've ever had.

And as for the gearbox - 8 speed ZF - it's my first ever auto box after decades of resistance and I am totally converted - it's a peach.

OK, I only get 27 mpg overall and low thirties on a run, but I do low mileage and I enjoy every one of them. I did once, and only once, see 40mpg on a long 70mph motorway run but that's not why I bought it. If you can afford/justify it, I recommend the 440i unreservedly.

Hope that helps (and I know it's what you wanted to hear, really !)

Very helpful thank you.

It seems that with AUC I could potentially get into a 340i for 435i money. Need to have a think about this!

[blueislander]

Dealer came back to me on a car that I asked about to guage interest...

340i Shadow Edition, M Sport
Estoril Blue AT (what does AT stand for?)
Reverse Camera
Apple Carplay
Pro Nav Plus
Heated front seats
£36990 0%APR (thye said it was reduced from 47k RRP).

Doesn't seem/feel special at all?!?

[Mrklaw]

AT = Automatic

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Dealer came back to me on a car that I asked about to guage interest...

340i Shadow Edition, M Sport
Estoril Blue AT (what does AT stand for?)
Reverse Camera
Apple Carplay
Pro Nav Plus
Heated front seats
£36990 0%APR (thye said it was reduced from 47k RRP).

Doesn't seem/feel special at all?!?

You're right, nothing special! A 21% discount is less than you could have got two or three years ago so it looks like all they've done is give with one hand (with 0% finance) and then take with the other (in the form of a lower discount). Needs to be no more than £33k with 0% finance to make it attractive IMO.

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by JNW1

You're right, nothing special! A 21% discount is less than you could have got two or three years ago so it looks like all they've done is give with one hand (with 0% finance) and then take with the other (in the form of a lower discount). Needs to be no more than £33k with 0% finance to make it attractive IMO.

Yup, that's my feeling. To be honest, with it being their very last one I feel like it should be coming in closer to 30k but I doubt they will go there.

I also fear that the GFV will be rubbish, and it is fairly options light from what I can tell?

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Dealer came back to me on a car that I asked about to guage interest...

340i Shadow Edition, M Sport
Estoril Blue AT (what does AT stand for?)
Reverse Camera
Apple Carplay
Pro Nav Plus
Heated front seats
£36990 0%APR (thye said it was reduced from 47k RRP).

Doesn't seem/feel special at all?!?

Estoril Blue AT

All the Time it's that colour.

How used and how many miles? I think some pre reg cars are not far off that maybe. I think stock of them is fading fast though.

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Estoril Blue AT

All the Time it's that colour.

How used and how many miles? I think some pre reg cars are not far off that maybe. I think stock of them is fading fast though.

Think it was pre reg with delivery miles. Have seen better albeit a 335d xdrive with not many options.

Term of agreement 48 months
47 monthly payments £399.00
On the road cash price* £44,075.00
Customer deposit £399.00
BMW FS deposit contribution £6750.00
Retailer deposit contribution £4659.67
Total deposit £11,808.67
Total amount of credit £32,266.33
Option to purchase fee^ £0.00
Optional final payment^ £13,513.33
Total amount payable £44,075.00
Rate of interest 0.0% APR
Representative APR 0.0%
Excess mileage charge 10.29 pence per mile
Annual mileage 8,000

Wonder if more can be had off that?

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Think it was pre reg with delivery miles. Have seen better albeit a 335d xdrive with not many options.

Term of agreement 48 months
47 monthly payments £399.00
On the road cash price* £44,075.00
Customer deposit £399.00
BMW FS deposit contribution £6750.00
Retailer deposit contribution £4659.67
Total deposit £11,808.67
Total amount of credit £32,266.33
Option to purchase fee^ £0.00
Optional final payment^ £13,513.33
Total amount payable £44,075.00
Rate of interest 0.0% APR
Representative APR 0.0%
Excess mileage charge 10.29 pence per mile
Annual mileage 8,000

Wonder if more can be had off that?

These don't seem great deals for a model that is being replaced. I think you'd be better off exploring a new 440i or sticking with your used plan?

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

These don't seem great deals for a model that is being replaced. I think you'd be better off exploring a new 440i or sticking with your used plan?

Indeed, feels too much like an expensive compromise really. Just making sure I cover all bases first but i agree with you.

[Richard52]

I would look at the 2 series , great city car.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Richard52

I would look at the 2 series , great city car.

See post number 28 on page 2!

[blueislander]

Originally Posted by JNW1

See post number 28 on page 2!

Yes, unfortunately, time, a bad back and a few too many desserts mean a 2 series isn't so comfortable these days. Plus kiddie seat in the back makes it even tighter.

had a 1 coupe and loved it, but need something a little less focused and a little more comfy.

Maybe I should get a 640d and be done with it!

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by blueislander

Yes, unfortunately, time, a bad back and a few too many desserts mean a 2 series isn't so comfortable these days. Plus kiddie seat in the back makes it even tighter.

had a 1 coupe and loved it, but need something a little less focused and a little more comfy.

Maybe I should get a 640d and be done with it!

I think you may find the 6-series coupe is even tighter in the back than the 4-series (and quite possibly tighter than the 2-series as well). They're very nice if you're sat in the front but space efficiency inside isn't their strong point!