Should I pull the trigger on a 335 GT? Good family hauler?

B Brownburry · 11-28-2014, 09:18 PM

Hi guys,

After test driving twice, after reading all I can find on the internet, I'm seeking real-world advice from F34 drivers.

Here's my situation : 34 years old, one 14 months-old daughter, most probably #2 will be coming in 2015 or 2016.

My current ride a late 2011 E90 335 xdrive Candian special edition, MT.

Love the car (altough I had mmmaaaannnnyyyyy problems with it), but it is getting TIGHT in the backseat for my daughter, even in a forward-facing seat!

Actually it is getting hard to install her in it! But I guess I could manage that...

Sometimes though I must say that with the 19'' 313's, the ride can be harsh. Also, trunk space is limited, but not that much of a deal breaker, cause we'll probably get a minivan for the wife next year.

My lease is coming up in february, but of course at this point they can (and want) to pull me out of it to buy a new car!

One 335 GT EBII almost fully loaded is waiting in the showroom for me!

My options are to hop on a new lease at about 1000$ per month (more or less), or renew my E90 lease (they do that now in canada) for 12 or 24 months, at around 600-700$ per month.

Here are my thoughts and questions about my GT vs E90 issue :

-Higher payments, but brand new car

I must say financially times are harder now than they were in the last years...

-Akward styling of the rear end of the GT, but I think it could grow on me!

-This would be my first AT car, I must say I'm nervous about that...I love to downshift, matchrev, and so on ... but sometimes I must be getting old but I think an AT would be more comfortable, and even more performant?

-The GT is sitting higher, I'm hesitant about that...on some days I wish I had a more comfortable ride, but on the other hand, I'm afraid I'll miss the handling of the E90. Would a dinan Shockware answer that issue ?

-I don't want an SUV, but is the GT a good car to have two young kids ? If someone could post a picture of the backseat with childseats installed, I would appreciate!

-How's the real-world MPG ?

Thanks for sharing your toughts!

ELNch · 11-29-2014, 06:15 AM

I moved out of a 2010 e91 320d and into the F34 about a year ago.
The rearseat+legroom is huge. With a 18 month old in the backseat in a cybex sirona seat(facing backwards) there is plenty of room between the front seat and the child seat.

The x3 has considerably less Space, and even the f11 has less space.
I wouldnt even think of considering a sedan in Your case.

I will post Pictures of the carseat a little later today.

Cant comment on the price though, as you can get a 335i for less than the starting price of a 318d here.

Btw, get the M.sport package, it transforms the car to the best looking front in BMWs lineup right now

ELNch · 11-30-2014, 08:43 AM

Pictures of the car seat.

Plenty of space. The passenger front seat is pushed back alot so there is more room if needed.

SamS · 11-30-2014, 09:26 AM

Drive one first? I have two kids, including one still rear-facing. I could use the extra room of an F34, but my youngest will be forward facing soon enough, then we should be OK. But you've got several years left!

ipilcher · 11-30-2014, 10:21 AM

Good family hauler (rear legroom & cargo *******. Unique and sometimes polarizing appearance. Just don't expect a car this long, tall, and heavy to handle like a 3 series.

EDIT: That's supposed to be s-p-a-c-e after cargo up there. No idea why it's considered a bad word.

evil_scooby · 11-30-2014, 03:35 PM

Same reasons I got it and same worries I had

Must say sometimes I love the looks of it now but still have the odd day where I think hmmm
Its a million miles better than my old e90 335 including the gearbox.
Ive done nearly 1000 miles in it on various roads and speeds and im getting 39mpg generally.

Space in the back is amazing, same with the boot.

FunRevn · 12-01-2014, 01:34 AM

This car is absolutely amazing. We came out of an SUV and a 2011 E90.

I love this car as our family car. With the Adaptive suspension and active steering this car (when in Sport mode) handles very close to my Msport E90. The Automatic is fantastic miles better than 6spd in the E90 and the tech is amazing. Love the room the ride and looks. In the States we only have the Xdrive and I thought it was a waste in SoCal but it is nice in the corners. With the power of the 335 motor it actually pulls around the corners great. Totally flat and balanced.

We like the extra space and the height of the car it really is a great alternative to both the SUV and station wagon.

Enjoy

Slalom · 12-01-2014, 10:40 PM

I can't speak for the child seats, but I am 6'2" and there is a lot of room behind my seat. In terms of hauling stuff, it is better than my E91 Touring.

As others have said, it sits higher than a regular 3 series. Unfortunately BMW did not offer us dynamic drive on the GT. It effectively counteracts roll. I had it on an X5 and it was surprisingly flat in the corners.

I wish that we could have the MT in Canada, but no such luck. That said the 8 speed AT is very good and in sport mode provides good engine braking. I am still not a fan of the floppy paddles, but the gear selector works well and intuitively.

All that said, If my wife drove the minivan (she drives a 335i with MT) I would not have the GT, then again I still have and will keep my M3 (MT) for years to come.

Mike_L · 12-01-2014, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slalom

I can't speak for the child seats, but I am 6'2" and there is a lot of room behind my seat. In terms of hauling stuff, it is better than my E91 Touring.

As others have said, it sits higher than a regular 3 series. Unfortunately BMW did not offer us dynamic drive on the GT. It effectively counteracts roll. I had it on an X5 and it was surprisingly flat in the corners.

I wish that we could have the MT in Canada, but no such luck. That said the 8 speed AT is very good and in sport mode provides good engine braking. I am still not a fan of the floppy paddles, but the gear selector works well and intuitively.

All that said, If my wife drove the minivan (she drives a 335i with MT) I would not have the GT, then again I still have and will keep my M3 (MT) for years to come.

Dynamic suspension is offered. I ordered it. MT is worthless. BMW soon won't offer it at all. Its slower than the automatic and gets worse economy. No sense in continuing to sell it for the 5% of people who may want it.

B Brownburry · 12-02-2014, 09:42 AM

Hey thanks guys for all the imput.

One friend also told me to look for a certified audi A7.

Been there this morning. The trunk is bigger, but it's cramped in the back seat. For me this is where the GT is a winner for me. The trunk is not that important.

Also went to BMW (another dealership), they had a 328i GT in the showroom. God the 335 GT with Msport is wayyy nicer (to my eyes).

So I kinda think that the GT will be my choice, although if I didn't have young kids I would probably hop in a 435 grand coupe, (or 235i) but the door opening in the back is too tight in the grand coupe.

I'm attaching pics of the one I might lease. Before my 335 i had a 128i in montego blue. Always loved light blue cars.

BTW, how much are fellow canadians paying for their leases?

Another thing : has anybody done the DINAN upgrade ? The dealership is a dinan retailer so I might do the engine upgrade + I thought of the Shockware, but I can't find any review of their shockware with the GT. Is it worth it ?

It will also get complicated for winter tyres, because all dealers seem to be out of 19'', so I'd have to buy another wheel setup for winter...

B Brownburry · 12-02-2014, 11:50 AM

The dealer added a free clear bra and a 1500 aditional discount

KneeDragr · 12-02-2014, 12:16 PM

Looks awesome - wish the 328i could be had with those wheels. Im not sure why they dont allow 19's on the 328i like they do in other countries.

B Brownburry · 12-02-2014, 01:10 PM

The winter wheels would be the 400 M. I would have preferred black wheels, but still the 400 are nice.

S61 · 12-02-2014, 06:25 PM

I've been an owner since January of this year! Let's just say during black friday, this thing was amazing!

What other stylish Sport Sedan can do what this thing does?

markbridge · 12-03-2014, 06:48 AM

I have to say I am surprised the dealership had a 335GT. 335's are somewhat rare, usually dealers have 328's. Also, since GT's aren't exactly flying off the lots, I'm also surprised the dealer used showroom real estate in showcasing one.

The fact that you were immediately drawn to it when you saw it shows that the GT can attract potential customers if properly displayed.

Mike_L · 12-03-2014, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markbridge

I have to say I am surprised the dealership had a 335GT. 335's are somewhat rare, usually dealers have 328's. Also, since GT's aren't exactly flying off the lots, I'm also surprised the dealer used showroom real estate in showcasing one.

The fact that you were immediately drawn to it when you saw it shows that the GT can attract potential customers if properly displayed.

Me too. My dealer didn't have ANY GTs for me to see or drive. I ordered blind. Still don't know what I'm getting and it's on the boat on its way here.

ELNch · 12-03-2014, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FunRevn

This car is absolutely amazing. We came out of an SUV and a 2011 E90.

I love this car as our family car. With the Adaptive suspension and active steering this car (when in Sport mode) handles very close to my Msport E90. The Automatic is fantastic miles better than 6spd in the E90 and the tech is amazing. Love the room the ride and looks. In the States we only have the Xdrive and I thought it was a waste in SoCal but it is nice in the corners. With the power of the 335 motor it actually pulls around the corners great. Totally flat and balanced.

We like the extra space and the height of the car it really is a great alternative to both the SUV and station wagon.

Enjoy

A little off topic, but why is there no rear fog light button in your car? I can se you have front fogs.
As i look at the Picture taken form the driver side, there is an empty Space where the button sits in mine.

Btw. same outside color and 19s as mine

Mike_L · 12-03-2014, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELNch

A little off topic, but why is there no rear fog light button in your car? I can se you have front fogs.
As i look at the Picture taken form the driver side, there is an empty Space where the button sits in mine.

Btw. same outside color and 19s as mine

We don't get rear fogs in North America. If we want them we have to change the switch and code them in.

B5rider · 12-03-2014, 04:55 PM

I went from a 5 series wagon to the GT. The rear legroom is better in the GT than the 5 series. I only miss some width as far as space goes. The hatch is definitely worth having with kids. You can fit a lot of stuff in the back. Useful features are the automatic hatch opening (you pretend to kick the rear bumper and the hatch opens or closes), the two handles used to fold the rear seats which are conveniently located within easy reach in the trunk, the panoramic roof (kids love it), easy ingress, egress, and all wheel drive.
That said, I wish I could've found a 335 in SoCal because I miss my 535's power.

B Brownburry · 12-03-2014, 08:41 PM

Hey guys, finally I'm jumping in!

Here's what I got :

7% discount on msrp.
Free clear bra.
Free winter kit (18'' 400M) 3500 CAD$ cost for me, this is very nice. They store the OEM wheels for the winter.
Free winter floor mats (lol)
they wave my 2 last E90 payments
They remove my winter wheels on my E90 and re-install the 313's for the end of the lease.

980$ or 1073$ a month depending on if I take 39 or 48 months, at 20 000 km per year.

I'm getting the windows tinted, and for the Dinan upgrades I'll wait till spring to see if I think it's necessary.

Mike_L · 12-03-2014, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Brownburry

Hey guys, finally I'm jumping in!

Here's what I got :

7% discount on msrp.
Free clear bra.
Free winter kit (18'' 400M) 3500 CAD$ cost for me, this is very nice. They store the OEM wheels for the winter.
Free winter floor mats (lol)
they wave my 2 last E90 payments
They remove my winter wheels on my E90 and re-install the 313's for the end of the lease.

980$ or 1073$ a month depending on if I take 39 or 48 months, at 20 000 km per year.

I'm getting the windows tinted, and for the Dinan upgrades I'll wait till spring to see if I think it's necessary.

Wow, those are big payments! I think my payments are the highest, and I'm still under $700US ($795 CAD) for 39. Don't think that "Free" stuff is really free. Think they're charging you for it.

B Brownburry · 12-03-2014, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike_L

Quote:

Originally Posted by B Brownburry

Hey guys, finally I'm jumping in!

Here's what I got :

7% discount on msrp.
Free clear bra.
Free winter kit (18'' 400M) 3500 CAD$ cost for me, this is very nice. They store the OEM wheels for the winter.
Free winter floor mats (lol)
they wave my 2 last E90 payments
They remove my winter wheels on my E90 and re-install the 313's for the end of the lease.

980$ or 1073$ a month depending on if I take 39 or 48 months, at 20 000 km per year.

I'm getting the windows tinted, and for the Dinan upgrades I'll wait till spring to see if I think it's necessary.

Wow, those are big payments! I think my payments are the highest, and I'm still under $700US ($795 CAD) for 39. Don't think that "Free" stuff is really free. Think they're charging you for it.

can't compare usa with Canada for cars....we simply get ripped off here!

I'm pretty sure it's a sweet deal, for here.

Go on bmw.ca and see for yourself

....same equipment comes out at around 1200-1250.

In the states I think I could afford a panamera.....

Also don't forget that's with a 15% tax included. Residual is 47-41% with an interest rate of 1,9%.

11-28-2014, 09:18 PM	#1
B Brownburry Private First Class 12 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 335xdr 2011 CAN Spec. Edition Join Date: May 2008 Location: montréal! iTrader: (0)	Should I pull the trigger on a 335 GT? Good family hauler? Hi guys, After test driving twice, after reading all I can find on the internet, I'm seeking real-world advice from F34 drivers. Here's my situation : 34 years old, one 14 months-old daughter, most probably #2 will be coming in 2015 or 2016. My current ride a late 2011 E90 335 xdrive Candian special edition, MT. Love the car (altough I had mmmaaaannnnyyyyy problems with it), but it is getting TIGHT in the backseat for my daughter, even in a forward-facing seat! Actually it is getting hard to install her in it! But I guess I could manage that... Sometimes though I must say that with the 19'' 313's, the ride can be harsh. Also, trunk space is limited, but not that much of a deal breaker, cause we'll probably get a minivan for the wife next year. My lease is coming up in february, but of course at this point they can (and want) to pull me out of it to buy a new car! One 335 GT EBII almost fully loaded is waiting in the showroom for me! My options are to hop on a new lease at about 1000$ per month (more or less), or renew my E90 lease (they do that now in canada) for 12 or 24 months, at around 600-700$ per month. Here are my thoughts and questions about my GT vs E90 issue : -Higher payments, but brand new car I must say financially times are harder now than they were in the last years... -Akward styling of the rear end of the GT, but I think it could grow on me! -This would be my first AT car, I must say I'm nervous about that...I love to downshift, matchrev, and so on ... but sometimes I must be getting old but I think an AT would be more comfortable, and even more performant? -The GT is sitting higher, I'm hesitant about that...on some days I wish I had a more comfortable ride, but on the other hand, I'm afraid I'll miss the handling of the E90. Would a dinan Shockware answer that issue ? -I don't want an SUV, but is the GT a good car to have two young kids ? If someone could post a picture of the backseat with childseats installed, I would appreciate! -How's the real-world MPG ? Thanks for sharing your toughts!
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11-30-2014, 08:43 AM	#3
ELNch Private 6 Rep 63 Posts Drives: Bmw 320iGt xdrive M-sport Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	Pictures of the car seat. Plenty of space. The passenger front seat is pushed back alot so there is more room if needed. Attached Images
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11-30-2014, 09:26 AM	#4
SamS Banned 866 Rep 6,248 Posts Drives: Tesla M3 Perf + '18 X3 M40i Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Drive one first? I have two kids, including one still rear-facing. I could use the extra room of an F34, but my youngest will be forward facing soon enough, then we should be OK. But you've got several years left!
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11-30-2014, 10:21 AM	#5
ipilcher Captain 430 Rep 932 Posts Drives: 2024 M3 Compensation Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: North Texas, USA iTrader: (0)	Good family hauler (rear legroom & cargo *******. Unique and sometimes polarizing appearance. Just don't expect a car this long, tall, and heavy to handle like a 3 series. EDIT: That's supposed to be s-p-a-c-e after cargo up there. No idea why it's considered a bad word.
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11-30-2014, 03:35 PM	#6
evil_scooby m340i owner 25 Rep 292 Posts Drives: Ex Scoob, Ex S4, ex 335d m340i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	Same reasons I got it and same worries I had Must say sometimes I love the looks of it now but still have the odd day where I think hmmm Its a million miles better than my old e90 335 including the gearbox. Ive done nearly 1000 miles in it on various roads and speeds and im getting 39mpg generally. Space in the back is amazing, same with the boot.
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11-29-2014, 06:15 AM	#2
ELNch Private 6 Rep 63 Posts Drives: Bmw 320iGt xdrive M-sport Join Date: May 2014 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	I moved out of a 2010 e91 320d and into the F34 about a year ago. The rearseat+legroom is huge. With a 18 month old in the backseat in a cybex sirona seat(facing backwards) there is plenty of room between the front seat and the child seat. The x3 has considerably less Space, and even the f11 has less space. I wouldnt even think of considering a sedan in Your case. I will post Pictures of the carseat a little later today. Cant comment on the price though, as you can get a 335i for less than the starting price of a 318d here. Btw, get the M.sport package, it transforms the car to the best looking front in BMWs lineup right now
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12-01-2014, 01:34 AM	#7
FunRevn Captain 60 Rep 736 Posts Drives: 2020 M5 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Western Region iTrader: (0)	This car is absolutely amazing. We came out of an SUV and a 2011 E90. I love this car as our family car. With the Adaptive suspension and active steering this car (when in Sport mode) handles very close to my Msport E90. The Automatic is fantastic miles better than 6spd in the E90 and the tech is amazing. Love the room the ride and looks. In the States we only have the Xdrive and I thought it was a waste in SoCal but it is nice in the corners. With the power of the 335 motor it actually pulls around the corners great. Totally flat and balanced. We like the extra space and the height of the car it really is a great alternative to both the SUV and station wagon. Enjoy Attached Images __________________ 2011 335 E90 MSport PPK - retired 2008 M3 - retired 2007 335 E92 - Buy back 2007 X3 MSport - retired 1995 M3 - retired
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12-01-2014, 10:40 PM	#8
Slalom Major 509 Rep 1,345 Posts Drives: 04 Z4, 18 X3 M40i Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Ottawa and Collelongo (AQ) Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2004 Z4 [0.00] 2018 BMW X3 M40i [10.00]	I can't speak for the child seats, but I am 6'2" and there is a lot of room behind my seat. In terms of hauling stuff, it is better than my E91 Touring. As others have said, it sits higher than a regular 3 series. Unfortunately BMW did not offer us dynamic drive on the GT. It effectively counteracts roll. I had it on an X5 and it was surprisingly flat in the corners. I wish that we could have the MT in Canada, but no such luck. That said the 8 speed AT is very good and in sport mode provides good engine braking. I am still not a fan of the floppy paddles, but the gear selector works well and intuitively. All that said, If my wife drove the minivan (she drives a 335i with MT) I would not have the GT, then again I still have and will keep my M3 (MT) for years to come.
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12-02-2014, 09:42 AM	#10
B Brownburry Private First Class 12 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 335xdr 2011 CAN Spec. Edition Join Date: May 2008 Location: montréal! iTrader: (0)	Hey thanks guys for all the imput. One friend also told me to look for a certified audi A7. Been there this morning. The trunk is bigger, but it's cramped in the back seat. For me this is where the GT is a winner for me. The trunk is not that important. Also went to BMW (another dealership), they had a 328i GT in the showroom. God the 335 GT with Msport is wayyy nicer (to my eyes). So I kinda think that the GT will be my choice, although if I didn't have young kids I would probably hop in a 435 grand coupe, (or 235i) but the door opening in the back is too tight in the grand coupe. I'm attaching pics of the one I might lease. Before my 335 i had a 128i in montego blue. Always loved light blue cars. BTW, how much are fellow canadians paying for their leases? Another thing : has anybody done the DINAN upgrade ? The dealership is a dinan retailer so I might do the engine upgrade + I thought of the Shockware, but I can't find any review of their shockware with the GT. Is it worth it ? It will also get complicated for winter tyres, because all dealers seem to be out of 19'', so I'd have to buy another wheel setup for winter... Attached Images
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12-02-2014, 11:50 AM	#11
B Brownburry Private First Class 12 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 335xdr 2011 CAN Spec. Edition Join Date: May 2008 Location: montréal! iTrader: (0)	The dealer added a free clear bra and a 1500 aditional discount
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12-02-2014, 12:16 PM	#12
KneeDragr Lieutenant 41 Rep 516 Posts Drives: Planning 2015 ED :) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Arlington VA iTrader: (0)	Looks awesome - wish the 328i could be had with those wheels. Im not sure why they dont allow 19's on the 328i like they do in other countries.
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12-02-2014, 01:10 PM	#13
B Brownburry Private First Class 12 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 335xdr 2011 CAN Spec. Edition Join Date: May 2008 Location: montréal! iTrader: (0)	The winter wheels would be the 400 M. I would have preferred black wheels, but still the 400 are nice.
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12-02-2014, 06:25 PM	#14
S61 New Member 3 Rep 7 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I've been an owner since January of this year! Let's just say during black friday, this thing was amazing! What other stylish Sport Sedan can do what this thing does?
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12-03-2014, 06:48 AM	#15
markbridge Private First Class 26 Rep 181 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW; 2017 M-B SL450 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: SE Ohio iTrader: (0)	I have to say I am surprised the dealership had a 335GT. 335's are somewhat rare, usually dealers have 328's. Also, since GT's aren't exactly flying off the lots, I'm also surprised the dealer used showroom real estate in showcasing one. The fact that you were immediately drawn to it when you saw it shows that the GT can attract potential customers if properly displayed.
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12-03-2014, 04:55 PM	#19
B5rider New Member 3 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2015 328iX GT Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I went from a 5 series wagon to the GT. The rear legroom is better in the GT than the 5 series. I only miss some width as far as space goes. The hatch is definitely worth having with kids. You can fit a lot of stuff in the back. Useful features are the automatic hatch opening (you pretend to kick the rear bumper and the hatch opens or closes), the two handles used to fold the rear seats which are conveniently located within easy reach in the trunk, the panoramic roof (kids love it), easy ingress, egress, and all wheel drive. That said, I wish I could've found a 335 in SoCal because I miss my 535's power.
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12-03-2014, 08:41 PM	#20
B Brownburry Private First Class 12 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 335xdr 2011 CAN Spec. Edition Join Date: May 2008 Location: montréal! iTrader: (0)	Hey guys, finally I'm jumping in! Here's what I got : 7% discount on msrp. Free clear bra. Free winter kit (18'' 400M) 3500 CAD$ cost for me, this is very nice. They store the OEM wheels for the winter. Free winter floor mats (lol) they wave my 2 last E90 payments They remove my winter wheels on my E90 and re-install the 313's for the end of the lease. 980$ or 1073$ a month depending on if I take 39 or 48 months, at 20 000 km per year. I'm getting the windows tinted, and for the Dinan upgrades I'll wait till spring to see if I think it's necessary.
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