[mattj3]

I ordered a MY13 328 M Sport this spring prior to the release of the MY14 info.

Specs: M Sport, Mineral gray, black/black, Tech, Premium, Lighting, HK, PDC, Alarm, ZMT

Lease: $866 below invoice, 36/10k, base mf, $1k cash, $1,750 incentives, $451/month

When I saw that the MY14 would have the new nav + touch, I wanted to wait. I hate being out of date so quickly - seems to happen every time. Dealer agreed to take the MY13 on the lot and order a MY14 once the July rates came out. And of course, the MY14 lease terms are horrendous and price me out of the car - payment goes to $540/month. The dealer isn't as "movable" on a new MY, either. So I decide to stick with my original order and be happy with it. It is an amazing car, and, in reality, I probably wouldn't use the touchpad that much. As long as I have MOG...

We're about to put my name on the MY13 car (it's already on the boat), and I notice that it now shows steptronic AT instead of manual. F. No way to change it. No more changeable orders out there except for SA xi's.

For reference, my first bimmer was a 2003 330i ZHP followed by a 2006 330i, both manual. I've been driving an AT X3 for the past 6 months, which I've enjoyed. But it's an SUV - I expect AT there. I'm not sure how I feel about AT in a M Sport.

Current lease ends August 7. Chances of MY14 F30 RVs recovering before Oct. 7 are unpredictable if not unlikely. If they don't, I'll have to start deleting things I really want on the car to get to the right price, since the MY13 will be gone.

If it were sport AT I probably wouldn't think twice. Am I being absurd, especially given the price? What would you do? Thoughts on sportiness from those who have steptronic m sports?

[tony20009]

I would revise the order or cancel it and issue a new one.

I know it's your money and your budget, but IMO, if $100/month is going price you out of the car, is this really the car you should be getting?

[claykin]

I recommend you visit your dealer and drive cars with the std 8 spd auto and the sports 8 spd auto. You'll decide for yourself.

I can tell you the sports 8 spd auto is impressive.

[mattj3]

Originally Posted by tony20009

I would revise the order or cancel it and issue a new one.

I know it's your money and your budget, but IMO, if $100/month is going price you out of the car, is this really the car you should be getting?

Can't revise - it's already on the boat. No more MY13 orders.

My question was actually about experiences with steptronic AT on a 328 m sport and opinions on how others would handle my situation given the concurrence of MY and RV changes.

I'm decidedly uninterested in strangers' opinions on my budget, given you don't have nearly enough information to make a judgment on what car I "should" or can get. Keep your financial advice to yourself.

[mattj3]

Originally Posted by claykin

I recommend you visit your dealer and drive cars with the std 8 spd auto and the sports 8 spd auto. You'll decide for yourself.

I can tell you the sports 8 spd auto is impressive.

Thanks. I plan to do that tomorrow before I make a decision.

Do you use the paddles often? I feel as though I would forget they're there in DC rush hour.

[Presario]

You've negotiated a heck of a price on the '13 and I'd hate to see you lose that deal but it really depends on your driving habits. If you enjoy spirited driving, I'd definitely get the sport auto.

If you want the new nav and the 6 speed, I'd say get the '14 but the increase in price does hurt since the new RV numbers are dissuading people to get into a '14 now. So maybe this is another option for you. Stock on '13 328i are still high. You may be able to find one in your area already configured close to what you have on the way with the sport auto and you may be able to negotiate a similar deal. Show them your deal sheet and I'll almost guarantee the dealer will jump and match it to move a car.

It's a tough decision. Good luck man.

[dc503]

That's a bummer, it's also a great deal and would make me think twice about walking away from it. The Sport 8AT was a requirement for me coming from a 6MT 135i and a 6MT E90 335i. As much as I thought I wouldn't use the paddles, I find myself clicking off shifts up and down with them pretty often. I'm driving the same DC road situations as you too.

I'm with the above post also, it's worthwhile to start talking with another dealership as well. It may or may not happen, but it's worth finding out.

[PillPusher]

Maybe August residuals will be better? Most 2014's won't be arriving until then anyway. Then again I am not all too familiar with leasing since I am financing mine.

[tony20009]

Originally Posted by mattj3

... Keep your financial advice to yourself.

I didn't offer any. I asked a question. I don't need an answer to it, for as I said, it's your money and your budget.

[mattj3]

UPDATE: I exhausted all the options and ultimately decided the deal was too good for a too nicely spec'd car to let it go. $100/month premium for a no cost option, zmt, just isn't worth it, especially when my wife and I exchange cars (she drives '13 X3) from time to time - kids. She can't drive manual, at least not well enough to keep the clutch in good condition.

I found another '13 with my options and sport AT heading to Florida and gave the dealer two options. Reroute that car to DC (leaving them with my order still to sell), or put the CF lip spoiler, CF shifter, and black grilles on my car for free. He chose the latter.

Arrives in two weeks.

[yemenmocha]

Sounds like the best choice, especially given what you originally mentioned about $100 more per month pricing you out of the car. Enjoy in good health.

[PillPusher]

Glad everything worked out for you!

[mattj3]

Originally Posted by PillPusher

Glad everything worked out for you!

Thanks!

[metrickid]

Lol, I would have payed $100 a month just to get the sport shifter. The non-sport looks so cheap.

[mattj3]

Originally Posted by Rossifumi

Lol, I would have payed $100 a month just to get the sport shifter. The non-sport looks so cheap.

Believe me, I struggled with it. That's why they're putting the CF shifter on. Dresses it up with more undue M logos at least.