New DD or BMW?

[S/SOnly]

Hold off on the e9x for now if you can, as the new f30 3 series are right around the corner. You should see some nice deals on the outgoing.

IF you can't hold on, try looking for a nice CPO 3 series, 2008/2009 seems to be a sweet spot currently. Mid 2009 saw a refresh of the current 3 series, and its looks as good now as ever. The turbo models are a blast to drive, but the non seems to exhibit better reliability (I've owned both)

If you can find a nice, well maintained ZHP e46 3 series, that is just simply a wonderful car, no matter how you slice it. I loved that car until it's accident.

The e46 was also a thorough auto by the end of its run, and was the apex of BMW engineering at the time. Really good cars, and not overly complicated like its successor.

Oh.... get the DD after the BM'r IMO

[blackmsport]

Originally Posted by S/SOnly

Hold off on the e9x for now if you can, as the new f30 3 series are right around the corner. You should see some nice deals on the outgoing.



Oh.... get the DD after the BM'r IMO

from what we've seen with all the Fxx models released by BMW

F10 5 series - very conservative
F25 X3 - OK
F10 X1 - Yuk
New 1 series - Very yuk

so buy an e9x I6 NA Engine and enjoy driving in style.... and laugh at those who drive Fxx models

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by S/SOnly

Hold off on the e9x for now if you can, as the new f30 3 series are right around the corner. You should see some nice deals on the outgoing.

IF you can't hold on, try looking for a nice CPO 3 series, 2008/2009 seems to be a sweet spot currently. Mid 2009 saw a refresh of the current 3 series, and its looks as good now as ever. The turbo models are a blast to drive, but the non seems to exhibit better reliability (I've owned both)

If you can find a nice, well maintained ZHP e46 3 series, that is just simply a wonderful car, no matter how you slice it. I loved that car until it's accident.

The e46 was also a thorough auto by the end of its run, and was the apex of BMW engineering at the time. Really good cars, and not overly complicated like its successor.

Oh.... get the DD after the BM'r IMO

+1 Great advice here!

[George Ab]

Saving you money is a really good option. That said, if you don't have a nice care go for the BMW 3 Series... I really like mine.

[Oldwilsonian]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

btw its "engineers" and the miata is a gutless "chick car" IMHO

[watcher54]

No brainer. Buy a Lexus and in two years, pay cash for the DD with the money you'll save on repairs and maintenance.

[blackmsport]

true.... but you feel like an oldman or chinese take away owner driving a lexus

That's no good for your mentality

[Zhanger]

I own 1 car (BMW 5 Series) and 1 watch (Submariner) and both are my daily beaters.

I don't really get the need to own more than one of those as you can only use one at a time. I also think if you can afford something nice, then enjoy it daily, not just the weekends.

As far as the dress watch, I think if you find yourself at many formal settings/events, then it makes sense to own one. But you already have one plus 3 more Rolexes. Perhaps sell a couple to go toward the DD? With your wrist already covered, I'd prefer to upgrade the car so you're showing up to these places in style.

The 3 series isn't expensive enough or sporty enough to make it a weekend-only car; I'd swap out the Civic for it and have a 7 day smile instead of a 2 day smile every week.

And as S/SOnly said, I'd wait for the new F30 3 Series at the end of the year.

[sherwin]

If getting the BMW, the only one in the 3 series is the 335. Get the best and get it now

[rajurama]

A second hand mint condition DD would cost you half the mrp of new... which is just worth an extra option on your new bmw which you can forgo....

[htc8p]

i prefer watches over cars. as long as it has aircon and radio im good. you dont have to maintain watches as much and cars are huge scratch magnets.

just get a corolla altis

[Paracentesis]

Car first, 335i, and if it was me, I'd look at either a rare vintage Rolex, or a Patek before a DD.

[gregdolley]

Go for the DD! For one, it's value probably won't decrease drastically over time, while the BMW will be worth less and less every year. Second, you'll spend a lot more money on maintenance for the car than you would on the watch.

That's just my 2 cents.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by cru jones

you already have four rolexes.....and want a fifth. The watch bug will never leave you (not that that's a bad thing), so, why not switch things up this time and try driving your first bmw?

Just, if it's a weekend/fun car, why not z4 or 1 or 3 series convertible?

x2

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by le_baroudeur

Buy a mazda miata mk1: way cheaper, way more reliable and way more fun! BMW's are not what they used to be, japanese ingeneers outpass german ones now... And the miata is made for fun, contrary to the 3series (unless you take an "m", as said above)
You can buy the watch too, a marvellous travel with your wife and you can even put some money in your pocket for the future.

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

btw its "engineers" and the miata is a gutless "chick car" IMHO

His English is better than my French so I'll let a few spelling errors slide on an international forum.

I don't agree with the 'chick car' mentality. Theres huge aftermarket performance support for Miatas. That said if I was looking for a Japanese convertible I'd consider a leftover or lightly used S2000 first.

[le_baroudeur]

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

btw its "engineers" and the miata is a gutless "chick car" IMHO

I'm french, please excuse me (The mazda is faster in corners and lighter than bmw: why a chick car? Oh .. because it's a convertible perhaps.. or because it's light? Caroll Shelby will teach you why it's more fun when it's light )

Thank you bill

[jms_w]

If you go the route of an E9x, do NOT get the 335i. There are numerous issues with the high-pressure fuel pump, or HPFP (google it), even with the latest version of that engine. It's not something I'd keep for a long time. Also, if you wait for the F3x, don't get the first year's model. Let BMW work out the kinks first.

As for an older E46, I concur with getting a low mileage 330i or 330ci manual transmission, or even M3 manual for that matter. While I had a 330ci automatic and had no issues, I sold it before 70k miles. Took a big hit b/c it was an automatic, even though the car was immaculate.

Currently I have an E93 M3 that I bought last year. I just got back from a 4 week vacation overseas sans car and Rolexes. I've been thinking about the car ever since I left and I cannot tell you how big my grin was when I started her up and drove off to the bank to get my watches yesterday. I did miss my GMT but I missed the car much more.

[Dr.Brian]

Normally I would tell you that you should get the DD, but as you said that you've never had a luxury car before and have several Rolex watches already, I say get the BMW. I'm sure you'll love it, for about 6 years.
Just go in with open eyes about the rapid depreciation and repair costs after 50k miles. If you're not in a position to spend 2-4k/yr on repairs, you may want to reconsider. European cars are a very wasteful habit I wish that I could break. I buy new and keep a long time, so they get me coming and going.
Obviously the watch should last your lifetime and beyond, with lifetime maintenance costs around the same as one really bad repair at BMW. It also represents an heirloom. Your old BMW will be worthless.

[texex91]

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

Well, I would pay cash for the DD and still get the BMW, but lease, don't buy.

x2 (Get a low money factor on lease 2% or less is great).

[sA x sKy]

Get the bimmer. I drive an 2011 335xi and it truly is an incredible machine. If you need any BMW guidance, you can find me on E90Post daily under the same username. Just give me a shout!

[sA x sKy]

Originally Posted by jms_w

If you go the route of an E9x, do NOT get the 335i. There are numerous issues with the high-pressure fuel pump, or HPFP (google it), even with the latest version of that engine. It's not something I'd keep for a long time. Also, if you wait for the F3x, don't get the first year's model. Let BMW work out the kinks first.

As for an older E46, I concur with getting a low mileage 330i or 330ci manual transmission, or even M3 manual for that matter. While I had a 330ci automatic and had no issues, I sold it before 70k miles. Took a big hit b/c it was an automatic, even though the car was immaculate.

Currently I have an E93 M3 that I bought last year. I just got back from a 4 week vacation overseas sans car and Rolexes. I've been thinking about the car ever since I left and I cannot tell you how big my grin was when I started her up and drove off to the bank to get my watches yesterday. I did miss my GMT but I missed the car much more.

Just to point out, if the OP gets a 2011+ 335i, he has nothing to worry about. The HPFP is not at all prevalent. I have 4500ish miles on the clock since last November and have been JB Stage 1 tuned for the past 200 miles without any issues.

[GerardoG]

in my wife's words: can you bring your beemer into the meeting room? And into the movie theater? And on a cruise?

Even if you take your watch off at night, you would still wear it over 12 hours per day, daily. Are you going to drive 12 hours daily?

[Tunacan26]

Well, if you enjoy walking and/or riding a bike, get the Rolex.

[gregmoeck]

if you already have a nice rolex buy the BMW.

[dpkong]

as some here have said, find a good pre-owned DD at a good price and finance that by selling your TT to your buddy.

if you really want to enjoy driving a BMW, then get it but do know that it devalues much faster and there will be maintenance costs involved which you would probably never have had with your present Civic. do your research and decide which model you really want.

[Timependulum]

I bought a YGDD 9 months and have been very happy with it. A used YGDD 18238 series goes for $7,500-$8,000 with a tight band in Houston (at a large pre owned high end watch store). New & white gold is cool, but I would not buy new if I had to make a choice between a nice care & a new watch. Buy them both used, get an extended warranty with the Bimmer (I have had 3). Best of luck.

[Gerardus]

DD all the way!

[GolfGuy]

My 2 cents... do not buy either new. Get a nice low mile CPO BMW or the DD from one of the dealers on TRF. Remember BMW = Break My Wallet when it comes to high mileage. That being said, I have had great luck with my BMW's when it comes to repairs. Either way you will end up saving thousands on depreciation. I see the DD as more of a life long investment... you can have to you are an old man then pass it down to the next generation. The car is great too, but will carry additional costs (insurance, fuel, possible maintenance, etc). Choosing between a DD and BMW is a great position to be in.... sometimes I think we all need to remind ourselves of how lucky we are... good luck!!!

O and BTW... if you DD I would go for the newer models (ie 118238)... the new heavier bracelet is amazing!!!

[Paracentesis]

Originally Posted by jms_w

If you go the route of an E9x, do NOT get the 335i. There are numerous issues with the high-pressure fuel pump, or HPFP (google it), even with the latest version of that engine. It's not something I'd keep for a long time. Also, if you wait for the F3x, don't get the first year's model. Let BMW work out the kinks first.

No problems whatsoever with mine, bought new in November 06, still as good as new.

[Ski Dweller]

Originally Posted by blackmsport

true.... but you feel like an oldman or chinese take away owner driving a lexus

That's no good for your mentality

Yeah but you look like a thirtysomething Clone driving the BMW. That thing is the minivan of the thirtysomething generation.