New DD or BMW?

[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....

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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!!!

[Caraptor]

People are going to laugh at me, but why not buy the DD and then get a more affordable and reliable toy like a Mazda Miata? The current generation is great with more room than the older ones. (No it's not a chick car! It's one of the last of a dying breed!!) I'm a huge Mazda fan, I think they build some the best "affordable" cars out there. Think about it: DD on the wrist; super fun car that's more reliable, doesn't require premium gas, gets better gas mileage in the driveway, and did I mention super fun?
Okay, scoff away. I get it. BMW is cool, etc.

[B. Doggy]

I just picked up an X5 and love it. Check out the BMW, you won't be disappointed!

[DCGuy1965]

Good Day to Everyone,

My oh my looks like an interesting topic of discussion. I truly appreciate all the responses and thoughtful insight. Basically I have been researching the 3 series models and was leaning towards the 328 since 335 is a bit much (turbo, fuel pump issue, etc) and the best part of it is the luxury of knowing it's only a want and no sense of urgency to spend the cash if the deal is not right. However I must say in the DC area the dealers are complete jerks to deal with. I was able to strike a good deal on the Civic when oil was 130+ per barrel back in 2007 but these BMW folks are very cocky on their brand and basically tell me sticker or beat it. Fair enough so I walk.

Bottom line is I've been a religious saver for a long time and I will admit there is a bit of pent up demand. At 45 I'm fully aware life can be unpredictable and putting off an achievement type of purchase to celebrate accomplishments while prudent can also lead to regret. I will continue to look for a deal on a nice pre-owned DD on the forum but they definitely don't come up as often as the sport models. I may reach out to DavidSW again since I bought from him before. As for the car, the right one may or may not come along but until I see "the one" I will continue to look as it is half the fun.

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

Good Day to Everyone,

My oh my looks like an interesting topic of discussion. I truly appreciate all the responses and thoughtful insight. Basically I have been researching the 3 series models and was leaning towards the 328 since 335 is a bit much (turbo, fuel pump issue, etc) and the best part of it is the luxury of knowing it's only a want and no sense of urgency to spend the cash if the deal is not right. However I must say in the DC area the dealers are complete jerks to deal with. I was able to strike a good deal on the Civic when oil was 130+ per barrel back in 2007 but these BMW folks are very cocky on their brand and basically tell me sticker or beat it. Fair enough so I walk.

Bottom line is I've been a religious saver for a long time and I will admit there is a bit of pent up demand. At 45 I'm fully aware life can be unpredictable and putting off an achievement type of purchase to celebrate accomplishments while prudent can also lead to regret. I will continue to look for a deal on a nice pre-owned DD on the forum but they definitely don't come up as often as the sport models. I may reach out to DavidSW again since I bought from him before. As for the car, the right one may or may not come along but until I see "the one" I will continue to look as it is half the fun.

As I said in an earlier post here... part of the "fun" is doing your reasearch and waiting for the Gods to put the right car/watch into your sights...

Good luck.

btw.. do you also own an apple computer? The top three moret respected/desireable brands in China are; BMW, Rolex and Apple.

[Starwalker]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

Good Day to Everyone,

My oh my looks like an interesting topic of discussion. I truly appreciate all the responses and thoughtful insight. Basically I have been researching the 3 series models and was leaning towards the 328 since 335 is a bit much (turbo, fuel pump issue, etc) and the best part of it is the luxury of knowing it's only a want and no sense of urgency to spend the cash if the deal is not right. However I must say in the DC area the dealers are complete jerks to deal with. I was able to strike a good deal on the Civic when oil was 130+ per barrel back in 2007 but these BMW folks are very cocky on their brand and basically tell me sticker or beat it. Fair enough so I walk.

Bottom line is I've been a religious saver for a long time and I will admit there is a bit of pent up demand. At 45 I'm fully aware life can be unpredictable and putting off an achievement type of purchase to celebrate accomplishments while prudent can also lead to regret. I will continue to look for a deal on a nice pre-owned DD on the forum but they definitely don't come up as often as the sport models. I may reach out to DavidSW again since I bought from him before. As for the car, the right one may or may not come along but until I see "the one" I will continue to look as it is half the fun.

You might find "the one" sooner than you think, wait till August 2nd.

[DCGuy1965]

btw.. do you also own an apple computer? The top three moret respected/desireable brands in China are; BMW, Rolex and Apple.

How funny!!! Yes I just bought a Macbook Pro 6 months ago. Kept my Dell (Ol' Bessie) for 8+ years when the performance just got too ridiculous (512MB RAM, etc.). And yes I have actually been eying the 1 series for its uniqueness. It looks like a 3 series coupe that got run thru the dryer and looks extremely pissed off that its short. But nothing is short about it under the hood!!!

[Newportkrieger]

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

And yes I have actually been eying the 1 series for its uniqueness. It looks like a 3 series coupe that got run thru the dryer and looks extremely pissed off that its short. But nothing is short about it under the hood!!!

The 1 series is being compared to the 2002 in its handling and "fun quotient" as compared to the rest of the BMW lineup by BMWCCA members in the "Roundel" magazine. Definitely a fun weekend car.

Good luck with the choice but as I have previously posted, buy a CPO E90 from a dealer... and you can use the BMW North America web site to search dealers in a 200 mi radius or more for your car. Make a road trip out of buying your car if your local dealer is a jerk. The jerks will still have to service the CPO warranty weather they sold you he car or not.

My advice is still find a clean well maintained used E46 330i coupe with a manual transmission and sport package and buy a used DD from a trusted seller here on TRF.. have the best of both worlds and let someone else blow their hard earned cash on the depreciation of both the car and the watch.

[Mutlu]

There will be a new 3 series coming out very soon. If you must have a car, lease if you can write it off. If not, buy used but with warranty, especially a BMW. The original owner will have taken the hit on the depreciation already, so you can enjoy and sell in a couple of years and get newer model without loosing too much. Just my 2 cents.

[perpetualman88]

I vote to get a used DD but one with solid links all the way around (not sure what year that started for the DD) this may give you the extra cash in order to lease a bmw best of both worlds

[nauticajoe]

Tough choice. I love my 5-series too much though. In this case, I'd lean towards the bimmer.

Good luck!


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[KingJames]

If you have any form of functional transportation thats gets you from POINT A to POINT B get the watch and forget about a new car......Im from the school of thought that if you cant swing the big stick don't try to get in the game...In other words if you can afford an M3 or M5 or M6 (All the very specific F1 technology better rationalizes the price) DO IT!!! If not dont...you'll just be driving another run of the mill 3 series that to everyones else looks the same...

[Joey_V]

So you want to buy something that in 5y won't be as in style as it is today?

I'm talking about the Beemer, not the DD btw.

I would go for something with a little more staying power.

[rodrob59]

I'd get the DD and take the Metro.

[blackmsport]

I buy a BMW 135i and wear a Casio

[subtona]

if you pick up the watch used... you can keep it for a while & sell it for little or no loss then get the bmw.

if you pick up the bmw used.... same outcome

if you buy either new... you lose a lot of money.

rent the car for a week or two and revisit the question???