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DCGuy1965 · 30 July 2011, 01:11 PM

Greetings Fellow Rolex Enthusiasts,

Been quite a while since l last posted or even been on the forum. I must say I'm deeply saddened by the loss of JJ and hope he is able to wear whatever watch he wants in Heaven

.

Anyway, I'm at the age and point in my career where it's time for that mid-life crisis type of decision. I stopped by my AD the other day and tried on the DD 36mm in white gold with gray stick dial and was hyper ventilating at how pretty it looked. I've always loved the Presidentials and have wanted 1 ever since the 80's when I discovered the Rolex bug.

I've also been thinking about my first real nice car as a weekend toy type of thing. People have told me a car is more practical but the watch has its advantages as well (no personal property tax, regular maintenance, wear and tear, etc.). I can only afford 1 of the 2. Car would be a new 3 series. Always wanted one of those as well. Got a nice collection so far but the DD would be the ultimate uber dress watch. What say you to this dilemma? Thanks.

StarSovereign · 30 July 2011, 01:18 PM

Well, I would pay cash for the DD and still get the BMW, but lease, don't buy. As a current BMW owner, I can tell you with 100% certainty that buying a BMW is not a good idea. They're amazing performance cars, but when you start racking up miles (60k plus) things start to go and they are VERY expensive to replace. Leasing one for 3 or 4 years is a great option; you can put $3k or $4k down get out at around $500 per month for a well-equipped 3 series. Plus it will come with free maintence for the duration of your lease, or like 50k miles. Then when things start to go, its time for you to give it up! Plus you get to get a new car every three to four years!

andrew79 · 30 July 2011, 01:19 PM

tough question, i am rolex enthusiast as well as bimmer's.... can you share your collection so far and your current car as it may influence the whole decision making process ? :) personal experience here, I went for bmw first before saving and got my sub and gmt...

FBI.C.7FOLD · 30 July 2011, 01:19 PM

Tough choice. My only opinion is if you care at all about future value between the two in 20 years the watch is a better buy just make sure you keep all the accessories. If you decide on the 3series get the 335, and not the 328... Test drive the two and you'll see what I mean as a 3series owner myself. You could always go SS Rolex Sport model at 5k-7k and the car.

stephentross · 30 July 2011, 01:21 PM

I have a 91 M5 that is a money pit. It is in like new condition. Actually has a brand new engine. (from Germany) I understand your question. I know the issues you face with a BMW toy.

If you are looking for a classic all original, I say be prepared. Totally different ball game. Get the watch.

If you are talking about a brand new car. Id consider it.

The only way Id consider a BMW over the watch you described if it is an M series.

When you drive that classic M down the street and bring it up to speed and drive spirited you really can not match that feeling.

My poor wife has to deal with a watch guy who has an addiction to nice cars. She is a good one. Ill keep her for awhile.

Get the watch. :)

FBI.C.7FOLD · 30 July 2011, 01:25 PM

Don't lease or finance the vehicle. That's silly and just giving away money...

Newportkrieger · 30 July 2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DCGuy1965

Greetings Fellow Rolex Enthusiasts,

Been quite a while since l last posted or even been on the forum. I must say I'm deeply saddened by the loss of JJ and hope he is able to wear whatever watch he wants in Heaven

.

Anyway, I'm at the age and point in my career where it's time for that mid-life crisis type of decision. I stopped by my AD the other day and tried on the DD 36mm in white gold with gray stick dial and was hyper ventilating at how pretty it looked. I've always loved the Presidentials and have wanted 1 ever since the 80's when I discovered the Rolex bug.

I've also been thinking about my first real nice car as a weekend toy type of thing. People have told me a car is more practical but the watch has its advantages as well (no personal property tax, regular maintenance, wear and tear, etc.). I can only afford 1 of the 2. Car would be a new 3 series. Always wanted one of those as well. Got a nice collection so far but the DD would be the ultimate uber dress watch. What say you to this dilemma? Thanks.

Its all about what would give you the most pleasure. Lets others eat the depreciation and get both and have the "fun" of hunting down the correct one.

As for the BMW I would recommend the 328i coupe (more reliable engine) with a manual transmission and NO i-Drive OR the 128i with manual and no i-drive. This is the most reliable combination and more of a purists approach to BMW. Either way I recommend leasing with as little down as possible as the new BMW's with all the technology in them(idrive included), are a long term ownership nightmare from a maintenance and reliability perspective

You may also consider searching for a VERY CLEAN, low mi. used BMW E46 330i coupe (no turbo and more reliable) with a manual transmission. I am actively looking for fate to put the right E46 in front of me to add to my BMW stable and I am contemplating a used DD... but a mid 80's 18038 in YG and a white or champagne dial.

I bet you could get the clean low mi E46 coupe AND a very recent mfg DD from a trusted seller here on TRF for the full price of the New BMW

Newportkrieger · 30 July 2011, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBI.C.7FOLD

Don't lease or finance the vehicle. That's silly and just giving away money...

That all depends in the cost of money and the opportunity cost associated with the cash.

DCGuy1965 · 30 July 2011, 01:32 PM

Yea interesting choice I must say.
can you share your collection so far and your current car as it may influence the whole decision making process ? :)

That's probably a good idea. Collection consists of SS Daytona white dial, White Milgauss, Sub LV 5-tick dial, and a TT Datejust which my best friend says if I go for the DD he wants to buy. That makes sense in that no reason to have 2 dress watches. As for my wheels nothing special just a 2007 Civic. Never really had nice transportation and could never in my lifetime fathom spending mega bux on something to drive and tear up everyday but there are those who do and I respect their decisions.

FBI.C.7FOLD · 30 July 2011, 01:34 PM

He obviously wants to keep the car and or watch long term after working and saving for either...

Newportkrieger · 30 July 2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBI.C.7FOLD

He obviously wants to keep the car and or watch long term after working and saving for either...

If you want to keep the car long term, find a VERY LOW mi. used BMW E46 330I coupe. This is the last of the reliable, long term ownership BMW 3 series. Once you get it, the only modification is to put Bilstein HD or sport shocks on and high quality rubber...CHANGE NOTHING ELSE!

FBI.C.7FOLD · 30 July 2011, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newportkrieger

If you want to keep the car long term, find a VERY LOW mi. used BMW E46 330I coupe. This is the last of the reliable, long term ownership BMW 3 series. Once you get it, the only modification is to put Bilstein HD or sport shocks on and high quality rubber...CHANGE NOTHING ELSE!

Sounds to me his attraction is to the new body style E90/E92...

Newportkrieger · 30 July 2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBI.C.7FOLD

Sounds to me his attraction is to the new body style E90/E92...

I own them for how they drive as much or more than how they look. I love the look of the F1 7 series and the F11 5 series but I have owned BMW's for 20 years, BMWCCA member for 15 yrs and I just do not trust the new ones like I could the prior iterations of the ultimate driving machine.

sea-dweller · 30 July 2011, 01:55 PM

DD, for me

StarSovereign · 30 July 2011, 01:56 PM

I'm going to get a new 550i soon and I was playing around with configuring it online, assuming I would finance. Even the guy at the dealer said leasing was the better way to go...Over half of all new BMW's are leased. Reliability is still not the best (with all the tech they put into their cars now days) and the people who buy them LOVE the prospect of getting a new one every three to four years! I'll be leasing my 550i when I finally pull the trigger!

Rahvi99 · 30 July 2011, 01:57 PM

As a 2011 LCI E92 driver, I can only advise that I got the car first.... then last week my first watch..... so I'd go the car.

Jason71 · 30 July 2011, 01:58 PM

Get the watch. The watch will be around looking good and running great for MANY YEARS after the car wears-out.

Dr. Robert · 30 July 2011, 02:01 PM

get the car

East Bay Rider · 30 July 2011, 02:08 PM

What do you drive now?
I keep coming back to the fact you'll own the watch forever, not so the car. Also with the watch you'll feel like a million bucks wherever you are. Seriously - it's really nice.
The car requires more effort and more money and will just age and be worth less and less no matter what you do or how well you treat it. Some soccer mom is going to ding your new BMW. You know that right?
I say get the watch.

jenniferjanef · 30 July 2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

Well, I would pay cash for the DD and still get the BMW, but lease, don't buy. As a current BMW owner, I can tell you with 100% certainty that buying a BMW is not a good idea. They're amazing performance cars, but when you start racking up miles (60k plus) things start to go and they are VERY expensive to replace. Leasing one for 3 or 4 years is a great option; you can put $3k or $4k down get out at around $500 per month for a well-equipped 3 series. Plus it will come with free maintence for the duration of your lease, or like 50k miles. Then when things start to go, its time for you to give it up! Plus you get to get a new car every three to four years!

Totally agree..few years back I was using my hubby's bmw750iL 5.4 v12 for a year. His car was fully maintained by BMW. Only done 20k. During the 14 months, I was stranded on the roadside, carpark and once shopping mall with my clients who I was trying to please.. That was a horrible experience. I am using Lexus hybrid (don't get the 200h, it is underpowered, I am using the 600h) now. However, if you want high performance, consider the GTR35, I love mine. I only use it at night for joy ride. Anyway, do shop around, there are lots of choices out there.. Good luck and happy shopping. Cheers! .. Jennifer

le_baroudeur · 30 July 2011, 02:39 PM

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.

Kanger · 30 July 2011, 02:45 PM

I'd go with a car especially if you ALREADY own a Rolex. However, I would suggest a Lexus as opposed to a BMW, just my 2 cents :)

kilyung · 30 July 2011, 03:06 PM

If you can get the same money for the car after a few years of use, get it. Otherwise get a used DD.

Newportkrieger · 30 July 2011, 03:26 PM

Quote:

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)

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

DCgator · 30 July 2011, 03:32 PM

Bottom line DD and Bimmer go together. My 2c.

KingJames · 30 July 2011, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarSovereign

Well, I would pay cash for the DD and still get the BMW, but lease, don't buy. As a current BMW owner, I can tell you with 100% certainty that buying a BMW is not a good idea. They're amazing performance cars, but when you start racking up miles (60k plus) things start to go and they are VERY expensive to replace. Leasing one for 3 or 4 years is a great option; you can put $3k or $4k down get out at around $500 per month for a well-equipped 3 series. Plus it will come with free maintence for the duration of your lease, or like 50k miles. Then when things start to go, its time for you to give it up! Plus you get to get a new car every three to four years!

"Plus it will come with free maintence for the duration of your lease, or like 50k miles."

Nothing is FREE...your paying for it in the premium you are paying on a monthly basis as part of your lease....

Personally I don't lease, I buy quality used cars...

blackmsport · 30 July 2011, 03:45 PM

I get a Bimmer

ktmd · 30 July 2011, 04:14 PM

Don't buy either, and save your money. You'll be glad you did.

TSW · 30 July 2011, 04:20 PM

Take the bus to your nearest Rolex AD

Cru Jones · 30 July 2011, 04:47 PM

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?

30 July 2011, 01:11 PM	#1
DCGuy1965 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 335	New DD or BMW? Greetings Fellow Rolex Enthusiasts, Been quite a while since l last posted or even been on the forum. I must say I'm deeply saddened by the loss of JJ and hope he is able to wear whatever watch he wants in Heaven . Anyway, I'm at the age and point in my career where it's time for that mid-life crisis type of decision. I stopped by my AD the other day and tried on the DD 36mm in white gold with gray stick dial and was hyper ventilating at how pretty it looked. I've always loved the Presidentials and have wanted 1 ever since the 80's when I discovered the Rolex bug. I've also been thinking about my first real nice car as a weekend toy type of thing. People have told me a car is more practical but the watch has its advantages as well (no personal property tax, regular maintenance, wear and tear, etc.). I can only afford 1 of the 2. Car would be a new 3 series. Always wanted one of those as well. Got a nice collection so far but the DD would be the ultimate uber dress watch. What say you to this dilemma? Thanks.

30 July 2011, 01:18 PM	#2
StarSovereign "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Erik Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 116234, 116710LN Posts: 936	Well, I would pay cash for the DD and still get the BMW, but lease, don't buy. As a current BMW owner, I can tell you with 100% certainty that buying a BMW is not a good idea. They're amazing performance cars, but when you start racking up miles (60k plus) things start to go and they are VERY expensive to replace. Leasing one for 3 or 4 years is a great option; you can put $3k or $4k down get out at around $500 per month for a well-equipped 3 series. Plus it will come with free maintence for the duration of your lease, or like 50k miles. Then when things start to go, its time for you to give it up! Plus you get to get a new car every three to four years! __________________ Submariner 116610LN - Black Dial & Stainless Steel DateJust 116234 - White Stick Dial & Roulette Wheel GMT-Master II 116710LN - Black Dial & Green "Fouth Hand"

30 July 2011, 01:19 PM	#3
andrew79 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Andrew Location: Indonesia Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,277	tough question, i am rolex enthusiast as well as bimmer's.... can you share your collection so far and your current car as it may influence the whole decision making process ? :) personal experience here, I went for bmw first before saving and got my sub and gmt... __________________ Baume & Mercier Riviera Rolex GMT II c, DJ 116234, Sub 16610, EXP 2 16570 Panerai 111 , 232

30 July 2011, 01:56 PM	#15
StarSovereign "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Erik Location: Bay Area, CA Watch: 116234, 116710LN Posts: 936	I'm going to get a new 550i soon and I was playing around with configuring it online, assuming I would finance. Even the guy at the dealer said leasing was the better way to go...Over half of all new BMW's are leased. Reliability is still not the best (with all the tech they put into their cars now days) and the people who buy them LOVE the prospect of getting a new one every three to four years! I'll be leasing my 550i when I finally pull the trigger! __________________ Submariner 116610LN - Black Dial & Stainless Steel DateJust 116234 - White Stick Dial & Roulette Wheel GMT-Master II 116710LN - Black Dial & Green "Fouth Hand"

30 July 2011, 01:58 PM	#17
Jason71 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Real Name: Jason Location: USA Watch: Rolex/Tudor Divers Posts: 7,973	Get the watch. The watch will be around looking good and running great for MANY YEARS after the car wears-out. __________________ Best Regards, Jason Just Say "NO" to Polishing Card-Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch Curmudgeons LIfe is too short to wear inexpensive watches PLEXI IS SEXY

30 July 2011, 01:19 PM	#4
FBI.C.7FOLD Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: James Location: Florida Posts: 27	Tough choice. My only opinion is if you care at all about future value between the two in 20 years the watch is a better buy just make sure you keep all the accessories. If you decide on the 3series get the 335, and not the 328... Test drive the two and you'll see what I mean as a 3series owner myself. You could always go SS Rolex Sport model at 5k-7k and the car.

30 July 2011, 01:21 PM	#5
stephentross 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Southwest USA Posts: 896	I have a 91 M5 that is a money pit. It is in like new condition. Actually has a brand new engine. (from Germany) I understand your question. I know the issues you face with a BMW toy. If you are looking for a classic all original, I say be prepared. Totally different ball game. Get the watch. If you are talking about a brand new car. Id consider it. The only way Id consider a BMW over the watch you described if it is an M series. When you drive that classic M down the street and bring it up to speed and drive spirited you really can not match that feeling. My poor wife has to deal with a watch guy who has an addiction to nice cars. She is a good one. Ill keep her for awhile. Get the watch. :)

30 July 2011, 01:25 PM	#6
FBI.C.7FOLD Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: James Location: Florida Posts: 27	Don't lease or finance the vehicle. That's silly and just giving away money...

30 July 2011, 01:32 PM	#9
DCGuy1965 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 335	Yea interesting choice I must say. *can you share your collection so far and your current car as it may influence the whole decision making process ? :)* That's probably a good idea. Collection consists of SS Daytona white dial, White Milgauss, Sub LV 5-tick dial, and a TT Datejust which my best friend says if I go for the DD he wants to buy. That makes sense in that no reason to have 2 dress watches. As for my wheels nothing special just a 2007 Civic. Never really had nice transportation and could never in my lifetime fathom spending mega bux on something to drive and tear up everyday but there are those who do and I respect their decisions.

30 July 2011, 01:34 PM	#10
FBI.C.7FOLD Banned Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: James Location: Florida Posts: 27	He obviously wants to keep the car and or watch long term after working and saving for either...

30 July 2011, 01:55 PM	#14
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	DD, for me

30 July 2011, 01:57 PM	#16
Rahvi99 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Aust Posts: 8	As a 2011 LCI E92 driver, I can only advise that I got the car first.... then last week my first watch..... so I'd go the car.

30 July 2011, 02:01 PM	#18
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,285	get the car __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

30 July 2011, 02:08 PM	#19
East Bay Rider "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Bill Location: East Bay RI Watch: GMT-II 16710LN Posts: 12,073	What do you drive now? I keep coming back to the fact you'll own the watch forever, not so the car. Also with the watch you'll feel like a million bucks wherever you are. Seriously - it's really nice. The car requires more effort and more money and will just age and be worth less and less no matter what you do or how well you treat it. Some soccer mom is going to ding your new BMW. You know that right? I say get the watch. __________________ I bought a cheap watch from the crazy man Floating down canal It doesn't use numbers or moving hands It always just says "now" Now you may be thinking that I was had But this watch is never wrong And if I have trouble the warranty said Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On J. Buffett Instagram: eastbayrider46

30 July 2011, 02:39 PM	#21
le_baroudeur "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Rennes, FRANCE Posts: 802	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. __________________ Card Carrying Member of the Global Assoc. of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons.

30 July 2011, 02:45 PM	#22
Kanger Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: North Carolina Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 5,524	I'd go with a car especially if you ALREADY own a Rolex. However, I would suggest a Lexus as opposed to a BMW, just my 2 cents :)

30 July 2011, 03:06 PM	#23
kilyung 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Cave Watch: Sundial Posts: 33,940	If you can get the same money for the car after a few years of use, get it. Otherwise get a used DD.

30 July 2011, 03:32 PM	#25
DCgator "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PNW Watch: DS,BLNR,SubLV,DJ2 Posts: 8,123	Bottom line DD and Bimmer go together. My 2c.

30 July 2011, 03:45 PM	#27
blackmsport Banned Join Date: May 2009 Location: Melb - Australia Posts: 2,959	I get a Bimmer

30 July 2011, 04:14 PM	#28
ktmd Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 110	Don't buy either, and save your money. You'll be glad you did.

30 July 2011, 04:20 PM	#29
TSW "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: TSW Location: Le Brassus Watch: Rolex & AP's Posts: 27,449	Take the bus to your nearest Rolex AD __________________ AP Owners Club IG @swiss.watch.connection

30 July 2011, 04:47 PM	#30
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,300	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?

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