BMW Conv - Lightly equipped 328(47K) or Fully equipped 335(61K)? Worth the extra 14K?

[SeanInLA]

I live where I can use the BMW convertible almost all year. I really like the 3 series but I am not sure how to equip the car.

I am trying to determine if I should get a Base 328 lightly equipped for around 47K or if I should go all out for a well optioned 335 at 61K.

Yes I know the 335 is a much smoother car, but 0-60 is only a second faster and 95% of the time I don't push the car that hard. I sit in traffic or drive near the speed limit.

Ordering this car is like picking out a DELL computer online. You start with a $399 special and by the time you add every option you like you have a $1500 computer. Ok, it's not that bad, but it's really easy to add $10K in options. In my case I go from 47K to 61K. That's 14,000! It's not chump change! Is the car really 14K better?

Also it seems when it comes time to sell the car in 2-5 years I will get a much better return on the 47K car. In the used car market do people really care what options the car has? Most people just see BMW conv and buy it. How many people seek out a used car with "active steering?"

So for discussing what is the BMW convertible DEAL? What is a must have and what makes for a great daily drive. I can afford either but there is no reason to spend money that won't return that much in driving enjoyment.

Thoughts?

The options I want:
Auto, Sport

Would be nice:
Heat Seats, Park Distance, Premium, Navi, Sirius, iPod, Radio Logic7

I like but seem expensive:
Comfort Access, Park Distance, Active Steering

[MrOffshore]

It appears you need to be thinking like the used car buyer that you believe exists (and maybe they do), and start chopping back some of the options the car next owner doesn't really care about.

What you really need to think about is...are you ordering this car for you or for the next buyer? It looks like you're thinking more about saving the next buyer money and possibly recouping a higher residual...not sure where you got your information to come to this conclusion, as I don't entirely agree with it.

I think a lot of "pre-owned BMW" buyers do look at the options and do their homework before buying...afterall, they're not buying a Ford Escort...it's a BMW...some people look past the badge and the status and actually buy a car equipped like they desire.

You need to do the same thing...is it worth $14K more...it was for me, but it might not be for you. There's a few questions you can ask yourself when making this decision:

Do I see the value in the added performance of the 335? Remember, you say it's just one second faster 0-60...that's not much, but the feeling in the seat of the pants is night and day...some people buy BMW's just for that reason alone.

Is the extra cash going to strap you? Will spending the extra $14K put a crimp in your discretionary income...if so the answer is the 328. If not, you might find it worthwhile. If it does hurt, cut back the options a bit and buy something a bit more affordable and still get the 335...too many options to list here on that process of thinking.

There is nothing wrong with a 328 Convertible...there's a lot of people how there that would commit murder to own one...hope you're not one of them!!! Besides, you could always pull the numbers off the back and keep people guessing who don't know the 335 has dual exhaust...or you could rebadge it with 335 emblems and be a imposter poser.

I think you need to drive both cars and make your decision based on how you feel about the car.

[forrestpilot]

All depends on what you want to pay and what the purpose of the car is. I got the 335i to DRIVE, period, it is not an entertainment or communications or comfort center. Got the sport package, grey dakota leather, AT w/paddle shifters. That is is it and love it.

[azhrei]

It appears you need to be thinking like the used car buyer that you believe exists (and maybe they do), and start chopping back some of the options the car next owner doesn't really care about.
+1

This is really it, isn't it? It doesn't sound like he's looking for a particular type or style of ride ... he wants something comfortable that will have a good resale value.

BMWs do pretty reasonable on resale, but so do Mercedes (mostly) and Lexus (mostly).

Why not visit Edmunds.com and read the reviews of the 328 and 335. Then read the reviews of the other cars that Edmunds says are competitors. Now look at the (estimated) resale value. Maybe you shouldn't be getting a BMW at all...

If you still want a BMW, figure out what the %-age loss will be on each car by using your "best guess" resale value. Then look at leasing vs. buying and how long you plan to keep the car.

I hope by now you can see that we can't tell you how to rate the options on your car. We can only tell you what we did with our cars and whether we think it was a good deal.

I got the Sport Package, Premium Package, and almost all of the other goodies on my 335i Coupe (not the iDrive) and I'm very happy with it. Total price was around $58k, IIRC. (This was back in March.)

Good luck.

[carguy7]

I would get the options you want and not worry about the others. Why spend more than you need to?

[eisenb11]

When buying a car, you need to get the options that *you* want.

Don't think about resale value because options don't raise your resale value. They raise the amount you can sell the car for... but remember you're taking more of a loss for each option that you add.

The only think to worry about may be doing things to hurt your resale value (i.e. purple car with hot pink leather seats!).

--

Now on another note, I ordered a 08 3'series convertible and here's what I got with my reasoning in case it helps.

* 08 328 convertible. Chose the 328 because while the 335 is nice, the performance boost isn't anything I really care about and initial data makes it look like the 328 may be more reliable in the long run.

* No sports package. I struggled with this one quite a bit and chose not to get it because the 17" wheels should be large enough and I didn't want to increases the stresses on the conv due to a stiffer suspension - I want this baby to last 4-6 years!

* Automatic. Manuals are a ton of fun, but not in daily LA traffic jams...

* Nav. Gotta have it... I can't find my way out of a box and it looks really cool.

* Premium package. Wanted the UV reflective leather for the conv. Also wanted bluetooth and the built-in garage door openner. Rest of the stuff were bonuses for me.

* Ipod. Have an extra Ipod sitting around so I figured I'd just load it up and leave it in the car.

* Comfort access. It's too cool not to get. I love the idea of not having to fiddle around with my keys or have to get them out of my pocket any more.

Anyways, those were my choices and why... but to each their own so remember... the only *must-have* options are the ones that you want!

[SeanInLA]

Thanks for the input. I am not that worried about resale but it is something I consider. If I was really worried about money I would buy a used Chrysler.

But I do want a BMW Convertible. So I was trying to figure out the best way to equip the 3 series convertible. I don't need to shop other brands and I know all about the pain of owning a BMW after the warranty period. (One reason I want to limit the options.)

After reading the the few responses I am getting the idea to buy a lightly equipped 335. It seems that everyone loves the 335 and others are just satisfied with the 328.

[SeanInLA]

All depends on what you want to pay and what the purpose of the car is. I got the 335i to DRIVE, period, it is not an entertainment or communications or comfort center. Got the sport package, grey dakota leather, AT w/paddle shifters. That is is it and love it.

I like your options list.
I was thinking 335i, Sport, Step, Paddle, Heat, Sirius or Ipod.

Does your care have power seats? I noticed that Premium adds 4 way power lumbar, but I really don't want that option. I just need basic power functions.

Thanks

[Beer Goggles]

Go drive and see what you need. The 335 gives you options that the 328 doesn't have.

From your list
Thoughts?

The options I want:
Auto, Sport

Would be nice:
Heat Seats, Park Distance, Premium, Navi, Sirius, iPod, Radio Logic7

I like but seem expensive:
Comfort Access, Park Distance, Active Steering


I'd say if you find one with Sport/AT/Leather/Heated Seats

You'll get an amazing car. If you really want NAVI you can add that in, but it makes the dash ugly (my opinion) and you really never use NAVI unless you deliver pizza. It's far easier to get an ugly portable and use it when you need it.

For those who think SOCAL is hot, it gets down into the 30-40s in winter so they are nice to have.