The lease on my M3 is up next month and while I love the car I need something more economical and with an auto trans for my DD. I'm considering an A4 Quattro and Infiniti G37 Sedan. I also like the new 3 Series but my dealer can't even tell me when I can order one. Therefore, I'm also considering picking up a pre-owned 335i for a year or two. (I also considered and nixed the VW CC and Mini Cooper Countryman and Acrua TSX - can't justify their price in comparison to a pre-owned 335i.)

Your thoughts would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Mercedes e350 bluetec:
40+ mpg
400 lbs tq
Very comfortable, luxurious, and very reliable.
About $10k more than a 335 but lease for very cheap.
24 mo lease is around 550/mo with 3k down because 77% residual.

No Infiniti. I am a euro snob, no likey the other makers.

 

Leasing is tough to justify compared to the costs of owning a CPO, I say buy a preowned 335. You wont be disappointed and it will cost you a lot less than a lease

 

You can get the new F30 30-series in February 2012.
First models will be Sedans: 328i with the new turbo 4cyl 2.0L and the 335i with the same N55 turbo engine.

The 335i will be an excellent DD. The car stock is plenty fast, auto transmission is OK.
I drove a brand new 2011 Audi S4 and honestly I like the feeling of the 335i (sport package) better in EVERYTHING other than the very good double clutch transmission of the S4.


I don't understand if you want to lease or buy, but if you want better mileage and a really good automatic I would WAIT for the new 3-series...

The new 3-series will have the new ZF 8-speed automatic, plus the 328i N20 engine 2.0L turbo will have remarkable MPG. I assume it will top 30mpg+ on the highway. 245HP/260lbft from a 2-liter is nothing to be ashamed of.

 

Thanks for the input.

ZZZSpeed - Not a big MBZ fan but may checkout the e350 Bluetec - the lease terms you cited are amazing.

tphss - If I can pick up a new 3 series in Feb I'll wait for that - my dealer said it won't be until around May before they will be available. I'll have to check around. My intention is to lease if it is a new car and purchase if it is a pre-owned.

 

Well, at least from the press release, February 11th 2012:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...+GH+Cqtr7tt7w=

Depends how important is MPG to you and power, but if you're used to the M3 and want a little better mpg the new 335i will be a great option and more comfortable for daily use. BMW's new lineup of turbo engines are amazingly flexible, much more than the M3's V8 that has to be pushed to high RPMs.
The new 328i with the 2.0L turbo will be around 5-6MPG better combined than the 335i, I assume.

 

Thanks again. The new 328i really interests me - I've had three 3 series and all were great. I'll be checking with my dealer tomorrow.

 

Yes it really interests me too. I was thinking of changing my LX470 to a sedan if I won't need to tow and take big items anymore like I do right now. I wouldn't mind it but I get about 13-14mpg.

You can actually get the feeling of the engine right now by test driving the new Z4 28i, it already has the N20 engine (but the older 6-speed auto). The 2012 328i will be even better (from what I read) with the new 8-speed.

 

FYI, in case you decide on a 335. My wifes 335xi is coming off lease in a month. +/- 42k miles, outstanding shape, loaded, no smoking, tires at 60%+ as she ran her winter tires/wheels all last summer . Another year or 10k miles on warranty. Residual is $33,500. Local dealer will inspect and flip it for around $2k. So call it $35.5k. She's got a 550ix coming in, so the 335xi is going back either way. The AWD might be overkill for you in CA unless you get into snow country. LMK if you want our sales person's contact info.

In any event, they are great cars. 335 variants are very quick. No performance hangover coming off your M3 IMO.

Space grey
Black leather/aluminum trim
Navigation
Auto w/ paddles shifting
Updated iDrive (for ’09)
Premium Package
Premium sound w/ HD radio & iPod integration
Power moonroof
Sport package w/ black exterior trim (rare)
Cold weather package
Comfort Access (push button start/wireless key FOB)
Rear window shade package (power back, manual sides)
Split folding rear seat
Winter/summer mats & trunk protector

 

Thanks for the offer but the "x" is overkill for me. The M3 power is great but not until 3000+ rpm and over 60mph which unfortunately I can't get to much on LA fwys. Enjoy the 550ix.

 

No worries. G/L on your search.