M135i v E90 335i - mertits of each?

[KrisP]

So I've got a choice to make in the coming month or two. I really like the idea of an M135i and having driven an auto version I was very impressed, both with the box and the car as a whole. Most of my commute suits an auto and with the box in the 1er being so good it becomes the default choice. However, I have also been watching the market for an E90 (saloon) LCI 335i. They don't appear all that often and the spec varies, however at around 15-17K I should be able to get one with circa 40k miles or under. The older 6pd auto might not be the best box for it, and there is a manual which I would consider here (I do have an E39 touring auto for tip runs and a mover of large items etc)

I'm being indecisive regarding the choice, and I think it comes down to money to a degree. with the M135i being a new car, then there is more depreciation to take account of then buying a 3-4yr old 335i. The other point is that I am perennially looking for the next car, normally only keeping a car for 6-12 months before I impulse buy something else, but these two choices are of far greater value than I would normally spend and hence the degree of hesitation.

Has anyone got any words of wisdom to help in my choice, either regarding the cars or the financial impact of them please?

[KrisP]

Thanks for your input. I had noticed that a lot of the 335s I had seen for sale had warranty, now I know why, nod he additional cost would have to be factored in.

I think the 1er I the better option at the moment, so I better go and investigate the deals on offer

[KrisP]

For what its worth, I'm only really considering the M135i against the E90 saloon 335i because of the 4 doors. The 335i would more than likely be the older N54 twin turbo model (as there arent many about) whereas the 1er will be the M54 single turbo.

The reliability of the older car concerns me, as I'd have to pay additional for the BMW warrenty which I think would be needed, whereas the 1er would come with it and therefore not be so much as a concern.

[KrisP]

windymissile said:

First post so go easy on me...

I searched for 6 months for a 335i. In the end I found a E90 LCI N54. Quite a rare car as a lot of the LCI cars are N55. You will pay a premium for a nice car in top spec. After 3 months of ownership there has been no problems so far.

How do you distinguish between an N54 and N55 on the LCI E90?
I have found a couple of saloons for sale. Prefer one as the spec is nicer, but its missing heated seats, and I reckon the 2nd one is going to be an N55, though I don't know how to tell really

[KrisP]

Thanks for that. I have been googling after my last post and found the same information, but when adverts don't have engine pictures, I'm a little stumped. It used to be that you could look at the specific engine capacity or tax brackets, but when comparing an 09 and a 10 plate, with one auto and one manual, I don't think I can come to any conclusions as there are too many variables.

(I'd go and look at them in the metal, but I'm not quite ready to buy one just yet, nor have I decided between the 1 and 3 series)

[KrisP]

That would make sense from the guestimate I made on the two cars, just didnt want to assume through the manual/auto difference

[KrisP]

JNW1 said:

KrisP said:

Thanks for that. I have been googling after my last post and found the same information, but when adverts don't have engine pictures, I'm a little stumped. It used to be that you could look at the specific engine capacity or tax brackets, but when comparing an 09 and a 10 plate, with one auto and one manual, I don't think I can come to any conclusions as there are too many variables.

(I'd go and look at them in the metal, but I'm not quite ready to buy one just yet, nor have I decided between the 1 and 3 series)

Probably shouldn't say it on a BMW forum but if I was considering an E90 (or E91) 335i I'd certainly have a close look at an S4 before doing a deal. Nothing in it from a performance point of view but if you want an auto the Audi has the equivalent of DCT which is not available on the E90/E91; the S4 is also arguably better looking (certainly as a saloon) and has interior build quality and paintwork that puts a E9x 3 series to shame. All IMHO of course....

I hear you, and I have spent time in the classifieds looking at S4 Avants. The plus for the Audi is the interior. I've had an A6 of the same era, and they are a lovely place to spend time, but, and this is where the crux of the issue comes, I want driving dynamics ahead of the interior package. This swap is about getting down to one car, as I currently have a toy and a mundane everyday car, so how the car drives is of more importance this time around