Man Maths Help Required - BMW E93 335i

[IPAddis]

I need some help with my man maths. I would really like a BMW E93 (3-series convertible) with an Auto gearbox, DCT would be ideal. Choice is between 330i and 335i.

I've seen a 335i (Auto not DCT) which I like. However the running costs are alarming compared to my existing E46 330Ci.

* Fuel costs are of negligable difference for my usage compared to the E46.
* From what I've read, a BMW warranty on the N54 engine is HIGHLY advisable. On a car with > 60k miles (within budget), that's likely to cost £80pcm. Current E46 has no warranty so £0pcm.
* In addition, all E93 335is with an Auto box (pre DCT) fall into tax band K which is £470pa. Current E46 costs £270pa.

So I'm down almost £100pcm before I've even though about finance for the car.

Figures for the E93 330 are slightly better in terms of tax but the warranty is still advisable due to issues with injectors, coil packs, HPFP, valve carbonisation, etc.

Do I pay up, risk going without a warranty or choose a different car? Comments and suggestions welcome, need to arrange a viewing on the car.

 

[IPAddis]

100 quid a month isn't a big deal surely, if it is then a 15 grand 300bhp twin turbo cab might be the wrong car for you.

Btw the warranty is closer to 45 quid a month if the car is under 60k miles.

Not on it's own. It is once you factor in finance, fuel, tyres and general servicing. Edited to add, "and the TVR and Alfa that I also run"!

General consensus was that warranty was circa £45pcm if < 60k miles and as long as you are paying monthly, it doesn't go up once you exceed 60k miles. BMW Warranty bloke this morning advised that this is highly likely to change in the near future!

 

[IPAddis]

My head says you're right. I could maybe argue for the E93 330 with lower tax and risk going without warranty. Finance + E46 running costs would be OK. Finance + E46 running costs + warranty + increased tax is pushing it.

My heart would like to add that it's a twin-turbo straight six with a cool folding roof and a TV and that I should stop being a pussy and just pay for it.

E46 is a bit long in the tooth and will require new brakes, etc if I keep it. I should really sell the TVR but after 14 years, it's like selling your favourite pet.

Ta for the comments!

 

[IPAddis]

Oh no!

... and a door lock solenoid and spark plugs and fuel filter and handsfree and I'd prefer an Auto due to the commute and I'd like a convertible...

 

[IPAddis]

to the above.

None of the issues with the E46 are that expensive but they total to around £750 (I've missed a couple) and it doesn't seem to make much sense on a car that you are considering changing. As mentioned, they won't fix the desire for an auto/cabrio.

Oh FWIW, the door lock is a pain to change, the gearbox needs to be removed to fix issues with the wobbly selector and selector pinsm the offside front arch is rusty as hell... Good money after bad?

 

[IPAddis]

Test drove one today. E93 335i auto. It was nice... but...

Drove home in my manual E46 330 and there's definitely something to having a manual box. Didn't seem much slower either, but that may be just differences in refinement.

Both turbos changed 15k miles ago and the seller alleges that newer style turbos were fitted which solve the recurring issues. Good to hear the other problems are manageable.

Paddles were counter intuitive but apparently that can be fixed/hacked.

Still not decided but thanks to all for the responses.

Ian.

 

[IPAddis]

'tis the penalty of having a 4-seater with metal folding roof. It does make it more of a barge but then I have a light-weight car for back-road shennanigans.