[Bimmer-Mac]

UPDATE @ POST 18


Hey Guys & Gals

In the coming months the lease will be up on my 2013 335i xDrive. I am hoping to get your opinion on what I should lease next. I just got back from the NY Auto Show, so I figured it was a good time while everything was still fresh in my mind.

You can see everything about whats on my car now, but its basically fully-loaded minus adaptive cruise, window shades, 19" alloys, and what at the time was the 2nd Driver Assistance Pkg. Only mod I did was to add the M-Performance metal pedals, and better front carpet mats. I custom ordered the car, and had a fun time online watching it go through the stages of build (South Africa build) and its trip over the Atlantic.

My thoughts after 3 years:
Pro:
-6 cylinder engine and 8 Speed Sport Auto pairing. It's fantastic. Love the noise, love the smoothness, and the mileage is more than decent on the highway with ecopro and cruise set.
-M-Sport steering wheel. It's perfection.
-Exhaust sound
-Fit and Finish of everything
-AC works great
-HK Sound is pretty good for the price
-Trunk space is great
-Brakes are great
-Handling seems much better when pushed hard. Going thru the corner at 8/10 feels so much better than at 5/10.
Con:
-Interior comfort could be better. The lumbar support on previous 135i M-Sport was much better.
-Material quality inside could improve. The leather really does not feel like a step up from pleather.
-Steering feel really isn't good in any mode. A little to sloppy to me.
-Ride height with AWD should be lower.
-Outside noise intrudes a little too much.
-Cup holders suck.
-Brakes still squeak time to time

Over the three years I have never really had anything go wrong service wise. At dealer for routine services, had to replace a tire 2x from a puncture, they replaced the pedals once because they were rusting, and in the first 6 months it was in 2x for the M-Sport limp-mode cooling issue.

Options:

1) New 340i xDrive. Would get every option except for Adaptive Cruise, Window Shades and Auto Park. This is probably going to be the most popular option...basically the exact same car as I have now. I would stick with GS, but switch to Saddle interior with the Ash Grain trim. Benefits are the new engine, and supposed better handling as well as even better brakes.

2) New 435i xDrive GC. Better looking than 3, but not the LCI like the 3. Higher lease. Would prob feel more "new"

3) Jaguar XE. Love the way it looks in and out. Didn't like how the doors felt as they shut...a little cheap-y. Interior materials didn't feel that great. Tech seemed nice tho, and the seating position was spot on. Im sure it would drive great. Also can eliminate because of the cheap-y interior. Would be available right as my lease ends.

4) Brand-New A4. I actually love Audis... This new A4 felt fantastic. Everything seemed a step above the 3-Series. Would have to "downgrade" to a 4-cyliner as the S4 (which is what I would want) isn't going to be stateside until 1QT 2017.

5) New S4. Basically still a great car, but would annoy me that I am in a car that is already outdated. Could prob get a better lease even though Audis don't typically lease well.

6) Lexus GS350. Yes, this is a bigger car. I wouldn't mind the extra room and luxury, and the lease would still be comparable to my fully-loaded 3. WOuldn't get F-Sport. The quality inside was fantastic, and the 18Way seats were decadent. Not sure I love the looks, and it might not preform that well.

7) Volvo S90. WOW WOW this is a car. Loved everything about it. Don't think it will be here in time for my lease end.

8) Something else?

Overall, I need to go test all the options. I know the Lexus and Volvo are a strange choice since they are a class larger, but I would be ok with this. Why not a 5 series? Because I want the car loaded, and loaded a 535 is way over budget. Please guys, give me your feedback!

[BavarianFanatic]

How did anyone manage back in the days before the Internet?

[BM57]

Bimmer-Mac: Sounds like you had a great time at the NY Auto show. It's great that you had an opportunity to see such a variety of cars at the same time. I haven't seen the Volvo S90 but it looks great in the pics. It will drive very differently than your 335i and I'm sure you know that. Will you be willing to move into that sort of vehicle? The Lexus GS is another interesting choice you're considering. It's smooth and much larger than your 335i. You have a long list and I think you'll have to test drive as many of the cars as you can and take notes.

[nicknaz]

F80 if need 4dr
GT4 if not

[WHL102]

Sub $60k, I would pick the Cayman.

From your list, I would pick the A4.

[Beek]

I considered the first five options you listed and a few others as well, I went with the 340xi and have had no regrets.

[NightWriter]

If you want to be thorough, you could also consider the C-class (C43 AMG), ATS, and IS300.

Obviously, the 340 will be substantially similar to your 335i, so you couldn't really expect any huge difference. But, judging from all the upgraders around here, you should see/feel noticeable improvement in the power, and even in the handling/steering. I'm curious about your leather complaints; IMHO, the (saddle brown) leather on my 340i is awesome, and Lexol leather cleaner/conditioner keeps it in great shape. It's not quite as special as the leather I've sampled in the A8 or S-class, but it's far, far better than the leather in our Odyssey (which feels like vinyl by comparison). Depends on your expectations, I suppose.

The XE looks good, but in my opinion the interior already looks drab and dated, and I've read sub-par things about the infotainment system. New A4 is chock full of technology, but I'm a little wary; the 340 has a much stronger powertrain and probably handles better as well; the B9 S4 will probably be nice, but won't be out until next year and will likely be expensive. The GS350 and S90 are, as you say, in a different class, and don't really compare. If your interests are more with luxury and/or size, then they may certainly be compelling, but then you might also consider a CTS. You could also get a good deal on an E350, though it's on its way out as well.

[strumbringer]

I would probably go with the 340 myself (actually, that's what I did - and a pretty similar build too). Second vote would be to wait for the new S4.

[BEM-S4]

If you plan to lease again scratch the Jag off your list. Residuals are garbage will be a lot more $ than other options.

[Bimmer-Mac]

Thanks for the feedback so far, everyone.

I think just writing this all out I can eliminate the Jaguar. Its too bad the Volvo won't be available in time, same goes for Giulia which I neglected to mention earlier. I've considered the C450AMG/AMGC43, but I am not in love with the rear-end, and the interior is a little tight feeling, despite being crafted quite nicely.

Most likely I will end up in another 3er or the 4GC. I still want to test the GS- it's really the only larger car that can be equipped like my current 335 and not be much more expensive lease wise.

[BM57]

If you test drive the GS be sure to share with us your impressions.

[newoldbeemer]

Definitely test drive, but id go for the new s4 and also wait to see what the new XE looks like. The 340i is always there if nothing turns out to be better .

I sometimes feel like Bmw is that one long term friend you keep going back to. Lol!

[Sayzar]

I would go for the 435 GC- maybe because I came from a 3 series to a 4 series

[newoldbeemer]

If you're going Audi, I'd wait for the s4 instead of the a4.

Or jag XE.

[kpgray]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Mac

Thanks for the feedback so far, everyone.

I think just writing this all out I can eliminate the Jaguar. Its too bad the Volvo won't be available in time, same goes for Giulia which I neglected to mention earlier. I've considered the C450AMG/AMGC43, but I am not in love with the rear-end, and the interior is a little tight feeling, despite being crafted quite nicely.

Most likely I will end up in another 3er or the 4GC. I still want to test the GS- it's really the only larger car that can be equipped like my current 335 and not be much more expensive lease wise.

IMHO:

• 340i Updated motor, suspension, etc. good choice, safe choice, why not get a RWD and a set of winter wheels?
• 435i is a better handling sedan than the 340i, lower and tighter, better steering feel (I think the 440i is out this fall and you can get a lease extension if you order one)
• Jag XE, low residuals, higher cost but they really have great look and feel
• Audi, must wait for the new model, +1 must have S4 version
• Volvo S90, drove previous Volvos, waaaay too front heavy and too soft on suspension, this one is over 4,000 lbs, more like a BMW 5er, do you want that large?
• Lexus GX, larger car, have not drove new one, older models were more Buick feel, somewhat detached from road, but interiors are step up from BMW and very quiet (as I said detached)
• new Giulia would be the one to watch, 360 HP tied to the 8-speed trans...my Son drove one two weeks ago and was very impressed, said it felt very similar to 3 series
• Missing the Cadillac ATS, might be worth a look in the V6 version
• M3 with a few less options?

Good luck, Ken

[daberlin]

Originally Posted by WHL102

Sub $60k, I would pick the Cayman.

This.

Your list has nice cars on it for sure, and I've owned all the car brands on it; Jags, Volvos, Audis, etc. Each great (and shit) in their own unique ways.

But honestly, there are cars, and then there are Porsches.

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Mac

H I know the Lexus and Volvo are a strange choice since they are a class larger, but I would be ok with this. Why not a 5 series? Because I want the car loaded, and loaded a 535 is way over budget.

I just read your post more closely, and if you want a larger car that is loaded, and are ok going used, you should go all the way to the 7er, LS, S-class type of car.

Those cars depreciate like CRAZY.

I took a quick look at Autotrader and CPO 740i are in the $40k range.

[Bimmer-Mac]

UPDATE:

Went and did some shopping around this past weekend.

Audi A4: FANTASTIC overall- the drive is way better than the B8. The new 2.0T is great, and feels very eager to perform. The car felt light, and the DSG box was very smooth and the shifts were nice and sharp in sport mode. The interior is leaps and bounds better than the F30 in every way possible- build quality, technology, back seat space, everything... Lease for a fully loaded Premium Plus ~$49K was $530 for 10K/36Mo.

Lexus GS350 F-Sport: Really loved this too. Sure it is a size/class above the A4/F30 but its MSRP around the same. I drove a fairly loaded F-Sport and was very impressed with how well it handled given it was larger and, well, a Lexus. The interior was very well done- loved the quality of the leather interior, and the 16-Way seats were like sitting on clouds, but with excellent support all around. The tech the Lexus has is just like all the others, but I like the way its done in Audis and BMWs better. Also, I am usually a fan of NA engines, but this one felt a little lazy with the throttle. Sure, pedal-to-the-metal it'll fly, but getting there is a little lethargic. With a twitch of the toe in either the BMW or the Audi you have decent movement. The salesman at my dealership was great- with the exception of pricing. He started by quoting $710 a month for a 10k/39mo lease with $3K down.

F30: I test drove a 340xi M-Sport, BSM over Coral, 18s/All-Seasons, Premium and Tech Package. I would say that the B58 engine definitely feels a little different than the N55. The sound really is what gave it away for me, though maybe it did feel a little smoother. Hard to say since the N55 is already plenty smooth. My 335 has the active steering, and really the first thing I noticed was how crazy light the steering felt in this car. I would say its better than any other F30 I have driven besides mine. What seemed the biggest change was the programming of the transmission. It was still buttery smooth, but on downshift the shifts were much more noticeable. Its hard to describe because they weren't rough, but I heard them more. Its almost like in my car it stays in the highest possible gear all the way until stop, whereas this car it downshifted the whole time you brake until stop.

Ultimately, decided to re-lease with BMW. Placed my order for the following:
340xi
Glacier Silver
Saddle Brown w/ Ash Grain Metal Inlay Wood
M-Sport
Tech
Cold Weather
Lighting
Track Handling w/ ferric grey 18s & PSS tires
Driver Assist 1 & 2

This will be the first time Ill be swapping summer tires and winter tires. I think it will be the best of both worlds, but not super happy about buying tires on a lease.

MSRP with destination was $62,095
Took around 3K off
10k/36mo 3k Down
with incentives (owner loyalty and one other) monthly was around $710...will come down a little more and finalized soon.

Right now car is in being produced (thankfully a slot was just open) in SA and should take delivery sometime in June. If its later I will extend my current lease a month.

[nicknaz]

Fully loaded! Congrats. You should add the sun shades. I love em

[strumbringer]

Congrats! That's very similar to my build; I think you'll be very happy with your decision.

[Sayzar]

congrats - the 340 is a nice car i was in the same boat as you but op out for the 435 GC just because it's of the new design

[keylime503]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Mac

MSRP with destination was $62,095
Took around 3K off
10k/36mo 3k Down
with incentives (owner loyalty and one other) monthly was around $710...will come down a little more and finalized soon.

Is it just me or does $710 for a $62k MSRP seem really high? Did you get the MF and residual? Also, you probably already know this but just in case, you really shouldn't put any money down on a lease! Do 7 MSDs instead!