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Buying advice - preowned BMW 335i as my next daily

Syber0106

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Hi all hope you are well

I am currently looking for my next daily to be abit more sporty and faster (not to unreliable)

At the moment i have a hyundai i20 which is my daily and my expenses are around R3000 a month and R4000 yearly for her normal maintenance

I plan to buy a preowned bmw next year april or December 2022

I may not be able to cover insurance + fuel for both vehicles + maintenance yearly (if i decided to keep my i20)

So should i sell my daily and use it towards the payment of the 335i ? (most likely the f30)

I've saved for a year thus far under 75-90k

But not rushing into it most likely next year ill make my final decision

Side note - 23 years old would be my first real sports car

Thanks for your help
 
I'd personally upgrade to a i20 type N if you want that sporty feel and daily commute.

While the 335 is a beast no doubt, maintenance would be more compared to the Hyundai.

Side note, Hyundais motorplan is pretty good for the price aswell.
 
just remember that under 25 you will get nailed by insurance co's and they will classify you as high risk and the car as high performance.
when i got a 2l car I was also placed in that category and could at some stage afford to actually pay for two cars as the price of the insurance was that high.
 
I would keep the Hyundai and save up a bit longer to get the car you want.

Why?
  • You’re not buying that car for the spar trips 2km away
  • You’re not going to be enjoying it daily if your commute is very short or stuck in traffic
  • You’ll be racking up the mileage for kms you aren’t really getting the benefit of that engine/ car
  • Brakes, tyres, clutch and running gear of a sports car is almost 4x as much as a commuter
  • It’s nice to have a backup when that sports car goes in for servicing/ repairs/ upgrades
 
You can also have a look at the F30 330D's. Have mine for 3 years now and could not be happier. Downpipe and stage 2 software took it up to 230KW and 760nm. A LOT of fun for those spirited drives and super fuel efficient if you're driving like a sane human being.

My fuel consumption urban is 14-15km/L average if I'm adhering to the speed limits. It gets down to 12km/L if I'm giving it the beans most of the time, which is still very good in my opinion. Open road I average around 20km/L.

The N57 engines are quite bulletproof. I've had no maintenance on the car yet. Just the routine services, with an additional oil service every 7500km. It just keeps going if you care for it.
 

Research a 2nd or 3rd Gen Lexus IS350
Funny enough was one of the cars i checked early on for what i wanted , they are wonderful machines just price wise not sure why they so high though (but i will keep them in mind thank you)
 
I'd personally upgrade to a i20 type N if you want that sporty feel and daily commute.

While the 335 is a beast no doubt, maintenance would be more compared to the Hyundai.

Side note, Hyundais motorplan is pretty good for the price aswell.
At the time my hyundai was on a plan and they didnt inform us (dealer was sketchy) - Ill keep this in mind when making my decision thank you for your time
 
I did the exact same upgrade from a i20 to a M135i and the only thing you need to mentally prepare yourself for is the maintenance cost...

The tyres are expensive R2k to R3k a pop... If you buying out of plan then be mindful of the parts pricing if something needs to be replaced... Get yourself a good BMW mechanic before you buy the car...coz simple parts can cost you a arm and a leg if misdiagnosed...

Fill oil all the time... Please... These N55 runs bearings like it's not funny... Atleast 1 litre per full tank is needed depending on driving style...

Also make sure you check the bearings on these cars... If mileage is over 60000km then change bearings, get a set of king bearings for R2500 for master parts and you good to go.

I just ran a bearing and it's a R60k cost to fix...

But with all that being said.... The 35i engines are amazing... It honestly is one of the best cars I've driven... The noise is sublime the back fires are insane... And the way it puts you back in the seat ....and the top end fun makes other cars look like a joke...

Take it from me, it's the best driving purchase if your pocket can handle it.

Previous Cars I Owned :

Corolla Twin Cam
Merc C230k Coupe
Toyota 86
Hyundai i20
 
just remember that under 25 you will get nailed by insurance co's and they will classify you as high risk and the car as high performance.
when i got a 2l car I was also placed in that category and could at some stage afford to actually pay for two cars as the price of the insurance was that high.
this is also what I am afraid of but also I am thinking about it because like in terms of a credit score & future insurance history - thank you for your advice
 
Also bear in mind... The i20 paints peel after 5 to 6 years if it wasn't applied properly at the factory... Had mine completely resprayed by Hyundai as it was under warranty... If you plan on keeping the i20...check the paintwork.
 
just remember that under 25 you will get nailed by insurance co's and they will classify you as high risk and the car as high performance.
when i got a 2l car I was also placed in that category and could at some stage afford to actually pay for two cars as the price of the insurance was that high.

No really anymore... It's more based on driver history... My BMW M135i costs me R800 and my Toyota 86 when I was 25 cost me R750...

Always negotiate with the insurance companies for discounts ... N threaten to leave to a competitor...
 
I would keep the Hyundai and save up a bit longer to get the car you want.

Why?
  • You’re not buying that car for the spar trips 2km away
  • You’re not going to be enjoying it daily if your commute is very short or stuck in traffic
  • You’ll be racking up the mileage for kms you aren’t really getting the benefit of that engine/ car
  • Brakes, tyres, clutch and running gear of a sports car is almost 4x as much as a commuter
  • It’s nice to have a backup when that sports car goes in for servicing/ repairs/ upgrades
this is what i am leaning towards - the only con is just insurance and if i do decide BMW i do want some mechanical warranty (thanks for your advice)
 
You can also have a look at the F30 330D's. Have mine for 3 years now and could not be happier. Downpipe and stage 2 software took it up to 230KW and 760nm. A LOT of fun for those spirited drives and super fuel efficient if you're driving like a sane human being.

My fuel consumption urban is 14-15km/L average if I'm adhering to the speed limits. It gets down to 12km/L if I'm giving it the beans most of the time, which is still very good in my opinion. Open road I average around 20km/L.

The N57 engines are quite bulletproof. I've had no maintenance on the car yet. Just the routine services, with an additional oil service every 7500km. It just keeps going if you care for it.
a couple of my buddies are Diesel fanatics (1.9TDI dont need to say anything more lol) this is true but im more for the petrol side - but who knows really if the right offer comes my way might switch over (thank you for your advice)
 
You simply don't daily a Bmw that does not have Mplan, They are not cheap daily runners. Rather keep the I20 as a daily and get the bmw as a toy.
the more i read everyones reply the more it makes me realize i rather keep both or wait until i can afford both (thank you for your time)
 
Purchase price is only 1 expense though, if you can afford to buy something that doesnt necessarily mean you can afford to own it. You should look at insurance and fuel consumption very carefully.

At 23 and owning an i20 as a daily you're doing pretty well, considering you were able to still save up on the side. Get a 335 and those monthly costs can increase quite drastically
 
No really anymore... It's more based on driver history... My BMW M135i costs me R800 and my Toyota 86 when I was 25 cost me R750...

Always negotiate with the insurance companies for discounts ... N threaten to leave to a competitor...
hows your n55 maintainence ? any key factory issues - is she your daily or your toy ?/I did speak to AA but think they being abit difficult due to my dad messing my bumper a year back :(
 
No really anymore... It's more based on driver history... My BMW M135i costs me R800 and my Toyota 86 when I was 25 cost me R750...

Always negotiate with the insurance companies for discounts ... N threaten to leave to a competitor...

wow I wasn't that lucky, having a had insurance on 1300 and going to a 2l they punished me, but could be that the insurance was not in my name at that time, kept on checking prices with difference insurance co every 3months, till I ended up with a broker in cape town that was part of Santam and was with them for some time and they kept dropping it without me having to call them every few months.
 
Purchase price is only 1 expense though, if you can afford to buy something that doesnt necessarily mean you can afford to own it. You should look at insurance and fuel consumption very carefully.

At 23 and owning an i20 as a daily you're doing pretty well, considering you were able to still save up on the side. Get a 335 and those monthly costs can increase quite drastically
i know this may be a stretch of a calculation from what i saw on prime select or meridian insurance for the 335i is like 2k and the Mplan is like 1k - fuel (might be able to get away if its my toy)
 
hows your n55 maintainence ? any key factory issues - is she your daily or your toy ?/I did speak to AA but think they being abit difficult due to my dad messing my bumper a year back :(
I did the exact same upgrade from a i20 to a M135i and the only thing you need to mentally prepare yourself for is the maintenance cost...

The tyres are expensive R2k to R3k a pop... If you buying out of plan then be mindful of the parts pricing if something needs to be replaced... Get yourself a good BMW mechanic before you buy the car...coz simple parts can cost you a arm and a leg if misdiagnosed...

Fill oil all the time... Please... These N55 runs bearings like it's not funny... Atleast 1 litre per full tank is needed depending on driving style...

Also make sure you check the bearings on these cars... If mileage is over 60000km then change bearings, get a set of king bearings for R2500 for master parts and you good to go.

I just ran a bearing and it's a R60k cost to fix...

But with all that being said.... The 35i engines are amazing... It honestly is one of the best cars I've driven... The noise is sublime the back fires are insane... And the way it puts you back in the seat ....and the top end fun makes other cars look like a joke...

Take it from me, it's the best driving purchase if your pocket can handle it.

Previous Cars I Owned :

Corolla Twin Cam
Merc C230k Coupe
Toyota 86
Hyundai i20
see above for maintenance cost ...
 
a couple of my buddies are Diesel fanatics (1.9TDI dont need to say anything more lol) this is true but im more for the petrol side - but who knows really if the right offer comes my way might switch over (thank you for your advice)
Solid advice given here already...Maintenance on the German models are no joke.

W.r.t to the 330d, it is damm near impossible to find a decent one (ito of mileage/condition/spec) these day, unless you prepared to pay a premium.

335i is a great tuning platform, information on them is easy to find on various forums, and local knowledge is quite good as well.

I would highly recommend getting a mechanically warranty should you follow through with the 335i.

Good Luck
 
Purchase price is only 1 expense though, if you can afford to buy something that doesnt necessarily mean you can afford to own it. You should look at insurance and fuel consumption very carefully.

At 23 and owning an i20 as a daily you're doing pretty well, considering you were able to still save up on the side. Get a 335 and those monthly costs can increase quite drastically
In general, you would need to set aside R20k pa - for general maintenance, tyres etc.
 
Also bear in mind... The i20 paints peel after 5 to 6 years if it wasn't applied properly at the factory... Had mine completely resprayed by Hyundai as it was under warranty... If you plan on keeping the i20...check the paintwork.
What year model did you have and year?

Sitting in the same position as OP but I feel as the price of petrol goes the i20 is alot cheaper to maintain plus you will drive 1 tank every 3rd week as to maybe 2 in a sportier car xD
 
Remember that maintenance is not just oil changes. I have a 2013 F30 320i and things I've had to replace the water pump and timing chain in the past 12 months (something like 15k and 20k respectively incl servicing). Simple things like light bulbs also cost a packet (R1-2k ea for phillips/osram) even if you don't go for the "BMW" branded parts. Tyres have been mentioned already at +-4k each for 19". Consumables like this need to be replaced (think brakes as well) even if you manage to find a bullet proof car.

If you are able to have a kitty of around R40-60k for maintenance and keep it topped up then go for it - you wont regret it.

If not, I'm afraid hitting a pothole or something big going wrong (think R20k for a new aircon) on the car may bankrupt you and you'll be without a car. This may then lead to a perpetual debt cycle where you're financing your current car and maintenance as well as carrying over debt from previous vehicles.
 
Theres lots of alternatives if you simply want an upgrade from the i20, not 335i performance but a decent hot hatch or even a well specced sedan will make you very happy and can also be easier to maintain. But if you can afford it and the 335 is all that you want then go for it.

Just dont be 1 of those guys with tsi money that buys a gti and afterwards learns a life lesson
 
So I bought my First 2 BMW's before I turned 24. My first car was a Polo at age 21, 23 and 24 I purchased 2 bmw's. If you buying to sell take a mechanic with. having it serviced by BMW cost myself over 12K that one time I went to BMW with my Car. if you not earning I would say atleast 25K a month dont do it. Once it breaks it breaks. and as a daily you will suffer on fuel lets not even talk insurance. + if you like me the cops will haunt you for having a flashy car at a young age. cant tell you how many times I got pulled over and slapped for no reason. Well not no reason just me asking if I did anything wrong and asking if they had a warrent to search me. So yeah... Much rather get something light on Juice and easy maintenance. I would say Go Toyota or VW for ease of parts and servicing. Audi is just as bad. Having owned about 5 of them by the time I was 26. also had a nissan 350z Fairlady(Extremely Good Engines). But if you plan on making cash with it. Go ahead but do not keep it longer than 2 to 3 months. Sell it. I was coining it in my younger days buying and selling cars. and if I had the oppurtunity i.e. R80 000 laying somewhere I will be buying and selling cars again. also Join the BMW Car Clucb Cape Town. Great Guys and knowledge there they will give you sound advice Log in to Facebook
 

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