[PopsnBurbles]

Hi, I'm mostly a lurker and not much of a poster. As you may be able to tell from my name, I drove an e90 328i and was very satisfied with it. Then, my lease ended and am borrowing a car from my family till the end of this summer. I wanted to wait for the 4 series but I can't wait two-three more months because things will get very busy for everyone. Anyway...

With the new 4 series coming up + the old chassis going out, I felt it is now the perfect time to get a new, nicer car. Initially, I wanted a 335is but the dealer said there aren't any in their inventory and they're not sure if they'll be able to pull some strings to get one from another dealer. Which is very understandable. However, they presented me two tempting cars:

1. 135is convertible in Carbon Black (SEXY color!) loaded with everything except HK sound system. (DCT)

2. 335i (e92) in Black Sapph. Metallic M-Sport, Nav, Premium Pack, a few more. (6 spd AT)

I'm leasing one of these and potentially buy it out if I really fall in love with one of them. Both cars have an MSRP of $55.5k and they both gave me decent lease rates. I tried looking at an F30 but it's not working for me (it's not ugly...it's okay).

I'm not asking you guys to make the decision for me but I would really love some input.

[ThEnder]

If you want a 335is then I would call another dealer until you find one. There is no reason to fall for their BS if that's the car you really want.

[kdbryce]

Originally Posted by ThEnder

If you want a 335is then I would call another dealer until you find one. There is no reason to fall for their BS if that's the car you really want.

+1 i would find a used 335is and just finance it... it would be worth traveling for, too, if it's really the car you want. and if you're not a 6mt guy, the dct would be much better than the auto in the 335

if you're really set on leasing, I would go with the 335

[PopsnBurbles]

I would do that and I would get it if they give me similar numbers. Money is my first concern. If the numbers are a too high, I'm not getting the 335is...regardless. How much haggling room do I have? Given the chance and the choice (which I'm working on both), I would definitely get the 335is.

I know I'm being "pessimistic" but the reality is I would most likely be getting one of these two (neither are horrible cars).

Thanks for the input.

[BMV///M3]

You can def find a 335is. Expand your search. The 135is would be a blast to drive, but I'd go for the 335is, N54, DCT and it's more "adult" looking than the 1. However that's just my opinion.

Try www.bmwusa.com and do a model search. May have to travel, depends how back you want it.

[N8N]

Personally I don't get the 1er... I like the idea of a smaller lighter BMW than a 3-series but a) I think it's ugly and b) it's not that much lighter than a 3er. So personally I would be biased toward the E92.

If you really want a convertible though that's when the 1er becomes more appealing, as the E93 is a lot heavier than the E92.

[PopsnBurbles]

Originally Posted by kdbryce

+1 i would find a used 335is and just finance it... it would be worth traveling for, too, if it's really the car you want. and if you're not a 6mt guy, the dct would be much better than the auto in the 335

if you're really set on leasing, I would go with the 335

I'm leasing because I'm considering the possibility of getting a 2 series or the facelifted 4 series (if either are sexy) down the road. I don't want to be stuck with a car that I won't be able to dispose of.

I prefer an auto/dct vs 6mt for my daily use because I'm lazy.

[ThEnder]

Of the two cars you listed then I'd go with the 135is provided you rarely carry passengers or cargo. Seems like a convertible would be nice in SoCal.

[PopsnBurbles]

Originally Posted by N8N

Personally I don't get the 1er... I like the idea of a smaller lighter BMW than a 3-series but a) I think it's ugly and b) it's not that much lighter than a 3er. So personally I would be biased toward the E92.

If you really want a convertible though that's when the 1er becomes more appealing, as the E93 is a lot heavier than the E92.

Having convertible would just be a bonus. I'm mainly like that 1er for the sexy 313s + more awesome sound (without dumping an extra 2k). I can't deny that the 1er looks weird.

I do admit that the 3er I'm looking at is better looking but I'm not sure what I can do to make it a lot more unique without going rice because of the thousands of e92s running around. It's a shame wasting what the N55 offers on a crappy 6AT (I'm not sure how much different the AT on the 328i from the 335i.

[ThEnder]

Originally Posted by 328pride

Having convertible would just be a bonus. I'm mainly like that 1er for the sexy 313s + more awesome sound (without dumping an extra 2k). I can't deny that the 1er looks weird.

I do admit that the 3er I'm looking at is better looking but I'm not sure what I can do to make it a lot more unique without going rice because of the thousands of e92s running around. It's a shame wasting what the N55 offers on a crappy 6AT (I'm not sure how much different the AT on the 328i from the 335i.

I am not a fan of the 6AT. The DCT is amazing for an autobox though.

[JAL0988]

I'd get the 135is. Very rare car and faster than everything else you've mentioned.

[BQTuning]

Originally Posted by 328pride

...... I wanted a 335is but the dealer said there aren't any in their inventory and they're not sure if they'll be able to pull some strings to get one from another dealer. Which is very understandable. However, they presented me two tempting cars:

That dealer uttered hog wash to you. Technically the 335is is going to be EOL this month, and they don't want to take the "risk" and "hassle" of getting it for you then to have you change your mind and they get stuck with it.

They are going to sell you what is easiest for them. Keep in mind don't let the dealer drive you into a sale, you need to drive them into the sale, be the one in control.

If you want a 335is push for it, make it known you are unwavering

[N8N]

well my understanding was that 335is pre-orders were closed, not sure if they're making any still or if they've shut the line down. So if OP wants an is it would have to be a dealer trade as it can't be ordered for him anymore. I don't have any way of knowing how many are still unsold and in US dealer inventory though.

[Mardio]

Hate to bring up the electric steering issue again... but if you like to drive and feel the car the 2 or 4 series my guess will have the same steering as the F30. This is not an issue for probably 95% of BMW owners. But if you like to drive get your hands on an IS.

[alexb]

Hey OP, I would definitely go with an IS model. They're rare, and FWIW, I expect them to hold their value more than the standard car. The DCT, exhaust, body kit and especially the Style 313's are the kind of thing that set them apart from the herd and are (almost) impossible or too costly to add yourself.

If you would prefer a 3-Series to a 1-er, I think you should call dealers around for a 335is. Search for dealers within maybe a 2-3 hour radius drive of your location and call. The further-flung places may have a 335is sitting around! I also recommend that you use the cars.com search for "new" cars, which is smart enough to find what you're looking for. I think that you would have better luck calling a dealer and pursuing a specific car if they knew you had it. If you're willing to buy sight unseen, you can call a few dealers and make the deal over the phone. They'll deliver it to you.

Since you're in LA, you may want to message Sara504, who works at a Los Angeles area dealership, and see what she can do for you. You could also talk to Checa at Steve Thomas BMW (who advertises in the M3 portion of this board).

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Depends on what you want from the car.

The 335is is a good straight line car with the N54 that is easy to mod & takes mods very well.

The 135is is a lot more agile but slower in a straight line & has the less powerful N55 with the PPK-2.

You sit in the 335is but you strap on the 135is. Interior fittings, seats etc are, in 99% of the cases, identical.

Mine both have the same equipment but the price spread between them favored the 135is even though its a convertible. Personally I believe the 335 Coupe is a better looking car. For what its worth the 335is has a 7DCT & the 135is a 6MT. Felt both transmission choices suited the overall type of cars they are.

Last the will both be hard to come by at this point because of the EOP. Dealers would need to swap cars & color/equipment choices will be limited. Good Luck in your search.

BTW I know the gas tank flap is open

[AzureHaze]

Originally Posted by BV335

You can def find a 335is. Expand your search. The 135is would be a blast to drive, but I'd go for the 335is, N54, DCT and it's more "adult" looking than the 1. However that's just my opinion.

+1. 135is is nice but can't get over the fact that it looks like a chick's ride. The 1M, on the other hand, looks like a complete beast. The cost difference is not significant vs. the 335is so as BV335 says, keep searching.

[supLOL]

I say 335is. The N54 is apparently so much more tuneable and mod friendly than the N55.

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Little to noisy to be a chick car. DB meter & human ear shows it to be louder than the 335is with the canflap disabled. Really nice sound show especially with the top down in an underpass.