335i coupe vs. Porsche..
Discussion
Well my car search has been going on since last November. I know all the websites, all the dealers, many independants, and visited more than a dozen cars. At this point, I'm almost shy to meet yet another Porsche used car dealer or private. But I'm still car-less. Mostly because I can't find my terribly demanding specs I want in a Porsche, firstly a 2 and not a 4, and secondly unfortunatly mostly comfort specs, because I find the basic 993 C2 too basic for such an expensive car. Wrong approach, I agree, but I just need my car to have seat heating and sunroof, I'd also like it to look fresh and new, and not used, and I also welcome full leather. Basically the interior of a 993 4S but without the rest. It also needs to have no accidents and have less than 80Kmiles. All that in a C2 (rare compared to 4), impossible to find. As far as the 996 is concerned, it seems that one without warranty isn't advisable, and most of the 996 make 2 I liked barely in my budget don't have any, which means it can't be renewed because that's how it works in Austria and Germany, and the make I 996 isn't that pretty IMHO, combined with the engine risk. Besides, all cars in my budget look old, especially the 993's, and many 996's.
On the other hand, I can down a new 335icoupe from the dealership for exactly the same price as a used 1999 996.
Which is also equal to the price of a brand new non-S Boxter, but without a single option. Between the entry-level Porsche without a single option, and a stuffed BMW 335i coupe... I hesitated a lot, but perhaps the bimmer wins. It is a heavy car, which is why, initially, I wanted a Z4 coupe 3.0, but a bimmer isn't a Porsche, and bimmer for bimmer, might as well drop the lightweight feel of the Z4 and go for a regular car (the 335 coupe). It has two turbos, so it can't be that bad!
But then, when I watch videos on YouTube (it's impossible to test drive a real one yet), I can't help feeling the weight of that car, compared to a Porsche or Z4 coupe. I think the Z4 will be better to drive. But the z4 coupe will be discontinued soon, and the whole Z4 range doesn't have much long to live, whereas the 3-coupe was just introduced, which means it is the right time if it will stay with me 4 years before I recycle.
Wanted to know your opinions on all this.
Kay
On the other hand, I can down a new 335icoupe from the dealership for exactly the same price as a used 1999 996.
Which is also equal to the price of a brand new non-S Boxter, but without a single option. Between the entry-level Porsche without a single option, and a stuffed BMW 335i coupe... I hesitated a lot, but perhaps the bimmer wins. It is a heavy car, which is why, initially, I wanted a Z4 coupe 3.0, but a bimmer isn't a Porsche, and bimmer for bimmer, might as well drop the lightweight feel of the Z4 and go for a regular car (the 335 coupe). It has two turbos, so it can't be that bad!
But then, when I watch videos on YouTube (it's impossible to test drive a real one yet), I can't help feeling the weight of that car, compared to a Porsche or Z4 coupe. I think the Z4 will be better to drive. But the z4 coupe will be discontinued soon, and the whole Z4 range doesn't have much long to live, whereas the 3-coupe was just introduced, which means it is the right time if it will stay with me 4 years before I recycle.
Wanted to know your opinions on all this.
Kay
tonikaram said:
On the other hand, I can down a new 335icoupe from the dealership for exactly the same price as a used 1999 996.
Which is also equal to the price of a brand new non-S Boxter, but without a single option. Between the entry-level Porsche without a single option, and a stuffed BMW 335i coupe... I hesitated a lot
Hesitation between a brand new boxster and some nondescript BMW?? Which is also equal to the price of a brand new non-S Boxter, but without a single option. Between the entry-level Porsche without a single option, and a stuffed BMW 335i coupe... I hesitated a lot
Are you serious ??!*?!
OK, here's what you need to do.
Find your local Official Porsche Centre and book a test drive of a base model boxster.
Drive it.
You will know what you need to do after that.
Why do you want a car with a sunroof? Most 993s in the UK came with a sunroof but I would gladly haved paid more to get one without. They are a major cause of rattles and squeaks on any car. I'd much rather just turn on the AC.
You will find the 993 basic and very old fashioned. Surely, that's part of its appeal?
I always say that if you drive a 993 and don't immediately fall in love with it then it's not the car for you.
pp
You will find the 993 basic and very old fashioned. Surely, that's part of its appeal?
I always say that if you drive a 993 and don't immediately fall in love with it then it's not the car for you.
pp
Just a thought...as you are in Austria, maybe that is why a high percentage of 911's you find are 4WD - (even though a good set of winter tyres and PSM are all that you really need.)
Ho about trying mobile.de and sourcing one from Germany? - although I think the Autrians beat even 'us Swiss' when it comes to making you go through hoops to simply import a car.
I can't deny that a 335Ci has a certain appeal though...
Ho about trying mobile.de and sourcing one from Germany? - although I think the Autrians beat even 'us Swiss' when it comes to making you go through hoops to simply import a car.
I can't deny that a 335Ci has a certain appeal though...
I have just come out of a coupe 330i BMW. It all depends what you are going to do with the car. Are you just driving to work & need it to take 4 people on the odd occasion & do a supermarket trip or is it a second car for weekends
If its a daily tool have the BM if its a weekend toy buy a porker.
I have my porker for the weekend & drive something boring to work
If its a daily tool have the BM if its a weekend toy buy a porker.
I have my porker for the weekend & drive something boring to work
Kay,
I also have been looking for a 996 since last November.My search ended on Saturday though when I collected my first Porsche.Its a 1998car-full service history all opc except 1 independent,61500miles,sunroof and heated sports seats,full leather pack,psm,lsd,sports suspension,18inch turbo wheels etc.The car is silver with a Boxster red + black interior which is in absolutely beautiful condition.It needs nothing.I bought it from an independent dealer in Leeds,who was an absolute gentleman,and when I got it home to NI my friend(who runs a prestige and sports car maintenance business and isn't easily pleased)took it in for an inspection and told me its the nicest on he's seen or driven in a long time.So they ARE out there.
Im chuffed to bits!.Paul.
I also have been looking for a 996 since last November.My search ended on Saturday though when I collected my first Porsche.Its a 1998car-full service history all opc except 1 independent,61500miles,sunroof and heated sports seats,full leather pack,psm,lsd,sports suspension,18inch turbo wheels etc.The car is silver with a Boxster red + black interior which is in absolutely beautiful condition.It needs nothing.I bought it from an independent dealer in Leeds,who was an absolute gentleman,and when I got it home to NI my friend(who runs a prestige and sports car maintenance business and isn't easily pleased)took it in for an inspection and told me its the nicest on he's seen or driven in a long time.So they ARE out there.
Im chuffed to bits!.Paul.
Hesitation between a brand new boxster and some nondescript BMW??
Are you serious ??!*?!
Well, strike me down I'm afraid but I'd pick that juicy twin-turbo 335i too against a Boxster. But not if you're talking 911s and especially the (strike me down again) premium model 993s. Sounds like you don't quite want to spend as much as you need to get the specs and car that *you* want. The 335i is an appealing car and fairly readily remapped up to 350+hp I'd have thought if that's your bag. I had a 993C4S and it was fabulous - I'm from the camp that doesn't think they look old. Rather that they look "right" - aesthetically preferring them over the newer models. Yawn yawn, well trodden path, blah 993 blah etc...
But... it sounds like you want a newer car so 993s are out? I'd really think about the 996 though - it's a lot of car as a used example for c.£35K. and if you're even remotely interested in depreciation over those four years - that beemer's going to drop 20K minimum - any thirty-odd-grand 911 will drop way less, especially the rarer models.
As to the Z4 coupe - gack...!
Are you serious ??!*?!
Well, strike me down I'm afraid but I'd pick that juicy twin-turbo 335i too against a Boxster. But not if you're talking 911s and especially the (strike me down again) premium model 993s. Sounds like you don't quite want to spend as much as you need to get the specs and car that *you* want. The 335i is an appealing car and fairly readily remapped up to 350+hp I'd have thought if that's your bag. I had a 993C4S and it was fabulous - I'm from the camp that doesn't think they look old. Rather that they look "right" - aesthetically preferring them over the newer models. Yawn yawn, well trodden path, blah 993 blah etc...
But... it sounds like you want a newer car so 993s are out? I'd really think about the 996 though - it's a lot of car as a used example for c.£35K. and if you're even remotely interested in depreciation over those four years - that beemer's going to drop 20K minimum - any thirty-odd-grand 911 will drop way less, especially the rarer models.
As to the Z4 coupe - gack...!
Edited by sundiver on Tuesday 27th February 21:48
335i also looks pretty interesting to me, other than its portly weight. Has anyone on here driven one? Does it get close to a 996/997 for driving enjoyment? I'm guessing no, but haven't had the chance to drive one yet.
Looking on e90post, there are some chipped ones that have cylinder head overheating problems, though the usual forum caveats I guess apply..
Looking on e90post, there are some chipped ones that have cylinder head overheating problems, though the usual forum caveats I guess apply..
The Beemer is a nice car yes, but at the end of the day its a 3 series and not sure what they are like where you are but in the good old UK more common than a Ford Mondeo, so not that exclusive anymore or good looking IMO, and as stated if money is a constraint then forget it because you'll lose a shed full first year.
i'd hold out for a 993 or 996 end of story, but try not to be too fussy on exact spec as long as the condition is great with good history and horror stories. You cannot compare a Porsche 911 to a BMW 3 Series end of story IMHO
i'd hold out for a 993 or 996 end of story, but try not to be too fussy on exact spec as long as the condition is great with good history and horror stories. You cannot compare a Porsche 911 to a BMW 3 Series end of story IMHO
abarber said:
335i also looks pretty interesting to me, other than its portly weight. Has anyone on here driven one? Does it get close to a 996/997 for driving enjoyment? I'm guessing no, but haven't had the chance to drive one yet.
Looking on e90post, there are some chipped ones that have cylinder head overheating problems, though the usual forum caveats I guess apply..
Looking on e90post, there are some chipped ones that have cylinder head overheating problems, though the usual forum caveats I guess apply..
Ive had 3 996's and I am taking delivery of a 335i sport (saloon) on Thursday. Bear in mind it has the same bhp as a 3.4 996, more torque, its got a 3 year all components warranty (circa £2k for yr 2&3 on Porker) is a shiny new car and its a difficult choice.
I went for the saloon as it was possible to get circa £5.5k knocked off the price which made it a bargain. Much cheaper than a base boxster.
Personally I would take it over a base boxster or Cayman without a moments hesitation as its much quicker, better equipped, better value and less about key fob showing off.
Against a 98-99 996 then again no question its not had 7-8 years of parking dents, wear and tear, somebody polishing the steering wheel and so forth. Any car of this age is unlikely to come with a 3 year warranty, new tyres and clutch and an end to end warranty.
Against a new 997 then Porsche would be easy choice if money no question. Personally I will wait till they drop to £40k at an OPC (12-18 months?)
Bennno
tonikaram said:
On the other hand, I can down a new 335icoupe from the dealership for exactly the same price as a used 1999 996.
I have a 1999 996 C2, I don't think I could go into a dealers and ask for a striaght swap. There is a big price gap between a new fully loaded 335 coupe and a 1999 996 C2 over here.
Ideally I want to go from a E46 330 to a facelift 996tt. After my shambolic ownership experience with my last two BMWs I have now vowed never to buy another one. Whilst, I accept that a E90 335i is a great car- it is a minimum £10k loss in yr 1 if you spec nav prof and xenons. You can do much better for £10k depreciation pa imo.
I get new cars at diplomatic prices, i.e with the taxes shaved off. This should keep clear from depreciation for 2 years to come with no loss at which point I can sell the car at the same price I bought it. Depreciation starts on the third year approximately. Also that's why a new 335 coupe or bare Boxster cost as much as a 1999 996.
Mogulboy, I tried mobile.de (even have autosearch send me weekly emails). The thing is that when I find a new car, if it's really the car I'm looknig for, then the neighbour/friend/colleague/cousin will have got it before I even get a train/plane ticket and before the weekend. This happened to me exactly twice, to see a 996 Mk2 and a 993.
Pickled_Piper and sundiver, I do prefer the 993's experience (there must be an old account of my test drives on this website and if not, at least on one other) and is my primordial choice because it looks fabulous with its original roofline and proportions, and, when rightly specced, inside too because of the way it's built. The problem is the worn out leather, the poor re-polished condition, the repaint visible at the window sills and the odd accident. But my first drive in a 993 was a revelation.
So these are more of my facts.
Kay
Mogulboy, I tried mobile.de (even have autosearch send me weekly emails). The thing is that when I find a new car, if it's really the car I'm looknig for, then the neighbour/friend/colleague/cousin will have got it before I even get a train/plane ticket and before the weekend. This happened to me exactly twice, to see a 996 Mk2 and a 993.
Pickled_Piper and sundiver, I do prefer the 993's experience (there must be an old account of my test drives on this website and if not, at least on one other) and is my primordial choice because it looks fabulous with its original roofline and proportions, and, when rightly specced, inside too because of the way it's built. The problem is the worn out leather, the poor re-polished condition, the repaint visible at the window sills and the odd accident. But my first drive in a 993 was a revelation.
So these are more of my facts.
Kay
sebsea said:
I had a 987 boxster and there ain't a car under £50k apart from a Cayman S that drives as good....+ it sounds and looks far sportier than the beemer
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
Not sure if that's entirely a balanced view, 50k means alot of choice, the coxster is indeed a great drive but is constantly mentioned as being a cheap man's porsche, doesn't really have a great image does it, and certainly not regarded in the same light as the 911, so badge doesn't count on that front IMO.
The BM wouldn't be my choice either, it's a great everyday refined car but not sporty enough, personally i'd buy a Honda S200 or Z4M if you're after a 2 seater or wait for a 996
sebsea said:
I had a 987 boxster and there ain't a car under £50k apart from a Cayman S that drives as good....+ it sounds and looks far sportier than the beemer
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
hehe spot on couldnt of put it better myself.. taffyracer said:
sebsea said:
I had a 987 boxster and there ain't a car under £50k apart from a Cayman S that drives as good....+ it sounds and looks far sportier than the beemer
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
Not sure if that's entirely a balanced view, 50k means alot of choice, the coxster is indeed a great drive but is constantly mentioned as being a cheap man's porsche, doesn't really have a great image does it, and certainly not regarded in the same light as the 911, so badge doesn't count on that front IMO.
The BM wouldn't be my choice either, it's a great everyday refined car but not sporty enough, personally i'd buy a Honda S200 or Z4M if you're after a 2 seater or wait for a 996
The Boxster may get slated by certain people on here who own 911's but at the end of the day can people not just accept the Boxster for what it is, its an awesome motor for the money. The 911 and Boxster are great in their own rights.
toenheel said:
taffyracer said:
sebsea said:
I had a 987 boxster and there ain't a car under £50k apart from a Cayman S that drives as good....+ it sounds and looks far sportier than the beemer
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
The beemer has the toys but the porsche has the badge and the drive...
Buy the boxster and get an Xbox 360
Not sure if that's entirely a balanced view, 50k means alot of choice, the coxster is indeed a great drive but is constantly mentioned as being a cheap man's porsche, doesn't really have a great image does it, and certainly not regarded in the same light as the 911, so badge doesn't count on that front IMO.
The BM wouldn't be my choice either, it's a great everyday refined car but not sporty enough, personally i'd buy a Honda S200 or Z4M if you're after a 2 seater or wait for a 996
The Boxster may get slated by certain people on here who own 911's but at the end of the day can people not just accept the Boxster for what it is, its an awesome motor for the money. The 911 and Boxster are great in their own rights.
agreed Porsche should be applauded for bringing out new ranges of cars for 911 driving men to buy for their wives and girlfriends, thankfully they now offer a choice of roadster or chelsea tractor to keep the missus happy (shopping hatch is presumably under development)
bennno
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