The new 3 series coupe

[holbayhead]

Just heard that my contract is being renewed and that coincides with the service interval on my 320cd..and Christmas

So a good time to have a look at the new 3 series coupe.

I've only seen a handfull on the road and they do look rather appealing...

Anyone here gone ahead and got one?

[CatherineJ]

No but I have driven one. It was a 335i and was a truly fantastic machine and I can highly recommend one.

I have seen a few coupe's now on the roads and they do seam to have real presence.

In the end we bought an X5, but if it hadn't been for wanting something with room for the dogs, we would have had a 335i coupe.

[holbayhead]

CatherineJ said:

No but I have driven one. It was a 335i and was a truly fantastic machine and I can highly recommend one.

I have seen a few coupe's now on the roads and they do seam to have real presence.

In the end we bought an X5, but if it hadn't been for wanting something with room for the dogs, we would have had a 335i coupe.

Yeah I've contacted the dealership where I got my existing coupe from and have arranged a test drive on the day I take it in for the service.

I wasn't sure if I'd like the new look but seeing them on the road they do look sleek.

I think it's the rear light design that's done it for me.. I'd be going for a 330d...am I wrong to be getting excited

oh and now Mrs HH has her eye on one too

Edited by holbayhead on Monday 11th December 14:07

[rob05]

Expensive but they really do look good on the road and now the cab has a metal roof makes it a really sensible buy IMO if you plan to keep it long term.

[holbayhead]

well I'd hope to do what I did before and get the ex demo car.. and preferably the 330 diesel.. I'm doing a lot of miles at the moment maybe keep it for a couple of years depending on the work situation.

[dave_3d]

I've just changed from a Jaguar S-Type 4.2 to an E92 335D.

Should have done it sooner.

With that new Automatic (335i/335D), crisp handling and oodles of torque the jag wouldn't know which way the BMW went. The truely effortless through gear acceleration is addictive.

And considering that the Jag averaged 18mpg around town the 34 mpg I am getting from the BMW as I run it in is the icing on the cake.

BIG, BIG thumbs up from me, especially the Diesel - best of both worlds for everyday road use (which, let's face it most us do 99% of the time)

D.

[holbayhead]

SOLD !!!

[noneedtolift]

Got mine on order, delivery due last week of December or early in Jan. Had the 5series and currently run the touring. New gearbox must be good. Bit of a brave colour choice I reckon 6 weeks later (white) - still can't wait. Dave - did you go for the optional steering wheel with the paddles and what is it like?
regards,
Felix

Edited by noneedtolift on Monday 11th December 17:32

[a11rex]

Don't buy a high end 3 series coupe until they launch the sport pack, or horrendous depreciation awaits.
Just imagine trying to sell a non-sport E46 330i today, hardly any such cars exist and when they do become available they go for peanuts in comparison.
That was advice direct from a BMW stealer on the coupe launch night, you've been warned!

[dave_3d]

Yup, got the paddles. Were a very cheap option, so thought why not.

To be perfectly honest, with the new ZF fitted to the 335D and 335i, I've never even thought about using them. The standard Auto mode is VERY crisp and the torque so huge you don't really think of using them - and the DS mode REALLY hangs onto a gear.

I've had a play and they are very crisp. But I forget about them most of the time. Maybe after the running in period I can comment more

If you are getting the 330D check that it will use the same Auto as the 335D and 335i.

D.

[baz1985]

Agreed, that the M Sport will be the better bet in terms of residuals. Although an SE with a few choice items from ACS aero kit (side-skirts/front spoiler/rear lip spoiler)+ ACS 'Racing' Front Strut Brace will look and drive much better than the M Sport. However, I'm still at a loss as to why one would spend £30k+ on a non-M Car. You can buy a 1yr old E46 M3 with Nav Prof, 19s, Bluetooth, HK, Front Centre Armrest, Front Seat Heating, Electric Folding Mirrors for under £35k. Spec a new E92 335i/335d to similar above spec and you're looking at £40k, and minimum £12k depreciation in year 1 (the E46 M3 will probs lose another £8k). In terms of running costs i.e. fuel, insurance, servicing, tyres et al, there will be little in it. If you can afford a £30k+ car, surely these cannot be an issue! Just my personal opinion.

Edited by baz1985 on Monday 11th December 21:19

[john_p]

Plus the sport ones always look a lot better!

[noneedtolift]

Cheers dave! Mine will also be the 335d really really can't wait now. It is interesting that in the UK the residuals are higher with M sports pack. Over here I believe depreciation is actually worse (long term). Interestingly also, a 535d for example depreciates worse than a 530d (percentage).

[mwy1964]

a11rex said:

Don't buy a high end 3 series coupe until they launch the sport pack, or horrendous depreciation awaits.
Just imagine trying to sell a non-sport E46 330i today, hardly any such cars exist and when they do become available they go for peanuts in comparison.
That was advice direct from a BMW stealer on the coupe launch night, you've been warned!

Interesting statement above:- I have owned my 2001 330i Coupe (Non Sport) since it was 9 months old during this time I have considered PXing a few times on another BM. Never have I had anyone comment on the fact it is not a sport and every PX quote has been almost tempting. I have stuck with it as the car has been fantastic and in the end it has been difficult to justify a change. It now has around 96K on the clock and was still offered £8K by a dealer a month ago against a S/H 320d.

Spec includes leather, sports suspension and 18" alloys

[reggie183]

Had my 335d Coupe now for 5 weeks and stuck 3,500 miles on it - love it!. It has exceeded my expecations in every area - performance, handling, noise (or lack of at idle), looks (19" alloys were a must), toys (iPod software).

Getting about 36 mpg so far, but I have been having some fun in DS mode. Got to agree with other posts, the auto gearbox is silky smooth.

Overall a 9/10 car (only loses 1 point for price - ah!)

[taffyracer]

i drove a 335 a few weeks back and it was refined and the gearbox was very good, but in comparison to the M it's not a patch and decided to stick with the E46 until the new M is out, or swap to a Z4 if one comes available, 40K is far too much to be spending on any BMW that does not have an M at the beginning of it's description, nice car but not that nice

[davecolville]

Hi folks

I placed my order for the new M3 back in 2004 (when I was informed that it was due in 2006). Latest I've heard is that this is now going to be available at the end of 2007 !!!

Does anyone know any different? Reason I ask is that I'm now doing a lot of miles (circa 30,000 pa) and my current 03 reg M3 is currently at 76,000 miles. I really didn't plan on keeping the car this long, but can't find any other car I'd want to replace it with (test drove the RS4 last weekend and was frankly not that impressed).



DC

[Zod]

davecolville said:

Hi folks

I placed my order for the new M3 back in 2004 (when I was informed that it was due in 2006). Latest I've heard is that this is now going to be available at the end of 2007 !!!

Does anyone know any different? Reason I ask is that I'm now doing a lot of miles (circa 30,000 pa) and my current 03 reg M3 is currently at 76,000 miles. I really didn't plan on keeping the car this long, but can't find any other car I'd want to replace it with (test drove the RS4 last weekend and was frankly not that impressed).



DC

You were misinformed. It has never been expected before late 2007 at the earliest and at bm3w we expect the first UK deliveries to be early 2008.

[MK4 Slowride]

Yeh, noneedtolift, gone for Alpine white - very miami vice like it. I prefer the 335i as that engine is sooo sweet, the 335d is awesome but you get the diesel rattle. you go for the 19's though and i-drive, it will look like something's missing otherwise.

[bennno]

baz1985 said:

Agreed, that the M Sport will be the better bet in terms of residuals. Although an SE with a few choice items from ACS aero kit (side-skirts/front spoiler/rear lip spoiler)+ ACS 'Racing' Front Strut Brace will look and drive much better than the M Sport. However, I'm still at a loss as to why one would spend £30k+ on a non-M Car. You can buy a 1yr old E46 M3 with Nav Prof, 19s, Bluetooth, HK, Front Centre Armrest, Front Seat Heating, Electric Folding Mirrors for under £35k. Spec a new E92 335i/335d to similar above spec and you're looking at £40k, and minimum £12k depreciation in year 1 (the E46 M3 will probs lose another £8k). In terms of running costs i.e. fuel, insurance, servicing, tyres et al, there will be little in it. If you can afford a £30k+ car, surely these cannot be an issue! Just my personal opinion.

which is why a 335i manual sport saloon with 4k discount became my choice at 31k inc leather and a couple of options. a 335i se can be bought for £27.5k or a standard 335i at £29,995 all of which seem much better value at the moment than the coupe

bennno