Got My 335i Coupe, Sexy, But Not The M5

chbrules · 09-15-2007, 01:39 AM

I told myself I'd keep this car for 3 years. I've had it a little over 2 months now (with almost 4400 mi on it) and I'm already considering buying a new car next year (yes I plan that far ahead). The 335i is amazing, it's quick, it's sexy as hell, it's everything I could hope for, but it's not the M5.

I figure an M5 over the M3 because in this case because I feel it would promote a more mature and professional image over the little coupe in the business world. Two of my good friends and myself are starting up a non-profit software organization and getting some nice sums of money (grants). In the 501c3 IRS regulations you're allowed "comphensation" for your work, ie. salary. Anything under $50k to board members/executives doesn't get posted in the annual public IRS Form 990. I figure $49,999 salary for our first year is a nice chunk of money. Now my only concern is that anyone who knows BMW cars may think a bit different of us if they see me pulling up in a big M5 or it parked in our parking lot.

I've earned all my money in the past working as Mr. IT and a contractor for businesses. I bought my 335i coupe, and I'm going to liquidate it and use that as most of my down for the M5 (maybe $45k down on the M5 total). I'm currently 21.5 (yes the .5 counts!) years old.

My other issue is that I would like to move out of my parent's house when I graduate in 2 years from now (I'm doing 5 years at the university). Even condos aren't cheap in southern california, but I was hoping to have aout $80k saved up to put down on a ~$400k condo.

Ah! Decision!

I digress. The original intent of my post was to find out more information about the M5:

I love the idea of the 7-speed SMG transmission. I use the manual mode on my 335i 99.9% of the time, and I've driven stick a few times (never stalled it!). How exactly does the SMG work? I heard there's a shift pedal as well as the paddles and stick? I'm guessing you have to rev match yourself?

Does the rated MPG (12/18mpg) for the 507HP mode, the 400HP mode, or both (somehow it's inefficient?).

Do you think the M5 is too bold to be a business-minded car as well as a great motorsport car? This is one of the key features of this vehicle. Besides maybe some nice Merc AMG sedan, this car is top notch in its class and is practical (not on gas).

chbrules · 09-15-2007, 01:54 AM

By the way, when is the next generation M5 due out?

voltron1011 · 09-15-2007, 02:04 AM

Have you driven the M5 with the SMG yet? Are you going to be driving around town a lot? If so, I'd stay away from the SMG. It's shifts, while quick, get alittle cumbersom around town. Just something to think about.

Park2670 · 09-15-2007, 02:12 AM

SMG does take time to get used to, as its still a real clutch. No you cannot push in the clutch yourself, the computer does all the shifting. There isnt much you can learn on the web for the feel of a car, I think the best way is to find somebody with one, and ride along or drive if they will let you.

chbrules · 09-15-2007, 02:16 AM

I plan to in like 2 weeks. I have a list of issues going on with my 335i, namely the fuel pumps are failing (long cranks) so I'm going to take it in for service and checkout the M5.

Park2670 · 09-15-2007, 02:18 AM

Hopefully they allow test drives. The dealer I work for doesnt let anybody drive them unless they sign the papers. We dont have enough allocation to risk people driving them. Plus since they cant be driven to their full potential until after break-in, pointless.

chbrules · 09-15-2007, 02:39 AM

Let's hope they let me at least get a feel for the drive. Long Beach and Sterling BMW here in socal have their own stock of them, as do a bunch of other dealerships, so I don't think it'll be a big problem.

Jonmartin · 09-15-2007, 05:16 AM

You should keep the 335 mod it if nesscessary and buy a house/condo before you buy an M5.

OC Guy · 09-15-2007, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonmartin

You should keep the 335 mod it if nesscessary and buy a house/condo before you buy an M5.

+1

LKNDC · 09-15-2007, 06:04 AM

I would keep the 335i and buy a nice used 7series or lexus LS for a company car.

koreez88 · 09-15-2007, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonmartin

You should keep the 335 mod it if nesscessary and buy a house/condo before you buy an M5.

Exactly. Houses only increase in value, so the better house you get, the more you'll have at the end.

Your car doesn't show your wealth (at least here in USA), but your house does.

wj4 · 09-15-2007, 11:12 AM

I'm in the same age range as you are...except I'm a bit more than 21.5, but not 22 yet. :P

I'm definitely planning on keeping the 335i for years to come, unless it really gives me major problems. I plan on buying a house or condo of my own before I upgrade to a better car. My parents are about to buy a new townhouse...only 1600 sq ft and it runs a little more than $600,000. Honestly I'd be happy to downgrade from a BMW to say a Toyota as well, as long as if I can have a nice house of my own. I'd rather have that than live at my parents' house at the age of 30 and drive an M5, lol.

sflgator · 09-15-2007, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chbrules

By the way, when is the next generation M5 due out?

The day after you buy one.

btw -- I agree with Jonmartin...INVEST in a house or condo and either keep your 335i for a few years or get something else that's not as expensive as an M5 (~ $90k). As you know, cars are NOT an investment as they depreciate fast, while houses and condos appreciate and make you $$ (even if the housing market sucks).

You're a very young guy (yes 21.5 us very young)...you have plenty of years in your life to drive a $90k car like the M5. Relax and don't get in over your head. Just my advice and my $0.02.

sflgator · 09-15-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wj4

I'm in the same age range as you are...except I'm a bit more than 21.5, but not 22 yet. :P

I'm definitely planning on keeping the 335i for years to come, unless it really gives me major problems. I plan on buying a house or condo of my own before I upgrade to a better car. My parents are about to buy a new townhouse...only 1600 sq ft and it runs a little more than $600,000. Honestly I'd be happy to downgrade from a BMW to say a Toyota as well, as long as if I can have a nice house of my own. I'd rather have that than live at my parents' house at the age of 30 and drive an M5, lol.

See...now that's a smart kid!!! ^^^^^^

Park2670 · 09-15-2007, 12:11 PM

I wish I could buy a house, but I keep buying stuff. I have a really hard time saving $$$

rrandyy · 09-15-2007, 12:15 PM

Let me get this straight-- you're going to split a 50k salary between you and two friends and are planning to buy an M5 one year after purchasing a 335 and then also buy a 400k house? To me, this doesn't add up, sorry.

And if you're trying to project a "mature" image, I don't think an M5 is going to cut it. You're either mature or you're not, regardless of your car.

phantom330 · 09-15-2007, 12:43 PM

If you can afford to pay for a 335 or an M5, why in the heck are you living with your parents???? Spend your money on a house or condo, not on an expensive car and then live with your rents. Anywho........either car is a winner

CarbonE39m5 · 09-16-2007, 11:44 PM

i live with my parents and own a 335i.. and i pay for it.. but im 17. and im moving out in 5months to go to college...i would mod the 335i and buy a condo...unless you dont have a problem bringing women home to your parents house.. thats your decision

chbrules · 09-17-2007, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wj4

I'm in the same age range as you are...except I'm a bit more than 21.5, but not 22 yet. :P

I'm definitely planning on keeping the 335i for years to come, unless it really gives me major problems. I plan on buying a house or condo of my own before I upgrade to a better car. My parents are about to buy a new townhouse...only 1600 sq ft and it runs a little more than $600,000. Honestly I'd be happy to downgrade from a BMW to say a Toyota as well, as long as if I can have a nice house of my own. I'd rather have that than live at my parents' house at the age of 30 and drive an M5, lol.

Yeah, I know. I keep telling myself the logic choice, but that M5 is so god damn amazing! When Jeremy Clarkson raves about the performance of a car, it's a damn good car.

I will probably end up just modding the 335i with Procede next summer instead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrandyy

Let me get this straight-- you're going to split a 50k salary between you and two friends and are planning to buy an M5 one year after purchasing a 335 and then also buy a 400k house? To me, this doesn't add up, sorry.

And if you're trying to project a "mature" image, I don't think an M5 is going to cut it. You're either mature or you're not, regardless of your car.

$50k each. We would be writing off gas, food, and rent on the company, so that leaves some nice spending money. And that's only the first year. If we get enough in grants why not pump it up a little higher?

Quote:

Originally Posted by phantom330

If you can afford to pay for a 335 or an M5, why in the heck are you living with your parents???? Spend your money on a house or condo, not on an expensive car and then live with your rents. Anywho........either car is a winner

My best friend always tells me I'm the guy from that movie Failure to Launch.

I want to move out after I graduate in 2 years. I don't want to throw my money away on costly rent when there's 0 ROI. At least with a car I have a liquidable asset.

I'm still going to go test drive the M5. I have to feel the power of the ultimate ultimate driving machine.

sflgator · 09-17-2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chbrules

I will probably end up just modding the 335i with Procede next summer instead.

$50k each. We would be writing off gas, food, and rent on the company, so that leaves some nice spending money. And that's only the first year. If we get enough in grants why not pump it up a little higher?

I'm still going to go test drive the M5. I have to feel the power of the ultimate ultimate driving machine.

FYI -- $50k/yr. - taxes leaves you with about $30k/yr. net...just in case you didn't know.

Dude, with that kind of annual income, I'm not sure you could even afford to drive the 335i. Most ppl making $50k/year drive a Honda Accord or something even less expensive. Anyway, if I were you, I'd either keep the 335i or get something even less expensive, save $$ for a house or condo, and keep dreaming about owning/driving an M5 someday...you've got plenty of good times ahead of you.

sdiver68 · 09-17-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonmartin

You should keep the 335 mod it if nesscessary and buy a house/condo before you buy an M5.

+2 or wherever we are

And honestly, for everyday use, I'd rather have a CLS63.

tzuten · 09-19-2007, 03:17 AM

Keep the 335i..

BTW, don't buy any property in S.cali right now. It's a horrible time to buy.. Prices are forecast to come down substantially in 2-3 yrs when all those fools that got in over their head with interest only loans and ARMs start to pay on the principle. Subprime lending was way out of control in S.cali, and now the morgage industry is in trouble. Patience on the housing market and car buying choice.

09-15-2007, 01:39 AM	#1
chbrules MSVConrad++ 55 Rep 778 Posts Drives: E90 2006 325i \| E92 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Peaches iTrader: (0)	Got My 335i Coupe, Sexy, But Not The M5 I told myself I'd keep this car for 3 years. I've had it a little over 2 months now (with almost 4400 mi on it) and I'm already considering buying a new car next year (yes I plan that far ahead). The 335i is amazing, it's quick, it's sexy as hell, it's everything I could hope for, but it's not the M5. I figure an M5 over the M3 because in this case because I feel it would promote a more mature and professional image over the little coupe in the business world. Two of my good friends and myself are starting up a non-profit software organization and getting some nice sums of money (grants). In the 501c3 IRS regulations you're allowed "comphensation" for your work, ie. salary. Anything under $50k to board members/executives doesn't get posted in the annual public IRS Form 990. I figure $49,999 salary for our first year is a nice chunk of money. Now my only concern is that anyone who knows BMW cars may think a bit different of us if they see me pulling up in a big M5 or it parked in our parking lot. I've earned all my money in the past working as Mr. IT and a contractor for businesses. I bought my 335i coupe, and I'm going to liquidate it and use that as most of my down for the M5 (maybe $45k down on the M5 total). I'm currently 21.5 (yes the .5 counts!) years old. My other issue is that I would like to move out of my parent's house when I graduate in 2 years from now (I'm doing 5 years at the university). Even condos aren't cheap in southern california, but I was hoping to have aout $80k saved up to put down on a ~$400k condo. Ah! Decision! I digress. The original intent of my post was to find out more information about the M5: I love the idea of the 7-speed SMG transmission. I use the manual mode on my 335i 99.9% of the time, and I've driven stick a few times (never stalled it!). How exactly does the SMG work? I heard there's a shift pedal as well as the paddles and stick? I'm guessing you have to rev match yourself? Does the rated MPG (12/18mpg) for the 507HP mode, the 400HP mode, or both (somehow it's inefficient?). Do you think the M5 is too bold to be a business-minded car as well as a great motorsport car? This is one of the key features of this vehicle. Besides maybe some nice Merc AMG sedan, this car is top notch in its class and is practical (not on gas). __________________ -Me
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09-15-2007, 01:54 AM	#2
chbrules MSVConrad++ 55 Rep 778 Posts Drives: E90 2006 325i \| E92 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Peaches iTrader: (0)	By the way, when is the next generation M5 due out? __________________ -Me
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09-15-2007, 02:04 AM	#3
voltron1011 Colonel 122 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Have you driven the M5 with the SMG yet? Are you going to be driving around town a lot? If so, I'd stay away from the SMG. It's shifts, while quick, get alittle cumbersom around town. Just something to think about.
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09-15-2007, 02:12 AM	#4
Park2670 General 361 Rep 18,218 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UTAH iTrader: (8)	SMG does take time to get used to, as its still a real clutch. No you cannot push in the clutch yourself, the computer does all the shifting. There isnt much you can learn on the web for the feel of a car, I think the best way is to find somebody with one, and ride along or drive if they will let you. __________________
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09-15-2007, 02:16 AM	#5
chbrules MSVConrad++ 55 Rep 778 Posts Drives: E90 2006 325i \| E92 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Peaches iTrader: (0)	I plan to in like 2 weeks. I have a list of issues going on with my 335i, namely the fuel pumps are failing (long cranks) so I'm going to take it in for service and checkout the M5. __________________ -Me
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09-15-2007, 02:18 AM	#6
Park2670 General 361 Rep 18,218 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UTAH iTrader: (8)	Hopefully they allow test drives. The dealer I work for doesnt let anybody drive them unless they sign the papers. We dont have enough allocation to risk people driving them. Plus since they cant be driven to their full potential until after break-in, pointless. __________________
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09-15-2007, 02:39 AM	#7
chbrules MSVConrad++ 55 Rep 778 Posts Drives: E90 2006 325i \| E92 2007 335i Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Peaches iTrader: (0)	Let's hope they let me at least get a feel for the drive. Long Beach and Sterling BMW here in socal have their own stock of them, as do a bunch of other dealerships, so I don't think it'll be a big problem. __________________ -Me
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09-15-2007, 05:16 AM	#8
Jonmartin Banned 123 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Los Angles (818) iTrader: (1)	You should keep the 335 mod it if nesscessary and buy a house/condo before you buy an M5.
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09-15-2007, 06:04 AM	#10
LKNDC Second Lieutenant 9 Rep 260 Posts Drives: F06 640i Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (1)	I would keep the 335i and buy a nice used 7series or lexus LS for a company car.
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09-15-2007, 11:12 AM	#12
wj4 Major General 351 Rep 7,719 Posts Drives: E90 manual 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Burbank, CA iTrader: (8)	I'm in the same age range as you are...except I'm a bit more than 21.5, but not 22 yet. :P I'm definitely planning on keeping the 335i for years to come, unless it really gives me major problems. I plan on buying a house or condo of my own before I upgrade to a better car. My parents are about to buy a new townhouse...only 1600 sq ft and it runs a little more than $600,000. Honestly I'd be happy to downgrade from a BMW to say a Toyota as well, as long as if I can have a nice house of my own. I'd rather have that than live at my parents' house at the age of 30 and drive an M5, lol.
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09-15-2007, 12:11 PM	#15
Park2670 General 361 Rep 18,218 Posts Drives: Tesla Model 3 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: UTAH iTrader: (8)	I wish I could buy a house, but I keep buying stuff. I have a really hard time saving $$$ __________________
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09-15-2007, 12:15 PM	#16
rrandyy Captain 32 Rep 799 Posts Drives: E92 328 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Let me get this straight-- you're going to split a 50k salary between you and two friends and are planning to buy an M5 one year after purchasing a 335 and then also buy a 400k house? To me, this doesn't add up, sorry. And if you're trying to project a "mature" image, I don't think an M5 is going to cut it. You're either mature or you're not, regardless of your car.
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09-15-2007, 12:43 PM	#17
phantom330 Captain 18 Rep 892 Posts Drives: e93 335i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: OH iTrader: (0)	If you can afford to pay for a 335 or an M5, why in the heck are you living with your parents???? Spend your money on a house or condo, not on an expensive car and then live with your rents. Anywho........either car is a winner
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09-16-2007, 11:44 PM	#18
CarbonE39m5 Lieutenant 38 Rep 540 Posts Drives: E92 335i/ 08' 528i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Naples, Florida iTrader: (4)	i live with my parents and own a 335i.. and i pay for it.. but im 17. and im moving out in 5months to go to college...i would mod the 335i and buy a condo...unless you dont have a problem bringing women home to your parents house.. thats your decision
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09-19-2007, 03:17 AM	#22
tzuten Enlisted Member 8 Rep 37 Posts Drives: Jet Black 07 335i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	Keep the 335i.. BTW, don't buy any property in S.cali right now. It's a horrible time to buy.. Prices are forecast to come down substantially in 2-3 yrs when all those fools that got in over their head with interest only loans and ARMs start to pay on the principle. Subprime lending was way out of control in S.cali, and now the morgage industry is in trouble. Patience on the housing market and car buying choice.
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