[mr_dennis_s]

I currently own an 6-Spd 07 335 RWD and it is about to be out of Warranty. I have the option to lease a 2011 335 with X-drive M-Sport and save myself money per month.

I am torn because I know these cars can get very expensive outside of warranty. I have been very fortunate and have only had to go to the dealership once for a non-maintenance repair. The Engine Malfunction Light kept coming on whenever i was merging onto the highway. The dealership shortened the wastegate rod on my turbos and it has been fine ever since. I really love my car especially with the tune and intake. it only has around 35,000 miles on it.

I have seen some great things on this forum about how great the N55 engine feels but it is going to be much harder to squeeze performance out of. Plus I have never been a fan of leases because the car isn't your own and you have nothing to show for it at the end.

So what would you do; go with the N55 save money per month but have nothing to show for it in 3 years OR take the risk with my N54 and hope it continues to be problem-free for the next 5 years?

[donsgolf2012]

go new. they will make tunes eventually

[atlharry]

If you only have a tune and intake now (and don't plan on getting more aggressive in the future), you probably won't notice much of a difference once you put a tune and intake on the N55.

There might be more of a difference once they start running higher PSIs (18-20) on more supporting mods, but nothing is 100% proven yet.

[BenTrovato]

5 years problem free? That's a tall order from any vehicle. Cars are always a waste of money, so decide if you want an '11 and no worries or keep your current car and have to pay for it. You can start a fund where you deposit $100/month for backup repairs if needed.

There's also other BMW's and manufacturers to consider, no need to limit yourself to those 2 options.

[Insider]

Your car has lost $25K in value over the past four years. If you buy new, you will have the same huge loss. I doubt your '07 will have $25K worth of repairs in the coming years. Just keep the '07 and get an extended warranty if you want to save money.

[TheStigsTwin]

You can chip and change intake on a 2011 335 as well. The rest is a financial decision. Not knowing (or wanting to know) the details of your financial situation, I'll leave it up to you.

[jaybird124]

new, or get a 328xi with a manual. pay it off and drive the wheels off of it.

[mr_dennis_s]

Originally Posted by BenTrovato

5 years problem free? That's a tall order from any vehicle. Cars are always a waste of money, so decide if you want an '11 and no worries or keep your current car and have to pay for it. You can start a fund where you deposit $100/month for backup repairs if needed.

There's also other BMW's and manufacturers to consider, no need to limit yourself to those 2 options.

Thats true. I don't know if there is another car out there that offers the overall package that the 335 offers, the S4 comes close but once you put a tune on a 335 its bye bye. I expect to have to do some repairs over 5 years but my concern is the repair bills north of $1000.

[jaybird124]

Originally Posted by mr_dennis_s

Thats true. I don't know if there is another car out there that offers the overall package that the 335 offers, the S4 comes close but once you put a tune on a 335 its bye bye. I expect to have to do some repairs over 5 years but my concern is the repair bills north of $1000.

Change your fluids and if it gives you peace of mind get a powertrain warranty.

Even if you have a $1000 bill, you'll still be waaay ahead in the long run if you keep it for many more years. I suggested the 328 manual because that would be a great car: easy to maintain and long lasting.

[dcm52]

Rule of thumb. The worst purchase is better the best lease. I've got plenty of resoures to buy new and one good reason I have the $ is that I always buy the best 2-3 year old vehicle I can find. Can't make a financial case for buying or leasing a new car. It's an emotional decision but having said all this if it is important to you to have the newest toy then go for it. Just know that you are taking most of the loss for guys like me

[TheRox]

Originally Posted by Insider

Your car has lost $25K in value over the past four years. If you buy new, you will have the same huge loss. I doubt your '07 will have $25K worth of repairs in the coming years. Just keep the '07 and get an extended warranty if you want to save money.

unless you're made of money....why bother with a 3 series?

[hipnotic]

go with the n55