[jmar0351]

Hi all, just wanted to introduce myself! My TL S-type is off lease in October (love the car but thank God) and I'm going to be getting a 335 of some sort
I had a few questions that after looking through the forums for several days didn't see any duplicates so here they are:

1. I'm definitely going with a 335 coupe or convertible. Either a 335xi (i live in Brooklyn, and although the snow is usually fine here i enjoy going up and trying to ski a few times a year) 335i or a 335i hardtop convertible. I'm married so i have to sacrifice manual for auto and although I like the look of a convertible i wouldn't normally go for one because of the structural rigidity lost. My question is how bad is the loss on a convertible compared to a coupe?

2. Anyone in the NY area have suggestions for where they bought their bmw? I'm not sure if i can swing the finance with a cpo from BMW since I'm using the GI bill to go back to school and don't have a ton of extra income. I checked with http://www.autoexpostore.com/ because they offer longer financing and was wondering if anyone had heard about them.

I know its a long first post! Sorry but thanks to all the members who have posted before... I have learned more in the last week of looking over the site than I ever got from all my past experience with salespeople!!

[kyleJB328]

Hey- Welcome to the forum. Just a few comments- the 335i convertible is extremely tight and fun. There really is nothing like a convertible... esp in the city... it's so cool at night time. I have a couple friends in Boston that have them (2, 335's & 1, 328). They are both holding up extremely well. Actually the 328 has no squeaks or rattles. It has 38,000 miles and it's an '08... The 335's are also holding up well in the city. The coupe is definitely going to feel more uniformed and rigid, but in my opinion, it is not a drastic difference. You may want to consider a 328 too- if you're in the city. 328's have a smooth and nice engine, and it would be a lot cheaper. Anyways good luck- keep us updated. There really is nothing that drives like a BMW.

[kyleJB328]

btw, in Ramsey, NJ, there is Prestige BMW. They are a pretty well known dealership throughout the country. You may want to check them out..

[hookah66]

welcome... I debated with my wife before getting 328i hardtop convertible which I do not regret at all. I have driven this winter in NY's Chinatown, Attitash's Mt. Washington with the top down heat full blast and heated steering wheel...it was exhilarating!!! The rear drive is not bad at all on snow and excellent on icy roads. With top up you will hear no rattle nor wind noise, as matter of fact you won't feel any cross wind either. With top down the noise is not bad, but with the windows up they will rattle if you hit roadway ruts. The structural rigidity of this E93 is far better than Lexus 250is, Infinite, Volvo & VW...the only other close competitor is the Benz, but you are talking couple G's more. I have installed strut braces filled the tires with nitrogen, and it is a big improvement to the harsh teeth grinding run flats. You will have no regrets in getting 328i convertible, and the mileage at 25+mpg is not ball. Going to Vero Beach next month and intend to drive w/top down....BTW high volume dealers here in NJ are Open Road in Edison/Morristown/Kinnelon, Prestige in Ramsey & Paul Miller in Wayne, mine came from Open Road in Edison ...If you can find your selection in stock, then the one in Freehold is not bad either....Good luck...

[e93reno]

got the e93 335i, not regretting it at all. with the top up looks sleek, and the average person doesn't even notice it's a convertible.

[cotmfk]

Welcome! I used to have a TL-S for a few months. I was SO glad when I got rid of it!

[jmar0351]

Thanks for the places in NJ guys! I also think they look sleek and almost like a coupe since bimmers are made so well. Its nice to hear that they are sturdy first hand. As of right now I'm leaning to a coupe and a 335xi but if the wife wants a convertible its nice to hear good things! (my wife is cool but like alot of people that as into performance if i start throwing out rigidity/less mod potential she looks at me like

[hookah66]

Originally Posted by jmar0351

Thanks for the places in NJ guys! I also think they look sleek and almost like a coupe since bimmers are made so well. Its nice to hear that they are sturdy first hand. As of right now I'm leaning to a coupe and a 335xi but if the wife wants a convertible its nice to hear good things! (my wife is cool but like alot of people that as into performance if i start throwing out rigidity/less mod potential she looks at me like

If you are serious about torsional rigidity without sacrifice to riding comfort add the strut brace, I added the aluminum version on mine, if you really want to be fancy then get the carbon fiber one. The next step is to stiffen and shorten the front springs by 15mm, but at sacrifice of riding comfort.

[Coolieman1220]

if you get the sports package you get summer tires. if thats the case save money, dont buy an x and get a rwd and get a set of winter tires. it makes more sense. better traction and grip. awd doesnt' help you stop. besides, i live in staten island, for the snow we get, its cleaned quickly, except for curbside parking. and when i go skiing upstate and in VT, how often does it snow? the roads are cleaned well. save on efficient and get a proper rwd!

[jmar0351]

Hookah66- I'm 99% sure that will be on my ride with in a week of me having it!

Coolieman1220- I hear ya about rwd. In the NYC area we really don't deal with too much snow on the ground for more than a few hours.... Although I'm no that sure about how much modding I will do it would be nice to have the 'i' to have more options.

Thanks again for the comments guys... site is amazing. This past week I think I have spent at least a hour a day on it

[E92-Lighting]

congrats and welcome aboard

[ibeclueless]

welcome!

[Forcefed3]

IMO, the convertible is the ugliest 335i made. With the top up its ugly, and convertibles arent cool anyway. get the e92.

Originally Posted by jmar0351

Hi all, just wanted to introduce myself! My TL S-type is off lease in October (love the car but thank God) and I'm going to be getting a 335 of some sort
I had a few questions that after looking through the forums for several days didn't see any duplicates so here they are:

1. I'm definitely going with a 335 coupe or convertible. Either a 335xi (i live in Brooklyn, and although the snow is usually fine here i enjoy going up and trying to ski a few times a year) 335i or a 335i hardtop convertible. I'm married so i have to sacrifice manual for auto and although I like the look of a convertible i wouldn't normally go for one because of the structural rigidity lost. My question is how bad is the loss on a convertible compared to a coupe?

2. Anyone in the NY area have suggestions for where they bought their bmw? I'm not sure if i can swing the finance with a cpo from BMW since I'm using the GI bill to go back to school and don't have a ton of extra income. I checked with http://www.autoexpostore.com/ because they offer longer financing and was wondering if anyone had heard about them.

I know its a long first post! Sorry but thanks to all the members who have posted before... I have learned more in the last week of looking over the site than I ever got from all my past experience with salespeople!!

[WWONG]

OEM strut brace/carbon fiber ones don't work on the 335i, btw, as do most things in the BMW Performance catalog (upgraded brakes, intake, etc.)

[hookah66]

Originally Posted by WWONG

OEM strut brace/carbon fiber ones don't work on the 335i, btw, as do most things in the BMW Performance catalog (upgraded brakes, intake, etc.)

This is funny, I didn't have enough money then when I ordered it from eBay so I guess I lucked out by getting the aluminum strut instead...

[Chriztofor]

Welcome just promise not to post HPFP problems or questions about "lemoning" it. Flame suit on.