Crazy Idea for Our New Ride

[JCL]

Sounds familiar. We had a 2002 325xi. Loved it. And my wife insists on a manual.

Some thoughts:

1) Replacement for the 325 is a 320, not a 328. I would choose the 320. Same HP as the 325, more or less. More torque than the 325. Better economy.

2) 335 is going in the wrong direction. I like the engine. A lot. I doubt she would value it given how she apparently liked the 325. My wife drove my 535 but didn't give any points to the engine over her NA six cylinder engines.

3) Finding a BMW with a MT is a challenge these days. IMO, forget the 335 and consider the non x version. Comes with a MT. Cheaper. Handles better. Better economy. And since most people don't put proper winter tires on their x models, you can do better with a non x and four kick ass winter tires, for many people. Isn't Nebraska flat? My 535 with Dunlop Wintersport M3s went more places, in the mountains, than our 325xi or X3 on all seasons. You still get DSC. IMO awd is over valued. You still have to convince her.

4) Don't buy a colour she doesn't want. Been there, got the t shirt. Skip the black one. Special order a new one. She keeps cars a long time. Get a colour she wants.

5) Don't fool yourself that you can buy used, flip it, and turn a profit. Doesn't make any sense. Buy the right car. Once.

Personally, I would go for the 320 or 328, non xi, MT, special order. Buy four killer winter tires for it. Keep it a long time, because when you replace it, MTs may be gone.

Good luck.