So how dumb would it be to just say "fuck it" and lease a new 340i for a few years?
 

I'm sick I driving old cars but I don't really feel like dumping a bunch of cash into buying something used. So the old fall back of leasing a new 3er has popped in to my head.

I'm sure it's a bad idea, especially as I haven't driven the current iteration. So talk me out of this.

Sounds expensive. Why not get a 240 instead?

I haven't driven one of those either (although I have driven the 440 convertible). All I know is that leasing BMWs has gotten seriously worse since your last foray. So you might want to check that out first.

Plus next gen is coming out in 2018, so not sure what effect that will have on current leases: http://www.caranddriver.com/features...ng-for-feature

How do Audis lease? The A3 sedan seems like a really good one to look into. I really enjoyed the one I drove last year as a rental.

Number of doors, I imagine.

But the 240 will be tons more fun.

I second this

So how dumb would it be to just say "fuck it" and lease a new 340i for a few years?
 

4 doors is a thing. JST, you should know this.

Although that might not actually have to be the case. Hmmm...

Side note- is the iPhone autocorrect getting more maddening for anyone else? I'll see things typed out correctly and then, with a lag, some portion of the text will suddenly change to something quite random.

The 240's back seats, even in convertible form, are pretty easy to get in and out of. A bit less knee room for tall passengers in back than the 3 series platform. But doable.

Just build an M240i on the site and, equipped the same as the 340i I built earlier today, I got to just $4K less on price. That's not much of a gap.

Question is how much will the dealer discount? I got something like $5,600 off my car. On the lot. Given 3 series production, that might be doable too. So perhaps apples and apples.

2 series is seriously more fun. The 3 series will remind you of a modern version of your 5.

I hear the VW GTI makes a great commuter. :kekeke:

While I still strongly prefer to shift gears myself, my concern with respect tot he outright sportiness of my car has faded some with age. I want competent and I don't want floaty. But absolute grip and acceleration specs aren't of much importance to me anymore.

I'm old.

I wondered when that would come up. ;)

One thing to keep in mind about the build function on BMWUSA is that MY 2018 starts in July, I believe for both models. I think I read that prices for the 3 will go up but not for the 2.

I'm older than you, and don't blame you a bit.

The 3 platform is much more civilized and will be a better highway commuter for sure. Also, as long as you have the M3C, you have all that you would get in the 2 and more.

EDIT: Here's some info on the MY 2018 3s: http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=963573

EDIT AGAIN: Oops, the link above is for the 4s.

YET ANOTHER EDIT: (Apparently I'm full of misinformation today) No price increase on the 3 sedan or the 2. http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1364814

Ditto. Which is why I'm back to driving an Accord Sport now.

Well, yeah. The GTI is probably what you should get. They're hella cheap compared to the 240/340, they'll probably be nearly as satisfying as a commuter, etc. And you are far enough removed from your Golf R that you might not mind the absence of AWD.

If you want to test drive our Golf, say the word.

All that said, I understand the desire for something a bit more luxe, which the 340 would provide.

Yeah, though the new GTIs are pretty nice in terms of feature content. The materials in the BMW are undoubtedly nicer, but I don't know that you get anything markedly *better,* other than RWD.

nice thing about being old and cramudgeony, not many new cars interest me anymore. Only new cars are the Macan of the wife and GT3 for me:cool:

I wouldn’t mind a GTI with tartan if I needed a new car though. Still need to drive a stick version since I hated the last previous gen one.

I was just poking around looking at how much Rs were being discounted.

Aside from the sameness to the previous one, it is probably the best car for the money out there. The sameness might keep me away, though.

Here's a Carlos Lago video review of the M235i (N55 engine), which is a little behind the performance of the current M240i (B58 engine).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPy0T3Fojt0

One of the wins in my deal with the spouse on her Boxster is I get an LSD for the 2, which I miss from my M3C. Will add that in the fall when I swap out the summer tires.

No need to talk about it. Just go drive one. You'll know right then whether this is an option.

I predict it will not end well, but we'll see.

Directly apropos video. Chris Harris on the Golf R vs. M235i (fitted with the LSD): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TtOZNp6GOxI#t=33.115454

I think you might be surprised at how different the new one is from the old.

Chris Harris spends a fair amount of time in the video saying how much better it is.

My brother and I have begun calling this "Christina AppleCare"

:lol:

How about a Cayman r? :D

For a sporty four door, Audi S4 would likely be my pick.

I'd go M240i over 340i... if you have to have 4 doors, the 340i probably works. I have a couple friends with the F30 328i and 228i. They like their cars a lot.

If you're looking at other marques, what about the Jaguar XE... is that still a thing?

I suggest a NEVS 9-3

Great car but unfortunately leases are horrible on the S4 being it just came out plus Audi S cars in general don't lease well.

We just got the 340i for my son, I drove it and my first thoughts were ... man I could really live with this car as if it were mine. Very sporty, tight and powerful car.

I was told there is going to be a pretty big price increase on the 340 and I also was reading BMW is changing the way they lease and the rates are going to be considerably higher so if your thinking of making a move you might want to check it out sooner rather then later.

as I said before, darn I want to be your kid:D

no need for us to talk you out of it. . . just go drive one and our job is done

If I adopt you can I drive the turbo :D

Buying a 340 for a kid :lol:

Not trying to get defensive but this is not a nice post ... I know you don't have kids and if you did you most likely would let them drive your cars and teach them how to handle it ... no worries but I feel very good being able to get him that car and he is a really good kid.

Btw I won't post a pic of my daughters car :mad2:

AF, you strike me as a very sweet guy. No judgment from us required.

Thanks ... I really appreciate it ...