[GuitarMike]

Hi Guys,
My budget for company car allows me to get 340i base (no line, almost no options). Does it make sense to you?

I don't want nicely optioned 330i as I already have tuned 420i which makes more power. So my only goal is to have 6 banger.

My idea would be to take it and add the following options later from my own budget (I can then buyout the car):
- electric sport seats
- M3 powered and dimming mirrors
- lower stiffer suspension
- use 19" 442 rims which I already have
- further tune it
- M performance stick shift
- better audio
- M performance brakes
- some aero kits, maybe conversion to M sport look

But for a few initial months I would with just a base car. Not sure what to do...

My other options are optioned 30i and X1 which doesn't cut it...

[insanecoder]

The stock base 340i has enough performance for those who put a weight on that over the 330i that I would take it but thats just me.
Most of the other add-ons are superficial or not necessary for street-driving or just nice to haves.
Sports seats are a must tho (in my opinion) I mean its the contact between you and the car

[GuitarMike]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

Sports seats are a must tho (in my opinion) I mean its the contact between you and the car

I agree, that's why I'm questioning this idea..
Of course they can be added. Easier than the 40i engine at least

[.BMW.]

Isn't the the best option to make a deal with your local BMW dealer.

Spec the car with the option you want, i.e M Sport package, M Sport brake etc. Include as much options in the lease as your company allows and then pay for the rest yourself.

Since you already seems to decided that you will buy the car out it will be much easier and cheaper to add those options now from factory instead of retrofit them later.

[GuitarMike]

Originally Posted by .BMW.

Isn't the the best option to make a deal with your local BMW dealer.

Spec the car with the option you want, i.e M Sport package, M Sport brake etc. Include as much options in the lease as your company allows and then pay for the rest yourself.

Of course thought about it- it's out of the question unfortunately
Company is the owner for first 3 years and the amount must match.

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Company is the owner for first 3 years and the amount must match.

They don't have to know, do they?

[GuitarMike]

Originally Posted by .BMW.

They don't have to know, do they?

They monitor closely, they know
Build sheet = bare bones
what I add later is up to me

[.BMW.]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

They monitor closely, they know
Build sheet = bare bones

I understand!

It was just an idea, good luck with the purchase.

[xlover]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Of course thought about it- it's out of the question unfortunately
Company is the owner for first 3 years and the amount must match.

Is this before or after negotiation? If you come in with a lease price cap the dealer might find a way to squeeze a few options under the price. Basically might be in their interest to make a sale vs hold firm.

[newoldbeemer]

I'd get nav at least. The base screen looks terrible.

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Of course thought about it- it's out of the question unfortunately
Company is the owner for first 3 years and the amount must match.

Why dont you see if you can make a deal with your company where they pay for base and you pay for options? To me these cars are so much better with all options..my car and my e90 had all options. I have had many loaner cars that were base or minimal options and they were pretty disappointing.

[swamy]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I'd get nav at least. The base screen looks terrible.

Yes I hated it in my first bimmer when I had a barebone 328!

I think whatever is required for Driver Assistance Plus is what I would go with & would deem 'must have'!. The 'top view' is germans laughing at honda for their honda-sense 'side-view' & is actually useful while parking.Heating your ass, curving lights & MSport all add to the magic.

lease a 6mt & cut a deal when the it's time to turn it in

[AMDG]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Hi Guys,
My budget for company car allows me to get 340i base (no line, almost no options). Does it make sense to you?

I don't want nicely optioned 330i as I already have tuned 420i which makes more power. So my only goal is to have 6 banger.

My idea would be to take it and add the following options later from my own budget (I can then buyout the car):
- electric sport seats
- M3 powered and dimming mirrors
- lower stiffer suspension
- use 19" 442 rims which I already have
- further tune it
- M performance stick shift
- better audio
- M performance brakes
- some aero kits, maybe conversion to M sport look

But for a few initial months I would with just a base car. Not sure what to do...

My other options are optioned 30i and X1 which doesn't cut it...

If you're going to be spending more on mods in a few months... why not just wait and spend more on options then? Chances are you may be able to negotiate a better price on what would then be a "few months" older car as well.


EDIT: Never mind... just read further and saw that the company is capping the purchase price. Maybe you could negotiate to pay any overage yourself... as jgoens suggested.

[tturedraider]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Hi Guys,
My budget for company car allows me to get 340i base (no line, almost no options). Does it make sense to you?

I don't want nicely optioned 330i as I already have tuned 420i which makes more power. So my only goal is to have 6 banger.

My idea would be to take it and add the following options later from my own budget (I can then buyout the car):
- electric sport seats
- M3 powered and dimming mirrors
- lower stiffer suspension
- use 19" 442 rims which I already have
- further tune it
- M performance stick shift
- better audio
- M performance brakes
- some aero kits, maybe conversion to M sport look

But for a few initial months I would with just a base car. Not sure what to do...

My other options are optioned 30i and X1 which doesn't cut it...

It's worth it, but if you can get the power sport seats now that would be better, because adding those later will be an expensive proposition compared to their cost as a factory installed option. After the fact they'll cost you two or three times as much as ordering them factory installed.

[Labeef]

I like having minimum optioned cars, so I say go for it. Also, I believe that the Msport package is standard for 2017 on the 340-correct me if I'm wrong.

[st3v]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

I'd get nav at least. The base screen looks terrible.

You can add the larger screen for a couple hundred + a little coding.

OP, I would just get the base and do whatever you want afterwards. Don't pay for extras now, because who knows what happens in life, perhaps you won't want to buy out the car after 3 years. Nothing wrong with a base. I'd rather have a base 340i than any lower engine, no matter what options it has.

[eluded]

You can easily add 10k of worthless options to a 340. I'd rather have a base 340 than a fully loaded four banger.

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

I only consider cars that are equipped how I want. That is why I only compare "built" vehicle prices. If I couldn't afford a F30 optioned how I want I'd buy a different car altogether.

[BimmerDom]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Hi Guys,
My budget for company car allows me to get 340i base (no line, almost no options). Does it make sense to you?

I don't want nicely optioned 330i as I already have tuned 420i which makes more power. So my only goal is to have 6 banger.

My idea would be to take it and add the following options later from my own budget (I can then buyout the car):
- electric sport seats
- M3 powered and dimming mirrors
- lower stiffer suspension
- use 19" 442 rims which I already have
- further tune it
- M performance stick shift
- better audio
- M performance brakes
- some aero kits, maybe conversion to M sport look

But for a few initial months I would with just a base car. Not sure what to do...

My other options are optioned 30i and X1 which doesn't cut it...

It really depends on the stock options in your country. Here in Canada the "Bare Bones" 340i comes with M-Sport, Navigation, Cold Weather Package, LED Lights etc... all standard, so for us it makes a lot of sense to go bare-bones

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by .BMW.

Isn't the the best option to make a deal with your local BMW dealer.

Spec the car with the option you want, i.e M Sport package, M Sport brake etc. Include as much options in the lease as your company allows and then pay for the rest yourself.

Since you already seems to decided that you will buy the car out it will be much easier and cheaper to add those options now from factory instead of retrofit them later.

This.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by GuitarMike

Hi Guys,
My budget for company car allows me to get 340i base (no line, almost no options). Does it make sense to you?

The question is whether it makes sense to you. Different people have different opinions. Some recommend more features; some say stretch to get the better engine. It's all about your priorities because you are the one living with the decision, not us. What's more important to you?

[Baldmonkey22]

Aren't sport seats standard on the 340?