[morphin1]

Hi all,
Am really confused if I should buy the 2008 or 2009 3 series. I am looking at the diesel variants and have read about the new 3 but have found that except for the ugly rear led's, paddle shifts, 5series like gearbox, new hood there isn't much change.
I am getting 10% discount on the 2008 model and want a definitive answer if it's worth waiting for the 2009 without the discount?
Cheers

[canucklion]

I suggest you read more or at least learn more about the differences. Exterior-wise, different headlights, tailights, side mirrors, revised front bumper, hoold and trunk (boot) lid. Interior-wise, updated trims+finishing touches, new i-Drive (if opted). Take the time to do more research, there are lots of threads outlining the differences between 2008 and 2009.

[BK]

Here's a hint: new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive

[akack79]

There's not as much difference for the 2008 vs 09 coupes.

Sedans have quite a bit of change.

But like others have mentioned, new and improved I-Drive.

[demosthenes]

A 10% discount amounts to lots of bucks. When you eventually sell your car, you'll get less for the 2008 but not 10% less.

But you can probably get a good discount on a 2009. The car market is very slow and you should be able to get a good deal.

[Inzane]

Originally Posted by BK

Here's a hint: new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive new iDrive

Not needed, not needed, not needed, not needed, not needed...

[jlstyle]

I would take new 3 sedan in heart beat.
Finish on 09 is much nicer.

[morphin1]

Thanks a lot for the input. The new Idrive sounds interesting but I don't care much for it.
I agree with ya Demos, but 4years down the line when the new 3 comes out how much do you think my 2008 Dec model would lose out?
I am currently getting the 320D for about US$64,000.That's after a 10% discount.
So the 2009 would cost me close to 70k
Now what do you guys think?

[canucklion]

I think you should make up your own mind, we don't know your financial situation or your personal preferences to make a decision for you. Case in point, I for one would go for the 09 vs 08 for the new iDrive alone, but it sounds like you don't care too much for it, so back to my original point, do lots of research and decide for yourself which model is the best fit for your situation.

Originally Posted by morphin1

Thanks a lot for the input. The new Idrive sounds interesting but I don't care much for it.
I agree with ya Demos, but 4years down the line when the new 3 comes out how much do you think my 2008 Dec model would lose out?
I am currently getting the 320D for about US$64,000.That's after a 10% discount.
So the 2009 would cost me close to 70k
Now what do you guys think?

[morphin1]

What kind of problems do you guys have with the existing idrive?
Is it so horrendous that a 10% discount on 2008 is not worth it?
Thanks again all

[Tallest]

Originally Posted by morphin1

Hi all,
Am really confused if I should buy the 2008 or 2009 3 series. I am looking at the diesel variants and have read about the new 3 but have found that except for the ugly rear led's, paddle shifts, 5series like gearbox, new hood there isn't much change.
I am getting 10% discount on the 2008 model and want a definitive answer if it's worth waiting for the 2009 without the discount?
Cheers

i would take the discount. I prefer the look of pre LCI car - rear is worse now on sedan IMHO and blackliens make it better, while the front now looks like coupe and I liked the moustache grill more as it reminded me of the 6 series.

[Lassaxi]

This is probably one of the oldest debates in automotive history. Do I save some money and buy the previous model year? Or do I spend more cash and get the latest and greatest?

Like canuck said, there is no right answer to this question. It all depends on your personal preferences. Personally, I would prefer the '09, particularly for the new iDrive and the revised styling. But I'm biased because I already have an '07 E90, so buying an 08 E90 would have little point for me. I also have a friend who just went out of his way to get on '08 because he didn't care for most of the updates, and bang for the buck was paramount. Guess what? He may not have the latest and greatest, but he still got a great car at a great price.

The bottom line is that you have to make this decision for yourself. We can't make it for you.

[canucklion]

I-Drive subforum:

I-Drive / Navigation Related Discussion

Originally Posted by morphin1

What kind of problems do you guys have with the existing idrive?
Is it so horrendous that a 10% discount on 2008 is not worth it?
Thanks again all

[Kilgore Trout]

there are a few other small improvements (besides Idrive), like PDC on both both the front end and back end.

I opted for a '09 for two main reasons: I really wanted Idrive, and I wanted a wagon (not many wagon options on dealer lots, sadly).

There are also now new interior/exterior color combos that you might or might not want.

[canucklion]

That's only applicable to the US and Canada as front PDC has been available to customers in BMW's other markets around the world. The OP is in India.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

there are a few other small improvements (besides Idrive), like PDC on both both the front end and back end.

[SAZABI]

You should consider that you do get some discount from 09 model too?
So the difference is actually less than 10%

For me, the difference was only a few percent. Plus the fact that the 09 model has lower MSRP compared to the 08. So, it was a no brainer for me.

[Kilgore Trout]

Originally Posted by canucklion

That's only applicable to the US and Canada as front PDC has been available to customers in BMW's other markets around the world. The OP is in India.

Good catch!

[JoeyFiasco]

you get a shiny light switch on the '09s.. that's it.

Originally Posted by akack79

There's not as much difference for the 2008 vs 09 coupes.

Sedans have quite a bit of change.

But like others have mentioned, new and improved I-Drive.

[Deda]

2009 looking better and new idrive!

[3lusive]

well considering the fact that you drove or drive a toyota corolla, any bmw will be a huge upgrade. so go 2008 if you want a good deal for a great car, or get 2009 if you want to be the talk of the town i suppose.

[morphin1]

Thanks for the great inputs 320what,Lassaxi, Canucklion,Trout, sazabi,joey,Deda and 3lusive
I won't be getting any discount on the 09 3 series as this segment rarely gives discount except for year end models or shell change/LCI.
Well GPS navigation is just getting started here and is not offered by BMW for India yet.
So I am stuck with other features of Idrive I guess.Can I play mp3's and ipod music on 2008 idrive?
Since most of you guys own the pre LCI models, are there any serious problems with the old Idrive?I am not handicapped gadgets wise and for th few moments i was in the car didn't feel it as complicated as I have read about it.
I feel the new Idrive is a more dumbed down version of the existing one, good for soccer moms I guess who can't go to CD from inside the menu lol.(J/k)
Thanks

[monacoblue335i]

Originally Posted by SAZABI

You should consider that you do get some discount from 09 model too?
So the difference is actually less than 10%

For me, the difference was only a few percent. Plus the fact that the 09 model has lower MSRP compared to the 08. So, it was a no brainer for me.

I don't know about Canadian pricing but I believe in the US, 09 models cost more depending on the options.