After much mental masturbation, I ordered the 330i today. I went back and forth wringing my hands over the various engine options that are being speculated about. We know the 335 twin turbo is coming but the fate of the 325 and 330 are still up in the air. The likely scenario is a 328 and the 335. BMW does not want to offer too many choices in the 3 series.

Ultimately, I decided that the 330 will be best because it is available now, it is a proven engine whereas the 335 will more than likely have problems as it is brand new and introduces two turbos, the cost of the 335 will be a significant bump over the 330, the 335 will only be offered as a coupe until probably next year, and since I'm leasing, the worry about what to do with a defunct model is not my problem. When it's done, I turn it back in. I ruled out a CPO E46 M3 for a couple of reasons: It would be an '02 or maybe an '03 to fit my budget, and it is really nice to get something brand new.

The order went in for a Black Sapphire/Terra Leather, Step, Sport, Premium, Nav, Comfort Access, PDC, and folding rear seats. It is a Week 17 production so it should be here in early June. There was one coming off the boat this month in the exact same combo except it does not have folding rear seats and instead has heated seats. I have no need for heated seats where I live but I do need folding rear seats with the ski bag for my hockey sticks and larger cargo. So the waiting begins. No money has exchanged hands yet either.

I already have three mods planned. I just can't leave it alone.

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