Hey guys. I'm really stuck. Getting a new car this month but the more I look into things, the more I can't decide. I've looked at some threads already comparing G37S to IPL but the advice is basically, get the IPL if I plan to keep it stock. If I get the G37S, I'll likely put a grand or two into modding but probably mostly leave stock. Don't know if I would do anything if I got the IPL.

I really wanted an IPL to begin with, but looking at all the MY changes, I feel like the 09 model isn't that much different than the 2011 models aside from some cosmetics (even that looks very similar). Pretty much the same function.

2011 IPL goes for around 26-27K in my area.

2009 G37S goes for like 21K.

Both at around 50Kish miles. Is IPL worth the extra $5K? The more I think about it, the more I can't justify the upgrade. I am thinking IPL may be easier to sell and may sell for a little more when I want to get rid of it though.

I'm also looking at e92 335i or e46m3. But G is my biggest contender due to it's reputed reliability.

 

Don't get an E92 335i...I had an E60 535i (same engine and it's nice when it works but it's really junk if you ask me) The N54 engine is not good in my opinion. I had my 535i for 8 months and after 2 HPFP failures I couldn't take it anymore. Just google "N54 HPFP" and you'll see what I'm talking about -- well documented problem. I also had the infamous turbo wastegate rattle which drove me insane.

One difference you're forgetting between 2009 and 2011 is the 11' will have 2 more years left on the powertrain warranty as well. Also the IPL comes fully loaded so you don't have to waste time finding a G37S with the right packages (since it seems that you're on a bit of a time crunch). On the flip side, you get more color options. I would have loved a normal black IPL (instead of Malbec). I ended up with Graphite Shadow though.

I was in the same boat as you about a month ago and went with an 11' IPL and I love it. You get the upgraded wheels, exhaust, full body kit, little more hp/tq and more years on the warranty...all of this combined was worth the extra 4-5k in my opinion.

 

I agree with WolfgangVH. Go with the IPL, 50K miles is no big deal. You get a lot of car for the money, a very good balance between form, function and reliability. I was also looking at a BMW 335 and pretty much set on it but after I read all the HPFP horror stories i just didn't want to deal with the headache and went with the 2011 IPL. And I really like the Malbec black and get tons of compliments on the color and the car.

True Story: I was hanging out a park and a guy approached me asking me about my car and was all goo goo ga ga over it then he goes on to say - Dude do you wanna trade, I was said no, then he offered some extra cash with the trade and I said no, but he was persistent and then goes on and says, Dude my car plus extra cash and I'll throw in my girl friend for a week, I just laughed and said no and drove away.

 

I've had a couple 3 series over the years. e90 335i with n54 and a e90 335d. I am a little worried about **** breaking... I had my HPFP die around 45K I think, but those are warrantied till 120K, so not really worried. It's all the other stuff that bothers me. I can't remember if I had the wastegate rattle. Had an 08. At the same time, it's the fact that I've experienced what a 335 can do that makes me want to get another one. The steering is also a plus. Only reason I got a 2011 335d instead of 2012 is because it still had hydraulic steering.

So you're voting yes for the IPL? Is the powertrain warranty really worth it though? Sports package is really my only must have. I have a month to get a car basically.

I may call the dealership with IPL later... see if they're willing to work something out.

 

I am leaning more towards the G right now. But ironically HPFP is actually one of the issues I am not at all afraid of. Former n54 driver. I felt the N54 was actually more reliable than the M57 (diesel). What scares me is getting half engine lights all the time; not sure WTF is wrong. Car will mostly drive in good condition though. And 335's go for early $20Kish. So it's not like I can't afford another $5k for repair on top of that. So cost wise could be a push with a IPL. I hate being so indecisive...

 

I would get the IPL, like it was mentioned above, for what you get for the extra 5k it's well worth it. Especially when you look at the cost to convert a sport to look like an IPL if that's your thing. Personally I wish I could of had the time to shop a little more for my car but I was on a serious time crunch so I went with the sport 6mt truly wish I could have gotten an IPL.

 

If you will keep it stock get IPL, for extra 5k you get upgraded bumpers and sideskirts, wheels, fully loaded and slightly better exhaust, a few extra hp which you will not feel. If you plan on doing any mods, get G37S as all those things and much more can be done for 5k.

 

If I got a G37S, I likely would only do a couple basic mods. Bodykit is cool, but doesn't mean that much to me. I kind of wanted a 2011+ because new bodystyle, but my big question is if it's worth $5k upgrade.

 

I just called the dealership and sounds like they're probably going to accept $28K for a 55k mile 2011 IPL.

I'm just being so hesitant (cheap) cause I see $21K 09/10 models which are also about 50-60K miles.

Would IPL help me much at all when I resale? Would it devalue faster than regular G37S?

 

I actually wondered this myself and convinced myself the answer was yes lol Don't hate me too much for this comparison (because IPL is no M or AMG) but M cars or AMG cars after the initial huge drop seem to level off a bit and stabilize. Even the E60 M5 is rare to find under $30k even now. You are well into the depreciation curve at $28K in my opinion but I'm no expert.

As a relative price point, I picked my IPL up for $28.9K with 34,000 mi.

Also check out CarGurus.com and look the car up on there. They provide really good insight into pricing and most importantly how long the car has been for sale (which can indicate how motivated the dealer is to sell).

Example:
Used BMW M6 For Sale Fairfax, VA - CarGurus

 

I'm not too willing to go M5 route... Dat V10 is REAL tempting, but I'm afraid I'm going to pay to play. Ironically, my buddy who has a 75K mile M5 has basically had no problems to date. Not sure I'm feeling so risky though.

I was a considering a e46m3 cause it's a reliable car from what my research tells me.

I'm actually least willing to get the 335 when I break it down like that. Highest potential to be quick for cheap but equally high risk of **** breaking.


BTW is that $28.9K price including taxes and fees?

 

$28.9K was asking price, I think it was about $30.5k out the door. I didn't want to haggle them too much on the price cause they paid off my trade in.

 

They're only willing to go $29.7 out the door. Not sure if I'm going to go for it..

 

No, IMHO. It's the same car underneath. 5K for some different rims(which look ugly to me) & a body kit that also isn't that nice looking(rear especially)
If anyone can show the IPL has ANY performance difference from a S I welcome the data...

 

It also has different spring rates, full dual exhaust, and a different ecu tune similar to the nismo 370z ecu.

so it should have more power but I don't have any data to show.