BMW M340i as an Analyst?

Currently a first-year S&T analyst (ignore the title) at a BB in NYC. Always been super into cars, but coming from a low-income background, was never able to satisfy that desire. Additionally, having grown up in the New York area, BMW's have been incredibly popular. However, as a first-year analyst expecting to make ~135-145k for my first full year, would it be financially ok to purchase a BMW M340i, Certified Pre-Owned/Used, in the high 30's/low 40's range?

17 Comments
 

Would say go for it if you’re in CT or NJ, but it’s a tough one if you’re located in NYC. Just the streets of the city alone will ruin your suspensions and don’t even get me started about the weather, low speed limit, and riff raffs that will trash your car anytime it’s parked in the street.

I got myself the m440 as soon as I left the area and would highly recommend the m340/m440 otherwise, it’s a fantastic car and super quick but make sure to get the warranties cause any parts breaking down will easily run you couple grands if not covered.

 
Most Helpful

I don't think this is the worst idea if you have a consistent place to park, if you have property in the outer boroughs or LI and see your family a lot etc...
You're going to get killed on expenses for insurance and parking if you don't have a plan. Estimate annual gas, parking, miscellaneous fees, and insurance - you don't have much left in your after tax savings after buying the car. Wouldn't rely on the car for a daily work commute either.

In contrast to some other comments I disagree on maintenance and repairs only because if you're smart you'd be buying a CPO with a factory warranty extension or supplemental coverage; the majority of those expenses are included with exceptions for a few of the higher end BMWs that are well outside of your price range.

Personally I would cut your budget in half and get a Boxster or a MX-5 instead.

 

I daily my G80 M3 and the maintenance cost really isn’t that high. Ofc it’s going to be higher than a Honda but I haven’t had any issues. I commute in the Bay Area so idk if the weather and roads in NY are going to be a contributing factor. In general I think people overestimate the maintenance cost.

 

I wouldn't have done it in NYC but I bought an F80 M3 as an AN2 in another major city where people don't drive places and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I hardly even drive it since I only use it for fun on the weekends and I want to keep the mileage down for resale purposes. On an M340 you'll lose a lot more on depreciation if you plan to resell, and the parking and insurance costs add up and you'll never get back. I'd at least wait until AN2 and consider getting something with better resale value if you don't want to set yourself back quite as much on paper.

 

As far as the cost of maintenance goes you’re wayyyy good with that car. It’s probably one of the best built BMWs of all time. So I don’t think the specific car is the problem but as someone who has lived in East coast cities I will also mention that it might not be worth it specifically in NYC where you will be grinding 80 hour weeks anyways.

 

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