M35x VS. M37x

[LP58REISH]

After having my new (to me) M35x, for about two weeks, the 5 speed transmission is driving me nuts. I have an opportunity to
return it for a smoother 2011 which has several drive modes, including ECO. Question is...since I do a lot of highway driving, does the additional cash outlay, (yet undetermined) outweigh my perceived gas mileage increase? Fortunately, due to relationships, the only financial hardship will be that I cannot escape paying state sales tax again. My price for not investigating this up front.

[Larz]

Scratches head to activate the mathematic side of the brain .... You would be getting a newer vehicle with considerably less miles on it (as you drive highways, that would be a plus). As for body style, a 2010 still has that agressive stance whereas the 2011 is the gentler, wavy, 'my dad's car' styling. Don't hate me for saying that because I see tons of newer Ms, so apparently I am one of about 6 peeps who haven't fully embraced the newer design.
As for the extra gadgets, another plus if it's something you will use. Even with 7 speeds in the newer gear box, I doubt the MPG is significantly different for stop and go, but on highways, with ECO it could add up.
The real question is ... as you already said:
how long will it take for a few extra MPG savings (16/22 Vs 17/24) to equal what you will pay in terms of extra cash needed to get the newer, higher priced car ( 27k/2010 Vs 32k/2011) + the extra sales taxes you will pay + possible increase in loan payment + possible increase in insurance rate?
Seems the extra expense is not a problem for you, just justifying it is difficult. But you only have to justify it to yourself, so if you really want more gears and really like the new design and gadgets, that should be justification enough. Go balls-out and get it!

[Partysan7]

2010 Ms have a 7spd transmission ! If I were you I would get your current vehicle tuned
and drive in Eco on highways on 91 oct. fuel should help your mpg and wallet . As for newer Ms I am not a big fan either but to each his own, just my 2 cents.

[svard75]

Let's do some math.

You are currently driving a 2010 M35x with a 5spd gearbox.
22MPG on HWY at premium fuel 91+. Tank size is 20 gallons. What's the price of fuel at the pumps these days? $3.95 for 91+? ~$79 per fill. HWY at 22MPG you'll get 440 miles between fill-ups. Assuming you average 15,000miles per year (15000/440*79=$2693.19 Cost per year for fuel) only HWY driving.

A 2011 M37x with a 7spd gearbox gets this per year using the same assumptions above. 24MPG, 20G tank.
15000/480*79=$2468.75 Cost per year for fuel only HWY driving.

Difference C.O.F. = $224.44/year

Let's say the dealer says I want $10,000 more for the newer 2011M37x after trade in. That means it will take you 44 and a half years to break even.

[bejjutsu]

Let's say the dealer says I want $10,000 more for the newer 2011M37x after trade in. That means it will take you 44 and a half years to break even.

The unfortunate reality behind most plans to sell an old car and buy a new one with better fuel economy (*to save money*).

[antzrus]

Guys, over the years on this forum and probably every year's M owners realization once they get past the wonderment and novelty of this machine is the theme: the M is a middle class expensive foray into a gaz guzzling machine. Period.

[Larz]

Well said! Although I still do my part to waste as little fuel as possible to preserve some for the rest of you lot, Antz is right. An M is an absolutely brilliant mid-priced saloon and it does NOT sip fuel. On the bright side, it's a loveable driver while it's NOT sipping that fuel, LOL. I don't consider mine a 'guzzler'. In alcoholic terms, I consider mine more like a heavy social drinker. It's fun to be around but never gets sloppy-fall-down pissed.

[antzrus]

I like your analogies Larz. So for heaven's sake, get the machine that leaves you with the nicest, warmest, fuzziest feeling. You know in "eco (what a laugh)" mode you're not going to have many rpms to Vrooooooommmmmm around those guys in the right lane...

[merlinq2]

Well said! Although I still do my part to waste as little fuel as possible to preserve some for the rest of you lot, Antz is right. An M is an absolutely brilliant mid-priced saloon and it does NOT sip fuel. On the bright side, it's a loveable driver while it's NOT sipping that fuel, LOL. I don't consider mine a 'guzzler'. In alcoholic terms, I consider mine more like a heavy social drinker. It's fun to be around but never gets sloppy-fall-down pissed.

Kind of like the James Bond on Japanese Industrial Design!

[wideopn11]

I do ok on the highway with mpg. The problem is I'm rarely on the highway and when I am it makes for a good parking lot. (66 in NOVA, need I say more). I would do ok driving around town IF and let me say that again, IF I could keep my foot off the throttle. I have a condition where my right foot is substantially heavier than my left foot making it very difficult to keep the rpms low.

[Raran1]

I don't think mileage should be the determining factor of this decision. If you get the car you feel more comfortable in and it is the right color option that you prefer, go for it! Otherwise, keep selling and you will keep getting rewarded!

[LP58REISH]

Ranran1
I know that you do plenty of hiway driving, although you never stray into the Cleveland market much anymore. What's the matter, afraid I might be inclinded to buy something?
I forget what year M35 you're in. Check out the previous post re: gas mileage.

[svard75]

I do ok on the highway with mpg. The problem is I'm rarely on the highway and when I am it makes for a good parking lot. (66 in NOVA, need I say more). I would do ok driving around town IF and let me say that again, IF I could keep my foot off the throttle. I have a condition where my right foot is substantially heavier than my left foot making it very difficult to keep the rpms low.

You too? My physician told me its called lead foot syndrome. He explained it like this. There is a nerve that runs from the foot up to the base of the spine which then directly affects the adrenal gland. The heavier the foot feels the more the adrenaline the gland releases. Very addictive indeed.

[LP58REISH]

Well its been over 6 months since I last posted regarding the drive and feel of my M35x. I assumed that the issue was one of a 2010 vs. 2011 drivetrain. Well finally, I had the service director drive the car....by himself. Upon returning, he was astonished at the horrible "MileStar" tires. Sidewalls had broken down, and created a "whirling" sound when braking.

He mentioned that the tires were so loud, he wouldn't be able to notice any bearing issues as they would be drowned out.
After some conversation, it was agreed to replace the tires at a minimal cost, along with a 4 wheel alignment.

Picked the car up yesterday. What an amazing difference with new Michelin Primacy MXV4's. It is a new car once again.
Just in time for winter in NE Ohio..........great!

[atm0sphere]

Picked the car up yesterday. What an amazing difference with new Michelin Primacy MXV4's. It is a new car once again.
Just in time for winter in NE Ohio..........great!

I hope you had the gas pedal assembly replaced as well