If M3 comes in too expensive, what would your next car be?

[bulletproof]

This is a tough choice for me.

Obviously, there is the 335i which looks great with the aero package and 19's.

There's also the S5 that should start at 52K base well equipped. These seem to be the only similar cars worth buying under the M3's price range.

Unless you go used that is...

[JEllis]

When you start to consider other options in this price you understand how great the new M3 is going to be.

The only other options really are the 335 and the S5 which are both lesser cars. The RS4 is actually more expensive and the Benz's are too expensive as well.

Anyways, the S5 would be an option for me too as well as the 335...or maybe just waiting for some used M's to pop up.

However, I am still betting on a 57K base tops....

Jason

[MI6]

Originally Posted by bulletproof

This is a tough choice for me.

Obviously, there is the 335i which looks great with the aero package and 19's.

There's also the S5 that should start at 52K base well equipped. These seem to be the only similar cars worth buying under the M3's price range.

Unless you go used that is...

Bulletproof........... sell the ugly Q7 and get an M3 sedan........

And if you need to haul more than get your "M" a trailer hitch........

[bulletproof]

Hardy Har! But the Q7's my all season driver. Where I live, Ive got to have something that can take a snow storm.

E92 M3 will be the car I drive when its not snowing.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by bulletproof

This is a tough choice for me.

Obviously, there is the 335i which looks great with the aero package and 19's.

There's also the S5 that should start at 52K base well equipped. These seem to be the only similar cars worth buying under the M3's price range.

Unless you go used that is...

I agree, except that the S5 well optioned may approach $60K vs $50 for the 335i. If so, $65-68K for the M3 may not be so bad.

[aerisolphaln]

I would go with the E92 335 with a Procede, even though I've never modified a car before. There just doesn't seem to be enough of a difference between the 335 and M3 to justify a 15 to 20K increase from TT to V8. And that would be before modifying the 335.

Also, I'll personally need a car next July, and if M-DCT isn't ready by then, I'll lease a 335 for 2 years, go Procede, and then consider a new M when the autoish tranny is ready.

[ChinoOrtega]

I bought the e46 m3 in 2001 for about 60$k, which is normal since its always $10-$15 above the US price, I ordered my e92 M3 yesterday, it was $95 with no extras and I had to get them all, it came to $118, I know its a lot since in Guatemala I could get the 997S for a little more, but I just love BMW, every extra is expensive, the stereo about 2100 euros, extended leather 2000 euros, its a long list and I was amazed when I got the standar equipment lis which has first aid kit, rugs, exterior mirrors!!!!! Anyway we get the german version and I expect it in November 07.

[esquire]

i'd stay with my 335i. i would, however, be interested in seeing what the rs5 is capable of. the m5 might also be a consideration, though it's soon on its way out.

[OBI_agent]

Originally Posted by bulletproof

This is a tough choice for me.

Obviously, there is the 335i which looks great with the aero package and 19's.

There's also the S5 that should start at 52K base well equipped. These seem to be the only similar cars worth buying under the M3's price range.

Unless you go used that is...

Maybe a 135i fully loaded, with procede

[ZuerstBMW]

335i coupe and the 135i (after I sell my FJ)

[nusevad]

either a 135 or 335, but most likely a 335.

[Romo]

I would buy a 335i with the M package.......................

[lucid]

I would go for either a '06 M3 with competition package or a '06 911S. Both would be under warranty for another 2 years.

[bruce.augenstein@comcast.]

Originally Posted by bulletproof

This is a tough choice for me.

Obviously, there is the 335i which looks great with the aero package and 19's.

There's also the S5 that should start at 52K base well equipped. These seem to be the only similar cars worth buying under the M3's price range.

Unless you go used that is...

335i is out for me because of the open rear and run flats. I'd be looking at the S5, Z51 Vette, Boxster, Cayman - and yeah, the Cooper S and GTI 2.0.

Bruce

[///Murdock]

Originally Posted by esquire

i'd stay with my 335i. i would, however, be interested in seeing what the rs5 is capable of. the m5 might also be a consideration, though it's soon on its way out.

335 vs M3 no chance in any category...

and who are u to say to M5 is on its way out....

i've read smarter posts before.

[chonko]

If the M3 base is too pricey (above $58K), I think I will keep my car.

[NavNurs]

I would never purchase a wanna-be M3. If they choose to move the price up market, I will simply wait and go used in a year or two.

Price is one of the reasons this car has sold as well as it has. If they choose to raise it much beyond an 8% increase, I am afraid many probable buyers will move on to other cars. As I understand it, the 997S is a brilliant car. It would be very dangerous to come too close to it's range.

My typical usage is ~70K miles. It makes no difference to me if these are from 1-71, or 20-90K miles.

[DrewKo]

135i with Procede...will be an M killer. Those cars are going to be fast, fast, fast, which I'm into.

[lucid]

Originally Posted by DrewKo

135i with Procede...will be an M killer. Those cars are going to be fast, fast, fast, which I'm into.

Don't be fooled by its looks. The 135i is not too much lighter than the 335i.

[aerisolphaln]

Originally Posted by lucid

Don't be fooled by its looks. The 135i is not too much lighter than the 335i.

No, but a 335 with a Procede will likely be an M3 killer in almost all applications.

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by aerisolphaln

No, but a 335 with a Procede will likely be an M3 killer in almost all applications.

That is a joke... right? How will adding horsepower add to the performance of the 335's other applications?

I have yet seen a 335 owner post a 0~60 of 4.4 seconds. So I really don't get your above statments.







-Garrett

[lucid]

Originally Posted by aerisolphaln

No, but a 335 with a Procede will likely be an M3 killer in almost all applications.

As debated many time before on this forum, to bring a lesser BMW car to M standards, one would have to not only chip the engine, but upgrade the suspension, transmission, chassis, and beef up the structural components of the engine, and lose the warranty. So such “I can chip the engine for less” arguments are null and dull. Not to mention the 135 is one ugly car.