E90M to X5M

[nks_bb]

I've just come across with the option of trading the E90 to an X5M. Wasn't really considering it before but a few things made me have a look to see if it was something that might work for me.

1st thing I love the M and would keep it otherwise. 1 of the reasons I would consider doing this move is, my wife and I will need to be able interchange cars, she refuses to learn to drive stick. This is what made me even look into potentially trading. 2. I DONT Track (although would love too), and lifestyle changes just keep making me push that to a later date. So I don't really get to use the M for it's full purpose. When I do go on longer drives, it's all in straight (line)highway milage. Now having said that, when I do go over 4K RPM. It is just so intoxicating whether straight, twisties or what have you.

Now here's whats really having me consider pulling this trigger.

I am on the BMW financial Ballon Financing plan. I basically have to buyout the M3 in 2 years for $28,000. At the time, I was willing to do this (Mortgage Free/ 2 kids), and to a certain extent I still am (Big difference now is I have a Mortgage PLUS 1 more kid). But... do I really want to spend $28,000 on a car with no warranty, and be paying $28K on a 7 year old car.

If I switch (lease) to the X5M now, my monthly payments would stay the same, but I am free and clear in 3 years and can start fresh. With all the options out there and coming out, this really appeals to me.

What's your take.

1.Keep the M3 and enjoy it, and potentially keep it, or move on with maybe some negative equity?

2. Trade to an X5M and have the ability for MORE options in 3 years?

The reason why I even started playing with the idea is because 3rd baby is on the way... Yes, I can fit everyone in the M3 but it would just be nice to tell my wife that I'll take the van and not have to worry about the kids messing it all up. And with the added financial freedom (or potential move to Porsche/MB/Audi/AWD M5) in 3 years... I just feel I have to give it some real thought!

[spiderspider]

I would keep the M3 and stop having babies!

j/k


I drove an X5 for awhile and had so much trouble with it...it just left a bad taste in my mouth, I guess. Personally I would try to find a way to keep the M3 and get a used japanese SUV for a 3rd vehicle if I felt i needed a bigger vehicle for family hauling. I generally do not subscribe to the idea that families *need* an SUV, however. But then again, I only have 2 kids.

As far as the numbers, you trade in your M3 for a lease and in 3 years you have nothing. You could always refinance your M3 loan, right? Rates are still low.

[Prince_of_Persia]

My only suggestion is to divorce your wife and get a girl friend that knows how to drive stick.

[gatorfast]

Sounds like the X5 M will better suit your needs.

On another note, it sounds like you may be stretching yourself financially. Might not be a bad idea to cut your losses with the M3 and get into something less expensive.

[acthad]

Congrats on the 3rd kid! Just suck up driving the van until you cannot take it anymore. Or whomever has the kids uses the van, and the negative equity thing is really a non issue vs the cost of a lease with no equity at the end. Just refi and maintain the M3 well and enjoy it until more disposable income comes your way. M3 paid off later even if 12 yrs old etc will still have equity then, so enjoy the s65 longer.

[SpacegrayMe90]

That Balloon payment sounds scary. While the X5M is pretty fast and will have more room the driving pleasure that the M3 delivers is like no other until you get into a P car or an exotic. I say keep the M3 if it's financially feasible.

[nks_bb]

Thanks guys, I was leaning towards keeping the M anyways, but wanted to hear a 3rd party opinion. Financially, it doesn't make a difference now and I will be in a financially better position in 2 years time anyway. Where I can keep the M and get a dd as well

The plan has always been, once it was time to refi the M3, turn it into a garage queen that I can enjoy on my own and get a dd.

Surprisingly, the DD I had in mind, a friend of mine just pulled up in it and let me take her... Prosche Macan S around much better, actually a WHOLE LOT better than I expected and I quite like the sound of the exhaust.

[Disturbed]

Id do the X5 as it will be a car you can keep for a while. Also sounds cheaper overall. Don't rule out liking at other cars/SUV's.

[radiantm3]

One thing to consider is that the X5M drinks gas far worse than the M3. Our X5M averages 12-13mpg. My M3 averages 17-18. The new X5M is better in the MPG area, but not by much. Also you really need a 3rd row seat with 3 kids. 3 child seats in the back of the X5M is really tight. Recaro seats definitely won't fit 3 wide.

[STooK]

So is the dealer going to let you trade in the m3 for the money you owe if you lease a x5m? I wouldn't make the move as you'll still be spending even more money than you will by buying out the m3. Pay off the m3 in 3 years, if something interests you then, trade in the m3 and get something else. If you are bored of the m3 now then maybe you should just trade it in..but it seems like most people regret it and want to come back to a e9x m3..

[avantegardestyle]

Dont do it man...........dont do it

1. Wife should learn to drive stick if she wants to interchange between cars..........while all relationships are about compromise, for your own happiness (which is essential to a good marriage) she should expand her knowledge by learning rather than you having to give up something you love just for the sake of her convenience.

2. Better to get a beater car that she can also drive, as it will be more feasible to do that than give up your M and end up regretting it and being resentful because you did.

3. Stop worrying about the Age of the car. I have said it MANY MANY times, the E9x M3 and the E60M5 will be LEGENDARY cars simply because there are no more V10 and V8's after now. the M-Badge on the F80 etc going forward is essentially a trim level rather than a separate division of Cars...........

Lucky for Me, I own my E90 outright so other than paying insurance and if something pop up, repairs it is costing me nothing. My wife knows for a happy marriage its better to leave me alone with the things i find fulfilling as a man rather than trying to reshape me...........and thats the way it should be. She can have her girl things, and I have my guy things.

Also congrats on the new Baby, We are expecting our second in a few months too............

[checkmate]

All of this is why I bought my E90. That way you can have your cake and eat it too.. babies or no babies...

[Petros]

why don't you get a used minivan? There are some cheap ones on the market.

[pooyab]

You should look into the Macan Turbo, Cayenne GTS, ML63, or GL63. Those are really nice performance SUVs.

[mjposner]

#rd option, wait two years and instead of paying balloon trade in M3 on what you want then rather than compromise now. Plus what does wife drive you want to interchange?

[SilentAttack]

That's good your wife can't drive stick. Mine can and I cringe when she takes off with the M.