Looking into a m3 but concerned.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

BMW designs are timeless to a certain degree. By that I mean that they age well. Even a well kept e46 M3 still looks good to my eyes. The feel of a NA V8 is special, and won't be duplicated by a turbo 6.

There are also disadvantages to getting the latest model immediately.

1. Invariably, there are are bugs to get worked out. Look at the issue with oil pumps in the new M5, for instance.

2. Manufacturers always improve on the model mid production. After this, IMO, is actually the the best time to get a car. There is also a decent aftermarket already in place if you are in to modding.

3. Production of the current M3 will continue until late spring 2013. There will be a one year gap for the next M3 to actually reach the market, which means summer/fall 2014. That is still almost 2 years before the first batch is released. Then give it at least a year to get at least the first bugs worked out and you are looking at 2015 to actually buy.

Bottom line, get the e9x now. It wins on many fronts.

I will most likely do a 3 year lease on this car, because i know i will want something different in time. you have made me feel better about getting a m3. going to look at one today. but will probably wait tell spring to lease one out.

[Powerbeast]

Just buy one already you won't regret it. Stop making up excuses get your ass up and go get it!!!

[rev7400]

Why is it that you're only comparing sound?

There's a lot more to a car than it's sound. Especially a BMW M.

[sin911]

The engine was the only reason I went for the E92, period.

I'm sure the new model will be looking great, lighter, and faster but turbo engines are not for me.

[Ezio]

Originally Posted by rev7400

Why is it that you're only comparing sound?

There's a lot more to a car than it's sound. Especially a BMW M.

sound is the only reason i do not want the new model. 6 cylinders just doesn't do it for me.

I like the m3 for the overall package. class, looks, handling, power and sound.

if all i cared about was sound, i would go with a supercharged GT500. lets be honest.

[1fastdoc]

I was between the Boss 302, GT500, (R)S4, 997 and M3. The Boss is a great track car but after being in an M3 it was very painfully clear that the Boss was still just a Ford -- no "luxury" options.

The GT500 on the other hand can be loaded to the hilt but as you may already know, it's possible to get the price into the 70's, on par with a loaded M3. I spent a long time trying to decide on paper because getting down to dealers is difficult with my schedule. Once I was able to do so I managed to easily rule out every car but the M. It just felt right. I'm like you, I prefer the V8 to a 6. I saw someone else mention the M6. The M3 sounds docile compared to that beast.

Assuming you haven't driven the GT500 yet, I would try to get into one. Since you like newest and latest you'll probably be very happy with a 662 hp car that gets better gas mileage than the E9x M's.

[clar]

OP, like u, i am usually the sort who prefers the newest model. However, I have a sense that i will still keep my E92 M3 even when i sign on the order form for the next M3. I have already prepared my wife mentally that there is a good likelihood that there will be 2 M3s and 1 M5 in the household in the not too distant future. The V8 alone in the current car makes it a classic. There has never been a better engine in any road going M3. Nothing that has this much character and flair. No, the limited run E46 M3 GTR don't count as that's one homologation special. U will regret not having owned a NA M3 if u give this one a miss.

[S65NAPWR]

Originally Posted by clar

OP, like u, i am usually the sort who prefers the newest model. However, I have a sense that i will still keep my E92 M3 even when i sign on the order form for the next M3. I have already prepared my wife mentally that there is a good likelihood that there will be 2 M3s and 1 M5 in the household in the not too distant future. The V8 alone in the current car makes it a classic. There has never been a better engine in any road going M3. Nothing that has this much character and flair. No, the limited run E46 M3 GTR don't count as that's one homologation special. U will regret not having owned a NA M3 if u give this one a miss.

+1

[flanast]

Originally Posted by jphughan

Get the M3 now and upgrade to the LCI next-gen model if at all. Being one of the first to own the latest greatest on complex expensive cars isn't a great idea IMHO. I'd rather buy a late model year of a generation when the car will be the best it can be overall (minus cost-cutting stuff like vinyl sun visors) than deal with potential early model year issues and buyer's remorse when subsequent model years have new option packages etc.

+1

[E90ab335i]

Originally Posted by lthai

How can you say you don't like the new 6 cylinder engine if you've never driven it? A V8 M5 is completely different from a V8 550i.

You're basically comparing apples to imaginary apples.

+1

[oregon335iowner]

I would wait for the new M3 to come out and try that. I have driven a 2008 M3 for some time now and although i love the naturally aspirated V8, i sure miss having a super charged/turbo car that has a lot of low end power. You really have to get into the M3 and drive it crazy fast to experience the thrill of this motor.

[dtmwerksm3]

Don't wait — buy a nice used M3 now, then when the F82 comes out give er' a test drive and if you gotta have it just trade the e92 in.

[SamS]

OP says he's gonna lease for 3 years. Then I say go for it. When your lease is up the F80 and the F82 will be available and probably very tempting.

M3 good = 7000+rpm
M3 bad = terrible mpg

Jekyll and Hyde, for certain.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

1) Find a dealer with the most ///M3's (with the options you desire) in stock.

2) No need to see the car since it will be new when you pick it up.

3) Tell them to give you the best price (and they will since they have more then a few in stock) then go on and tell them you are looking at other cars at other dealerships and you will be going after the best price offer.

My final recommendation ...

4) Finance the car do not lease it (unless you can write it off on a private business) leasing as we all know always turns out more expensive in the long run (high interest rates etc.) unless it reduces the business tax burden.

Just my thoughts to your original post ... since you have plans to do this in early spring it will give you time to shop around.

Once you made a deal all you need is go and pick it up, it will be a fantastic drive home I can assure you (a one way air ticket will be easy to justify as well as fuel costs from the money you save on a good deal). I got a super deal on my last ///M3 the dealer had 8 ///M's in his inventory.

Good Hunting!

[JJunkins]

Get the V8. I just bought the E92 M3 and I also have a 335i coupe (for the wife). There's absolutely no comparison between that tiny whistle on the 335i turbo blowoff and the mega beast animal downshift growl of that DCT V8 in S5. No comparison homie. My wife said "is it that loud outside the car?". Yeah, it's awesome and you know you want some awesomeness.

[Giggs]

Dude, buy used. Here's my thinking... you can find a nice used M3 in the $40k range or less. Apply on www.penfed.com for an auto loan at 1.49%. They will lend you 100% of blue-book value. The payment on $40,000 at 1.49% is $692/month. Only $49.67 per month of that is interest payments, which means you are paying down the principle balance of your loan by $642.33/month. When the new M3 comes out, go test drive it. If you like it, sell your e92 and buy/lease the new one. By buying used you won't be stuck in a lease on your current M3 when the new one comes out. The NA e92 M3s are in high demand so there should be plenty of buyers for your car when you go to sell. Case closed.

[FVM3]

go for it.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Giggs

Dude, buy used. Here's my thinking... you can find a nice used M3 in the $40k range or less. Apply on www.penfed.com for an auto loan at 1.49%. They will lend you 100% of blue-book value. The payment on $40,000 at 1.49% is $692/month. Only $49.67 per month of that is interest payments, which means you are paying down the principle balance of your loan by $642.33/month. When the new M3 comes out, go test drive it. If you like it, sell your e92 and buy/lease the new one. By buying used you won't be stuck in a lease on your current M3 when the new one comes out. The NA e92 M3s are in high demand so there should be plenty of buyers for your car when you go to sell. Case closed.

And a good case example it is

[sycd]

Originally Posted by JJunkins

Get the V8. I just bought the E92 M3 and I also have a 335i coupe (for the wife). There's absolutely no comparison between that tiny whistle on the 335i turbo blowoff and the mega beast animal downshift growl of that DCT V8 in S5. No comparison homie. My wife said "is it that loud outside the car?". Yeah, it's awesome and you know you want some awesomeness.

[Denk]

The current M3 is still "new". The s65 is sublime, I say go for it.

[ilya335]

It is the first and last M3 V8. You won't regret it.

[Vic311]

Originally Posted by Powerbeast

Just buy one already you won't regret it. Stop making up excuses get your ass up and go get it!!!