e90 M3 vs 550i

[Ender's Game]

I am cross shopping between the two. Already test drove the e90 M3 (love it). Both are offered in a manual. Anyone have any thoughts?

[M3PGH]

do you need the extra space with the 550i? If not then just go with the M3!

[Ender's Game]

Originally Posted by M3PGH

do you need the extra space with the 550i? If not then just go with the M3!

I have two children, both in car seats. So not really, but I do love all the new tech in the 550i (heads up display, etc)

[alpineweissM3]

How do you cross shop an M3 and a 550? Sorry, but those cars are night and day. If you are considering the 550....go with the 550.

[clubspec330i]

Originally Posted by Ender's Game

I have two children, both in car seats. So not really, but I do love all the new tech in the 550i (heads up display, etc)

When I picked up my '08 E90 in May of 2008, my oldest was 4 and youngest 2 years old. The oldest has been to Street of Willow, Laguna Seca, & AAA Speedway in Fontana during the a parade lap. Would he be just as happy in the 550i as in the M3, of course he would as it is more spacious. However, daddy couldn't afford 550i so he settled for E90 M3..

The funny thing is that my boy, oldest, prefers mommy's X5 while his younger sister prefers daddy's M3.

Whatever car you pick is not going to disappoint you; especially with a 400HP/450TQ and tuning possibilities of a twin turbo charged engine....

[Ender's Game]

While I do like the 550i. I LOVE the M3. My son loves the M3, too. Every time I am on the bmwusa website he always wants me to build a red one! It is really cool that you have taken your son to some many places. I plan on sharing the same thing with my boy, too. My little girl is only 9 months, but I am working on her as well.

[albertM3]

Originally Posted by Ender's Game

While I do like the 550i. I LOVE the M3. My son loves the M3, too. Every time I am on the bmwusa website he always wants me to build a red one! It is really cool that you have taken your son to some many places. I plan on sharing the same thing with my boy, too. My little girl is only 9 months, but I am working on her as well.

I had the same dilemma getting out of my GTR to fit my 4 & 9 year olds in the back seats and decided to go for the M3 and eventhough initially was plannning in getting the e90 I found the e92 back seats were adult size and somewhat more comfortable because the outside seats are not so close to the back wheel arches which seemed to push the passenger towards the inside. I strongly considered the 550 coming out of the GTR because of the new styling and the engine's 400hp and 450lb-ft of torque available around 1,800 rpm but decided to go for the aspirated engine instead of another twin turbo plus with only 2 kids, I do not need the extra middle seat.

[TPE_toy]

Originally Posted by alpineweissM3

How do you cross shop an M3 and a 550? Sorry, but those cars are night and day. If you are considering the 550....go with the 550.

Not everybody drives an M3 is an enthusiast. there are some drive one for show. "hey, look what I've got"

[Ender's Game]

Originally Posted by TPE_toy

Not everybody drives an M3 is an enthusiast. there are some drive one for show. "hey, look what I've got"

So are you trying to say just because I'm shopping between both I am not an enthusiast? They are both V8, the both have more than 400 hp, they both come with a manual transmission, and they both are BMWs. They both have pros and cons to them. Its not like I am asking between an M3 and a Toyota Avalon.

True there are different levels of enthusiasts out there. I am only 30 and I am just finishing my residency so I honestly don't know how much hard core driving I will get to do. I do want to autocross and do track days. I do plan on going to racing schools and actually learning how to get the most of my car. This obviously lends more towards an M3. However, I know in reality most of my driving will be shuffling my kids to daycare, driving to work, and spending time on the highway. This may or may not be better served by driving a 550i. I was simply asking if anyone shared the same thoughts.

Sorry if I sound a bit defensive, I guess the original comment kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

[MaxL]

Originally Posted by Ender's Game

So are you trying to say just because I'm shopping between both I am not an enthusiast? They are both V8, the both have more than 400 hp, they both come with a manual transmission, and they both are BMWs. They both have pros and cons to them. Its not like I am asking between an M3 and a Toyota Avalon.

True there are different levels of enthusiasts out there. I am only 30 and I am just finishing my residency so I honestly don't know how much hard core driving I will get to do. I do want to autocross and do track days. I do plan on going to racing schools and actually learning how to get the most of my car. This obviously lends more towards an M3. However, I know in reality most of my driving will be shuffling my kids to daycare, driving to work, and spending time on the highway. This may or may not be better served by driving a 550i. I was simply asking if anyone shared the same thoughts.

Sorry if I sound a bit defensive, I guess the original comment kind of rubbed me the wrong way.

Totally makes sense.

If you are in fact planning to do performance driving (not on the street, that is), and you are not going to have another car for that, get M3. It has enough space - comparable the previous generation 5 series - and is very comfortable. You will not be as happy tracking 550 even at the entry level - with that suspension set up, torque, and weight, you will go through tires and brakes fast, and your progress will be slower because the car will not communicate as much.

When daily driving, 550 may be better, but only if you value extra space or some extra gadgets. When I asked myself similar question, I realized I would not really benefit form more space in 5, and M3 has more gadgets than I need already, so I dismissed 550 in a split second. But if these things have any value to you, and you are not really planning track activity more than once a year, 550 is a good choice. M3 is not faster or quicker for street driving (unless you want to risk jail time) - just more involving.

[Ender's Game]

MaxL,

Thanks. I do believe I would get more satisfaction with the M3. I really want to autocross and do some track days so I am definitely leaning toward the M3. Plus, I know everytime I get in one I'll smile from ear to ear.

[SunnyD]

I'm assuming you're talking about the F10 550, but it all really depends on what you value out of your car. The e90 m3 has a high revving v8 with low torque compared to the 550 (295 vs. 450 lb-ft). The 550 will be a lot easier to drive in the city with all that torque available at 1800 rpms, whereas you'll have to be above 4500 rpms in the m3 to get it to really go.

I'm partial to the e90 m3, but you can't go wrong with either car.

[luckistryke]

Imo for the fun factor, get the 550i for the streets and get a dedicated track car like a used miata and mod the hell out of it.

[bobbyd1961]

Originally Posted by Ender's Game

I am cross shopping between the two. Already test drove the e90 M3 (love it). Both are offered in a manual. Anyone have any thoughts?

i prefer the M3 sedan. seats 5 and is a monster. maybe my second car will be the 550xi

[Jeff_DML]

I have a m3 sedan and have 2 small kids, 4 and 2. Works great slogging them to daycare/preschool then you can still have some fun when you get some time to drive alone.
Lack of low end torque is not a issue, not like the m3 is some vtec honda.

[mixja]

The F10 550i has serious modding potential - check out http://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335859 - 620HP potential

[MPakE90]

I was debating between the two, but in the end I chose the e90 m3 for a couple of reasons.
1. The days of a naturally aspirated V8 powered M3 are soon going to be over
2. The 550i is going to be around for a while in case you decide to change your mind
3. I'm not too sure on the reliability of the the first year 550i's with all the new technology, not to mention the future resale value if you compare a car in the end of its life cycle to another car in its beginning

I say go with whatever makes you happier. You can't really go wrong with either one

[crunge]

I'm coming from a 2008 550i sport with the Sport Auto transmission. My two previous cars were a manual 530i and a manual 330i.

I've enjoyed all three cars, and the 550i is a great car, especially with the HUD, which is unfortunately unavailable on the 3's. That said, I've wanted a sedan M3 (I have kids) for some time and now is the one time one is available (or will be available for some time). Add to that the fact that I want a naturally aspirated engine (at least right now) and the 2011 M3 is for me. I'm wrapping up the paperwork now for ED in early August (something of a second honeymoon with my wife). I can't wait!

[Ender's Game]

Originally Posted by crunge

I'm coming from a 2008 550i sport with the Sport Auto transmission. My two previous cars were a manual 530i and a manual 330i.

I've enjoyed all three cars, and the 550i is a great car, especially with the HUD, which is unfortunately unavailable on the 3's. That said, I've wanted a sedan M3 (I have kids) for some time and now is the one time one is available (or will be available for some time). Add to that the fact that I want a naturally aspirated engine (at least right now) and the 2011 M3 is for me. I'm wrapping up the paperwork now for ED in early August (something of a second honeymoon with my wife). I can't wait!

Congrats! I will be hopefully getting mine sometime in November w/ Performance Delivery.

[Leozap]

Why do people think that you have to be an enthusiast to buy an M3...? If you like the car, just get it. I saw at least 4 different women driving the M3s in NY and I am sure not all of the M3 owners sign up on this forum lol.

[GnokGnik]

550i definitely. As a sole, daily-driver's car... FI efficiency trumps track tuned NA. Buy the M3 when you already have a Honda accord to drive the kids around with.

[bobbyd1961]

you made the correct decision. M3 yeehaa!!!