2011 or 2011.5 M3?

[Mr Friese]

Hey guys, I'm currently trying to decide between two M3s, one is a 2011 and one is a 2011.5 One car is stripped while the other has some decent options, also both are e92s, here are the actual specs of each:

2011:

Melbourne Red
6MT
Carbon Fiber Roof
Aluminum Trim
~6000 Miles

2011.5:

Melbourne Red
6MT
Sunroof
Aluminum Trim
Competition Package
Convenience Package
~7000 Miles

I'm having a real hard time deciding between the two, mileage is about the same, but I'd be spending about $4000 more on the 11.5, it also doesn't have the CF roof which I'm not crazy about. However it DOES have the standard M button and comp pkg which I like. Which one would you guys choose and why?

Thank you

[OC3]

Just continue searching for one that has all your desired options...

[SD-E93-11]

Do you have interest in using start/stop tech in a performance car?

Do either have I-Drive/Nav?

If the answer is no to both questions, then it won't make a difference.

[Hologram7]

I'd personally pick option 1, mainly for the CF roof.

[DBH]

If the price diff was ~$2k, I would have gone option #2 with comp package. For $4k, I'd go option #1 and buy upgraded tires/wheels and/or other mods.

[M3Denver]

If your gonna spend between 50 - 60 K on a car dont settle! wait for the one with the options you want to pop up. I just bought my car and was going through the same debate you were in your head. Here are some tips

1. Take your time, look at autotrader to see whats available with in your price range take the time to notice price trends and what you should be negotiating for.
2. Set up an daily new auto notice from autotrader so when new M3s pop up
3. Consider resale value, generally the car with more packages will hold value a little better then a more bare bones model if you ever plan on reselling
4. If you want the CF roof... wait for it!! it is definitely worth the wait when you get everything you want... in other words you want Jessica Alba but are settling for
Allison Haningan??? why the hell would you do that!
5. The cars you see will depreciate until you find the one you want, so you could end up picking up the one you always wanted for less as time goes on and the newer models roll out.

[Mike van D]

^^^ this, don't settle.

[Mr Friese]

I actually wouldn't mind a stripped car at all, the only things holding me back from option 1 are the comp pkg and the standard M button feature. Are they valuable enough that I should wait or take option 2? That's basically what I'm trying to decide...

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by Mr Friese

I actually wouldn't mind a stripped car at all, the only things holding me back from option 1 are the comp pkg and the standard M button feature. Are they valuable enough that I should wait or take option 2? That's basically what I'm trying to decide...

IMHO the sport Servotronic setting is indispensable for track and even fun driving on twisty roads, and it's only available with M Drive. I like the normal setting for normal commuting, but it's way too light for harder driving. MDM can also be helpful on-track as you're starting out. Some use it on the street and while I tend to be more reserved on the road and save that type of driving for the track, it is a nice mode that allows some play without letting things go very wrong.

EDC is also nice but not indispensable IMHO. As for the sunroof, I wouldn't let that hold you back too much. It can be nice to open the roof, plus the steel roof lets less road noise through than CF. Those are the main reasons I got it, plus I didn't like how Le Mans Blue looked with CF. The only downside for me is that I have to tilt my head slightly to the side on track weekends due to helmet clearance issues that probably wouldn't exist with CF.

If the 2011 doesn't even have iDrive though, I personally would rule it out on that basis alone. Even if you don't use the navigation feature much (I almost never do), it's a FANTASTIC interface to the entertainment and other configuration functionality of your car. Navigating an iPod on a non-iDrive system is pretty painful. Plus that 2011.5 has Bluetooth streaming, which is a nice perk as well -- and it will presumably have a slightly longer warranty if that helps you rationalize the extra cost a bit more.

Or just do what others have suggested and wait for the perfect car to come along.

[z335is]

I you don't mind the lack of options, go with the stripper - less that can go wrong, lighter, and more room for mods.

[FVM3]

cars.com to get the exact one which you want

[Mr Friese]

Originally Posted by z335is

I you don't mind the lack of options, go with the stripper - less that can go wrong, lighter, and more room for mods.

I'm actually heading down to take another look at the 2011 tonight...