Should I Trade my MB E5504 for a NEW E90.

[dave70]

In December I purchased a new 2011 MB E5504. Good power and torque, but cheapish quality interior, old tech and poor support for the seats. I am seriously considering trading in for an M3 E 90.

I was originally thinking F10 550ix M sport but I am not hearing great things about sportiness factor, handling, steering feel etc.. given how much the car now weighs. (I previously owned an E60 2008 535xi.)

I have driven the M3 a few times but its hard to get a feel for how enjoyable the car is during a test drive when the CA is talking away and telling you not to take it above 5k RPMs.

This clearly is a baised forum, but it will provide me with an accurate gauge as everyone actually owns/leases an M3.

Think I wouild have any regrets..i.e. comfort, luxury tradeoff etc..?? It appears the M3 is a pretty lux with carbon firber leather and extended novillo interior..

I welcome the thoughts of all - I am probably making a decision tomorrow.

Thanks

[Prince_of_Persia]

So after this thread (http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=550ix) you are going more toward the M3? Glad to hear that.
M3 is an amazing car! it makes me smile everytime I sit in it, hear the sweet high rev engine, and get out of the car. It is the best purchased I have ever done in my entire life (no regret AT ALL)

Good luck

[klammer]

[QUOTE=Prince_of_Persia;9109294]So after this thread ([url]http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496509

[e1000]

Long time MB guy here.

The M3 will be a LOT sportier than the w212 E-class. It has plenty of creature comforts though, and depending on the options on both cars, can be more feature rich from a technology standpoint.

The E90 M3 will be slightly smaller than the E-class however. The other big difference is, the high-revving V8 definitely has a different attitude than the 5.5L V8 in the E550.

I've driven a lot of cars, especially MB's and BMW's and personally felt the M3 was the ultimate balance in fun, sportiness with a touch of luxury. I opted for the extended leather package that I think gives it just a bit more of an upscale feel to the cabin.

Good luck on your choice, they're all great cars.

[mdosu]

get the M3, it's comfy and fast. It's the best combination of everything south of the price for a 911

[nick3753]

If you can find a used one to test drive, like at Carmax, you'll get a better feel of what the car can do rather than driving with an uptight dealer holding you back.

[dave70]

Originally Posted by kpari09

Get a 550i with performance package, looks way better than a e90 m3 and drives great. I test drove one before buying my e92 and loved the overall package. It will be a nice upgrade from a e550.

If you liked the 550 so much, why did you go e92? I think I like the look of the e90 better, at least as much as the e92.

[M3Bahn]

Originally Posted by nick3753

If you can find a used one to test drive, like at Carmax, you'll get a better feel of what the car can do rather than driving with an uptight dealer holding you back.

2nd!

[dave70]

Originally Posted by kpari09

Well the main reason why I got my e92 is because I'm used to driving m3's. Been driving them for over 10 years. I just think if your used to having a luxury sedan, upgrading to a new 550i will be a nice transition. An m3 is a blast to drive but not as comfy and quiet as a 550i.

Gotcha, Thanks!

[Prince_of_Persia]

Please get it soon so you don't come and open another thread about M3 or C63 AMG tomorrow! JK

[dave70]

Originally Posted by kpari09

Well the main reason why I got my e92 is because I'm used to driving m3's. Been driving them for over 10 years. I just think if your used to having a luxury sedan, upgrading to a new 550i will be a nice transition. An m3 is a blast to drive but not as comfy and quiet as a 550i.

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

Please get it soon so you don't come and open another thread about M3 or C63 AMG tomorrow! JK

Maybe E63 never C63...

[ES_TRADER]

that is the EXACT car i was considering before getting the M3 3 months ago. in fact i almost got the mb but didn't because of one, what u mentioned, the cheapo interior...what gives? its supposed to be luxurious..everything is plasticy and the leather is terrible...my loaded honda accord has a better interior than that car...Secondly, i found it funny and weird that MB has this electronic seat bolster that pops out or pushes your body inwards during hard cornering...i came to the conclusion that they had to do this in order to make up for the car's inability to take hard turns...it does drive like a boat too.....plus they are just way too common.....so hell YES, get the M3.

oh and when the CA tells u to keep it under 5k next time, just tell him you're going to go 8.4k or walk. PERIOD. he'll stfu for sure.

[dave70]

...Ordering M3 E90

Jerez or Jet? Jerez looks a little flat depending upon lighting...

Fox Red/Black/Black or Black extended?

[Rshane]

You should post thıs questıon not only on a M3 sıte, but post ıt on a MB sıte too. You can average out the responses to get an accurate answer.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by Rshane

You should post thıs questıon not only on a M3 sıte, but post ıt on a MB sıte too. You can average out the responses to get an accurate answer.

Or, wind up 50/50, and remain in dilema.

[dave70]

Originally Posted by crazybimmer

You got a 70-80k "new" e550 in less than a year ago (mistake #1), want to take a hit and sell it at a loss (mistake #2), want to buy an older looking E90 before it goes extinct at a premium (mistake #3)? Did I miss anything?

Not to mention going from E class to 3 series I can guarantee you will be back at MBUSA in a few months when you realize how M3 starts rattling and the cheap low end interior that is 6 years old now looks boring. I dont know what to tell you but if you have so much money to throw away, I'd at least wait for the new M5 for a few more months.

YOU drive a 335, thus you are not really qualified to give an opinion. BTW, you bought your 2011 335 in the final model year with a six year old interior.

Have you been lucky enough to see the interior of an M3, much less drive one? You are on the wrong forum, or perhaps just aspiring to something beyond your means???

Did I miss anything??

[Prince_of_Persia]

Originally Posted by crazybimmer

You got a 70-80k "new" e550 in less than a year ago (mistake #1), want to take a hit and sell it at a loss (mistake #2), want to buy an older looking E90 before it goes extinct at a premium (mistake #3)? Did I miss anything?

Not to mention going from E class to 3 series I can guarantee you will be back at MBUSA in a few months when you realize how M3 starts rattling and the cheap low end interior that is 6 years old now looks boring. I dont know what to tell you but if you have so much money to throw away, I'd at least wait for the new M5 for a few more months.

First good choice for your nickname, you are absolutely CRAZY LOL. And second, when you don't drive an M3, don't post anything about it, whenever you own one, come back and talk here.

Dave, congrats for your new purchase, Enjoy ...

[Rshane]

Originally Posted by crazybimmer

Oh and you asked, not that it matters but I test drove an M3 more than I test drove 335, its funny actually. All body styles, multiple times. Was shocked to see all that money (interior wise) gets you 2 more buttons and a few M logos. Again, I love M, I just dont think the interior is worth that money (which for me is not that important) comparing it to newer BMW models.

I will only repond to this part of your rambling (Based off your long winded ramblings about groceries, vacuums, and air purifiers, I would suggest a mini-van...just saying).

All I can say is interior be damned, who the he'll buys the M3 for it's interior...they buy it for that silky smooth, high revving V8 under that hood...oh yea, and the only thing the exterior shares with a non M 3 series is the doors and trunk lid.

[grimlock]

Originally Posted by dave70

YOU drive a 335, thus you are not really qualified to give an opinion.
Have you been lucky enough to see the interior of an M3, much less drive one? You are on the wrong forum, or perhaps just aspiring to something beyond your means???

Did I miss anything??

Originally Posted by Prince_of_Persia

First good choice for your nickname, you are absolutely CRAZY LOL. And second, when you don't drive an M3, don't post anything about it, whenever you own one, come back and talk here.

If you wanted to hear how great the M3 is, why don't you just call your bmw salesman, I'm sure he would be glad to oblige you.

[Chill72]

crazybimmer is a funny guy...Judging by his lengthy response he should have gotten some kind of van or a station wagon. hahaha Anyway back to the topic at hand, if you are willing to have a smaller car dimension wise than it's a no-brainer. I happen to think that fit and finish is very good, on par with and audi (i own one as daily driver). The interior might not have a million gadgets and some wicked digital displays but the seats are awesome and the car as a whole package is right on the money. I'm 6' 2'' 215 lbs and never did I feel like there isn't enough space for me, I also don't have a single rattle and I track my car more often than most people on here. But you already made your decision so cheers to that. New M5 would also be an excellent choice if you have the funds that is.

[dave70]

Originally Posted by crazybimmer

Yeah sure, get the opinion of the guy who just spent 70k on an M3 like its not going to be biased? You want an M3? Go and buy it. If you want, get an E46, I dont care. But you are not going to get a realistic and unbiased opinion in here.

Search this entire forum and find one thread where the outcome was "buying the m3 wasnt the best choice". Again, find one thread that finds another "comparable" car better in an M3 vs. thread. You wont be able to. You think an M3 owner who is so fanatic and in love of his car that he joins an internet forum will tell you to not to buy an M3?

Just dont come here with a question like the one you have. Unless you already have made a decision. I love the M3, I didnt get it because I wanted something to get me going until the new M3/M5 comes out. If I were in the market a year or more earlier, I would have gotten the M3. But to me, having owned this car for 8 months now, the interior is mediocre at best. Its not getting old, it is old. Compare it to the F10 and you can see the difference. Now THAT is what I want my interior to be like.

Not the mention given your background with 5 series and E550, I dont think you will be happy with the M3. Try going to shopping with this car for your entire family, you will find yourself putting bags in the rear seat. My weekly grocery shopping barely fits in to my trunk. Try buying something like an air purifier or a vacuum cleaner from SEARS or home depot, and then when you go to your car in the parking lot, you will be so frustrated to find out the trunk these cars have is very small and those boxes you just bought will barely fit in the backseat.

I have a 3 month old daughter and we dont have any immediate family living close here, so for me I can live with the small trunk and the small backseat. When I have family visiting, I get all the heat from then because in their words, they feel like "riding in subway would be better" (carseat base takes too much space, so while this car might be okay for 4 people, with the seat its definitely not. I am 5'11" and I cannot fit in the backseat when my daughter is in the middle seat). But for you, unless you are in your late 20s who is just starting his family, the car is not ideal. Most people commenting on your thread own the coupe. They are not married/mostly bachelors and the ones that are not have other cars. The sedan owners share my lifestyle mostly unless again they have a bigger family car. I am guessing because you are getting a sedan, this is the only car you are going to drive. And for someone who spent years with 5 series and then E class, I am telling you that you will be better of getting the M5 in a few months.

Oh and you asked, not that it matters but I test drove an M3 more than I test drove 335, its funny actually. All body styles, multiple times. Was shocked to see all that money (interior wise) gets you 2 more buttons and a few M logos. Again, I love M, I just dont think the interior is worth that money (which for me is not that important) comparing it to newer BMW models.

We all know the M3 is a great car. We have one 4 year old child and we have an SUV. I can live with a small trunk and small backseat. My main concerns are bad weather driving, even with a winter set up and low end torque/DCT lag. Agreed, not going to find people bashing the M3 here.

Was considering an F10 too, but I find it a little large and heavy as compared by my prior 5 series -- 2008 535xi.

In terms of the interior on the M3, I like the carbon leather trim and novillo leather. I am sick of wood.

The 3 is a great car. I owned a 2004 330ci - for two years, until it was stolen.

BTW I got a huge discount off the MB with loyalty and incentives/rebates before the new year, so I would only lose a few k in trade. If I was getting killed, I would not bother. However, a vehicle is a depreciating asset, so you will never make money. Plus, I have the dealer agreeing to let me build an M3 at invoice price.

[dave70]

Originally Posted by crazybimmer

Alright if you have another car, especially an SUV, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Then what the heck were you doing all these years in big cars?

Yeah at least the M3s will go for invoice these days, that's as good as an M deal can get

I had the S 550 and 535xi for business purposes. However, no longer need the room and want to enjoy driving for a change. I am only 40, not on the interstate much, mainly backroads of Westchester county, Fairfield Cty CT, similar to North Bergen NJ..

Many say the M3 is a great DD, especially the E90, provided you don't need room for 5.