Third time's the charm

[sqweak]

I've been an M3 fan since the early 90s, and it's fair to say it was my first "dream" car. I was lucky/unlucky enough to pick up an E46 vert back in 04, but between a sketchy deal, a shaky car, and a new girl (now wife ) circumstances led me to get out of it in a rather short period of time.

Fast forward a few years to early 09 and an impulse test drive of a CPO M5 left me underwhelmed. An offhand comment on my way out of the dealership about a leftover 08 e90 led to me making (what I thought were) unrealistic list of demands, the dealership meeting them all and surprise I'm leasing a brand new M3. Just as quickly as that twist, the housing market crashes and suddenly there is a chance to be a homeowner w/o winning megamillions, we buy a place and in ohmygodwhathavewedone panic mode the M must go as we tighten our belts. Another M out the door in less than 6 months.

Turns out we made sound estimates and picked a house we *could* afford and the belts have loosened a bit as a result. The replacement car, an "Evo lite" Lancer Ralliart, saved a few bucks but literally made me miserable (and realize I'm not the dual clutch type ). It had to go and go it did this spring. I carpooled, learned mass transit and picked up a junker/project car (85.5 944) but recently decided to buy another car.

To be honest, another M wasn't even in my plans (again ). I'd come close several times to buying a 335 and was certain that I would lease a 335 6MT w/ M-Sport. Finding nothing near that in nationwide inventory after orders had ended, I took heed of the common knowledge around here and reached out to Ryan Amico @ Steve Thomas. He was able to track down an inbound unsold 335i at a price/lease rate I was more than happy with. We secured approval from BMWFS and he was able to get the original dealer to agree to trade him for the car I wanted.

I told Ryan I was considering alternatives and would give him a go/no-go decision today. I intended to see a few private and maybe a dealer or two about 08 e90s, if it was meant to be it'd work out. To cut this long story short(er): Gregg @ Valencia BMW had a CPO Sparkling Graphite, cut me a great deal, secured even better financing from BMWFS than my credit union had provided and I walked out of there last night with my 3rd M3. I have high hopes that this one will stick around longer than 6 months.

Ryan was absolutely great to deal and I hope to bring him my business next time. He's such a class act that when I told him to call off the trade, his immediate response was to ask all about the car and enthusiastically congratulate me. Great guy!

Specs:
2008 M3 Sedan
Sparkling Graphite/Black Leather/Carbon Leather
37k Miles
6MT
Premium
EDC
PDC (rear)
iPod
19"
CPO

[JulieDriving]

She's a beaut. And in rare Sparkling Graphite. Post more pics when you get a chance.

Congratulations on your third time being a charm! Often times, I find I do best the 3rd time too.

[GOLFFRR]

Thank you for the shout out congrats on your new car enjoy

[Mike van D]

Congrats and love the color, was on my 328. Enjoy!

[MKE_M3]

Nice story and congrats. I'm waiting on delivery of my 3rd M car (Thursday can't come soon enough) so I know how you feel. All through high school and college an e36 M3 was my dream car. I bought an e34 M5 while in college, but didn't keep it long as I couldn't afford to maintain it properly (several thousand in repairs the first year!!)

Shortly after graduating I bought my dream car, a used 1998 M3 Sedan, Silver on Black. I loved that car and kept it for a while, but also sold it to get into a better home for my young family. Now, a few years later, I'm getting the younger, hotter sister of my original dream car, with less miles too!

[gpitts]

Congratulations, and you picked out a beauty! Isn't it funny how things have a way of working out for the best?

[stefan]

Best gray BMW has ever made. Congrats.

[SamS]

Congrats, love the SG!

[mamadub]

Loved your story...and your new M!! Enjoy it!!

[jqsmooth]

Great story! This car will keep you coming back, I know it will for me.

[Erie Von Otto]

Good story! Its always cool to read about someone that waited/sacrificed/saved ect to get their dream car. She is my dream also... Welcome back!

[sqweak]

Thanks all for the warm welcome back!

I'd always wanted a gunmetal gray but wasn't aware of the subtleties between space gray and sparkling graphite. As luck would have it a space gray e92 m3 parked near at starbucks this morning. Pretty color in it's own right, but now I know I dig my graphite better!

[jonasaurus]

Congrats mate, later better than never!