Should I get the M3 Coupe or a X6 5.0?

Oh Captain My Captain · 10-08-2009, 07:15 AM

I apologize in advance if you are insulted by this question even being asked but I have been debating the answer for several months now.

I've arrived at a point in my life (40yrs old) where I can comfortably afford either vehicle but not both. I have a two car garage and the other vehicle is an Acura MDX which is the primary vehicle for hauling the family of four around. I presently am driving and own a MB 320 C class with 4-Matic. I live in Western PA so the winters here can be somewhat challenging.

I've read the threads regarding winter driving with the M3 and other members have kindly shared their experiences with me.

My dealer gave me an X6 for the weekend to drive around. I enjoyed driving it and liked the uniqueness of the vehicle and found its "comfort" and interior more pleasing than the M3's more spartan interior. Driving a 2009 M3 with DCT was exhilarating to say the least and provided that adrenaline rush I've always loved and missed since my first BMW when I was 22.

Whatever I end up getting would be an everyday driver and, here in Western PA, I have to deal with the winters. I know I'd need a dedicated set of winter tires with the M3. Keeping the MB along with the M3 is not an option due to storage issues.

I've gone over the pros and cons for both and can still not arrive at a decision. Do I go with the true coupe and cast a "devil may care" attitude during the winters or go with an all season ride that would mean having two similar vehicles in the garage. Clearly, the MDX does not drive like the X6 but in terms of the two being SUV/SAV...it may be redundant.

My heart wants the M3 but the mind says X6. I'm at an impasse, so I open it up to you wise people to offer your perspectives.

m3_love · 10-08-2009, 07:23 AM

In my opinion, X6 would be a better choice. You mentioned that buying an X6 "would mean having two similar vehicles in the garage..." however I must say that though X6 may seem like a sport utility to others, in reality, it drives somewhat more like a jacked-up sport car. In my opinion, it's the best of both worlds in your case. You get to have a little fun driving it as a daily, plus, it's a great weekend car where you get to haul friends or family given some decent space and storage. Also, since both of your choices are rear wheel drive, in snow, I'm guess the higher stance would provide better drive, since I've never driven in snow... However, if you really desire that rush of a true sports car but don't want to sacrifice space or other comfort factors, why not consider M3 sedan instead? Just my .02 Good luck either way. Cheers

mkoesel · 10-08-2009, 07:34 AM

Uh oh, I sense this question going to a certain thread in the near future. Don't take offense though - all in good fun.

My usual response to queries like this is that you should test drive both and decide then. But you've already done that. So at this point I don't know what more needs to be weighed. You've already gotten the skinny on winter M3 driving and you've already weighed the pros and cons. It's really up to you to decide. Personally I would follow my heart on this one, and for you it sounds like that would mean going with the M3.

One more thing - have you considered the brand new X6 M? It reportedly does amazing things for a vehicle its size, and is rumored to be as fast as the M3 around the Nurburgring. I know you probably are not going to go track one necessarily, but the point is that it may provide a lot of the thrill of the M3 while also giving you more practicallity.

Good luck

Dominic_M · 10-08-2009, 07:41 AM

Ge the E90 and call it a day.. fun and practicality.. you have an SUV already, so WHY TWO...?

Splinter4784 · 10-08-2009, 07:49 AM

M3 100%, you already have an SUV, you are 40, You are more likely to have a midlife crises or nervous breakdown if you get the X6 5.0

M it up

dawgdog · 10-08-2009, 07:53 AM

One SUV is enough. Get the M3 coupe or sedan and enjoy it.

frenchM3dreamer · 10-08-2009, 08:37 AM

couldnt say it any better than these guys

i dont drive a M3 yet, and the X6 is definitely a sexy car... but like you said you've got the MDX to haul the family around... so enjoy yourself, get a M3 ! i would dare to say that any car is decent to go through the winters with dedicated tires (and yes we do have real winters up here in AB), and the M3 seems fairly good at it... and if you think about it, other cars on the road (Pontiacs, Fords, Audis...) dont have much more clearance than the M and still make it, right? it's a tough dilemna, but if it was me the M3 would be sitting in the garage already !
Pat

Dartanium · 10-08-2009, 09:04 AM

E90 M3 should fit you pretty well since you have family to take around plus you do not need another SUV in the garage.

tuco44 · 10-08-2009, 09:13 AM

We have a Toyota Highlander and an old Honda as a winter beater. I recently traded my 535xi on a M3 Sedan. I "needed" the "rush" and I am older as well.

To me, having the X6 just adds a sportier version of your MDX. I think you will be bored having 2 similiar vehicles. Get the M3 sedan over the coupe to add some practicality to the choice. Definitely need four winter tires - that's what I am doing.

Good luck, and enjoy whichever one you go with. Both excellant vehicles.

enfield · 10-08-2009, 09:31 AM

The M3 is fine in the winter with winters on. I have driven 3-series BMW's in the snow - last time was at the Winter Driving Course. They handle great with winter tires. You should also get winter tires for your SUV's because the important thing is to be able to stop!!

I live in SW Ontario and we get lake snow here. We also have snow plows and the roads do not have 4 feet of snow on em. The ground clearance issue may occur once or twice a winter in the deep recesses of a sub-division. I would call in with a snow day if there is more than a foot of snow lying on the roads in my subdivision. Even that does not happen because first the SUV's go and flatten the snow and then the Subaru's of the world go and then all the other cars come out.

King Tut · 10-08-2009, 10:09 AM

Last time I checked the X6 5.0 comes with like 315 width summer rear tires so regardless of what car you pick you will need a set of winter tires. Go with the M3 and enjoy life.

Oh Captain My Captain · 10-08-2009, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Tut

Last time I checked the X6 5.0 comes with like 315 width summer rear tires so regardless of what car you pick you will need a set of winter tires. Go with the M3 and enjoy life.

Thanks for the input. The stock wheels on the X6 5.0 are 19" all seasons. Winter tires would allow me to stop better which could be important driving a 5,000+ vehicle....Newton's Law: Things in motion want to stay in motion...I'm paraphrasing of course.

That would be a good ad idea for BMW....

novablackm3 · 10-08-2009, 01:01 PM

I was debating this as well, drove the x6 5.0 and didn't like it at all esp coming out of a m3.

Singletrack · 10-08-2009, 01:08 PM

Personally, I don't like having redundant vehicles, so I would go with the M3. I like the X6 a lot as well, and could definitely see myself having an SUV to compliment the M down the road...or a sport wagon. You should be able to fit a family of four in the coupe without issue provided you aren't giants. If you think you are going to be hauling 4 people a lot, then you might consider the sedan which is more practical, but not quite as attractive to me personally. That's my take, hope it helps.

M3PGH · 10-08-2009, 02:53 PM

Dont worry about the snow here in Pittsburgh. For the past couple of years we havent had much snow at all so i wouldnt worry about it, just get a good set of winter tires. GO FOR THE M3!

King Tut · 10-08-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oh Captain My Captain

Thanks for the input. The stock wheels on the X6 5.0 are 19" all seasons.

My bad. I guess all the ones I have seen at the dealer have had this package:

20" Light-alloy wheels Star Spoke (style259) with mixed run-flat perf. tires

Get the M3.

fpblue · 10-08-2009, 04:08 PM

IMHO the X6 is the ugliest car BMW ever made. It looks like the old AMC Eagle.

I would get the M3. If you need the room and better interior, then I would go with the X5. Living in Wisconsin, I can tell you my M3 is fine in the snow with my winters on. Good luck, bro.

leewoods18 · 10-08-2009, 05:03 PM

RS4

xxe92xx · 10-08-2009, 05:12 PM

X5 M or X6 M!!! Fast, Fun, Perfect for you situation.....I would never drive my m3 in snow n it gets pretty bad over here sometimes...but thats just my opinion....my winter car= escalade

deamon · 10-08-2009, 05:20 PM

I was in the same dilenma. I followed my heart and got the m3 and never looked back

....also got the mdx to get me through the winter.

smmmurf · 10-08-2009, 05:26 PM

M3 Sedan.

MrHarris · 10-08-2009, 06:12 PM

Get a M3 sedan without a doubt.

10-08-2009, 07:15 AM	#1
Oh Captain My Captain With Great Power, Comes Great Responsibility 32 Rep 291 Posts Drives: 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (0)	Should I get the M3 Coupe or a X6 5.0? I apologize in advance if you are insulted by this question even being asked but I have been debating the answer for several months now. I've arrived at a point in my life (40yrs old) where I can comfortably afford either vehicle but not both. I have a two car garage and the other vehicle is an Acura MDX which is the primary vehicle for hauling the family of four around. I presently am driving and own a MB 320 C class with 4-Matic. I live in Western PA so the winters here can be somewhat challenging. I've read the threads regarding winter driving with the M3 and other members have kindly shared their experiences with me. My dealer gave me an X6 for the weekend to drive around. I enjoyed driving it and liked the uniqueness of the vehicle and found its "comfort" and interior more pleasing than the M3's more spartan interior. Driving a 2009 M3 with DCT was exhilarating to say the least and provided that adrenaline rush I've always loved and missed since my first BMW when I was 22. Whatever I end up getting would be an everyday driver and, here in Western PA, I have to deal with the winters. I know I'd need a dedicated set of winter tires with the M3. Keeping the MB along with the M3 is not an option due to storage issues. I've gone over the pros and cons for both and can still not arrive at a decision. Do I go with the true coupe and cast a "devil may care" attitude during the winters or go with an all season ride that would mean having two similar vehicles in the garage. Clearly, the MDX does not drive like the X6 but in terms of the two being SUV/SAV...it may be redundant. My heart wants the M3 but the mind says X6. I'm at an impasse, so I open it up to you wise people to offer your perspectives.
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10-08-2009, 07:23 AM	#2
m3_love Lieutenant Colonel 334 Rep 1,991 Posts Drives: 991 C2S Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (8)	In my opinion, X6 would be a better choice. You mentioned that buying an X6 "would mean having two similar vehicles in the garage..." however I must say that though X6 may seem like a sport utility to others, in reality, it drives somewhat more like a jacked-up sport car. In my opinion, it's the best of both worlds in your case. You get to have a little fun driving it as a daily, plus, it's a great weekend car where you get to haul friends or family given some decent space and storage. Also, since both of your choices are rear wheel drive, in snow, I'm guess the higher stance would provide better drive, since I've never driven in snow... However, if you really desire that rush of a true sports car but don't want to sacrifice space or other comfort factors, why not consider M3 sedan instead? Just my .02 Good luck either way. Cheers __________________ Gone but never forgotten: e92 M3 l 6MT - OEM++ e46 M3 l 6MT - OEM+ e90 M3 l 6MT - OEM++ e92 335i l Auto - the list is too long...
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10-08-2009, 07:34 AM	#3
mkoesel Moderator 7512 Rep 19,368 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	Uh oh, I sense this question going to a certain thread in the near future. Don't take offense though - all in good fun. My usual response to queries like this is that you should test drive both and decide then. But you've already done that. So at this point I don't know what more needs to be weighed. You've already gotten the skinny on winter M3 driving and you've already weighed the pros and cons. It's really up to you to decide. Personally I would follow my heart on this one, and for you it sounds like that would mean going with the M3. One more thing - have you considered the brand new X6 M? It reportedly does amazing things for a vehicle its size, and is rumored to be as fast as the M3 around the Nurburgring. I know you probably are not going to go track one necessarily, but the point is that it may provide a lot of the thrill of the M3 while also giving you more practicallity. Good luck
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10-08-2009, 07:41 AM	#4
Dominic_M Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 255 Posts Drives: 08 ///M3 and 2014 535i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	Ge the E90 and call it a day.. fun and practicality.. you have an SUV already, so WHY TWO...?
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10-08-2009, 07:49 AM	#5
Splinter4784 414 little horsies 56 Rep 405 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Beverly Hills iTrader: (2)	M3 100%, you already have an SUV, you are 40, You are more likely to have a midlife crises or nervous breakdown if you get the X6 5.0 M it up __________________ Race Precision Inc
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View Poll Results: M3 Coupe or X6 5.0
M3 Coupe	78	77.23%
X6 5.0	23	22.77%
Voters: 101. You may not vote on this poll

10-08-2009, 07:53 AM	#6
dawgdog Colonel 148 Rep 2,278 Posts Drives: 2015 M3, 2016 GT3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	One SUV is enough. Get the M3 coupe or sedan and enjoy it. __________________ 2015 f80 M3, 2016 GT3
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10-08-2009, 08:37 AM	#7
frenchM3dreamer Captain 8 Rep 784 Posts Drives: 08 Mitsu Eclipse Spyder GTP Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0)	couldnt say it any better than these guys i dont drive a M3 yet, and the X6 is definitely a sexy car... but like you said you've got the MDX to haul the family around... so enjoy yourself, get a M3 ! i would dare to say that any car is decent to go through the winters with dedicated tires (and yes we do have real winters up here in AB), and the M3 seems fairly good at it... and if you think about it, other cars on the road (Pontiacs, Fords, Audis...) dont have much more clearance than the M and still make it, right? it's a tough dilemna, but if it was me the M3 would be sitting in the garage already ! Pat
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10-08-2009, 09:04 AM	#8
Dartanium Lieutenant 11 Rep 566 Posts Drives: 09 E90 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	E90 M3 should fit you pretty well since you have family to take around plus you do not need another SUV in the garage.
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10-08-2009, 09:13 AM	#9
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	We have a Toyota Highlander and an old Honda as a winter beater. I recently traded my 535xi on a M3 Sedan. I "needed" the "rush" and I am older as well. To me, having the X6 just adds a sportier version of your MDX. I think you will be bored having 2 similiar vehicles. Get the M3 sedan over the coupe to add some practicality to the choice. Definitely need four winter tires - that's what I am doing. Good luck, and enjoy whichever one you go with. Both excellant vehicles. __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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10-08-2009, 09:31 AM	#10
enfield Civilian 79 Rep 970 Posts Drives: Jaguar F-Type V8 S Join Date: May 2007 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	The M3 is fine in the winter with winters on. I have driven 3-series BMW's in the snow - last time was at the Winter Driving Course. They handle great with winter tires. You should also get winter tires for your SUV's because the important thing is to be able to stop!! I live in SW Ontario and we get lake snow here. We also have snow plows and the roads do not have 4 feet of snow on em. The ground clearance issue may occur once or twice a winter in the deep recesses of a sub-division. I would call in with a snow day if there is more than a foot of snow lying on the roads in my subdivision. Even that does not happen because first the SUV's go and flatten the snow and then the Subaru's of the world go and then all the other cars come out.
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10-08-2009, 10:09 AM	#11
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	Last time I checked the X6 5.0 comes with like 315 width summer rear tires so regardless of what car you pick you will need a set of winter tires. Go with the M3 and enjoy life. __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
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10-08-2009, 01:01 PM	#13
novablackm3 Captain 125 Rep 813 Posts Drives: Performante, G05 M50i, RR SVR Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (3)	I was debating this as well, drove the x6 5.0 and didn't like it at all esp coming out of a m3. __________________ Huracán Performante 18- Novitec Springs \| RR SVR 19 \| G05 X5 M50i \| E70 11 X5M retired \| Jerez Black E92 10 m3 RE SSK \| AFE Filter \| Fabspeed XFC / Xpipe \| AA ECU 1.5v \| BMW PSW \| Envy Charger \| Megan Exhaust
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10-08-2009, 01:08 PM	#14
Singletrack 4th down; 4th quarter? Renegade. 87 Rep 3,850 Posts Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3; 19 FG M5C Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA iTrader: (3)	Personally, I don't like having redundant vehicles, so I would go with the M3. I like the X6 a lot as well, and could definitely see myself having an SUV to compliment the M down the road...or a sport wagon. You should be able to fit a family of four in the coupe without issue provided you aren't giants. If you think you are going to be hauling 4 people a lot, then you might consider the sedan which is more practical, but not quite as attractive to me personally. That's my take, hope it helps.
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10-08-2009, 02:53 PM	#15
M3PGH Major 807 Rep 1,401 Posts Drives: Too Many Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Pittsburgh,PA iTrader: (1)	Dont worry about the snow here in Pittsburgh. For the past couple of years we havent had much snow at all so i wouldnt worry about it, just get a good set of winter tires. GO FOR THE M3!
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10-08-2009, 04:08 PM	#17
fpblue Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 281 Posts Drives: 2008 Jerez Black E90 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: My Couch iTrader: (0)	IMHO the X6 is the ugliest car BMW ever made. It looks like the old AMC Eagle. I would get the M3. If you need the room and better interior, then I would go with the X5. Living in Wisconsin, I can tell you my M3 is fine in the snow with my winters on. Good luck, bro. __________________ Last edited by fpblue; 10-08-2009 at 04:47 PM..
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10-08-2009, 05:03 PM	#18
leewoods18 Private First Class 19 Rep 186 Posts Drives: F10 550 M sport Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Miami, Fl iTrader: (0)	RS4
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10-08-2009, 05:12 PM	#19
xxe92xx Banned 37 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 08 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Milwaukee, WI iTrader: (2)	X5 M or X6 M!!! Fast, Fun, Perfect for you situation.....I would never drive my m3 in snow n it gets pretty bad over here sometimes...but thats just my opinion....my winter car= escalade
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10-08-2009, 05:20 PM	#20
deamon Enlisted Member 1 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2008 m3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	m3 or x6 I was in the same dilenma. I followed my heart and got the m3 and never looked back....also got the mdx to get me through the winter.
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10-08-2009, 05:26 PM	#21
smmmurf Colonel 309 Rep 2,189 Posts Drives: E92 M3 DCT 353k+ miles Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Half Moon Bay, CA iTrader: (7)	M3 Sedan.
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10-08-2009, 06:12 PM	#22
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Get a M3 sedan without a doubt. __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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