Looking for input from fellow enthusiasts

Yugo wrote

E90 M3 + Denali, can't go wrong with that. New M3/M4 looks and especially the sound that the car makes never did for me.

2015+ Denali looks so good that some days I feel like trading my E90 for it.

I think you're right, just talked to my accountant and she said she strongly recommends going the truck route as the truck price is fully deductible, whereas a car has strict limitations as to what exactly can be.

Guess ill be looking for an E90

Oh well. I was going to suggest waiting for an RS3. i much prefer BMW to Audis, but that thing is going to be a beast with the bonus of being cold weather ready.

rmcard wrote

Oh well. I was going to suggest waiting for an RS3. i much prefer BMW to Audis, but that thing is going to be a beast with the bonus of being cold weather ready.

agreed, i actually did inquire with Audi about getting an RS3, but not manual transmission, so im not interested.

drove a 2011 and 2016 M3 and gotta say the 2011 was more fun to drive, the 2016 has the nice modern amenities, but i didn't find myself smiling anywhere near as much when i drove the 2011

I'd buy a e9x m3 and lease a x5.

STooK wrote

I'd buy a e9x m3 and lease a x5.

Id love an X5, but the accountant says buying a truck is much better for me and taxes.

Are there any significant changes from an 08 M3 to a 2011 or 13?

okular wrote

Id love an X5, but the accountant says buying a truck is much better for me and taxes.

Are there any significant changes from an 08 M3 to a 2011 or 13?

Mechanically, no. Electronics and cosmetics, yes. I wouldn't look at 08's unless you can find one without iDrive. 11.5+ is generally considered "the ones to get" as they have all the updates. 09-10 have the updated iDrive, but do not have the LCI cosmetic updates, or bluetooth streaming (combox). I'm sure there is a model year change thread on here somewhere that would give you more info than I can.

Edit: There's a sticky right at the top of the General Forum:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826190

CSI wrote

Mechanically, no. Electronics and cosmetics, yes. I wouldn't look at 08's unless you can find one without iDrive. 11.5+ is generally considered "the ones to get" as they have all the updates. 09-10 have the updated iDrive, but do not have the LCI cosmetic updates, or bluetooth streaming (combox). I'm sure there is a model year change thread on here somewhere that would give you more info than I can.

Edit: There's a sticky right at the top of the General Forum:

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826190

The e90 sedan got the LCI update for 2009 M3 models.

e92Mjunky wrote

you could do a build like mine!!

Nice build and all, but you totally just

Dodge Caravan bro! Read a Hotrod magazine fool, everyone knows this.

Buy a truck for business. If over 6000 pounds GVWR, you can depreciate 100% over four years and you get a bonus $25,000 or something like that in the first year.
If the M3 or other car is purely for the occasional fun drive, I'd suggest e9x platform. Personally, the driving experience is more engaging than with the F80. I keep reading such good things about the Ford GT350 and new Camaro that I'd consider test driving those as well.

Sgnitsah wrote

Buy a truck for business. If over 6000 pounds GVWR, you can depreciate 100% over four years and you get a bonus $25,000 or something like that in the first year.
If the M3 or other car is purely for the occasional fun drive, I'd suggest e9x platform. Personally, the driving experience is more engaging than with the F80. I keep reading such good things about the Ford GT350 and new Camaro that I'd consider test driving those as well.

Yup exactly, that is my plan. I can actually get an SUV if over the GVWR and deduct 25k first year, rest over 4.

So i am thinking X5 and M3. There is a black E9x coupe near me at the dealer with hyperactive CPO for another year but i dont want black or coupe...should probably wait for a sedan on the M3.

Ive heard good things about the Ford and Camaro as well but the E9x has always been a dream car of mine, probably have to go that route

okular wrote

Yup exactly, that is my plan. I can actually get an SUV if over the GVWR and deduct 25k first year, rest over 4.

So i am thinking X5 and M3. There is a black E9x coupe near me at the dealer with hyperactive CPO for another year but i dont want black or coupe...should probably wait for a sedan on the M3.

Ive heard good things about the Ford and Camaro as well but the E9x has always been a dream car of mine, probably have to go that route

Hate to burst your bubble, but the X5 is only 5,000lbs. You'll need a bidy on frame SUV to hit the 6,000 minimum. That's why you see so many Suburbans/Escalades/Tahoe's on the road

Wilsel wrote

Hate to burst your bubble, but the X5 is only 5,000lbs. You'll need a bidy on frame SUV to hit the 6,000 minimum. That's why you see so many Suburbans/Escalades/Tahoe's on the road

For the section 179 deduction, you use the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), not the curb weight. The X5 is 6,100-6,400 so it qualifies. I used it for my Cayenne last year and will go X5 or Q7 this year.

Sgnitsah wrote

For the section 179 deduction, you use the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), not the curb weight. The X5 is 6,100-6,400 so it qualifies. I used it for my Cayenne last year and will go X5 or Q7 this year.

Yup, exactly X5 does qualify. I drove the Cayenne, very impressed, just not for me, love how the X5 feels, although i will say the ML350 is a worthy competitor in every way.

I think the X5, Q7 and ML350 are the best, and most reasonable, SUV options out there.

Sgnitsah wrote

For the section 179 deduction, you use the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), not the curb weight. The X5 is 6,100-6,400 so it qualifies. I used it for my Cayenne last year and will go X5 or Q7 this year.

I stand corrected! Cayenne or X5 would both be great choices. I prefer the steering feel of the X5.