Quote:
Originally Posted by MRAT3D
Hello all,
I have been an M enthusiast for many years now, but I am finally at the point where I can afford to buy a new car at the end of this coming summer. My price range, depending on exactly how much money I can make working this summer, is most likely going to be everything up to 20-21k max, but preferably somewhere around 18-19 (leaves room for some initial mods and possibly maintenance). I have always dreamed of owning an E92 M3, but I can't seem to find one that doesn't give me some maintenance worries within my price range. That being said, there are two other cars that I'm considering, each with their own reliability problems, being the E60 M5 and the E46 M3. I'm drawn to the E60 and the E92 a lot more than the E46 because of their high-revving and amazing-sounding motors, but I am still considering the E46 because of its superior driving feel and the generally lower pricing on it. I am going to be living in the Los Angeles area for the next few years, so I am looking at DCT/SMG models due to obvious traffic reasons and my personal love for the DCT gearbox. I have done a lot of my own work on my current E39, and I plan on being able to do most of the required maintenance on my next car. Any suggestions for this specific case (specifically comparing the difference in maintenance costs for an E92 vs. an E60)?
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If the absolute top of your budget is 21k, and that leaves no room for maintenance, I would strongly advise against an E92 or an E60. To find a car within your budget, you'll be looking at higher mileage examples in less than ideal condition.
Will you be paying cash or financing? If the former, you might be able to swing it as you won't have high car payments, and can put money away for maintenance. If the latter, consider both E92 and E60 require $200 oil changes, $1500 tires, and very high fuel costs as just your cost of keeping it on the streets. If anything does go wrong, you're looking at a hefty repair bill, even if you do the work yourself.
The E46 M3 on the other hand can be found in great condition within your budget. While cost of ownership is less than both its younger siblings, it's still not cheap.
As far as comparing the E92 maintenance to E60, think of it this way - the S65 V8 is the S85 V10 with two less cylinders. Very equal in terms of maintenance. The transmission however is a whole other story. The SMG in the E60 is far inferior to the DCT in terms of performance, comfort, and most importantly, reliability. They are highly prone to failure and IMO the reason why you can find E60 M5's for as cheap as they are.
I am not trying to discourage you from getting into an M car, as they are truly fantastic machines, just making sure you consider the additional costs of ownership beyond simply the purchase price of the car.