Too old for the new M3 sedan?

[rstringer]

Hi everyone,

This question might sound silly to some, but recently I have become very interested in the new M3 sedan. I was originaly looking to purchase an M5 but frankly I don't like the new ones at all and I am not interested in maintaining an older car. So I looked into the E90 m3 and I really like the practicality of a four door sedan combined with the performance of the car.

Now the problem is I am 35 years old and just had a baby as well. I am planning to keep this car for a long long time, maybe even up to 20 years. I feel like the M3 couple is defintely geared towards a younger audience, but the sedan is a little more mature. But again that might be wishful thinking.
Should you move to a 5 series once you over 40? Does a 50 year old look ridiclous in a 3 series? I really don't know what the percepton is out there.

I really would love to know what others have to say about this subject and any comment is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Rob

[mkoesel]

35 is not too old for a 3 series. Here is a good thread for you:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86783

I am 35 also, with kids. I may well be getting an E90 M3 too. I would not worry too much about what others think anyway. Just drive what you want.

As far as keeping the car for 20 years, well that's some fine optimism and dedication. Hope it lasts you.

[ArtPE]

BMW's target audience for these cars is 45-55 iirc...
from an interview with the director of M
hell, not a lot of young folks can afford these cars...

look at the models in the ads, grey hairs

[SpencerM3]

You make an interesting point.

Out here in LA, I’d say that 80% of the people I see driving E92 coupes are under the age of 30 and probably 66% of them are young girls. I’d say the remaining 205 of E92 Coupe drivers here in LA are older men who want a “sports” car but either don’t have Porsche money or are just really into Bimmers.

I am 28, married, and will likely have a child within 1-2 years, so I too have pondered if I should pass up on the coupe and go for the sedan. Still on the fence about that one, but to truthfully answer your question I really don’t think 35 is too old for an E92 M3. I really don’t think there is any change that is too old considering how great of a performance sports car that it is. Now a regular E92 coupe, yeah that I would say you are a little older for. Just my 2 cents

[Alumac]

Aside from those with no concept of debt being a bad thing and the rare 20-something making big bucks, how could these cars possibly be "intended" for the segment? Not much of a market if you ask me.

Oh, and daddy's little girl/boy too.

[Voltigeur]

Drive what you want and be damned to appearances

I'm 40s and I drive a 5er, and want to move to the E92 and will likely be driving a 911 at some stage before I'm out of the 'middle years'.

[SpencerM3]

Originally Posted by Alumac

Aside from those with no concept of debt being a bad thing and the rare 20-something making big bucks, how could these cars possibly be "intended" for the segment? Not much of a market if you ask me.

Oh, and daddy's little girl/boy too.

I agree with you, but out here in LA you A) Have many spoiled kids who's parents buy them anything and B) Cars are our culture so many people over extend themselves ridiculously when it comes to car purchases.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by rstringer

Hi everyone,

This question might sound silly to some, but recently I have become very interested in the new M3 sedan. I was originaly looking to purchase an M5 but frankly I don't like the new ones at all and I am not interested in maintaining an older car. So I looked into the E90 m3 and I really like the practicality of a four door sedan combined with the performance of the car.

Now the problem is I am 35 years old and just had a baby as well. I am planning to keep this car for a long long time, maybe even up to 20 years. I feel like the M3 couple is defintely geared towards a younger audience, but the sedan is a little more mature. But again that might be wishful thinking.
Should you move to a 5 series once you over 40? Does a 50 year old look ridiclous in a 3 series? I really don't know what the percepton is out there.

I really would love to know what others have to say about this subject and any comment is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Rob

You are as old as you make yourself. I'll be 60 this year, and this will be ny second M3 Coupe and 4th 3 Series. I don't feel ridiculous at all in it. You are right that the Sedan is more "practical", therefore will seem slightly more conservative. It's no Altima or Camry, though!

[rstringer]

Thanks everyone for your input. I should clarify though that I do not feel too old for an M3 sedan now, but if I plan to keep the car for a long time (at least 15 years since this is a huge commiment for me) that I might be too old then.

I also like to say that I feel that this preception about being too old for a 3 series only really exists in North America where this car is considered a probably smaller medium sized car and the 5 series a bigger medium size . In euope where people drive smaller cars the 3 series is actually consiered a bigger car and the 5 a large car so the target audience might be older in general.

I just find if you want a high performance four door sedan with in a manual the new M3 is the only choice and a darn good looking one at it too.

Cheers,
Rob

[consolidated]

Are you kidding...the M3 sedan is the PERFECT car for a thirtysomething with kids, fills the desire for true performance without looking irresponsible and overtly flashy to clients and eyebrow-raising mother-in-laws...hmm, this about sums me up.

How can you pass up a German V8 4-door kid hauler with a 8400rpm redline for under $55K?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by consolidated

How can you pass up a German V8 4 kid hauler with a 8200rpm redline for under $55K?

8,400 rpm, even better.

[man02195]

Originally Posted by consolidated

Are you kidding...the M3 sedan is the PERFECT car for a thirtysomething with kids, fills the desire for true performance without looking irresponsible and overtly flashy to clients and eyebrow-raising mother-in-laws...hmm, this about sums me up.

How can you pass up a German V8 4-door kid hauler with a 8400rpm redline for under $55K?

Yep, take it to the track for a weekend of "driving school" and then take the kids to school on Monday morning. Can't beat the value there.

[///MArdor]

I wouldn't worry about age. Go with the M3! Now if you were talking about an Eclipse I would be worried

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by rstringer

Hi everyone,

This question might sound silly to some, but recently I have become very interested in the new M3 sedan. I was originaly looking to purchase an M5 but frankly I don't like the new ones at all and I am not interested in maintaining an older car. So I looked into the E90 m3 and I really like the practicality of a four door sedan combined with the performance of the car.

Now the problem is I am 35 years old and just had a baby as well. I am planning to keep this car for a long long time, maybe even up to 20 years. I feel like the M3 couple is defintely geared towards a younger audience, but the sedan is a little more mature. But again that might be wishful thinking.
Should you move to a 5 series once you over 40? Does a 50 year old look ridiclous in a 3 series? I really don't know what the percepton is out there.

I really would love to know what others have to say about this subject and any comment is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Rob

You should do whatever you feel like and want. Don't concern yourself with the perceptions of others. That will lead to you getting something you don't enjoy as much.

No, 35 is not too old for a M3, coupe or sedan, IMO.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

8,400 rpm, even better.

Not according to the guages.

[ArtPE]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Not according to the guages.

BMW quotes max revs at 8400, max HP at 8300...

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by ArtPE

BMW quotes max revs at 8400, max HP at 8300...

Ok, we know that.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Not according to the guages.

Yeah, well the speedometer is conservative, also.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Not according to the guages.

Yeah, well the speedometer is conservative (optomistic), also.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Yeah, well the speedometer is conservative, also.

Yeah, but the rev limiter usually isn't incorrect...

[Keto]

35, 2nd kid on the way, coupe for me.

Just buy another car for the wife and save the SUV for kidhaulin'.

No reason to be a 2 SUV household. Blech!

[///MArdor]

I saw a 60+ year old man in a STI today and he looked out of place. Some cars have an age appropriate stereotype such as the corvette but I never felt that the M3 had one. I always looked at M3's owners as practical speed enthusiast not pretentious young pricks.