realistic or not?

[Tonifyd]

why not finance? or lease?

[Pk Mods]

Originally Posted by FerRrari

The E46 M3 is an amazing car, if you can get a Competition Package (ZCP, only 05-06) go for it, though I'd recommend a manual. Also, have you considered an E86 M Coupe? They're super fun to drive. I wouldn't consider a 335i, they're fast but not as fun IMHO.

iv actually never considered the Z4 M, i just took a look at it now and it looks pretty strange to me, no offense AT ALL to anyone who has the car! Also, would u recommend a 2009-2011 370z NISMO over a E46 M3 w/ competition package? (SMG though, not manual)

i ask this because im basically brought down to these 2 options, an E92/E90 M3 is flat out not happening for me. Now considering this is a BMW forum i kind of realize in what direction you guys are going to lean. But id really like some detailed advice as to why you would choose an 06' M3 (comp. package with SMG) over a 370z NISMO (only comes in manual) if its clearly a slower car.

Originally Posted by Tonifyd

why not finance? or lease?

I dont believe in leasing cars, i like to have it so its MINE and so that i can do what ever i want to the car (mods and such) without having to worry about going against the lease agreement. and im not really sure about financing either, i have this weird OCD kind of thing that i just like having things being paid off at once, i dont like to worry about up coming payment and such.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by Pk Mods

iv actually never considered the Z4 M, i just took a look at it now and it looks pretty strange to me, no offense AT ALL to anyone who has the car! Also, would u recommend a 2009-2011 370z NISMO over a E46 M3 w/ competition package? (SMG though, not manual)

Personally I love the Z4M, but 1) it's looks aren't for everyone and 2) from what I've heard they can be a little hard to live with as a daily driver.

I'd avoid the 370Z personally. My friend had a 350Z and it wasn't a very good car. It had engine issues and on top of that the build quality (especially the interior) didn't hold a candle to a BMW.

Originally Posted by Pk Mods

Wow i forgot about the 335i/ix completely, you've just opened up a whole nother option for me. Is an 07/08 335i/ix "better" than a E46 06 M3? (performance wise)

Performance can mean a lot of different things. In a straight line a 335i (especially lightly modified) will beat an E46 M3. But the M3 has a tighter suspension, a limited slip differential, and is designed for the track much more so than the 335i.

I currently own an 2005 E46 M3 ZCP and before that I had a 2009 135i (same engine as the 335i) and my opinion between those two is that the M3 is much more rewarding to drive. The engine in the M3 is special, the suspension is very well sorted, the steering is awesome. The 135i was great for it's low end torque, but otherwise it was just a generally nice car. M cars are unique a pleasure to own and drive.

That's just my two cents, but if it were me I'd either get the E46 M3 or wait until an E9x comes into your price range. Well that or take the cash and finance a little bit to get the car you really want, but that's a personal choice about financing vs not.

[Wayne R]

Originally Posted by Pk Mods

Im not a big fan of 4 door cars so in this case id prefer a 06 E46 over an 08 E90, although, it WOULD preform better and probably have more "accessories" in it.

4 Doors....


Yep, that's what I used to say.

The E90 M3 is sexy beast despite the 4-doors, especially the ZCP optioned ones. Also, insurance is generally cheaper on a sedan than a coupe. You're also a little less conspicuous to Law Enforcement. It is also fun to see the expressions on others faces when they realize its a "4-door".

[BMWannabee]

Originally Posted by BreakPoint

actually it was 2 dr, 4 dr, 2 dr. Prior to that I had three mustangs, two of which were 600+hp cars.

I assume you prefer the M3, why?

[Poofyo101]

e46 m3.

[yoelev]

jet black!

[mjposner]

I say it is doable in August no problem. Only 2k more.

http://www.offleaseonly.com/used-car...5X8E041502.htm

2008 BMW 3 Series M3Compare
ACTUAL PRICE! NO HIDDEN FEES! RARE 4 DOOR M-3!! 6 SPEED ROCKET! TECH PACKAGE, NAVIGATION, MOONROOF, HEATED SEATS, SATELLITE RADIO, BALANCE OF FACTORY WARRANTY AND MUCH MORE!! ONLY$ 34,999!! DARK BLUE WITH BLACK LEATHER, SPOILER, HEATED FRONT SEATS, C...
Trans:Manual
Mileage:47,647
Eng Cyl:8
Ext Colorark Blue
Stock #36297
VIN #WBSVA935X8E041502
Photos (25)
$34,999

[Nine]

I really never understoond why people would want to pick up an older beat up car, especially without reserving money to make significant modifications. If I had a budget of 35,000 I would shop for an e46M3 in the mid 20s, and have 10k to put into modifications and restoration. Wheels, Interior, Suspension, Exterior Mods...

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by Nine

I really never understoond why people would want to pick up an older beat up car, especially without reserving money to make significant modifications. If I had a budget of 35,000 I would shop for an e46M3 in the mid 20s, and have 10k to put into modifications and restoration. Wheels, Interior, Suspension, Exterior Mods...

Not everyone wants to modify their cars. However I do agree that depending on how exacting you are you'll want some money for restoration.

When I picked up my 05 I ended up spending a fair bit on fresh suspension, replacing a number of worn interior bits, getting the alcantara wheel recovered, etc. Along with fresh tires, Inspection II (including valve adjustment), and so on.

[shendrick]

Don't do an e46 M3 with SMG. They all require maintenance and replacement pumps that cost huge $. Research this on the web before you even consider pulling the trigger on a SMG so that you know what you're in for.

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by shendrick

Don't do an e46 M3 with SMG. They all require maintenance and replacement pumps that cost huge $. Research this on the web before you even consider pulling the trigger on a SMG so that you know what you're in for.

Do an SMG if you want to. I've been very happy with mine. All cars have pros and cons and you should know what you're getting into before buying.

But a blanket "don't buy <blank>" is a little bit silly.

[Erhan]

Why do you need this car? Are you going to track it?

I wouldn't buy a Nissan. Can't comment on 370Z, but we had a 350Z, and although it is not a bad car, there are better cars for the money. My main issues were the rough engine and harsh ride.

[Nandrega]

There's a high mileage M3 in the for sale section here, that you could probably have for 33k. Though at that range, you're definitely looking at the higher mileage ones. I'd save up just a few more thousands, and you can get one without the mileage and a bit more peace of mind. Dealerships are offering CPO'd M3's under 40k now, so you're not too far off from what you're looking for.

[1sikbmr]

Originally Posted by Pk Mods

Im not a big fan of 4 door cars so in this case id prefer a 06 E46 over an 08 E90, although, it WOULD preform better and probably have more "accessories" in it.

Originally Posted by Wayne R

4 Doors....


Yep, that's what I used to say.

The E90 M3 is sexy beast despite the 4-doors, especially the ZCP optioned ones. Also, insurance is generally cheaper on a sedan than a coupe. You're also a little less conspicuous to Law Enforcement. It is also fun to see the expressions on others faces when they realize its a "4-door".

You sir are spot on E90 FTW!

[BreakPoint]

Originally Posted by BMWannabee

I assume you prefer the M3, why?

Its classier. Drives nicer, advanced technology, and every other reason in the book you can think of.

However, dollar for dollar, I can make the mustang faster (all around) for .25 cents of the dollar that it would cost for similar mods to the BMW. The cost of aftermarket parts for the BMW is absurd.

[scheherazade]

Originally Posted by Nine

I really never understoond why people would want to pick up an older beat up car, especially without reserving money to make significant modifications. If I had a budget of 35,000 I would shop for an e46M3 in the mid 20s, and have 10k to put into modifications and restoration. Wheels, Interior, Suspension, Exterior Mods...

Meh'

I would only buy an older/cheaper M3.

Then I could drive it hard all day every day, and not feel bad.
If something breaks, fix it myself, and keep going.
Get my fill of the car. Really enjoy it and not feel like I have to preserve something that's 'nice'.

It's my one regret with getting nicer cars.
I feel like I have to take care/preserve it - and it just ends up being boring.
TBH, I feel like picking up an s2000 and tubo kitting it, or an elise and turbo/sc kitting it.
And then I can have guilt free fun with something that's cheap and worry free.

But I won't...
I told myself I have to look at something like this for my next purchase :
http://www.uscaterham.com/

-scheherazade

[rdollie]

Is the $33k budget for the sales price or out the door (e.g., including taxes, registration, etc.)? If the former then I'd take a look at deals like this one: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...14485312&Log=0

They're asking $34,999 so I suspect you could easily talk them down to $34,000. Assuming this is accurate, I'd wait a bit longer until you have another $1k to add to your budget as there will be other cars that fall into this price range soon.

WHOA: update --> my bad, I just read the details and this one was in an accident, sorry.

[Pk Mods]

Originally Posted by Erhan

Why do you need this car? Are you going to track it?

I wouldn't buy a Nissan. Can't comment on 370Z, but we had a 350Z, and although it is not a bad car, there are better cars for the money. My main issues were the rough engine and harsh ride.

No, this car is going to be my daily driver and it will definitely go through rain and maybe even light snow. You say that there are better cars for my money but for $33k, the 370z NISMO has 350hp, syncron rev matching, and its an overall newer car. Many people are suggesting that things will go wrong with an E46 if i get it and to be honest, i dont mean to sound like a brat, but i dont want to deal with anything for at least the first 6-8 months of me getting the car. i want to enjoy the car and be able to use it to its full capacity.

[Giggs]

if you get an M3 just be careful of the "mod bug". I thought after I bought the car I was going to keep it stock. That damn bug bit me so hard and now I'm half of what I paid for the car in mods! LOL

[FerRrari]

I've only driven a 350Z, but I did not like the car:
- cheap interior
- artificial engine sound
- felt heavy
- sterring feedback and response to inputs not as precise as the M3

I recommended a 6MT M3 over SMG because I prefer to row my own gears, if you're comfortable with the idea of a paddle shifter, go for it (I'd personally think I'd get bored more quickly). The E46 is extremely reliable, just need to make sure proper maintenance was done and maybe reinforce the rear-subframe (lots of good info on M3Forum).

GL finding the car you want, don't settle for the first thing you find, patience is a virtue.

[cmetter]

rates are so cheap right now. Finance if your credit is good. Borrow someone elses money....its cheaper that way and invest the rest with a good broker (like me )