The middle-aged Dad Dilemma

[Dreadpyrat]

Hey all,
Hope this is the right place to post this.

I’m looking for some advice on a “new” BMW that can handle my daily driving needs while also satisfying my lifelong desire to finally own an M3.

I’ve been a BMW driver for years: multiple 3-series models and an X3, and most of them have had the M-Sport trim. But the M-Sport package has always felt like a consolation prize compared to having a real M car.

Now I’m debating what to replace my current ride with (a 2022 330e M-Sport). I’d also love to get back into a manual transmission, which is what I grew up driving and still miss.

My dream car is an F80 M3 in Yas Marina Blue, or even better, wrapped in Voodoo Blue. With a budget around $50k, I think I can make it happen if I’m patient enough to find a well-documented, stock, low-mileage example.

But here are my concerns: I’ve got two teenagers, so whatever I get still needs to be somewhat practical. And honestly, I’m worried the F80 might be more power than I really need. I can see myself ending up as one one those TikTok videos of a middle-aged guy showing off, fishtailing around a corner, and putting it into a tree.

I’m also concerned about maintenance costs on an older, high-performance car, not to mention the price of parts and insurance (even though I’ve got a clean driving record). I dont have. garage so whatever I get will live (and get worked on) the street. I am in a good neighborhood, but nevertheless, it's not ideal for car maintenance.

My backup plan is a 2022+ M340i, which the internet claims is a good middle-ground for people like me who want an M car but also need something family-friendly.

But…it’s just not as sexy as an F80 M3. Nothing really is, IMO. A F80 340i generation would get me the look without the excessive power, and I could still get a manual. But as a daily driver, will I even enjoy a manual, or will I just end up with “clutch ankle” sitting in traffic?

On the flip side, a newer M340i would be certified, which helps ease the maintenance-anxiety. But no manual option, and nowhere near the curb appeal of an F80.

So here I am:
F80 M3?
F30 340i?
G20 M340i?

Have you been in this spot before? Which way did you go? And is an M340i considered a “real” M by the BMW crowd? I’m looking for advice, wisdom, guidance, and hilarious commentary.

TL;DR: here's a haiku about this post:

M-dreams call to me
Yas F80M or family duty?
Teens, costs, clutch… choose well.

Thanks in advance,
Rob

[bucketfoot]

The M340 most definitely is not a "real" M car, but it is no slouch.

As for practicality, space wise it is a wash. Now for reliability in general a lower power car will likely be more reliable and less expensive to maintain. Throw in that the B58 has been proven to be rock solid.

Your two big questions that only you can answer are do you really want a manual and do you need to scratch the "M" itch.

[M2CSDaily]

M340i is very fast and an overall great car, but definitely less “M” than f80 m3. The DCT in the f80 is great and what I prefer over the manual. Maintenance costs are not going to be very different between the two, and f80 m3 is reliable if you get a well maintained one. If you really want the full “M” experience definitely get the f80, looks better too

[Altamate]

A few guys in your situation would get a M340, add a 2-300cell catted down pipe, a stage 1-2 tune a few other handling and cosmetic bolt-ons and be pretty happy.

[T.R.S.]

Originally Posted by Dreadpyrat

But the M-Sport package has always felt like a consolation prize compared to having a real M car.

Are those feelings just based on what others say, or do you have real world experience to validate your feelings? Have you pushed you BMWs to their limits and they gave up before you did so have a desire for a more capable vehicle, or is it just about bragging rights and being a member of a more exclusive club? If you have money to burn to satisfy your needs then go for it, but unless you're seriously into it you may never reap the benefits of the expanded performance envelope of a "real" M.

[pbonsalb]

An AWD car puts the power down better than a RWD car if you are worried about going sideways, but if you always leave traction control on, the risk is low unless you do something obviously stupid. It does not seem like the OP is that person.

If it takes a real M car to satisfy the dream, buy one. The M package cars can be great but everyone knows they are not a real M car. For some that matters and for others it does not.

[Janjohn]

I’ve never been exactly in your situation but I will say if you buy a manual tranny you will be the only one driving the M3, which might be a good thing. If you want something a bit more versatile for family driving, you could buy an M5 with the paddle shift. More room, great power, torque, and more versatile.

Best Wishes on whatever you choose and isn’t it great that you have so many options. The best part of being a middle-aged dad is that you can finally afford the car of your dreams.

[BenFenner]

Originally Posted by Dreadpyrat

So here I am:
F80 M3?
F30 340i?
G20 M340i?

I don't get it Rob. Are 6MT E90 M3s not available where you live?
Not trying to sound like a fanboy. I don't really think it's a great car. But it ticks all your boxes as long as you're ready for the "maintenance".

You will adore a manual. All four of our cars/BMWs/German-money-pits are manual (and 3 of them are loaded down with child car seats). You won't find my wife driving anything else.

Nothing is slower than a fast EV.

[c99782]

Originally Posted by T.R.S.

Are those feelings just based on what others say, or do you have real world experience to validate your feelings? Have you pushed you BMWs to their limits and they gave up before you did so have a desire for a more capable vehicle, or is it just about bragging rights and being a member of a more exclusive club? If you have money to burn to satisfy your needs then go for it, but unless you're seriously into it you may never reap the benefits of the expanded performance envelope of a "real" M.

M-lite owner detected.

[DanG]

Nothing compares to a real M car. The F80s are pretty reliable and should be readily available. Once you drives one you wont want a M340i. If you don’t need four doors you may want to even look at an F87 M2.

[ShocknAwe]

You need to drive older M cars.

Check out an E39 M5! E46 M3! E90/92 M3!
If you can stretch your budget to around $70k check out a 1M! If you want something bigger check out a E60 M5, that V10 is a piece of art.

Get one in manual and own a piece of history and a superior driving experience.

Nothing compares to Motorsports design and engineering. It takes far more than exhaust and a tune to equal one, they are far different under the skin.

I'd love to replace our X5D with a E39 or E60 M5. But it's my wife's car and she likes the X, and I don't have space for a fourth car.

[pbonsalb]

The OP is concerned about maintenance and repair costs and does not have a garage. Old BMWs can be great for DIYers with a garage, but probably not a great choice for him. But even an F80 M3 will be out of warranty and potentially costly. If he knows a good independent BMW specialist, that would help.

[Chihuahua]

Sounds to me like you've already answered this question for yourself. Do it. No regerts.

[Timmer-Bimmer]

Check with your insurance agent before pulling the trigger. A car that will comfortably do 160 mph along with teenage drivers on your policy sounds like a high premium to me.

[NWH83]

You know the answer.

[JABCAT]

How do the teenagers factor into the equation? I'm 49 & I've had high-performance cars from the time my kids were born to today (currently 23, 22, 17, & 16 yrs old). Currently the daily drivers for me & my wife respectively are a '23 M2 (with CS software) & '22 X3M Competition. Weekend fun car is a '11 supercharged Callaway Carbon Edition Z06 with ~700 hp.

I've always been curious as to why people think they can't drive performance cars when they have kids

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

How do the teenagers factor into the equation? I'm 49 & I've had high-performance cars from the time my kids were born to today (currently 23, 22, 17, & 16 yrs old). Currently the daily drivers for me & my wife respectively are a '23 M2 (with CS software) & '22 X3M Competition. Weekend fun car is a '11 supercharged Callaway Carbon Edition Z06 with ~700 hp.

I've always been curious as to why people think they can't drive performance cars when they have kids

Expose them young and they'll love cars for life.

So many people think they can't have fast cars with kids. I don't get it.

[NickyC]

F80, no contest. You get relatively the same performance as a G80 at 9/10ths, and you don't have to look away when walking to your car. S55 provides more than enough power for anyone, I can't even full throttle mine for more than a couple seconds before looking at expensive fines. Modern cars as a whole are way too fast to enjoy on public roads, but the F80 hits the sweet spot of good power, still has analogue gauges, is super reliable, is holding its value fairly well now, and is a far better-looking car than anything you can buy new on a BMW lot right now. Just get one equipped with the DCT, trust me on that.

[freakystyly]

The heart says M3, the brain says M340i.

I still find myself randomly browsing for M2s even though I'm happy with my M240i. I'm sure if you got a M3, you'd be randomly browsing for Porsches or some such.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Dreadpyrat

Hey all,
Hope this is the right place to post this.

I’m looking for some advice on a “new” BMW that can handle my daily driving needs while also satisfying my lifelong desire to finally own an M3.

I’ve been a BMW driver for years: multiple 3-series models and an X3, and most of them have had the M-Sport trim. But the M-Sport package has always felt like a consolation prize compared to having a real M car.

Now I’m debating what to replace my current ride with (a 2022 330e M-Sport). I’d also love to get back into a manual transmission, which is what I grew up driving and still miss.

My dream car is an F80 M3 in Yas Marina Blue, or even better, wrapped in Voodoo Blue. With a budget around $50k, I think I can make it happen if I’m patient enough to find a well-documented, stock, low-mileage example.

But here are my concerns: I’ve got two teenagers, so whatever I get still needs to be somewhat practical. And honestly, I’m worried the F80 might be more power than I really need. I can see myself ending up as one one those TikTok videos of a middle-aged guy showing off, fishtailing around a corner, and putting it into a tree.

I’m also concerned about maintenance costs on an older, high-performance car, not to mention the price of parts and insurance (even though I’ve got a clean driving record). I dont have. garage so whatever I get will live (and get worked on) the street. I am in a good neighborhood, but nevertheless, it's not ideal for car maintenance.
I'll
My backup plan is a 2022+ M340i, which the internet claims is a good middle-ground for people like [...]

I love the F80 but because so many prior owners tuned or beat the shit out of the car I would be afraid to own one. The G20 M340i is still an "M" car but it's not an M3 and you'll feel like you're settling. Another thing is that the G20 is a big car. It's an E39 5-seeiee and will be have more capability than the E39 M5.

I like the look of the G20 M340i but I hate the interior. I like the B58 but hate that BMW gave it the shitty plastic oil filter housing while the S58 (M3/M4/M2) gets the simpler metal housing. Cooling system issues are a chronic issue with the B58 as they age.

Being in your age range as well the F90 M5 has been calling me but that V8 is also a maintenance nightmare.

[itrocks4u]

I'm a middle aged dad. You are over thinking this.
I sold my 911 GTS to buy a 2013 M3. E92 was my dream car. I'm worried about maintenance costs as well.

You should 1000% get the F80 in YMB. Everything else is a compromise and you don't need to make one. You have a budget, work with that to find the right car. I think you can still get aftermarket warranty on F80s unlike E92s.

Finally, if you are unable to find one on these forums from a fellow enthusiast, look at CarMax. But if you buy from CarMax, make sure to get their warranty. It's one of the best and covers extensively. It has a small list of exclusions. Don't buy from CarMax without warranty.

Here's an example:

I think you'll like this 2018 BMW M3 I found at CarMax https://www.carmax.com/car/27742285?...ppShareAndroid

Please send pictures of your YMB F80 when you buy one!

[T.R.S.]

Originally Posted by c99782

M-lite owner detected.

M snob detected.

Considered the M2 but then it didn't offer me anything useable beyond what the M240i did during the 60 mile test drives the dealership let me take with each of them. Won't be doing the minimum half a dozen track days a year I used to do, so now no place where an M would really step up.

Confident in my decision, but then my ego gets massaged in ways different from others.