Is the M3 for me?

[iwantone2]

My current car is a 2012 750i active hybrid. This is the v8 version before they switched to the current 6 cyl version. The lease is ending in January and I am in the process of finding a replacement.

As far as my usage goes, I drive alone 80% of the time. I have three kids, 25 months, 1 month and 1 month old.. Yes twins.I have a Honda pilot as a family car and I I will continue to use this car as my personal car primarily for daily commute.

I really want to try an M car as I have never had one. My first preference was the M5 but the lower price combined with the higher residual make the M3 really desirable. I've managed to find a dealer who is willing to give me an ED invoice + 500- incentives deal on an M3. Am I making a mistake moving from a 7 to an M3? The 7 is prestigious, comfortable and quite powerful..but it did feel like a boat at times and I am a little bored with it. I've had a 5 series loaner several times and didn't mind the interior space. I even enjoyed the 5 series loaners as I felt they were more agile and felt quicker.

I am really confused. Am I better of getting a 550i? Should I stick to a 7? I considered a 6, but the residual is super low and I don't feel it's worth the premium over a 5.

Thoughts?

[Brosef]

go for the M3 so long as you don't mind foregoing some of the accoutrements of the 7. plenty of room for the family

[myzmak]

My gut says you will be happier in a 550 or M5.

While luxurious compared to the M3s of years past (in particular an E30 or E36 era), it is still not nearly the cruiser you are used to in a 7 series.

Its like downsizing from your McMansion in the ex-urbs to a downtown loft. Might be really cool, but it may be a little too abrupt.

(at the very least, do as much test driving as you can before you commit)

[Revartr]

I think you'd be much happier and better suited with an M5. You'll get a lot of the features and amenities that aren't available with the M3.

[Black Gold]

Go drive them all then decide

No way a bunch of people on the Internet who don't know you can make a reasonable suggestion

[iwantone2]

I did stop by a dealer especially because I wanted to check out the fit and finish in the F8x and wasn't disappointed. I didn't spend too much time, but was quite happy with the extended leather, cf trim etc. Dealers around me don't have an m3 to test, but I will be going in to drive an M4 and an M5 soon..

The part that is intriguing to me is the price being offered.non haven't heard of anyone else getting this deal. 500 under invoice after holiday credit, base mf, base acquisition fee.. The payment is almost the same as the 550.

[solstice]

Unless you really need the space of a seven the biggest potential downside would likely be noise. The seven is serene while the M3 is to be frank, noisy. Road noise, wind noise and exhaust noise. You'll likely miss the 7's seats as well.

Very different cars but all the rest you give up with the seven the M3's fun to drive factor should make up for with a margin. It's worth a test drive to figure out!

[iwantone2]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Go drive them all then decide

No way a bunch of people on the Internet who don't know you can make a reasonable suggestion

Reason I asked here was- test drives are great, but they have a way of exciting you, but I am hoping people on these forums have experience owing an M3/4 and may be able to give me a better perspective. I find it difficult to believe anyone diving a brand new M3 during a test drive doesn't like it...

[dmk08]

I would get an M5. You can get a hell of a discount. I would get one if it wasn't a tad too much for me.

[rz3]

It's an apples to oranges comparison. I agree that you would probably be happier in a 550 or M5. The F80 M3 is much nicer in terms of interior looks and fit, but it's still a 3 series and doesn't have the comfort and gadgetry in a 5 or 7. When I went to the 2 Day M school a few years ago, granted it was the prior generation of each, but I absolutely loved the E60 M5 because it was comfort and power, and really enjoyed driving the E90 M3 since I could toss it around more.

[onatuesday]

I'd say if you have to ask then it's probably not for you. If you got the cash for a M6 --- I'd get that though!

[myzmak]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

Go drive them all then decide

No way a bunch of people on the Internet who don't know you can make a reasonable suggestion

But I'm ever so smart and good looking and charming. Surely my opinion posted above must be worth something?

(hahahahaha)

(and, sure, go ahead and give reasonable advice. See if we care.)

[iwantone2]

Originally Posted by rz3

It's an apples to oranges comparison. I agree that you would probably be happier in a 550 or M5. The F80 M3 is much nicer in terms of interior looks and fit, but it's still a 3 series and doesn't have the comfort and gadgetry in a 5 or 7. When I went to the 2 Day M school a few years ago, granted it was the prior generation of each, but I absolutely loved the E60 M5 because it was comfort and power, and really enjoyed driving the E90 M3 since I could toss it around more.

I feel like the executive package and driver assistance package have everything I use in my 7. The M3 even comes with the rear sunshade now.. Who would've thought.. The one piece of technology which would be a deal breaker for me is the HUD.. And that's now available.. What other gadgetry does the M3 lack?

[modkrazy]

Go with the 5-series or M5, the M3 will feel cheap after your 7.

[BurnMeWallet]

I would go for a m5, they can be had for a very good discount! The new M3 are discounted around $5000, but the M5s can be had for a good $10-12k off which makes it a real bargain. Coming from a 7 series going to a 3 series is gonna be harsh. Most people chose the m3 over the m5 cause they are more nimble, are you the twisties type of person? Track star? Canyon carving?

[WVUDrJay]

Buy an M3. I have an M4. Driving is soooooo fun. Bad day at work? Drive home fixes it. Running errands is now so much fun. I have 3 kids, wife can't drive stick so I got a 2 door rocket with a manual M4! If you are alone 80% of the time get a car you will love, and I promise you will love the m3. It's a blast!

[m4pewpew]

iwantone2, sounds like you simply need to schedule a test drive of an M3 :-)

[JoeyBananas]

Not sure where you are in NJ but I'm in NJ as well and am getting $6,500 off MSRP and they have multiple Ms on the lot to test drive. Shoot me a PM

[RickMonet]

You can find a 1-2 year old M5 for the price of well equipped new M3.

Drive both and choose the one you like.

[YMB-M3-J2]

I think you can relate the comparison of the 7 to the 5..meaning the M3 is going to be lighter more nimble and less boat like than 5 and certainly the 7. Space and luxury is where you will see the biggest difference not saying the M3 doesnt have luxury or space but it will be less the a 5 or 7. I suggest test driving the M3 and if one is not available atleast test drive a 335 to give you an idea about the space and cabin feel but keep in mind an M3 drives far different than a 335.

[TahoeM3]

I think the M3/M4 is just about the perfect balance of luxury and sport. I've had a 550i and it was like driving a fast couch. Completely numb and boring. It's luxurious, though. It sounds like it may be more your cup of tea, but the only way to find out is to drive both.

[dhoggm3]

The M3 will be substantially louder on the road, primarily due to not having any rear subframe bushings at all. Not unbearingly so, but you'll have to turn up the radio some.

Oh, and there's this. Tonight on the way home from work (51 degrees F) I floored it in third because, well, why not? The rear stepped completely sideways. It's a beast. If that would bother you, then definitely stay away from the M3/M4.