Advice on Selecting M3 or 335is

[Money2536]

I need some help weighing my options.

I currently own an '07 S2000. Believe it or not, I'm not a huge fan of convertibles. I have taken my hardtop off three times in the past 3 years. This is my fifth Honda and second S2000. I don't want another convertible.

Here is my problem. My office is 38 miles from my house. I drive about 25,000 miles a year. My commute to work is pretty rural with traffic lights about every 5 miles. I drive 55-65 miles an hour, so I'll be able to get near maximum highway mpg for most of the 25,000 miles.

I want an M3. I've always wanted an M3, but a 335is would obviously be a more practical choice for the amount of driving I do. I would rather buy new but may consider a used M3.

This is what I'm thinking:

I'm not prepared to spend, nor would my wife allow, a $70,000 car purchase. I will try and find a used E90 M3 sedan. If I can find, say, an '09 with less than 10,000 miles in the neighborhood $50,000, this would make me overlook that fact that someone else owned the car. Plus, a large percentage of the initial depreciation has been realized and that will soften the blow on my total cost per mile. I really like the look of the sedan. It would also be nice to be able to put a child seat in the back or take a few clients to lunch.

The other option is that I order a 2011 335is. I'm guessing it's going to cost me about $55,000 to buy the one I want. I don't like the 335 sedan, so I would lose some cargo practically versus the M3. I would love to order the car brand new and do a Performance Delivery to enjoy the experience. To me, this is a huge plus. There is something to be said about picking up your brand new car, especially my first BMW. The cost to maintain the 335 will be about the same if I order it with 19's like the M3 would have.

I think the biggest difference will be the fuel cost. I get about 28mpg in my S2000. I'm guessing I will get 18-20mpg in the M3 and 26-28mpg in the 335is. This is on my commute, obviously not during spirited driving.

What am I missing? Am I crazy to buy a V-8 M3 and drive it that much?

Thanks for your input in advance.

[saeedg48]

One's fun and one sooooooo much fun, when you're in the mood.
But if I was you I would get the automatic if it's your daily driver.
..It's what you want

[davedave]

I'm guessing I will get 18-20mpg in the M3 and 26-28mpg in the 335is


no, u won't.

i got both 335is and M3.

65% fwy, 35% local for M3 i got around 15.5

65% fwy, 35% local for 335is i got around 17.6


Stick with your S2000 if i'm you when u need to drive that much. Your warranty will ran out within 2 years (25000miles per year). Maintance for BMW ain't cheap after your warranty expired.

[BaLLzZz]

Both great cars

Just from the sound of things it seems to you that cost per mile is more important then the actual experience so just on that point alone i would say get the 335

Also from an owners standpoint say in 3 years your m3 will have 80k on the clock. Not to desirable of a car to sell.

I mean its all prefrence and your driving style.

Call me crazy but personally when i get my m3 i would like to keep my mileage per year under 8K if i buy

Either way they are both great cars.

[Nawaaz]

hmmm....Why don't you consider a new M3 with fewer options instead.

I mean, an M3 Sedan doesn't have to cost $70k.

Heck, I ordered my '09 for $56k OTD.

I understand that getting a stripped M3 with no options may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you can still get the few essential options that you would like to have, while saving a lot of the money by not getting an excess amount of options.

What do you say?

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by davedave

I'm guessing I will get 18-20mpg in the M3 and 26-28mpg in the 335is


no, u won't.

i got both 335is and M3.

65% fwy, 35% local for M3 i got around 15.5

65% fwy, 35% local for 335is i got around 17.6


Stick with your S2000 if i'm you when u need to drive that much. Your warranty will ran out within 2 years (25000miles per year). Maintance for BMW ain't cheap after your warranty expired.

This is the kind of stuff I was wondering. Thanks.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by BaLLzZz

Both great cars

Just from the sound of things it seems to you that cost per mile is more important then the actual experience so just on that point alone i would say get the 335

Also from an owners standpoint say in 3 years your m3 will have 80k on the clock. Not to desirable of a car to sell.

I mean its all prefrence and your driving style.

Call me crazy but personally when i get my m3 i would like to keep my mileage per year under 8K if i buy

Either way they are both great cars.

I understand the cost of owning a sports car. Maybe I overly stressed trying keep the cost down. An S2000 isn't exactly designed to drive 25,000 miles a year. My S2000 is modified, so I do spend quite a bit on alignments, tires, Amsoil, etc. I'm just a little concerned about buying an M3 and having to spend thousands upon thousands more. Honda's are so darn reliable. I think I'm prepared to buy an M3 for $55,000 and sell it for $8,000 four years from now with 110,000 miles on the clock.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

hmmm....Why don't you consider a new M3 with fewer options instead.

I mean, an M3 Sedan doesn't have to cost $70k.

Heck, I ordered my '09 for $56k OTD.

I understand that getting a stripped M3 with no options may not be everyone's cup of tea, but you can still get the few essential options that you would like to have, while saving a lot of the money by not getting an excess amount of options.

What do you say?

Of course, I want it all and don't want to pay anything for it like everyone else. You are probably right that an base model M3 would still be a significant step up in luxury and features over my S2000, but I'm so enamored by all the available options and technology. I figure, there are so many '08-'09 E90's with 5,000 miles on them for, in some cases, for sale for less then $50K. Maybe it's a pipe dream, but in my mind, I could buy an M3 and drive it into the ground, throw it away in four or five years, and buy something else.

[Nawaaz]

Originally Posted by Money2536

Of course, I want it all and don't want to pay anything for it like everyone else. You are probably right that an base model M3 would still be a significant step up in luxury and features over my S2000, but I'm so enamored by all the available options and technology. I figure, there are so many '08-'09 E90's with 5,000 miles on them for, in some cases, for sale for less then $50K. Maybe it's a pipe dream, but in my mind, I could buy an M3 and drive it into the ground, throw it away in four or five years, and buy something else.

I know that you're very passionate about the M3.

If you can find a fully loaded used one for under $50k, and under 10k miles.....I say go for it.

Making a smart financial decision, while still keeping yourself happy is one of the toughest obstacles.

Wish you all the best in finding the appropriate solution for yourself, and your family.

[MVF4Rrider]

My commute is half of yours and I spend way too much time pumping gas. Plus, I usually average about 19 mpg. Luckily 2/3 of my commute is through a National Park (at higher than posted speeds!). You could do what I did and acquire a barely used E46 M3 for daily commuting. Mine was $29K and only had 5,900 miles on it at 7 years old. There are loads of good deals on E46 M3 convertibles at present, and they hold their value (what is left of it) quite well. Most verts are bone stock too and well preserved.

[JulieDriving]

It doesn't sound like getting a $50-70K car is really an issue for you, but rather, your commute and the amount your car will depreciate over 4 years of such a commute.

Here's my 2 cents. Get what you really want. Get the used M3. I would have gone used for my 335 or a M3, but my husband didn't want anything pre-owned. The first few years of depreciation are the worst, as you know. If your car's going to lose a lot of value because of the miles, then getting new car doesn't make a whooole lot of sense.

Every day that you drive - every mile that you drive - that M3, you will freakin' love it. Even if it doesn't last forever. I say it's better to drive that M3 for 4 years than a super reliable car that isn't want you really want for 8.

[Epik]

"I want an M3. I've always wanted an M3" -OP

My advice, get an M3.

New cars are for imbeciles, find a clean used vehicle and avoid the depreciation.

/endthread

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by Epik

"I want an M3. I've always wanted an M3" -OP

My advice, get an M3.

New cars are for imbeciles, find a clean used vehicle and avoid the depreciation.

/endthread

I'm learning that you are correct, but I'm still a sucker for a good buying experience. I would love to pick the car up at the factory in SC as a first time BMW owner. On the other hand, I'm a fiscally responsible 30 year-old, and I could have strapped myself earlier in life to buy an E46. The deals on an E90 out there make it very tempting to shell out the extra money to daily drive the M3. I've worked my way up the Honda line and am ready, as I call it, to graduate.

What I need to do is move closer to work, and then mileage won't matter.

[Money2536]

Originally Posted by JulieDriving

It doesn't sound like getting a $50-70K car is really an issue for you, but rather, your commute and the amount your car will depreciate over 4 years of such a commute.

Here's my 2 cents. Get what you really want. Get the used M3. I would have gone used for my 335 or a M3, but my husband didn't want anything pre-owned. The first few years of depreciation are the worst, as you know. If your car's going to lose a lot of value because of the miles, then getting new car doesn't make a whooole lot of sense.

Every day that you drive - every mile that you drive - that M3, you will freakin' love it. Even if it doesn't last forever. I say it's better to drive that M3 for 4 years than a super reliable car that isn't want you really want for 8.

You're right. I'd rather not completely throw money away, but understand the additional cost of M3 ownership over a 335 and especially over a Honda.

What I really need to do is wait, buy an Acura TL to drive to work, and buy an M3 for the weekends. I'm trying to skip a few years while being as responsible as a car guy can be. I wish I liked collecting stamps instead.

[saeedg48]

Originally Posted by davedave

I'm guessing I will get 18-20mpg in the M3 and 26-28mpg in the 335is


no, u won't.

i got both 335is and M3.

65% fwy, 35% local for M3 i got around 15.5

65% fwy, 35% local for 335is i got around 17.6


Stick with your S2000 if i'm you when u need to drive that much. Your warranty will ran out within 2 years (25000miles per year). Maintance for BMW ain't cheap after your warranty expired.

When you own an M3 in stick you're always going to be tempted. In DD mode I get 13.5 and in romp mode I get 10.5

Buy a car that you're going to enjoy but don't be worried about it as far as gas goes. If you're going to buy it know that you're going to have to spend the money for service/ gas/ insurance/ ect.

Don't buy it then get rid b/c you can afford it.

[RichB]

Originally Posted by davedave

I'm guessing I will get 18-20mpg in the M3 and 26-28mpg in the 335is


no, u won't.

i got both 335is and M3.

65% fwy, 35% local for M3 i got around 15.5

65% fwy, 35% local for 335is i got around 17.6


Stick with your S2000 if i'm you when u need to drive that much. Your warranty will ran out within 2 years (25000miles per year). Maintance for BMW ain't cheap after your warranty expired.

WOW. You get horrible MPG!!! I know driving style affects the MPG. I drive fairly aggressive and avg 23.5 MPG in my 335 and 19.2 in my M3 with my 50/50% (hwy/secondary) commute. On long interstate trips doing 83-85mph: 335i= 27.5 and M3=20.2.

I do not try to get good MPG. I bought the car to have fun and I do. It is just the cost of driving.

Friend has 335i 6MT and he consistently gets 24+ MPG. His wife gets 19MPG and she does not drive aggressive with the same car. Who knows?

[davedave]

For me.... if you want to get a M3 and concern about the mileage, you shouldn't get it.

[H Bomb]

didn't get to read all the replies yet, but here is my 2 cents. get what you want. get the used M3 and who cares how many miles are on it when you get rid of it. live in the now. you by a car to drive it not to worry how many miles you are putting on it. i never got that some people who buy these M cars and are like well i only want to put 5k miles a year on it bc it is gonna be worth less. they are gonna be worth less anyway

i buy my cars to drive them and that is why i don't lease bc i put miles on them. i bust my ass to get my M cars so damn right i am gonna drive it every chance i get.

the M3 makes a great daily driver especially with the adjustable suspension. if you do get the M3 try to find one with the tech pack that has the M drive and the adjustable susp, the M diff is really cool and i like the adjustable susp. mine is my daily driver and i think it is just fine. i don't get bad mpg. i have a 6sp no less and love it

you only live once get the car you really want. if you can afford a used M3 or a new 335 i would take the used M3 anyday. i found my 08 M3 with 9k miles on it and it was loaded with every option possible and was the color combo i wanted and was in perfect condition you couldn't even tell it was used. there are clean examples out there like that.

good luck in your search


H

[RevFreak14]

"nor would my wife allow, a $70,000 car purchase" - why I will never be married.


My advice, sell your S2000 and get yourself a 3 or 4 year old shitbox (Honda Accord, Nissan Altima ) for your daily commute. Those cars are as dependable as it gets, they get great gas mileage, and you can pick one up for about $12-15k.

After that, go down to your local BMW stealership and tell them to find you an E90 M3. As was mentioned above a new M3 does not have to cost anywhere near $70k. You can get a decently equipped E90 for around $60k. After they find one that suits you, tell them you want the "BMW Select" financing. Since this will not be your daily commuter and you'll probably keep the mileage very low, this will work out great for you. You basically finance only a portion of the MSRP for 5 years, and then at the end of the 5 years you have a balloon payment (yes you can refinance) for around $20k or whatever you agreed the residual would be when you signed the contract. The good part of this program is that if you are way undermileaged you can pay the balloon payment ( or finance it ) and sell the car yourself and put some $$$ in your pocket. If you keep the mileage low this program is excellent, if you put a lot of miles on the car, stay away from this program.

[mexicanmike]

Here is what you do, wife won't let you spend 70k on a new M3....so....you buy a used 09 for cheaper, and buy a bone stock prius for DD. Reason with your wife, save money and miles on the M by getting the prius, gas for the daily commute cancels out with the amount you save on gas with the prius. The way I look at it, you will drive to work, park it for 8 hours, someone will hit it, then you drive home. Save the M for special driving and for weekends. I often drive my M for hours on the weekend, racking up the miles with pure enthusiastic driving, not driving the same boring route to work.

[Finnegan]

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

Here is what you do, wife won't let you spend 70k on a new M3....so....you buy a used 09 for cheaper, and buy a bone stock prius for DD. Reason with your wife, save money and miles on the M by getting the prius, gas for the daily commute cancels out with the amount you save on gas with the prius. The way I look at it, you will drive to work, park it for 8 hours, someone will hit it, then you drive home. Save the M for special driving and for weekends. I often drive my M for hours on the weekend, racking up the miles with pure enthusiastic driving, not driving the same boring route to work.

+1 on a nice reliable beater for commuting. I'd actually go non-hybrid and get some older yet reliable car. Keep the M3 for fun and games on the weekend or after hours. I drive my 15 year old Integra to work, it bakes in the sun for 8-10 hours, collects dings, and it gets 28 MPG. Insurance is next to nothing. It's also worth about 2,000 bucks, so if anything happens to it who cares? (I never worry about that car.) You can find some nice safe gas sipper for well under 10K used--pile the miles on that car. The S2000 should be easily able to pay the bill on this and then some!

As for the M3, buy a used one. You'll end up with a great car for driving to work and having fun in for well around 50K; possibly less.

[H Bomb]

and also considering they recalled millions of prius lately if not all of them for the gas pedals getting stuck he can get a smokin deal on a prius now while toyotas stock is getting hammered and the dealers are dead. it is def a good time to buy a toyota right now

Originally Posted by mexicanmike

Here is what you do, wife won't let you spend 70k on a new M3....so....you buy a used 09 for cheaper, and buy a bone stock prius for DD. Reason with your wife, save money and miles on the M by getting the prius, gas for the daily commute cancels out with the amount you save on gas with the prius. The way I look at it, you will drive to work, park it for 8 hours, someone will hit it, then you drive home. Save the M for special driving and for weekends. I often drive my M for hours on the weekend, racking up the miles with pure enthusiastic driving, not driving the same boring route to work.