Alternative Options....?

[JEllis]

Okay, as of now, I really want an E92 M3. If its as goos as I hope it will be then I will buy one. However, if I have to pay close to 70K or more to get my hands on one then I may have to resort to other options. So here is my question?

What would you buy with around 55-60K that is new or close to new? A car that you wouldnt feel totally compelled to modify except for maybe a new set of wheels?

This is what I have come up with:

-335i with Msport package- probably will be around 46-48K.
-S4-fully loaded with DTM aerokit is around 55K
-2006 M3 CS also probably around 55K (although beautiful its already outdated which is the same thing that happened when I bought my E36. I dont really want to go through the regret of buying a car that has already been replaced)


Let me know what you guys would do, plant to do...

I am leaning towards the S4 given that I can get it with pretty much every option and still be below 55k. It has 340Hp, although its heavy, it sounds great, looks sexy for a 4door, and lots of room....

Jason

[southlight]

Originally Posted by JEllis

Okay, as of now, I really want an E92 M3. If its as goos as I hope it will be then I will buy one. However, if I have to pay close to 70K or more to get my hands on one then I may have to resort to other options. So here is my question?

What would you buy with around 55-60K that is new or close to new? A car that you wouldnt feel totally compelled to modify except for maybe a new set of wheels?

This is what I have come up with:

-335i with Msport package- probably will be around 46-48K.
-S4-fully loaded with DTM aerokit is around 55K
-2006 M3 CS also probably around 55K (although beautiful its already outdated which is the same thing that happened when I bought my E36. I dont really want to go through the regret of buying a car that has already been replaced)


Let me know what you guys would do, plant to do...

I am leaning towards the S4 given that I can get it with pretty much every option and still be below 55k. It has 340Hp, although its heavy, it sounds great, looks sexy for a 4door, and lots of room....

Jason

Hello!

I would choose the 335i. It's a great car with a great engine (maybe the best BMW AG ever made for a non M) and a pretty good handling.
The S4 has the advantage of the V8, but it's heavy, not as fast as the 335 and it needs more gas. The main reason against the S4 is that a new A4 is coming in fall. So you have an outdated car in 8 month.
M3 is the car with best handling, but it's the old model it's more expensive referring the cost of ownership and it's not that faster than a 335i.

So my choose (besides the new M3) would be the 335i (i would prefer the E92 anyway).

Best regards, south

[ROAD EAGLE]

How about a used M5 with about 20k on it? I think that's a good option. They are going around $65-70,000. If the M3 is around that price new, I might consider a used M5.More practical.

[devo]

Originally Posted by ROAD EAGLE

How about a used M5 with about 20k on it? I think that's a good option. They are going around $65-70,000. If the M3 is around that price new, I might consider a used M5.More practical.

For me, practicality has no place in my decision. I am patiently awaiting a well priced, reasonable weight, high BHP, M3. I recently sold my 997 Turbo so I need a ride for the summer.

With that said, I bought a very low mileage 2006 SLK 55 AMG. Well priced, lots of horsepower, sexy, and a (hard) drop top to boot. I know, it's not a purist car, but I didn't buy it for that. It is an interim car until the M or something better arrives.

[devo]

Originally Posted by southlight

Hello!

I would choose the 335i. It's a great car with a great engine (maybe the best BMW AG ever made for a non M) and a pretty good handling.
The S4 has the advantage of the V8, but it's heavy, not as fast as the 335 and it needs more gas. The main reason against the S4 is that a new A4 is coming in fall. So you have an outdated car in 8 month.
M3 is the car with best handling, but it's the old model it's more expensive referring the cost of ownership and it's not that faster than a 335i.

So my choose (besides the new M3) would be the 335i (i would prefer the E92 anyway).

Best regards, south

The new S4 will follow later,, like in 18 months.

[coaster]

Originally Posted by JEllis

I am leaning towards the S4 given that I can get it with pretty much every option and still be below 55k. It has 340Hp, although its heavy, it sounds great, looks sexy for a 4door, and lots of room....

Jason

jason,

The S4 has been outperformed by the Lexus IS-350.

You don't want to go there.

[jtown]

I guarantee the new M3 will be at least 70 out the door.

[Smoltz]

Originally Posted by JEllis

Okay, as of now, I really want an E92 M3. If its as goos as I hope it will be then I will buy one. However, if I have to pay close to 70K or more to get my hands on one then I may have to resort to other options. So here is my question?

What would you buy with around 55-60K that is new or close to new? A car that you wouldnt feel totally compelled to modify except for maybe a new set of wheels?

This is what I have come up with:

-335i with Msport package- probably will be around 46-48K.
-S4-fully loaded with DTM aerokit is around 55K
-2006 M3 CS also probably around 55K (although beautiful its already outdated which is the same thing that happened when I bought my E36. I dont really want to go through the regret of buying a car that has already been replaced)


Let me know what you guys would do, plant to do...

I am leaning towards the S4 given that I can get it with pretty much every option and still be below 55k. It has 340Hp, although its heavy, it sounds great, looks sexy for a 4door, and lots of room....

Jason

Simple. Wait till the M3 comes out and pricing is announced. Decide then.

-Adam

[Hans Delbruck]

Originally Posted by Smoltz

Simple. Wait till the M3 comes out and pricing is announced. Decide then.

-Adam

That's what I am doing. I love to shop for cars, it's the fun part. I want to know the price and performance specs of the new M3 before I let anything else tempt me. Of course, I did buy a Z4MCoupe last summer "in the meantime"

[devo]

Originally Posted by jtown

I guarantee the new M3 will be at least 70 out the door.

I'll bet against that. Very well equipped, without going crazy, under $70k, imo.

[replicat]

I know its a bit of a strech for the euro purists but the New 2008 R36 Skyline GT-R is supposed to be: 3.8 V6 Twin Turbo 450HP, Under 3400 lbs, All new ATTESA-ETS AWD system (shits on any AWD system on the planet, up to 100% of power to Rear Wheels when needed) And suspension tuned by Lotus.

And is estimated to price in at $55KUS

Release is Spring 2008, this car will be no joke. I know its a Nissan yadda, yadda, but it will absolutely obliterate the competition. There are lots videos of it testing on the Nurburgring with a 997 911 Turbo testing with it, Nissan has that 997 T as the target car to outperform, less than half the price.

Do it! Pete.

[heezyo2o]

Originally Posted by replicat

I
And is estimated to price in at $55KUS

Really? I thought the GTR was projected to be around $70-80K.

$55K would be a nice surprise. You never know though. I remember reading reports of how the Audi R8 was going to around $80K, but it's base price wound up being 100K.

[SpencerM3]

I persoanlly don't think that the E92 M3 will be over $70K, regardless it's pretty safe to assume that you will be able to find one under $70K.

If that is the car you really want, why settle for something lesser to save you $5K or so

Get the E92 M3, don't settle

[edgarj]

Originally Posted by ROAD EAGLE

How about a used M5 with about 20k on it? I think that's a good option. They are going around $65-70,000. If the M3 is around that price new, I might consider a used M5.More practical.

Really, apples to oranges. The M5 is a dream, but it is a 4100lb 4 door gas-happy super-sedan. A used V10 M5 with 50% waranty.. practical... is this a joke? I'd go with a loaded 335i (and pocket $25K+) with full warranty and tons of headroom for performance mods If I was looking for a "practical" sports car. I really don't think that a used M5, 08 M3, RS4, or 335i coupe are even competing for >5% of the market simultaneously. IMHO, the M5 is totally fugly too. Love the wheelsand front air-dam, but the 5 hit every branch on the Bangle tree. The new M3 will be much easier on the eye.

[replicat]

I have heard two things 6.6 million yen and 7 million yen in Japan. So either way its under $63KUS

[Robert]

Originally Posted by JEllis

Okay, as of now, I really want an E92 M3. If its as goos as I hope it will be then I will buy one. However, if I have to pay close to 70K or more to get my hands on one then I may have to resort to other options. So here is my question?

What would you buy with around 55-60K that is new or close to new? A car that you wouldnt feel totally compelled to modify except for maybe a new set of wheels?

This is what I have come up with:

-335i with Msport package- probably will be around 46-48K.
-S4-fully loaded with DTM aerokit is around 55K
-2006 M3 CS also probably around 55K (although beautiful its already outdated which is the same thing that happened when I bought my E36. I dont really want to go through the regret of buying a car that has already been replaced)


Let me know what you guys would do, plant to do...

I am leaning towards the S4 given that I can get it with pretty much every option and still be below 55k. It has 340Hp, although its heavy, it sounds great, looks sexy for a 4door, and lots of room....

Jason

dont forget porsche cayman s and elise if you can forego rear seats

[bmargolis]

You're in a bit if a vacuum for what you want for a car. There is very little, if anything in the market that fits that description.

As other have said, the S4 is getting trounced (performance) by everything but a well driven Hyundai. Obviously you don't want to pay 70+ for an M3, which is certainly where they will be. E46 M3's were at about 60 with a few options.

The 335i is a hell of a car. If you do a chip (Vishnu) and an exhaust, you can add 100HP. That's serious power, and WAY quicker than the E46 M3.

Other than that, you have to look Japanese, which I assume does not interest you.

Bob

[devo]

Originally Posted by bmargolis

You're in a bit if a vacuum for what you want for a car. There is very little, if anything in the market that fits that description.

As other have said, the S4 is getting trounced (performance) by everything but a well driven Hyundai. Obviously you don't want to pay 70+ for an M3, which is certainly where they will be. E46 M3's were at about 60 with a few options.

The 335i is a hell of a car. If you do a chip (Vishnu) and an exhaust, you can add 100HP. That's serious power, and WAY quicker than the E46 M3.

Other than that, you have to look Japanese, which I assume does not interest you.

Bob

You make many valid points, however, M3 coupes were not $60k "with a few options". They might have been close or even slightly above, if loaded with excessive options. Even with Premium package, 19" wheels, HK, Park control, Xenons, Aluminum Trim and Nav., they were less than $60k (MSRP). I don't even think that adding SMG would top $60k for that car.

On another note, I too, think that the M5 is hideous.

[bmargolis]

Originally Posted by devo

You make many valid points, however, M3 coupes were not $60k "with a few options". They might have been close or even slightly above, if loaded with excessive options. Even with Premium package, 19" wheels, HK, Park control, Xenons, Aluminum Trim and Nav., they were less than $60k (MSRP). I don't even think that adding SMG would top $60k for that car.

On another note, I too, think that the M5 is hideous.

I was considering an M3 Competition Coupe before I ordered my 335i E92. It had Nav, SMG, and little else. It did not have power seats or premium. It did NOT even have Xenon lights. (which was nearly a deal breaker for me) It was right around 60k and the dealer was not really willing to do too much on the price, as they were getting hard to find in August, when I was looking.

My 335i stickers at a smidge under 50k, pretty loaded. I figure, using some past experience logic that BMW's going to MSRP the M3 at about 63k. Once a few things are added in, it can get close to 70k, not even considering the "premuim" that they will ask for at least the first six months. That makes the car nearly impossible to get at MSRP until close to 2009.

As everyone else, I'm guessing. I would love to have an E92 M3 for $63k with everything that I want in a car, I just don't know if that will ever happen.


Bob

[sdiver68]

Originally Posted by heezyo2o

Really? I thought the GTR was projected to be around $70-80K.

$55K would be a nice surprise. You never know though. I remember reading reports of how the Audi R8 was going to around $80K, but it's base price wound up being 100K.

I've been following the GT-R pretty closely, estimates of price started around $55K base about a year ago and now we're seeing estimates of $70K and above.

Personally, I think there are alot of exciting cars coming out in the $50-75K est range. The GT-R, C63, M3, even the new CTS-V all come to mind. Add to that slightly used cars such as AMG63's and perhaps even M5's in a year, and the option to buy/mod a 335i for less than $50K and buy an Elise as your fun car...Oh, 1 more thing to add...if the Tesla Sedan comes out in a couple of years and performs like the Roadster...

Thus, I have a 335i with/pending mods now, and if/when something comes out that blows it away for my set of criteria, I'll sell it and move to that!

[replicat]

Well said, this segment is tough to shop in, I can't imagine how hard it must be actually design and sell the cars.

But at this point I think that whatever car that is appealing to me at the time of summer '08 I will take and these so far include...

*2008/9 BMW E92 M3 if I can get one with all fees and a couple of options for under $70KUS

*2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R, whatever trim they bring over here thats $70KUS

*2008 Porsche Cayman, buy LSD and tune mildly.

*Last but not least 2008 M coupe if they out a different motor in it.

PS. I just found out that the GT-R will be available In 7spd Dual Clutch Gearbox...confirmed by multiple sources on the net.

[Last E92 M3]

Originally Posted by replicat

Well said, this segment is tough to shop in, I can't imagine how hard it must be actually design and sell the cars.

But at this point I think that whatever car that is appealing to me at the time of summer '08 I will take and these so far include...

*2008/9 BMW E92 M3 if I can get one with all fees and a couple of options for under $70KUS

*2008 Nissan Skyline GT-R, whatever trim they bring over here thats $70KUS

*2008 Porsche Cayman, buy LSD and tune mildly.

*Last but not least 2008 M coupe if they out a different motor in it.

PS. I just found out that the GT-R will be available In 7spd Dual Clutch Gearbox...confirmed by multiple sources on the net.

HOLY !@#$?!
7SPEED DUAL CLUTCH GEARBOX?!