I know its basically 2 door vs 4 door, I can take both just matter of good vs bad in each catergory.

I am leanding towards M3 only due to better gas milage and pure assumption of lower cost to maintain.

But I heart both of these M's. Currently driving my 04 belinda, but prices are so good I cant resist....


Spending 22k on 02 M5 with 66k on the meter.

Spending 24k on 04 M3 with 58K on the meter.

what would (insert your name here) do?


Mucho thanks in advance....


James

 

For the exact cars you listed, I'd go with the M3. It's newer and has less miles for about the same price. This is using the assumption that age and higher mileage leads to more issues.

 

Comes down to the better deal

I'd still go with the M3

 

Yes, but what draws me to the M5,

V8

4 door, huge trunk, fold down seats = lots of space

 

????

Guess its not a fun discussion.... I'm guessing no one is for the M5?

 

I'd pick neither if you're worried about gas and maintenance costs.

I'd pick the M5 if you're keeping your S2000 and don't have another car at home.

I'd pick the M3 if you're trading in your S2000.

 

^^ ckit makes a good point, got to pay to play


but I think I would pick the m3, I think's it's one of the best looking beamers of all time. Def. going to be a classic imo.

 

Great article on the ownership experience of a used E46 M3.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...photopanel..1.*

The E46 M3 always had a special place in my heart, but reading that article made me realize how the little things that go wrong in a German performance car can add up. For now, I'm satisfied with my little Honda

A broken door lock actuator and a leaky hose in the power steering set the guys back $1500
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2008/05...leaky-hose.html
^ That one is actually very common, both of my friends with e46 3 series have this issue.

Alternator replacement was another $1900
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/2008/05...leaky-hose.html

 

man, off topic for two seconds - I have the hardest time reading your comments because of that guy falling on his wanker. I usually skip them. Could you please find something less painful. It would be good for us and good for you (we would pay more attention to what you say). It hurts me every time I see that.

 

+1 on the off topic comment.

IMHO the e39 M5 is the last of the great M series sedan. I don't care for the new one. The e46 M3 is awesome but the e92 is better in many ways(expect styling).

The e39 is going to be a future classic. That would be my reason for getting one. I would want to buy a mint one and keep it forever.