exactly what i was referring to.....

 

Source?

 

Hopefully the major inspection on the car is done, and they are done roughly every 25k miles or so but yes they cost upward to $1,500. Brakes I can find for pretty cheap and DIY with help of a few friends I know that own M3's, tires you can buy General's which is what I ran on my 2004 M3 and they cost $600 for an entire set (same or less than an S2k) but oil changes etc. will be a bit more costly. I will also most likely have to change out the RTABs, RSMs, check for subframe cracking, make sure the recalls were done, etc... but that car is a blast to drive and a beauty in not a very outlandish $blingy$ way which is what I love.

I think my wants vs. what I should do is different, want an M3, but it doesn't seem like the added stress of maintenance is worth it in the long run. Sigh...

 

I saw this on bimmerforums too. Its in the FAQ section and i'm too lazy to link it.

 

You used the word "budget" in your post therefore I would stay away from the M3. I am a BMW tech and know first hand that maintenance, diagnostic and repair can be expensive.

 

Ok thanks for your input guys! It looks like it will be a pretty easy decision. The whole inconvenience thing is something I can deal with, especially since I rarely drive any more than 1 person around. Thanks for everyone's input!

 

keep the S FTW

 

hmm... hopefully I changed your mind today

 

I think the saying goes for the M3..."If you can't afford it new, you can't afford it used".

I was looking into one also since they seem pretty well priced right now but the maintenance scares me.

 

wow. M3 maintenance cost is kinda ridiculous. even nsx wont cost that much. valve adjustment is every 30k miles for first 60k miles, and then every 60k needs it. cost is around 500-700. even the biggest TB & WP is only 1800.