Patrick-

I think that I may be able to help you. I was a proud owner of a 2001 M3, that sadly succumbed to a falling tree. Now, I am in much of the same predicament as you are.

For background info, I am 19, a student, and drove a Prelude before I purchased the M3.

I prefer the M3, but let me list its strong points:

-Styling
-Touring capability
-Backseat for storage, or to take along friends
-Engine
-SMG II
-DSC on for refinement/DSC off to scare your wits
-Luxury
-Brand Appeal

and disadvantages:
-Lack of open air enjoyment
-BMW service charges
-Pricey cost (worth every penny, though still a bit pricey)

Honestly, a big factor for me was the Snob appeal. Having owned a Honda, i didn't like being associated with the "ricers". A BMW has a certain panache to it.

However, now that a replacement M3 is on order ("special order" Anthracite/ Black with "special order" yew wood interior and SMG). i am seriously contemplating why not a Honda.

i certainly crave the open air driving experience. However, for the Honda to meet my performance requirements, i would have to heavily modify it. Something that i am not too keen on doing. Then the gigantic price difference ($61K including all options and special order paint) calls my attention.

i hope i helped. Honestly, i haven't made up my mind yet. However, i still have nearly 8 months to go until the Bimmer is ready.

matthew

 

I have a regular e46 and an s2000......the e46 seems to be just too damn costly to maintain. Have you ever priced parts for a German car? Sheesh, if you thought parts for the s2k are pricey you are wrong...... Get the E46 if you want a snooty look but a comfortable ride. To save money and have people wonder all day what the hell kinda car you are in..get the s2k.

 

M3 Bavaria - you are 19 and had/have an M3 - geese!!!!!!!!

Rich kids + high power machines = death.

There is no way I'd let my kid out in anything over 180 HP, too much money, not enough common sense.

 

You better off buying a used 993 C4S with change. Easy to modify, it is a Porsche, All wheel drive, Turbo stuff without turbo and reliable. One of my friend, he has a 91 911 Turbo. It has almost 100,000 miles. He daily drives during summer.

2 to 4 years later, your Porsche will worth more than a E46M3. Besides, are you going to spend $55K for a 3 series BMW or $55K for a Porsche 911 C4S?

I just got a call from my local dealership for order of E46M3. I told him to push me back. The price of the E46M3 is so close to a P car. It really makes me think.

 

Had an E46 M3. A tree fell on it during a storm. i did not wreck it. My father didn't have much say in it as i purchased the car myself. If there are any other stereotypes that you would like me to address, just let me know.

matthew

ps- i have been involved in one accident. i was driving a Jeep YJ with a 4 cylinder. i believe that it had a bhp rating of 120.

 

Congratulations on being financially astute enough to afford such a vehicle at such a young age. I'm sorry that your car got squished by a tree that just sucks, and yes I admit I was jumping to a conclusion so I apologise.

I suppose I just get really angry when I see kids driving very high powered cars - how many of them realize the potential they have to seriously injur or even kill themselves or their friends, or a stranger for that matter.

I've been passed by kids no older than 18 driving Carrera's before now - do their parents not like them or something?

Once again sorry for the jump, I'll take my hat off to anyone who reaps the benefits of their own hard work.

Joel

 

Thanx again to everyone for your comments I am still in the early stages of deciding and appreciate your opinions, experience, and wisdom. I have not put myself on the M3 wait list yet, as I am unsure if it will be feasible. I might have to sell a kidney or two on Ebay to cover everything... of course selling both kidneys probably will hurt my chances of any long term enjoyment.

Some of you sure have alot of money. Cost is a big consideration for me, and it seems that the high-maintenance cost of the M3 along with the high-maintenance cost of any women that are attracted to the car just might bury me... heh heh.

FYI, I am currently in Hawaii but will be moving early next year for work, and right now it looks like AZ, the details are in progress. So, in the mean time I am/will be mulling around here asking 'hypothetical questions' .

You guys are great... Happy driving to you all!

Patrick

 

It's all good.

 

My first first choice was actually a Porsche 996, but after I did the calculations I just couldn't afford it. So I was looking at used 996's or 993's, but for the same cost I can get a new M3 with similiar performance. Although most would consider the Porsche a better car, the most attractive thing for me is that any major problems with the M3 will be covered under warranty, whereas with the used Porsche i'd be paying out of pocket... ouch!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Shoyu Burner
[B]Thanx again to everyone for your comments