[mesier1111]

Hi all. I own a 335i coupe, but because of fuel pump failure I am getting a brand new one in July as part of a collateral exchange, with no change to my payments. The car will be MSRP of over 48000. But here is my dilema. I am starting a business and won't have money for a few months so things will be tight the next 90-120 days (and I just got my GF a engagement ring, so I am in debt for the first time in my life), so a few grand extra in my pocket would be nice. With this in mind I was thinking about buying a used M3, and selling my 335i coupe brand new when it comes in, with no mileage. I won't bore with details, but after all is said and done I will wind up with about the same monthly payment as I have now (I am financing, not leasing) and 10K or more in my pocket EVEN AFTER ADDING EXTENDED MAINTENANCE AND WARRANTY to the M3.

I always loved the M3, but love my car too, and haven't driven an M3 since I bought mine. I really need to hear from those who own both a 335i and a E46 M3, or went from M3 to 335i, or 335i to M3. I REALLY want to hear what you have to say. I am not looking for "which is better" but rather just your opinions and insight into whether I might regret doing this.

Please, chime in. Thanks in advance, and remember, this is not a "my 335i is an M3 killer"-----just really need a lot of objective feed in from those who have owned both. Perhaps someone who lives in the Philly area who owns an e46 M3 with SMG wouldn't mind meeting up with me and doing some real life comparison on both on everything from stereo to seats to etc??---THAT WOULD BE WORTH A LOT OF BEERS!!!!



THANKS A TON EVERYONE, MUCH APPRECIATED!!!!!!!!!!!

[SDYANKEE]

I have never owned an E46 M3, but have driven them a great deal and currently own an E92 335. I know you're looking for people who have owned both, but I think your answer lies in the comfort factor in your life. Never allow yourself to be put into a hole, and it seems as if the 335 will do just that.

Also consider the fact that the M3's depreciation, while it still exists, is not nearly as bad as an E46 M3's will be, especially because I've seen many of your posts on M3post...might help towards the purchase of your 2008/2009 M3 =). Just my two cents, best of luck to you!

[mesier1111]

Originally Posted by SDYANKEE

I have never owned an E46 M3, but have driven them a great deal and currently own an E92 335. I know you're looking for people who have owned both, but I think your answer lies in the comfort factor in your life. Never allow yourself to be put into a hole, and it seems as if the 335 will do just that.

Also consider the fact that the M3's depreciation, while it still exists, is not nearly as bad as an E46 M3's will be, especially because I've seen many of your posts on M3post...might help towards the purchase of your 2008/2009 M3 =). Just my two cents, best of luck to you!

Yeah, I'm not braking the bank now, not in debt, but to have the same car payments and then 13k in my pocket would be nice. So you think the depreciation on a used M3 won't be as bad as a 335i? Or is it the other way around?

[HyperM3]

I highly doubt you would be unhappy with the M3. Plus with the extended warranty, youre pretty much covered for the next 10 yrs. Also, you have 10gs to put in the bank for divorce attorneys(just in case).

[Bimmer335i07]

Go with the M3, you won't be disappointed.

[Spool]

Dude, i would so sell my 335i for an M3 if i didn't lose money...


But i'm stuck with it now...

If i had to do it all over, i'd kept my M3...it's a whole different machine, even my gf says it's more of a manly car...but it's okay, my 335i with 10 grand in mods ALMOST drive as good as the M3..

good luck, E46 M3's are cheap nowadays...

[Crazy Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Spool

Dude, i would so sell my 335i for an M3 if i didn't lose money...


But i'm stuck with it now...

If i had to do it all over, i'd kept my M3...it's a whole different machine, even my gf says it's more of a manly car...but it's okay, my 335i with 10 grand in mods ALMOST drive as good as the M3..

good luck, E46 M3's are cheap nowadays...

Didnt you test drive the 335i before getting it?!!?

[Spool]

Originally Posted by Crazy Bimmer

Didnt you test drive the 335i before getting it?!!?

yeah it was nice at first, then after a month of ownership it got really boring...

[jimbethesda]

One thing to make sure of is how much you can get for your 335i coupe. I know it won't have any miles on it, but you may not be able to get "full price" for it. You could loose a few thousand, thus eating into your gain by getting the M3. Just something to consider.

[Sal@AUTOcouture]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Also, you have 10gs to put in the bank for divorce attorneys(just in case).

[Crazy Bimmer]

Originally Posted by Spool

yeah it was nice at first, then after a month of ownership it got really boring...

You should dump it then before you lose even more money on it. Why keep a car you dont like. Then sell me your wheels.

[Mr Practical]

Well the choice was pretty easy for me. With a baby on the way at the time (born now), I had to get a sedan. I would say stick with the 335 if you can afford it. Nothing about a M is cheap either...from oil changes to services...you pay out the gils. I think if you plan to track your car a lot , then get a M, if not...the driving advantages it has over your 335 will never be fulfilled anyways. If exclusivity is what you want...wait for the next M...becasue here in Ca at least e46 M3s are a dime a dozen.

[sinnet112]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Also, you have 10gs to put in the bank for divorce attorneys(just in case).

Way to be optimistic
Congratulations on the engagement!

Don't do anything that'll strain you financially unless you know you'll be fine coming out of it. Judging by how you've never been in debt until now, I think you'll pull through without much problem, but to be on the safe side, the M3 might be the way to go. It's aged gracefully and it still drives like no other.

[mesier1111]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Also, you have 10gs to put in the bank for divorce attorneys(just in case).

LMFAO!!!! Nice

[mesier1111]

Originally Posted by jimbethesda

One thing to make sure of is how much you can get for your 335i coupe. I know it won't have any miles on it, but you may not be able to get "full price" for it. You could loose a few thousand, thus eating into your gain by getting the M3. Just something to consider.

I don't plan on buying the M3, till teh 335i is sold and I have gotten what I want from it. In fact, the dealer said I can leave it on the lot undelivered so people can see the delivery tape on it.

So if I plan on taking 800-1000 off the price to bring it to 48 even. If someone on ebay or somewhere else wants it for that great, if they are looking for a deal, I'll pass and keep my 335i. But this prevents someone from having to wait months for the car.

[mesier1111]

Originally Posted by sinnet112

Congratulations on the engagement!

shhhhhhhhhh.....I bought the ring, she doesn't know yet, first weekend in august is our anniversary and that is when I am popping the question. But I know she will say yes, but congratulate me then

But thanks

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by mesier1111

shhhhhhhhhh.....I bought the ring, she doesn't know yet, first weekend in august is our anniversary and that is when I am popping the question. But I know she will say yes, but congratulate me then

But thanks

So youre still free? Dude, dont let her know that you get that 10g otherwise she will expect half ownership. Do you know how many hookers and nights, err, weeks of debauchery you can buy with that?

[mesier1111]

Originally Posted by HyperM3

So youre still free? Dude, dont let her know that you get that 10g otherwise she will expect half ownership. Do you know how many hookers and nights, err, weeks of debauchery you can buy with that?

...........good point, maybe I'll just sell the ring, invest the money and buy an E92 M3.

Ok, why on earth was HyperM3 the first one to try and talk some sense into me?

[HyperM3]

Originally Posted by mesier1111

...........good point, maybe I'll just sell the ring, invest the money and buy an E92 M3.

Ok, why on earth was HyperM3 the first one to try and talk some sense into me?

Hell yeah, get the e92 m3. You wont keep it forever, enjoy your time with it(3yrs maybe?). If this girl is truly the one you want to marry(and her you) then she will wait for you. Right?

In all seriousness, youll still be invited to GTG's no matter what.

[mkoesel]

In my personal opinion, anyone debating 335i vs. E46 M3 at this point in the game will be driving an E92 M3 within two years anyway. So do whatever makes the most sense with that in mind. Why do I say that? Because I think you will miss being in the more modern car (335i), and once you test drive an E92 M3 you will do whatever it takes to get into one.

Since buying the ring put you "in debt for the first time in your life" that means you owned the other 335i outright, true? That means this new one will basically be $50k in your pocket. To me, I'd put that down on a new M3 immediately. Yan save up the rest of the $15k over the next few months, or just finance it since it'll be a tiny payment. In the meantime, buy some cheap car to get you by.

[Cabby]

I've owned an E46 m3 and my 335i is on the boat currently.

Two completely different cars, the 335 is a lot easier to drive for a daily driver, but the M3 is such a beast, especially if you push it. The M3 hated just driving around town, it drove like crap. But above 5k RPM, there's nothing like it. It sounds cliche, but everytime we got together and did a "sprited" drive down the backroads, I was awestruck everytime. That car was a monster.

On the other hand, the 335 seems much more refined, drives a lot better, isn't nearly as stiff, and the technology in the car alone makes it far superior to me. The M3 still has a freakin cassette deck behind the NAV, I mean come on... and speaking of the NAV, it sucked horribly.

All things being equal, unless you are not getting a daily driver and want a car to just have fun in, and even track, just get the 335i. Why would you buy an old used car for the same price of a new one? *boggle*

[88stlgrym3]

i would sell the engagement ring and buy an additional e46 m3 for weekends. seriously tho, i'd stick with a brand new 335i, just suck it up for a few month, you will be owning that 335i for much longer than that.