I am about to buy me a BMW. I currently drive a 1990 525i, but I am in the market for a newer (2005ish) M3 or 3 series.
Factoring cost as an option (because I know the M3 is way more expensive), should I go full out and save for the M3 or just stick with the 3 series? is there really a huge justifiable difference between the two?
Better yet, should I forget both and buy a 5 series? or what?
Essentially, what's the best model BMW to buy in an affordable price range?
2007-08-29 21:19:10 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ BMW
If you are used to the refined ride in the 5 series, you will probably enjoy another 5 series better than a 3 series.
The 3 and 5 series are very different cars altogether. Even though the 3 series has been BMWs top seller (hence supports a big part of BMWs business), it's the 5 that continuously win the hearts of reviewers as "best car of the year"...etc
The 3 has a more sporty and less refined ride character compared to the 5. And the M3 of course is purely hard-core sporty. In fact, many car magazines classify the 3 as only a "near-luxury sports compact".
If you're looking for affordability, forget the M3. You're basically looking between say a 325i/330i for the 3 series... and a 525i/530i for a 5 series; even though some may find the 525i a little underpowered.
The 5 has a higher price tag of course (and rightfully so), and you may need to buy an older car with the same money as the 2005 3 series.
All the cars above will offer much better power than your 1990 525i. So the question is whether you prefer the cheaper sharper handling 3 series, with the compromise of smooth ride refinement of the 5 for lesser money.
Maintenance-wise, since they all use the same/similar inline-6 engine, they will be also similar in maintenance cost.
Go test drive these cars, you'll be able to make up your mind easier.
2007-08-30 02:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by Snowie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends what you want. If you've been driving a 5 series all this time, and then you drove a 3 series, you'd realise that the 5 series is a lot better -- the ride, the interior, everything. But I must admit that the M3's are a very full out car, but I would only get one if I had somewhere to drive it. I have an M5 and I can't really unleash the full power of it anywhere. The M3 is a fun car, and the 3 series is just boring compared to it. But also think about the transmission. Do you want to drive SMG? It is rather jerky in automatic, i'd say its better if you know how to drive a manual car. If you don't want SMG just go for a 3 or a 5.
2007-08-31 14:35:25 · answer #2 · answered by mercurymaniacal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on what you're looking for. If you want something you can use as a sporty car that'll also carry the family around, get a 3 series. If you want an all out sports machine, buy an M3.
Honestly, you'd probably be very happy with the new 335i, and save a bundle. They've got the I-6 used in the M3, but it's twin-turbocharged. Look it up - it'd be pretty easy to make one of those just as fast if not faster than an 05-ish M3. And it's cheaper. You can also get it in a 4 door, so you chould show off to some of your buddies. Head over to a dealership and test drive one, then try out a used M3 and see what you think. It's certainly nice to have a warantee on a car - so keep that in mind too. Good luck!
2007-08-30 05:24:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
- M3 is best investment to hold value over the others. It is also more powerful of course, so you'll enjoy it more.
5 Series has more room than the others. You can haul more in it when you need to do so. It is more refined inside, and has a great ride.
3 Series is just as beautiful as an M3, and still has magnificent performance. It won't have as much room as the 5 Series you are used to driving.
Let your heart and mind be your guide, but always think about how you want to drive in the future. Will you regret any decisions? Go for what you want without compromise. Otherwise, you drive but wish you had made a different choice.
2007-08-30 13:50:20 · answer #4 · answered by kNOTaLIAwyR 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are thinking of an 05ish M3, I would have to recommend a new 335i coupe. It's comparible in performance, and lately, in price as well. M3's aren't easy to get used lately as there are no new ones to buy, so it's driven the demand for used M3's up. The 335 is awesome.
2007-08-30 14:29:47 · answer #5 · answered by jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
M3 ; the resale values are alot better
2007-09-01 08:34:20 · answer #6 · answered by ~USA~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an older M Coupe. They're cool.
2007-08-31 13:17:05 · answer #7 · answered by Go Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋