Just wondering, cause I have a 1998 GS400 w/ 80k miles and I was thinkin about sellin it for like 20k and putting another 20k on it to get a Convertable Imola Red on black, 2001 M3. I have no complaints about the GS4 whatsoever, but just the thought of hopping into a 333hp 6spd racing machine seems so tempting (I am willing to sacrafice just a little luxury for speed)...My #1 choice would be a 2000 MB CL500, but 60k Is a little out of my price range right now...
What are your opinions...Think I should do it???

Thanks again,
Steve

 

would do in heartbeat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
but heard that M3 convertible has rattling top

M3 vs. GS400
no questions

 

heard the new m3s have engines that go KABLOOM!

weak camshafts if i heard right

 

Here we go again...

I have an E46 M3 and it has not gone KABLOOM. The engine failures were attributed to a bad run of engines from a range of about 6-8 months. Even then, the failure rate was less than 10% in that bad run. They have since corrected the problem and the number of engine failures have dramatically decreased. It was due to a corrective measure in the manufacturing process related to the rod bearing clearance that wound up causing more harm than good. Of course, BMW is unwilling to go on record officially to admit that...

Weak camshafts is such a BS rumor...excuse my french...

Oh, and I also heard that Tom Cruise is G-A-Y...now, that's a rumor!

Brent

 

yeah, stop the blown engine rumor. the main problem was in nov 01 actually and bimmer has corrected all problems.

DANDADA_GS400, it really depends on what you want. the m3 will blow away the gs4 in performance, but if you want comfort the m3 is a headache for you. imho i always want a comfortable sedan and then a sport car, that's the best you can ask for

and yes, do NOT get the cab, the cover rattles like hell. if you get hard top, even worse

 

I had similar dilemma a couple of years ago. M3 coupe vs GS430?? But my decision more or less got made for me since my boyos were getting bigger and needed more back seat than I had in my SC and SHE wanted me to quit buying cars with manual trannys so SHE could drive if necessary.

I did argue that young men are quite flexible and are perfectly happy in back seats even smaller but I really couldn't counter the manual vs auto argument (she can drive a manual, just doesn't like to........). Plus, even with my special ordered and therefore 3 month wait GS, the M3 was still not here, so I'd have been looking at another year's wait.

But the two cars are an apple and an orange. I'd get the M3; if you change your mind in a year or so, you'll still have a car that won't have depreciated much to sell (so you won't lose much) and you can always get back in a GS.

 

sorry...

sheesh....


how about the new Audi RS6?

 

not sure if i would agree on the depreciation part. a 01 m3 with around 15k miles, they are running for like mid to low 40k now. a new one would run about 60k new. but it's true that the m3 holds value much better than the 3 series

 

Just giving you a hard time...

Brent

 

I have a M3 Coupe Sedan 02 6spd with 12K miles. Tint, Eibach springs. I'd be willing to let it go for 45K. PM me if interested...

Brent

 

LOL

 

so give us your review of the car
goods and bads
why selling?
how is it compared to GS?

 

Why selling? Long story...not really sure why, maybe bored, I love the G35!

Review of the car...comparisons are stock vs. stock

The Goods: FAST! The GS 400 and GS 430 stock have no chance keeping up either in speed or handling performance. The M3 engine has excellent torque for a 6 cylinder car. Gearing is incredible as I can accelerate up a hill in 6th gear. Exterior, it's not just a glorified 3 series becaus the front, rear quarterpanels and the hood are all new sheetmetal. The 3 series exterior has always been a good, attractive, pleasing to the eye design. I always judge a car's exterior design by the need for a spoiler. The 3 series looks good without a spoiler and so does the M3. The fender flares are the best feature and gives the car a very aggressive stance.

The Bads: It's a VERY bumpy car! The ride is stiff as hell - it looks like BMW put some very stiff shocks on the new E46 model. It has the 3 series interior with some minor trim accents. I don't care much for the 3 series interior much and it's amenities. It's a 2 door making shuttling 4 passengers a bit more challenging. The GS is much more luxurious in it's features and easy to climb in and out of.

Reliability: Can't answer for the M3 since it's newer but the Lexus is a 98 and it has broken a transmission seal which I was told is not uncommon for the GS...other than that, it's been as solid as a tank!

Overall, the M3 is the perfect blend between sports car and some practicality as opposed to a 2-seater sports car which is impractical. Ultimately, if you asked me, I would prefer the M5 but that car is a little out of my reach for now...M5 for practicality and Porsche 911 TT for impractical sports car.

The best way to describe the two cars for me is that the M3 is Kobe and the GS400 is Shaq...

Brent

 

i'll glady trade with cash for a hardtop M3. i couldn't ever imagine sitting in a convertible, let alone an M3 one. i'd be so embarrassed sitting in traffic

 

There will certainly continue to be depreciation but the original owner takes the big hit (assuming the used buyer isn't blinded with M3 lust and pay way too much).