Local dealer has a couple of M3 convertibles remaining - at $9K off sticker.

That's what the 2005's are going for!

I've always said I would get something fun for the big 40, but alas, I realized how much I like my current car (550) and how fun it is. Still this deal is very very tempting.

I would hold on to my 550 and keep this M3 for the summer and then dump the M3 next spring.

This is crazy, right? Should not do right?

HELP ME!

 

the current M3s are dropping ...and will probably drop even more once the new V8 beast M3 actually starts hitting lots...

your call.

 

Why would you even want a current M3? Get the 335, its a far better car.

 

Na, there is something about that motor that is so sweet. The new ones don't sound like it at all. Plus it is a soft top....

edit: however, I just configured a 335 basically the same as these M3s and wouldn't you know it, the price is about the exact same (list on the 335 compares to List-$9K on the M3). I guess I now know where they got that discount from!

 

Meh... M3's are a dollar a bucket, dont get one.

 

Don't make any rash, un-thought out decisions, doug, especially with BMW kind of money. You have always been rational and level-headed.

I know you like the 550...and you and genearch are two of the few people I know who, unlike me, actually like the I-Drive and can live with it every day.
I reviewed the 550 a few months ago and, except for the general Chris Bangle design inside and out which I didn't care for, I found it an astonishingly good sports sedan, with the usual superlative BMW steering and chassis dynamics. Little wonder that BMW's often win auto mag sports-sedan comparison tests.

Yes, the BMW M-cars have power and even better handling, but at the cost, in some cases, of a stiffer ride and a real pounding over bumps...and I know some of the roads there in IL where you live get torn up from snow, freeze/thaw, and frost heaves and would probably not be conducive to an M-type suspension.

And as for power, the 550 is anything but a slouch....even without a traditional manual transmission, the one I drove was one of the fastest-accelerating 4-door sedans I've reviewed lately.....along with the Mitsubishi Evo (which, like the M-cars, has a harsh, noisy, kidney-pounding ride).

So, if, after consideration, you are convinced an M-car is for you, and the area you live in, then, of course, go for it. But, IMO, you would be giving up a LOT if you got rid of the 550.

 

At least you know it's crazy...don't do it.

The 550 is a beautiful car...why settle for an outdated car anyways?

 

Thanks MMarshall, I realize it is not the smartest decision....oh and the 550 stays - which is a little tricky as I don't have a 3 car garage. I wonder how my wife would feel about her MDX sitting outside?



edit: the only reason this is even crossing my mind is the screaming deal that it is....

 

I'd do it if it's alpine white! something about M3 Vert that I like so much!

What's the sticker price on the vert?

 

I think this is the first time in my life I've heard the current gen 5 series referred to as 'beautiful'. If the car had anything but a BMW badge on it I don't think anybody on earth would say they like the design, it's truly the ugliest of Bangle's creations, and that's saying a lot. I'm sure it's a great car to drive though

The 335 might be close to as fast as the M3 in a straight line, but it's not going to compare to the all around performance of the M3. It's kind of like my base C6 corvette, the same power as the last gen Z06, but it's not as raw or as focused as the Z06. It all depends on what you want, if it's going to be a 2nd car, why not get the M3 and have some fun if you've got another car to drive on days when you don't feel like going all out. M3 prices are probably going to drop considerably when the V8 version hits the streets though

 

Buying that E46 convertible would be an irrational and thoughtless decision.

Precisely why I think you should do it You only live once

 

^^ If you can afford it than DO IT!!!

 

A three-car garage and you will STILL have one parked outside?

You either have a lot of clutter in that garage or own more vehicles than I thought.

 

Dave may have a point.
I guess I made an irrational and thoughtless decision when I bought my new IS300...it certainly was more car than I NEEDED (at the 2001 Washington DC Auto Show, I fell in love with the yellow paint, chrome-ball shifter, chronograph gauges, and Lexus quality). But guess what eventually came out of it? I joined CL.......and now you guys are stuck with me.

 

I was planning on saying what Dave said. If you can afford it then why not? You said you are planning to dump it next year so why not get something you can toss around for a year? IMO the E46 M3 vert is alot better performing and looking car the the new 335i. I also agree with Stig, Alpine white is a very nice color but so is Laguna Seca blue IMO too.

DO IT!!!!!!!