New M3 worth it?

[amgkid]

I priced a Topaz Blue M3 with the new SMG transmission +all optionson the bmwusa.com site and it came out to be $61000! Is this worth it for a suped up 3 series? What other car is better at around the same price? I think it's a pretty good balance between luxury and performance but let me know what you think.

 

[SinNisTeR]

smg on a beemer? i thought it was AC

correct me if im wrong plz

 

[Ameesh]

i would get a 745il instead

 

[amgkid]

The 2002 M3 comes with 6 speed manual and SMG only, no autobox. It's with the F1 style paddles =)

 

[Flat]

I have spent alot of time in M3s and spun one at 130+ mph. They are great cars for what they are, practical. In reality though, the driving experience is better in something like a Boxster S. On the track, M3s have a problem of being slower than they should be. A stock S4 usually will outlap an M3. You can certinetly mod the new A4 to be a superior machine IMO, but reliability is a factor, the old S4 still keeps up though, and can be made much faster.

 

[amgkid]

Yeah I looked at the 745i. I don't like the styling that much and it does cost like 15k more at least =/

 

[amgkid]

Yea boxster S sounds good but I guess I forgot to let you guys know what I need:

Seats 4
Good performance
Luxurious

I think the S4 is pretty nice too but I heard the m3 out handles it and with the new 333 hp engine maybe it's faster than the S4 now

 

[Ryan]

I would rather buy a Lexus GS300, IS 300, or an RX300 (if you like SUVs). I Think lexus is the only luxury car I would buy I would also consider Acura offering. Anything more expensive is a waste of money - and useless

 

[Flat]

No S4 has alot more grip, and has neutral handling, of course some can kick the sh!t out of the M3, but most find S4 much easier. ur name reminds me, I personally like the MB E55 ALOT, it kicks M5 arse on track! and its not much more $$ than an M3 funny

 

[Flat]

If you are just looking for good performance I would say the M3 or something like it could be overkill... You will never even come close to using its potential unless you start doing track days etc. One more, you probaly are aware the AMG C-class I havent driven it but I have heard great things. You can get one in the US for 54grand.

If you are just looking for excellent performance & luxury and want a good deal, pick up a E430 they are selling them at invoice most places in the USA, fabulous car. The new Jag S-Type R is coming out too, its fab fab fab, different though. The 540 isnt really my thing but most love it. Thats all I can think of for now

 

[CirekL]

YES... It's worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, not practical by any means... but YES!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's an M3!!!

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

I think the M3 is actually a good value for what it is, but I would omit the SMG option. It sounds pretty good for a clutchless manual, but I still prefer a standard 6-speed, not to mention that it is MUCH cheaper.

 

[perry]

(Nissan fanboy mode)
Get a Maxima.
(Back to reality)

It's an awesome car.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Another vote for the S4. Sorry guys, but the Japanese just dont make an equvalent car in terms of road feel, and yeah I have had a chance to drive many cars. Sometimes the way things are is the way things are.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

<< (Nissan fanboy mode)
Get a Maxima.
(Back to reality)

It's an awesome car. >>



Hee hee - I have a 2001 Maxima SE with 5-spd, but I would LOVE an M3!

 

[mrCide]

yes

 

[toant103]

too much for my blood but if you have the dough, go for it

 

[Salvador]

I'm trying to decide between the S4 and M3 myself. It would've been a tougher call with the older 3 series, but that new one is just incredible!! I would have to say that if you had to have just one car, the M3 or M5 would have to be it. The performance of a supercar with the luxery and practicality of a real world car.

The S4 is sweet because of the AWD, but I've already owned an Audi Quattro and I have to move on.

Sal

 

[Noriaki]

<< but let me know what you think. >>

I think that you don't have anywhere near $61 grand.
Well you asked what I think.

I have a friend that a drove an M3 in July. The steering wasn't as tight as he was hoping. But otherwise it was a hell of a car.
I'd take an Audi S4 over an M3 personally, I just think the Audi's have more style. Too many BMW 3 series running around...you should go to Seattle, the 330 is as common as s bloody civic. Granted the M3 is no 330, but still, there are a lot of BMWs around.

 

[dirtboy]

I don't know if it's worth it, but it would sure be fun to own one!

 

[Ameesh]

if you can afford a 61 k car you can afford a 75 k car, dont split hairs with me.

 

[GTaudiophile]

<< No S4 has alot more grip, and has neutral handling, of course some can kick the sh!t out of the M3, but most find S4 much easier. ur name reminds me, I personally like the MB E55 ALOT, it kicks M5 arse on track! and its not much more $$ than an M3 funny >>



Do you have hard data to back that claim that the E55 kicks the M5's a$$? Last time I read a comparison in C&D, the M5 was the only car doing the a$$-kicking.

If I had $60K to spend, I'd probably buy a Lexus IS300 for M-F work and import a Lotus Elise for track racing on the weekends If not that, then a Boxster S or M3. While the S4 is a great car, Audi is starting to phase out the current model and will replace it with a V8-powered car in the new body style in a year or so. That's the rumor at least.


Edit: I think you're wrong...

Although the M5's steering feels slightly vague at first, we all quickly grew fond of it. This car became the favorite of the three drivers when the going got fast and challenging. The car's immense grip, viceless handling, and very precise controls assisted the M5 to the quickest lap times on the track, a second and a half swifter than the E55, without breaking a sweat.

C&D Comparison: BMW M5 vs. Mercedes E55 AMG vs. Jaguar XJR

 

[StageLeft]

I'd rather have a new civic with $30k of upgrades!

EDIT: Grr, my math ...

 

[GTaudiophile]

I just HAD to post another pic of the Lotus Elise. Where else can 190hp buy you a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds? Can we say the Ultimate Go-Cart?

 

[SsZERO]

M3s are in demand and subject to some heavy dealer markup...and basically, you take what they got or you don't get anything. I wouldn't be caught dead paying any more than $35K for an M3...from an objective standpoint, the best value is the Z06 corvette, followed by the firebird and camaro. Also, Ford is supposed to be rolling out their supercharged SVT Cobra for 2003 for around $35K, making it another great value. Yes, all the cars I mentioned are american, but a value is a value. With imports you pay more and get less...in terms of performance, a lot less in some cases.

-= SsZERO =-