New M3 worth it?

[LittleWolf]

amgkid

While the new M3 is really pretty cool, am not sure whether it justifies the 60k+ price tag. A Z06 Corvete is a much better choice or even a Boxster S for that matter. Handle and balance are better than M3.
The M5 on the other hand is a great sedan, albiet a tad expensive again. The current S4 is also really quite sweet and for 20K less.
If you are not in a hurry, you can wait till 2003, you can get the next new S4 (rumoured to be a V8) and that should be way better.

The new 7 series sucks donkey's a*s. Have you considered the Audi S8, another really sweet ride. IMO better than the 7 series.


Don_Vito
I think VW is doing the right thing with their new models. And about the W8, it will in most probably be coming with a 6-speed too. The final specs (0-60, gearing are still being tweaked) and you should see it easily posting less than 6 sec. 0-6 and with AWD, it is the best bang for buck in the 40K$. You gotta realize that it is not going to be excessively sporty like the 540i or the S4 or M3. It is more of a competitor to the likes of the E-class Mercedes, the 530i, base A6, Top line Infiniti, Acuras and Volvos. It will provide a quite respectable sporty ride but bordering more on luxury and comfort. The Audi will handle the extreme sport versions.
PLus the W8 Passat is going to be price at about 37k$ to max 39-40K$. Way cheaper than any of it's 8 cylinder or like competitors.

I don't think VW will have any trouble selling these puppies.


-j

 

[Mill]

Well he said 4 seats is a must. I have to say the M3 has a pretty small backseat. My best friend has a 95 M3 and the backseat is SMALL. It is just as small as my 2000 Mustang GT. I am not sure if they updated the seat size in the new 3 series. I can ask my friend though, and get you an actual price you would expect to pay. He is a salesman at a BMW dealership in Atlanta.

 

[amgkid]

Well, the 61k price I quoted isn't from markup. If you go to the BMWUSA site, it says MSRP ~$48000.

The SMG option alone is going to be 2500 bucks. Upgrade to the premium option package and include taxes, luxury tax, destination and you find yourself above 60 easily. That's where the price comes from. The dealer actually has one on the lot in Topaz Blue with all options and in convertible for 61 out the door. That's why we're trying to make the decision now.

The C32 AMG comes with more options standard (BMW just doesn't do that for some reason) and is actually less expensive than the m3 by a little. It might be a good choice but my dad doesn't like Mercedes anymore (even though we have a 300E that's been pretty good to us in the past). Do you think the Mercedes is worth it's near 60k price either?

About the S4, I don't think it's all that great. It's almost indistinguishable from the A4 except for the slightly different lower body panels, the badges, and the rims right? The M3 is pretty different looking than the rest of the 3 series and actually looks a lot like the M5 if anything. Also, since the retail of the S4 is 38 and the M3 is 48, it's only 10k more. Add options and all other charges and it still doesn't make a 20K difference.

I guess I'm just convinced by the rave reviews from C&D and the other mags. I also have seen the Top Gear UK video reviews (search top gear in kazaa ) and they make the m3 to be quite a bargain since they compare it to the CLK55 and even the Porsche 911 C2. I guess on the other side of the spectrum, though, it seems like it's overpriced. Ah well

 

[Triumph]

<< About the S4, I don't think it's all that great. It's almost indistinguishable from the A4 except for the slightly different lower body panels, the badges, and the rims right? The M3 is pretty different looking than the rest of the 3 series and actually looks a lot like the M5 if anything. Also, since the retail of the S4 is 38 and the M3 is 48, it's only 10k more. Add options and all other charges and it still doesn't make a 20K difference. >>


You're right about it looking very close to the A4, but the A4 is a damn nice looking car, so it's a moot point. And a 330ci looks to me very much like an M3, if you get some 18" wheels. Also, you aren't considering what many people have said over and over again: You won't get an M3 for retail. If you'll only pay retail, then the dealer is going to sell it to the next guy. As for the S4, you can get it for well below retail now because they are all 2001's and there is a new model A4 that just came out. So no, it isn't "just" a 10K difference.

 

[D30shooter]

If you ask anybody thats drvin the new E46 M3. its definitely worth it.

I've checked the competition, and the only car that I was even thinking of was the C32 Benz. But after a close look at it. (they didnt let me drive it LOL) it was not for me.

I wanted 6-speed.

 

[WhiteKnight]

Gonna have to go with the M3 here.

 

[CocaCola5]

I don't see why so many people think the M5 is better than the M3. The M3 is higher performance machine in everyway. The V8 of the M5 is there only to handle the extra weight and luxuries of the M5, it won't make it faster than the 3. As a matter of fact, the M3's engine is much more efficient and dynamic than the M5's 5.0 V8 ever will be. If you're deciding between these two, get the M3 it is a much better car.

 

[Dooling37]

I think it would be nuts to go for anything other than the M3 in that price range.
IMO.