Thinking about shaking up my "fun" car

[repoman0]

I own two cars right now -- a 2004 BMW 330xi 6 speed manual that I bought a year ago for under $5k cash and a 2005 BMW M3, also 6 speed manual, that I bought just over three years ago for $25k. I drive the 330xi nearly all the time, rarely find myself taking the M3 for a few reasons:

1. I don't drive it while there's salt on the road or it's too cold due to summer tires
2. Rough ride, car is low, roads around here are shit. I could partially fix this with some changes to the suspension
3. It's too damn nice. Paint and pretty much everything about the car is in perfect shape, and it makes me cringe to be driving on roads covered in pebbles and idiots
4. Still need to apply some permanent fixes for BMW engineering failures that I have so far been too lazy to do (subframe + vanos)

I've put about 5k miles on this car in three years since buying it (currently 39k miles), so I've been thinking it may be time to sell. Doesn't hurt that I believe it's worth a decent bit more than I paid, at least $30k, possibly mid 30s. The replacement would be, obviously, an MX-5 Miata of thus far undetermined vintage. Originally I bought the M3 thinking about the fact that it could be practical, but I have literally never used it to do the practical things that I envisioned. I think 3+ people have been in it a grand total of 3 times. My girlfriend and I rented a 2006 Miata for a 10 day trip to California and were able to fit everything we brought in the tiny trunk space. The car certainly wasn't as fast as the M3 but it was just as fun, and didn't get to ludicrous speed in 3-4 seconds. Loved having the top down a lot more than I thought I would, and I could buy the same car for well under $10k.

Picture of the car just before I bought it (looks the same now). As you can see, it's one of the sexiest vehicles ever made, just trying to decide if I can justify keeping it:

 

[XavierMace]

You sure about that $30k? They run about $15k out here. I can get an '11 for $33k. Don't get me wrong, I love the looks of the E46 and those rims look great on it. I know the 6 speed's are less common but...

 

[dasherHampton]

That's a nice looking car. The mileage helps the value a lot.

I'm pretty sure I will trade/sell my 650i this year. Since getting the C 300 I don't drive it anymore.

 

[repoman0]

You sure about that $30k? They run about $15k out here. I can get an '11 for $33k. Don't get me wrong, I love the looks of the E46 and those rims look great on it. I know the 6 speed's are less common but...

It'd take the right buyer, but yeah I am pretty sure. Book value is only $20k so I'd need a buyer who could make up the difference of the max a bank will loan. My thinking on the value is due to the mileage, comp package/corresponding color, and condition. Most buyers would pick the '11 for low 30s, but some already regard the E46 as a classic. If I couldn't get my price, that definitely weighs my decision more toward keeping it, but m3forum.net for sale section has similar cars in the $30s and similar cars with 2-2.5x the mileage going for low-mid $20s. Maybe I'll just put it up there and see ... helps that I'm not in a rush!

 

[dasherHampton]

You could list on BaT.

 

[repoman0]

You could list on BaT.

Not a bad option .. I will look into that. Thanks!

 

[PricklyPete]

I’m not going to lie...I want your M3...makes me miss my old E46 M3...but I have no place to put it and my 335 xdrive is an infinitely better daily...but dear god I miss that engine (VANOS time bomb and all)

 

[jlee]

Miles help a lot.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

15yr old M3's are $35K ?!!! - Who is spending this type of cash on a car that's just not that quick and has maintenance/repair issues? You have low miles but 39K is still pretty high for collector standpoint.

Sure they look better than todays overstyled and pig-heavy M3's but i guess you just need to find the right fanboi.

Why not go with the NA V8 with 6spd? https://www.carmax.com/car/15786569

 

[fralexandr]

if you're looking at new miatas, there are rumors of a 2019 ND with the skyactive 2.0 engine and hopefully the removal of the CD player means android auto/apple carplay will finally be implemented
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-ca...o-the-2019-miata-than-a-more-powerful-engine/

 

[TheGreatBigDog]

You said fun car and then showed a beemer... where's the fun car again? lol

 

[mizzou]

sell it. its not fun if you never drive it.

 

[repoman0]

Why not go with the NA V8 with 6spd? https://www.carmax.com/car/15786569

Answer:

overstyled and pig-heavy M3

if you're looking at new miatas, there are rumors of a 2019 ND with the skyactive 2.0 engine and hopefully the removal of the CD player means android auto/apple carplay will finally be implemented
https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-ca...o-the-2019-miata-than-a-more-powerful-engine/

I haven't decided what gen, but I doubt it'd be anything recent. They're getting a little flashy looking for me, I liked the subdued look of the NC I drove in California. Carplay would be awesome, but I'm already used to plugging in Aux cables ...

I’m not going to lie...I want your M3...makes me miss my old E46 M3...but I have no place to put it and my 335 xdrive is an infinitely better daily...but dear god I miss that engine (VANOS time bomb and all)

Reading things like this make me want to keep it, suck it up and fix the VANOS / subframe for good. Once those (expensive) permanent fixes are done the car is actually quite reliable. I would definitely miss the sweet sweet sound of the inline 6 screaming to 8k RPM with a crazy flat torque curve, sounding like it's going to fall apart. I think I should at least give it one more summer. This is the first year I'll have a garage (bought a house here in Boston) so that should make ownership more enjoyable. Don't have to park it up at my dad's for winters, etc

You said fun car and then showed a beemer... where's the fun car again? lol

Let the hate flow through you, this also makes me want to keep it There's a reason classic car insurance companies will already cover it.

 

[repoman0]

Miles help a lot.

I see an Enthusiast Auto listing on that list ... my car came from there here are their current listings: http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?...lLevel_1268B0D=1&selLevel_1268B1D=20&1574_0=1

These guys are known to not negotiate and they move their inventory anyway.

edit: here's the old listing http://enthusiastauto.com/qsearch/?id=4352&form_display=51

Couple of minor mods that the PO put on during his brief ownership after buying from there. CSL trunk, Euro bumper, added steering wheel controls back in (it was a comp package "feature" to delete them)

 

[Perknose]

This is like the argument for the camera function on your cell phone. The best car, like the the best camera, is the one you actually take with you and use.

Look, I know this is easy for me to say from the cheap seats and with no skin in the game, but, at present, your M3 is more of a pristine Platonic ideal than a toy you actually play with. If you were ultra flush with a 10 car garage it'd be a no brainer to keep that bad boy. But here in realityland, your next move is already in your head and telling you what to do: Sell the M3 and get the Miata.

 

[fralexandr]

NA has pop up headlights, probably lots of rust, and if you're close to 6 feet, will be a tight fit.

NB is similar to NA without pop up headlights.

NC probably makes the most sense if you guys are tall, and you can get the prht/power retractable hard top if you don't want a soft top.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5

 

[Yuriman]

NA has pop up headlights, probably lots of rust, and if you're close to 6 feet, will be a tight fit.

NB is similar to NA without pop up headlights.

NC probably makes the most sense if you guys are tall, and you can get the prht/power retractable hard top if you don't want a soft top.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5

I've read the same. I liked how the NA drove, haven't been in the others.

I've heard that the ND without the Sport package is actually the softest riding of the lot, which to me is a negative.

 

[repoman0]

I posted a feeler for $37.5. Already have a message from an interested party and two people telling me the price is fair. Maybe I should increase it

 

[thedarkwolf]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6HFEaZi5mI
Fun comparison of all the miata generations.

I'm biased since I've owned two NAs but it is just a fun car so why worry about fancy BS and just get the most fun one you know a NA

 

[repoman0]

Got another bite. Here’s an idea for a new plan ... sell both cars, buy $18-20k M3 with ~100k+ miles, stock suspension, and subframe/vanos sorted, daily drive it. My girlfriend actually gave me that idea, and I think I like it. That leaves potentially $20-25k in my pocket and I get to listen to the S54 all the time, rather than almost never.

Plenty left over for a Miata too

 

[nakedfrog]

NA has pop up headlights, probably lots of rust, and if you're close to 6 feet, will be a tight fit.

NB is similar to NA without pop up headlights.

NC probably makes the most sense if you guys are tall, and you can get the prht/power retractable hard top if you don't want a soft top.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5

Seems to vary a lot by person, I'm over 6' and fit pretty well in my NA (people occasionally marvel at how I fit, had one guy say "I just gotta watch you get into that thing"), no rust despite being a midwest car. Got it for a good price due to a motivated seller.

 

[thedarkwolf]

The only really common spot for rust in the NAs is in the rocker right in front of the rear wheel. My $2200 150k mile 95 is just starting to have some peak through on it's rocker. Not a huge deal to fix as far a rust goes.

 

[Insomniator]

Man if you never drive it and can get 35k+ for it do it.

Why not a 135i if you are looking for most fun possible? That's what I'm zeroing in on now. Many in the 10-20k range, 6 speed, 300 hp. I don't understand why these don't get more attention. Are they THAT ugly to people? Most reviews I see call them the last great 'drivers' BMW.

https://jalopnik.com/why-a-used-bmw-135i-is-the-best-bimmer-you-can-get-unde-1790778156

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/road-tests/reviews/a3984/road-test-my-blue-heaven-bmw-135is/

 

[XavierMace]

Man if you never drive it and can get 35k+ for it do it.

Why not a 135i if you are looking for most fun possible? That's what I'm zeroing in on now. Many in the 10-20k range, 6 speed, 300 hp. I don't understand why these don't get more attention. Are they THAT ugly to people? Most reviews I see call them the last great 'drivers' BMW.

https://jalopnik.com/why-a-used-bmw-135i-is-the-best-bimmer-you-can-get-unde-1790778156

https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/road-tests/reviews/a3984/road-test-my-blue-heaven-bmw-135is/

Because most BMW shoppers can't stomach the thought of buying a lowly 1 series even if it's the fastest of the non-M's. That and the fuel pump problems that plagued the N54. I really do enjoy driving mine (2011 DCT Convertible with M Sport package). Mine's gets driven pretty hard and has been far more reliable than most would have you believe. It's not without it's faults to be sure but only reason I'm looking to sell mine is to get something cheaper to daily. I'd be happy to discuss more in detail with either you or the OP if you're considering one. I'd also at least give the DCT a try before buying a manual.

 

[PricklyPete]

Because most BMW shoppers can't stomach the thought of buying a lowly 1 series even if it's the fastest of the non-M's. That and the fuel pump problems that plagued the N54. I really do enjoy driving mine (2011 DCT Convertible with M Sport package). Mine's gets driven pretty hard and has been far more reliable than most would have you believe. It's not without it's faults to be sure but only reason I'm looking to sell mine is to get something cheaper to daily. I'd be happy to discuss more in detail with either you or the OP if you're considering one. I'd also at least give the DCT a try before buying a manual.

I would have bought one in a heartbeat (or really a 2 Series) if I didn’t have 3 little kids that occasionally need to fit in. The 3 series was as small as I could get away with.