[S54dan]

I need help deciding my next car! I've driven all of these cars on the track (all stock) so I know their capabilities. I really don't know what I want. When I think mods, I think 135i (and the new 335i LCI). When I think combo package (power + handling) and appearance, I think E46 M3 Competition Package (ZCP).

I'm pushed away from the M3 because of the warranty, and constant upkeep of the car. But the looks and how do I put it... there are just no words for ///M... it's just something that attracts me! The M3's rear end looks amazing as well.. she's got an ass

The 135i is new, warrantied, and easily modded. It's got looks (I still think the E46 M3 looks better, sorry guys!) Plus, it's RARE!

Help, former M3 owners please chime in!

[Italteen3]

WOW 135i has 100% of the vote!!!

[BMW86]

The correct answer is the 135i

[AchtungF80]

I really think we'll be too biased here. You maybe need to try a more unbiased forum. That being said, what car suits you more, brand new with warranty or what you really want with less warranty + maintenance.

[Oregon]

Originally Posted by Italteen3

WOW 135i has 100% of the vote!!!

There's a shocker, huh?:wink:

[coco_m3]

I think you will be buying a 135i, Dan.

[ptack]

I would only touch a used M if I were a mechanic and loved working on the car. If that's not you, be prepared to fork over several grand a year to someone else to keep it in top condition.

[mikeo]

Since Dan works for a dealer and therefore likely gets employee labor rates for any service, it takes a little of the sting out of non-warranty work. The 135i and E46 M3 are very different cars. The edgy, taught feeling of the M3 is very exciting indeed. The 135i is softer, wonderful around town low-end torque, not so wound out cruising on interstates -- but very fast when the turbos spool. It depends on what kind of experience Dans wants to live with in his next car.

[Call]

Dan, what is the one single factor that will make the difference in your choice? Forget about making a long list...think one thing above all else and that will help you make the decision more easily.

I don't think of your choices any one car will cover all your needs and desires so why not make the obvious choice and go with what you already know is one hell of a car...THE ONEJust think of the upside of becoming a 1ADDICT in the flesh and being able to drive your very own ONE during the ATL1ADDICTS FunRuns

Yes, you can become one of the few, the proud, the brave...:roundel:... sorry, I just got carried away:eyebulge: Just get the ONE damn it:biggrin:

KK

[Red Bread]

Do you need a back seat? There are some great deals on the remaining Z4 Coupes and M Coupes. Of your listed cars, I'd have a tough decision between the 135i and the E46 M3. I chose the 135i for the g/f but would probably have chosen the M3 for myself. Either of those won't be a disappointment, but they are remarkably different to drive.

[S54dan]

I know this is a biased forum, but I'm going for the 135i next year Damn it! Now Alpine White or Le Mans blue...

[BMW86]

You should really consider getting the 135i. I loved the E46 M3 and it's a great car but it's dated now and the 135i is based on the latest technology with the latest design. The 135i has been pitted up and compared to the latest E90 M3 and I'm not saying the 135i is even close to the new M3 in performance and a car itself but it says alot about the 135i for it to be compared to the new M3 fetching almost twice as much in value. The M3 will always be an M3 but you work for bmw and I know you can see past the M badge and see how great the 135i really is. There is no right or wrong answer and they are both sweet cars.

[jkp1187]

Originally Posted by Dan@UnitedBMW

I'm pushed away from the M3 because of the warranty, and constant upkeep of the car. But the looks and how do I put it... there are just no words for ///M... it's just something that attracts me! The M3's rear end looks amazing as well.. she's got an ass

A contrarian opinion...


I personally love the 1-series, and am planning on buying one next spring (I'm leaning back toward getting the 135i, for those who are keeping track,) but if you love the M3, I say go for it.

Why? I suspect that the future belongs to plastic cars with electric motors. This may be the last REAL car you buy. Make it count. When you're talking about a car's "ass", you're in love!

[EspressoBoy]

ROFL, If I worked for BMW I would be not owning anything but drive them on loan... I assume I would be in sales... so I would work out 6 month deals... and drive them all!!! (hmmm being a tech is like knowing who shot....)

I love choice! What better to drive everything! And I mean everything! All the M series.. And lets not forget Dinan here! I want to drive a Dinan car too...

You know Dinan now has cars already done in the dealership? If I had to park 1 in my garage (and if I worked for BMW my garage probaby would hold a 6 cars and it would become my new living room) Hmmm shit I can't deside... ok ok if value was put in here, there is only 1 answer... and I drive it now! But I agree with dan, M3 is just so so so damn nice! But come on, lets be practical 1 wins! Keeping it simple silly... 1 all the way ok I did it! I decided but it was painful, I am not going to do this for a while.. please don't make me choose again! Wait, Dinan nice! It would be a 1 Dinan! Steve you are the man!

EspressoBoy

[adrean8j]

The problem with this question is: We do not know your financial situation. If you are financially able to pay for the work then I would say go for the M3..but as you well know M-parts are waaay more expensive than regular Bimmer parts. The same goes for the labor rates. I would buy the 135i or 335i(LCI? Whats that?) based solely upon this...
(I couldn't in good conscience vote...LOL)

[S54dan]

Thanks guys for all the opinions! I'm currently financially able to afford any of the choices, and parts pricing is never an issue nor is labor. I'd lease a car, but it has to be done in 2 year intervals to get the employee pricing program

[arrutled]

hmm white or le mans blue? i think white is the coolest looking after people add mods, but I do love blue with savanagh beige interior! I get jealous everytime i see my friend with that combo in our boston meet ups.

[adrean8j]

Originally Posted by Dan@UnitedBMW

Thanks guys for all the opinions! I'm currently financially able to afford any of the choices, and parts pricing is never an issue nor is labor. I'd lease a car, but it has to be done in 2 year intervals to get the employee pricing program

Ok with that info I vote in this order:

1. BMW M3 E46 CPO(CPO is important)
2. BMW 135i
3. BMW 335i
4. BMW M3 E46 non-CPO

Like you I absolutely love the E46 M3...to this day I still drool over that car...sigh :wub:, but my 135i is a pretty good substitute I think
BTW what the heck is LCI?

[S54dan]

LCI is the facelift version of the current chassis. BMW comes up with new names every time, so I imagine it will be PLO or something for the next series of vehicles lol

[EspressoBoy]

Originally Posted by squeak

i do like the E46 m3 though

Hmmm your nickname is perfect squeak, you just squeak in those one liners...

I like to blather on for hours... lol

EspressoBoy

[ptack]

Since Dan has access to easy maintanence, I would change my vote to the M3 - provided it was in great condition AND was Laguna Seca.

[S54dan]

I don't know if I'd want smurf blue as an everyday driver if I got the M3. I'd either get Interlagos Blue, Imola Red, or Alpine White. I'm still leaning towards the 1er though.