[elephino]

Hello friends! I need your help!

I'm logging 73k miles on my '07 335i that I got 15 months ago - with about $19k left. I'm pretty sure I can get about that for trade in value, so I've got an almost clean slate. So the question becomes:

• Keep the car (with high mileage, and about $450/mo payment)
• Trade in for pre-owned S5 ($45k) --> $600/mo
• Trade in for pre-owned M3 ($45k) --> $600/mo (I'm afraid of any model redesigns in 2012, however....)
• Trade in for new 2010 Mitsubishi Evolution SE ($31k) --> $380/month (super quick! but the interior/options are lacking)

I haven't driven the S5 or M3 yet, but I love my 335i, and the Evo was a beast!

[TK-421]

The S5 isn't anything special when put up next to the M3. That being said, I'd keep the 335 and save for a Cayman S unless you really need the back seats. If you do, then get the M3.

[dirtyylicous]

That list id go with the S5. Performance wise the M3 is better but the styling and gadgets on the S5 are tough to beat. I think the next year S5 will have the supercharged v6 but you want to buy used so nvm. Not sure if your interested but the S4 is a very nice car too.

[b0bab0i]

CTS-V. Car will not disappoint.

[footie]

Originally Posted by dirtyylicous

That list id go with the S5. Performance wise the M3 is better but the styling and gadgets on the S5 are tough to beat. I think the next year S5 will have the supercharged v6 but you want to buy used so nvm. Not sure if your interested but the S4 is a very nice car too.

I have to agree, if outright performance is the OP's prime desire then the M3 should be the one to chose but if not then the S5 isn't a bad package and hard to beat because it's engineering and quality feel is very appealing and a great car to own.

[Tortfeasor 335xi]

First off what are you looking for in a car? What are your budgeting constraints? Those three cars are fairly differrent dynamically. You have to luxury cars, 2 AWD cars, a mix of coupe and sedan... The common link seems to be price points and performance. Seems to me like you need to figure out what you want from a daily driver and then you will better be able to pick between the three.

[b0bab0i]

Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v

[Year's_End]

M3. Fuck the refresh. Wouldn't even consider an S5 if you can find one for the same price in good condition. I've driven both, not even full out (like 7/10), and the M3 felt like the car I'd be happiest with every day. The S5 is a better overall package in terms of lux and interior appointments, but I could see myself cracking a smile behind the wheel of an M3 every time I'd start it up.

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by benmoooon

Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v
Cts-v

The interior is really subpar in that thing. Love the looks, hate the interior materials.

[elephino]

appreciate the responses folks.

you all are totally right - i seriously don't know what i want! As far as budgetary constraints, i'd be comfortable with either of the choices above.

I test drove the Evo X yesterday, and it totally put a smile on my face - it was loud, raw, and pretty much toe-to-toe with my 335i+jb3. But obviously, the interior is crap.

I think my goal this week is to test drive the S5 and M3 - If the M3 is a beast, I probably won't care so much about the refresh in 2-ish yrs. Or, if the S5's interior/fluff is enough to keep me interested, we'll see...


thanks for the inputs

[Maseroche]

I have a soft spot for the Evo X since I nearly got one before the M3. Won't even consider the S5 at all as M3 is a far better performing car. If you can't live with the crappy interior of the Evo X then get an M3 and don't look back.

[Boost Gomez]

Keep the 335i and trade it in when you're ready to upgrade to something better.

[ring007]

M3

[SoFlo335]

ever consider the s4? the supercharged 6 in that car is pretty damn nice. dynod 333awhp/334awtq stock

[Bluechipper]

Originally Posted by TK-421

The S5 isn't anything special when put up next to the M3.

Except for styling. It is a damn good looking car.

[Bluechipper]

Originally Posted by Nikkahtropolis

The interior is really subpar in that thing. Love the looks, hate the interior materials.

Actually it is quite nice, so are the materials. The Recaros and alcantara look great. Props to GM for stepping up their interior game.

[Epik]

S5 has failed to inspire in my eyes. The M3 and Evo X are nice cars. The Evo is stripped down performance. M3 is compromised performance but with a dash of luxury.

Although 335i to M3 isn't a huge difference in daily driving. On a track you'll notice. The biggest difference is that it's an M3 so if your ego demands it, hey.

[b0bab0i]

Originally Posted by Bluechipper

Actually it is quite nice, so are the materials. The Recaros and alcantara look great. Props to GM for stepping up their interior game.

+1

[Boost Gomez]

Looks good in pictures, but the material quality is more discernible in person.

[Bullet]

Cts-V Oh my god... get it

[elephino]

haha if u can find me a cts-v at 45k with reasonable miles let me know!

[MrHarris]

I'd go m3, there won't be any redesign for 2012. The S5 will get the supercharged v6 if it hasn't already.