E90 M3 vs E60 M5: Opinions needed.

[shu5892001]

Hi guys,

As some of you guys might know I am parting out my car and is looking to replace the mz3 since I have recently graduated from university.

I am looking to buy a certified pre-owned BMW preferably around 2008-2009ish as my budget is 60k and I am a huge fan of bmw M

I been losing sleep between e90 m3 and e60 m5, both are four door, high-revving N/A and I can't seem to pick out a winner.

M3:
Love the rear end, especially with aftermarket trunk and diffuser
Lighter, smaller, handles better
More track-friendly
DCT transmission better than SMG
Good aftermarket suppot, ESS supercharger and etc...

M5:
V10 Engine, sounds nice
Faster than M3
More luxury
More roomy and family friendly


I need you guys to give me some opinions... or any other suggestion for 60K that is all season friendly

Thanks,
Shu

[Booostin]

M5 any day of the week. That thing with eisenmann exhaust is sex

[MarkWB]

So let me get this straight, you're used to driving FWD and want to make a 400+ hp RWD sports sedan your new daily driver? I hope you have money set aside for new winter tires, or an excellent insurance policy.

That aisde, if you're buying something as a daily driver, and you're a recent grad, even if you land a job that pays 60 grand a year (which is even generous for someone our age) you'll find it difficult to afford the big car payments, gas, insurance for your M3 or M5 (just wait till you see your brokers face) with your other bills. That being said, you might be rich, and just looking for a fancy car to fly around in, and if thats the case go with the M5. IF you want to save a bit on gas and insurance, go with the M3. Keep in mind the E90 series of M3s were the only ones to have a V8, so this may make the car somewhat of a collectors item in the future, or at least help it to hold it's value better.

As for all season friendly, you might be better off looking into an Audi S4 or A4 S-Line, Quattro (AWD) on either. If you can afford it, even go with the S6 Quattro. BMW 335i and 550i with xDrive are also nice alternatives. I'm guessing you're not into Benz's, but if you are, dare I suggest the c350 4Matic?

Happy hunting! :chuckle

[Unoriginalusername]

Hi guys,

As some of you guys might know I am parting out my car and is looking to replace the mz3 since I have recently graduated from university.

I am looking to buy a certified pre-owned BMW preferably around 2008-2009ish as my budget is 60k and I am a huge fan of bmw M

I been losing sleep between e90 m3 and e60 m5, both are four door, high-revving N/A and I can't seem to pick out a winner.

M3:
Love the rear end, especially with aftermarket trunk and diffuser
Lighter, smaller, handles better
More track-friendly
DCT transmission better than SMG
Good aftermarket suppot, ESS supercharger and etc...

M5:
V10 Engine, sounds nice
Faster than M3
More luxury
More roomy and family friendly


I need you guys to give me some opinions... or any other suggestion for 60K that is all season friendly

Thanks,
Shu

I am day dreaming about the same, 2007+ M5 with a manual transmission as I have heard that the SMG has its issues. That and an M5 with an exhaust sounds just awesome. Drove the M5 and loved it


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fumMvKUFXl8&feature=related

Looking into the US as there is more selection at better prices (average 45k). can't believe the v10 gets better economy than a 1.3l RX8 R3. Don't fit in an M3 (headroom) sadly so M5 only practical day dream option out of the two

[slam525i]

It seems every D-bag with credit leases himself an E92 M3 now days, but an M5 of any generation.... It's an M5! E28, E34, E39, E60, F10, I want them all! (Preferably an F10 for daily use, an E28 for the special occasions, and an E34 just because I used to have a non-M E34.)

[Mr Wilson]

What warranty does the cert cars come with?

Always liked the v10 in the m5 sound-wise, plus it's a freakin' V10. Did they sell the stick version up here (know they did in the US)? SMG III had iffy reviews, but it works. Usual IDrive complaints, though I'm sure like any system, once it becomes intuitive...it's not an issue.

Agreed with you on the M3 sedan looks. Depending on how often you'll have people in the back it'll be a neg size-wise.

Tough question and I'm envious. Talk to CJ, I know he drive a few cars before buying his 1M.

[shu5892001]

So let me get this straight, you're used to driving FWD and want to make a 400+ hp RWD sports sedan your new daily driver? I hope you have money set aside for new winter tires, or an excellent insurance policy.

That aisde, if you're buying something as a daily driver, and you're a recent grad, even if you land a job that pays 60 grand a year (which is even generous for someone our age) you'll find it difficult to afford the big car payments, gas, insurance for your M3 or M5 (just wait till you see your brokers face) with your other bills. That being said, you might be rich, and just looking for a fancy car to fly around in, and if thats the case go with the M5. IF you want to save a bit on gas and insurance, go with the M3. Keep in mind the E90 series of M3s were the only ones to have a V8, so this may make the car somewhat of a collectors item in the future, or at least help it to hold it's value better.

As for all season friendly, you might be better off looking into an Audi S4 or A4 S-Line, Quattro (AWD) on either. If you can afford it, even go with the S6 Quattro. BMW 335i and 550i with xDrive are also nice alternatives. I'm guessing you're not into Benz's, but if you are, dare I suggest the c350 4Matic?

Happy hunting! :chuckle

Well driving a 400+hp rwd is not as bad as it sounds, I have driven 2008 M5 with Toyo T1R during winter month and I'm still alive lol.

I know the V8 M3 is nice since its probably the last high rev N/A for the m3, but so is the m5 lol...

Also when I mean all season friendly, I didn't mean it had to be awd, I just meant it's a practical four door and not like a corvette or anything...

[Unoriginalusername]

What warranty does the cert cars come with?

Always liked the v10 in the m5 sound-wise, plus it's a freakin' V10. Did they sell the stick version up here (know they did in the US)? SMG III had iffy reviews, but it works. Usual IDrive complaints, though I'm sure like any system, once it becomes intuitive...it's not an issue.

Agreed with you on the M3 sedan looks. Depending on how often you'll have people in the back it'll be a neg size-wise.

Tough question and I'm envious. Talk to CJ, I know he drive a few cars before buying his 1M.

yes it was offered 2007+. m5 used is better value imo, hard to find an 08 m3 for under 50k

[shu5892001]

What warranty does the cert cars come with?

Always liked the v10 in the m5 sound-wise, plus it's a freakin' V10. Did they sell the stick version up here (know they did in the US)? SMG III had iffy reviews, but it works. Usual IDrive complaints, though I'm sure like any system, once it becomes intuitive...it's not an issue.

Agreed with you on the M3 sedan looks. Depending on how often you'll have people in the back it'll be a neg size-wise.

Tough question and I'm envious. Talk to CJ, I know he drive a few cars before buying his 1M.

I believe certified pre-owned adds 2 year warranty on-top of the car's remaining warranty

[shu5892001]

I believe SMG III was offered in 2008 or something and it has improved since the 2006 first gen M5s, I'm looking to purchase either SMG or DCT.. not looking to buy manual yet...

What warranty does the cert cars come with?

Always liked the v10 in the m5 sound-wise, plus it's a freakin' V10. Did they sell the stick version up here (know they did in the US)? SMG III had iffy reviews, but it works. Usual IDrive complaints, though I'm sure like any system, once it becomes intuitive...it's not an issue.

Agreed with you on the M3 sedan looks. Depending on how often you'll have people in the back it'll be a neg size-wise.

Tough question and I'm envious. Talk to CJ, I know he drive a few cars before buying his 1M.

[Mr Wilson]

^^^Then M5 all the way.

[shu5892001]

^^^Then M5 all the way.

M5 has it's disadvantage, huge ass car, can't really track it, don't really suit my age (23)

[MarkWB]

Well driving a 400+hp rwd is not as bad as it sounds, I have driven 2008 M5 with Toyo T1R during winter month and I'm still alive lol.

I know the V8 M3 is nice since its probably the last high rev N/A for the m3, but so is the m5 lol...

Also when I mean all season friendly, I didn't mean it had to be awd, I just meant it's a practical four door and not like a corvette or anything...

Yeah, I've heard BMW is planning a V8 Twin Turbo for the next gen of M5s, and the M3 has mixed reports. Either way, there's been a V10 in the M5 forever, but a V8 in the M3, that only lasted what 4 MYs? I'd go M3 here, because I think it's the best choice for someone our age overall, and at least it won't be such a pain to drive in the winter. I don't know if I could drive an M3 or M5 in the winter though...I'd cry just thinking of the salt on my paint :(

[Mr Wilson]

How long are you looking to keep it? Do you track that often? imagine the V10 howling down the back straight (drool), work downtown TO?

V10 was in the M5 for a short period too.

+ BMW's North American boss, Ludwig Willisch, has confirmed that the next-generation M3 will be powered by an inline six-cylinder engine

[shu5892001]

V8 TT M5 is already on the road... and E60 is the only generation that BMW offers a V10 for M5, E39 M5 had a V8


Yeah, I've heard BMW is planning a V8 Twin Turbo for the next gen of M5s, and the M3 has mixed reports. Either way, there's been a V10 in the M5 forever, but a V8 in the M3, that only lasted what 4 MYs? I'd go M3 here, because I think it's the best choice for someone our age overall, and at least it won't be such a pain to drive in the winter. I don't know if I could drive an M3 or M5 in the winter though...I'd cry just thinking of the salt on my paint :(

[shu5892001]

I am planning to keep it a few years, say 3-5? I work in Richmondhill and I live in Richmondhill so commute is no biggy

How long are you looking to keep it? Do you track that often? imagine the V10 howling down the back straight (drool), work downtown TO?

[shu5892001]

I'm leaning towards M3 because my best buddies drive C63, STi, 330i and etc... If I drive a huge ass m5, I don't feel I blend in lol

[MarkWB]

V8 TT M5 is already on the road... and E60 is the only generation that BMW offers a V10 for M5, E39 M5 had a V8

Yes, but that's 7 MYs versus 4...more models on the road overall with the 10 cyl. Oh, and I didn't know the new M5s were out already...I haven't seen one yet! :( I see the new Z4 left right and center though.

IDK dude the M3 sedan is more suited to your age, and to daily driver duty, so that's my vote.

[shu5892001]

Yes, but that's 7 MYs versus 4...more models on the road overall with the 10 cyl. Oh, and I didn't know the new M5s were out already...I haven't seen one yet! :( I see the new Z4 left right and center though.

IDK dude the M3 sedan is more suited to your age, and to daily driver duty, so that's my vote.

There is a blue M5, license plate F10 M5, owned by some asian dude in Toronto. See the car beside the black M5?

http://fmn.rrfmn.com/fmn058/20120529/1720/large_cNdk_462e000004ab118d.jpg
Yeah I'm leaning towards m3

[Unoriginalusername]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/BMW-M5-4dr-Sdn-/290715448375?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43affdb437

[shu5892001]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/BMW-M5-4dr-Sdn-/290715448375?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43affdb437

Pretty good deal for a 09

[thanu31]

this is wht i do at work too, research and compare except my budget isnt as high as yours lol
also looking at the c63 as well...classic battle c63 vs. m3 :rolleyes

seen some CPO E92 for around 49k before tax.
are you considering the 335i (m-tech package) drool...i love it just for the turbo.

I wouldnt go with a M5 for the exact reasons you stated. Just not the car for our age, and M3 seems more fun for the twists and turns on the track. (Not to say M5 isnt)


Go with M3 :)! Goodluck
and try to stick with a CPO car

[Unoriginalusername]

I'm leaning towards M3 because my best buddies drive C63, STi, 330i and etc... If I drive a huge ass m5, I don't feel I blend in lol

work must be good

[MarkWB]

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/BMW-M5-4dr-Sdn-/290715448375?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43affdb437

If that was an auction and there were still no other bidders, I'd throw down 5 bucks, LOL. Imagine that...M5 for 5 bucks.

[Unoriginalusername]

If that was an auction and there were still no other bidders, I'd throw down 5 bucks, LOL. Imagine that...M5 for 5 bucks.

reserve is your enemy

[shu5892001]

this is wht i do at work too, research and compare except my budget isnt as high as yours lol

seen some CPO E92 for around 49k before tax.
are you considering the 335i (m-tech package) drool...i love it just for the turbo.

I wouldnt go with a M5 for the exact reasons you stated. Just not the car for our age, and M3 seems more fun for the twists and turns on the track. (Not to say M5 isnt)


Go with M3 :)! Goodluck
and try to stick with a CPO car

Ye if I buy, Its gonna be cpo for sure. I will spend the extra money to buy cpo. But I will buy a N/A not a turbo lol. I love N/A cars

[MarkWB]

reserve is your enemy

I have no idea how eBay works (never tried it) but I thought it was a fun idea, LOL.

OP this might interest you, low km, just under 60 k and it's 2010...super clean too http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13109335_ON20080121105240492/

[Unoriginalusername]

I have no idea how eBay works (never tried it) but I thought it was a fun idea, LOL.

OP this might interest you, low km, just under 60 k and it's 2010...super clean too http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13109335_ON20080121105240492/

10k less for a few more km - http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2008-BMW-M3-Coupe-W0QQAdIdZ384381543

[shu5892001]

Ye it's definitely a good deal, but this is a E92. I'm looking to buy a E90 which is four door, i'm also looking to buy bmw certified preowned to get peace of mind lol


I have no idea how eBay works (never tried it) but I thought it was a fun idea, LOL.

OP this might interest you, low km, just under 60 k and it's 2010...super clean too http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/M/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13109335_ON20080121105240492/

[Unoriginalusername]

Ye it's definitely a good deal, but this is a E92. I'm looking to buy a E90 which is four door, i'm also looking to buy bmw certified preowned to get peace of mind lol

http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2008-BMW-M3-SEDAN-LOW-LOW-KMS-W0QQAdIdZ383543947

[MarkWB]

Ye it's definitely a good deal, but this is a E92. I'm looking to buy a E90 which is four door, i'm also looking to buy bmw certified preowned to get peace of mind lol

Wow I must be going blind, I could've sworn I saw four doors. :chuckle

[loki]

As some of you guys might know I am parting out my car and is looking to replace the mz3 since I have recently graduated from university.

I am looking to buy a certified pre-owned BMW preferably around 2008-2009ish as my budget is 60k and I am a huge fan of bmw M


Ok I am only now seeing this.

what did you study? because I need to go back to school and do that...If a 23 year old has a $60,000 budget for a car fresh out of school, I definitely should not have done engineering.

[midnightfxgt]

Basing a 60K purchase on what fits in with your friends?! Yikes...

[loki]

Basing a 60K purchase on what fits in with your friends?! Yikes...

one of those kids...

it all makes sense now

[thanu31]

lol Shu knows what hes doing

no need to judge and hate

[loki]

lol Shu knows what hes doing

no need to judge and hate

no one is hating or judging the 23 year old new graduate who has a 60 grand budget to buy a bmw because his best buddies all drive expensive luxury sedans and an STI.

and an M5 just won't blend.


but you'd probably get better opinions on a BMW forum.

unless the responses you want are "oh man that's so sweet those bmws are soo friggin sweeet man. RWD too OMG that's going to be awesome"

maybe working as a professional engineer and not having 60 grand budget for a car has me a tad bit bitter. I should have been a lawyer like my 21 year old sister. lol

[Booostin]

we dont know if he will finance or lease. lots of people with good credit can go out and get a 50-60 thousand dollar car lol

[MarkWB]

no one is hating or judging the 23 year old new graduate who has a 60 grand budget to buy a bmw because his best buddies all drive expensive luxury sedans and an STI.

and an M5 just won't blend.


but you'd probably get better opinions on a BMW forum.

unless the responses you want are "oh man that's so sweet those bmws are soo friggin sweeet man. RWD too OMG that's going to be awesome"

maybe working as a professional engineer and not having 60 grand budget for a car has me a tad bit bitter. I should have been a lawyer like my 21 year old sister. lol

That's what I was saying, LOL. I barely touch 60k a year and I haven't even dreamed about buying an M car, so I'd like to know what kind of job he landed fresh out of school that he can afford this.

That being said, he knows his finances, OP just be sure to get quotes on insurance and do a worst-case-scenario pricing on gas for your cars mileage (ie assume gas will always be 1.50 for a liter). If you can't afford it in that circumstance I'd say don't buy it, because you're going to drive one of these cars the way they were meant to be driven, and that isn't to save gas. I've heard of people putting 150 a day in their M5 and they live in R Hill, work in Vaughan.

[thanu31]

no one is hating or judging the 23 year old new graduate who has a 60 grand budget to buy a bmw because his best buddies all drive expensive luxury sedans and an STI.

and an M5 just won't blend.


I know Shu, and that sure isnt his reason to buy a BMW, think of it as more of an excuse + more temptation to splurge.. he sure isnt on a tight budget..nor is he getting a car just to fit in. If he had to fit in, he would of got rid of the 3 long ago.

[zzz3]

ITT: lots af jelly big foigs.

i say gho far dah m5. it will make dah LGs scream.

EDIT: dun foghet, m5 vs m3, m5 is +2 heat score.

[ZeroChalk]

If all your ducks were aligned, an investment banking analyst should be able to afford a m3 and still save a bit for a condo.

Loki - Lawyer at 21? Did they go to school in North America?

[terapr0]

my guess is daddies money, or at least living at home with zero expenses or student debt. I too work in engineering / design, graduated ~2 yrs ago and couldnt swing a 60k car without forgoing things like rent.

as others have said, you'll probably have more luck asking this in a BMW forum....

[loki]

If all your ducks were aligned, an investment banking analyst should be able to afford a m3 and still save a bit for a condo.

Loki - Lawyer at 21? Did they go to school in North America?

she's got one more year. law graduate at 22. Univeristy in the UK and that's only because she did an extra year to do French Law in France.


I not jelly z, I'm just sayin'. Coming onto a mazda3 forum at 23 to talk about BMWs can be taking alot of ways....just sayin'. It's like guys going on a BMW forum and talking about which model Ferrari they're gonna pick up.

and having the credit to get a loan for a 50-60k car doesn't mean being able to afford the car. that's just a side comment, not directed at anyone in this thread.

[-cj-]

You can't go wrong with either car. I was looking at the same cars as you last year. Some notes:

- The V10 in the M5 is beautiful, but it has a small gas tank and burns gas way too easily. If the fuel bill doesn't piss you off, having to constantly fill up will...

- I heard chatter about the manual M5 tranny overheating at the track. Apparently the car is too powerful for the manual tranny in that car. Maybe I have it backwards (Which would make more sense to me), but I'm pretty sure it was the manual... If you aren't tracking your car, nothing to worry about.

- While the 'M' mode on the M5 deactivates 2 cylinders, apparently your fuel consumption doesn't change much.

- If you go with an M3, I'd suggest an '09 minimum, so you can get the newer improved iDrive interface and joystick. (The '08's have the old style which is a single knob, no buttons. You don't want to constantly scroll to control your nav/music/phone functions. Get the one with buttons....)

- While I was doing research, I saw some chatter about a possible engine defect in the 08 M3... I can't remember what it was any more. There weren't that many engine failures, but enough to make people suspect some sort of defect. (Research this if you consider the '08... I might be blowing it out of proportion).

You can't go wrong with either car.

Edit: Wow. I should read the entire thread before responding to the first post. :P Thread went in a completely different direction.

[shu5892001]

Alright guys thx for the opinions, I have thought about the payments and it will be settled just fine, don't worry guys.

I will not be using my parents money, but I DO LIVE WITH PARENTS if that clears up some confusion.

Regarding the blend in factor, chill out guys, that's just a factor I took into consideration in regarding leaning towards m3 rather than m5. But it is not a reason for me buying a m3 or m5 in the first place, I want a M because I love M

[shu5892001]

Thanks CJ, I'm leaning towards a 09 E90 m3 also, it is also LCI

You can't go wrong with either car. I was looking at the same cars as you last year. Some notes:

- The V10 in the M5 is beautiful, but it has a small gas tank and burns gas way too easily. If the fuel bill doesn't piss you off, having to constantly fill up will...

- I heard chatter about the manual M5 tranny overheating at the track. Apparently the car is too powerful for the manual tranny in that car. Maybe I have it backwards (Which would make more sense to me), but I'm pretty sure it was the manual... If you aren't tracking your car, nothing to worry about.

- While the 'M' mode on the M5 deactivates 2 cylinders, apparently your fuel consumption doesn't change much.

- If you go with an M3, I'd suggest an '09 minimum, so you can get the newer improved iDrive interface and joystick. (The '08's have the old style which is a single knob, no buttons. You don't want to constantly scroll to control your nav/music/phone functions. Get the one with buttons....)

- While I was doing research, I saw some chatter about a possible engine defect in the 08 M3... I can't remember what it was any more. There weren't that many engine failures, but enough to make people suspect some sort of defect. (Research this if you consider the '08... I might be blowing it out of proportion).

You can't go wrong with either car.

Edit: Wow. I should read the entire thread before responding to the first post. :P Thread went in a completely different direction.

[shu5892001]

The reason why I didn't ask this on a bm forum is I have googled a lot of thread on m3 vs m5. M5 board bias in m5 and m3 forum bias in m3. I want a more neutral feedback.

[Pereira11]

M cars are in their own league, my buddy has a Z4M and it is incredible to drive.

i havent driven the DCT vehicles but i have driven a few with SMG and definately didnt like it. For that reason and my love for coupes i would say E92 M3 for sure. Make sure it has competition package and carbon fibre roof. IMO the M5 looks like an older person's vehicle and doesnt have the same presence as the M3.

my perfect version would be white E92 with red interior with nav and comp pkg and carbon fibre roof

[thanu31]

my perfect version would be white E92 with red interior with nav and comp pkg and carbon fibre roof


Ditto! :)

[Booostin]

I think I see a M3 a couple times a day now. I am referring to the coupe though.

M5 on the other hand... Plus the luxury.

[breakfasteatre]

m3 does not get good gas mileage, ask alphamotorsports

[ZeroChalk]

she's got one more year. law graduate at 22. Univeristy in the UK and that's only because she did an extra year to do French Law in France.


I not jelly z, I'm just sayin'. Coming onto a mazda3 forum at 23 to talk about BMWs can be taking alot of ways....just sayin'. It's like guys going on a BMW forum and talking about which model Ferrari they're gonna pick up.

and having the credit to get a loan for a 50-60k car doesn't mean being able to afford the car. that's just a side comment, not directed at anyone in this thread.

She probably still has to do her BVC still. Not to be nitty gritty but that's a big difference from saying she is a lawyer at 21 (implies she is practicing). Almost like saying I'm a doctor but am still in med school.

OP - I'd get the M3.. but I agree with everyone else, why post here.

[doughboyr6]

forget the car, whatever job he's got, i gotta career path him....

i always wondered where i went wrong.

i graduated with an achitectural science degree and felt the jobs paid too pitiful and gave up (i also got bored of it).

i'm 32 now and work at RBC as a manager and barely touch that amount of money.

i shouldve listened to my parents and taken business in school...

[PearlM3]

If I lived with my parents I could add $1000/month to my car payment making a total of $1500/month. You can buy pretty much any car with that, I wouldn't feel right doing that though.

[beyond]

lol who cares guys...it's the OP's $$ so let the poor guy spend it his own way...he asked for opinions and inputs so let's give him some....

Personally I'd get the M3. Never driven either cars, so I wouldn't be able to tell you how they drive. I've driven a friend's E36 M3 and it was awesome. I'm just assuming that the E90 M3 will be even more awesome! M5 seems a bit too big and "mature" for your age. The M3 would probably look more matching.

Good luck in your search. Post pix when you finally get your car!

[The Wolf]

E12 or bust...

[Freakzaz]

Shu, from what you've said were the disadvantages of the M5 being a bigger car, can't track, and not fitting for your age, doesn't that in itself help a lot in your decision for going with the M3? Lol, the M3 is smaller, more trackable, and more fitting for your age haha.

But if the choice were mine, I'd go for the M5. Personally I just can't resist that V10 wail (especially with the Eisenmann exhaust) and its larger, so more comfortable for me. Good luck with your decision, either way you're going to get an amazing car! :)

[shu5892001]

2009 4 dr m3 it is! Decision made, thanks for input Guys

[Booostin]

she's got one more year. law graduate at 22. Univeristy in the UK and that's only because she did an extra year to do French Law in France.




I guess she wants to work in the U.K?

[loganm3]

M3 is the better choice, but as a man who was in the same boat I advise caution! buy a cheaper car and put the rest into a down payment on a place to live. In 3-5 years that 60k car will be worth 30kmax, and you lose 50cents on your dollar. Take that same 60k, buy a 2002-03 M3 for 20ish and put the 35-40k into a downpayment. In 3-5 years that 40k will be worth 50-60.

My story. Age 22, just sold my first company and wanted something flashy. I loved cadillac's so I bought a brand spankin new STS (you're allowed to laugh at me) I had the car for 3 weeks, was driving up north, hit a raccoon and blew out the passanger side front tire, lost control and put it in the ditch. Car was a write off, insurance gave me 80% mrsp value (because it was a used car) and I lost 10k in the blink of an eye...plus insurance raped me for the next 7 years.

After a good "talking to" by my father I bought a used Protege 5 and almost a year after the accident I bought a multi unit rental property. It's been 7 years now and my place is worth 100% more then when I bought it, and in 8 years when it's paid off I'll have a net worth easily in the 7 figures.

Trust me, falshy cars are fun but girls are MUCH more impressed when you buy your own place.

Also, I had a friend who got a job as a stock broker downtown and he was still living at home. Leased an M5, economy tanked and he was fired and for 2 years he worked his butt off just to afford the lease payments. He couldn't afford to drive the car because gas was too expensive, he neglected maintaining it and the icing on the cake. He finally got a new job as a stock broker and then three months later the car's lease was up!

Good luck and congrads on graduating!

[terapr0]

Words of wisdom. A flashy car is nice and all...but really.... are you going to bring the girls home to your parents place? Driving an M3 while living with your parents is kinda not the coolest thing in the World. Reminds me of the guys from A Night At The Roxbury.

Obviously do as you wish, but that money would be MUCH better spent on a down payment or at least rent for your own place. Other than drugs or gambling, a car is probably the worst investment you can make. Of course you're picking it up after a lot of the depreciation has already occured, but in the grander scheme of your life, having your own place is going to be worth a lot more. just my $0.02 of course. Best of luck with your decision and lets see some pics of whatever it is you get.

[beyond]

^ true dat

[MarkWB]

I agree with these guys man, you'd be better off getting even a 30k car (335i with M package?) and put that other 30k as a down payment on a condo or house in the 300-400s...you'd have your own place, your own beemer, and if things go well in the next year or two you can always do a trade in, or just lease an M3 at the side. Not to mention your credit would be fantastic at this point if you're smart enough to run your utilities through 30-40% of your credit limit on your card(s). Follow that and even if you have the same income 10 years from now you could likely finance an Aston Martin or something stupidly expensive like that.

It's up to you, but the above is the path I'm following (hence driving the MZ3) and it seems others are doing/have done the same. It wouldn't kill you to wait a year or two to buy a flashy ride.

[starscream]

I would go with the M5.

However aside from cost, insurance and all that. Have you actually looked at what it costs to maintain ANY of the M series cars? I mean seriously not just oil changes, but brakes, common issue/maintenance items, etc?

Just to give you an idea on the M5 at the stealership (which is overpriced) the oilchange is roughly 300 bucks. Now lets say you do it at someone else...say one of the BMW shops - RMP Motors, BimmerSport, Precision Tuning Motorsports youre still in the 180 buck range. Buying your own oil and filter (buying good stuff, not some cheap stuff) youre still in the 140 buck range. Just saying here thats JUST on an oil change. I know alot of people that can afford highend cars but the basic buy-in is not where it stops. A brake job is $$$.... Heres another example (you can even check the pricing on RockAuto) Rotors - REARS are about 320 FRONTS are 300 EACH... Pads are 40 for rear and 90 for the fronts (M5 specific) so not including labour your sitting at 1370. LOL... Gotta pay to play. Not saying you cant, but just making sure youve checked ALL the angles here.

[shu5892001]

Thanks guys for the suggestion, I will really think about it. But to clear things up:

1 I'm not trying to impress girls as I have a gf and a E90 M3 looks no different than a 328 to girls and it's 4 door
2 I don't see this as an investment, I see this as buying something that I want.
3 If I finance a 60K car with 20K down payment for 5 years, monthly payment is roughly 700-750 depending on rate. Say after insurance and gas, my monthly payment for the car is around 1500-2000. I will still have a few thousand of my salary saved towards a house or condo.

These were just my initial thoughts, what all you guys said are right and I am taking into consideration. I am thinking maybe I could buy a 30K car and save faster or save for a bigger house or condo

[cSPEED]

I'd go with the M3. The M5 is too family sedanish for my liking.

Everyone talking shit and making assumptions about OP in this thread is a loser. Even if it was his parents money and he was a spoiled brat, what do you care?

OP, I'm the same age as you but don't have nearly the budget you do. That said, if I did have the same budget as you I'd spend less on a depreciating asset (car) and more on an investment (real estate, investment account). Seriously, you can buy something that's balling for 30K and put the other 30K towards something that will appreciate over something that will depreciate faster than you can imagine.

[Unoriginalusername]

Thanks guys for the suggestion, I will really think about it. But to clear things up:

1 I'm not trying to impress girls as I have a gf and a E90 M3 looks no different than a 328 to girls and it's 4 door
2 I don't see this as an investment, I see this as buying something that I want.
3 If I finance a 60K car with 20K down payment for 5 years, monthly payment is roughly 700-750 depending on rate. Say after insurance and gas, my monthly payment for the car is around 1500-2000. I will still have a few thousand of my salary saved towards a house or condo.

These were just my initial thoughts, what all you guys said are right and I am taking into consideration. I am thinking maybe I could buy a 30K car and save faster or save for a bigger house or condo
i'd be so much further ahead if i had made some better decisions early on with cars.

2004 Matrix XRS new 27,000 otd. Sold 14,000. lost 13,000
2007 Mazdaspeed 3 new 36,000 otd. Sold 18,000. lost 18,000

if i had been able to keep my first car (similar to your mazda situation now) i would have had an extra 31,000 to put down towards our first house which is a lot when you think about it.

[cSPEED]

I would go with the M5.

However aside from cost, insurance and all that. Have you actually looked at what it costs to maintain ANY of the M series cars? I mean seriously not just oil changes, but brakes, common issue/maintenance items, etc?

Just to give you an idea on the M5 at the stealership (which is overpriced) the oilchange is roughly 300 bucks. Now lets say you do it at someone else...say one of the BMW shops - RMP Motors, BimmerSport, Precision Tuning Motorsports youre still in the 180 buck range. Buying your own oil and filter (buying good stuff, not some cheap stuff) youre still in the 140 buck range. Just saying here thats JUST on an oil change. I know alot of people that can afford highend cars but the basic buy-in is not where it stops. A brake job is $$$.... Heres another example (you can even check the pricing on RockAuto) Rotors - REARS are about 320 FRONTS are 300 EACH... Pads are 40 for rear and 90 for the fronts (M5 specific) so not including labour your sitting at 1370. LOL... Gotta pay to play. Not saying you cant, but just making sure youve checked ALL the angles here.

Oil changes need to be done much less frequently on German cars. We do oil changes every 5K and pay 60$ (pricing in the Rotella T6 ofc), they do oil changes every 20K and spend $200. See how it's exactly the same?

[MarkWB]

These were just my initial thoughts, what all you guys said are right and I am taking into consideration. I am thinking maybe I could buy a 30K car and save faster or save for a bigger house or condo

Similar to what cSpeed said, you'd be better off putting that extra cash into a house or investment account than a car. M3s hold their value well, but still, you'll be spending 60 k on this car and what will it sell for in 2 years if you don't want it anymore? 4 years? 6 years? Check autotrader. Also think that if you bought a cheaper car, and invested what you save into a TFSA (or if yours is maxed out, an HISA) and/or RRSP, you'd be laughing at the cost of an M3 a little down the road. Best of luck with everything!

PS: Remember how helpful I was if wherever you work is ever looking to hire! :P :chuckle

[shu5892001]

I agree what all you said is correct. But M3 with 400+ hp is pretty fast for me, the only thing I'll do to it probably is rims, coils, intake, exhaust. But if I buy a cheaper alternative like a STI, EVO, or even a 335i. I would probably spend lots of money on mods and turbo build which would not be as reliable as M3 and might cost me more in the long run considering money for mods and repairs

[cSPEED]

Also, OP please tell us what you do. I have a degree in Finance and I'm going to go out on a limb and say you're an investment banker, risk analyst, or consultant if you've also got the same degree. I'm curious!

[MarkWB]

I agree what all you said is correct. But M3 with 400+ hp is pretty fast for me, the only thing I'll do to it probably is rims, coils, intake, exhaust. But if I buy a cheaper alternative like a STI, EVO, or even a 335i. I would probably spend lots of money on mods and turbo build which would not be as reliable as M3 and might cost me more in the long run considering money for mods and repairs

335 is twin turbo already, so you just saved $$$ on a turbo build that you can throw on suspension mods, intake, exhaust, a good tune...you see where I'm going with this lol

EDIT: Every car you just listed is already turbo, so the above comment actually applies to all of those...I just figure you like beemers so a 335 would be your alternative of choice.

[loganm3]

Ya can you tell us want you do? I thought I had it sweet making 45k out of university in marketing.

Be careful financing 40k, rates are at 5% but we are 1-2 years away from inflation and the gov't will curb it by raising rates...thus that 5% can go to 6,7,8,9,10%. A 60k car is a $70k car after taxes, 20k down leaves you servicing a 50k loan. A 50k loan over 60mths is about 900/mth and you're gonna be paying around 8k in interest. Also you say you want to track the car...oh god, please no. If anything happens while you're on the track insurance won't cover you and if the bank get's wind of it (and they will) they can call in the loan on the spot. If you're going to track but a track beater. You will crash, it happens. It happened to me but I was in my beater and I laughed more than anything because I truly didn't care.

Also a good job typically means things you may not even think of right now. How's your suit collection? How's your watch collection? High powered jobs mean you have to dress to the nines. Have you planned on after work drinks with the boss? If you do go out you'll have to pick up the tab. There's a lot more expenses to life than housing, groceries and cars.

Also remember life happens. You have a girlfriend, what if she gets pregnant? Mine did and now every month I pay about the same as a lease for a E350 diesel for child support!

Just be careful and think about it! I know how it feels, I got a cheque in last week from a client and my first reaction was to blow it on something fun. I found a Volvo V70R for sale and almost bought it. I slept on it and the next morning I woke up thanking god I didn't buy that sweedish maintence nightmare.

If you want to go for a beer sometime and have a chat I can tell you everywhere I went wrong and what to avoid. Then again it's your life to live, but I'm happy to give my two cents if you want to listen.

[Unoriginalusername]

Golf R interest you at all?

[breakfasteatre]

this is a ****ing awesome idea

[MarkWB]

Also remember life happens. You have a girlfriend, what if she gets pregnant? Mine did and now every month I pay about the same as a lease for a E350 diesel for child support!


I'm guessing this never made it to mediation/court? That sounds like a lot to be paying for child support, if I were you I'd tell her if she wants that much money out of me, I'll take the kid and she can pay.

Either way, not expecting you to divulge that type of info online, but I'm just playin' around :P anyway I agree here, and with what the others said, think of your income OP. Like I said, I make almost 60 a year and I'm not even thinking about a beemer...much less an M3. If you're making more than me, good for you, I'd like to hear what advice YOU have for ME ahahaha if not, just think about all the factors...buying a luxury car like that is a very, very expensive endeavour, and defaulting/missing payments on a 50k loan? That's not gonna' look good on the credit you need for that house you want.

[loganm3]

I do over pay but it's by my choice. I want my kid to live a good life, go to a good school and do activities simular to what I did growing up. http://www.childsupportcalculator.ca/ontario.html if you're curious as to how much you'd pay click the link!

Base support + tutoring + sports + dance + birthday parties and etc....it all adds up!

As for Mark's comment about defaulting....oh god, worst thing you can do. You didn't hear it from me but some companies that have big office towers downtown do credit checks, if you have a default/missed payment on your report they will not offer you the job! It's scary, borrowed money is not anything to mess around with!

[O1Kanoby]

Get the M5 its more practical.....

[shu5892001]

Ok guys... Thanks for the financial advices and I appreciate it lol. I love how everyone is so curious about my job, it was not my intention for this post. To clear something up, I will not say what my job is. But my salary is around 80k, so that's the end of the story guys, we can move on.

[MarkWB]

I do over pay but it's by my choice. I want my kid to live a good life, go to a good school and do activities simular to what I did growing up. http://www.childsupportcalculator.ca/ontario.html if you're curious as to how much you'd pay click the link!

Base support + tutoring + sports + dance + birthday parties and etc....it all adds up!

As for Mark's comment about defaulting....oh god, worst thing you can do. You didn't hear it from me but some companies that have big office towers downtown do credit checks, if you have a default/missed payment on your report they will not offer you the job! It's scary, borrowed money is not anything to mess around with!

Well good for you for doing the right thing by your kid, not enough dads who do these days. That being said, I'd still tell my ex to take me to court if she wants "money" out of my pocket. I'll gladly go sign our child up for all the services in the world, pay out of pocket, and keep the receipts. I'm having no woman spend my tutoring money on her hair or nails. :bang

OP just so you know, at/around my income apparently it'd cost less to have a kid than it would to buy your M3. Just an idea of how expensive that damn thing is.

[MarkWB]

Ok guys... Thanks for the financial advices and I appreciate it lol. I love how everyone is so curious about my job, it was not my intention for this post. To clear something up, I will not say what my job is. But my salary is around 80k, so that's the end of the story guys, we can move on.

Well, 80k is enough to cover everything, but you'd be scraping a bit. I'm sure you've got it all under control, but you wanted opinions, so you got them, :P I hope you pick something you enjoy, and don't stay up at night thinking about the payments for aha good luck!

[shu5892001]

Plus I have no intention of marrying or having a babe at the age of 23 as I think I'm still too young for that. I don't plan to marry before I'm 28 or making 6 figures. But anyways, a car forum is a car forum, thanks everyone for worrying about my personal life. Now let's move on lol

[loganm3]

....I didn't plan on being married or having a kid at 23 either....but it happened!

[beyond]

^LOL

[Marta]

....I didn't plan on being married or having a kid at 23 either....but it happened!

that shit craaaayy :P
Just kidding. Good on you for stepping up.

[Sean80]

80K straight out of university, but you won't say what your job is? hmmm....

[Freakzaz]

Last I checked this was a thread for opinions on an M3 or M5, not "help me spend my 60K TM3!" or "let's explore shu's personal life"...

[shu5892001]

80K straight out of university, but you won't say what your job is? hmmm....

As I said, I am looking for an opinion on a car forum and I already told you guys my salary, and that is as far as I will go, not looking to do a bibliography over here.

Thanks,
Shu

[shu5892001]

Last I checked this was a thread for opinions on an M3 or M5, not "help me spend my 60K TM3!" or "let's explore shu's personal life"...

Thanks, couldn't have said it better myself， I will say this again.

The reason why I posted on TM3 is because I have researched on a lot of bimmer forums regarding m3 vs m5. But they all seem to be biased based on their forums, like M3 post or M5 board or etc... I am looking for a more neutral opinion and plus TM3 is the only car forum that I regularly go on

[MarkWB]

80K straight out of university, but you won't say what your job is? hmmm....

I don't blame him for not saying, lol, you'd be surprised how much you can find out about a person just knowing where they work, what they do, what area they live in, etc.. if you know what to do with the info. Google yourself, see what you find, google me and see what you find. If your results don't look like mine, and you recently didn't get a job you applied for...well, you know what happened :P

[Marta]

Thanks, couldn't have said it better myself， I will say this again.

The reason why I posted on TM3 is because I have researched on a lot of bimmer forums regarding m3 vs m5. But they all seem to be biased based on their forums, like M3 post or M5 board or etc... I am looking for a more neutral opinion and plus TM3 is the only car forum that I regularly go on

have you tried maxbimmer? I know a few guys on there and I'm sure they could provide you with some unbiased and informed advice...

[rajin929]

i've always like the M5 (all this time on this forum i thought M5 = mazda5 hahaha)

the M3 pretty bad ass....but was never a fan of the 3 series, I've always thought of them as sort of the base model wannabe poser car, if I had the means, I'd drive a 5-series or higher

[Kinn]

I'm curious if you've looked at insurance quotes for either car. I wouldn't be surprised if you're in the $5k-$10k/year for coverage on either car given your age. Sucks I know! but it's something you defiantly want to look into before making the final decision. Unless your rolling under fleet insurance or something.

[RedRaptor]

Shu,

Go ahead and splurge a little to enjoy your life. Al these "wise" guys come on and try to pick up apart your life. The fact is, you aren't in your 30s with kids where you HAVE financial contraints. Its either you do it now or later (50s when your kids are older). I say go for it now. A lot the responses are typical dads talking. I love how they tell you to save money for a place and etc, but they themselves took the same path when they were your age. Now they advise on why you shouldn't act young, free and irresponsible like they were.

Lots of "8-gwah" people on here putting your life under a microscope.

Goodluck with the car and post some pics when you get it. :)

[Booostin]

if anyone wants to know what he does pm me

[Slade]

if anyone wants to know what he does pm me

Will I be around after you tell me to tell others? :chuckle

I wish I could afford a car like that, either one would be nice. I make ~$60k a year, but paying $900 month for rent kills that idea. Although I do get to do what I want, when I want in my place. Moving out of home > nice car to me. I'm not trying to tell you what you should do though! Hell if I could keep my job and have a rent free place I would probably be posting the same topic!

I would get something boosted though.

[shu5892001]

Just a slight update, not sure if anyone who give me wise financial advise is still active on the forum. It is now 2019, I have gone through two Scion FR-S, one “flashy financially unwise E90 M3”. So obviously I did not listen to the wise financial advises, but I gotta admit those unwise, ruthless, money draining purchases has actually motivated me to work extra hard, and I am now happily married and has a son, own my own house, an investment condo in Yorkville, a 2017 Honda CRV touring and a 2016 Lexus GS-F. I don’t regret one bit on making those unwise purchases in my early 20s, in the end it is what motivated me to be where I am right now. I can say 100% if I actually made those financially wise buying decision, I would of been in my comfort zone all these years. Maybe still living in my parents house taking things for granted and saving money instead of learning how to make money.

[G ~ MINI]

Just a slight update, not sure if anyone who give me wise financial advise is still active on the forum. It is now 2019, I have gone through two Scion FR-S, one “flashy financially unwise E90 M3”. So obviously I did not listen to the wise financial advises, but I gotta admit those unwise, ruthless, money draining purchases has actually motivated me to work extra hard, and I am now happily married and has a son, own my own house, an investment condo in Yorkville, a 2017 Honda CRV touring and a 2016 Lexus GS-F. I don’t regret one bit on making those unwise purchases in my early 20s, in the end it is what motivated me to be where I am right now. I can say 100% if I actually made those financially wise buying decision, I would of been in my comfort zone all these years. Maybe still living in my parents house taking things for granted and saving money instead of learning how to make money.

....So perhaps you are now considering a M2 Competition ... ;)

[shu5892001]

....So perhaps you are now considering a M2 Competition ... ;)

NA for life.