I know these are two very different cars. Apples vs. Oranges. But if anyone has driven both I'd like your opinion. From a pure enjoyment standpoint...which is more fun to drive?? Not just straightline speed but cornering, comfort, overall ride.

I plan on doing test drives on M3 sMg and 545 sMg very soon. But will only have access to them for very short periods of time. Anyone who had M3 wish they could go back (for the ride experience only) or would never look back?

Thanks

 

I actually looked into this, since I was happy with my previous E46 328i, and the money difference was about the same for 545i or M3...I have 2 friends with M3's
and have drove them regularly...obviously a lot of fun. But the 545i is as well!!

I guess a decision has to do with what you want. What you feel ready for. Which car represents your hearts desire at the moment.
I have had nice sports coupes in the past...so although the M3 is a fantastic car,
it's the 545s' image and capabilities of a lux/easycruising/fast/ drivers sports saloon that does it for me...

....plus it's got a big boot!!

 

Ray S

I have a 545 and my previous car was an E46 M3 with SMG. The E60 is a very fast cruiser and can feel as fast as the M3 , and I do not regret the change at all. I just look forward to the M5 to combine the best of both cars.

 

i'd take the 545. it combines both sport and luxury in a big (medium for some), four door sedan. also, the m3 will have a new body style soon.

 

I would take 545i too, more comfortable, newer style, still has good speed. Get the best of both side!!

 

I've also driven both. It comes down to this:

1. M3 = a GT racing car that can get you in trouble on the streets. Get it if you plan to autocross, race at the track, etc.
2. 545 = an excellent and powerful sedan for city and highway driving

 

Thanks guys for all the replies!

I agree that the new 5 series is a great mix of luxury and sportiness.

I have a 325Ci and I love it. But I wanted to make a move up in power and performance to the M3. Then I saw the 545 and all of sudden the decision was not so easy.

I know. This is definitely a big negative against the M3. When I compare the M3 with the new 5 series its no contest. I love the new design of the E60, esp the front end, very aggressive. It makes the 3 series/M models look a little dated. But style isn't everything, right? I want performance and a fun driving experience.

I'd love the M5, it would definitely be the perfect mix. However the wait list is out of control at this point and unless I have an upswing in my financial status the M5 is a little over my budget. Which is another reason to go for the M3, it may be the last chance to get M power at an affordable price.

 

My final choices was bmw 545i ,SLK320,M3
test drove the slk320 very nice coupe but after owning a S500 a 02 model i hated mercedes service and i will never buy their cars again. I'm just sick of their 2months waitting apointments.
M3 very nice sports car, a few of my friends owns them so I had more time playing with them the car is fast and the ride was alittle hard for my taste. they both have 19" rims
the only thing was the price tag on a M3 I think they are over price for what you get
and if i want a fast track car I would have choose the Evo III!!! handles better and much faster plus you can't beat the price.
545i what can i say WOW what a car. make sure you get the sports package and hud
you will be very happy with it!!

 

Well, remember, you are on the 545 board. I'll bet there are more people here that have driven an M3 than people on the M3 board who have driven a 545 though. I'd check the other board too for their responses.

I've driven the SMG M3 half a dozen times, and it is a wonderful car, and quite different from the 545. The M3 is more of a sports car. It's quicker, tighter, more responsive, amaller, and the ride is MUCH rougher. I think the M3 is more fun, but I would tire of the rough ride after a while.

The 545 is more of a sports sedan. With active suspension and steering it feels like a much lighter and smaller car. The engine is a beast, and at hwy speeds almost a match for the E46 (I did pull on an M3 'vert a while back). The handling is really incredible for a car of that size, again almost a match for the M3. I also needed a car that I could comfortably fit 4 people in to take to a business lunch or dinner.

A couple other points you want to think about. The new M3 will be coming out in a few years. This may not mean much, since there is still quite a following for the E36 M3. The other point is that the 545 is a much newer design than the E46. It incorporates all the latest technology, some good (active suspension, DSC, active headlights), some (idrive) maybe not so good. But the car is really a new platform vs the 'older' E46 platform.

If you want a car that's the best 4 door sports car around, and are willing to make some compromises in terms of comfort and technology, get the M3. If you want the best combination of everything, get the 545.

 

ummm...

I called my friend a the BMW dealership for him to switch me back to an M3 but now i'm dying for a convertible. I don't have a 545 so i can not attest for the power but the M3 powers is awesonme; add some pullies, chiip and intake and forget about it and in connvertible , the feel should be the best (used to have an M roadster in 98) and fun... tought descision after reading these comments.. I want a conv but like the ride and room of my E60..tought descision... the M3 body style is going to be out for another 3 years a t least so. that is not a concern too much..