DD_545i

I put the (s) there to make it both US and UK correct. In Britain we'd call them Maths teachers who teach us Maths in the Maths class.

v_therussian

Sorry for my ignorance, but I won't read all the posts except the OP before typing this

What I'd do is find a nice deal for a lease take over on an M3 (leasetrader.com or leaseswap.com and so on, so forth) and drive that til the F10 is out...

craigm1841

so now i am the douchebag. it's cool. i am used to not knowing what i am talkings abouts.

i know

za3879

Subarash - Yeah I'm in the detroit area. I take my car to bavarian in shelby township. My SA is pretty cool, and when I have something to get repaired I usually go and get a few quotes from those random, private german shops around town first. Then I come back to him and compare it to his quote on the same job. Its usually half or so, and he meets me in between my 3 quotes. Bavarian has been pretty slow, so he's been rather accommodating.

There are a few other decent places. I can give you a number of a place out in the waterford/commerce area that is pretty well respected. They work on porsche, audi, bmw a lot and pride themselves as a great dealer alternative.

za3879

1) Insurance issues - the fact that a car is an M adds to its premium significantly. It did for me at least. They said this is because it is the most costly of its line and they do it by parts and labor, etc. I'm not sure if an M3 costs more to work on than a 545, but I'm told thats their logic behind it at my insurance place (in addition to the price of the vehicle).

2) I have driven both and I have to say I like the M5. I think a 5-series in general just has more presence, so an M5 just fathers a lot of cars. The M3 is just too small. Also, I pretty much need a saloon/sedan. An M5 gives me both balls and practicality of space. You're right about how the M3 lets you cut in and out of turns and give you total control, but an M5 is fantastic and i would take it over an M3 in a heartbeat.

3) As another post on this thread read, I would probably look to find a swapalease option for an M3 with 12 to 18 months left on it, tear it up and turn it in. That way you're not committed long term.

4) I have dealer license access for auction cars if anyone wants me to look for something. Nothing better than wholesale prices.

za3879

Interesting. I was looking to get a 996T prior to my 545 and the insurance was exactly the same for me too. probably a 20 dollar diff which conflicts with what my insurance chic told me about their logic behind insuring diff cars.

subarashi

They should be insuring value of the vehicle, not brand - though I confess I do not know the ins and outs of the insurance industry...

Interesting post just got started re the M3 vs the 545i.... Do you really think the 545i could beat the M3?? That seems counter-intuitive to me...

http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=76557

sy1616

Just think it looks kind of soft stock (when compared to the E46) and those big balloon tires???? With a drop and 20 BBS wheels OK. doesn't excite me, that's all, just my opinion.

sdg1871

Used CPO M5.

za3879

The 545 can definitely NOT beat the M3. Ive had a few run in's with the E90 M3 around town. From the light I'm gravy through 1st and 2nd. About half-way through 3rd i'm toast.