Bokke

I noticed today that you could configure the new M3 on the USA site - so I did

Please realize that I had a 97 E36 M3 sedan and loved that car, then an 01 M5 and also loved that car - larger, more power etc. However, I just have not been able to bring myself to spend $90k + for a new E60 M5 and was probably going to get a new 550i.

Then this.....So, as of today I am seriously considering the M3 sedan as a replacement for my 545i.

What is interesting in the M3 Sedan would be $3,875 cheaper than a replacement 550i configured my way -

Decisions, decisions...

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Below it what I configured.

2008 M3
Base MSRP - $53,800
Interlagos Blue Metallic - $475
Black Novillo Extended Leather - $1,100
Sycamore Anthracite Wood Trim - $0
Cold Weather Package - $1,000
Premium Package - $1,900
Technology Package - $3,250
19" wheels w/performance tires (style 220) - $1,200
Moonroof - $1,050
Rear manual side window shades - $575
Enhanced Premium Sound - $1,900
iPod and USB adapter - $400
Satellite radio - $595
Park Distance Control (rear only) - $350
Destination & Handling: - $775
Total MSRP as Built - $68,370

2008 550i
Base MSRP - $58,500
Carbon Black Metallic - $0
Black Dakota Leather - $0
Bamboo Anthracite wood trim - $0
Cold Weather Package - $750
Sport Package - $4,600
Active Steering - $1,400
Head-up Display - $1,200
Heated rear seats - $350
Navigation system - $1,900
Rear sunshade w/rear manual side window shades - $575
iPod and USB adapter - $400
Logic7 sound system - $1,200
Satellite radio - $595
Destination & Handling: - $775
Total MSRP as Built - $72,245

kscarrol

Poor baby!! A hard choice to make. In my mind it all depends on two things, the space issue and ride quality. Do you really need the added interior space of the 550? Or are you riding solo or just you and a passenger most of the time? And ride quality. While the 550 with Sports Package has stiff suspension (as would an M3!) I suspect the 550, just because of the larger frame woudl have a bit of a smoother ride. Do you want the really sporty feel of the M3 or a bit more of a luxury feel in the 550. Only you can answer these questions. I suspect the $3,875 price difference is not an issue, but not bad pocket change to buy new toys for the M3.

JeffNNJ

I actually considered the exact same thing until my 550 was in the shop for maintenance and I received a 328 sedan as a loaner. As I am sure you know, it's smaller. A LOT smaller. If you rarely have rear seat passengers or your children are small it would be a great choice. For me, however, it would be really difficult. My kids are teenagers and I frequently have people in the back. My kids have even complained that there isn't enough room in the back of my 550 so an M3 would be out of the question. Another thing you need to consider is cost if you are planning to lease. According to my CA the M3, while around the same price as the 550, will lease at a substantially higher rate. He estimated around $300 more a month which, IMO, is a rip off for a car that's around the same price, if not cheaper.

Bokke

Indeed, this is a real issue for me.

Good point on the actual lease cost, although I would probably buy. I also realize that you could probably get a pretty good discount on the 550i and none on the M3.

luigi524td

IMHO > Two very different cars.

e60 offers fast and comfortable cruising for driver and up to 4 adult passengers. The M3, even in sedan trim, is "all about the driver" and one close personal friend.

I too debated about the 5 or the 3 and felt (for me) the 3 was too small [esp rear seat leg room]. But, in the future, when size matters less, I might go down that road?

JeffNNJ

Just checked their website and the estimate a payment feature isn't functional yet.

westcoast550

I've thought about this myself. Personally the four doors is a big plus for the practicality, but past that I would be in that M3 in a heartbeat........... great car !!and I really love that 135 too !! pure BMW..

FRANK970

I had this very same debate prior to leasing my 535. I went with the E60 because of the backseat space and the need to carry my boys (3 & 5) and their car seats around. My wife's 323 tells us that the 3-series is just too small for the four of us. In 3 years when it is time to replace, I may end up with the M3. I think the M3 suits my personality better and my boys will be out of the carseats and will take up less room. But of course the F10 will come into the decision process at that time.

jmatthe

I had an E60, then an E90 and now back in an E60 550I. While I think the 3 is much more fun to drive and toss around, I dreaded any trip over 1 hour. The size, ride and road noise is sport, the 550 is comfort with sport thown in for entertainment. If I could drive like I was on a track all the time, it would be one thing, but the 5, with comfort seats and logic 7 is really living large. Boils down to the type of driving you do...most of the time.

kchan

1 more option is to do Euro pickup for the 550i and save at least 4-5k over local pickup.
No discount for any M cars for euro pickup
I still can't believe they charge $500 for metallic colors for the M3
BUT, M3 has always been my dream car...
Like everyone says, 3 is quite a bit smaller, especially for the trunk. I have 2 kids so M3 is probably another 16 years away... The big trunk does come in handy many times.