Topic: CD Article: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe

[evil_twin]

To me, the M3 is the be-all, end-all luxo sports coupe (or even sedan now).  I would defintely choose it over any mercedes, IS-F, S4 (even RS4), etc...

However, that assumes you can comfortably throw down $80k.

The 335i is definitely still more than most of us "need" and looks and performances incredible.

So I guess what I'm saying is, Get the M3 if:

A) The $80k isn't a big deal and you want the big dog car.

B) You actually are tracking this car and need the extra performance, LSD, etc.


Note: If you're considering (B) without qualifying for (A)......wow.

[Giant Dwarf]

To me, the M3 is the be-all, end-all luxo sports coupe (or even sedan now).  I would defintely choose it over any mercedes, IS-F, S4 (even RS4), etc...

However, that assumes you can comfortably throw down $80k.

The 335i is definitely still more than most of us "need" and looks and performances incredible.

So I guess what I'm saying is, Get the M3 if:

A) The $80k isn't a big deal and you want the big dog car.

B) You actually are tracking this car and need the extra performance, LSD, etc.


Note: If you're considering (B) without qualifying for (A)......wow.

I wonder though... are there better cars to either

A) show off your big-dog prowess

B) be a better track car

...for the $80k cost of admission.  Corvette?  GT-R?  Evo with a truck, trailer and set of race wheels / tires?  (though, no big-dog bragging for the last two, image-wise).

I'd do many horrible things to have a 335.  But for an M3... I think I might spend my money elsewhere.

[Turbo Bob]

To me, the M3 is the be-all, end-all luxo sports coupe (or even sedan now).  I would defintely choose it over any mercedes, IS-F, S4 (even RS4), etc...

However, that assumes you can comfortably throw down $80k.

The 335i is definitely still more than most of us "need" and looks and performances incredible.

So I guess what I'm saying is, Get the M3 if:

A) The $80k isn't a big deal and you want the big dog car.

B) You actually are tracking this car and need the extra performance, LSD, etc.


Note: If you're considering (B) without qualifying for (A)......wow.

I wonder though... are there better cars to either

A) show off your big-dog prowess

B) be a better track car

...for the $80k cost of admission.  Corvette?  GT-R?  Evo with a truck, trailer and set of race wheels / tires?  (though, no big-dog bragging for the last two, image-wise).

I'd do many horrible things to have a 335.  But for an M3... I think I might spend my money elsewhere.

Have to agree, for tracking it there are better options, and personally I think a GTR (not thinking of the tranny problems) would be my preference.  I do love M3's, but I would want more go and less show.  I know someone who had the CSL in the UK and that was an awesome car, just what an M3 should be, IMO the M3 is too much like the 335, it should be a much more visceral experience.

[The Mighty Duck]

I'll agree that the M3 coupe is not the best choice in its segment.  The GT-R and Corvette are both serious contenders here.  That said, the M3 is a fantastic car and I'd love to own one. 

But I think the M3 sedan is a compelling vehicle.  How many cars are this fast, this good on the track, and still a perfectly capable, practical family hauler?  Same reason I love (even more) the RS4... 

[Turbo Bob]

I'll agree that the M3 coupe is not the best choice in its segment.  The GT-R and Corvette are both serious contenders here.  That said, the M3 is a fantastic car and I'd love to own one. 

But I think the M3 sedan is a compelling vehicle.  How many cars are this fast, this good on the track, and still a perfectly capable, practical family hauler?  Same reason I love (even more) the RS4... 

99% of M3 and RS4 owners will never go near a track, so it's competence there is irrelevent.  I remember my old boss getting taken out for a spin in his mate's new M3 (last model) and asked him when he got back, "What was it like what was it like?!?" he said, "Err, just like a quick 3 series really, nothing special..."

Now I like them a bit more than that, but in the UK a 911 is only a bit more expensive (don't know what the Candian pricing is) and is a better car IMO, an Alpina B3 is similar but more exclusive, AMG CLK63 is again close in price and more of a bruiser, so quite a bit of choice.  To be fair though you can still carry a family of four in it if needed, so the M3 is practical too!

[rrocket]

A 911 will cost $15,000 more here....

[Turbo Bob]

A 911 will cost $15,000 more here....

Still when you put it onto the lease rate it's probably not that much of a stretch for someone that can afford an M3.

[Giant Dwarf]

I'd probably even choose a Cayman S instead... nevermind the 911

[Turbo Bob]

Yeah but you wouldn't get your predicted three kids in the back!

[rrocket]

^^That's what roof racks are for!!   

[Giant Dwarf]

Now Rrocket... that would be just wrong.  I'd never think of putting that much weight on the top of my beloved Porsche.  2-kid weight limit up there max.   

[evil_twin]

Sorry, I should have been a bit more clear.  I think the M3 is the ultimate car to drive day-to-day AND track if you so desired. 

Obviously most don't....and in truth, if I had one, I wouldn't be on a track either

For pure sportscar (no practicality required whatsoever), no question, I'd get a cayman S as well.