Well 3 months left and I gotta figure out what to get next...

[Steg G35]

Well the lease on my G35 Coupe will be done within about 3 months. I always like to start looking early for my next car especially since I may be going for a used car. I don't know what many G35 owners move onto but my all time favorite car is the E46 M3 and I believe I can afford one finally. The only problem is that I am worried about getting a used BMW M3. Aside from that no worries on it. Just needs to be in good condition and low miles.

There is one other option though, I could lease a 335 Coupe for a pretty good deal. I really wouldn't want this car based on looks but it just hurts to know how easily you can mod this cars engine to beat an E46 M3 like its nothing. The 335's engine has so much potential that its hard to ignore.

What you guys think? Buy a Used E46 M3 or Lease a new 335 Coupe?

BTW remember with leasing I am kind of limited on mod's (As if I will actually follow the rules ) Also that I will be getting stick for either of these cars. I am not much of an automatic guy anymore.

Opinions are appreciated! Thx!

- Steg

[DieselX]

Unless you can get the M3 with warranty, just get the 335 and save yourself a headache.

[VCG35]

That's a hard decision, I'd be happy with either choice.I think I would go with the new 335.

[Steg G35]

Originally Posted by DieselX

Unless you can get the M3 with warranty, just get the 335 and save yourself a headache.

I can find a very clean M3 with warranty until 2011. If need be to extend it I have that option as well. Its just hard with everything because I have loved the E46 looks since the day I saw it.

- Steg

[Armanius Maximu]

I like the E46 M3 better than the new M3's. The E46 seems more agressive looking, and it stands out from the non-M 3 series coupe. That being said the engine on the new 335 is very very very nice. I test drove a 335 coupe before getting the G35S 6MT. The 335 is faster, more refined, but just overpriced in my opinion. If you can find a good condition E46, I say go for that.

[OCG35]

tough decision... all good choices... rock/paper/scissors

[Spedizzo]

Go for the M3, I honestly think it is the perfect looking vehicle, better than the new M3 (except for the soft-tops, don't get that) in every way, matched with incredible performance...

[Steg G35]

Originally Posted by Armanius Maximu

I like the E46 M3 better than the new M3's. The E46 seems more agressive looking, and it stands out from the non-M 3 series coupe. That being said the engine on the new 335 is very very very nice. I test drove a 335 coupe before getting the G35S 6MT. The 335 is faster, more refined, but just overpriced in my opinion. If you can find a good condition E46, I say go for that.

Ya see thats the thing...like the 335's engine is amazing. Looks wise though...M3 hands down

Any more opinions?

- Steg

[Lolly Baggins]

I would get the 335i.

[Armanius Maximu]

Originally Posted by Steg G35

Ya see thats the thing...like the 335's engine is amazing. Looks wise though...M3 hands down

Any more opinions?

- Steg

The engine on the 335 is indeed amazing. Even though it's turbocharged, I could not feel the turbo lag at all. I was hitting 100 mph in the blink of an eye without realizing I was going that fast.

[Steg G35]

Originally Posted by Armanius Maximu

The engine on the 335 is indeed amazing. Even though it's turbocharged, I could not feel the turbo lag at all. I was hitting 100 mph in the blink of an eye without realizing I was going that fast.

Ya I have had my share of rides in 335's as well. I drive one of my good friends all the time. He has automatic though and I want my next car, whatever it may be, to be stick. Some people tell me its stupid to get the 335 in stick as the automatic has some really good shifting and is faster...

- Steg

[Armanius Maximu]

Part of me regrets getting my G35S in manual. Lots of traffic here in Houston, and the automatic G35S does a pretty good shifting. BUT, it's just a whole lot more fun driving the manual. And call me a control freak, but it feels like I have more control of the car with a manual.

[Skaterbasist]

Originally Posted by Armanius Maximu

Part of me regrets getting my G35S in manual. Lots of traffic here in Houston, and the automatic G35S does a pretty good shifting. BUT, it's just a whole lot more fun driving the manual. And call me a control freak, but it feels like I have more control of the car with a manual.

Don't worry. You'll get use to it.

L.A traffic is horrific, and I find myself almost forgetting im driving a manual during rush-hours; its so second nature I do everything without thinking.

To the OP: test drive them both, and im sure that'll give you the answer you want. Can't go wrong with either. I would probably go with the M3, though giving up on the modding potential of the 335i Coupe is hard to pass on.

.

[Armanius Maximu]

Originally Posted by Skaterbasist

Don't worry. You'll get use to it.

L.A traffic is horrific, and I find myself almost forgetting im driving a manual during rush-hours; its so second nature I do everything without thinking.

To the OP: test drive them both, and im sure that'll give you the answer you want. Can't go wrong with either. I would probably go with the M3, though giving up on the modding potential of the 335i Coupe is hard to pass on.

.

Driving a manual is second nature for me too. Only auto I ever owned was a big suv. Only had it for about a year, before it decided not to pass state inspection! My gripe with the G is the clutch pedal. I already modded (the glider trick), but I still feel like the clutch sits too high off the floor. The shifter could be a little easier to shift too. But I figure that with a few more miles, it will get smoother.

[byte_me77]

my friend is an audi master tech and a big bmw fan. he had to do head work on his E34 M5 and it cost him a LOT just for the parts at his discount. If he didn't know how to do the work himself, he would have been out a couple thousand easy. I talked to him about me getting an E39 M5 cause they were about the same as a new G, but he said unless it has a good warrenty, don't get one.