I'm looking forward to purchase a new car this summer. I've been contemplating whether I should get a 07+ g35 Sedan, 2006-7 G35 Coupe, E46 M3 (2003-5), BMW 335 (too many issues), even thought about a STI or EVO. Any other suggestions?

The m3 has always been a car that I wanted. Only question is if now's the time to purchase one or wait a few more years and buy it new. I'm almost done with college but I also work part time (banking). I don't know if I'm too comfortable buying a 4-5 year old M3 with around 35,000 miles. Maintenance doesn't seem expensive, it's the repairs and parts that has me a little worried. Although if I do buy purchase from a BMW dealer it would come with a extended warranty which can come in handy.

2006-2007 G35 Coupe (6mt) - 22,000 miles
vs
2004 BMW M3 (6mt) - 38,000 miles

What would you choose and why?

 

BMW's CPO program is similar to Infiniti, i.e. 6 years 100K miles. So if you get a 2004 M3, you're only going to be covered for maybe a year on a warranty regardless of how many miles are on it. OTO, an '07 CPO G would have 4 years, and you can add an additional year with an Elite Protection Plan.

I love how BMW's drive (who doesn't?), but they are more expensive to maintain, and they aren't as reliable in the long run as a G. I personally won't buy an E46 because they're just so tight inside. And forget about having anyone in the back seat. The STI and EVO aren't in the same league as the M3 or a G. They might perform close to the same, but that's where the comparison ends.

You're just getting out of college, make the smart choice and get a G.

 

STIs and Evos perform close to the same with Gs? Yeah RIGHT. Gs are super slow.

Get the M3! Just baby that sucker and she'll be good to you

 

If upkeep and maintenance is an issue, go for the G.
If your money is growing on a tree, go wth the M3.

 

I'd get an used 335i as it's just as fast as the previous M3.

 

You shouldn't rule out the BMW 335. That car has an amazing engine, it pulls like a freight train at pretty much all RPM's. It's a turbo, so you can chip it for more power. I was truly impressed by a test drive in a friend's car. Granted, I know nothing about its problems.

What do you want to do with the car, how are you going to drive it? The M3 is much more of a sports car than the G. The G is a sporty luxury car. M3's handle much better, and put the power down to the road better. G's are cheaper to own, and probably more reliable. I think you have to test drive both and decide what you prefer.

 

The M3 would be a lot of fun to drive but if you go that route I would suggest purchasing an extended warranty. Repairs on those cars can get very pricey. The G35 would still be fun to drive and a little more comfortable on a daily basis, if that is an issue to you. The M3 can feel very stiff depending on the condition of the roads around where you live. As with any car purchase, it will be a compromise so just decide what is most important to you and go for it. Either way you will have a great car.

 

Go for the M3 or 335. There are way too many G35/G37 out there now. Or, might I add an additional choice, the Audi A5/S5. The new Audi A5/S5 look madd dope!!

 

Thanks for the responses.

I was considering the 335 but there are a lot of issues with the 2007's. They are also a little pricey.

My friend was about to purchase a M3 and he didn't because geico quoted him $7.5k a year for a 2008 model. He ended up with a 335 and is paying much less.

I would have to request a few quotes from geico and compare the m3 to the g35.

I ruled out the Evo and STI because it's not the look I'm going for. It's more of a project/track car than anything. I can't imagine myself getting in one with business attire.

I think I'm leaning towards the G35 only because it's newer and cheaper to maintain. If anything I'll buy the new M3 in a few years.

Still not 100% sure...

 

g35

 

stupid question but i thought M3s were turbo too

 

None of the M3's have turbo. At least not stock.

 

Only the new ones. The e46s are N/A.

 

The current M3 is a naturally aspirated 4.0 V8. The 335 is a turbocharged 3.0 I6.

 

g for sure, the m just has a prettier interior. more weight=slower+more money=not worth it