i was thinking about trading up my 03 coupe for the 05 coupe. but now, i'm itching to just get a used m3. the most recent news update on the 05 makes the decision even harder (mp3 capable, power reclining seats, 19's polished rims). any feedback or opinions (noted problems, recalls,etc.) on the m3's would be appreciated.

 

OMGGGG i just posted about this for the past 2 weeks, im in such a hard decision between the same 2 man!! I went to see the M3 and always am in my friends brothers and see them and instantly fall in love, but i was gonna get an 04 coupe but i might get the 05. I dunno man its such a hard decision, my freidn and his father said they want my car today if im getting out of my lease, i might do it and might not but i keep on getting these random offers from people and this is the most serious one i got.

Well let's see, the M3 is FAST, good looks, sound and love everything about it pretty much and the same is with the G35 coupe but to me it wasnt satisfying my needs for performance. But with the 05 coming i think it is so close between the 2 now, man. I still would wait to take a look at the 05 and drive it then drive the M3, i would still prob. say the M3 though, dunno man i just LOVE them! Martin


Martin
2003.5 BS G35
Nismo Aero/Sport Package
0-60 5.4 - 1/4 Mile 14.16 *GTech* and on 19's!!

 

05 G35c. I am on the same fence as you (I have STI, Evo, 350z and s2k in mind also) but I would not get a used m3. If anything an '04 or new m3.

The 01-03.5 m3 is going to go through a 2nd engine recall. Apparently the first engine recall didn't fix the problem, in addition some people have problems with SMG and rear differential. If you look at roadfly, some of the hardcore m3 owners are considering selling their cars. Personally, I think you are just buying into a lot of problems and simple maintence like oil change can vary from 100 to 200 per service.

Here is a link to m3 owners complaining :-P

http://bimmer.roadfly.org/bmw/forums...5610735-1.html

It all come downs to luck. You can end up with a nice m3 that will have zero problems at all or you can end up a lemon, at 40k a gamble that's too much for me.

I will wait till 06/07 when the v8 m3 comes out and make my decision.

I was looking at a minicooper yesterday and marvel at how well bmw put it together and wonder how things can go terrible wrong on a m3.

 

I think you would have better response posting this on a BMW M3 forum!
Let's see.....German Parts & Service..$$$$$$$$$$
Nissan Parts & Service - $$
M3 performance - ++++++++
G35 Performance - ++++++
Reliability of either-?

"I like you.....You remind me of myself when I was young and foolish"

 

i'm thinking about the '02 or '03 M3. i have also heard a lot about the M3's engine problems. how prevalent was the problem and has it been fixed yet? woudn't bmw's warranty and maintenaince program cover any problems i would have with the car? of course, i DO LOVE the g-coupe and with 298 hp, it will be closer to the M3. i'm happy with my current '03. it has yet to give me ANY problems. but i've always regretted not getting a 6mt with premium package and nav.

 

i thought perhaps i would get more objective responses about the M3 here on this forum.

 

I'll tell you that i have been driving BMW for the past 20 years until I bought my G. M6, M5, 740i.
I'll probably own another one in the future. They are great cars. But...they are expensive cars and the parts and maintenance is also expensive. I paid $480 +- for a freakin water pump on my M5! $59.99 for an oil change.....Average PM Service $1000 - 1,200.00.
If you have plenty of funds....go for it. Just try and get one under warranty.
But then, you talk to some people who have had nothing but problems with their G....
JMO

"I like you.....You remind me of myself when I was young and foolish"

 

I wretstled with this decision for all of march and april. I decided to go with the G for the simple reason that I was not prepared to own another used car, let alone a used german car. I have had horrible experience not necessarily with reliability with german cars but the simple cost of keeping them running. I think when it comes down to it, factoring in cost, reliability, maintenance, and exclusiveness they are pretty much equal cars when comparing A new G and used 02ish M3. So I decided to go with a new car. (2004.5) Now that the new one has 298hp I think it would have only taken one month to make the decision to get the G. As some have said and will continue to say, either car is a good decision. Oh and to add, I thought about the resale value, although BMW's have a higher resale value you will be selling it to a third owner so the resale value will be about the same for both cars.

 

M3 no doubt. M3's a superior car compare to the G. Not even in the same league.

 

When spending over $30k on a car, I would never get anything used unless I was a multi-millionaire and buy cars for fun. In that case I would be collecting used cars that are no longer in production (Supra, 300ZX, etc.) and buy a new M3.[img]/w3timages/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

<font color=purple>2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite 5AT</font color=purple>
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Z-Xtreme Hyper Grounding Cables,
K&N filter, Clear Corners, 350Z Aluminum Pedals,
Sony Ericsson HCB-30

 

i have same problem my brother have 01 M3 46k mile 19 inch wheels and he want to sell it for me 35k but i prefer a new G05 what do u guys think

 

For 46k miles 35 i dont think is worth it especially for an 01, but they DO hold their value, its crazy...I still say M3 =)


Martin
2003.5 BS G35
Nismo Aero/Sport Package
0-60 5.4 - 1/4 Mile 14.16 *GTech* and on 19's!!

 

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr>

i'm thinking about the '02 or '03 M3. i have also heard a lot about the M3's engine problems. how prevalent was the problem and has it been fixed yet? woudn't bmw's warranty and maintenaince program cover any problems i would have with the car? of course, i DO LOVE the g-coupe and with 298 hp, it will be closer to the M3. i'm happy with my current '03. it has yet to give me ANY problems. but i've always regretted not getting a 6mt with premium package and nav.

<hr></blockquote>

Another question is how long are you planning on keeping this car. Bmw will pretty much give you a new engine if it blows within their warranty. However if it breaks outside the warranty then you are sh|t out of luck.

I think you really should read roadfly's bimmer forum and get a feel what current owners are going through

 

well, i'm pretty much set with trading up to the '05 coupe. i'm just waiting for confirmation on all the new changes and pics of the new interior color and 19"wheels. but i think that from now until the end of the year, if i happen to come across a great deal on an M3, then i'll consider. in the end, 298 hp vs 330 hp isn't that much different.

 

M3 is more than just the 32 hp difference. Just open the m3's door and close it and you can feel the quality between nissan and bmw. However, this generation of m3 is just too much problem for me.