i was given an SLK350 to drive around in for the day while waiting for my '06 ML350 to come in, and i thought it was a blast to drive, i loved it, i would def trade in my G for one, the SLK handles great, smooth ride, great acceleration on the highway, plus there are no odd noises and creaks that my G always makes, but i am going to wait for the new M3, goodluck with your purchase

 

I don't know where that comes from, my M3 costs <$100/6mo more to insure than my G35, and that's SoFla rates, I'm sure in other parts of the country it'll be even less. It comes with free maintenance for 4 years/50k miles (brakes, oil changes, etc), I don't know if you knew this. A clutch job is ~$1800 and so is one for the G. I read absurdities on here such as M3 tires are a lot more expensive/wear faster, and I wonder why people believe them. As far as reliability, you're right, the E46 is the last BMW without iDrive. This generation has been around for 7 years now, you'd think they've fixed all the bugs by now. The 5/6/7 and even the new 3 on the other hand are a different story, and I would not want to have one out of warranty. What makes it worse is BMW service, but that's another topic.

 

dude, My aunt has a SLK 350... i drive it all the time (when she is drunk). My G is wayy better to both look at and also drive. If I were you, I would keep the G, spend the extra cash that you will be spending, and make your G a much better ride. Thats my 2 cents. Also remember that MBZ kills the pocket, even if you are spending only 15K more now, you will be spending a lot each month nonetheless.