I love my MINI more than anything. I've always said that the only thing I don't like about it is that I can never not have one. I love its character, handling, looks, you guys know.

But this last week I took Pip into the dealer to get some service done. They hooked me up with a 335i which I held onto for 5 days. Good lord, RWD is amazingly fun. I didn't get a chance to take it out into the mountains but kicking the rear end out on every corner, straight up Tokyo Drifting freeway on ramps, I never thought I'd have so much fun in a car that wasn't my MINI.

So now my dilemma. I plan on holding onto Pip for another year or so, probably until the warranty has run out. I wanted to get a JCW R59 but now I'm seriously considering an M3 coupe (M4). The new ones are supposed to be around 450hp and just look at it.






I feel like I'll love the M3 but I might miss my MINI too. Are there any current or prior M3 owners around here who can offer some insight?? The two things I definitely liked more about my MINI than that 335i were that my MINI is obviously smaller, and the interior of my MINI feels more sporty but the M3 interior is sportier than the 335i. The M3 also seems like it could be a decent daily driver except for the gas mileage.

 

IF it isn't an E30 M3 then move on.

 

I'm not all about performance tho; I need some luxury in my car. Navi, heated leather seats, xenon headlamps, satellite radio and premium sound are all things I need in my vehicle and don't necessarily want to add after purchase.

 

Well. I don't know what comes as standard on a M3, but more than likely, you'd have to add some of those as options. I know that satellite radio and Navigations are definitely pricey options. Xenons, I think, are standard on M3's since 2009. I may be mistaken however.

I'm sure you know that german cars aren't the easiest -- or cheapest cars to own, and the M3 is no exception to that. If you want an M3, be sure that you understand that if you want to source stock parts, be prepared to pay more because of the "M" badge. Likewise, the gas mileage isn't that great either. My buddy with a '11 M3 gets roughly 22 MPG if he grannyfoots it. Otherwise it's the regular 13-17 MPG with a mix of sedate and spirited driving.

Personally? I'd stick to the Mini. M3's don't retain their value so well, unlike a Mini (especially a JCW Mini).

 

Any reason why you're even thinking about getting rid of the Mini? Was that the original plan even before the M3 itch?

 

Price it out configured the way you want it. If you're still in lust, get a quote for insurance. That should be the financial equivalent of a cold shower.

 

I've never planned on holding onto one MINI too far past the warranty period. I've had Pip at the dealership I think 8 times in the last 1.5yrs I've owned him. It's been relatively small things nothing at all major but it frightens me a little to see what may be coming once I have to start paying for all these little repairs.

That's why I was planning on moving onto a JCW R59 once pip surpasses 50k mi.

I've priced out a current-gen M3 new and it's just under $70k. But I'd probably do what I've always done and buy one that is one model year old. So maybe I could get real lucky and score one for under $60k.


I love taking my Mini out into the mountains and canyons and taking corners like a mad man. Straight line speed is entertaining but I don't find it particularly fun. would the M3 still be a good car to tool around in the twisties with?

 

Sigh! I love the M3. Its so beautiful. Maintaining that thing isn't cheap. And if i'm right, BMW does not give you a service contract with the Ms either. Check with your dealer if they do.

Sourcing parts for them can leave you broke and homeless. But you'll still have a sweet ride. Fast, fun and luxurious.

 

Go for the M3. It's a whole different beast. And yes, the M3 is made to eat up the straights AND twisties.

 

The M3 and a Mini are chalk and cheese. The M3 gets to play in a game that no Mini will ever get invited to. The E45 M3 is widely regarded as the greatest ever sub 911 car. The current M3 is very good and the new M4 will no doubt be very good.

As a an ex BMW, now Mini owner, I do miss the press the DSC button and sideways through every bend. I don't like that I have to slow down in the mini because the front suspension can't deal with bumps as well as the BMW. I don't like loosing most traction out of corners.

However, everything else I vastly prefer in the Mini. I actually prefer driving the Mini ***** out, but at a slower speed that feels quicker to me.

Drive a BMW and nobody wants to talk to you about your car except other BMW owners who have a better BMW. Drive a Mini (any Mini) and that changes.

Go for the M3 to get it out of your system and then come back to the Mini, but don't ever accept a Porsche 911 loaner or it will all start over again.

 

If you're worried about repair costs for a Mini, stay away from the M3. It's a great car, but the parts can be very pricey.

 

...and a pair of rear tires every 2 - 4 weeks if you are driving properly.

 

I knew a guy who traded in his 911 for a JCW MCS. I asked why and he said, "the car is just as much fun to drive - for different reasons - plus, my payments are lower, my insurance is lower, and my upkeep is lower." Then he grinned and said, "plus, when I roll up somewhere in a MINI, people look at me like 'he must be a fun guy.' but when I climbed out of my 911, everyone assumed I was a douchebag."

...and so it goes with the M. Just sayin'

 

I like this last post the best. MINI attracts all sorts but I believe the car is more fun to drive than a Porsche (been there) and an M3 (been there too). If you need your fill of rear wheel drive and don't want to spend an excessive amount on little things that add up fast, try a smaller BMW with the big motor. I keep a 135i in my garage and that satisfies my need for throttle oversteer plenty.

To answer your question, I think if you go ahead and trade the MINI for the M3, you will regret it later and want to have both cars. I did this years ago with an MCS.

I also believe if you want a great M3, don't go with the new one. I race an E46 and feel its the best handling version since they brought in the faster motors. The newer ones are too bulky and have too many gadgets.

 

Dead on. An E46 M3 will be a sweet spot IMHO. With $60K as your other option, you can get a nice/maintained E46 and have a Cooper on the side.

 

I came close to buying an M3 before my current JCW. It is a nice car and just the test ride scared the crap out of the salesman (never hit more than maybe 1/2 throttle). The Mini is fun and it's a clubman so it holds my groeries for the week.

As a plus, and this is entirely a normal occurance, I was getting gas yesterday when the guy on the othe side of the pump leaned across and yelled "I love your Mini, man!" No one has ever done that for any of my other (new) cars.

 

Not sure if I'd talk anyone out of getting an M3 if they could afford one. I love my JCW, but the M3 is also one hell of a nice car.

One obvious factor though is cost of ownership. Much cheaper on the MINI and cheaper to mod too.

Otherwise, if money is not a factor, I say why not.

 

Just do it! If you take your M3 to a independent shop it won't be that bad. Plus if you are a DIY kinda guy then you'll be fine with oil changes and other maintenance. Good luck!

 

I currently have one of each; a 2011 MCS with JCW kit, and a 2013 M3, both six speeds so I can tell you, from my seat, the differences. First the M3 is covered with the same warranty as all BMW products and come with full service for four years. The driving experience is totally different. The Mini is fun all the time, the M3 is fun sometimes, other times it's almost work. The gearbox is not nearly as easy or smooth as the Mini. On the other hand the M3 is a very solid feeling car and the 4 cam V8 makes absolutely beautiful music; maybe the best sounds of any car I've ever had (and I've had over 70). The redline is 8400RPM and it is lovely all the way there. On the other hand, being essentially a race engine, it is cantankerous with is first started; bucks and stutters for the first couple of minutes. Best to let is run for a couple of minutes in the morning, and first and second gears are difficult for the first five or so miles. After that, all is good. The M3 also has serious drinking problem; 14 to 16 around town and when pressed (as in listening to the music the engine makes). On the highway at steady 70-75 it will squeak out 20-21. And it has a relatively small tank so you need to stop every 280 or so miles to feed the drunk.
My M3 has the the competition package so the shock settings, steering , throttle response, stability control and a host of other settings are all adjustable via the computer. All of this makes for a very complicated car. You do not want this car without a warranty.
I love my Mini, and if I had to choose (which I don't), I would keep the Mini.
For me. the M3 keeps wanting me to do things I shouldn't do; it isn't fun at 50 or 60, but the Mini is.
From a reliability standpoint, I have had no problems with either car.
Hope this all helps you. For me the M3 was on my bucket list, but I probably would not do it again.

 

This:

and this:

are the two reasons to not get one.

Having owned an M car also, I can related to both. I owned an M Roadster, which had the previous M3 engine (the inline 6 from the E46 M3) and it was absolutely amazing to drive, but also amazingly expensive to maintain.

But if I could afford it, I'd definitely do it. It's an amazing car.

 

If performance isn't #1, why get the M3? Most people who buy those cars drive them to less than 50% of there potential. I'd get a well appointed 335i, have all the same fun you can in an M3 on public roads, for less cost/maintenance. Or keep the MINI.

M3's are a great car, I like getting a nice look at them when I pass them on the track...

 

As I got rid of my 04 R53, I was shopping for a E46 M3. Sadly, I deemed it to expensive to maintain since I'm fresh out of school with loads of bills. If you want to go sideways, with all the creature comforts, a M3 may very well suit you. While a MINI is a fun car, there is a sense of aura in a M3 that I think everyone should have. If you decide to go back to MINI, there's always that option and at least by then you can say you've owned a M3. For me, a R53 GP is enough at the moment.

 

I own an 08 MCS and a 11 E90 M3. Both are manual's. As the above post said both cars bring totally different experiences to the table.

The M3 is by far the fastest, most refined car I have ever owned. It can be driven in a quite comfortable manner and instantly with the flick of the throttle become a crazy fast beast.

My 08 MCS on the other hand is in some respects funner to drive simply because it can driven to it's limit without being thrown in jail. This to me is the big appeal of the Mini. Jay Leno said once on his Garage show that he loved to drive small cars fast. He was referring to the Fiat 500 at the time but, I think the same principal applies here. The only way I will ever legally be ever to fully experience the potential of the M3 is at the track. The Mini is just so much easier to drive to it's limit and do so on a daily basis.


Besides the obvious MPG differences the cost of ownership between the two can be large. Brake pads and rotors on the M3 are roughly $1500, not to mention 18 or 19 inch non staggered tires.

I'm fortunate enough to be able to own both cars and would hate to have to make a choice for one or the other. They are both such fun cars for such different reasons. My advice would be to consider what exactly you want out of your car. Think carefully about what you can afford. Just because you can pick up an M3 for a good price still means you have to maintain a $60k plus car.

Whatever your choice you are looking at two great cars.

 

Hey guys, thanks for all the posts! It's great hearing from some people with some first hand experience.

If I decide to do this, it won't be until next year. I'd also definitely consider a 1M if I could find one. And of course I'd have to get the car wrapped so it stands out from all the other BMWs in LA and hopefully still land those compliments that my MINI gets

I know I'd miss my MINI for sure and I don't see myself being an M3 owner for life but it's definitely on my bucket list.

If anyone else has anything to offer I'm listening!

 

Honestly, I like how it looks and all, but a turbo for the next M3 is not my thing. You should consider getting a E90/E92 M3 while you can or preowned. The wail in the V8 is so much addictive than any turbo car can.