All of that may be the case, but you're also in charge.

Echo the thanks for the service, and yes, you're an adrenaline junkie. You've also got a great wife to be so understanding and supportive.

 

Get a BMW 135, cost as much as a used m3 new, its faster than old m3s, and just as fast as new m3s, still small, and flickable, faster around a track than an m, and its lighter and better on gas. Plus its biturboed which is cool, fast, fun, and efficient. As you can tell iv thought about switching to a 135, but i still love the mini every time i get in it so.....................................

 

What sort of "job" do you have where this becomes a 40K dollar issue

 

The 135 doesn't really float my boat and I'm not sure I can pick up a 135 for under $30k... which is how much low mileage E46 M3s go for these days.

I don't understand your statement?

 

The two are not comparables--comps to the M3 would be the RS4, corvette, etc.

If the question is "Can I move from one class of a car to a different class (up from MINI)? The answer is sure, same as moving down, because they are different.

In my experience, where I have owned everything from a VW bug and Suzuki Samurai to a BMW 535i and Corvette, yes you can because they are different and each has it's own level of performance and challenges within it's band of comparables. It is when you are picking comparables that you can get disappointed.

The MINI is a fun car but is not in the same class as my 535i, but they are two of my favorite vehicles because they perform so well in their class.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your ride.

 

I looked at used e46 m3's in 2006 (at time I was test driving 2002-2003 models). At the time I was also test driving used 911's (996 and 993 models), boxsters (986 and 987), nissan 350z and honda s2000. I test drove an m3 and 911 on same day (not grandpa's drive around the block, either - I really mean, I test drove the cars!). The m3 was fast and smooth -but one thing I noticed immediately (and a year later when I eventually bought an e46 330ci zhp - the closest non-M e46 you can get) is that BMW did so well with comfort that it didn't feel like you were driving a sports car. In other words, the shifting was loose/sloppy, the steering was so easy and the seats so comfy and large you didn't feel like you were in a cockpit. The 911 I drove was like being in a fighter jet - you felt so connected to the car. The 987 I bought after all the test drives, felt same way. My 330ci, except for not being as rip-a$$ fast, felt similar to the m3.

I test drove my MCS while owning the e46 and immediately noticed how I felt like I was in a tight little, fun race car again. It handles just as well as the e46. However, I felt like I was driving a more luxurious car when I owned the e46 (but, given that my MCS has the AC Scnitzer kit and japanese rising sun graphic it stands to reason why I feel a little more racey/immature in it vs the e46).

Had I purchased a used m3 back then, my only concern (for the price range I needed to be in) was maintenance. I was looking at cars that were out of warranty, either because of mileage or years on the road. And, although some people buy an m3 to stroll around the block in, I'm sure most drive them hard. Nothing like buying your dream car then throwing a bunch of $ to keep it on the road. I think, even if the bank account is hefty, it's still a crappy feeling to blow your $ in that way.

 

Good points about maint costs for BMWs. I laugh everytime i see someone on this forum complain about parts/maint cost for MINI's--after BMWs they are not too bad, for a BMW product.

I have had 4 Beemers: a 318, a 325, a 325C and a 535i and unless you go aftermarket and have a indy mechanic or a BMW mechanic who moonlights, you are spending lots on upkeep.

 

I guess an old m3 is not as much as a 135I, when i was looking at m3s they were still a bit more expensive, but u can find a 135 on ebay for about 6 gs less than from a dealer, and they are still low miles. I still say get a 135, they are badass

 

...but outside they are ugly.

Apparently their dynamics are first-rate, but no thanks. I can absolutely and wholeheartedly appreciate why folks like them. Too Bangled up for me, untidy.

(IMHO, etc, flame suit on)

 

It's more fun driving a slow car fast, than a fast car slow (my sig).

On the street, using an M3 anywhere near its real potential will land you in jail. The type roads (at least where I live) where an M3 would be more fun - the faster sweeper roads - tend to be major through routes that attract traffic volume and cops. The roads where the MINI would be fun - the tight twisties - have less traffic and cops. Lastly, it is good to understand that the consequence of error increases exponentially with speed (eg, double speed and impact forces quadruple).

I traded in an Audi S4 (OK not quite an M3 but close) for the MCS for the above reasons and couldn't be happier.

 

In a country with bored cops and speed limits everywhere the M3 is sorta wasted...