[Ruhnie]

Looking for some feedback from others that may have made a similar decision. I'm in the market for a new ride as my E90 335i was totalled in a wreck last week. In my current price range I've essentially narrowed my choices down to 2:

'12-'14 F30 335i
'08-'09 E90 M3

Now the obvious decision points are 1) mileage 2) maintenance cost 3) gas cost 4) fun value. The F30s I'm looking at mostly have at least a year of factory warranty left, and that makes me feel a bit safer. I don't plan to extend the warranty unless research around here shows me it's a good idea. I'm going to drive both cars tomorrow, and I know I will fall in love with the M3, but I'm terrified of costs down the road. This is a DD and don't know that I will track, even if I do it would be infrequent and just for fun. Any opionions, thoughts, etc. are greatly appreciated!

[bahasad]

If mileage, maintenance costs, and gas costs are a worry to you, then you shouldn't be looking at an M3.

The driving experience is what sells those cars. If you don't buy into that, then it's not the car for you.

[Ruhnie]

Originally Posted by bahasad

If mileage, maintenance costs, and gas costs are a worry to you, then you shouldn't be looking at an M3.

The driving experience is what sells those cars. If you don't buy into that, then it's not the car for you.

Ah but that's my problem, I both buy into that AND care about the cost! Weighing the value of each is the hard part.

[techwhiz]

M tax. You will pay.
The M3 is old and will cost you more in maint.
The upside is the sound of that V8 and the handling.
I don't like the inside of the Fxx cars.

You really can't go wrong with either.

[bahasad]

Originally Posted by bahasad

If mileage, maintenance costs, and gas costs are a worry to you, then you shouldn't be looking at an M3.

The driving experience is what sells those cars. If you don't buy into that, then it's not the car for you.

I would not buy an E90 M generation without an active warranty and low miles. Matter of fact, any BMW besides the N/A engines, I wouldn't trust without a warranty.

The F30 335i will have good gas mileage if you don't beat it. It will also be a fast car in daily driving, probably even more so than the V8 M3. With mods, it will leave it behind stock. Nonetheless, in terms of handling, feel, sound, and that "it" factor, no new BMW will compare to an E90 M3 6MT.

You have to test drive both. If you don't notice the subtle differences that make the E90 better, than the F30 is good enough for you. Also, I am sure the E90 will hold it's value better than the F30.

An F30 is a good car, the E90 M was a great BMW.

[iconoclast]

depends on your objective(s)... daily driver? modifications? track? etc.

you can't go wrong with either but it truly depends on what you plan on doing with the vehicle.

[ahero4eternity]

For a DD, the newer 335i with warranty unless you must have that wow factor.

[Ruhnie]

Thanks for the replies all. This is going to be my DD and thus I am probably leaning towards the F30 w/ a bit of warranty. That said, are there certain packages/options that I should be on the lookout for that are "must-haves". I don't care about Navigation, and have never had an iDrive vehicle before, so anything above that is pretty fancy to me.

[RedlinePSI]

2014 335i with MPPK, which I think is in the 335hp camp. I think that will satisfy all desires. You get the newer car, hold onto that warranty for as long as it lasts, very good performance, and then afterwards if you want more kick you can put an aftermarket tune and a part or 2.

[RacrX]

I was in the same boat a few months ago.

I was coming from a 2011 IS-F, a total beast of a track car. I loved the sound, the V8, the entire driving experience...but it was also my daily driver, and the 16mpg was killing me, as did the hiked up insurance cost. When gas hit $5/gallon out here in CA, I was really hating it. The DD cost outweighed the few times I was able to track it and really enjoy it, and the commute to work didn't let me really appreciate all that it had to offer.

Now I'm in a 2014 F30 M-sport and I love it. It's a sensible commuter car with 30mpg on eco mode, and with a tune and a few extras, a very tossable and capable track car. I have some warranty left, but really don't expect to see any major problems as the N55 has been pretty darn reliable from what I've seen.

Personally I'd go for the F30 and have some fun with mods, make it your own. Let us know what you decide.

[Labeef]

I would avoid a e90 that doesn't have a strong history of oil changes that were done around 5k. There are now Bearing issues coming to light after years of use. The oil change interval is to blame.

[DrivenByE30]

Let us know how it goes...

Personally i would pick the M3.

Why?
Warranties ends, and the funny thing is: the first few years of a car is when it least needs the warranties....

My point is: if you get the F30, you will be worry free when the car will the least likely be breaking down and after it, cost of maintenance wont be too far off for either car.

Might as well go with the fun car enjoy taking car of it rather than feeling stuck with it....

Do you buy "warranties" or do you buy "fun"?



Depends on your priorities..

[Ruhnie]

Originally Posted by Labeef

I would avoid a e90 that doesn't have a strong history of oil changes that were done around 5k. There are now Bearing issues coming to light after years of use. The oil change interval is to blame.

The bearing issue is the biggest factor in being skeptical of going with the M3 at this point. I lived through the HPFP horror show of my e90 and am not up for that kind of uncertainty again.

Originally Posted by DrivenByE30

Let us know how it goes...

Personally i would pick the M3.

Why?
Warranties ends, and the funny thing is: the first few years of a car is when it least needs the warranties....

My point is: if you get the F30, you will be worry free when the car will the least likely be breaking down and after it, cost of maintenance wont be too far off for either car.

Might as well go with the fun car enjoy taking car of it rather than feeling stuck with it....

Do you buy "warranties" or do you buy "fun"?



Depends on your priorities..

I get what you're saying, but isn't the "M-Tax" in the long run higher? Regardless of issues that crop up during the warranty period, from what I can tell an M3 will cost more to maintain overall. That's a big deal. If I could be convinced that it's the same cost (and a bearing issue won't kill my engine) I'd go M3 all the way.

[Ruhnie]

Originally Posted by RacrX

I was in the same boat a few months ago.

I was coming from a 2011 IS-F, a total beast of a track car. I loved the sound, the V8, the entire driving experience...but it was also my daily driver, and the 16mpg was killing me, as did the hiked up insurance cost. When gas hit $5/gallon out here in CA, I was really hating it. The DD cost outweighed the few times I was able to track it and really enjoy it, and the commute to work didn't let me really appreciate all that it had to offer.

Now I'm in a 2014 F30 M-sport and I love it. It's a sensible commuter car with 30mpg on eco mode, and with a tune and a few extras, a very tossable and capable track car. I have some warranty left, but really don't expect to see any major problems as the N55 has been pretty darn reliable from what I've seen.

Personally I'd go for the F30 and have some fun with mods, make it your own. Let us know what you decide.

Yeah if I go F30 I will for sure get a JB4, and eventually look at catless DPs, exhaust, etc.

[5ilver-5amurai]

My experience with M's is that they are heavy on the wallet once they've passed the 4 year / 80k mark. Also, the likelihood that the driver of the M3 drove the car like he/she stole it is pretty damn high.Yyou'll want to make sure you have a proper technician look at the engine with a fine-tooth comb.

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by bahasad

If mileage, maintenance costs, and gas costs are a worry to you, then you shouldn't be looking at an M3.

The driving experience is what sells those cars. If you don't buy into that, then it's not the car for you.

+1

[Golden Arrow]

Originally Posted by Ruhnie

Looking for some feedback from others that may have made a similar decision. I'm in the market for a new ride as my E90 335i was totalled in a wreck last week. In my current price range I've essentially narrowed my choices down to 2:

'12-'14 F30 335i
'08-'09 E90 M3

Now the obvious decision points are 1) mileage 2) maintenance cost 3) gas cost 4) fun value. The F30s I'm looking at mostly have at least a year of factory warranty left, and that makes me feel a bit safer. I don't plan to extend the warranty unless research around here shows me it's a good idea. I'm going to drive both cars tomorrow, and I know I will fall in love with the M3, but I'm terrified of costs down the road. This is a DD and don't know that I will track, even if I do it would be infrequent and just for fun. Any opionions, thoughts, etc. are greatly appreciated!

It comes down to whether or not you are going to participate in track days at least a few times per year. If you aren't, the M is overkill.

When I was younger, all I could think about was buying M cars, and wrote off 325's and 330's as boring. Now that I've owned a few of those "mundane" cars, as well as my F30 335, I understand the importance of compromise. My 335 gets awesome gas mileage for a car that accelerates as fast as it does. It's definitely quick enough to get me thrown in jail, but also gets me home at the end of a hard day's work in comfort. Plus, it looks great!

Only you know how you'll actually use the car. My recommendation: go with the 335 and enjoy an awesome DD.

[Labeef]

I say go back further and look into an e46 M 03-06 MANUAL. The f30 335i does nothing for me. Even a late model e90 335i is better.

[Ruhnie]

Whelp, a new contender has arrived. I was at my local dealership to test drive some things...and they just got in an m235i. WOW what a fun car! It's a little rocket ship, and now I'm going to have an even harder time choosing. I thought the lack of being a sedan would be enough to turn me away, but I'm not sure I even care after driving it. Thanks for the feedback all, have a lot to consider for sure!

[rolltidef32]

Originally Posted by Ruhnie

Whelp, a new contender has arrived. I was at my local dealership to test drive some things...and they just got in an m235i. WOW what a fun car! It's a little rocket ship, and now I'm going to have an even harder time choosing. I thought the lack of being a sedan would be enough to turn me away, but I'm not sure I even care after driving it. Thanks for the feedback all, have a lot to consider for sure!

Come on dude, after all of that...., now you bring up the M235i?

All 3 are sweet rides and good at what they do, so it ultimately comes down to your needs. I say go with 2 doors unless you're doing time by having kids to cart around. Coupes mean freedom! Or at least shows that you couldn't care less for the comfort of backseat occupants.

[Ruhnie]

Originally Posted by rolltidef32

Come on dude, after all of that...., now you bring up the M235i?

All 3 are sweet rides and good at what they do, so it ultimately comes down to your needs. I say go with 2 doors unless you're doing time by having kids to cart around. Coupes mean freedom! Or at least shows that you couldn't care less for the comfort of backseat occupants.

Haha well I said screw it, and even though I do have a kid I went with the m235i today! I saw an unbelievable deal pop up on autotrader that I couldn't pass on, and grabbed it. Kiddo said she didn't mind dealing with the seat to get in the car, she's old enough (6) that it's no big deal. Now, if I have another one...I'll have to reconsider my choice. New owner of a 2015 m235i 6MT, Mineral Grey Metallic, Coral Red...can't wait to pick it up!

[SPACEMANRICK]

Sounds awesome and is a great color combination! Congratulations on a great decision!