[RacrX]

I've been drooling over the M cars forever, but have never wanted to pony up the money for one. Bought a 2014 M-sport, tuned it and put on a nice set of Dinan springs and a few other goodies- it's fun and quick, but for some reason it still isn't completely doing it for me.

I was considering going for an all-out build on the 335i to get it closer to a real track car (I do several HPDEs throughout the year)...but then I came across a great deal on a 2015 M and I'm thinking of making the move. Test drove it yesterday and it still seems to be a great DD for my 60-mi r/t commute yet be a track monster, put a smile on your face every day, and have that nice more-rare aspect to it which I really like. Of course, the down and payments will go up...but it's not by terribly much.

Have you guys every considered making the move? I'm stuck between wanting to finally drive a rare toy and wanting to make a smart decision...UGH!

Such first-world problems.

[spuntyb]

I'm currently building an F80 for my DD duties and picking up the little one from daycare, with a few track days. Will be our second car, next to the F31. Thought about a 435, and have driven the 335 in various forms. The N55 is excellent, but once I sit down and look at what I want, and the $ I would put into modding the N55, the M makes more sense. Would only be about $10k difference overall, give or take. For me at least, having something I wouldn't need to mod straight from the factory would be worth the extra $. I'm doing a lease, so there's also the argument that if I look at the monthly cost, an M makes even more sense, but I think overall cost, or sale price, is still the target to keep in mind, even when leasing (but that's a different discussion).

Sit down and come up with a list of mods that you would want for a 340, for example, and how that would compare to the M. See if the difference in overall cost, time, and effort saved by getting an M is worth the extra $ spent. Only you can answer that, but you definitely sound like me, meaning the M is what will ultimately make you happy.

You can't go wrong either way, since either car is pretty bitchin'.

[dman918]

I wouldn't hesitate if I could have a RWD car as a daily driver. A little challenging here with Chicago winters...

[hollandog]

I always wanted the M3 but can't commit to it financially yet.

[BDWonder]

do it!!!!!! Every time youll get in your M, youll grin and smile and laugh. Not many Ms when compared to the Hondas and Toyotas I see on the street. So youll def have that exclusive feeling for a little bit.

[RacrX]

Thanks guys.

I was doing a 335 w/ mod vs. M purchase cost comparison, it's about $15k difference- plus I'd be getting the M for just over $60k, it has nearly every option (all the ones I want anyway, no ceramic brakes or full leather but everything else) and only has 6k miles on it. The payment is $110/month difference...and while I know better than to shop based on payment, I also know that I don't keep my cars for more than a few years at best. It's also nice to drive around the streets of Los Angles not having the exact same 3 series that every other driver has.

Seems like too good a deal to pass up.

[daberlin]

Originally Posted by RacrX

I've been drooling over the M cars forever, but have never wanted to pony up the money for one. Bought a 2014 M-sport, tuned it and put on a nice set of Dinan springs and a few other goodies- it's fun and quick, but for some reason it still isn't completely doing it for me.

I was considering going for an all-out build on the 335i to get it closer to a real track car (I do several HPDEs throughout the year)...but then I came across a great deal on a 2015 M and I'm thinking of making the move. Test drove it yesterday and it still seems to be a great DD for my 60-mi r/t commute yet be a track monster, put a smile on your face every day, and have that nice more-rare aspect to it which I really like. Of course, the down and payments will go up...but it's not by terribly much.

Have you guys every considered making the move? I'm stuck between wanting to finally drive a rare toy and wanting to make a smart decision...UGH!

Such first-world problems.

Yeah. Below is the route I went. :-)

[MO_23]

Definitely do it! I myself will be looking at an M in the next few years.. or either the c63 amg coupe as it has the V8.. Don't like the I6 tt sound on the M3/M4.. Ive always wanted an M6 but after having the 435i coupe i think this coupe size is perfect as i appreciate the agility as well on the highway for spirited driving (havent drove an M6 so that can change lol) GO FOR IT! ENJOY!!

[eluded]

Get the m

You will not regret it unless you lose your license or get arrested. Everyone thinks the 340s fast, not really. The m is a good start

[shivaswrath]

I was in the same boat in 2012, but I didn't like the lack of torque and lack of 2 doors in the old M3 coupe, so I decided to buy the F30 body style 335i then (which was leaps and bounds more comfortable and more tech geared than the 2012 M3 coupe).

Since then, beyond the usual Full Bolt on Mods, I've added an LSD to make my HPDEs more fun/manageable - I've spent a little under $10k on all of the mods including labor (car was purchased new at $47,000).

If I were buying today, the M3 makes more sense for sure - I have a kid and daily drive to day care, planning on 1-2 more children in the future, and need a car that can manage that with HPDEs. My 335i manages fine on the track, more than I can honestly handle, but it overheats (transmission) after 2-3 20 minute sessions and I'm left with my dick in my hand - that would be the ONLY reason to get an M3 ZCP! I would recommend adaptive suspension though....don't want your kids' heads bobbing around on choppy roads.

[goj]

M for sure

[2015M4inCT]

M if you can find one. I couldn't get an allocation.

[P-Bass]

Originally Posted by daberlin

Yeah. Below is the route I went. :-)

That's exactly what I'm considering. Lease is up in August. I put down a deposit on an M2, but am still considering a CPO 991/911.

How do you like the 911 and did you consider a 991?

[spuntyb]

Originally Posted by daberlin

Yeah. Below is the route I went. :-)

Nice!

I still toy with idea of getting a Cayman, but I still need something that can do DD duty throughout the year and have a rear-facing car seat in the back.

Your Carrera is gorgeous - the same color I would get!

[RacrX]

Cool! Thanks for the help...will keep y'all posted.

[platty]

If I could get over the sound of the M, I'd get one. I'm waiting until that changes.

Also considering the pre-owned/CPO 911 as a garage queen route (and keeping the 335i).

[pisgahlvr]

I'm in the same boat pal. I too have a 335i Msport, and it is a great car. I love it. BUT I want to get into an F80 M3 so bad. I miss having a manual transmission.

[RacrX]

Just cut the check for the ///M...BOOYA!

[mrmoua2u]

Im in the same boat. Never own a M before but do have a F30 with M-Sport Package. Just by comparison by looking at it, i know its night and day. Been searching for a M3 for the past 3 months and every dealer I came across are not really working with me on the price, barely $1500 off only, which is not enough for me to pull the trigger yet.

[RacrX]

I ended up with the 4 instead of the 3...I never intended to go back to 2 doors, but I just love the stance of the 4 and the back seat is very functional. Bought a barely-used 2015 at about $16,000 off of the original MSRP so I'm very happy.

[daberlin]

Originally Posted by P-Bass

That's exactly what I'm considering. Lease is up in August. I put down a deposit on an M2, but am still considering a CPO 991/911.

How do you like the 911 and did you consider a 991?

So as a bit of background, I purchased this 997.2 (911 Carrera) in 2011 as a CPO car sight unseen from a private seller out of state. The 991's had not yet come out. Seller was a Surgeon waiting to take delivery of a new S Class Merc and was sad that his Porsche simply wasn't being used. Low mileage, great price point, hundreds of images, and documentation to boot. I know people talk horror stories of private sales - but this one was as honest and upfront as they come. DME checked out with only a few hundred Rev range 1's which certainly showed a well taken care of vehicle - at least engine wise. The car's exterior condition was perfect 9.5/10.

The car has been super reliable. Porsche dealer (Auto Gallery) performed just about anything I wanted prior to the CPO expiration last year. Adjustments, PDK and Nav Firmware updates, TPMS replacements, etc. Only two things ever needed to be done on the car - HPFP recall, and some A/C vent flap that was 'beginning to show signs of failing'. That's it. 7 year old car. I've had the F30 in the shop for rattles, shakes, and minor issues more times in the first 6 months of ownership than the nearly 5 years I've owned this P-Car.

To answer your question, I would absolutely consider a 991 (or 991.2 now). Same bullet proof reliability as the 997.2 and with an upgraded cabin. Some of the purists don't like how luxurious the 991 cabin is - and I do see their point, but it's the way Porsche is going, so you have to move along. I would absolutely be unafraid of a CPO 991 off-lease or otherwise. The 3.6L and 3.8L engines mated to a 6 speed or PDK have been amazingly reliable. No IMS issues like in the 996's that's for sure.

As a fair assessment, I drove the M3 and M4 and loved them. The only reason why I didn't purchase either over the 335, was because I already owned my 'sports car', and just wanted something with some punch as my DD. I think the key point however, is I would still buy a CPO 991 over a new M3 or M4 any day of the week.

[daberlin]

Originally Posted by spuntyb

Nice!

I still toy with idea of getting a Cayman, but I still need something that can do DD duty throughout the year and have a rear-facing car seat in the back.

Your Carrera is gorgeous - the same color I would get!

Thank you very much for the kind words. There is nothing like Porsche ownership and never a dull moment getting behind the wheel of this car. Agree with compromises of owning 718's (Boxster/Cayman). In a pinch, I CAN put people in the 911, but certainly not for long drives.