Purchasing Question

[kwiknez]

Hello All,
I have a question for you. I have just received an insurance settlement for a car accident that I was in and I am looking at getting a new car. I am looking to spend about $20,000 on a car. I have been looking at an E46 M3 or a E39 M5. Honestly I can't decide between the two. I love the idea of fast four doors but I really don't need four doors. Maybe I should just make a poll and see what people prefer. Any insight or opinions would be helpful in making a decision. I have priced both and can get one or the other for pretty much the same price.
Thanks in Advance

[E39Chris525i]

but I really don't need four doors.

You just answered your own question. Get the M3. Going from a 92 Buick to an M car :redspot

[E36BMW3series]

You can't go wrong with either one. With that being said I have a love for the 3 series so my opinion is slightly bias. I would stick with the M3 because its a I6 vs a V8. I would say the M3 would be easier to work on and maintain and also get better gas mileage even though that is not a concern at the moment because gas prices are dropping so fast. I absolutely love the M5 and if I needed or thought I needed 4 doors I would not hesitate to get it. It just depends what you want. Do the research, see what problems each car have and how much they are to fix them. Make sure you buy a car with good maintenance history and no accidents. Get a Pre-Purchase inspection also, its is a must! People will do anything to cover up things on these cars to squeeze a couple $k more out of them.

Cliffs: Can't go wrong with either one, if it were my money I would go with the M3.

[kwiknez]

I have been looking more at the M3's then the M5's that’s for sure. One thing just occurred to me though. I have a 2yr old and sometimes I have to take her here or there, when mom doesn't, it would be a lot simpler to open a door than to move a seat I guess. Damn, who would have thought that this would be a difficult decision? I guess when it comes down to it, I will just Ennie Meeni Minni Moe it, after of course having both check thoroughly out. Thanks for your insight and opinions.

[jibaholic101]

e46 m3 e46 m3 e46 m3 e46 m3 e46 m3 e46 m3
:redspot

[Vdubb2BMW]

$20K for an E46 M3!?!?!!? I would not get an e46 m4 prior to 2004. my 2 cent

[BimmerAddict530]

Id probably go for the m3 because its I6 and if you have no need to a lot of space, then m3 works out in every way. Ill bet the m5 is harder to work on.

[BimmerAddict530]

You can't go wrong with either one. With that being said I have a love for the 3 series so my opinion is slightly bias. I would stick with the M3 because its a I6 vs a V8. I would say the M3 would be easier to work on and maintain and also get better gas mileage even though that is not a concern at the moment because gas prices are dropping so fast. I absolutely love the M5 and if I needed or thought I needed 4 doors I would not hesitate to get it. It just depends what you want. Do the research, see what problems each car have and how much they are to fix them. Make sure you buy a car with good maintenance history and no accidents. Get a Pre-Purchase inspection also, its is a must! People will do anything to cover up things on these cars to squeeze a couple more out of them.

Cliffs: Can't go wrong with either one, if it were my money I would go with the M3. +1

[apollo322]

The E46M3 is a lot lighter, handles better, and may be the best looking car BMW has ever made. It's also going to be a lot cheaper to maintain and get about 30% better gas mileage so it's operating costs are lower. You'll learn how to reach behind the seats and buckle the kid in:)

I looked at the exact same cars 2 years ago. The M3 won hands down after a few drives and some research.