Used 2008 M3 or new 2012 328i?

[Texugo]

I was pretty set on getting a new 2012 328i sport package with all the bells and whistles...I really liked the heads up display and the way it handled. I was looking online the other day and came across used m3's 2008. lowish millage. I was wondering if anyone had any input on both cars. Is it foolish for me to be paying 45,000 for a 328i when I can pay 38,000 for a 2008 m3? let me know. I would love feedback on this. New to BMW coming from a 32 valve v8 2004 mach1 mustang.
thanks,
Scott

[M3racer007]

m3 all the way.

[Echec]

Go for the M3 and don't look back.

[mryakan]

What kind of budget do you have for maintenance/repairs? The M3 will not be cheap once it is off warranty.

[Texugo]

What kind of budget do you have for maintenance/repairs? The M3 will not be cheap once it is off warranty.

I am not sure. I obivoulsy wanted to spend 45,000 on the newer car so getting something for 8,000 less would be nice. And it just looks amazing. What am I looking to spend on a 40,000 mile 2008 M3?

[BernardF]

Is that even a legal question? M3 without a doubt. Save that 8K for the extra maintenance and mods to the M3 (not implying you will need all of it, but it is handy). Not much of an M3 follower but come 60-70K miles and things like shocks need to be replaced. Later cooling system needs to be overhauled due to plastic parts. Things like water pumps, fuel pumps etc are gonna cost about double that of the 328's.

PS. drove a 328 the other day and i was surprised how lazy it was. was expecting a lot more torque and power the it had to offer