Old M3 for new M4?

[Jennyjenjencle]

I am trying to decide what to do. I currently have a 2005 M3 (E46, 2013 X5, and a 1992 Porsche 968 convertible. I would like to get down to 1 or 2 cars. Would you:

1. Sell all of them and buy a new M4

2. Keep the ‘05 M3, sell the others, and buy a new X6 with the 523 hp engine

3. Keep the ‘13 X5, sell the others, and buy a new M4

I know the 2005 are considered, “the last of the true M3” so I don’t want to do something stupid by getting rid of it if the engines in the newer models aren’t as fun to drive.

[pawelgawel]

it all depends on what you're into. I personally would keep the m3, the 968 will never be at the same level so don't care for those.
keep the M3 and get the NEW X3M

[SloopJohnB]

I am trying to decide what to do. I currently have a 2005 M3 (E46, 2013 X5, and a 1992 Porsche 968 convertible. I would like to get down to 1 or 2 cars. Would you:

1. Sell all of them and buy a new M4

2. Keep the ‘05 M3, sell the others, and buy a new X6 with the 523 hp engine

3. Keep the ‘13 X5, sell the others, and buy a new M4

I know the 2005 are considered, “the last of the true M3” so I don’t want to do something stupid by getting rid of it if the engines in the newer models aren’t as fun to drive.

The engine is responsive as hell if not TOO responsive...the thing bucks like a bronco. Short wheelbase, high CG, lots of power. I'd sell the M3 to someone who appreciates it old school. The new M4 is too big, the M2 is about right with 400hp and flogs the old E46. BTW, I have an E46 cabrio and even with a bunch of Dinan and a short shifter it is what it is. It's not the torque monsters the new turbos are. And yours is 20 model years old...you're basically holding onto a classic. Like the Porsche, they too are what they are. Might try a new Porsche 911 but make sure it's a manual for fun, not for performance. A slightly used Porsche can be a real deal if not a steal because many newer Porsche owners turn in their manual cars in a year or so. Look around.

[JoanStopper]

A slightly used Porsche can be a real deal if not a steal because many newer Porsche owners turn in their manual cars in a year or so. Look around.

Agree on this, that is why I had to rent porsche macan here https://realcar.nyc/rent-a-porsche-macan and test it myself before considering to buy it in the future.
Heard the exact same thing from a friend of mine so yeah, take care

[edavis47]

Don’t know if you’re still looking, but I wouldn’t recommend purchasing a new M4. Coming from older cars the M4 felt more like a luxury grand touring car as opposed to a true “sports car” like the E46 M3 was. If you’re looking for something similar to the E46 M3 that’s more modern I’d get a (manual) M2 / M2 Comp, and keep the X5. Fun weekend car that can be driven every day with ease and a bigger car that’s more practical if you ever need it.