I've been debating whether to get a 97 M3 (E36) or a E39 5 series (current gen).
I've always wanted an M3, and now I can afford one, but it doesn't seem all that practical.
What's holding me back is insurance, luxury/comfort, and space.
You can't really move people in it unless you get the 4door, which I don't think looks good. The luxury is better than a lot of the Japanese cars in the same price range, but I'm used to my 7 series... the M3 interior feels a little plasticy and cheap.
The insurance on the M3 is pretty reasonable in my opinion... I'm 21 w/2 tickets and no accidents. The M3 is ~2100/yr for full coverage w/500 deductible.
However, that's $700/yr more than the rate for a 528i. That $700 equates to about $50 more a month I could put towards savings or putting it into the car. With the M3, that would be $50 a month I could never get back. Until I'm 25, thats almost $3000.
The 5 isn't as fast as the M3, nor does it handle as well... but I don't really drive all that fast/hard anymore. Those two fat tickets taught me
The 528i has the comfort/luxury I like, the space that I like, and still retains good power and handling. With some minor aftermarket upgrades, I'm sure I'd be really happy with it.
It'll never match a M3, but most of my driving is either being stuck in city traffic or long trips on the freeway. For both of these, a 528i would be a better car.
In the end, I think it comes down to the M3 being something I wanted to achieve and the 5 being something I can realistically live with.
*sigh* It's hard to say no to the M3 after all these years, but I know I'm making the right choice... If only I could afford both
So, I'm now looking for a 528i w/steptronic in a good color with reasonable miles.
A 540i would be nice, but I *really* like BMW's straight 6's.
I've always wanted an M3, and now I can afford one, but it doesn't seem all that practical.
What's holding me back is insurance, luxury/comfort, and space.
You can't really move people in it unless you get the 4door, which I don't think looks good. The luxury is better than a lot of the Japanese cars in the same price range, but I'm used to my 7 series... the M3 interior feels a little plasticy and cheap.
The insurance on the M3 is pretty reasonable in my opinion... I'm 21 w/2 tickets and no accidents. The M3 is ~2100/yr for full coverage w/500 deductible.
However, that's $700/yr more than the rate for a 528i. That $700 equates to about $50 more a month I could put towards savings or putting it into the car. With the M3, that would be $50 a month I could never get back. Until I'm 25, thats almost $3000.
The 5 isn't as fast as the M3, nor does it handle as well... but I don't really drive all that fast/hard anymore. Those two fat tickets taught me
The 528i has the comfort/luxury I like, the space that I like, and still retains good power and handling. With some minor aftermarket upgrades, I'm sure I'd be really happy with it.
It'll never match a M3, but most of my driving is either being stuck in city traffic or long trips on the freeway. For both of these, a 528i would be a better car.
In the end, I think it comes down to the M3 being something I wanted to achieve and the 5 being something I can realistically live with.
*sigh* It's hard to say no to the M3 after all these years, but I know I'm making the right choice... If only I could afford both
So, I'm now looking for a 528i w/steptronic in a good color with reasonable miles.
A 540i would be nice, but I *really* like BMW's straight 6's.