Am I nuts getting an M3 as a daily driver??

I have a seven series that I love, my colleague has an M3. It's quick, but it is really small inside. I don't fit at 6'2''.

 

OK, so youre giving up a SUV for a RWD in Nov?

 

I work at a BMW dealership. The choice you are making is not a bad one. The snow tires work fine, so don't worry about winter. We have many customers that use their M3 year round. It is a great car. Enjoy! May I ask which dealership you are getting it from?

 

my thoughts exactly

You can't do without AWD in the winter in my opinion. I will never be without AWD.

 

Unless you're tracking, go for the 335 coupe. It pulls like a v8, no turbo-lag, and will hold it's value a hell of a lot better if you decide to return to an suv. The 335 is the very reason BMW is currently offering $4500 discounts on new M3s.

Best regards,
SG

 

boy, they are lowballing you guys on the rebates! oops, I've said too much.

 

Did it for two years, enjoyed every minute. 2004 M3 SMG Coupe

Truth is, you only have a half dozen days a year when the roads are bad enough to scare you, rest of the time, it's no big deal.

And, if you want snows, I have a set of 4 blizzaks on rims that are collecting dust in the corner of my garage, WE CAN TALK A DEAL!!!

I don't regret a minute of driving the M3. SMG II was good, maintenance was ok, only complaint I had was the FREAKIN' RUN FLATS are a P.O.S.

Leeme know if you want the snows.

Dave M.
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M3's are really nice but if you want a daily driver go for a 350Z. a lot cheaper to buy and maintain, just as quick (both do mid 13's in the 1/4 and Top Gear made the same exact lap times with both), made better, a lot more reliable, better looks, much better gas mileage, and will last you a lot longer. but M3's have a lot more interior room and have a much softer suspension and better for long trips. I'm 6'1" and the M3 feels like a boat and the 350Z fits me like a glove. the main thing you're going to want to look at is reliability since it's going to be your daily driver. but both are very nice cars.

 

The thing about the 335i is that it is basically the E46 M3, but it isn't as rough as one. It is very elegant, and at the same time has basically the same power as the M3. But, it isn't an M3.

 

which dealer? i know a good guy at a bergen county dealer you may want to talk to.

anyhow i would go for it, as can be seen on the bimmer.org, bimmerfest.com forums, many people do it and say that snow is no problem (obviously w/ four good snows).

 

i drove/fit inside and i am 6'8/6'9 and i was reasonably comfortable.

i make myself fit haha.

 

Im going to have to disagree with this. There is no comparison between an m3 and a 350z. I test drove a 350z a while back with a friend that was looking to buy one and it's not even close. Top Gear must have made a huge mistake.

As for the question on if it can be a daily driver, absolutely! The only days you can't drive the car is when there is snow on the roads, that's with summer tires. With snows you'll be able to get around in a coating no problem.

I've had 2 m3's in the past 4 years. I was unlucky with one and had a lot of issues with it. Even with the issues I loved the car so much I had no hesitations to go out and get another one. 6 months 9k miles with the new one and no real problems to speak of.

If you've had your eyes on one for a few years, do it, you won't regret it.

as per testing on the nj tpke one night the m3 coupe will pull every time on the 335ci. the vert would definately have trouble with it though...
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Im guessing you're talking about Park Ave, who do you know there ?


as for the snows, I'm pretty sure the 05-06's have different size brakes. becareful as some early snow sets will fit the 01-04's but wont fit the 05's and 06's. ie i have a set for my 02's that wont fit on my 06

 

We have a 2002 M3 SMG we use as a daily driver with no issues whatsoever, I would absolutley recommend one. Its a perfect blend of power, luxury and finesse.

 

Yep, I've used mine- 2004 cab with SMG- as a daily without any problems. Snow tires- on smaller rims, are however, a must. The car is terrible in the snow otherwise. Also, and I told Jim this in my response to his PM, I am the type of person who will drive with the top down regardless of weather, unless it is pouring or snowing so hard that I'm getting wet at speed. (Have you ever driven with the top down while it's snowing? Quite beautiful and exhilarating).
My only complaint is with the top 'up.' It squeaks and is noisy as hell. I got the accessory hardtop for mine, and when I finally resign myself to putting it on, it is fabulous. Great visibility, fit is snug and looks fabulous too. However, the ragtop, in my estimation, is terrible when it is in the 'up' position.
I am now looking to replace the car with a 993 C4 cab- I am in process on getting one PPi'd at this moment. I have had other BMWs including a 2001 740i Sport, as well as an AWD 3 series that my wife relies on, and have to say that the M3 is as luxurious and as comfortable as the 7 was, with a whole lot less 'baggage' to carry around. (Frankly, looking back at the now relatively low hp rating of the 740, it was suprisingly fast in its own right for such a big heavy car). The fit and finish on the M3 was also first rate, although I found the paint on the engine lid to be less than robust. (It appeared to chip easily when many, many other cars, much lower to the road, withstood this- I have heard that this was not unusual for the cars, at least circa 2004). I will probably miss it when it is gone, but I don't think I'll be too depressed with a 993. (The one I have my eye on is black/tan- relatively low mileage, one owner and completely stock). Report back soon. I have a feeling Jim's gonna be driving an M3. Good luck and enjoy~

 

I'd say go for it. You don't need AWD/4WD during the winter 99% of the time. Hell, I drove a frickin' loaner Toyota Tercel with all-seasons on it through the winter of '04 while my SUV was in the shop. It's not fun, at times, but if you can drive, it's manageable.

Get some Dunlop Winter Sports and drive smart, and you'll be fine.

As to a M3 vs a 350, depends what you want to do with it. If you're leasing it, or using it as a daily which you intend to re-sell at some point, I'd go with the M3. Likewise if you don't intend to modify it.

If you're going to keep it, and want to mod it a bit while still keeping it as a daily, I'd go with the 350. More bang for the buck.

 

It seems like a good trade considering that there isn't too much difference in value. Plus, I wouldn't get a Range Rover Sport in the first place, so a 05 M3 is a step up

 

whart - FYI, I found what I was looking for the other day.

Nice write-up. You ditched the WRX?

 

Gave the WRX to my dad, who taught me to drive stick way back when. He burnt out the clutch- not a hereditary trait, i hope, and rather than go thru all that again (and again), we traded it for a Turbo'd Subie with an autobox, sunroof, leather heated seats, etc. I'm told he loves it. My wife liked the WRX, but kept complaining that everytime she pulled into a gas station, the 19 old boys would swoon-- over her car. So, the chance that she'll go for an STi with that big ol 'ricer wing- is 'nil. She did state, when I asked about cheap deals on Q-Portes the last time we visited Wide World, that she wasn't sure what I would be driving if we got one of of those. I guess I've spoiled her.

 

Very well said. I would not think twice about it.

 

We're going to get a new Outback soon - probably the 3.0