BMW M3 vs 540i

I, too have strongly considered these 2 cars as daily drivers, I'll be interested to see some informed opinions as well. (I'd be looking in the 30-40k range, and would NOT consider the new generation 540i)

 

If I were you, I would seriously look at the space (interior) each car offers, and only then would I make my decision.

 

How about the M5??? Quick, 4 doors, good room. Dunno how old a car you'd have to buy to hit your price mark, but what a car.

The 540i is also a great car, as is the entire 5 series. I've had two 5's as my daily driver over the past 5 years and loved every minute of the wheel time. There are some minor electric bugs that we've never really worked out, and I wouldn't want to pay for maintenance once it's out of warranty.

I have some minimal passenger seat time in an M3, and they are very nice. New ones are climbing towards $60K (convertible, loaded) so used ones are probably holding their value pretty well.

Perhaps the used car extended warranty offered by BMW on their cars would be worth exploring to mitigate some of the repair expense worries.

 

I drove a 530i for 3 years until two weeks ago. Love it to death but it is the worst winter car I have ever had. I don't think any of the RWD BMW's can get up a 2 degree incline with two inches of snow on it. Other than that, the 5 series are awesome. I will miss only changing my oil every 25K KM. Not many problems but I did have the fan recalled twice. The 3 series is way too small for me and my adventures but that's a lifestyle thing.

Good luck! -S

 

I have an 04 M3. With the incentives they are offering these days and their excellent warranty that includes regular service, I wouldn't rule out a new one. That said, the rear aea of the M isn't expansive. With my six year old, I've given up on keeping the back of the seats clean. Her feet just stick straight out and invariably get the seatbacks.

 

you can not get a new generation m3 for under 30k used! more like 40 k on the low end... they list for 55k new, for most well equiped coupes and they hold their value very well

 

As an X M5 owner I would go for the 5 series for what you want to spend, more room and very good performance I believe comparable to an older $30,000 M3.