Maser Spyder vs. E46 M3 As A Daily Driver

Hello all. I am posting on behalf of my father, as I am the more car-oriented and tech-oriented of us. Recently moving to Orange County, it has become a real urge for my dad to get a convertible. Back in Connecticut, he had a 1987 Porsche Carrera Targa, but it was simply not practical by any means...no ABS, electronic aids, and a manual...it's not too hard to believe that my mom gave him a hard time about it!

He's gotten the convertible bug again. Me, being the car-obsessed person that I am have narrowed it down to two contenders. The reality is that if he had a convertible, it would become his daily even with the 750Li in the garage. It would be either the E46 M3 SMG or the Spyder Cambiocorsa. These transmissions would make it all that much easier to drive and would up the practicality factor. Probably looking around the $40k price point.

Being Maserati owners, how would you compare the cars? I would view the Bimmer as the more reliable of the two and probably more usable. Both are adequately fast and fun to drive, but the Maser would edge out the Bimmer in overall performance. Also, the Maser would have more presence and be more special. I would say the biggest issue is reliability. Any ballpark estimates on annual maintainence for the Maser? Is this a car that can run to 60k miles with no huge issues? This is the type of place to get the best advice, as dealers are not always honest. I would love your feedback. Thanks.

-Matt