2009 125i or 2008 M3?

[VanillaRush]

Hi guys, I have found myself with an interesting dilemma.

I have a sedona red 125i Auto with Shift Paddles, New iDrive, bluetooth, PDC front and Back, ipod connection, premium sound, Auto AC, sunroof, and just generally a fully spec'd 1 Series.

Now, I have been offered a 2008 Alpine White M3- 6MT, M-dynamic package, bluetooth, 19" Rims package, at a price I cannot pass up.

So now I am at the crossroads.

Do I go for the M3 knowing that the fuel economy will be half what I get now, have the old iDrive with DVD based nav, but know that I will have all that wonderful power, a bigger car where people actually fit in the back, and those amazing seats?

or

Do I stick to my economical (well against the M3) 125i where I have more than enough power for day-to-day, the amazing new idrive, and more cash in my pocket than if I went for the M3?

Your thoughts please guys... I really don't know what to do.

[BMW86]

Is this some kind of joke? No disrespect to the 125i but M3 FTW!

[VanillaRush]

No... No joke... just have to practically weigh it up... and just wanted some opinions. Thanks. Appreciate it!!

[Yvette]

m3 and done

[Jeef Beef]

If you put this up as a poll it would be 150% for the M3.

Fuel economy? PAH let that be a secondary consideration. Power, handling, the experience as a whole in the M3 is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LEVEL. What you need to do is give it a drive and you will never turn back.

[BMW86]

I think the OP made a typo, I think he meant to say 135i. I'd still go with the M3 though.

[ptack]

A 135i might be a tougher call if you're that much on the edge of affordability. I would imagine the insurance costs will be higher for the M3 as well. That said, I think nearly every 135i owner is a pretty serious enthisiast and wouldn't hesitate to jump to an E90 M3 coupe for the same price. It's paying significantly more that's the issue. As for a used M3, i would only consider it if I personally knew the owner or if it was CPO through BMW w/warranty.

[VanillaRush]

Guys... it wasn't a typo... I really do mean 2008 M3!

Affordability plays a part on that it would cost me more monthly on fuel.
Insurance isn't an issue, as I pay a flat rate through the company.

I do personally know the owner and the car is in tip top shape with very low mileage.

[SchlauCow]

If you're this concerned with paying extra for gas, then go for the more economical car.

Don't be that guy who buys a really expensive car and then later sells it because he can't afford the gas/upkeep.

Live within your means/budget.

What are the prices for both?

[VanillaRush]

I am not THAT concerned, it is just a factor.
Another factor is the older dvd-based idrive.
People used to make or break a purchase decision based on the old system.

Almost feels like going step back with some things and forward with others.

[BMW86]

Are we comparing the M3 to a 125i or a 135i? It shouldn't really matter anyway. An 08 M3 is practically new and if you can get it for similar money it's a great deal. I've used the old idrive before and hate it but the 2 cars you are comparing are worlds apart. I'd live with the old idrive and take the M3.

[VanillaRush]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Are we comparing the M3 to a 125i or a 135i? It shouldn't really matter anyway. An 08 M3 is practically new and if you can get it for similar money it's a great deal. I've used the old idrive before and hate it but the 2 cars you are comparing are worlds apart. I'd live with the old idrive and take the M3.

You have just summarized my thoughts at the moment.
I have a 125i and not a 135i and it makes the choice that much easier i guess.

iDrive is the biggest worry, but like you say, it is a compromise i could live with.

Thanks for your thoughts so far guys, you are being a great help.

[imported_mega]

slushbox vs manual, that's a no brainer

[SchlauCow]

Originally Posted by VanillaRush

I am not THAT concerned, it is just a factor.
Another factor is the older dvd-based idrive.
People used to make or break a purchase decision based on the old system.

Almost feels like going step back with some things and forward with others.

Well then, I will assume that you make enough money for the upkeep, gas, and extra for the M3. So, I will tell you what you probably want to hear: buy the M3

Seriously, you will probably be happier with a car as beautiful as the M3 and I'd imagine you would get used to the old iDrive system... what you won't get used to is regretting to not get the M3 as you see someone else's drive past you -- I only wish I could afford one!

Sorry, I have no experience with the old iDrive system, only the new one on my car, so I can't really talk about that in full detail :P

In any case, good luck with your purchase.

[VanillaRush]

Thanks SchlauCow, I really do appreciate everyone's input.

Thanks for telling me what I want to hear...

The M3 is a work of beautifully engineered piece of art. No one can deny that.
You are right... "What if" is a horrible thing.

Really appreciate the help... the decision is getting easier, but have still promised myself to sleep on it.

[wolfe]

The m3 is going to cost a fair bit more to maintain properly. Brakes and servicing are all going to be pricey compared to the 1 series once the free maintenance has expired. Tires will cost a lot more too.

I'd take into consideration how long you plan to keep it, and how much additional maintenance you plan to have done.

No doubt the m3 is a fantastic car and would be a big step up, but depending on the above and on how many miles you drive I'd look at more costs than just gas mileage.

[ridin135]

M3 without hesitation

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by wolfe

The m3 is going to cost a fair bit more to maintain properly. Brakes and servicing are all going to be pricey compared to the 1 series once the free maintenance has expired. Tires will cost a lot more too.

I'd take into consideration how long you plan to keep it, and how much additional maintenance you plan to have done.

No doubt the m3 is a fantastic car and would be a big step up, but depending on the above and on how many miles you drive I'd look at more costs than just gas mileage.

Meh I'd sell a kidney to pay for the upkeep if I could afford the M3 in the first place.

Good luck OP in your purchase!

[Xyloft]

how many miles are on the M3? I'd be curious what kind of scheduled maintenance is required? I was really interested in an 06 M3 or Z4M for a while, but then i found out they need some rediculous valve jobs at 60,000 miles that was like $1500... i drive way to much for that.

I duno what the V8 motor needs though. both of the above M's are the 330hp i6.

[jeremyc74]

Originally Posted by ridin135

M3 without hesitation

x2

No contest for me at all.

[scorcherjf]

don't even think. M3 =)

[yalam45]

M3 ... no second thoughts