Car choice

This should probably be a 3 series question, but am asking it in the Irish forum because the whole insurance/servicing/parts is a different kettle of fish over here compared to the UK...

Anyway - have sold my 320i (to my father, so I'll still get to check up on it every day)

I'm spending circa €20K on the next car - my BMW options are:

96/97 M3 Evo (60K on the clock)
98/99 328i Sports (35K on the clock)

The insurance on the M3 is €2100, its €1200 on the 328i. The road tax is over €1200 on the M3 and just under €1000 on the 328i.... The servicing will obviously cost a good deal more on the M3 as well...

My head is going with the 328i, heart with the M3... what do you guys think given the options above?? (I won't mention my non-BMW options for fear of never been spoken to again )

Also bear in mind that the M3 is at greater risk of getting nicked in and around Dublin but will probably provide you with much more fun.

(still can't believe that the M3 insurance is only €2100)

It's hard to give any feedback without knowing you and what you as a driver are expecting from the car. I guess if you can say that you are genuinely torn between the trade-off of higher performance v's lower cost then it comes down to things like the condition and features of each car - mileage, leather, aircon, electrics, warrantee etc. Also, I'd say that when it comes time to sell it on the M car will hold its value better than a 328.

Either way - it's not a bad dilemma to have!

I reckon the M3 will hold a good book value but you'll be ages trying to sell it should you decide to change again.Thats mainly down to the insurance.
But will you be happy in a 328 knowing you could've had an M3??????????

"The 328i I'm looking at is lovely, but just doesn't have that exclusivity - I'd hate to buy it for economic purposes and then regret not splashing out the extra grand or two a year to have the M3... "

Ken - I think you've just argueed your point if you know what I mean! Go for the Evo!!! I think you'll regret the buying the 328 (still a great car)but your just on the border of the evo.

By the way my 88 Evo is now standing me €15k!

Best of luck.

testing the waters!!!

Went through a similar crisis last October........ '99 E39 528 or '94 E34 M5 After the test drive (M5 only) the decision was made.

Yes they do cost more to run, they drink petrol (and oil) like there's no tomorrow and no there aren't really too many places anywhere around here where you can drive them to they're full potential - legally.

Who cares? Estoril's closing line says it all...........

Just make sure it's a good one or you'll be paying through the nose to get it right and make sure it and wherever you park it are very well alarmed. I can testify to the fact that they DO get nicked in Dublin

 

Sorry...was away on holidays... tis great to be back

am getting the M3 - have started the lookout for one - really want to buy from a dealer, but there's a techno violet one for sale up north thats caught my fancy!

I have to wait on my dad to get the cash for my 320i first though!!

well plans are scuppered.. just lost my job!!

back to the drawing board..

Ken that's a bummer. Still have the E36? The market seems to be picking up again regarding employment - I'm starting to look hard myself.