I'm actually thinking about getting an e46 M3 or the X, alot of people talk about high maintenance cost, can you explain (in detail) what cost are there in maintaining an this car? Sorry for the newb question, but I've never owned any BMW.

 

Car & Driver isn't just a racing mag, though. So they didn't base the results on performance alone. Would I take an E92 M3 over a faster GT-R? Definitely. Would I take it over a Porsche 911 TT? Heck no! But they'd have to order me one without that hideous red interior that tester car had.

I think the issue with the Porsche was the price. To a lesser extent, so was the GT-R. That BMW was the cheapest. I would make mine nearly identical if I had the cash, minus iDrive and Alpine White instead. I'd also take the carbon trim, because I think its baller.

Didn't that M3 trap like 111mph at 3500 feet? That's pretty darn quick for an NA car at altitude. Its about $25k out of my affordable range, though.

 

BMW has a free maintenance program for new cars, but once you are out of that coverage you pay crazy costs for regular service.

Brake pads and rotors for 1k+ when they need replaced was something i had to get done.

if you have an SMG car, pray nothing needs replaced or serviced.

 

well mainly i think its because the m3 is at or slightly above the evo x's performance... and at the same time its a BMW...

Pretty much its all about image... when people (non enthusiasts, which make up like 90% of the population) see a bmw the think classy, rich, sophisticated ect.. & power and performance for M// and 35i models

when people see an evo at first look what do you think they see? sure SOME people will see the evo for what it is... but im sure most will probably just think its a modded lancer....

and if i learned anything in life so far... its that what you are and what people see you as... will NEVER be the same

take away the m3s bmw badge and you still got a car thats just as good as the evo... in the end it just has an advantage...but i could not: go crusing, autoxing, pick up chicks, ect. knowing im really in someone elses car... just my .02

 

I can assure you this the M3 will not miss a beat more realiable.

 

M3 is way better then the evo in so many ways. The build quailty is 10X better then a evo 10 with aero kits now holding up, paint chipping away , the problem with the trans, the clutch wearing out so quick a long list of items. M3 soild looks way better handles way better. much easy to drive around.


Yes its more but people that can buy a M3 or something like it dont even think of the evo as being a option. Not everyone takes there car to the drag strip or track. They drive it on the road evo is always not the number one option.

If i were to do it all over again. I would have got a 545I or a M5

 

I can easily afford a M3 and I purchased EVO. My wife was pissed of coarse cause i got the EVO, but the EVO is just alot of fun. Its a personal preferance. Plus, its kinda fun to pass guys on a track with cars that cost double what my EVO does.. Couple of my Dr. buddies are pissed cause I can put a good whipping on them at our local track and one has 911 4s, and the other has a 911s, and Im a very average track driver.(maybe not even average). I do agree though bmw is way way better fit and finish

 

The E46 M3 doesn't handle as well as the X. Period.

 

the m3 will never in a million years give youy the same satisfaction and constant grin from ear to ear every time you drive. by a x it will change your life!!!!!!

 

If you want performance get the X. If you want sex appeal get the M3. One car is a better performer and the other is much better looking. Just depends on what you are into. But my guess is if you are on this forum, you are more performance minded.

 

I prefer m3 over Evo x, but thats just me.

 

I had an E46 M3 before my 9. Yes, it was expensive but it was also a much better built car like some people have mentioned here. Also I bought it new, so all of the maintenance was free at the dealer.

If I had to choose between an 03 M3, or a new Evo, I would take the Evo. Because for the price of a new Evo, you would get an old, high mileage M3 that you really don't want to deal with.

Of Course, the E92 M3 is a MUCH better car, but also twice the price of the Evo. It's either that or the E60 M5 as my next car.

 

ofcourse the e46 doesnt handle as well as the x. e46 is also the previous model and youre comparing it to a new evo. but it is faster in the 1/4 so it should balance out in terms of overall performance. but the e46 m3 is also built so much better. now, the e92 is a different story.

 

thats what i'm spending for gas on my evo x

 

M3's are gay. They're way more expensive, they are not reliable at all, and they are just plain stupid. Check the M3 forums... The problems are a lot worse than chipping paint!