Hey EvoM.

I'm a long-time lurker but infrequent poster, because I don't own an Evo myself. It was just a dream

Long story short, M3 is my dream car, soft spot in my heart for Evos.

I'm going to be selling my Nissan Murano this summer for around $14,500, and I want to use that money to buy a car which will give me the opportunity to experience the driving I love so much, and to get me to and from school. I should hopefully be working.

I guess my real question is, which is a better buy in the long run? Taking into account maintenance, fuel, insurance and any other costs, what will be better on my wallet and put a bigger grin on my face? I'm not interested in modding, I want a car with street cred that is more about feel and handling than raw speed. I don't do much track stuff, I just love driving.

Kevin

 

m3...everyones priorities changes, get an evo if you're in it for the speed, and if you want speed and luxury get the m3...but keep in mind, that m3 will never be as fast as the evo...

 

They are both two awesome cars man. I have owned a E46 before my Evo and it was a blast. I seem to like my Evo more. I not once miss my M3. Maintenance and the cost of the M3 is expensive. I work at BMW So i know all about those things haha. To me both cars are awesome but they are very different at the same time. Definetly Evo in the long run..you wont regret it.

 

Agreed except your last sentence. Google Active Autowerke E46 M3. I was blessed to be stationed in Germany for 8 years and I saw a fair share of EVO's getting dogged by M3's and vis versus. Just depends on the mods and of course the driver...Ill add type of race as well

To the OP...Ive had a few BMW's. While they were great cars, especially my 1988 M3, they are only as good as the electronics on board working, and this is especially the case with the newer models. I would suggest going to a BMW forum and just read read read about the dislikes and likes, and do the same for the EVO. PRO and CON it up and make the best decision

Immediately I can say Long distant driving in the EVO is a con where in the M3 it would be lovely. and modding the M3 is a con but for the Evo isnt that expensive1

 

well it all depends, i've owned and aggressively driven both stock and modded with track time on my 02 SMGII M3.

m3 pros
looks, comfort, luxury, cheaper to insure, when i had my m3 i would away from stock evo's (8/9) especially top end, not as much dirty looks from police, it's easier to find a nice e46 m3 than a non beat on ix

evo ix pros
easier to make fast/ handle better, can use in all seasons, maintenance, fuel should be just a tad bit cheaper if you aren't always in boost, oil changes

All in all when i bought my m3 about three years ago i paid about 40kish and i wish i would've gotten a new ix and put the rest into mods

forums for the m3 that i would check out. www.m3forum.com and www.e46fanatics.com

 

i'll one up you, google HPF m3

 

imho for your case, m3 > evo. but you will find a lot better of an evo in the pice range than you will an m3

 

wow.. first off congrats on getting the chance to get your dream car.

but its times like this .. i wish my little brother had an evom account...(he's a big BMW fan...he has an e36)

i love the VIII/IX/X ... i also love Ms... there is nothing like a M done right. if you were getting an e46... i would take a lot of time to make sure u get one without all the little issues. like the rear frame welds breaking and no matter how much u try... if u have electrical issues in a bmw.. its over.

thinking long-run: any car you treat right will last a long time. you will be ok with either car. but if you think an evo is gonna 'B'ring 'M'e 'W'omen.. then you need to rethink the evo 'thang'...lol.. from what i read up top.. it sounds like you would be better off in an e46. out the box that is a drivers car that you can have fun in. it may cost you a little more to get any power out of it.. but its more luxury speed than just a fast econo box.

evos are a fun cheap foot in the door to have a sports car in your driveway. BMW Ms are just a different beast.. but that thrill of driving is still there.

goodluck....

p.s. i was watching the history channel on how the BMW motorcycle came about... lol

 

I myself am selling my evo and getting a e36 m3 for cheap

 

I beg your pardon?

 

I am an e39 4.6 schnitzer, m5e39 and m3e46 owner in past, i had all modes on BMWs except superchargers, they are really nice on highway, but when you spend appx 7 grand on cams+exhaust and get about 50-60hps as a results thats not good))) so now for city drive I own moded evo8 and getting much more fun))) the only think I like more about BMW is interior)))

 

Haha, I figured the reaction would be Evo.

Thanks guys.

 

You come to an Evo forum asking about other cars...what did you expects? I'd take an M3, but thats my opinion.

 

Out of sheer curiosity, why is street cred an important consideration?

If you want street cred, few cars can match an Evo. OTOH, reading between the lines, it sure sounds like you'd be happier with a M3.

 

although you are on an evo forum, if you're willing to pay for maintenance and parts, then the M3 would be the better investment. my boyfriend has an evo 8 and i love taking it for a drive, but at the end of the day, it's just a really fast sports car with a cool spoiler (i sound like a "girl" when i say that). the bimmer just takes the cake for me. it's a classy sports car, and that's what you should want to get. whenever you do find that "dream car" of yours, don't forget to check it out thoroughly before purchasing. i would recommend getting it professionally inspected by one of those car inspection companies, because dealers will always hold out on you, and private sellers may hide underlying issues. even if they seem trustworthy, you just never know. if you google "used car inspections", the sponsored links should have good results. my boyfriend referred me to aim mobile inspections for my mazda 3. maybe give them a shot. just spreading the good word! hope that helps. (and sorry for the story of my life post haha).