10k to spend - E46 M3 vs E39 M5 - opinions please.
Discussion
Right chaps, the time has come. After spending too much on a wedding it's time to be a bit selfish and treat myself.
10k to spend, the options are: E46 M3 (Coupe or Cabriolet) or E39 M5.
The E39 M5 I've loved since seeing Tiff test it on Top Gear. I love the understated looks and fact it's a decent sized 4 door saloon (I'm 32 now, getting old). I'm wary that it's expensive. Things like brake discs are significantly more expensive than the E46 M3. The M3 is the sportier/better handling car but has a dubious image of late and has potential subframe issues. I like the idea of a cabrio and I think I'd probably go for one of those than the coupe.
Pros/cons:
E46 M3 Pros:
- Cheaper to run (than an M5)
- Available as a convertible (I like them
)
- It's an E46 M3
- Better/sharper handling
E46 M3 Cons:
- Image not great
- Potential subframe issues
- Many are SMG (I want a manual)
- Sounds a bit rubbish compared to the M5
E39 M5 Pros:
- It's an E39 M5
- 5.0 litre n/a V8.
E39 M5 Cons:
- Expensive to run (compared to the E46 M3)
- Potential Vanos issues
- More rust prone than the E46
- Good examples harder to find.
Given the option, which would you choose? It's to be used as a daily for work, 11 miles each way. However I'm also concerned that short (home visit) journeys during the day in the M5 will spank the economy (more so than the M3). Seems a bit of a shame to fire up an engine like that for a couple of miles.
As an aside, looking at examples on PH and Autotrader, I see the high spec models have the integrated widescreen sat nav (pro nav?). I assume the sat nav is rubbish? Can it be upgraded? It is possible to integrate an audio/aux in (keeping the OEM A/V system in situ)?
Would appreciate your advice/opinions. PS if you see any decent examples, let me know (I'm based in the SE). TIA
10k to spend, the options are: E46 M3 (Coupe or Cabriolet) or E39 M5.
The E39 M5 I've loved since seeing Tiff test it on Top Gear. I love the understated looks and fact it's a decent sized 4 door saloon (I'm 32 now, getting old). I'm wary that it's expensive. Things like brake discs are significantly more expensive than the E46 M3. The M3 is the sportier/better handling car but has a dubious image of late and has potential subframe issues. I like the idea of a cabrio and I think I'd probably go for one of those than the coupe.
Pros/cons:
E46 M3 Pros:
- Cheaper to run (than an M5)
- Available as a convertible (I like them
)- It's an E46 M3
- Better/sharper handling
E46 M3 Cons:
- Image not great
- Potential subframe issues
- Many are SMG (I want a manual)
- Sounds a bit rubbish compared to the M5
E39 M5 Pros:
- It's an E39 M5
- 5.0 litre n/a V8.
E39 M5 Cons:
- Expensive to run (compared to the E46 M3)
- Potential Vanos issues
- More rust prone than the E46
- Good examples harder to find.
Given the option, which would you choose? It's to be used as a daily for work, 11 miles each way. However I'm also concerned that short (home visit) journeys during the day in the M5 will spank the economy (more so than the M3). Seems a bit of a shame to fire up an engine like that for a couple of miles.
As an aside, looking at examples on PH and Autotrader, I see the high spec models have the integrated widescreen sat nav (pro nav?). I assume the sat nav is rubbish? Can it be upgraded? It is possible to integrate an audio/aux in (keeping the OEM A/V system in situ)?
Would appreciate your advice/opinions. PS if you see any decent examples, let me know (I'm based in the SE). TIA
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 27th March 18:39
Thanks for the opinions and experiences, much appreciated, keep 'em coming!
The lazy nature of the V8 appeals versus the M3's rev thriving I6 however I do agree the M3 is more suited as a daily.
Re subframes for the M3, is it a case of when rather than if?
How wobbly are cabrios? I used to have an E30 cabrio so I'm quite tolerant of roofless foibles.
The lazy nature of the V8 appeals versus the M3's rev thriving I6 however I do agree the M3 is more suited as a daily.
Re subframes for the M3, is it a case of when rather than if?
How wobbly are cabrios? I used to have an E30 cabrio so I'm quite tolerant of roofless foibles.
Thanks again for the continued opinions.
I'm erring towards an M5 as I feel this is going to be a 'keeper' situation. I can continue to run the 328 Touring as a daily for work (still running strong on 175k). Browsing the market, I agree that a 'fresher' M3 can be purchased for the budget.
I promised myself a reward after I finished my MRCGP training a year and a half ago. Somehow an engagement ring and subsequent wedding got in the way.
I'm not in a rush to buy and will wait. Budget can also increase for the right car.
I'm erring towards an M5 as I feel this is going to be a 'keeper' situation. I can continue to run the 328 Touring as a daily for work (still running strong on 175k). Browsing the market, I agree that a 'fresher' M3 can be purchased for the budget.
TheAngryDog said:
Well either way, whichever car you choose at least you're not going for some soulless(sp) dreary modern 4 pot turbo.
That would be a disappointing treat! I promised myself a reward after I finished my MRCGP training a year and a half ago. Somehow an engagement ring and subsequent wedding got in the way.
I'm not in a rush to buy and will wait. Budget can also increase for the right car.Quick update, sorry not the one hoped for.
Wife and I have been looking for houses. Found one we both loved, put in an offer and it has been accepted. Still a long way until everything is done but with the deposit and SDLT, the M hunt will have to be postponed for while.
As an aside, the house has epic garage potential. Here's hoping. *fingers crossed*
Thanks again for all your advice/opinions.
Wife and I have been looking for houses. Found one we both loved, put in an offer and it has been accepted. Still a long way until everything is done but with the deposit and SDLT, the M hunt will have to be postponed for while.
As an aside, the house has epic garage potential. Here's hoping. *fingers crossed*
Thanks again for all your advice/opinions.
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