BMW M3 E46 Coupe or BMW 130i M Sport 5 Door
Discussion
Hello
I am currently having a dilemma between the above 2 cars. I have always loved the M3 and know it is the far superior car, but I don't think it suits my circumstances very well. I currently have 2 small kids (1 and 4 year old) and think we would soon get tired of putting them in the back with only 2 doors and I know the boot isn't the biggest either for it to be our only car.
I had an S4 V8 Avant up until last year, but sold it for a sports bike as it really wasn't the most exciting car to drive. We our currently using my wifes Ford Focus ST170 which despite only being a Ford and not that fast, it is a fun car to drive when the mood takes.
I have never actually owned a rear wheel drive car and this needs to be rectified with the next car. So would the 130i M sport fill the gap as our only car? I think it would do the family role well being 5 door and you could probably get a fair bit in the boot with it being a hatchback. Plus there is a few on the AUC scheme for around £15K which would give peace of mind and are they cheaper to service and run than the M models like the M3?
Any thoughts would be appreciated? I did also think of a 535d, but don't think I could live with the diesel noise despite being an excellent car and it would only make me want my dream 5 series which of course has the V10 engine.
Cheers,
Ant
I am currently having a dilemma between the above 2 cars. I have always loved the M3 and know it is the far superior car, but I don't think it suits my circumstances very well. I currently have 2 small kids (1 and 4 year old) and think we would soon get tired of putting them in the back with only 2 doors and I know the boot isn't the biggest either for it to be our only car.
I had an S4 V8 Avant up until last year, but sold it for a sports bike as it really wasn't the most exciting car to drive. We our currently using my wifes Ford Focus ST170 which despite only being a Ford and not that fast, it is a fun car to drive when the mood takes.
I have never actually owned a rear wheel drive car and this needs to be rectified with the next car. So would the 130i M sport fill the gap as our only car? I think it would do the family role well being 5 door and you could probably get a fair bit in the boot with it being a hatchback. Plus there is a few on the AUC scheme for around £15K which would give peace of mind and are they cheaper to service and run than the M models like the M3?
Any thoughts would be appreciated? I did also think of a 535d, but don't think I could live with the diesel noise despite being an excellent car and it would only make me want my dream 5 series which of course has the V10 engine.
Cheers,
Ant
Both cars will fulfil your needs. The 130iM is competent, but after a while you may want a sports exhaust, you will want to ditch the run flats, you may find the suspension a bit soft etc etc - little things but may niggle you.
The E46 M3 is so complete a package you will not need to spend any more money modding it, and it's a better chassis. The 2 doors is a slight incovenience, but insignificant in comparison to the satisfaction from the car.
The 130iM will be more fuel efficient though.
The E46 M3 is so complete a package you will not need to spend any more money modding it, and it's a better chassis. The 2 doors is a slight incovenience, but insignificant in comparison to the satisfaction from the car.
The 130iM will be more fuel efficient though.
You'll find the 130i has a pretty poor boot if you have kids in the back seats, the M3 will probably be more practical from that perspective.
I'm sure most on PH will tell you that there is no comparison between the M3 and the 130i (or any non-M car) from a driving perspective.
But if you decide that you don't want to risk the potential running costs of the M3, don't rule out the 535d (I had one for two years for family transport) or even a 330i, 330d, 335d or 335i.
I'm sure most on PH will tell you that there is no comparison between the M3 and the 130i (or any non-M car) from a driving perspective.
But if you decide that you don't want to risk the potential running costs of the M3, don't rule out the 535d (I had one for two years for family transport) or even a 330i, 330d, 335d or 335i.
ak47mh said:
Good points Mermaid.
I have already looked at how much it costs to fit an LSD and dismissed the idea, but I know I will end up wanting one fitted if I went for the 130i.
I know someone who bought the 130iM LE and wanted to make so many changes, worked out it was better to get a 135i or an E46 M3 CS... but don't get me wrong, it's a great car for most people. I noticed you had a milltek on your S4 I have already looked at how much it costs to fit an LSD and dismissed the idea, but I know I will end up wanting one fitted if I went for the 130i.
Thanks pjv997, we did view an M3 last year and I was surprised how practical it was and think I would be able to live with the downsides of 2 doors for when I get behind that wheel.
I think that is the thing I am most worried about Mermaid where I will get bored of the 130i and wish it was an M3, where the M3 ticks all the boxes and doubt I would feel the need to ever change anything. I know the 130i is cheaper to run and probably the sensible option, but it just doesn't tug at the heart strings as much..
I think that is the thing I am most worried about Mermaid where I will get bored of the 130i and wish it was an M3, where the M3 ticks all the boxes and doubt I would feel the need to ever change anything. I know the 130i is cheaper to run and probably the sensible option, but it just doesn't tug at the heart strings as much..
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