Least likely to cause bankruptcy: S4, E39 M5 or E46 M3

[obob]

So a friend has narrowed his car search down to the above and he is leaning towards the M3 as it seems least likely to blow up. However he loves the sound of the Audi V8.

So if they all have relatively similar mileage, FSH and generally in good nick, which is least likely to bankrupt him over say 8k miles a year?

[Baz Tench]

Hmm, I had my e39 M5 for a year, and have now also had my M3 for a year this month.

I do 6k miles a year maximum in my cars and haven't had a single issue with either of the M's.

Edited to add: My M3 is a manual by the way. I hear mixed reports on the SMG2 versions reliability-wise, well, lots of Internet chat anyway....

Edited by Baz Tench on Friday 1st March 14:09

[obob]

Baz Tench said:

Hmm, I had my e39 M5 for a year, and have now also had my M3 for a year this month.

I do 6k miles a year maximum in my cars and haven't had a single issue with either of the M's.

Edited to add: My M3 is a manual by the way. I hear mixed reports on the SMG2 versions reliability-wise, well, lots of Internet chat anyway....

Edited by Baz Tench on Friday 1st March 14:09

Yes, he is dead set on a manual. I think its the noise of the Audi V8 that has him confused, as either of the M cars are better.

[nonuts]

e46 M3 would be the best option from my point of view, but the servicing is not cheap.

[Ozzie Osmond]

M3 can deliver savage service bills but it's probably the most viable of that selection.

[tinoproductions]

Pretty much all the same.
They are all old(ish) cars which will throw a wobbly once in a while.
Just pick whichever he likes the look/sound/drive best.

1 thing is for sure; they will ALL cost money!

[nonuts]

Baz Tench said:

I do 6k miles a year maximum in my cars and haven't had a single issue with either of the M's.

Did you have to deal with an inspection 2 for either of them while you owned them?

I've not had anything much (worth moaning about) break on either the e36 M3 I had or my e39 M5, however the servicing is not cheap. I'll be getting my bill for the M5s inspection 2 in the next few days, which I'm not looking forward too but it's to be expected with the age of the cars.

[Ug_lee]

Your friend isn't going to enjoy driving a car if he's forever in fear of something going wrong and raping his wallet I reckon.

As long as he can get a slush fund big enough to cover the worst of situations for each car then it becomes an affordable ownership prospect.

If you're lucky, great! If it goes up in smoke, well it was worth a punt anyway