m3. better performance out of the box, better quality, better ride, more features, better resale, more room, higher performance ceiling....


where do i stop.....

(ready for the fanboys to attack)

Hope it works out for you :tup:

very well said. you (op) should just check out both of them and see which one you like more. don't let other people influence your decision. it is your car.

I had an e46 M3 and I did have to fix quite a bit of small stuffs with less than 50k miles - oil leaks, bushings, belts, battery, but that inline 6 is sweet. i also considered the e92 m3. love the exterior, but hate the interior with that double hums dash.

I did hear that the e92 is more reliable than the e46, but not sure how it compares to the 370z as I only have the z for a very short time.

Get a used GTR. There's some 2010s with decent miles in the $50,000 range.

2012 370z Nismo > 325xi > M3. My boys 325xi is over 400 with bolt ons and a tune and was like 19k... just saying.

Lot of reliability comments from those who...don't own a BMW. Hmmm.

OP you are getting into zee germans who, over the life of the car, statistically will cost more to own then Japanese makes. They also come with a higher price like for like.

The /// is a very well sorted out car with more tech then a Z: its going to be more, so the apples are not quite there in the comparison but I get it. To me the real comparison is against a 987.2 low mile Cayman S. The /// is a fantastic coupe with an engine sound that is unique and can't be replicated in a Z car. It also gets worse MPG then the Z which is not easy to do :)

I own a E90 335d, at 54K now. Not a /// but most of the car is similar in terms of the packages I have. I am waiting around for a carbon cleaning issue that is known and will cost me out of warranty, 1200-1800.

Just like I am waiting for the CSC to fail on my Z for a cost of what...1200 to fix?

Everything has some risk, it just depends how risk averse you are.

IMHO the NISMO looks fantastic if you want the sports car look. If you want to blend in more with traffic, look for a well sorted out /// or even 335is (they are harder to find but will be a tad less expensive and the N54 is sorted out by then)

- b

335d > 335 ;)

Honestly if your concerned about maintenance cost then the M3 is not for you.
Im a BMW fan for the most part one of the best Ive own is a E46 M3.
But the cost to keep it long term is tearing my wallet upside down.

I never had any breakdown with my BMW just had it for regular maintenance up keep. The price of parts and labor at the dealership is outrageous.

The same reason why most premium brands like this car are only good for Lease.

Since the M3 is already at 30k miles by 40 to 50k miles you will be changing a lot of fluids and filters, brake pads. Etc.

If you can afford an extended warranty up to 75 or 100k miles which Im not sure if they offer such here in the US.

By all means the M3 is the best choice. It depends on what lifestyle you want to project. If you are working in any corporate job that involves sales or marketing/real state.
The BMW fits your outfit. Makes you close more deals.

My 2 cents.

You might consider me now as a fan boy of the Z.
But who ever attack a BMW for whatever reason is a spoiled kid who cant afford to buy one and daddy wont like to buy him one! Ranting while sucking his thumb I would say.
Lol.

Buy the car you want to drive. Period.

Drive the M3. Is it the car you want given the maintenance etc etc?? Again asking us only goes so far. You only live once so live. Decide what matters to you and move out. I could care less what anyone thinks here of my ride.

I say neither one, do your research on whatever car you actually want regardless of our opinions... Some cars you really have to want to own considering the pros and cons that come with them. If you want practicality for your money get the ℤ but if you want a sports car with a back seat and luxurious amenities get the m3 just know what to expect. The ℤ is not a good daily, mine is a daily but it's what I wanted.

:D

Yeah well you get better fuel then we do even if it is almost 2x the cost. US cars are extremely loved by the enthusiast owners but CBU seems to be more of a reality.

I have dreams of out of warranty, EGR/DPF removal and 500+ ft-lbs at 40 MPG. You EU folks get that out of the box :P

I don't regret the purchase and am fortunate that my job reimburses me for mileage so the cost of repairs don't hurt as much. Its about the perfect cruising/commuting car out there for me. I just wish CBU would go away :)

That's why for most folks, the gas 335 is the better option in the states.

And to circle back to the OP, the sound of the /// is really almost worth the price of admission if you are into tickling the ear pussy.

- b

I too think that the e46 M3 is the best one. The e92 is a bit too soft. However, the e46 M3 is expensive to keep. I have to replace bunch of stuffs with less than 50k miles and most repair was $500+. Probably one of the best inline 6, but the vano is problematic. Much like the IMS problems with the Porsche 997.1 and 996, it can grenade the engine.

In term of lifestyle, it is so subjective that you can't put a price tag on it.

As for the OP, I think just check out both and buy the one the make you happy.

I've had the pleasure of having a 09 335xi... it's not fun with the repairs.

I will credit the driving experience as hella-fun but the repairs and headaches caused were hella-annoying.

I would never buy a used turbo BMW.... in fact if I ever wanted a German car with my limited income I would lease so I can get rid of it after 3-4 years hassle free... kinda...

Yeah, well. I live here stateside now so no "D" loving for me. Most the cops back in UK drive the 535d. 335d is a fantastic machine.