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Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

1998 M3 with 50,000 miles, white ext, black leather int, 2 door, 5 speed - dealer serviced and loaded

or

1998 540i with 50,000 miles, black ext, tan leather int, 4 door, 6 speed NOT auto - dealer serviced and loaded.

Also which is the better and more likely deal?

The M3 at $21k Canadian

or

The 540i at $16k Canadian

I'm pretty sure I can buy both car at those prices.

Thanks

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

this may just come down to functional intent - I have a wife and two kids, so in my scenario I would elect for the 540i - just for the space. However, if it were pre wife and kids, I think the M3 would have my attention.

thats my $.02

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Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

Screw function, which is the better deal? I really won't be racing either car for any long lenght of time, so I don't even know if I'll "use" the whole M3 but it seems like a good deal as does the 5 series....

WhoDak · Joined: 22 Mar 2005 Posts: 492 Location: Akron, OH

Hmm...this is just a quick, uneducated opinion...but 5-speed vs auto...I'd rather use my left foot

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Mike
'82 924 N/A
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timstar92404 · Joined: 22 Sep 2004 Posts: 2075 Location: richmond BC

M3 with 5speed/ 2 door would be nicer in my opinion.
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78 924 sold.
85.5 944

Paul · Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 8:45 am Post subject:

Lease a new one, that way you get a 4 year warranty that includes all maintenance (at least in the US).

Old BMWs are a money pit.
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Neil924 · Joined: 18 Mar 2003 Posts: 4225 Location: Canada

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

Paul · Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:07 pm Post subject:

I've been leasing new cars for decades, if you negotiate them correctly, they are a good deal.

Cars are an expense, not an investment.

In the US, you can lease a new BMW for $400 a month, hell my Boxster is less than $500.

Paul · Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:17 pm Post subject:

http://www.international-autos.com/img/ads/0.jpg

Paul · Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject:

BTW the insurance on the Boxster costs me $43.35 per month.

The 924S costs $32.59.

skemcin · Joined: 02 Sep 2003 Posts: 1284 Location: Plainfield, IL

Kenodog · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 2669 Location: Vancouver,B.C.

The M3.I've also been considering one of those,it's a toss up between that or a 2006 MX-5 which i'd add a turbo to later on down the road once the warrenty has run out.
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Paul · Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2005 9:50 pm Post subject:

Those prices are for full coverage, the lease requires it on the Boxster.

D Hook · Joined: 02 Nov 2002 Posts: 3158 Location: Omaha, NE

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn Wright
What should I look for?

IMO, the most important thing is getting a CPO'd/Factory Warranted M. (CPO = Certified Pre-Owned)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn Wright
I want 6 speed and newer body style like 2002 or so. When do they start looking like the 2002 and when do they change?

The E46 M came out in 2001. I've heard rumors of the new M coming out anywhere between 2007 and 2008.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shawn Wright
What goes wrong with them?

Lots... Things as simple as the interior door trim (I know, cause mine just fell), the front door speaker rattle, rear deck rattle and some simple electrical items. On the major side is quite a few rear-ends have needed to be replaced. Expect to replace tires quite frequently also.

I'm not trying to say these cars have more problems than other cars, but the cost to maintain them can be expensive especially if you don't have the free maint program/warranty.

Copied that from http://www.hotbimmer.com/

Goto forums and do a search. Or post the question. Seems to be very knowledgeable people there that can give you first hand experience.

My brother-in-law was looking at an M3 then shied away after he did some research. Looks like the Certifed Pre-Owned is the best way to go since it comes w/warranty and these cars had some history of crankshaft problems and rear-end problems, from what I've read on the Hotbimmer.com web site. I have no first hand knowledge myself, only what I've read on the websites.

Good luck.
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'80 924 n/a SOLD