Now that I’ve finally gotten a new job, I can start thinking about getting a new car. I could have done it sooner, but I wanted to wait until I found better employment as a reward to myself.
Anyway, I know what I want, and if Tiggrkitty and I can make the numbers work, then I’ll be getting a BMW M3. If we can’t get the numbers to work, then I’ll get a BMW 3 series. (Geez I wish the 8 series was still in production…)
What I need advice on though, is where to get it from, a BMW dealership, or another dealership.
If I go through a BMW dealership, I can be sure that my car will be BMW certified. This is very important to me. Also, I’ll get the free maintenance thing if I go through a BMW dealership.
However, I can also go through a dealership such as Auto Sports of Dallas or Bent Tree Sports & Imports as an alternative. I’ve noticed that they have a much better selection of cars that come closest to having the features that I’m looking for, without having to buy something brand new. Also, the prices at these dealerships are considerably lower than those at a BMW dealership.
I want to make sure I’m making the wisest choice considering the investment, but at the same time, I don’t want to have to wait a long time to find exactly what I’m looking for.
The ‘8’ was a pig. Give me a M635 any day: black, grey cloth, manual. Bavarian Nirvana! Probably costs as much as a much-newer M3 for a nice one, though.
My best friend has a L6 in his stable, not my cup of tea but still a pretty interesting car.
I know a newer M3 will outperform the old M635 but no other BMW looks as good, except maybe the M1, in bronze.
Sorry, no help on where to find what or which to buy. What I can offer is this: I was a mechanic in a garage that was solely foreign cars. The M3 is a great bet for performance and reliability. The drawback is cost of maintenance. But you’re going to hit that with any foreign car (in the US).
As far as the M3 is concerned, I can tell you it’s a good choice. Performance is great and the look is impressive no matter the year.
The thing you want to keep in mind is this: repairs will be few and far between. The repairs, when you need them, are NOT going to be cheap.
Given my location, M3’s are rare, but if I had the chance to buy one I’d seriously look into it. So as a (former) mechanic, buy it if it looks clean. <After havng a mech look it over>
If you find one you like but aren’t ready to buy, send it to me in my profile. I really want one
I knew that maintenance would be costly. As I was filling up my car with gas one day, somebody pulled into the pump next to me in a silver convertable M3. As I was wiping the drool off my chin, we were talking about it, and he told me that the tires are good for about 15,000 miles, and cost around $2,400 for a set.
But, that’s fine. I don’t have a problem with it. I just want one.
I’ll tell you what. When I get it, I’ll take you for a ride.
Thanks for the info, duffer and sewalk.
Just out of curiosity, sewalk, why don’t you like the 8?
Because it’s a pig. It’s too heavy and overwrought. The 6 (along with the CSi, its predecessor) was one of those designs that only comes along once in a while. I prefer my cars to be simpler. If I wanted a luxo-barge, I’d buy a LS430. I want a devilishly quick car with few distractions. If I weren’t such a big guy, I’d be seriously lusting after an Elise. Right now I have a '85 Celica GT-S Convertible and a '86 Celica Supra (not the later 86.5 model). I like modern amenities like DOHC, full IRS, rack&pinion steering, and electronic fuel injection because they directly contribute to the driving experience. Giant, leather-clad, overweight GTs like the 840 spoil the fun. Besides, I thought the 6 was much better looking; it had character.
This is the same reason I have a '86 Supra instead of a later model. Performance from my mildly prepped engine is pretty close to what the non-turbo '92 car provides in stock kit. The '86, though, as well as the '85 Celica, have a great proportions and look like nothing else.
If I had more money, I’d probably lean more toward an older, say 1980, 930 or a 914/6 with a more modern engine, like the 2.8L. Maybe an E-Type. A MR2 Spyder might not be out of the question in this kind of price range. I do admire Toyota durability.
Of course, a difference of opinion is what makes for a horse race. I just find it a bit unusual that you like the taut little M3 but look at the 840 as an upgrade of sorts. That just causes a disconnect in my perception of What is Right about BMWs.
Send that guy my way. I’ve got some stuff I’d like to sell him.
The most expensive OE option at Tirerack.com had all four tires totalling up at just over a thousand bucks. Not exactly free, but less than half of what that guy told you.
