Lets play a game.

[motordavid]

Is the game over?

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

Lets just say that there is up to $66k to be used at a BMW dealership. If you don't use up all of it, you won't get any of it back. I'm just trying to find BMW vehicles that fit the bill without going over, and a sports sedan and 2 SUV's just happened to fit.

Ha, well that leaves even more questions if this is some tax rebate deal for a business, the Gross vehicle weight comes into play, which the M wouldn't fit

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

What do you mean cost of ownership won't be an issue?

e.g. Insurance is more for M3 than others....specially crazy NJ insurance rates.

[FSETH]

If you feel better with AWD, get a 335i X-Drive and check every option box. That should get you to just over $60k.

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by FSETH

If you feel better with AWD, get a 335i X-Drive and check every option box. That should get you to just over $60k.

Then your fuel pump can blow up and your car can catch on fire

[MINIz guy]

Originally Posted by motordavid

Is the game over?

Game will be over once a car is chosen. Keep on persuading me to buy one!

Originally Posted by Wagner

Ha, well that leaves even more questions if this is some tax rebate deal for a business, the Gross vehicle weight comes into play, which the M wouldn't fit

No tax rebate or anything special. Up to $66k MSRP to spend on a car and spend the most you can.

Originally Posted by LeMansX5

e.g. Insurance is more for M3 than others....specially crazy NJ insurance rates.

Ah, I will have to ask and look into that. Insurance rates did get put on the back burner when we were still discussing which options and packages fit.

[askhao]

you're planning on getting a new car?

personally, I would go with an M3.. since you have the e53 for things the M can't handle.

but why not wait for the next gen 5series?

[FSETH]

Originally Posted by Wagner

Then your fuel pump can blow up and your car can catch on fire

I wouldn't worry about that. There have been issues with the pumps failing, but fire is not common. I would buy a 135i/335i without thinking twice.

[MINIz guy]

Originally Posted by FSETH

If you feel better with AWD, get a 335i X-Drive and check every option box. That should get you to just over $60k.

Just checking everything on a 335xi seems to be way too much for a regular 3 series. It wouldn't give crazy amounts of driving pleasure over a X5 or X6, so I would think.

Originally Posted by askhao

you're planning on getting a new car?

personally, I would go with an M3.. since you have the e53 for things the M can't handle.

but why not wait for the next gen 5series?

Again, we're in the process of considering a X5, X6 or M3. The M3 is the most popular choice, but this is a BMW forum. The X5 and X6, primarily the X5, would be the better choice for more utility if ever needed; Maybe driving high school friends around or moving big items around.

A new 5er could be considered, but then it is coming in the fall which is a pretty long time from now. If a decision could be made sooner, it would be easier to lock in that money for the new car.

[Wagner]

Originally Posted by FSETH

I wouldn't worry about that. There have been issues with the pumps failing, but fire is not common. I would buy a 135i/335i without thinking twice.

My friends 535 has been in 4 times to have its pump and rails replaced, that is embarrassing.