would you swap the 4.6is for an M car?

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by 1stE53

Get rid of that Mazda. We have had an SUV in my garage for about 7 years. Mid last year I got rid of the only SUV we had and replaced with a car. I have one 4 year old son and a dog. I missed the SUV so much I had to get one only 6 month later. An SUV is invaluable .

I can't get rid of the Mazda. It is my wife's baby. Plus it is cheap to run overall. And with the teenage driver added to the mix soon, that car will get the call for that use. So yes we have 4 cars, but soon will also have 3 drivers.

I would personally like to pick up a cheap SUV beater PLUS an M car instead of the X5. Is 5 cars for 3 drivers really so crazy he asks the forum car nuts

Truly the X5 is so similar to the S4 Avant that in my use they are completely interchangeable. Both are AWD and capable of snow country driving. Both have roof racks and very similar cargo space. The X5 has more back seat legroom and is wider and a bit taller. But in practice anything that I need to haul can fit in either vehicle just as easily.

X5 cargo floor is 65" x 48"
S4 cargo floor is 62" x 45"

So the X5 is only 3" bigger in each direction. Really not much of a difference.

Only difference is towing, which I don't use currently.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by dragoncoach

Each of them has their attributes but if we had to choose, it would be the E39 M5, hands down no questions. It's just so fun to drive and fast. It can be used as a DD as well as a garage queen. Cleasic BMW styling, perfect highway cruiser and a sleeper. What more can anyone ask for? As for an M3, anything short of one with a V-8 wouldn't cut it. Also, with your family, an M3 would be VERY cramped! Good Luck!

In practice we rarely go places all together these days. When we do we are taking the G37 for the most part, or sometimes my S4. I have 2 teenage daughters and they are not very large, and my wife is even smaller than they are. We all fit just fine in the S4. Hell - we fit in the Mazda, but I don't like driving that unless I am alone and can wail on it around some corners

My driving habits are roughly 70% driving alone, 15% with one person (be it my wife or one of the girls), 10% with both kids and 5% with the whole family. I would not use the M3 as a family car - it would be for myself or me and one other for the most part. S4 would always be available to me and the G37 is available sometimes too.

Since I have a V8 daily driver in the S4, I don't mind a lighter weight, lower powered car like an E36 M3 as a "fun car". Yes - it is slower than the S4, but the involvement in the driving experience is more what the car is about to me. E36 M3 and E34 M5 are both much more involved than the E39 M5. However, the E39 M5 is an excellent car and arguably one if not the best sports sedan BMW has made up until the E90 M3. And they are quite entertaining to drive in their own right, just not as involving or precise as the earlier cars. Build quality and luxury are much improved however, so it is all about what trade off you want.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by RickM5X3

That's a tough one. I think you'd end up missing the utility (mainly b/c of towing capability) of the X5 sometime in the future if your needs happen to change. I'd be hesitant to go to an all car fleet. But if your X5 is hitting high miles and starting to be problematic, maybe get out while you can. Our M5 has thus far been the most durable car in our garage. Its a great parts go-getter and backup car when the X cars invariably fail.

Maybe dump that Mazda and put the proceeds in the M car fund for now . . . .

X5 has just over 100K miles and has been very rock solid. It was very well maintained and was also a former CPO car. It looks and drives like a new car. The way I view it is the potential repair bills / maint of the X5 compared to any of the M cars I am considering are going to be roughly equivalent. So not really part of my decision.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

Curious why you would say that considering the M3 is known for it's handling, not its acceleration.

The E30, E36, and even E46 are very rewarding driver's cars.

I completely agree. Personally I even think the E46 is too heavy for an M3, which is why that one is off my list. If I go M3 I want light weight for ultimate handling and feedback.

[c4racer]

btw - here is a shot of my S4 Avant since probably not all here know what they are about.

[nom3rcy]

Originally Posted by c4racer

I completely agree. Personally I even think the E46 is too heavy for an M3, which is why that one is off my list. If I go M3 I want light weight for ultimate handling and feedback.

If you want light weight along with ultimate handling and feedback there is no other option than the e30 M3, they are amazing

Even better is that they are a collector's item and will only go up in value.

I may be biased, but for a third car that is rarely driven, and the style of driving you seem to enjoy, it is a perfect choice.

[c4racer]

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

If you want light weight along with ultimate handling and feedback there is no other option than the e30 M3, they are amazing

Even better is that they are a collector's item and will only go up in value.

I may be biased, but for a third car that is rarely driven, and the style of driving you seem to enjoy, it is a perfect choice.

Good input. I have been toying with the idea of an E30 for a long time, maybe this is the time to do something about it. I would really love to have one with a S52 3.2L M3 motor in it or even an LS1 V8 These cars are getting hard to find in good shape. But they are out there.

[av2]

I am never a big fan of Audis, so I say get rid of the S4 Avant. The X5 4.6is is so much better looking. You have a sedan (G37), a SUV (or SAV); so now, all you need is a fun sports car. With your budget, go with the E46 M3 manual.

[dpgx5]

Originally Posted by nom3rcy

Curious why you would say that considering the M3 is known for it's handling, not its acceleration.

The E30, E36, and even E46 are very rewarding driver's cars.

I love the E30 M3, might not be as fast etc. but it will outrun most higher hp cars/ on a track.. depending on setup. Looking forward to see your M3. are you on s14.net?

Cheers! to the best touring car EVER built to this date!

[MINIz guy]

Originally Posted by av2

I am never a big fan of Audis, so I say get rid of the S4 Avant. The X5 4.6is is so much better looking. You have a sedan (G37), a SUV (or SAV); so now, all you need is a fun sports car. With your budget, go with the E46 M3 manual.

Not to point you out or anything, but coming into a thread that is asking for, "What should I replace my BMW X5 for?" and replying, "Replace your Audi," isn't exactly the reply the OP was looking for.