e70 x5 to e46 m3?
 

Don't have kids, so much space in the x5, want something faster. I'm 24, don't want no cereal box like WRX or EVO, opinions/thoughts? can't afford rs4 :(

Do it. You can find an E46 for less than $15k by now.

I've moved from an X5 to Impreza to M5 to 318ti. Not looking back at all.

How did you ever wind up in an X5 to begin with?? ;)

hunting begins :)

I found a low mile e46 m3 but the dealer didn't want to negotiate, I thought I'll wait a week, next weekend it was sold :( been driving e34 525i for 6 years, sold it, saved up some money for upgrade and decided to get a newer car that weekend, bought 08 x5 that was at the same dealer. The car is flawless, had it for over a year now, driving it is comfortable, does everything well, but I can't stop thinking about the m3 :rolleyes: thing is I'm 6'3 and I look funny next to it comment by my fiancee

A 15k E46 M3 is going to need some work- I'd be looking high teens/low twenties for a mostly sorted example. most M3 buyers want the 6 speed manual- so they usually go for a few grand more then the SMG. No sunroof/cloth seats are coveted due to rarity. S54 motor is sublime- except for the exhaust note; too raspy for my taste. Requires regular valve adjustments and subframe tears are not un-common and can be costly. Much more power than my E36, but added weight and "comfort" detract from some of the rawness feel. Find the best maintained example you can and go for it!

can't find decent one around Illinois, I still owe on the X5, need a dealer

Check out for enthusiast auto group in Cincy, OH for an idea of what pristine, up to date on service, examples can go for... Some say that they're overpriced, but if you want truly no stories BMW- they seem to know their stuff.

I would love to own a E46 M3 one day but really, given my repair bill experience with my current X3, I hate to think about the upkeep for my dream car.

They have a lot of nice ones, probably the best examples in whole US, but I can't pay that much. Trying to be in low 20's below 70,000 miles.

It's definitely a car for people that loves DIY or know someone that is...otherwise, maintenance alone will drive you to the poor house. With a high mileage car, you better set aside some maintenance and up keep money. Not to scare you off or anything, but here are just a few things to keep in mind. The valve adjustment alone would run you in the neighborhood of $700 from an indie...can't imagine what a dealer would charge. I would not buy one if you're staining your budget just for the car without any left over for maintenance...just my opinion.

Here's what you're in for...engine-wise:
- Valve adjustments - every inspection
- Vanos exhaust hub tabs - known to crack and break...keep an eye out on every valve adjustment
- Vanos hub bolts - may shear off of hub - keep an eye out on every valve adjustment
- Excessive Vanos rattle - may need rebuilt
- Rod bearing wear - needs to do oil analysis periodically to monitor wear
- All drive train fluids - every inspection 2

Oh...keep an eye out for subframe cracks.

Are you getting a 6-spd or SMG?