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?

I drove few SMG equipped m3's and didn't like the delayed shifts, felt like if you won't be redlining the car it will be jerky daily driver, like the first time manual drivers that got into drivers seat. I was trying to find 6-spd. After looking through m3 forum threads it seems to pull me away from e46 because of all the things you mentioned, thinking on saving money, keeping x5 for little longer, and getting e90 m3 in the future.

you mentioned that you owe on your current ride, and that you have a fiance... M3, regardless of a vintage (from E30 to the latest ones) are not really family oriented cars and not budget oriented cars...

life sucks, as it has tendencies to make corrections to the plans - you already have a car that many will only dream about having... of course moving up is always nice but everytime you change a car, you take a financial hit (unless you go from a nice car to a beater) and with a fiance, i would suggest to keep the current car - you never know when she will get the "baby itch" and you will have additions in your cargo compartment...

on the other hand, you are young only once, and if not now - then when??? do what your heart tells you!!!

The SMG have their own sets of problem. The simpler 6-spd would be the wise and fun choice. Even with all these potential weaknesses, the S54 is still a hell of an engine and loads of fun to drive.

FYI...the S65 in the e90 M3 also have the rod bearing wear issue along with their own sets of problems. My point is that all M cars required a lot of upkeep. Whatever budget you have for the car, factor in another 30% or more for maintenance.

2003 BMW M3, $18,900 - Cars.com silver interior boring :(

2002 BMW M3, $18,900 - Cars.com old tailights

2003 BMW M3, $19,895 - Cars.com love the jet black, but seems beat up inside :(

Used 2005 BMW M3 Base For Sale in Chicago & Naperville, IL | U5892B this is the only one that has manual transmission, but I'm looking for darker color like blue or black, or gray

what do you guys think about these?

Avoid SMG- unless you find one that has had the SMG pump recently replaced, with documentation.