Is the game over?

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 :)

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

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 ;)

Game will be over once a car is chosen. Keep on persuading me to buy one!
No tax rebate or anything special. Up to $66k MSRP to spend on a car and spend the most you can.
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.

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?

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.

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.
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.

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