Replacement for M3

[Ketron]

I've only had my M3 for a few months but I'm starting to think about replacing it as I spend most of my time stuck in traffic these days. Its a shame, and at the moment I'm doing 60 miles per week and don't get a chance at the weekend to use her due to my current situation.

Sooo anyways I'm thinking about replacing her for something a wee bit more sensible.

I'd like to stay BMW and was thinking about getting myself an e92 diesel to avail of the cheap tax, but after looking, a 2008 320d is nearly twice the price of a 2007 325i, that buys an awful lot of tax and go-go juice! Plus the lack of mileage I do, a petrol would be a better choice.

Any experience of the e92 325i (2.5l) or suggestions?

[Chrispyfish]

Just keep it

[Ketron]

Just keep it

I am torn to be honest, when I take it for a blast it justifies having it, I unfortunately don't get to do that too often

[Chrispyfish]

Just keep it

I am torn to be honest, when I take it for a blast it justifies having it, I unfortunately don't get to do that too often

What it takes to buy another car will defeat the purpose of trying to save on tax?? Also if you buy a newer car you will loose money on depreciation where as the m3 is probably at its lowest value.

[Ketron]

Just keep it

I am torn to be honest, when I take it for a blast it justifies having it, I unfortunately don't get to do that too often

What it takes to buy another car will defeat the purpose of trying to save on tax?? Also if you buy a newer car you will loose money on depreciation where as the m3 is probably at its lowest value.

Its not just tax, its also running costs etc, which are justifiable if I am using the car to its potential, but I'm not.

[Gar]

Buy an e30 m3

[Gar]

If tax isn't an issue would you not go for the 335i

[Ketron]

If tax isn't an issue would you not go for the 335i

It did cross my mind but the way I see it (correct me if I'm wrong) the N54 is a fairly high strung engine. Not many of them have crossed the magical 100k marker and lots of them have incurred premature injector, fuel pump and turbo related failures.

At least with the S54 I know what I have signed up for, the N54 could be a bag of worms in a year or two.

I think for day to day use pottering around in traffic for the next couple of years (unfortunately it's looking like this) the N52 is the best bet?

[DoktorB]

I wouldnt want to own any blown BMW engine out of warranty apart from the ones made pre 2000 that were chiseled out of iron and granite.....

Sell the E46 and buy a nice E36.

That way you can fool yourself into thinking its an investment.