posted 08-12-2001 12:27 PM            

- I'm a bit dismayed about the VERY long wait list (pushing 2-3 years), dealer arrogance, and markups.

- I prefer to purchase a 4 door model, but from what I understand there will be no 4 door E46 M3.

- A totally loaded 330i with the Sport package seems like a nice alternative that can be purchased today, with 4 doors, for less money, and I think has nicer looking wheels and more color options (I'm a big fan of the Steel Blue metallic, unavailable in the M3). My question is, is the M3 worth 2+ years wait, and $10k more over a loaded 330i Sport?

- I've been looking at the Corvette Z06 as an alternative, which I think is a better looking car, and certainly performs better. I know it lacks the refinement and balance of the E46, but its no slouch either. Plus I can get it now instead of 2 years, and actually costs less than the E46. The biggest drawback I see is its a 2 seater, which from a practicality standpoint isn't very good.

- These other cars coming out like the Infiniti G35 with 260-280hp and costs around $35k are making compelling cost/performance arguments when compared to the E46.

So, having said all that, what do you guys think? Is the E46 really worth all the cost and hassle of getting one?

posted 08-12-2001 02:27 PM            

The 330 is a great car but depends on what you're looking for. I will say that I have driven the 330 and it definitely is not visceral like that M3. The power of the M3 is addictively amazing! I had similar thoughts when I first got the E46 M3 regarding the cost/benefit equation, but after having driven the M3 for awhile, I would not even consider the 330 anymore personally.

I have had the C5 vette..not the Z06 (btw, the Z06 is going to 405 hp starting with the 2002 models around sept 01 I think). Anyway, the C5, while very torquey and able to burn rubber in second with an auto, it is nothing like the M3 in terms of refinement and handling balance. Plus had quite a bit of problems with the car as I have had with the M3 but the diff was that the dealership service was like night and day.

I know the above info didnt help much

But if the wait IS that long (2-3 yrs), why not just get the Z06 or the 330 and then trade it in when the M3 comes in. I doubt you would want to drive the Z06 for more than 2 yrs and at that point, you should still be able to get decent tradein on it (i got 75% of what i paid for my c5 on tradein with 36k miles/2.5 yrs old (1999 model). Actually, I picked up the vette 9/98 and then drove it over to the BMW dealership to put the deposit on the E46 M3 (took delivery of the first one on 4/01).

posted 08-13-2001 08:25 PM            

I plan to go the the dealer next week and get all the details. It sounds like the E46 is worth it. If the wait here is 2 years or less, I'll put a deposit down. If its more than 2 years, I'll shop around elsewhere out of state. I wonder if there's a BMW dealer in North Dakota? Should be a short wait list there..

posted 08-16-2001 11:38 PM            

can you get me the names of the dealerships that have some m3 for sale

posted 08-18-2001 12:08 AM              

this dealer has two i think
www.prestige-motors.com

this dealer has a bunch, but no website here is a link to one of them on autotrader, there is a bunch though
[url]http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=61310833&dealer_id=1027888&certified=n&max_price=&start_year=2000&end_year=2001&address=19382&search_type=used&make=BMW &model=M3&distance=75&car_year=2001&ac_afflt=none&borschtid=12189067451580157804[/url]

here is another nice one
[url]http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=66484973&dealer_id=81156&certified=n&max_price=&start_year=2000&end_year=2001&address=19382&search_type=used&make=BMW&m odel=M3&distance=75&car_year=2001&ac_afflt=none&borschtid=12189067451580157804[/url]

posted 08-27-2001 07:56 PM            

But that 2004 V-8 M3 rumor sure sounds nice... Although knowing BMW, they'll charge another $10k for that motor. I'll probably stick with what I have my deposit on, which the dealer said will most likely be an early 2003 model since I will be getting it in September-October.

Thanks for all your insight.