E90 M3 MSRP justified?............

SunnyBoo · 03-14-2008, 02:33 PM

I love the E90 M3 coupe but when I looked at MSRP price of window sticker at my local BMW dealer I was shocked to see it listed at a little over $70k. Man, at this price am I wrong to even consider the Cayman S instead ?

.......I still think a lightly used 335i (around $38K) offers the best performance for the price..........

BMW F22 · 03-14-2008, 02:59 PM

Well there are a lot of factors in this one. It really comes down to what you think is good for you. I mean with the M3 you can carry some people and have room for luggage and such. You cant do the same with the Cayman. As for the 335i, sure you can get it used but it's still not an M3. The M3 has a better chassis, suspension, braking system, LSD, etc. A modded 335i could keep up with the M3 in drag races but in the twisties, even the 335i might have to bow to the king.

Of course people can argue that a heavily modded 335i would take on the M3. While that might be true, the money spent on modding that 335 would end up costing about as much if not more than the M3 (it's especially true if you buy a used E9x M3).

mmm def · 03-14-2008, 03:18 PM

In short, I feel happy in my 335 and wouldn't spend the $20k+ for the M3 after being in my 335. Sure the M3 is a lot better..but that's a lot of coin.

And for 70k I'd be in a Cayman S or a low mileage babied 997.

BMW_TT · 03-14-2008, 04:06 PM

I went by the dealership today to check out the new M's. To my surprise, the 4dr m3 made an impression on me than the e92 m3. The flares on the e90 m3 were so aggressive. I also like the soft leather in the m's compared to my 335i. I didn't get to drive it yet, because the e92 had some electrical problem.

SunnyBoo · 03-14-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenny@JleviSW

Well there are a lot of factors in this one. It really comes down to what you think is good for you. I mean with the M3 you can carry some people and have room for luggage and such. You cant do the same with the Cayman. As for the 335i, sure you can get it used but it's still not an M3. The M3 has a better chassis, suspension, braking system, LSD, etc. A modded 335i could keep up with the M3 in drag races but in the twisties, even the 335i might have to bow to the king.

Of course people can argue that a heavily modded 335i would take on the M3. While that might be true, the money spent on modding that 335 would end up costing about as much if not more than the M3 (it's especially true if you buy a used E9x M3).

If you put it this way, the premium price makes a little sense. However, the Cayman S is tempting at around $60K.................

BlackSapphireZ · 03-14-2008, 05:01 PM

i'd take a new 335...

GMWNashville · 03-16-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackSapphireZ

i'd take a new 335...

go drive one. then tell me

sailvi767 · 03-17-2008, 08:06 AM

If you can find a Caymen S new for around 60k let me know where!

CalZ4M · 03-17-2008, 08:10 AM

Justified. Drove an E92 M3 this past weekend. My dad has a 335i coupe 6 speed and the M3 is a completely different animal. Worth every penny.

Kev · 03-17-2008, 08:53 AM

In sunny SoCal, I'd say go for it, coz you can drive it all year round. For us people in the NE where there's something called SNOW, it wouldn't work out as well.

cycler · 03-17-2008, 09:51 PM

IMO a nicely modded 335 along with my big dog bulldog pro street is all I need. Ide rather have two nice rides instead of one great ride.

Heli411 · 03-17-2008, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalZ4M

Justified. Drove an E92 M3 this past weekend. My dad has a 335i coupe 6 speed and the M3 is a completely different animal. Worth every penny.

I have to agree here, I drove one... different animal. It was like driving a totally different car. CA had me winding it up to yellow line, engine loved it and asked for more with a very mean throaty growl. Suspension and chasis feel was completely different. The whole car just felt kind of bigger in a strange way. I just find one thing odd... I expected a lot more torque. That is the one and only thing I wish the car had more of. I'm wondering if the "auto" is going to increase the fun factor with fast shifting (M-Drive programmable???). If they were discounting them a couple of grand I think I'd buy one.

SunnyBoo · 03-18-2008, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailvi767

If you can find a Caymen S new for around 60k let me know where!

I saw a couple of 08 Cayman S for $61K on Autotrader.com..........

wj4 · 03-18-2008, 02:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmm def

In short, I feel happy in my 335 and wouldn't spend the $20k+ for the M3 after being in my 335. Sure the M3 is a lot better..but that's a lot of coin.

And for 70k I'd be in a Cayman S or a low mileage babied 997.

I'm with you on this one, man. You can find a slightly used 997 S in the 70 range.

Chris.G · 03-18-2008, 05:08 AM

WOW! You guys have it great but have no idea.

grumpybear · 03-18-2008, 12:37 PM

I can find better ways to spend 70K then on an M3 coupe or sedan. They are nice cars but there's no way they are 25-30K better then a 335. Hell, they're not 25-30K better then a E90 330i....

par4bmw · 03-18-2008, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpybear

I can find better ways to spend 70K then on an M3 coupe or sedan. They are nice cars but there's no way they are 25-30K better then a 335. Hell, they're not 25-30K better then a E90 330i....

That is because they are not 25-30K more than a 335.

grumpybear · 03-18-2008, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by par4bmw

That is because they are not 25-30K more than a 335.

they're not 10K better then a 335, what's your point...

par4bmw · 03-18-2008, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpybear

they're not 10K better then a 335, what's your point...

My point is you were trying to argue an opinion with non-factual information. What is your point in asking for my point, do not like being called?

grumpybear · 03-18-2008, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by par4bmw

My point is you were trying to argue an opinion with non-factual information. What is your point in asking for my point, do not like being called?

I bet you I can go on a lot right now and buy an in-stock 335 for 25K less then a new in-stock M3, that's a fact. "Do not like being called" please get over yourself internet car-forum tough guy.

par4bmw · 03-18-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grumpybear

I bet you I can go on a lot right now and buy an in-stock 335 for 25K less then a new in-stock M3, that's a fact. "Do not being called" please get over yourself internet car-forum tough guy.

OK, but then you are not comparing equally equipped cars. A fully loaded M3 coupe can be had for $70K ($12K of options). The 335 Coupe with no options is $40,800 + 750 hand & dest. So, you could find one $25K less. But you knew I was referring to base prices.

The whole value justification is worthless. One could argue that you are a fool to buy a 335 vs 328. Hell, a GT2 is $192K vs a std 911 at $74K. You can not justify that price difference. As performance is tweaked further and further towards limits, it becomes less and less of a value and justification becomes an individual's desire.

Enjoy your 3 series. Hopefully in the future I will be enjoying an M.

BayAreaE92 · 03-18-2008, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris.G

WOW! You guys have it great but have no idea.

Hahaha...I often have to stop and think about how we don't have to deal with crazy import taxes.

03-14-2008, 02:33 PM	#1
SunnyBoo Private First Class 29 Rep 151 Posts Drives: E90 328i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	E90 M3 MSRP justified?............ I love the E90 M3 coupe but when I looked at MSRP price of window sticker at my local BMW dealer I was shocked to see it listed at a little over $70k. Man, at this price am I wrong to even consider the Cayman S instead ? .......I still think a lightly used 335i (around $38K) offers the best performance for the price..........
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-14-2008, 02:59 PM	#2
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	Well there are a lot of factors in this one. It really comes down to what you think is good for you. I mean with the M3 you can carry some people and have room for luggage and such. You cant do the same with the Cayman. As for the 335i, sure you can get it used but it's still not an M3. The M3 has a better chassis, suspension, braking system, LSD, etc. A modded 335i could keep up with the M3 in drag races but in the twisties, even the 335i might have to bow to the king. Of course people can argue that a heavily modded 335i would take on the M3. While that might be true, the money spent on modding that 335 would end up costing about as much if not more than the M3 (it's especially true if you buy a used E9x M3).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2008, 03:18 PM	#3
mmm def Colonel 144 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	In short, I feel happy in my 335 and wouldn't spend the $20k+ for the M3 after being in my 335. Sure the M3 is a lot better..but that's a lot of coin. And for 70k I'd be in a Cayman S or a low mileage babied 997.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2008, 04:06 PM	#4
BMW_TT Colonel 224 Rep 2,548 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (4)	I went by the dealership today to check out the new M's. To my surprise, the 4dr m3 made an impression on me than the e92 m3. The flares on the e90 m3 were so aggressive. I also like the soft leather in the m's compared to my 335i. I didn't get to drive it yet, because the e92 had some electrical problem.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2008, 05:01 PM	#6
BlackSapphireZ Major 97 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 22 GLE 53 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ladson, SC iTrader: (0)	i'd take a new 335... __________________ 2022 GLE 53 Coupe
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2008, 08:06 AM	#8
sailvi767 Private First Class 22 Rep 112 Posts Drives: 95BMWM3(full Dinan) 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: N.C. iTrader: (0)	If you can find a Caymen S new for around 60k let me know where!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2008, 08:10 AM	#9
CalZ4M Private 0 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M Coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	Justified. Drove an E92 M3 this past weekend. My dad has a 335i coupe 6 speed and the M3 is a completely different animal. Worth every penny.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2008, 08:53 AM	#10
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 481 Rep 8,828 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	In sunny SoCal, I'd say go for it, coz you can drive it all year round. For us people in the NE where there's something called SNOW, it wouldn't work out as well. __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-17-2008, 09:51 PM	#11
cycler Major General 137 Rep 8,067 Posts Drives: 2011 Streetglide and 2011 Dyna Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Long Island NY iTrader: (0)	IMO a nicely modded 335 along with my big dog bulldog pro street is all I need. Ide rather have two nice rides instead of one great ride.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-18-2008, 05:08 AM	#15
Chris.G Banned 105 Rep 3,120 Posts Drives: 2011 LCI MSPORT X5 30d Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	WOW! You guys have it great but have no idea.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-18-2008, 12:37 PM	#16
grumpybear not afraid to call it like I see it 32 Rep 316 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: right outside the gates of hell iTrader: (0)	I can find better ways to spend 70K then on an M3 coupe or sedan. They are nice cars but there's no way they are 25-30K better then a 335. Hell, they're not 25-30K better then a E90 330i....
	Appreciate 0 Quote