550i, PEACE! E90 M3 here I come! (maybe)

[PLAYON]

As many of you have know I was debating between an E90 M3 and a 550i. I went with the 550i for several reasons:

1) At 23 years old insurance was significantly different between the M3 and the 550i (sucks for me).

2) I can fit 5 people comfortably without any worries.

3) The 550i was optioned exactly the way I wanted it: loaded with every option minus the power rear sunshade and a 6MT. (sidenote: The HUD is sick!)

4) After sitting in the 550i I absolutely fell in love with the layout of the interior, not to mention the comfort of the seats.

AND

5) I've only owned one other car (Audi A4 UltraSport) and wanted something a bit roomier and more refined.

So after meeting all my criteria, and exceeding any expectations I had for the 550i I want an M3. I probably sit at work for at least an hour a day thinking about an Alpine White with Coral Red E90 M3. And after seeing all you guys get your M3's I now have a chronic case of buyers remorse. I know financially I would be taking a huge hit (I think) but I'm well on my way to paying it off and would like your opinions on whether I should take the hit financially and make the move or suck it up and a settle for the "lowly 550i".

[Sedan_Clan]

I'd stick w/ the 550i. You obviously engaged in the painstaking task of weighing the pros & cons between the two cars, and found yourself in the seat of the 550i. The 550i is probably more practical for you (..based on your current/previous comments), so I'd suggest that you resist making the hasty decision to purchase an M3.

I understand how much of an influence a forum like M3Post can have on an individual/enthusiast. After all, many members spend hours researching this forum on a daily basis. The pros/cons haven't changed, and you will definitely take a huge financial hit if you decide to purchase an M3 (..whose prices are already inflated as it is). Approach this logically.......do yourself a favor and wait bro.

Is the 550i a lease or purchase?

[335 S]

Go big or go home. Jettison the 550 and get the M3.

As I understand it, you bought the 550 before the E90 came out. Now the E90 has more than your current sled. Take the hit on the payoff, take advantage of low interest rates, and finance the M3 for 5 or 6 years. The sensory return will more than cover the investment. Seriously reconsider the E92. Who really puts 3 adults in the back of an E90?

[Crops]

Originally Posted by PLAYON

As many of you have know I was debating between an E90 M3 and a 550i. I went with the 550i for several reasons:

1) At 23 years old insurance was significantly different between the M3 and the 550i (sucks for me).

2) I can fit 5 people comfortably without any worries.

3) The 550i was optioned exactly the way I wanted it: loaded with every option minus the power rear sunshade and a 6MT. (sidenote: The HUD is sick!)

4) After sitting in the 550i I absolutely fell in love with the layout of the interior, not to mention the comfort of the seats.

AND

5) I've only owned one other car (Audi A4 UltraSport) and wanted something a bit roomier and more refined.

So after meeting all my criteria, and exceeding any expectations I had for the 550i I want an M3. I probably sit at work for at least an hour a day thinking about an Alpine White with Coral Red E90 M3. And after seeing all you guys get your M3's I now have a chronic case of buyers remorse. I know financially I would be taking a huge hit (I think) but I'm well on my way to paying it off and would like your opinions on whether I should take the hit financially and make the move or suck it up and a settle for the "lowly 550i".

I'm doing the same thing, Playon. My SA says there are no production dates for the '09 e90 M3 yet. Did you hear that you can get one in the near future?

[Krueger///M3]

Originally Posted by 335 S

Go big or go home. Jettison the 550 and get the M3.

As I understand it, you bought the 550 before the E90 came out. Now the E90 has more than your current sled. Take the hit on the payoff, take advantage of low interest rates, and finance the M3 for 5 or 6 years. The sensory return will more than cover the investment. Seriously reconsider the E92. Who really puts 3 adults in the back of an E90?

Playon recently bought his 550i, a few weeks ago I think.

[ACZakka325i]

Originally Posted by 335 S

Go big or go home. finance the M3 for 5 or 6 years.

Who the hell would want to finance a car for 6 years? Its not a house man.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by 335 S

Go big or go home. Jettison the 550 and get the M3.

As I understand it, you bought the 550 before the E90 came out. Now the E90 has more than your current sled. Take the hit on the payoff, take advantage of low interest rates, and finance the M3 for 5 or 6 years. The sensory return will more than cover the investment. Seriously reconsider the E92. Who really puts 3 adults in the back of an E90?

That "low interest rate" is part of BMW's creative financing program which results in a huge balloon payment at the end of the 60 months. It's not all icing and candy!

FYI...If he were to consider the E92, then he'd also have to kiss that 2.9% goodbye.

[m3larson]

I went from a 550I 6 speed to a E92. My insurance went down and I am 30 years old.

I loved my 550I. It was a fantastic car. However the M3 is a different Beast all together. I track my M3 and dont drive it everyday. I have a X5 that I drive daily. If I was going for one car only it would be the M5.

[PLAYON]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Is the 550i a lease or purchase?

It's a purchase which I'll look to have paid off shortly, I put a substantial down payment down to keep the monthly payments low.

Originally Posted by 335 S

Go big or go home. Jettison the 550 and get the M3.

As I understand it, you bought the 550 before the E90 came out. Now the E90 has more than your current sled. Take the hit on the payoff, take advantage of low interest rates, and finance the M3 for 5 or 6 years. The sensory return will more than cover the investment. Seriously reconsider the E92. Who really puts 3 adults in the back of an E90?

I bought the 550i about two months ago. And love nearly everything about it. But it's a fairly big car to be driving around everyday. And the M3 is sex on wheels.

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

FYI...If he were to consider the E92, then he'd also have to kiss that 2.9% goodbye.

Call me crazy but I'm one of the few on M3Post who prefer the lines of the E90. It's gorgeous.

More food for thought: How much better will the 4.0-liter, V-8 engine of the M3 be on gas versus the 4.8-liter, V-8 engine of the 550i? (if at all)

[stickypaws]

Playon, playon. What can I say?

But let me say this in all sincerity:

You are going to take a big financial hit. You need to appreciate what you already have, my friend. The economy is in the toilet and things are not looking good right now. Save your money, and try to make it grow. Seriously, at your age you feel invincible and want the goodies money will buy. But trust me on this, in 10-15 years or so you will regret being a spendthrift.

When you bought your 550i, you said you knew what you were doing.

You know there's always going to be something "better" out there and you will always be lured to part with your money. Get the M3 and there will be something else you want.

I realize you came into some money from a settlement, but his time try to be the wise one and not the impulsive one.

Remember, this is what you said on the forum when I was asking everyone about their opinions of a 328iT for me as a daily driver (for everybody else, I also own an 11 year-old 993 as my "fun" car.) I had thought for a bit about a 550i but didn't think it financially wise (it is an expensive car which is quickly losing its value and also the F10 will be here soon)......

Originally Posted by PLAYON

550i FTMFW. I know you handle your decisions with thought and care but buy on impulse here. . .go with the 5er

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by PLAYON

It's a purchase which I'll look to have paid off shortly, I put a substantial down payment down to keep the monthly payments low.



I bought the 550i about two months ago. And love nearly everything about it. But it's a fairly big car to be driving around everyday. And the M3 is sex on wheels.



Call me crazy but I'm one of the few on M3Post who prefer the lines of the E90. It's gorgeous.

More food for thought: How much better will the 4.0-liter, V-8 engine of the M3 be on gas versus the 4.8-liter, V-8 engine of the 550i? (if at all)

Why didn't you factor in the size of the 550i before purchasing it? IMHO, the size of the car should have been one of the primary factors considered. The 550i isn't that much bigger than an E90 M3, so there won't be a dramatic difference between the two cars.

How many miles per gallon do you average from the 550i? I doubt you'd experience any gains in the mileage department if you opted for the M3.

Wise words stickypaws! Wise words!

[PLAYON]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Playon, playon. What can I say?

But let me say this in all sincerity:

You are going to take a big financial hit. You need to appreciate what you already have, my friend. The economy is in the toilet and things are not looking good right now. Save your money, and try to make it grow. Seriously, at your age you feel invincible and want the goodies money will buy. But trust me on this, in 10-15 years or so you will regret being a spendthrift.

When you bought your 550i, you said you knew what you were doing.

You know there's always going to be something "better" out there and you will always be lured to part with your money. Get the M3 and there will be something else you want.

I realize you came into some money from a settlement, but his time try to be the wise one and not the impulsive one.

Remember, this is what you said on the forum when I was asking everyone about their opinions of a 328iT for me as a daily driver (for everybody else, I also own an 11 year-old 993 as my "fun" car.) I had thought for a bit about a 550i but didn't think it financially wise (it is an expensive car which is quickly losing its value and also the F10 will be here soon)......

haha sticky my well grounded online advisor I knew you'd chime in. . .I would definitely choose the 550i over the wagon in your case. And I guess it's a temptation type thing more then anything in my case. I guess I'm just looking to hear what you guys have to say but I knew I would see a few wise lines from you. Thank you for that. Any ideas on the gas mileage of the M3 vs. the 550i?

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

How many miles per gallon do you average in the 550i? I doubt you'd experience any gains in the mileage department if you opted for the M3.

fwiw, the MY08 550i has no gas guzzler tax. That should give a hint.....

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by PLAYON

haha sticky my well grounded online advisor I knew you'd chime in. . .I would definitely choose the 550i over the wagon in your case. And I guess it's a temptation type thing more then anything in my case. I guess I'm just looking to hear what you guys have to say but I knew I would see a few wise lines from you. Thank you for that. Any ideas on the gas mileage of the M3 vs. the 550i?

It's definitely temptation bro. You just bought the 550i, so enjoy it.

[PLAYON]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

Why didn't you factor in the size of the 550i before purchasing it? IMHO, the size of the car should have been one of the primary factors considered. The 550i isn't that much bigger than an E90 M3, so there won't be a dramatic difference between the two cars.

How many miles per gallon do you average from the 550i? I doubt you'd experience any gains in the mileage department if you opted for the M3.

Wise words stickypaws! Wise words!

I did factor in the size. . and I guess what I'm saying when it comes to size is the "nimbleness" of the car. I took a trip to the dealer with my brother over the weekend and we took the E90 M3 out for drive (this is what has motivated my "irrational" thinking) and after getting some solid seat time in my 550i, its clear that while they may be similar in size the M3 is clearly the smaller (feeling) car. If that makes any sense.

[PLAYON]

Originally Posted by Sedan_Clan

How many miles per gallon do you average from the 550i? I doubt you'd experience any gains in the mileage department if you opted for the M3.

17MPG, pre-break in, mostly highway.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by PLAYON

I did factor in the size. . and I guess what I'm saying when it comes to size is the "nimbleness" of the car. I took a trip to the dealer with my brother over the weekend and we took the E90 M3 out for drive (this is what has motivated my "irrational" thinking) and after getting some solid seat time in my 550i, its clear that while they may be similar in size the M3 is clearly the smaller (feeling) car. If that makes any sense.

I understand! Driving that ///M3 has added an element of complexity. I'd still stick with the 550i though, especially since you just invested a hefty sum to purchase it.

Originally Posted by PLAYON

17MPG, pre-break in, mostly highway.

That's a decent average for the V8.

[335 S]

Originally Posted by stickypaws

Playon, playon. What can I say?

But let me say this in all sincerity:

You are going to take a big financial hit. You need to appreciate what you already have, my friend. The economy is in the toilet and things are not looking good right now. Save your money, and try to make it grow. Seriously, at your age you feel invincible and want the goodies money will buy. But trust me on this, in 10-15 years or so you will regret being a spendthrift.

When you bought your 550i, you said you knew what you were doing.

You know there's always going to be something "better" out there and you will always be lured to part with your money. Get the M3 and there will be something else you want.

I realize you came into some money from a settlement, but his time try to be the wise one and not the impulsive one.

Remember, this is what you said on the forum when I was asking everyone about their opinions of a 328iT for me as a daily driver (for everybody else, I also own an 11 year-old 993 as my "fun" car.) I had thought for a bit about a 550i but didn't think it financially wise (it is an expensive car which is quickly losing its value and also the F10 will be here soon)......

Um, excuse me for pointing out the obvious, but we actually live outside the comfort zone you condone. An M3 owner at the tender age of 23 (not me, twice that) is not thinking fiscal prudence, he or she is thinking balls to the walls hedonism. You want fiscal responsibility? Get a Subaru. How do you spell Subaru? My point is, a 550 is a fine sedan. An E90 is an M3. If you can't tell the difference, well, you get my point.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by PLAYON

I did factor in the size. . and I guess what I'm saying when it comes to size is the "nimbleness" of the car. I took a trip to the dealer with my brother over the weekend and we took the E90 M3 out for drive (this is what has motivated my "irrational" thinking) and after getting some solid seat time in my 550i, its clear that while they may be similar in size the M3 is clearly the smaller (feeling) car. If that makes any sense.

It weighs less. Take the 550i to the track and then see how you feel.

Remember you can't get a full treat from the M until you get to keep the rpms up there and take advantage of its gearing and that hp. You can't truly use them anywhere near their real potential on public streets. Same really with the NA V8 of the 550i. But you get a comfort car, too.

[Sedan_Clan]

Originally Posted by 335 S

Um, excuse me for pointing out the obvious, but we actually live outside the comfort zone you condone. An M3 owner at the tender age of 23 (not me, twice that) is not thinking fiscal prudence, he or she is thinking balls to the walls hedonism. You want fiscal responsibility? Get a Subaru. How do you spell Subaru? My point is, a 550 is a fine sedan. An E90 is an M3. If you can't tell the difference, well, you get my point.

The essential message that he is trying to convey focuses on the financial loss that PLAYON would undoubtedly experience. To buy a $50k+ car and consider trading it in after two months isn't a wise decision regardless of how you slice it.

[stickypaws]

Originally Posted by 335 S

Um, excuse me for pointing out the obvious, but we actually live outside the comfort zone you condone. An M3 owner at the tender age of 23 (not me, twice that) is not thinking fiscal prudence, he or she is thinking balls to the walls hedonism. You want fiscal responsibility? Get a Subaru. How do you spell Subaru? My point is, a 550 is a fine sedan. An E90 is an M3. If you can't tell the difference, well, you get my point.

I have owned numerous fine cars. And still own one of the finest. But I'm also very smart with my money. Which is why I have a lot of it. And which is why I have owned numerous fine cars.

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by ACZakka325i

Who the hell would want to finance a car for 6 years? Its not a house man.

i'm financing over 8 years (4.5%)
and yes i know that means i can't really afford this car
and i agree, i can't.
but i can afford the monthly payments for now

i am not going to be living in the states for very long and i want to own some nice cars before i leave
the price of an M3 in Egypt (where i come from) is 2 million Egyptian pounds
at todays rate $375K
i owned an '88 M3 E30 (my dream car ever since i was a kid)
and i had the Chrysler Crossfire (very underated) and now the Audi A5 which i am trying to sell.
i'm of the "enjoy life now, you never what know might happen tomorrow"
school.
and as i tell my friends, the life expetancy of Egyptian male is 66 years
since i am about to turn 36
i ain't got too much left
so gimme a V8 NOW!
(i think the tag line for the V8 juice would be fitting here)
coulda had a V8!