Ok all ... don't kill me this is a legitimate decision and I want you guys to let me know your thoughts on benefits either way. I have a 2001 CLS that I am gonna trade it ... current plan is to get the 2003 CLS 6-speed, but I have been looking pretty hard at a used M3 (99 about) that would run me about same ballpark on cost.

So this is a TOUGH call. I have been a passenger in an M3, but I am definetly going to take one for a spin as soon as I can. In either case - I am going with a manual trans.

Thoughts?

 

an M3 is quite the bitch in the winter but i dont think that will be a problem in NC.

 

what are you looking for in a car? Luxury or sportiness? if you're going to buy a cl and then spend $$ for performance I'd go w/the ///M3. All things being equal I'd go for the ///M3.

 

This is no contest. Do you want to cruise, or do you want to DRIVE? Only thing that would break it for me would be the pre-owned factor with the M3. I don't buy used. Period.

 

Yeah - FWD is not a huge requirement here as if the snow comes you pretty much have to park your car if you care about it ... it's called "no snow equipment in NC" :-)

I definetly lean towards the sporty aspect which is why I want the 6-speed CLS, BUT the Acura/Honda reliability factor is deeply entrenched in me. I have had a CRX, 2 Integra's, a Legend, and now a CLS ... ALL have been solid bar none. (the CRX was bulletproof).

So I would have to score an M3 with like 30K miles on it I think as I too am a "new car guy"

How does the interior of the M3 compare with the CLS?

 

M3 isn't hard to drive in the snow. Most M3 owners put them away for the winter because they just don't want any salt on em. Throw some snow tires on and you'll have yourself a tank (ask around, you'll see)!

As for the 'used' factor, just get around it by buying a BMW certified M3. That way you get the extended factory warranty up to 100,000 miles plus another 3-6 years depending on how they do the warranty.

Trust me, for the money, nothing compares!

 

Don't believe a word he says!! he just uses his BMW to bang chicks!

 

I personnally would look at a 540 before an M3. It is quite a bit more car. I have driven several old 3 body styles and it is too small for me compared to the CLS.

 

get an S4!! just kidding, the m3 is the smarter choice, couple of reasons, it is exclusive, great fit and finish, less depreciation, good transmission , nicer leather, and finally IMO longer lasting look. not flaming cl's, you have one, you know, just take that m3 for an hour drive and you'll feel the difference. good luck.

 

Ah, a '99. That means it's just into the meat of the time when things are going to start going wrong! Why not wait and see what the 6MT CLS is like before you make up your mind?

 

just get the m3 and be done with it.. its what you really want anyway.. unless the 2003 cl-s is going to lose ~500 lbs, get 50/50 weight distro, decent gear ratios and decent tires..

i highly doubt any of these things will happen and when my lease runs out ill be getting a 99 m3.. hell i'd be surprised if honda can make a seatbelt that goes back on its own..

i would rate the interiors equal.. though the 'vader' m3 seats can be pain on long trips.. i'll be replacing mine with some recaro pole positions (16lbs each)..

 

The other problem with buying a used performance car is that you just never know how it was treated by the guy before you!

 

I think you should get a neon while you ponder it.