M3 vs 540i

damnitBobby · 03-14-2017, 11:40 PM

So I'll be making a purchase later this year and am seriously considering a new F80. But it doesn't escape me that the new 540i is a pretty good value in comparison.

I could get a decently equipped 540i for about $15k less than a decently equipped M3. The 540i would drive much quieter, more comfortable, have a much nicer interior, and have a silky smooth B58 engine. I wouldn't tick the M sport package because I'm not really into the M sport look on the new 5 series. I won't be tracking this car (I'll have actual sports cars for that purpose). I do like spirited drives on farm roads. The car will be a daily driven about 15k miles per year.

I told my brother-in-law (not an enthusiast) I would be spending $75k on a 3 series. He thought I was foolish for overlooking the new 540i.

hau_nguyen91 · 03-14-2017, 11:46 PM

At the end of the day , you should do what make you happy

dr.mba · 03-15-2017, 12:12 AM

Sounds to me like you already made up your mind.

M

JDE92M3 · 03-15-2017, 02:48 AM

If you already have "sports cars" and don't want to spend $75K on a 3 series. Then it seems like the answer to your question is fairly obvious. The M3 will be nowhere near as cushy as a 5 series. But I can confidently say the M3 will have better resale compared to the 540. But you seem like the type of person that enjoys the finer things in life, so resale shouldn't bother you. I think you would have a better argument going to the 5 series forums, and asking the same question. Because I think you can assume what majority of the people on "F80post" will say lol. And if you don't care for M-sport or that look, then why is the M3 even a contender? Because the M3 is an exaggerated version of the M-sport models. To keep it simple your paying for dynamics when it comes to a M3. For the 5 you get additional tech, comfort and bragging rights to have a first gen car (IDK if that's a thing..) I'll be honest these are two very weird cars to be cross shopping..

JD

JDE92M3 · 03-15-2017, 03:05 AM

Maybe read this post, should have some fairly good information that you can directly translate to your comparison. You will end up hearing the same thing anyway.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1356663

JD

03-14-2017, 11:40 PM	#1
damnitBobby Major 992 Rep 1,370 Posts Drives: 2018 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	M3 vs 540i So I'll be making a purchase later this year and am seriously considering a new F80. But it doesn't escape me that the new 540i is a pretty good value in comparison. I could get a decently equipped 540i for about $15k less than a decently equipped M3. The 540i would drive much quieter, more comfortable, have a much nicer interior, and have a silky smooth B58 engine. I wouldn't tick the M sport package because I'm not really into the M sport look on the new 5 series. I won't be tracking this car (I'll have actual sports cars for that purpose). I do like spirited drives on farm roads. The car will be a daily driven about 15k miles per year. I told my brother-in-law (not an enthusiast) I would be spending $75k on a 3 series. He thought I was foolish for overlooking the new 540i. Attached Images
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03-14-2017, 11:46 PM	#2
hau_nguyen91 Lieutenant 196 Rep 575 Posts Drives: YMB 17 M3 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	At the end of the day , you should do what make you happy
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03-15-2017, 12:12 AM	#3
dr.mba Captain 275 Rep 722 Posts Drives: 2017 F. Grey M3 ZCP Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Sounds to me like you already made up your mind. M __________________ A mind is a terrible thing to waste
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03-15-2017, 02:48 AM	#4
JDE92M3 Major 874 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: 2016 YMB M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	If you already have "sports cars" and don't want to spend $75K on a 3 series. Then it seems like the answer to your question is fairly obvious. The M3 will be nowhere near as cushy as a 5 series. But I can confidently say the M3 will have better resale compared to the 540. But you seem like the type of person that enjoys the finer things in life, so resale shouldn't bother you. I think you would have a better argument going to the 5 series forums, and asking the same question. Because I think you can assume what majority of the people on "F80post" will say lol. And if you don't care for M-sport or that look, then why is the M3 even a contender? Because the M3 is an exaggerated version of the M-sport models. To keep it simple your paying for dynamics when it comes to a M3. For the 5 you get additional tech, comfort and bragging rights to have a first gen car (IDK if that's a thing..) I'll be honest these are two very weird cars to be cross shopping.. JD
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03-15-2017, 03:05 AM	#5
JDE92M3 Major 874 Rep 1,030 Posts Drives: 2016 YMB M3 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	Maybe read this post, should have some fairly good information that you can directly translate to your comparison. You will end up hearing the same thing anyway. http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1356663 JD
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