Add a Daily Driver?

[jc05e46m3]

Alright team, here's my predicament (first world problems, for sure)

Back in the day, I had an M4 and had a MK7 GTI as a daily because I live in a region that sees 4 seasons. I also am still in the military reserves, which requires me to drive about ~500 miles per month. I've gone through some several large life changes (A couple promotions and a new infant) and have also been trying out more cars like porridge recently in an attempt to find the "perfect" solution.

I'm now leaning towards adding a third car so I don't have to use my new F80 for the unnecessary travel and baby duty. I've narrowed my choices down to a couple fairly cheap E90s, a mid-priced e90, and a more expensive, yet well priced f30. Here are some examples:

2008 E90, basic configuration, 100k on the clock, black on tan: Call it $8k

2011 E90, well-optioned with M sport, 80k on the clock, Lemans blue on black, AA Rear section: Call it $14.5k

2013 F30, loaded with M sport, 60k on the clock, Melbourne red on black: Call it $20k

I rounded for sale of ease of reading and the prices would be out-the-door landed. For full transparency, I'm leaning towards eliminating the first option. I'm really just torn on the second two.

Open to hear thoughts and strong opinions.

[Hachima]

When you say F30 is it a 335xi? xi has a bit more performance than the i plus it covers your seasonal driving needs. MSport is the body style but if it also has the M Suspension/dynamic handling that would make it even better. That setup would get you the most enjoyment

Now if its a 320i... well pass on that =p.

If the first two don't provide any advantage other than budgeting the third option is the clear choice, otherwise it really depends on what your budget is. This selection of choices seem to indicate that's the only thing you are trying to compare. Now if you were trying to compare an A4 quattro vs a 335xi vs an X3 for the same year that would be more interesting =p

My other car is a 2016 340xi w/ MPPSK and M upgrades and had a 2013 335xi w/ M upgrades and MPPK before that and I look forward to snow days when I get to take it out

[JustChris]

I DD my F82 in winter, 4 seasons here in the UK doing 20,000 mpa. Could you invest in a set of winters, and each spring treat your even more practical F80 to a FULL paint restore and detail?

The savings would be immense vs spending on other cars....and you'd be in the F80 all the time?

Not what you were looking for I know but another option?

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by JustChris

I DD my F82 in winter, 4 seasons here in the UK doing 20,000 mpa. Could you invest in a set of winters, and each spring treat your even more practical F80 to a FULL paint restore and detail?

The savings would be immense vs spending on other cars....and you'd be in the F80 all the time?

Not what you were looking for I know but another option?

Definitely an option, but the least favorable to me. I should have mentioned that my F80 is also an individual color and I would hate to have unnecessary mileage on it.

Originally Posted by Hachima

When you say F30 is it a 335xi? xi has a bit more performance than the i plus it covers your seasonal driving needs. MSport is the body style but if it also has the M Suspension/dynamic handling that would make it even better. That setup would get you the most enjoyment

Now if its a 320i... well pass on that =p.

If the first two don't provide any advantage other than budgeting the third option is the clear choice, otherwise it really depends on what your budget is. This selection of choices seem to indicate that's the only thing you are trying to compare. Now if you were trying to compare an A4 quattro vs a 335xi vs an X3 for the same year that would be more interesting =p

My other car is a 2016 340xi w/ MPPSK and M upgrades and had a 2013 335xi w/ M upgrades and MPPK before that and I look forward to snow days when I get to take it out

Thanks for the detailed response! I should have mentioned that all of the options are 335i models. I was considering the xi, but not sure I need it. Im also hoping to keep happy with something like a 335 everyday that way I can get something like a GT3/991T/R8 V10+/F90 in a couple years to replace the F80

[XsltAnalyst]

I would say get something comfy and relaxing for a DD that's not a 3 series. You'll appreciate the contrast between the two.

Used car possibilities are endless. Usual german choices like W221 MB, X5/5 series, Audi, or it even could be a new prius (which actually drives nice compared to old version).

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by XsltAnalyst

I would say get something comfy and relaxing for a DD that's not a 3 series. You'll appreciate the contrast between the two.

Used car possibilities are endless. Usual german choices like W221 MB, X5/5 series, Audi, or it even could be a new prius (which actually drives nice compared to old version).

I don't need anything comfy for a DD. My commute is relatively short. I already spoiled myself with an RS7 previously, but the comfort left me yearning for more "feel" and excitement. It's all illogical, yet logical at the same time.

[JackieChiles]

Everyone is different but if I were to go back to two cars again, (if I could afford it and actually use it, 2 kids now) I wouldn’t have something like an m3 as my sports car

It makes more sense to have a more useable dd and a more extreme sports car, like a 911 or such. I’ve had both and while the m3 is great it’s no sports car.

But, if you want to use the m3 as a sports car, then something like a sporty suv or a golf r if you want to stay sporty for the dd makes way more sense than a small 3 series. Especially the f series 3 series, those do not drive well at all imo, terrible steering and feel.

[SheWentToJared]

f8x is a perfect daily!

[RickFLM4]

Why can’t the GTI (or whatever the second car is) be driven when you don’t want to drive the M4? Post 6 says commute is relatively short. I wouldn’t deal with the cost and hassle of a third car (upfront cost / maintenance / repairs / insurance) for a short commute. I’d most likely just drive the M4 or the second car. If I did feel compelled to get a third car, it would be something reliable, with very low operating costs. So I guess my answer is (d) none of the above.

[jc05e46m3]

Originally Posted by RickFLM4

Why can't the GTI (or whatever the second car is) be driven when you don't want to drive the M4? Post 6 says commute is relatively short. I wouldn't deal with the cost and hassle of a third car (upfront cost / maintenance / repairs / insurance) for a short commute. I'd most likely just drive the M4 or the second car. If I did feel compelled to get a third car, it would be something reliable, with very low operating costs. So I guess my answer is (d) none of the above.

The M4/GTI was the setup I had 4 years ago, and I loved having that combo plus my wife's car. Right now I'm down for my f80 and my wife's car, but really don't want to impact her whatsoever, hence the want for a third again. I'd like to get into a GT3/991T/R8V10+, or even a lightly used Huracan in a couple years, so having a second 4-door now would enable that if I were to dump the F80 in the future.

[M3BeamerVroom]

11 e90. Had one before f80. Would have kept but put so many miles on and extended warranty ran out.

[Bimmers4life]

When I ordered my 2018 F80 knowing it would be a weekend toy I also picked up a 2011 328i to use as a daily. Struck gold with the E90 I found. It was an elderly female 1-owner, clean carfax, every option available, 65k miles, dealer records from day one and I paid $11,500 cash.

E90


The F80 and the wifeys new X5

[nicknaz]

Originally Posted by jc05e46m3

I don't need anything comfy for a DD. My commute is relatively short.

yearning for more "feel" and excitement.

Get a 996 C4S or C4 that's up to date on maintenance and has IMS and RMS issues already handled

Good "feel", AWD for winter, decently reliable (but you'll need to pony up $ for maintenance)

Not sure how you feel about imports, but a nicely modded EVO or STi is the classic "cheap sedan you can beat up and slide around in the winter"

Honestly, I think you're using the commuter as an excuse to get a 3rd car, because the F8x is perfectly fine for a short commute on snow tires. So you might as well get something fun, rather than a non M BMW

[damnitBobby]

Lol you just bought a practical sedan. Get some snows if that's a concern. You shouldn't baby your car because it's a M3 or because it's painted red lol.

Throwing a chunk of money at another car doesn't make any sense to me. Insurance, tires, unforeseen repairs, depreciation, etc. it's all more expensive than if you were to simply drive your F80.

[cookiesncream]

F30, E90s have too many problems.

[Bimmers4life]

Originally Posted by alpineoud

F30, E90s have too many problems.

My E90 is solid and problem free.

[sdshah]

Your individual M3 is already taking a huge dump in depreciation if you haven't checked the market recently.

Might be worth winters and driving it. I think you are in for a surprise when you sell it with 10k miles or 20k miles...

[Bimmers4life]

Originally Posted by sdshah

Your individual M3 is already taking a huge dump in depreciation if you haven't checked the market recently.

Might be worth winters and driving it. I think you are in for a surprise when you sell it with 10k miles or 20k miles...

There’s a concept many can not grasp. That is the fact that just because one chooses to keep their F80 as a weekend toy or just drive on rare occasions does not mean they’re “babying” it or keeping the miles off so it can hold its value.

When I set out to get a weekend toy I looked a lot of cars wanting to stay sub $150k. Taking everything into account. Cost of ownership, value, practicality etc. I had it narrowed down to a GT4. Then it dawned on me. Being 35 years old married with two girls 8 & 6 I would hardly ever drive the GT4 even on the weekends because it’s a two seater. So then I thought hmm how about a new M3. Perfedmance, looks, and space for the whole family. It’s got everything I need so we as a family can all enjoy on the weekend and if I want I can also do occasional track days.

If I had a Ferrari 430 or 360 and said it was a weekend toy you would think well of course that makes sense. But why is it that some get so bent out of shape with the idea of having an F80 as a weekend car? I am well aware the car will depreciate and I’m okay with that. Most cars are not investments. Thought I’d share my situation and perspective on having an F80 as a weekend car.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by jc05e46m3

Alright team, here's my predicament (first world problems, for sure)

Back in the day, I had an M4 and had a MK7 GTI as a daily because I live in a region that sees 4 seasons. I also am still in the military reserves, which requires me to drive about ~500 miles per month. I've gone through some several large life changes (A couple promotions and a new infant) and have also been trying out more cars like porridge recently in an attempt to find the "perfect" solution.

I'm now leaning towards adding a third car so I don't have to use my new F80 for the unnecessary travel and baby duty. I've narrowed my choices down to a couple fairly cheap E90s, a mid-priced e90, and a more expensive, yet well priced f30. Here are some examples:

2008 E90, basic configuration, 100k on the clock, black on tan: Call it $8k

2011 E90, well-optioned with M sport, 80k on the clock, Lemans blue on black, AA Rear section: Call it $14.5k

2013 F30, loaded with M sport, 60k on the clock, Melbourne red on black: Call it $20k

I rounded for sale of ease of reading and the prices would be out-the-door landed. For full transparency, I'm leaning towards eliminating the first option. I'm really just torn on the second two.

Open to hear thoughts and strong opinions.

I just went through a similar exercise. E90 felt too old, and no warranty.

I ended up w a 14 320i 25k miles for $17k. Sport pack and a few other options.

The 320 feels like a rental car in terms of interior quality and amenities , but it does fit the bill for a get around town DD. Plus at $17k depreciation will be very minimal.

[sdshah]

Originally Posted by Bimmers4life

There’s a concept many can not grasp. That is the fact that just because one chooses to keep their F80 as a weekend toy or just drive on rare occasions does not mean they’re “babying” it or keeping the miles off so it can hold its value.

When I set out to get a weekend toy I looked a lot of cars wanting to stay sub $150k. Taking everything into account. Cost of ownership, value, practicality etc. I had it narrowed down to a GT4. Then it dawned on me. Being 35 years old married with two girls 8 & 6 I would hardly ever drive the GT4 even on the weekends because it’s a two seater. So then I thought hmm how about a new M3. Perfedmance, looks, and space for the whole family. It’s got everything I need so we as a family can all enjoy on the weekend and if I want I can also do occasional track days.

If I had a Ferrari 430 or 360 and said it was a weekend toy you would think well of course that makes sense. But why is it that some get so bent out of shape with the idea of having an F80 as a weekend car? I am well aware the car will depreciate and I’m okay with that. Most cars are not investments. Thought I’d share my situation and perspective on having an F80 as a weekend car.

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh What are you saying?

He said

"Definitely an option, but the least favorable to me. I should have mentioned that my F80 is also an individual color and I would hate to have unnecessary mileage on it."

And then mentions would want to move to a Huracan etc in the near future.


Sooooooo?

Enjoy your car and drive it everyday. It'll never turn that purple 4 door m3 into a red Ferrari

[Alpine300zhp]

Originally Posted by Bimmers4life

There’s a concept many can not grasp. That is the fact that just because one chooses to keep their F80 as a weekend toy or just drive on rare occasions does not mean they’re “babying” it or keeping the miles off so it can hold its value.

When I set out to get a weekend toy I looked a lot of cars wanting to stay sub $150k. Taking everything into account. Cost of ownership, value, practicality etc. I had it narrowed down to a GT4. Then it dawned on me. Being 35 years old married with two girls 8 & 6 I would hardly ever drive the GT4 even on the weekends because it’s a two seater. So then I thought hmm how about a new M3. Perfedmance, looks, and space for the whole family. It’s got everything I need so we as a family can all enjoy on the weekend and if I want I can also do occasional track days.

If I had a Ferrari 430 or 360 and said it was a weekend toy you would think well of course that makes sense. But why is it that some get so bent out of shape with the idea of having an F80 as a weekend car? I am well aware the car will depreciate and I’m okay with that. Most cars are not investments. Thought I’d share my situation and perspective on having an F80 as a weekend car.

Your story makes sense. FWIW, I'm in the camp that thinks that the F80/82 make great daily drivers and I use mine in that fashion. However, I'm in sunny South Florida where rolling on summer max tires all year is fine. Most people who live in colder climates seem to feel that the F80/82 do not make great daily drivers and are better as weekend cars. If it were me, and I was living back in the northeast, the F80/82 would still be my daily driver just with a winter wheel set for the cold months.

[BMW M Power Mexico]

I'd either drive the wheels of your current F80 (the M3 is THE all around car) or, if definitely getting an additional DD, go for something much more different than another 3 series like some have said. Some ideas (some fun, some practical - all different):

- Any MINI, GTI, X1/2/3, pickup truck, Jeep, something convertible