M3 vs. M4

[drburton]

Is anyone else having problems deciding which car they will purchase. I'm currently on the waiting list for both and I'm struggling to finalize a decision. Some thoughts on what I like about each:

M4
- Generally prefer coupes, based on styling. Coming from E92
- Coupe format is much less prevalent where I live, 3 series sedans are everywhere.
- Lower sitting position is a plus
- Love the trunk on the M4

M3
- More practical, I have two kids, so easier entry & exit
- Love the flared fenders, overall very nice looking for a sedan
- Less $$, so some savings on cost

At the end of the day, I think the M3 is the better choice, but I'm having problems walking away from the M4.

For those who have gone to the auto shows, did anyone change their mind based on seeing them in person?

[damnitBobby]

You said you have kids, can you suffice with another coupe? Only reason I would get the sedan is if I really needed the rear doors and extra space.. but I don't and I am a coupe guy and will remain that way

If you have another vehicle (assuming it's a four door) then this is an easy choice coupe all the way.

[LSM]

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

You said you have kids, can you suffice with another coupe? Only reason I would get the sedan is if I really needed the rear doors and extra space.. but I don't and I am a coupe guy and will remain that way

If you have another vehicle (assuming it's a four door) then this is an easy choice coupe all the way.

+1

[CanAutM3]

I am in the same spot as you: 2 young kids (1 month a 3 years), prefer coupes and current owner of a E92 M3. I also debated between the M3 and M4 and after spending 2 hours ogling both at the car show, I decided I preferred the look of the M4 and it is what I ordered.

[LDSM]

I"m always interested in hearing peoples experiences with coupes and kids.

I know everyone always says, get the 4 door and deal with it, etc. but I honestly don't think it would be that big of a deal, once you set the car seats up, and when they get old enough to get in and out on their own it'll be even easier.

[dmk08]

I was in the same place as you after owning an E90. I wanted to stay Sedan strong but couldn't decide. I ended up going F82 for a nice change of pace. I do however think the F80 is beautiful and you can't go wrong with either.

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by elevenfive

I"m always interested in hearing peoples experiences with coupes and kids.

I know everyone always says, get the 4 door and deal with it, etc. but I honestly don't think it would be that big of a deal, once you set the car seats up, and when they get old enough to get in and out on their own it'll be even easier.

+1! I have kids and the M4 will be my 3rd coupe. It really isnt as big of a deal as people make it. Plus, I figure I will be in the car alone for most of the time since I will daily drive it to and from work while the wife takes the kids back and forth to school. I always say "get the car YOU want as you will be the one spending the most time in it" within reason of course. (not reasonable for most to get a 2 seater when they have kids).

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by elevenfive

I"m always interested in hearing peoples experiences with coupes and kids.

I know everyone always says, get the 4 door and deal with it, etc. but I honestly don't think it would be that big of a deal, once you set the car seats up, and when they get old enough to get in and out on their own it'll be even easier.

That is what I have been saying all along in the various threads. I've had my E92 for 6 years now and my daughter just turned 3. Never had an issue with baby seats. I actually find it easier to strap her in the back of my coupe compared to my wife's 4 door Audi S4. In the M3, I can move the seat forward and stand in front of her instead of having to crouch over from the outside. Now with the second kid here, it is still working fine. I guess when the kids get older and are able to get in and out of the car by themselves, the 4 door can be more convenient. In the meantime, the M4 gets my vote.

[Roki_014]

imo m3 is more different from the 3 series m sport, where m4 and 4 are not that different cuz the 4 has that boomerang thing on the side, i have the 335 m sport and the m3 looks much wider than mine, i wish the m4 trunk was on the m3 than it would be perfect

[pkimM3r]

does the coupe sit lower than the sedan? isn't it based on the same platform and the same seats? or is the dash actually lower thereby requiring lower seats?

[Wdh777]

Is the leather on the dash below the dash or is it actually on top of the dash? If on top of the dash then is it black vs the matching color? Thanks

[Blindside_137]

Which would you regret more?

Having an M3 and peace of mind for the extra room when you'll only "need" it a fraction of the time, but regretting not going with the M4 every time you see one?

Or getting the M4 which I gather you really want, but wishing you had that extra practicality whenever it would be useful?

If I were you, I'd still go for the coupe (and if there is a second car available to drive the kids around then it's a no brainer)

[pkimM3r]

nothing worse than seeing a coupe b-packed in with 4 ppl

[paddy335]

Personally I will be getting the M3 primarily because I think it is better looking.

It is a bonus that it is also more versatile.

[Black Gold]

Originally Posted by paddy335

Personally I will be getting the M3 primarily because I think it is better looking.

It is a bonus that it is also more versatile.

this

[jbockrd]

We will all need to live with you for a week to determine your life's needs. What time shall we arrive?? LOL

Are you selfish about your car, like most of us? Then order what you love!!! Kids need more exercise anyway

[ss134]

I prefer the look of the 4 door.......plus it has that iconic name which is a bonus.

[Chill72]

Originally Posted by pkim1079

does the coupe sit lower than the sedan? isn't it based on the same platform and the same seats? or is the dash actually lower thereby requiring lower seats?

It is not that the coupe is lower , it is the height of the roof which is lower.

[Needsdecaf]

1. Prefer the look of the M3. Those fender flares!
2. It really is less of a hassle. Anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.
3. Long coupe doors are a PITA in my tight garage. Hell, large SUV doors are shorter and they already cause issues.
4. Cheaper
5. Still an M3.

Now, it's entirely possible to do the kid-in-a-coupe thing. I see one woman at my daycare with about a 3 year old in the back of her 435i (nice car). But I can't handle the garage issues....it's horrible as it is now. Plus I love wagons, so apparently I like the nerdy cars...

[Chill72]

I'm going with M3 simply because I hated long coupe doors on my E92.

[Powaup]

M4, go for the one you really want, your kids will be able to make it to the backseat on their own sooner than you think

[pkimM3r]

Originally Posted by Chill72

It is not that the coupe is lower , it is the height of the roof which is lower.

edit: just reread your post and I think you are misunderstanding my post....I am talking about seating position being lower (as OP mentioned) and not the car being lower.

so how does that affect seating position is what I'm asking...if everything else is the same, you have less head room in the coupe....that doesn't equal lower seat position. Why can't these cars seat like porsches?!