[imported_moto_za]

I need some serious help deciding what to do. I can't make a decision to purchase an 02-03 M3 or an 04-05 g35 coupe. I understand that these are completely different cars, but how should I decide? In terms of reliabilty and cost I would go for the g35 since I have heard many stories about the engine blowing up in the M3's?? Thoughts? Opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[sethchan]

Originally Posted by moto_za

I need some serious help deciding what to do. I can't make a decision to purchase an 02-03 M3 or an 04-05 g35 coupe. I understand that these are completely different cars, but how should I decide? In terms of reliabilty and cost I would go for the g35 since I have heard many stories about the engine blowing up in the M3's?? Thoughts? Opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

I think you are weighing the right factors. The M3 will be more fun to drive, but a risk, especially since most people who buy an M don't buy a car to baby it. The G35 will be a safer choice in terms of reliability, especially given the difference in age and the difference in driver habits.

But the car you buy won't be the average M3 or G35. It will be one specific vehicle which will either be a lemon or not. If you want an M3, you just have to inspect and choose more carefully the individual candidates. You could find a real beauty with low mileage or mostly freeway miles.

Even so, it's a safe bet that you will have somewhat higher maintenance costs with the M3, so you have to figure some of that into the purchase price, even if there are no catastrophic failures. There are probably tables and charts of average maintenance cost somewhere. I would figure that in, even though you are not buying the "average" car.

Oh, one more thought. Why don't you look at versions of each car that are a few years older than the one you are going to buy? That would give you some idea of what your car will look like when it is the same age.

[imported_moto_za]

Sounds good.. thanks a lot for the advice! Any other comments would also be appreciated!

[Nixon]

Call your insurance company before you buy. M3 insurance prices can be rough depending upon your age, location, etc...

[Brandon26pdx]

I'd stay away from used M3's in that age range, personally.

[NJKSC27]

cool factor = M3
reliability = g35
performance = M3
exclusivity = M3
maintenance = G35
insurance = G35
gas mileage = G35

G35 - 4
M3 - 3

winner- G35

atleast thats how i would look at it

[bmwzimmer]

I've owned both cars. The M3 hands down way more fun to drive and be seen in. I had an 03 G35 6MT. Great car but I just wanted a quicker car at the time. So I picked up a slightly used 03 M3 SMG. Maintenance was covered at the time so I didn't have to worry but I had to change the brakes every year and rotors every 1.5-2 years so maintenance will kill you unless you do all the work yourself. When the car hit 50K miles, I dumped it for a 335. Too risky for me.

[imported_moto_za]

Thanks again for the responses..really want an M3 but doesn't seem like I will be getting one...don't know...insurance is not much of a problem..but I am just worried about the maintenance costs and possible problems by purchasing a 02-03 vehicle..but I guess I can pay about 1k per year for a pretty good warranty?

[imported_moto_za]

Originally Posted by bmwzimmer

I've owned both cars. The M3 hands down way more fun to drive and be seen in. I had an 03 G35 6MT. Great car but I just wanted a quicker car at the time. So I picked up a slightly used 03 M3 SMG. Maintenance was covered at the time so I didn't have to worry but I had to change the brakes every year and rotors every 1.5-2 years so maintenance will kill you unless you do all the work yourself. When the car hit 50K miles, I dumped it for a 335. Too risky for me.

Thanks for the info..How would you compare the 335i to the others?
Also how do you see the M3 as being a daily driver?

[Nixon]

Originally Posted by moto_za

Thanks again for the responses..really want an M3 but doesn't seem like I will be getting one...don't know...insurance is not much of a problem..but I am just worried about the maintenance costs and possible problems by purchasing a 02-03 vehicle..but I guess I can pay about 1k per year for a pretty good warranty?

warranty won't cover brakes, clutch, or other wear items.

[imported_moto_za]

So I test drove a 2004 Infiniti G35 6MT today and the guy is asking for $23k. 32k miles on it, first owner, prem. package and all..Do you guys think I should get this? thanks!

[imported_135Driver]

For the price, I'd say go with the G. But it all depends on what you are buying it for. If you are just looking for a daily driver, I would go with the G hands down. But if you want more of a show quality car and engine ready to tune up, go with the M3. Just depends...

[jimmy13]

Here are the facts bro, I am a client advisor and I would have to say check out how the M was serviced. They are very costly after they hit 50k and if you do not have a maintance plan on them I would not even have the car then. If you need help on checkin out a car om my the last 7 on the M and I will let you know if it's worth the $$$$$$

peace

[imported_moto_za]

thanks a lot for the help and advice! You guys are awesome!

[imported_moto_za]

[imported_moto_za]

above is the car I am thinking about buying tomorrow..thoughts??

It is a 2004 G35 6MT, 33K, 1st owner, brembos, prem pack, etc asking about 23k...good deal or negotiate more? any opinions as always will be greatly appreciated!

[BMW135iCA]

Ask yourself this, are you going to be happy with this car a year or two down the road? If not, and you end up just buying a another car, that would be more of a waist of money.

Chris

[bavarianbutcher]

thought this was a 1 series forum?

[blue-coupe]

At $23k, the G35 is by far the better value. I just never really cared for them for some reason. They check all the right boxes, but somehow it just doesn't add up.

I think they are missing something in the styling, or maybe it's just bias on my part.

[blue-coupe]

But that is a good looking example. I love the wheels/breaks. Good color too.

[imported_moto_za]

thanks a lot guys..i will let you know if I get the car...