To wait! Or not to wait! That, is the question!

[BMWFANATICAL]

I dunno what to do, i'm in a bit of a pickle... this seems to be the year not to buy certain BMW models. I've been trying to figure out when the next generation M3 comes out, but it seems it'll be minimum fall 2007... most likely sometime 2008. I doubt I could last that long waiting for that car, but if I were to go to another BMW, like a 550i, i'd be happy until the new M3 came out, then i'd wish i had the patience. An option could be leasing a current gen. M3 24 months at a time until the next gen came up, but then it would add up to a cost higher then a next gen. M3 would be. I don't know what to do, either wait for the next gen. M3 and drive a Yukon XL around for 2 more years, or buy a 550i... tough question indeed...

[jrp]

Find a nice CPO M3 to tide you over.

[ff1600]

I had the same question and decided to buy an 06 M3. Looked at several CPO 04s and 05s but found I could get new, configured to my specs, for only a few thousand more. I even got $1,800 off msrp. This gives me a full 4 years of warranty and maintenance. I believe there is a high probability of getting most of the higher cost back in 3-4 years when comparing the resale value of an 04 to an 06. If not, so what? Had the enjoyment of a new car for not much additional cost over used. And if I don't care for the next gen, then there is no pressure to sell. I think the E46 M3 is one of BMW's best and will hold its value. We shall see!

My salesman said he expects the next gen M3 to arrive the end of '07. The wait list at his dealership is over 60! Be lucky to get one before CY '09. Or pay a big premium over msrp.

[Takumi]

Hey I have a similar problem. I've had my E46 M3 since July 2002. It's still fun but I want a change. So I have an order for the E90. But my dealer told me the same thing, 2008.

So I went out last weekend to a VW dealer, went for a test drive and put an order on the new R32. It's great fun, looks nice and cheap enough to buy and trade in 2 years.

[Wingboot]

Back in 99 I was living in Germany and I really wanted an M3. But I didn't want the E36 I wanted the E46. Problem was I couldn't wait and pulled the trigger on a 99 328i. Very nice car, my only regret is I didn't drive an M3 while living in Germany.

If you can't afford to take the hit in selling a 2 year old car in order to buy the M3 then I would just wait it out and get what you want.

Of course, an M3 in the U.S. is just overkill for the street . . . . but that is a topic of some other thread. . . :)

[chuck92103]

This is not much of a dilemma. Even though the next M3 will be out in 2007, realistically, I would not even consider one under 2009.

New car + new engine = tons of issues and a miserable ownership experience.

I also agree with the previous poster. M3's are overkill for the most part in the U.S. A 330 is more than adequate.

[AJAX]

M3's are overkill for the most part in the U.S. A 330 is more than adequate.

Absolute power corrupts absolutely or something like that.

[RandyB]

I'm waiting this one out. I'm waiting out the 'alpha testers' as well. You know who you are - do your duty. Work out the kinks. :) This one is going to be good. :thumbup:

[chuck92103]

I'm waiting this one out. I'm waiting out the 'alpha testers' as well. You know who you are - do your duty. Work out the kinks. :) This one is going to be good. :thumbup:

What he said. :thumbup: The next M3 will be awesome, I am hopeful there will be minimal problems. Time will tell.

[Pinecone]

Actually the very early ones didn't have troubles. The problem time frame seems to be when the production starts ramping up.

Don't worry about how long the lists are. Many people are on more than one list. Dealers lie and tell people how long the lists are to get you to put some some money to get on the list. And MANY people when their name comes up in a couple of years, won't buy a car for various reasons.

And with eh E46, in teh fall of 01 dealers were saying that their lists would take them through all of 02, and new additions would not get a car until 03. But mid spring 02, the lists were all of a sudden MUCH shorter. :) Like many dealers barely had enough names each month to cover the allocations they got.

[Micky D]

I dunno what to do, i'm in a bit of a pickle... this seems to be the year not to buy certain BMW models. I've been trying to figure out when the next generation M3 comes out, but it seems it'll be minimum fall 2007... most likely sometime 2008. I doubt I could last that long waiting for that car, but if I were to go to another BMW, like a 550i, i'd be happy until the new M3 came out, then i'd wish i had the patience. An option could be leasing a current gen. M3 24 months at a time until the next gen came up, but then it would add up to a cost higher then a next gen. M3 would be. I don't know what to do, either wait for the next gen. M3 and drive a Yukon XL around for 2 more years, or buy a 550i... tough question indeed...

You have to start some place. Put your name down for the new E90. Dealers do lie and the lists are probably much shorter than they say and lots of people don't buy because who knows what their circumstances will be in 12 months.

Bite the bullit and get into a current M3 even if it is a used one. As it sounds like your first then you will know for sure if a performance car is the way to go for you, big diff from a Yukon XL.

As for waiting until the "Bugs" are out of the new model. Well if you take that attitude you will always have at some time a superceeded model and let's face it, if you really love your cars you like to be in the latest. All this talk about problems in new models is an excuse for many and I don't know why. fact of the matter is problems in new models account for only a very small percentage of overall production

You could buy a car 2-3 years into the cycle and get a lemon...who knows. Do yourself a favour and jump in, you will never regret it.

[Chris Meyers]

There is no such thing as "overkill" unless you drive like an old man. I am the proud owner of a 2005 Mustang GT with the 300 horse V8 (does 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds stock), and while it did seem excessive for about 5 minutes, there is NOTHING like the thrill of gunning a big V8 on the freeway and going from 60 to like 120 in a couple seconds. The sound and power of a V8 are unmatchable. Get a good radar detector. Escort Passport 8500 x50 is on my stang.

[Moderato]

I dunno what to do, i'm in a bit of a pickle... this seems to be the year not to buy certain BMW models. I've been trying to figure out when the next generation M3 comes out, but it seems it'll be minimum fall 2007... most likely sometime 2008. I doubt I could last that long waiting for that car, but if I were to go to another BMW, like a 550i, i'd be happy until the new M3 came out, then i'd wish i had the patience. An option could be leasing a current gen. M3 24 months at a time until the next gen came up, but then it would add up to a cost higher then a next gen. M3 would be. I don't know what to do, either wait for the next gen. M3 and drive a Yukon XL around for 2 more years, or buy a 550i... tough question indeed...I'm driving my 06 STI untill I'm ready to get the E92 M3. I transfered the lease on my E46 M3 because I figured I'd put those payments towards a nice down payment on the E92 M3 as a purchase. My STI is completely paid off, (don't ask...long story) so I may keep it or sell it when I get the M3, I'm not sure yet. Anyway just to let you know that you're not the only one waiting for the new M3 and wondering what to drive in the meantime. I would say get an E46 M3 now and sell it when you're ready to get the new one.

[bill92]

My chosen route to the New M3.
Ordered Z4 3.0si last week for a two year lease(gets the convertible experience under my belt).
I'm selling the X3 today, and will put the money in the bank for a future deposit on the new M3.
I don't know if this is the best way to go, but it is the path I have chosen.
This will allow time for bugs to get worked out of new M3.

[Moderato]

My chosen route to the New M3.
Ordered Z4 3.0si last week for a two year lease(gets the convertible experience under my belt).
I'm selling the X3 today, and will put the money in the bank for a future deposit on the new M3.
I don't know if this is the best way to go, but it is the path I have chosen.
This will allow time for bugs to get worked out of new M3.
Sounds like a good plan to me. Let us know how you like the Z4! :thumbup: :thumbup:

[GregW in Oregon]

This is not much of a dilemma. Even though the next M3 will be out in 2007, realistically, I would not even consider one under 2009.

New car + new engine = tons of issues and a miserable ownership experience.
Well, I had one of the first E46 M3s and very few issues in the almost 5 years I've had the car now. I would not shy away (in fact have deposit down for early E90).

I also agree with the previous poster. M3's are overkill for the most part in the U.S. A 330 is more than adequate.
Overkill? Hogwash. Well, it's true you can't use it to it's maximum every day of the week, but it even makes my commutes pleasurable. Then, when you can take it out on back roads or the track on weekends, it makes perfect sense.

[bill92]

Sounds like a good plan to me. Let us know how you like the Z4! :thumbup: :thumbup:
I figure going from 18lbs/Hp to 12lbs/Hp should pleasurably prepare me for an M car!

[jeffnnj]

Great thread because you and I were in exactly the same situation. My 2002 M3 lease expires in a few weeks and I had no idea what to do. Thought about leasing a new M3 but in the end leased a 550i.

[DanM3]

I have an '02 M3 which I bought out of my lease. Curious how you like the 550i. I am considering one as a bridge until the E92 comes out.

[jeffnnj]

No clue. I pick it up tomorrow. Meantime, check out the user reviews at Yahoo Autos. Overwhelmingly positive...

http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/bmw_5series_2006/4347/model_user_reviews.html;_ylc=X3IDMgRzZWMDdXNlcl9yZ XZpZXdzX3RvcARzbGsDc3BlY2lmeXRyaW0-?sort=mh&modelid=4347&start=1&show=otl&trimid=16851