M3 or M Coupe

I would get the M3. Personally, I hate the looks of the M coupe. Styling is very subjective, but the M coupe is a very polarizing vehicle - you either love it or hate it. I have not driven an M coupe, but I have driven an M roadster and an M3 back to back, and IMO, the M roadster is an ill-handling little beast. My friend who also test drove both cars with me agreed that the M roadster wins the award for "most likely to end up wrapped around a telephone pole". Monster oversteer, too much power in too short a wheelbase combined with ill - mannered handling is not a combination for long term survivability.

Sounds to me like maybe your brother needs to take both cars for a test drive before he idly 'picks' a car. Yes, they have the same engine, although the M Coupe/Roadster has slightly less hp/torque due to exhaust config differences, they are 2 totally different cars. I've driven both and initially hated the M Coupe, but now I can appreciate it for what it is. If I had to choose, I'd probably have to stick to the M3 though.

:dunno:

Ripsnort said:

M3- if you plan on having more than 2 passengers.
M Coupe-if you don't plan on having more than 2.

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Boy that was insightful Rip

I think you need to work on those creative writing skills a little:dunno: Just kidding.....But I would think the design and personal preference on the style should also come into the decision process. And if possible, a drive of each.

toshweir27 said:

My brother is looking to trade his 2000 S4 in for either a M3 or a M Coupe. I told him told him to go for the M Coupe. He's got a 1999 A4 for his wife and a Ford Taurus for work..........what do you guys think? I just think the M Coupe is incredible and one of the last of it's kind. (The replacement will not be the same).
Plus I'm the younger and I'm jealous that he has such a "tough" decision.

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get the M coupe, quite a bit cheaper, looks nice, much rarer, and he has a Taurus for work so no problem. It has the best transmission in any current BMW, including the E46 M3. spend the different in the money in a fully adjustable suspension and the works: intake, exhaust (remus sounds real good), shark, etc... it will kick ass on the track.

another thing i like about the M Coupe is that it's a very serious car, kindda like BMWs in the old days, very serious. Not that the M3 isnt serious or anything...

--Andrew

M3 all the way. or wait for the Z5.

the m coupe is a great idea and a reminder that BMW is an independent company.

mine is okay. it's a parts bin kind of car which suffers not only from build quality issues which plague all Z3s, but also, in addition, from its own peculiar build quality issues.

i would strongly suggest you avoid one.

the upcoming next generation of Z5s will be far superior because they will have the modern E46 rear suspension. the current M coupe, while not terrible, can be terrifying for inexperienced drivers at the track or in the rain. short wheelbase and high HP are not a great mix.

tracksters have turned faster laps in the e46m3 than in their own m coupes. wider track, longer wheelbase, better rear diff all contribute. better brakes, too.

BETTER RESALE!

hope this helps.

cheers,
coky

ps. my m coupe was a replacement for my e36m3 (which i wish i still had) but that car got t-boned by a kindly, ignorant woman and totalled.