e46 M3 or e39 M5

[ams]

Hi guys i have not posted in a while, I am here in chicago now, I sold my e36 M3, and i am looking to buy a car in the next 6 months. I love both cars, but i dunno which on to get....mind you my brother is also looking to buy an e46 M3. I know this has been discussed here on the forums, before, can anyone shed some light on which is the better car to get. M3 or M5,,,right now a good used one can be in pretty much the same price range. what are the pros and cons.

thanks for all the advice

[Tvan]

M5 is heavier and more powerful, and holds more passengers.

M3 is lighter, and cheaper to get parts for.

They're both good cars, it just depends upon what you are looking for in a car. You get more bang-for-the-buck in an M5 now that the e60 is out, but that's not always the best bet if you don't need the extra room.

[big_sur]

personally i'd rather have the e46 m3 just because imho it'd be more fun to drive but value wise an e39 m5 is probably the better deal right now. i guess mainly you should just ask yourself if you need 4 doors or not. if you were willing to wait a bit longer than that 6 month time period i'm sure e46 m3s will drop when the e90 m3 comes out and you could pick up a nice low mileage one with the competition package at a decent price.

[Tvan]

I have a lot of fun driving the M5, it's got tons of go without any mods, I can vouch for that.

[deafboy]

I would personally go with a M3 cause I like the sportier look and spunkier feel on the road. But if you are looking for a fun ass family car or a car that you can haul your boys in the M5 is by far the best bang for the buck. Really it all comes down to what you want. But like I said, I would personally go with a e46 M3 with comp package. Wait a little while for the 90 to come out so you can get the 46 for a little less....

[Evil 330ci]

M5 is so much more practical. Its mpg isnt all that bad. You get a lot more looks driving an m5 than an m3, since every kid in highschool has a used 2001 m3 now. Trust me, i had one for almost 2 years, and miss it a lot.

[Jay Arno]

For me for business I'd get a M5 I want one but I don't have the money.

[ams]

Thanks for suggestions, its basically gonna boil down to this...my brother is looking to get a car like soon..with in 3 months...so if he gets the M3, then the M5 for me, vice versa...in reality it would be like having both cars. Anyways in these 6 months i gotta take my USMLE exam, and then I ll get a ride for my clinical rotations. Well till then i am still savin up...

[Aaron318iS]

From a modding point of view I'd pick the E46 M3 without a doubt. an E39 M5 would make a nice but discreet daily driver

[SizzFlair]

Originally Posted by Evil 330ci

M5 is so much more practical. Its mpg isnt all that bad. You get a lot more looks driving an m5 than an m3, since every kid in highschool has a used 2001 m3 now. Trust me, i had one for almost 2 years, and miss it a lot.

Jeez what kind of place do you live in? Stupid high schoolers *cough*

[MD318is]

m5. duhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[motorsportbmw]

im in the same boat. i have a 04 325ci. not fast but fun to drive. so i know i would love the E46 m. but then i feel alittle cramped in my 3. also, i want it fully loaded, nav, dvd , etc.... for an m3 fully loaded is not the much different in price for a 02 or 03 m5. check out this site maybe it will help. good luck. I think im going for the M5.

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/index.php

[Evil 330ci]

Originally Posted by SizzFlair

Jeez what kind of place do you live in? Stupid high schoolers *cough*

The e46 m3 can be found for mid 20's with a bunch of miles. In case you were wondering, I however, am a junior in college.

[hammerfang]

i dunno about the mid 20s, i've never found one worth buying for that much

[Tvan]

Originally Posted by Evil 330ci

The e46 m3 can be found for mid 20's with a bunch of miles.

Like 120k miles?

The lowest one near me is selling for $31k. Only 39k miles though.