discussion Advice on a non daily BMW, something M or M Light

[TurboLlew]

I think you can ask for peoples opinions all day and get them all across the spectrum... Here's mine...
B58 is an extremely capable car and an epic daily, but judging by your requirements, you are looking for something that was the pinnacle of it's time and unfortunately the B58 is not that. M3 trumps M5(be it E46 vs E39, E90 vs E60, F80 vs F10, G80 vs F90) all day, every day and twice on Sundays, purely for the feel, handling characteristics, dynamics and "on it's toes" experience. M5 feels like a tourer and quite lazy when compared to the equivalent M3.

Bottom line... You know what you want, it's merely a matter of choice here. You can get all the advice you want, but if you make a decision based on these opinions and it's not REALLY what you want, you're going to have a void every single time you get into that car. Go drive all your options, you may have a notion of what all these cars are to you now but when you get into "the right one" all the noise just fades into the background. Your choice may not be the fastest or the most practical or the most special or or or or but, it only needs to be special to you, whether it's a MK1 golf or Bugatti or anything in-between, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

Good Luck with your search

There is a very good reason the M3 has been the performance car benchmark spanning 4 decades!

Absolutely agree, you need to go and drive them and see what works for you. Like I say, M3 and M5 fulfil different needs/briefs

 

[Nick]

If it's a weekend car then skip the sedans and get a coupe with a backseat, it'll be prettier (because a 2 door car fundamentally is more attractive than a 4 door) and it'll feel more special with the long stretch between A and B pillars. Not sure of your budget but you've got a lot of serious machinery in there for me I'd be checking the previous gen M4s. They're gorgeous, extremely fast (properly stupid fast) and relatively attainable. If you get a decent deal 2nd hand I doubt you'll lose the sink on it if you hold it for the long term either.

From left field though you could also likely hunt down something non-BMW for the sort of money you're talking as well. A decent 997.2 GTS/ 991.1 C2S should be within your budget (potentially stretch to a 991.2 C2S as well?) all of which will be pretty special and more "weekend-ey" than any M car can be. If you just want insane power and moddability then perhaps a R35 GTR? Can be yours well within budget and obviously has potential for insane power + 4wd means very little can keep pace if you're a robot to robot guy. All worthy alternatives that I think should be a bit more weekend-ey feeling. I don't think an M140/M240 make sense given you have a daily, nor an M5 - these are the sorts of cars made to do insane mileage and cover a wide range of driving experiences. You have a 320d to get to the shops/drop off the kids etc. You should have a car with a totally different identity to complement that.

I had the same thought.
Porkers are where id be looking.

 

[TBP88]

I had the same thought.
Porkers are where id be looking.

At the end of the day, as special as an M car is it can't escape that it's still based on a "normal" car. BMW have pushed these cars to the limits, the newer M5s are all unbelievable in terms of making a car of immense heft corner like it's on rails - but it's still, fundamentally, an executive sedan. That can feel fun and engaging but not special in the same way a light sportscar can feel. TBH op if it was my money I'd be hunting a 997.1 GT3, can be yours for around R1.2-1.4m region, looks mustard, sounds incredible, strong motors and definitely will feel special.

 

[Salt]

I used to have a m140i and it was the best daily ever. Comfort. Performance. Looks. It has it all. Then I got the m240i as I always preferred the coupe look. To my surprise the m240i felt better built and definitely has better handling in all conditions. On power turning. Breaking hard. The 240i just feels more planted.

The best about these cars is the engine and gearbox combo. You just can’t Go wrong with the zf box and the b58. Special? I would say no. Special compared to most cars on road yes but not m car special.

M3 e90 with the V8 or the f80 m3 is special. When you drive one you’ll understand.

M5 is boss car but the f90 is the one to go for as all the issues from the f10 are corrected. But at your price i don’t think you’ll find one.

Good luck either way. It’s exciting what you doing and you’ll love any of them.

Thanks for the feedback. I am definitely going to test drive an M140i to give me peace of mind. I think its a must do in the process - if I don't at least test drive each of them I will never truly know right.

 

[GravityLee]

Don't know what the OP will end up doing, but this thread is making me itch for an M car again, hard.

 

[Salt]

Yeah, I was going to say LCI E90 M3 as well.....ticks every box and if you do the preventative maintenance, you all sorted on that car and its something special.

M140i/M240i etc are all great DAILY cars.....Definitely not special and pretty boring relatively speaking, not S3 boring but still.

I would rather go C63 than B58 for a weekend warrior.....

Two challenges here - I've yet to find an E90 M3 from a reputable dealer and also the E9 M3 is just not my most favorite shape...but as I said you guys are vouching for it so I need to look at it. Will def give it a try for a test drive.

 

[Salt]

I think you can ask for peoples opinions all day and get them all across the spectrum... Here's mine...
B58 is an extremely capable car and an epic daily, but judging by your requirements, you are looking for something that was the pinnacle of it's time and unfortunately the B58 is not that. M3 trumps M5(be it E46 vs E39, E90 vs E60, F80 vs F10, G80 vs F90) all day, every day and twice on Sundays, purely for the feel, handling characteristics, dynamics and "on it's toes" experience. M5 feels like a tourer and quite lazy when compared to the equivalent M3.

Bottom line... You know what you want, it's merely a matter of choice here. You can get all the advice you want, but if you make a decision based on these opinions and it's not REALLY what you want, you're going to have a void every single time you get into that car. Go drive all your options, you may have a notion of what all these cars are to you now but when you get into "the right one" all the noise just fades into the background. Your choice may not be the fastest or the most practical or the most special or or or or but, it only needs to be special to you, whether it's a MK1 golf or Bugatti or anything in-between, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks.

Good Luck with your search

Appreciate the feedback - and 100% I guess I'll know once I am in the car. However most people's advice here is based on experience and that counts. I did this same process when I bought my first BM 3 years ago. I was strong on the way to an F30 328i N20 motor...and glad I asked. I was advised to a diesel rather...and once I drove it I knew I'd be happy. At the end of the day I want to be happy and I know I will - I'll know once I've driven it. But some cars I did not consider at first (M240i, E90 M3...even E46 M3) have been mentioned now and I feel I'll be foolish not to at least try them - I did ask for the advice/opinions after all. Your point spot on and I am aligned with it.

 

[GravityLee]

BTW, I would also add an M2 to the list. The one with the N55. It's pretty wild what a different car it is to the M235i, despite sharing an engine.

 

[modocrat]

I'm gonna upset the apple cart (and perhaps some of you) and say M2

 

[modocrat]

BTW, I would also add an M2 to the list. The one with the N55. It's pretty wild what a different car it is to the M235i, despite sharing an engine.

Haha! I only saw this after my post 😁

 

[922-ZN]

Two challenges here - I've yet to find an E90 M3 from a reputable dealer and also the E9 M3 is just not my most favorite shape...but as I said you guys are vouching for it so I need to look at it. Will def give it a try for a test drive.

You will be BITTERLY disappointed in any V8 M3 at highveld altitude after you've taken it to the coast🤣

 

[Eust]

You will be BITTERLY disappointed in any V8 M3 at highveld altitude after you've taken it to the coast🤣

Nothing an ESS asthma pump cant change 😂

 

[Salt]

Thanks Gav, appreciate. I think the takeaway so far for me is to make sure I give my initial list a go, but also include the E90 M3. I somehow don't think the M235i GC is gonna make it - but the new spec interior sure is alluring - but the new car is not planned on being a daily so that is not a must have for me. You are 100% right on comfort VS engaging drive. My 320d, although not the latest spec, has all the everyday comforts I could want for a daily so the plan to not to sell it. I am more after something with performance and drive with some wow factor.

 

[Salt]

If it's a weekend car then skip the sedans and get a coupe with a backseat, it'll be prettier (because a 2 door car fundamentally is more attractive than a 4 door) and it'll feel more special with the long stretch between A and B pillars. Not sure of your budget but you've got a lot of serious machinery in there for me I'd be checking the previous gen M4s. They're gorgeous, extremely fast (properly stupid fast) and relatively attainable. If you get a decent deal 2nd hand I doubt you'll lose the sink on it if you hold it for the long term either.

From left field though you could also likely hunt down something non-BMW for the sort of money you're talking as well. A decent 997.2 GTS/ 991.1 C2S should be within your budget (potentially stretch to a 991.2 C2S as well?) all of which will be pretty special and more "weekend-ey" than any M car can be. If you just want insane power and moddability then perhaps a R35 GTR? Can be yours well within budget and obviously has potential for insane power + 4wd means very little can keep pace if you're a robot to robot guy. All worthy alternatives that I think should be a bit more weekend-ey feeling. I don't think an M140/M240 make sense given you have a daily, nor an M5 - these are the sorts of cars made to do insane mileage and cover a wide range of driving experiences. You have a 320d to get to the shops/drop off the kids etc. You should have a car with a totally different identity to complement that.

Greetings - thanks for the share. I am gonna stick to a sedan or hatch (for now) but I sincerely get your points on the 2 doors. But how can I deny the advice so will add one to the list. Nothing wrong with looking. I don't think there is much performance difference between the M3 and M4 though and I would like to invite people with for a drive out on a weekend and I don't enjoy the folding seats and climbing through the gap much to be honest. Your last sentence is very accurate.

 

[Salt]

BTW, I would also add an M2 to the list. The one with the N55. It's pretty wild what a different car it is to the M235i, despite sharing an engine.

I'm gonna upset the apple cart (and perhaps some of you) and say M2

hahaha...funny enough I looked at them last night...but the access to the rear seats just bugs me big time and I would like to take friends with on a weekend blast as Gav says - thus just really not so keen on the 2 doors.

 

[rodga]

hahaha...funny enough I looked at them last night...but the access to the rear seats just bugs me big time and I would like to take friends with on a weekend blast as Gav says - thus just really not so keen on the 2 doors.

2 doors are only a problem for the passengers, not the driver

 

[TBP88]

hahaha...funny enough I looked at them last night...but the access to the rear seats just bugs me big time and I would like to take friends with on a weekend blast as Gav says - thus just really not so keen on the 2 doors.

Just on this, test drove an M2 and purposefully got into the back seats (181cm tall, +-98kg man) and found it bearable. I certainly wouldn't want to do a 5hr cross country trip in the back but if I had to sit in there for a 100km jaunt it'd be liveable. Give one a try if you're committed to BMW

 

[PsyCLown]

I feel there is some good advice in this thread. End of the day, you are the one who will be parting with money and driving the car so you need to be happy with the choice you make.

The newer M cars may be special when compared to a non M BMW, however they're still full of creature comforts and as Llew said, they are built to be driven daily and one can do so. An M car and 320d I feel can make sense, when you just need to do a boring commute in traffic go for the 320d, or when the roads are worse off you get in the 320d. When you want to have more fun on your commute and it is outside of traffic or on the weekends, get in the M car. However you can still do the boring, stuck in traffic commute with an M car very comfortably and you can still do running around to the shops and back in an M car without issues. If you go the route of an M car, you may find yourself driving it more than the 320d as time goes on - and that is perfectly fine.
Owning a nice car which is fun to drive, you likely want to drive it more and enjoy it more often. It is a fair bit of money to spend on a car, might as well enjoy it and get your moneys worth out of it! As you can see, I am not a collector. I want to enjoy what I have and not just look at it. lol

An M lite car, I would find it hard to justify owning a 320d and a 35i / 40i and paying for both and maintaining both... Unless the one car was for the wife and one for me. They're a bit too similar, one just has more power. If you are leaning in this direction, to me and in my mind, it makes more sense to sell the 320d and just get a 35i/40i (whichever you desire, seems to be the 140i). I do not feel it is that much more special over a 320d, pretty much the same as your 320d just sounds a bit better and feels better when you put your foot down.

In my mind, if you want a weekend warrior from BMW then an M car makes sense - or something else, perhaps a Porsche. Not sure what else tickles your fancy.
You may find you end up driving the M car more often as well, if you are worried about damage to the vehicle such as stone chips, put on some protective films.

I think what TPB88 said is true, you have the 320d for the boring life stuff and it is a sensible choice in terms of cars and having a family - fuel efficient, cheap to maintain, not excessive in anyway. Great all rounder.
You want something else to compliment that and I do not feel a 35i / 40i does that.... It does all of what the 320d does, but with more power and a higher fuel consumption. Hence why an M car makes more sense.

... or a sportier looking 2 door such as an M2 / M2 comp, BMW Supra, M4

 

[Schalk94]

Just on this, test drove an M2 and purposefully got into the back seats (181cm tall, +-98kg man) and found it bearable. I certainly wouldn't want to do a 5hr cross country trip in the back but if I had to sit in there for a 100km jaunt it'd be liveable. Give one a try if you're committed to BMW

I also test drove an M2 a while ago and also found the rear space to be OK. The F20 doesn't have heaps of leg room either ,but the two extra doors obviously help with access. I must admit that the M2 felt way different than any other F/G-series car that I have driven,it is definitely something special even though it didn't receive the full M treatment. It handles amazing and I rate it would be very closely matched to the m140i/m240i in performance terms,because we all know the 250kw rated flywheel power on the B58 is usually a bit closer to it's wheel power.

 

[TBP88]

I feel there is some good advice in this thread. End of the day, you are the one who will be parting with money and driving the car so you need to be happy with the choice you make.

The newer M cars may be special when compared to a non M BMW, however they're still full of creature comforts and as Llew said, they are built to be driven daily and one can do so. An M car and 320d I feel can make sense, when you just need to do a boring commute in traffic go for the 320d, or when the roads are worse off you get in the 320d. When you want to have more fun on your commute and it is outside of traffic or on the weekends, get in the M car. However you can still do the boring, stuck in traffic commute with an M car very comfortably and you can still do running around to the shops and back in an M car without issues. If you go the route of an M car, you may find yourself driving it more than the 320d as time goes on - and that is perfectly fine.
Owning a nice car which is fun to drive, you likely want to drive it more and enjoy it more often. It is a fair bit of money to spend on a car, might as well enjoy it and get your moneys worth out of it! As you can see, I am not a collector. I want to enjoy what I have and not just look at it. lol

An M lite car, I would find it hard to justify owning a 320d and a 35i / 40i and paying for both and maintaining both... Unless the one car was for the wife and one for me. They're a bit too similar, one just has more power. If you are leaning in this direction, to me and in my mind, it makes more sense to sell the 320d and just get a 35i/40i (whichever you desire, seems to be the 140i). I do not feel it is that much more special over a 320d, pretty much the same as your 320d just sounds a bit better and feels better when you put your foot down.

In my mind, if you want a weekend warrior from BMW then an M car makes sense - or something else, perhaps a Porsche. Not sure what else tickles your fancy.
You may find you end up driving the M car more often as well, if you are worried about damage to the vehicle such as stone chips, put on some protective films.

I think what TPB88 said is true, you have the 320d for the boring life stuff and it is a sensible choice in terms of cars and having a family - fuel efficient, cheap to maintain, not excessive in anyway. Great all rounder.
You want something else to compliment that and I do not feel a 35i / 40i does that.... It does all of what the 320d does, but with more power and a higher fuel consumption. Hence why an M car makes more sense.

... or a sportier looking 2 door such as an M2 / M2 comp, BMW Supra, M4

Lold @BMW supra.