Yes, you can drive an E90 M3 for less than $300 a month

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair) 08/02/2014 at 17:44 • Filed to: None

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Chi's 2008 BMW E90 M3 is such an incredible bargain. He bought the car for only $39,600 with roughly 24K miles on it in 2011. I have no idea how he was able to get such a great deal on what was at the time a relatively new car.

If you look at Autotrader today, you can see that a 2008 BMW M3 with roughly 80K miles is selling for around $32K. That means if Chi were to sell the car today, he only paid $7K over 3 years to drive one of the greatest sports cars ever made.

That's not counting regular maintenance like tire replacement, oil changes etc. Still…this M3 is an undeniably amazing deal. I'm so jealous that Chi has been able to enjoy this car at such a low cost of ownership! Who would've thought?

And to think, back in 2008, the car probably cost somewhere between $70-80K, brand new. I will never buy a new car again.

Chi definitely doesn't baby his M3 - it's his daily driver. He puts on about 20K miles a year and drives it like it should be driven - some of which he demonstrated to me. I love the 4.0L V8. It sounds great and definitely makes the M3 pretty quick at 400+ hp.

I must say that I am biased because this is the car that I have had my eyes set on for a while. The E90 M3…or the Corvette Z06. Two vastly different cars, I know, but approximately the same price when it comes to buying them used. I'm completely torn – I don't know which one to get. But I don't have the money to purchase a car anyway so it's a moot point.

Ok…back to the M3. The build quality of the E90 M3 is amazing. The car itself has held up really well over the years. The interior looks just as good as it must have been when Chi bought the car. I was just in a brand new 2015 BMW M4 the other day and although the interior quality was better, it definitely wasn't way better. I would still get the E90 because not only is it much cheaper and mostly depreciated - but more importantly it has the fantastic V8 which I love.

Also, I really like the way it looks.

I'm not sure what it is about the E90 M3 but I really do think that it's one of the best looking cars around. Many people that I've talked to can hardly differentiate between a regular 3-series and an M3. But not to me - the difference is huge!

Take, for instance, a regular ol' series...

Now, compare that with this ..

What a stark difference. To me anyway...

I love the bulge in the hood, the wider wheel wells, the quad exhaust, and the aggressive front end. The car doesn't necessarily scream "hey, look at me!". It has more of the calm confidence of knowing how dominant it is when comes to superior driving dynamics and being an all around superstar.

One of my favorite aspects of the car is the absolutely perfect wheel to fender gap. I don't think any car comes from the factory with as good of a gap as this M3. It does wonders for the overall stance of the vehicle. Yet another thing that makes me love this car so much.

If you want a car that's universally regarded as one of the best performance sports car around by the big-shots in the auto universe, then it's really hard to find something better for the price. A used-car price I mean.

You should be able to purchase a 2008 M3 with reasonably low miles in the low $30K range. The best thing is that these cars will hold their value, so even if you don't like it you can sell it for not that much lower than you bought it. Don't you want one now?

I've already been wanting one as I mentioned earlier but now I think I need to get one. But wait…what about the Z06? Oh, nevermind. Can't buy either anyway.

Check out more posts at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DylanToback > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 18:07

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Great cars. Owning one is definitely on my bucket list.

Torque Affair > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:11

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You're right! Thanks, I changed it. Didn't realize the 4-door was the E90.

DylanToback > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 18:18

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Yea, it's a distinction that people often miss. Maybe since the four doors are not too common. I honestly think they look better than the coupes.

Manuél Ferrari > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:23

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Don't wait!

Use financing and get one NOW!

If you wait much longer then you won't be able to get a CPO car. The last model year was 2011 for the sedan. So there are some 3-4 year old cars now that you can get CPO. But soon BMW won't CPO them anymore because they'll be too old. And even if they did you wouldn't benefit that much since the warranty is 6 years from the original purchase date.

Torque Affair > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:24

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I generally don't like 4-door sedans, but this is one of the rare exceptions.

DylanToback > Manuél Ferrari 08/02/2014 at 18:28

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I wish I could, unfortunately I start law school in august. Consequently, I am not really in a position to create any new financial obligations. Thankfully, as we have learned from Doug, there is always the Carmax warranty.

Manuél Ferrari > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:31

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Oh no!

My sister passed the bar a couple years ago. She's been working but she's poor. New attorneys make nothing in CA...

Torque Affair > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:32

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I'm in a similar boat except I'm paying off a massive amount of school loans.

DylanToback > Manuél Ferrari 08/02/2014 at 18:34

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Ah yes, I think we had this conversation once before. Thankfully, I got a fairly substantial scholarship so I will only be paying about 25% of the tuition. I will also be in an area with a much more reasonable cost of living. California is tempting, I was very close to applying to UCLA, but the cost of living in LA scared me off.

Manuél Ferrari > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:36

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Oh yeah we may have talked about it. She is going to leave her job. She has two new opportunities. Both interesting, but very different.

She's stressing out so hard right now. Poor girl!

DylanToback > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 18:39

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Yea, it is pretty brutal. Every time I make a payment I sit there thinking what I could be driving for the same monthly rate.

DylanToback > Manuél Ferrari 08/02/2014 at 18:41

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Good to hear, good opportunities are hard to come by. Thankfully, the legal job market is improving a little. Law school graduating classes have been shrinking and older attorneys are retiring. What area of law does she practice?

Manuél Ferrari > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:45

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I didn't know that the graduating classes are shrinking. That's good!

She is doing immigration law. One opportunity is in that field. The other is general law for a company. Very different paths. One could lead to ownership of a small firm and the other would have stock options and the company could go public or get acquired.

So different!

Torque Affair > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 18:48

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Oh man, tell me about it.

Opposite Locksmith > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 19:34

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that's like me and looking at what my wrx could get me in a trade. Been having seizures so no driving for quite a while.

Also, your name is brilliant

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 20:53

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I spent 4 hours yesterday on my back underneath mine, and it's incredible how many parts are stamped with the ///M logo. I remember reading, before I bought mine, that this car is 80% unique to the normal 3-series.

Mine is also an '08, purchased two years ago, and this one might just stay in my stable for long haul...

BMW_Bastard > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 20:57

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I have an '11 E90 M3. Traded my '11 E90 335i plus some cash for it about a year ago. 27k miles on the clock and a manual. Total value figuring the trade and cash was somewhere around $40-42k. Wouldn't have had it any other way. Plan on holding onto this one for a long time.

Torque Affair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/02/2014 at 20:58

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Ah...what went wrong with your M3?

Torque Affair > BMW_Bastard 08/02/2014 at 21:01

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That's awesome - I bet you love it.

TheCraigy > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:03

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Got my '09 e92 last November. Absolutely fantastic car. And as BMW's go, the M3 is strangely reliable *knock on wood.*

And yeah the M3 is hardly another 3 series appearance wise, at worst it looks like a really great looking 3 series. It is nice to be able to downplay it as such when desired though... "WHAT YOU DRIVE A BMW?" "Yeah I bought it used and it's the small 2 door..."

Torque Affair > TheCraigy 08/02/2014 at 21:06

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That's great to hear! That's definitely been Chi's experience.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:07

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Something went right! I took off the x-pipe, cut off the primary cats and replaced with test pipes. BPM stage II tune to follow shortly. Nets ~40 rwhp.

DylanToback > Opposite Locksmith 08/02/2014 at 21:08

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Mine? Finally, someone got the reference!

Torque Affair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/02/2014 at 21:09

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Ahh...you were working on it for performance improvements! I thought you were repairing something.

Btw, Chi is planning on adding a supercharger to his...650 hp for $10K. What do you think?

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:18

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That's awesome if he can swing it. Make sure to tell him to do the rod bearings (I'm sure he knows). There are some serious beast M3s out there...

For me, this car already has more than enough power - the cat delete is more about letting the engine breathe more freely and adding some more raw noise. One of the best things about the car is its balance - if I got a supercharger, I think I'd be inclined to get a BBK, and maybe mod the suspension as well. At this stage, I'd rather spend money on more track time, and tighten "the nut behind the wheel" first. I consider myself a very good driver, but I've still got a way to go to be able to fully explore the limits of this incredible car.

HeavystarcH > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:22

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dammit jalop stop talking about the awesome used car market...you're going to drive up the prices with a bunch of jalops jumping on these things....dammit.

Torque Affair > HeavystarcH 08/02/2014 at 21:26

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lol. I think you're right..

Sheriff Of American Douchetown > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:26

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my recommendation is wait a few years for the 2015 Z06.

Torque Affair > Sheriff Of American Douchetown 08/02/2014 at 21:27

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Haha...it will actually be a couple years before I can even think about getting something. Paying off those humongous school loans for now.

Torque Affair > Sheriff Of American Douchetown 08/02/2014 at 21:28

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But yea the C7 Z06s are looking really nice...

Sheriff Of American Douchetown > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:29

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yeah first bump for outrageous school loans, bro.

Hectic > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:41

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"0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds...quarter-mile in 12.6 seconds at 113 mph...top speed 161 mph". That' ll work.

Torque Affair > Hectic 08/02/2014 at 21:44

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Absolutely, yes!

AM3R > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 21:56

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For $10k go VF engineering. He'll have a 10.6 second car if he has no other mods besides the supercharger.

Vin > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 22:00

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"I will never buy a new car again."

/sigh

Kommandante > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 22:06

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This should be titled: "All the reasons Torque Affair wants an E90 M3"

Scott C. Anderson > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 22:07

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Problem is, "regular" maintenance, and doing it right, to make sure you get resale will run $8-10K over three years... on the heavy side, $4K on the light side, depending on condition and mileage. I bought my E46 for $17,200... drove it for three years, and sold it for $17,500.. but spent $9K on maintenance. with the payment of $283/mo on the loan, plus the maintenance, it actually cost me $533/mo.,

Dan > Manuél Ferrari 08/02/2014 at 22:09

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Or you could wait until they're just old enough to make it not CPO and knock a couple thousand off the price

Opposite Locksmith > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 22:10

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yes haha. I'm the one person you made that username for then haha. Hope you enjoy this moment friend

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 22:16

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No you can't drive an M3 for under $300/month... if you're adding up ALL the costs like depreciation, fuel, insurance, repairs and maintenance.

$300/month is what an old 3cyl Geo Metro costs on an all-in basis.

There is no such thing as a cheap BMW. Whatever you save upfront is at least partially offset with more frequent and more expensive repairs.

1111111111111111111111 > DylanToback 08/02/2014 at 22:21

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Dude I want to like carmax so muchh. But the warranty reviews are terrible, except for Doug. Makes me wonder if you have to know what you're talking about, or the people posting bad reviews are tards.

NWH83 > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 22:28

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It's ironic that "torque affair" posted about a car with pitiful low and mid end torque, don't ya think?

Torque Affair > NWH83 08/02/2014 at 22:42

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Well, not all the posts are purely about torque.

Torque Affair > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 08/02/2014 at 22:43

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Actually he hasn't had to do anything to the car besides oil changes and replacing the tires. That's about it.

Torque Affair > Kommandante 08/02/2014 at 22:44

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Yeah you're right - I do want one!

Torque Affair > AM3R 08/02/2014 at 22:46

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That's awesome - he will most likely end up going with that.

Torque Affair > Scott C. Anderson 08/02/2014 at 22:48

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I don't think he's had to do anything besides changing out the tires a couple times and oil changes. What kind of maintenance did you have to do on your E46?

Torque Affair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/02/2014 at 22:53

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Thanks for the tips! Will be sure to let him know.

KSEGGFTW > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:04

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$40K for a 6.5 year old car is a good deal?

Torque Affair > KSEGGFTW 08/02/2014 at 23:07

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The E92 M3s are actually holding their value up pretty well. Not a ton of depreciation with these cars.

KSEGGFTW > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:12

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Interesting. :)

Gixxer750 > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:25

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I'm looking into getting one myself, sedan only as well. Who the hell is Chi though and are we supposed to know him?

Torque Affair > Gixxer750 08/02/2014 at 23:28

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Hah! No - he's just a buddy of mine.

DylanToback > Opposite Locksmith 08/02/2014 at 23:40

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For sure. My avatar is from the same episode. Most of my online usernames are horribly obscure always sunny references. They are never taken so it works out well.

Manuél Ferrari > Dan 08/02/2014 at 23:44

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true at that age you can get killer deals

What I like about CPO even more than the warranty is that you're less likely to be screwed over. Dealers will hide accidents and other issues if they can. But it's less likely with CPO as those issues will come back to bite them.

SoManyBlueCars > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:51

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I've had mine for over 4 years now. Works great on the track, and makes anything else on a normal road feel like your boring it to tears. I don't plan on ever getting rid of it.

AM3R > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:53

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VF620. Currently on sale, down from $11,500!

http://vf-engineering.com/e9092-m3/

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:54

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He has a point on fuel costs...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > TheCraigy 08/02/2014 at 23:55

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I bought a used, four-door family sedan. It also revs past 8000 rpm.

boneheadotto > Torque Affair 08/02/2014 at 23:56

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I recently experienced the best cost of ownership ever with a Pontiac Vibe. I purchased a 2003 Vibe in 2008 with 55k miles on it for $5900. Manual everything (trans, locks, windows). Drove it to 115k miles by 2013. Just required scheduled maint (fluid change, tires, breaks and thats it, still had original clutch). I sold it running and looking like new for $5600. $300 depreciation over just under 5 years. wow. I currently drive a vibe and a 2000 S2000 which is a blast and also depreciates very slowly. Highly recommend.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > NWH83 08/03/2014 at 00:00

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I assume you have firsthand knowledge of this pitifully lackluster engine.

Torque Affair > SoManyBlueCars 08/03/2014 at 00:04

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That's awesome! What year is yours?

Torque Affair > AM3R 08/03/2014 at 00:04

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Nice!!

Torque Affair > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 00:05

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Yeah, that's true.

Torque Affair > boneheadotto 08/03/2014 at 00:06

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The S2000s are great cars to own..

schwartz > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 00:09

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CarMax!

AM3R > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 00:10

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still crazy expensive. I think I'd have enough fun in a stock M3 haha, hell, I have fun in my 328i.

boneheadotto > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 00:13

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they are such a dying breed. They are all about the sound, feel, and driving. I low how devoid they are of anything that is not needed for driving. Cracks me up that the interior was designed 15 years ago and is still featured on armor all labels. :)

fukuuuu > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 00:14

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Get your LIMITED EDITION "Fuck You" Shirts here!

http://teespring.com/fuckyou2014

I'm Abe Froman > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 00:35

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You just made my decision to buy a 2015 Golf R that much more difficult. Thanks, bro!

Manuél Ferrari > schwartz 08/03/2014 at 00:45

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I forgot!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 01:22

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I'm sure the high performance low profile tires weren't expensive at all and a $25 Jiffy Lube oil change is perfectly acceptable for an M3.

/sarcasm

Have Jeep, will travel. > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 01:32

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You cant get the chassis designation straight and you want to tell people "its a good buy". Dont give bad advice. You have no idea the financial risk involved in owning one of these, and now that the cheap ones are falling out of maintenance and warranty its even more of a gamble. IF it chunks a motor, which has been known to happen, are you going to shell out $19k for a long block? Thats just for the motor. They are depreciating even more now that the next gen M3/4 are out. These carry the same maintenance costs as a $70k car, that you can now get cheaper than a loaded new Honda Accord. Good luck. I deal with the outcomes of people who make these genius decisions every day and its paid for all my toys and my house....... when they can pay the repairs.

Impulsoren > DylanToback 08/03/2014 at 01:44

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Was looking for one new, couldn't get below $70k. Ended up with a barely used M5 for $45k. Hard to argue against a v-10 for a difference of$25k

Impulsoren > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 01:47

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the earlier cars look better without the hood creases. Already past cop I think,2008 maybe.

Impulsoren > DylanToback 08/03/2014 at 01:52

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I was paying $500 per month on my loan when I was able to afford the M5. M3 should be about the same price now. Just cut out some household expenses.

IconOfSin > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 01:58

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Yes because a car with that price tag has a payment of less than 300 a month..and cheap insurance.

Shit article is shit

Impulsoren > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 02:01

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make sure the undercarriage goes back on. I can tell th m5 spent a lot of time in the wind tunnel adding little fins here and there.

Impulsoren > Sheriff Of American Douchetown 08/03/2014 at 02:11

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I afforded them5 while paying $500 per month loans. Just make some housing adjustments,

RotaryLove > DylanToback 08/03/2014 at 02:22

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I like the body lines of the E90 more than the E92, but the E92 rear end looks nicer.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 02:23

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Wow, you couldn't be more wrong in this article. You make so many assumptions about cost and buying/selling a car. This article is basically clickbait written by someone who, to my knwoledge, doesn't get paid in clicks so I have no clue why you did it.

Here's my breakdown of why you're an idiot.

poleposition > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 02:58

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Traded in my 08 M3 for an R35 and I miss the M3 so much. Also had a C6 Vette and never in a million years would I recommend a C6 over an M3 as a daily driver. C6 is a formidable sports car but for any regular Joe, you won't realize the difference in performance unless competing on a track. The S65 V8 feels much more refined, has intoxicating exhaust/induction notes, and revs higher and faster!

For under $120,000 I would pick the E9X M3 every time (even over the F30 M3/4).

cardriverx > DylanToback 08/03/2014 at 03:23

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I pay Over $700 a month toward student loans. Every day I think of the cars I could have.....

:(

aqwayne > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 03:27

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I'd like to know how he got the car for so cheap... did it have a salvage title?

Jeremiad > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 03:28

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Absolutely fantastic. I'm slightly biased given I own an e90, but I think they're some of the best looking bins BMW ever made. Plus, they copied it for the new 5's so it can't be too bad!

I would love and old school M, but I would be totally fine with an M4 or M6 as my next car.

Jeremiad > Manuél Ferrari 08/03/2014 at 03:28

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Great info, I never even though of this option.

Jeremiad > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 08/03/2014 at 03:30

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I love the way my straight-6 sounds on my 330xi, I can't even imagine how good that v8 sounds!

Half the time I don't even drive with music on! Some day I'll join the M club, for sure.

Jeremiad > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 08/03/2014 at 03:32

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Kind of true. Fuel costs and I spent $1200 on the water pump/thermo and battery in the first year of ownership haha.

Fuel is also kinda poopy haha. City miles are horrible.

G/O Sucks > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 03:45

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Ohhhh, just wait! I've been there/done that with BMWs and M3s: Shortly after the warranty expires, there'll be a "minor fix" and, as we all know, combining the words "fix" and "BMW" starts at $2000. The reality is that an M3 is nowhere near $300 a month in anything but insurance.

Suggesting otherwise is like saying "cheap Ferrari" aloud: You're just inviting some dark forces to pay you a visit!

Dr. B > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 04:05

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I've always wanted one of these. I recently bought my first BMW earlier this year. I got a CPO deep sea metallic blue 2011 335D with some nice options and 34k miles for $26k. While it's no M3 I get amazing mileage and torque. It's easily the best car I've ever owned. It looks sharp too, even as a sedan.

Simplyflaw > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 06:54

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I'm picking up my E92 M3 next week and couldn't be more excited. White on black, manual transmission with 47k for only $36,600.

frances_ity > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 07:40

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last pay check was $9500 working 12 hours a week online. My neighbour's sister has been averaging 15k for months now and she works about 20 hours a week. I can't believe how easy it was once I tried it out.

This is what I do,,,,,,,,,,

www.bayspay.com

Quade > Have Jeep, will travel. 08/03/2014 at 07:58

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You're pissing in the wind. Telling people they can't have something because they can't afford it is un-American. I mean, you're right but, nobody likes a Debby Downer.

SoManyBlueCars > Torque Affair 08/03/2014 at 08:05

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It's a 2011, built in May of 2010.

Torque Affair > SoManyBlueCars 08/03/2014 at 08:40

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Ah, cool - I love those wheels

Torque Affair > AM3R 08/03/2014 at 08:42

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Oh yea - stock is plenty fast enough for daily use.

Torque Affair > boneheadotto 08/03/2014 at 08:44

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Honda needs to come out with another one!

Bunty Brown > RotaryLove 08/03/2014 at 08:44

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have to agree. they have 'sports sedan' nailed down to perfection. the coupe just lacks something overall...although it still looks fantastic.

Torque Affair > poleposition 08/03/2014 at 08:45

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Agree with you on all your points.

Torque Affair > aqwayne 08/03/2014 at 08:48

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I don't think it was a salvage title - but yea he landed a great deal on it 3 years ago.