Help me Oppo..I am demoralized!

"Azrek" (azrek)
06/08/2018 at 12:16 • Filed to: None

I’ve been away for awhile as work change/broke all our internet browsers to better ‘protect’ us, but of course it also prevented actual websites from working too...But that is not my issue...

I am currently starting down my 2nd $3k+ repair in 4 months on my E92 M3 and I am a bit flustered (actuators, oil gaskets, brakes, etc). I have 68000 miles, bought it new, and unsure if I should ride it till another issue arises and sell it...or sell it soon?

It leads into my second issue. I have 0 idea what car I’d want to replace a manual M3. I love Manuel and don’t want to leave it...but there isn’t much left.

I have a solid career, so my price range is flexible in my search. I am looking for sub-80k.

I’ve considered a few cars and a few that aren’t out yet. I’d debated getting one of the Crossovers like the Macan GTS or the upcoming Jag SVR V8 F-Pace as I miss my old 1988 4-Runner some days.

I am not interested in a Mustang or WRX STI, but in Florida ground clearance can be an issue with drainage ditches and shit here. Nothing low. Maybe an RS3?

Ugh...not a happy day as I just finally paid off most of my debt on my Maryland mistake.

Any hot takes? No photos as this browser won’t let me!

DISCUSSION (30)

Gerry197 > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 12:47

I remember asking my BMW indy shop if they would recommend an E46 to their daughter for college.

The owner of the shop said, “are they made of money?”

Luckily, my 328I Manual / Sport Package didn’t give me any big problems, but I knew they were around the corner. The E46 M3 has is a different thing all together for upkeep and maintenance/repair fees.

Probably a good idea to move on, this time something with a good warranty. Test drive a Macan, I was rather impressed by it.

CobraJoe > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 12:53

Are you interested in wrenching at all?

I’m betting you could repair the problem yourself for well under the $3k price tag, and you would learn a lot more about the car you’re fixing.

I’d suggest to start by researching, look into all the parts you need, all the parts you should replace while you’re there, all the tools you would need, and the procedure involved in doing it. Then get started by buying a cheap but trusty runabout (maybe another old 4runner?), and finding a place to do the work. Sure, buying a separate car is an added expense, but it probably could be sold for exactly what you bought it for, and you’d get to have the fun of owning a completely different vehicle for a while.

Personally, I don’t think you should get rid of the M3 unless you were already considering buying something else. I know how hard it is to find a replacement you love as much as the car you had to sell.

Azrek > CobraJoe
06/08/2018 at 13:15

Not interested in wrenching. I lack the space and really the time. I work full time and goto school full time. The blissful time I have off I usually am asleep or knee deep in a keg of beer.

It is tough to move on from the V8 manual. I may never drive another again.

Azrek > Gerry197
06/08/2018 at 13:17

Yeah, my 6 year warranty just died. So here it all comes at once.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 13:39

If you like the configuration don’t let it go. Shouldn’t the fixed parts be better than the originals?

CobraJoe > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 13:41

Time really is a killer. If you had the space and a spare car, you can find the time (an hour or two every other evening can still allow for stuff to get done), but if you’re not interested in wrenching, that doesn’t help.

V8 manuals are still readily available at least. Depends on your price range, but you have a full selection of Mustang GTs, Camaros, SS, GTO, Challenger.... They probably won’t compare that favorably to a BMW in terms of interior quality and handling, but they are affordable and fun.

Azrek > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
06/08/2018 at 13:41

I see it as a cascade effect. More will start collapsing and I am paying too much on something I could sell. So it is a tough debate.

Azrek > CobraJoe
06/08/2018 at 13:49

I’ll be 40 this year and Mustangs or similar don’t fit my personality. So I am looking at AMGs others...the RS3 could be fun.

E90M3 > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 14:47

Personally, I’d fix it. I assume it’s paid for and if you’re looking at an 80k car, you’ve got the money. The problem is that there really isn’t anything like the E92 M3 out there any more, unless you want to get a Porsche 911, but then that’s not cheap either.

nerd_racing > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 14:55

This exact reason was why I traded in my 128i. Needed $2500 in parts alone and those were aftermarket parts prices.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 15:17

Chevy SS?

Azrek > E90M3
06/08/2018 at 15:18

Yeah, I am fixing it. But this may be the last fix and then I start looking at automatics that are awesome like AMGs, RS3 or the Macan GTS. Sigh...

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 15:20

Can you afford a second car? I would honestly just get a Honda to daily, but keep the E92 as a weekend car/toy. That way you can mod it to be less reliable and more fun without the headache of having to get to work on Monday.

Azrek > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
06/08/2018 at 15:37

I could, but like your name...I like cars, I love cars. I don’t want to daily drive something soulless so I can preserve my fun car. I want something to daily drive

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 15:49

I would argue that even the most basic, cheapest of cars can have a soul...it all depends on how you think about it and how you make it your own, as well as your experiences. :)

Azrek > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars
06/08/2018 at 15:51

I agree to your argument, however I am like Han Solo and his ship. It has to be...me...it has to have the feel and the soul of what I want in a car. I get in and flip all the switches and prepare for my adventure, it isn’t just a drive.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 15:59

Lotus Evora?

Like this one: https://goo.gl/bhGqKK

Edit: This is the correct review:

Azrek > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability
06/08/2018 at 16:08

FIND ME ONE! NOW!!!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 16:12

Linky is right there in the comment above :)

Also: https://goo.gl/3rCzkW

nermal > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 16:17

Sell BMW, get a Golf R and a base model Wrangler? Should be able to come in under budget with that.

Azrek > nermal
06/08/2018 at 16:24

I can’t stand the Wranglers. Overpriced and slow.

nermal > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 16:28

That will make the VW seem cheap and fast by comparison.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Azrek
06/08/2018 at 18:04

Fair enough. However, I have to remind you of the “slow car fast” argument- it’s fun to drive a cheap ass underpowered economy car with no sound insulation and skinny tires at the limit. Now, driving something like that isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s okay. But I would give it a shot.

pip bip - choose Corrour > Azrek
06/09/2018 at 07:20

get a Chevy SS?

Azrek > pip bip - choose Corrour
06/11/2018 at 11:06

I owned a Chevy once. Never again.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Azrek
10/05/2018 at 10:22

This is an old post, but what are your current thoughts? You still have the M3 - plan on keeping it a while longer? If you had to buy something different today, what would it be?

It’s just such a damn fine car... I’m having the same issue even considering letting it go (mine has 120k), and I have the complication of needing room to shuttle 3 kids for at least the next 5 years.

Azrek > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/05/2018 at 10:30

I still have it. It is tough to get rid of it. There is just nothing else that gets me excited about a car like this unless I got an Ariel Atom or a kit car like a Shelby Cobra.
I have to get it cleaned this weekend, I lack a garage right now and its been raining every day for 3 months in Florida.
It isn’t a car to carry a family, but I lack a family other than my cat.
I’ve heavily debated getting a Macan GTS as I’d like the idea of being able to carry more, still cruise and can hit potholes or drainage ditches without getting that pit in my stomach.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Azrek
10/05/2018 at 11:02

It definitely gets under your skin! Mine’s an E90, so it’s completely usable as a family truckster. I just picked up a Tacoma, so the M3's getting driven a couple times a week instead of every day now.

Macan GTS is definitely appealing. Bummer that they’ll never offer it with a manual. A Porsche’s in my future at some point. The dream is a 991.2 GT3, but I’d be more than happy with an NA 991 911 S or 981 Cayman S.

Azrek > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
10/05/2018 at 11:46

Manuals are fading fast and it is a shame. I’ve driven a few Paddleshifters, but they don’t have the same appeal. As much as I like the quick flappypaddles, it still feels stale. I like coasting in neutral or screwing around with people behind me on a hill.

I will likely keep the M3 as I only owe a few hundred left on it and focus on getting a house with a garage.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Azrek
10/05/2018 at 11:54

Sounds like a good plan!