dont get the 1 series...its such a silly looking car IMO and for a few lbs lighter than the 335

 

Well for now if something happens within this month then it will be one of these 3. If not then I'm waiting another 6 months to see what the market shows up with. Alot of great suggestions and opinions so far thanks guys.

 

You'll never regret buying an M3 and buying used or CPO is a no brainer unless money is not part of the equation. The 135 is way smaller but there is little corresponding weight reduction. It just doesn't make sense to buy the 135 over even a 335, not to mention M3 comparisons.

 

I was all set to order a 135i with the M Sport package. Do yourself a favor and drive a 2011 335is. http://thesaylors.net/automobiles/BMW335is/335is.mov

 

Thats what really steered me away from an rs4 last year when I considered one as a DD. Have you checked insurance rates for all of them yet? Although I wouldnt expect huge variations, its something worth taking into consideration imo.

 

Since I haven't seen you mention it, I'd say get a used M5, it's the best you could get! Also it'll have the v10 engine which would be a blast! I personally don't like the new cues of the new 5'er! I'd say you'll be absolutely pleased with the M5!

 

I already mentioned the M5, but it's been dismissed. Too bad, it would be a better choice than all other mentioned.

 

between the 3 choices, personally i would get either the m3 or rs4. given the tech, the m3 seems to be better (rs4 is a few yrs older). the m3 has a little edge on the performance i think. the 1 series is more tunable, but it's also not as "special" imho. plus, it also depends on what you want. just straight line speed? coz' if that's the case, a tuned 135 can be a little rocket. but i personally prefer the overall driving experience, the road connectivity and driving dynamics. with that in mind, the m3 is a totally different story. just make a fast turn and you can see the difference pretty well. that's sort of how i was sold on the m3 anyway

m5 is another great car, i don't like the look of e60 at all, but i love the drivetrain. it's a monster and when the v10 screams, it's something else. i guess if anything, the gas mileage is the problem. the v10 in the m5 is not gas happy, seeing single digit mpg is not surprising. so make sure you factor that in

good luck!

 

135i because it's new!

 

My friend tried to convince me to get an e39 M5 that had 140k with a bunch of dinan mods for $8k. That model and the current m5 just don't feel like it'd fit me very well. Fast but doesn't seem it'd be as planted as the m3 or rs4.

Yeah the 135i is great. I like the new factor...I also am torn between the 135i and the 1M coupe now.

I test drove the e90 M3...an 08' and it was pretty nice. I gotta say it does have more oomph than the RS4 and of course it does. Most tests have put the current M3 ahead of most of its competitors and I know even as good as the other manufacturers can do. They're all copycats to the M division products... Sadly at the moment I have to wait...for now. More time to make my decision.

 

Actually I was thinking of the E60 M5, which is faster than any of the mentioned cars, still looks like it came from the new ages, has the greatest engine, reputation and many other things. Sure, it's bigger than any of these cars, but that's not always a bad thing, nor would some new springs (Eibach, H&R) or coilovers hurt.
The one thing that's great is that you get a $90-100k car for $40k. That's a lot of car for 135i money.

 

I know you were talking about the E60. I did mention both generations in my post. It is interesting how much used ones cost. I'm just not so sure of the size. I like the nimble-ness of the other cars and I'm not so sure about living with the 08 iDrive.

 

m3 zcp

 

iDrive can be upgraded to 09-10 model (newer iDrive). And it doesn't cost a lot of money.
Maybe you should take some time to think.

 

I think I would pick the RS4 ONLY if you need the AWD and 4 doors.
If your fuel worried, then a V8 is not your best bet.

If you simply don't care or don't need anything practical go with the M3.

In my situation I was either thinking e46 M3 or B7 S4. I needed the AWD for snow travel and 4 doors for some practicality "kids soon." I also think I would be frustrated driving an M3 in the snow and for daily duties.

I think in maybe a year or so I might try to pick up a e90 M3 maybe like an 08-09 and I will be set, and keep the S4 as a winter warrior.


My vote is M3! I drove a 135i and yes it was quick but like said above it's like a little toy. I think the M3 is much more serious performer.