I hope someone can give me an honest non-bias answer. I while back I was looking to get a BMW M3 convertible. I had to put that on hold but am ready to buy now. Somehow I got the bug for a Cayenne Turbo. Both would be used, probably 05 or 04. Bimmer a little cheaper but not a deciding factor. I know they are two completely vehicles but for the performance and wow factor which one. I appreciate you taking the time to read this and hopefuuly shed some insight.

 

those are cars on the opposite side of the spectrum in terms of use. If you live in a sunny warm place and dont really need the space of a Cayenne, i would say get the M3 because it is a verrrry fun car, looks good and has good performance. But if you have not driven both, then go do it and see which one puts the biggest smile on your face!!

 

Not that I am old, or fat (in fact we here on the Cayenne forum are all sexy buff guys your girlfriend(s) and sister would want to make their own), but the Cayenne is sooooo comfortable to drive. Sometimes I go to get in my Audi and realize I want those fast heating seats and steering wheel along with the nice and roommy cabin.
Then there's the fact that it flies, right over to Sears where I can fold down my rear sets and slide in my new treadmill (to maintain my buffness).

The M3 is quick, and it handles nice- like my Cayenne that forces BMW's to work their M3 badges off to keep up with me on the twisty dangerous turns.

I see lots of M3's everyday, and very few Cayennes- there's something to be said about that too.

I throw my ski rack on the roof, drive in bad snow and my car won't get stuck. A convetible M3 has limited use here in NY, but may be practical where you are.

Big decision for you, but for me- Porsche, there is NO substitute!

 

I appreciate the honesty. I am in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area. I know the Cayenne is better suited to the winters here, but I can keep a winter car if the M3 is the way to go. I guess there could be worse/harder decisions to make in life.

 

what are some of your past cars? that would help me give an answer.

To be honest, they are completely different.

The turbo is NOT a sports car. Don't confuse yourself. It IS the best SUV however. Great for having a little fun here and there. But nothing is more fun that jumping in the C4 and going for a spin.

It really just depends what you are looking for.

Welcome to 6speed, BTW

 

if you like driving I would say long term you might like the M3 better, personally I like the Audi that I have better, I love both but I enjoy driving the Audi on long distance etc...

 

Past cars include a couple of Sti's, supercharged Yukon, big-block Avalanche and 475hp diesel Excursion. How is the CTT at towing? Have a 20ft bass boat. I like driving and drive from Reno to SF alot and regular road trips. Wife has a subie wagon.

 

I went from an M3 Coupe to my Cayenne S.
When I got the Cayenne S the thought was "How didnt I get this car before?" Honestly I havent really missed the M3 one bit, maybe at times acceleration wise. But the comfort, handling and build quality of the Cayenne completely make up for how fast the M3 could have been.
Now I have the itch for a CTT, to try to compensate for the "lack" of power of the CS.
IMO, the CS is far superior car in many senses, specially build quality.
All kinds of little noises were coming out of the M3 after 18000 miles. The Cayenne is solid with 17000 miles.
So there you go. Good luck with your decision.

 

I had an M3 before a Porsche, and it was also a convertible. I lived in Seattle, WA and Laguna Beach, CA at the time and enjoyed driving top down any chance I could get. Now living in Colorado, where the sun feels it has a stronger effect, I dumped the M3 cab. I felt my forehead was bubling like a fresh pizza! lol

Back to your question...

Since you live in an optimal summer cab weather zone, and can afford the luxury of a winter car, I would choose the M3 convertible. Keep in mind, that car only really looks good when the top is down. Also the rear visibility really sucks when the top is up.

Some advice.. I probably wouldn't buy now, because with the new M3s coming, it will more than likely take an additional depreciation hit. I plan on waiting for the next m3 and then trying to purchase a CPO'd e46 M3 competition in interlagos blue. I absolutely love that combo.

You defnitely cannot go wrong with the e46 style as well. There is so much to love about the styling and the smooth delivery of that high reving inline 6. Now if I had an M3 coupe, I would still have it around.

As for the Cayenne Turbo, Wow! I cannot believe what it is capable of in terms of comparing road vehicles to a SUV. It defnitely is a year round car. In Colorado, I was one of the select few able to drive through the blizzard drifts created this year. It was definitely a blast to turn off PSM and just ramming through snow banks in the Cayenne. If you select the Cayenne, plan on carrying at least 2 sets of tires (summer and Snow/ICE) or a good set of all-terrain with M+S capabilities where you live.

Off topic... You have a similar situation as I do. I too have a subaru wagon. I use the WRX wagon daily as I consult at a healthcare facility and do not want to cause any unneeded jealousy. Great cars to have for the weather. The only problem with them, where I live, is clearance in some snow storms. That right there is another great thing about Turbo Cayennes. The air suspension just rocks!

If you want the liberating feel of a convertible, but need also the utility capabilities of the Cayenne, get the Turbo Cayenne with the Panoramic sunroof.

 

im with him....