I'm looking at a 2005 E46 M3 with the comp package and every option for $35,000 (talked him down quite a bit). It's SMG, which I don't really want, but I figure it might be nice to have the option of my girlfriend driving it too.

The great thing about the car is it has full CPO warranty and maintenance until 2011. Only 26k miles on it.

Is $35k a good deal? Any ideas on how much these cars might depreciate over the next 3 years?

 

Not a bad deal but if you're not sold on the SMG, then pass. Your girl can either not drive it or learn to drive a stick (on a friends car of course)

 

Have you considered leasing a 335 for 3 years?

I leased mine for 2 and am sold on leasing - you know all the costs upfront and hand the keys back when the term is up, not to mention the steptronic in the 335 is smoother, almost as quick and arguably better than the smg in the E46 M3

 

I'm actually going down right now to look at a 135...

 

Keep us posted ! Good Luck

 

I said 335, not 135 - there's one thing about buying a car to appease your girl, but another buying a car that is designed for her!

 

Oh come on, the 135 is hot . Get a Dinan chip for 372hp/421tq in that little ride, it's not really a woman's car .

YouTube - BMW 135I W/ CORSA EXHAUST

 

The 335 is just about passable for guys, the 135 absolutely not.

 

You're right, neither is the Miata

 

Andrew,

That M3 is a great deal for the price, but if there's any doubts on the SMG I'd pass if I was you... You should never buy a car that you're not 100% content with, you'll always regret it in the back of your mind.

That's not bad... I might consider a 135 if I can't find a good S54 M Coupe. I sure as hell wouldn't get red though.