[automaz_]

Hey guys

So I currently lease a 2012 535xi fully loaded except the M sport. My lease is almost up. They have a 2012 certified M3 for sale and are asking me if I want to trade it in for that. What do you guys think keep the F10 or try out an M3. F10 is just so much more car and convenient but m3 would also be some fun. I'm torn on what to do. Btw my buy out is an AMAZING price and I won't least another 5 series until late 2017. Its either buy out my F10 use it for 2 more years or buy out an M3

[SonicEndeavor]

It depends on what your needs are. The M3 is a great drivers car but it's noisy with a stiff ride as opposed to the luxury oriented quiet F10.
Also, as I'm sure you know these "trade" deals are designed as moneymakers for the dealership so whatever amazing deal they're offering isn't really amazing at all . Now if the dealer was losing 5k on the deal, that might qualify.
Best of luck with your decision.

[BigKutta]

Completely different cars. If you want to have a smile on your face every time you drive due to the handling and pure joy, get the M3 as long as you dont mind the lack of space, refined finishes, and stiffer ride.

If you like the space and comfort, nicer finishes, take clients out to entertain etc., stick to the F10.

There is also a reason why they want you to not exercise that buy out option

[jeveryday]

I agree with the top two posts, both are 2 very diff cars. I was somewhat in the same boat but because I have a child/family the 5 made the best sense for me. If I was single with no children I would have most certainly bought the M3.

Depending on your preference but i would live it up and experience the M3 before you jump into another 5 by 2017.

[vader_slri]

Are we talking M3 coupe or sedan? A sedan would retain more utility compared to the coupe, coming from the F10.

Then there's the warranty issue. Your F10 is a known entity but I'm assuming warranty will be over with the end of the lease? The M3 is CPO and should be covered for another 2 years, just in time for the G30... It's a bit of a tossup.

[clubspec330i]

I had both cars up until Dec '14 when E90 M3 was sold and replaced with F80.
My wife still drive her '12 AH5. In term of roominess and much more car quotation, it depends upon the driver. I have a 8 and 10 years in booster seats. They fit in fine in either cars. Yes, F10 has more room but E90 M3 can do long distance just as well.

Something to think about. F10 will depreciate much faster than M3.

Good luck.

[NewM3driver]

keep your car. you have driven it since new and you know what you're getting Personally I wouldn't buy a used M3... too much chance the car wasn't taken care of.

[automaz_]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

keep your car. you have driven it since new and you know what you're getting Personally I wouldn't buy a used M3... too much chance the car wasn't taken care of.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Everyone made valid points. I'm not comfortable with buying a used M3 with 42k miles on it just because you don't know how the previous owner has driven the car. think I'll keep the F10 for now until G30 M5 comes out

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by Maz0106

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Everyone made valid points. I'm not comfortable with buying a used M3 with 42k miles on it just because you don't know how the previous owner has driven the car.

Of course you do.... we all know

[automaz_]

My buyout is $5k lower than what KBB lists it for. I also have only 29k miles on the F10

Only thing i did to the car was something reversible like put on the black grilles.
Now that I am buying the car, I will get the chrome trim around the windows vinyl wrapped and also drop the car on HnR springs. I always go with coilovers but its unfortunate that KW does not make coilovers for the F10 Xdrive.........

Any serious worries about the H n R springs? Obviously it will have more wear on the stock struts but a 1 inch drop isn't that much of a big deal.

Car feels a little boat like lol I would've changed out the suspension a long time ago if it wasn't a lease.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

keep your car. you have driven it since new and you know what you're getting Personally I wouldn't buy a used M3... too much chance the car wasn't taken care of.

+1

[BavariaExclusive]

Don't do it. The new M3's are much more torquier and you'd enjoy the thrill of driving one. Unless you're getting hard to refuse deal then you can contemplate.

M3 rides very stiff especially if you enjoy the comfort of your 5. I went through the same dilemma earlier this year. At the end of it all, I choose to stick to my 5 and don't regret a bit of it.

[Slickrick2]

Originally Posted by Maz0106

My buyout is $5k lower than what KBB lists it for. I also have only 29k miles on the F10

Only thing i did to the car was something reversible like put on the black grilles.
Now that I am buying the car, I will get the chrome trim around the windows vinyl wrapped and also drop the car on HnR springs. I always go with coilovers but its unfortunate that KW does not make coilovers for the F10 Xdrive.........

Any serious worries about the H n R springs? Obviously it will have more wear on the stock struts but a 1 inch drop isn't that much of a big deal.

Car feels a little boat like lol I would've changed out the suspension a long time ago if it wasn't a lease.

Good luck and good choice. Can you keep me posted on the drop? I'm looking to do mine but i'd like a little more feedback.. Thanks..

[SonicEndeavor]

Originally Posted by Maz0106

Any serious worries about the H n R springs? Obviously it will have more wear on the stock struts but a 1 inch drop isn't that much of a big deal.

Car feels a little boat like lol I would've changed out the suspension a long time ago if it wasn't a lease.

H&R get mixed reviews. Some like them, others find them bouncy when paired with the stock struts. ACS springs have almost unanimously strong reviews, so I'd check those out. No, the 1 inch drop isn't going to kill your struts in the short term, you'll just have a mismatch between the spring rate and dampers, but as you mentioned, since no one is making aftermarket coilovers it's your only choice, and will certainly help with some of that float.