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Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 10:24
by chrisp_1
Well (as some of you may already know), I'm facing the reality of selling the M this spring, preferably in favour of a 4-seater.

After 2-3 months thinking about this I still cannot decide what car to get next as most of the competition (as i see things) seems to cost a LOT more £££ :cry:


Here's a few others that spring to mind:-

Porsche 911
Honda NSX
Escort Cosworth
Jaguar XK8/XKR
TVR Griffith/Chimaera/Cerbrera
BMW e36 M3 / Alpina B3
BMW e46 M3 / Alpina B3 or B3S


I love classic and sports cars in general but I'd prefer to get another 90's classic with the ability to hold / grow its value, and be useable. I may also consider something mid-late 80's.

That said for the money of a good M (£8-10k) there's very little choice as far as I can see. Where would you guys /girls consider putting your cash next?

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 10:27
by Badman gee
Porsche 911 turbo

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 10:30
by Gazza
If I needed a 4 seater I would be looking at an unmodded Sierra Sapphire Cosworth around £5-6K, nice ones are fast appreciating.

I also like the E36 M3 convertable.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 10:33
by Gazza
Badman gee wrote:Porsche 911 turbo
For £8-10K ?

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 10:40
by chrisp_1
Gazza wrote:If I needed a 4 seater I would be looking at an unmodded Sierra Sapphire Cosworth around £5-6K, nice ones are fast appreciating.

I also like the E36 M3 convertable.
Not a huge fan of the Sierra bodies but a good investment suggestion Gazza, I have seen some incredibly quick ones over my right shoulder over the years :lol:

Is it me or are the e36 M3 verts going up in value now too?

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 10:51
by Gazza
I think they are going up, E36 coupes do it for me too.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 12:35
by gookah
chrisp_1 wrote:Well (as some of you may already know), I'm facing the reality of selling the M this spring, preferably in favour of a 4-seater.

remove boot lid, put rear-facing two-seater sofa in place... sorted..
Any person who occupies a rear seat, should just be glad of a lift.

:D

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 12:41
by chrisp_1
Looking at the prices for anything even similar performance-wise your idea doesn't sound that bad - I can always return it to standard later :lol:

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 12:53
by Z3cade
I've been having the same thoughts.. And for me if I wanted same performance I would look for a good condition e46 M3
But in reality it will probably a 320-330d estate, remapped

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 14:04
by siwilson
Keep the M and go buy a Focus diesel for when 2 seats are not enough.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 14:54
by Badman gee
It's hard to beat the m for performance and value.

A Tvr cerb would be awesome if not used everyday.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 15:47
by chrisp_1
The only problem with the e46 M3 is depreciation, way tooooooo many about hence values are not exactly bulletproof, on the other hand it does mean that prices are good value IMHO if you can afford to run as an everyday car. My car choices are more about justifying running a second car that does probably 2k miles a year at most, hence why depreciation rather than fuel costs are my main consideration.

Focus diesel - er, NO! Practical YES but not an option to run a third car ATM (the Mrs runs the diesel in the family and I take that on long journeys TBH).

TVR Cerbrera would be brilliant, 2+2 practicality and the same kind of buzz of owning an M (looks and power ratios etc) the only problem I foresee is the running costs from a maintenance point of view. From what I've read your looking at £2k a year :cry: That's what's brilliant about the M, reliable as an everyday car but brutal when the mood takes you. I've turned the key on the M no more than 3 times since Christmas eve', guess what, it starts first cog every time even after weeks of cold/damp weather and no use (I don't even need to fart about disconnecting the battery or adding chargers).

Putting the 4-seater argument to one side I'd really fancy a Porsche 911 (996) or Boxster (986/7), however, much like the TVR's (and the Griffith is one of my dream cars) they just don't have the reliability I'm looking for, I don't mind swinging spanners around but routine major engine work on the TVR's and the RMS (rear main seal) / IMS (intermediate shaft bearing) problems on the Porsche lump are too much worry to have in the back of my mind.

Hence it's clear why I posted this thread,... it's really difficult when you actually consider an alternative to a Z3M. The Z3 M Roadster has to be one of the best value cars around right now, prices can only go up as people catch on.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 16:26
by Z3cade
If the M is that good then why bother changing?

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 16:33
by Jonttt
The problem is there is no real alternative to the Z3m without compromising on performance/reliablity/running costs. For me a weekend car has to be different from a daily so whats the point in getting a 3 series saloon (even an ///M) if its similar to your daily driver, too often I would just end up using the daily for convenience.

I've had the same dilema now that I have a 2 year old but the answer became pretty clear, the Z3 is staying and it is my toy and not the families. When she is older we can go for runs by ourselves as in practice SWMBO will never get in a fast car no matter how many seats it has.

A good friend of mine had a similar problem and ended up with a decent compromise - he gave up running a luxury daily and bought a golf runabout (still a decent spec) and has bought a 3 year old XKR as his weekend toy. They are a bargain at just over £20k and with 4 seats (well good enough in the back for kids) he can use for family weekend trips and its totally different to his daily.

In summary, be selfish, keep the Z3 :D

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 16:40
by chrisp_1
The only problem with the Z3M is its a 2-seater, so that's either me and the little lad (normally) or me and the mrs (hardly ever).

It would be nice to have something that we can all go out in for the day, we live on the edge of the NY Moors so plenty of opportunity. When i bought the M we had plans to use it for our wedding/honeymoon in June, however, the Mrs had now poo pooed the idea of a driving holiday to French Vineyards for the honeymoon.

Anyone want to throw in some alternative cars?

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 17:35
by Z3cade
Rover 75

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 17:47
by Badman gee
The 75 is majestic. Most comfortable car I've driven.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 18:12
by chrisp_1
Rover 75 :shock: :lol:

The XKR was a better suggestion, here's an early 4.0 supercharged one with gubbins, it looks really comfortable :D

Image

Image

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... ?logcode=p

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Wed 30 Jan, 2013 19:50
by G2JRP
I agree with jontt. I have had a two sweater for many years and found that as my toy and accepted that I take one of my boys or the wife. History has found the wife is not the passenger and the car I'd my toy.

I have accepted I do not many miles in the m but enjoy the miles I do!

My wife now has her own toy (boxster s, not a patch on the m) and now the problem has been solved.

But costs a lot in fuel!!

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Thu 31 Jan, 2013 05:47
by Southernboy
From what you're suggesting, it sounds as if your wife will only travel with you and your son, but not just you for a holiday?? You must be quite a rogue in the M then.... :wink:

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Thu 31 Jan, 2013 20:18
by chrisp_1
G2JRP wrote: My wife now has her own toy (boxster s, not a patch on the m) and now the problem has been solved
Lucky boy 8-)

I wish I could afford to run another car and keep the M but I can't. I'm convinced I need to move on sooner or later but I may end up keeping it through Spring / early summer to get some more miles under my belt before it goes.

I need something family friendly-ish but fun too, it seems to make little sense having the M sat on the drive when were having a ride out on the moors or to the beach in summer. I'm just not sure what too :? It's looking very much like a 3 series convertible at this stage (my last car was a B3 coupe). Other than that the next best option is one I missed off the list, Audi TT 255 coupe again!

I can foresee getting another M roadster for keeps in a few years time provided they're still affordable, I need to work on cash flow in the mean-time :evil:

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Thu 31 Jan, 2013 20:24
by chrisp_1
Southernboy wrote:From what you're suggesting, it sounds as if your wife will only travel with you and your son, but not just you for a holiday?? You must be quite a rogue in the M then.... :wink:
When I go too fast she lets me know, however, I've only got out of shape once with her in the car.

She does actually like the M now she's driven it to the beach and shops a few times :lol: However, she thinks it's mad having a 2-seater as my toy. She has a point! :x

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Thu 31 Jan, 2013 21:41
by renmure
I drove an M3 Convertible for a couple of weeks last summer. Personally, it didn't really suit me but no denying it was fast and also had a bit of character... and it had 4 seats. Hard to recommend a Porsche 911 (rule out a GT2/3 on price and since they have 2 seats) unless it was a Turbo (but then you are up in price) since I don't think the standard ones are "special" enough. Boxter is an odd one for me to comment on since I am probably alone in thinking that they don't look good but enough folk like them for me to appreciate they can't all be wrong. Don't think I would be brave enough for a TVR.

Guess you had better keep the Z3M :)

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Fri 01 Feb, 2013 05:11
by Southernboy
"Fries my Fanny" as A Yank might say...If I lived on your little island, I'd have taken your M Chris... have you considered the Porche Panamera, 4 door family racer... :D Of the non 911's, I like the Cayman best, certainly more than the Boxter.
I wasn't sure of the Panamera at first, but I note some owners have lowered the suspension a tad, and done some "mean looks" styling, they're quite cool. Seen a couple of red ones which really stand out with wider tyres and stanced.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 02 Feb, 2013 14:49
by chrisp_1
renmure wrote:I drove an M3 Convertible for a couple of weeks last summer. Personally, it didn't really suit me but no denying it was fast and also had a bit of character... and it had 4 seats. Hard to recommend a Porsche 911 (rule out a GT2/3 on price and since they have 2 seats) unless it was a Turbo (but then you are up in price) since I don't think the standard ones are "special" enough. Boxter is an odd one for me to comment on since I am probably alone in thinking that they don't look good but enough folk like them for me to appreciate they can't all be wrong. Don't think I would be brave enough for a TVR.

Guess you had better keep the Z3M :)
I agree with you except for the Boxster bit,... I love the looks but don't fancy the engines.

Did you ever resolve to get a Z in the end mate?

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 02 Feb, 2013 14:52
by chrisp_1
Southernboy wrote: have you considered the Porche Panamera, 4 door family racer... :D Of the non 911's
I did consider it for a second, then the daydream ended :head:

I need to get a job again, or change my love of cars. Three years and counting since I gave up the 9-5!

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 02 Feb, 2013 20:31
by renmure
chrisp_1 wrote:I agree with you except for the Boxster bit,... I love the looks but don't fancy the engines.

Did you ever resolve to get a Z in the end mate?
Boxter is an odd one. I can probably see why some folk like them and I am probably being a bit of a s(knob) but it is about the only car I can think of where you would always know inside that it wasn't really the Porsche you REALLY wanted. :D

Still resolved to get an Z3M. Added an MX5 in January but no need for that to get in the way of the right Z.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sun 03 Feb, 2013 18:35
by chrisp_1
renmure wrote: Boxter is an odd one. I can probably see why some folk like them and I am probably being a bit of a s(knob) but it is about the only car I can think of where you would always know inside that it wasn't really the Porsche you REALLY wanted. :D .
I can agree with that now you put it so succinctly. I'll remember that next time I get tempted :rtm:

Which mx5 did you plump for, I'm still a bit of an aficionado if i'm being honest :oops: My fav's being Icon from 2000 (NB), and/or the Z-Sport / Launch Edition (NC's).

What you looking for I'm an M, really low milage minter? There was a really nice one on flea bay last couple months buy they're asking top money c£12k :shock:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-3-2-Ro ... 2576713e17

Image

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Mon 04 Feb, 2013 19:18
by renmure
chrisp_1 wrote:
renmure wrote: Boxter is an odd one. I can probably see why some folk like them and I am probably being a bit of a s(knob) but it is about the only car I can think of where you would always know inside that it wasn't really the Porsche you REALLY wanted. :D .
I can agree with that now you put it so succinctly. I'll remember that next time I get tempted :rtm:

Which mx5 did you plump for, I'm still a bit of an aficionado if i'm being honest :oops: My fav's being Icon from 2000 (NB), and/or the Z-Sport / Launch Edition (NC's).

What you looking for I'm an M, really low milage minter? There was a really nice one on flea bay last couple months buy they're asking top money c£12k :shock:
Not got a great pic of it, but it is an 09 reg 2 litre, 14k miles, 1 owner, FMSH, in copper red with the manual roof.

Image

I was getting a bit frustrated with my Z3M hunt so thought about what else I could get whilst waiting for the right one: Z4, SLK, Boxter, TVR, TT or MX5. The Mazda seemed the "sensible" choice so for a change I decided to be sensible and phoned to agree a deal with JCT600 Mazda on this one when they opened after New Year Hols on 2nd Jan. Went to see and collect it a few days later. Never driven one before. Main things I was firm on was leather and heated seats so quite happy with it.

Think I will keep hold of it no matter what happens with the Z hunt and now that I have got "something" will probably end up being even more fussy re the M. Not too fussed about low mileage or originality or the like but... (this is the best way I can describe this....) I really take care of my cars and am nerdy to the point of being geeky about looking after them. Anytime I have sold any cars whether they Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, Lotus, Caterham, or just boring stuff, it is obvious that they are "good" cars and have all sold easily. It is that sort of car I want to buy :)

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Mon 04 Feb, 2013 20:31
by Z3cade
Not the best place to park it jim...

But a lovely edition non the less :wink:

Image

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Thu 07 Feb, 2013 20:21
by chrisp_1
renmure wrote: I really take care of my cars and am nerdy to the point of being geeky about looking after them. Anytime I have sold any cars whether they Ferrari, Lambo, Porsche, Lotus, Caterham, or just boring stuff, it is obvious that they are "good" cars and have all sold easily...
Another self confessed car geek on the forum, there's quite a few in these parts :lol: Trust you got the 'Sport' spec MX5, couldn't quite see for the Ferrari 8-)

My Mrs thinks I'm way OTT with my cars but like you say I've owned, bought and sold circa 15 of the things over the years and the've all (bar 1) sold to first viewer and I've never been over-haggled on price either. The only car that took longer than a few weeks to sell was was my last one (Alpina B3) and that's down to the fact there's not a big market for them, big engined older cars and all. It will likely be similar with the Z3m, it's a case of getting someone through the door to view and it will likely sell itself provided the viewer isn't a tyre-kicker.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Fri 08 Feb, 2013 17:58
by renmure
chrisp_1 wrote: Trust you got the 'Sport' spec MX5,
Errr, I think it was advertised as "Sport" .. although not overly sure what that means it has. :dunce:

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 09:10
by chrisp_1
renmure wrote:
Errr, I think it was advertised as "Sport" .. although not overly sure what that means it has. :dunce:
Basically the sports all have the 2.0 engine, 6-speed short shift box, chassis braces and improved suspension etc, same as the mk2.5 it's the one to have for those upgrades.

Moving on,.. have you seen this advertised?, looks as you describe you desire and a bargain with the work done and spare set of wheels / pads etc. I'm sure I've seen that house/garage with a different M/car before though:? :?:

http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... 99/1089229

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 11:52
by TitanTim
chrisp_1 wrote:
renmure wrote: Boxter is an odd one. I can probably see why some folk like them and I am probably being a bit of a s(knob) but it is about the only car I can think of where you would always know inside that it wasn't really the Porsche you REALLY wanted. :D .
I can agree with that now you put it so succinctly. I'll remember that next time I get tempted :rtm:

Which mx5 did you plump for, I'm still a bit of an aficionado if i'm being honest :oops: My fav's being Icon from 2000 (NB), and/or the Z-Sport / Launch Edition (NC's).

What you looking for I'm an M, really low milage minter? There was a really nice one on flea bay last couple months buy they're asking top money c£12k :shock:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Z3-3-2-Ro ... 2576713e17

Image
That black M has been for sale for eternity, probably over 2 years, its only up the road from me. I very nearly bought it as it was advertised at £8995, the seller then suddenly bumped the price up. I e-mailed them asking why and never received a reply. I never went to look at it but the interior looks a bit grubby, it has the boot rack which put me off slightly and its overpriced.

Tim.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 12:16
by johnwayne
The "M" advertised on pistonheads is my car.I purchased from member "Ian Kelly 18 months ago but health issues mean I need something a little easier to slide into.Ian undertook a full and thorough overall of the underbody and I believe the cost was in excess of £3000 I have covered less than 1800 miles in the time I have owned the car but sadly it has to go.Probably not the ideal time to sell but worth a try

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 12:23
by chrisp_1
johnwayne wrote:The "M" advertised on pistonheads is my car.
Ah ha,.... I knew I'd seen that gargae shot b4 :lol:

GLWS, as above user 'renmure' is looking for a M :wink:

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 12:48
by johnwayne
Ian,"renmure" is looking specifically for an Estoril with the blue/black seat combination. Another one on ebay Ian -your colour and 77000 miles!!

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 19:19
by renmure
chrisp_1 wrote:
johnwayne wrote:The "M" advertised on pistonheads is my car.
Ah ha,.... I knew I'd seen that gargae shot b4 :lol:

GLWS, as above user 'renmure' is looking for a M :wink:
Johnwayne and I had a chat about his car a couple of months ago. :wink:

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 20:25
by Badman gee
Offyourmarks had the best estoril m. 5000 miles on the clock.

The underneath was brand new, and I mean brand new.

That was the car for you renmure but its sold now.

Re: Life after an M

Posted: Sat 16 Feb, 2013 20:28
by Badman gee
Best colour m is the imola red IMHO followed by black.

Not as common as silver or estoril blue.

Very hard to find, I know I had an imola.

Mark