Lease or Buy: F80 M3, E92 M3, or 435i

[ASalgar]

I'm looking to either:

1. Lease an F80 M3 with DCT and the 19" wheels
2. Buy a used (possibly CPO) E92 M3 (preferably 2012 or 2013)
3. Lease a nearly fully optioned 435i

I'm currently driving a 2013 320i xDrive, and I'd like to upgrade to something that's faster and more unique. I'm leaning towards leasing the F80 because I do like having a newer car and the updated technology that comes along with it.

I'm hoping to keep monthly payments under or at $800/month.

Thoughts?

[jballs16]

For an F80, that monthly payment is possible if you max out the Multiple Security Deposits (MSD) and keep the options low.

67,145 sale price
.0013 MF
62% residual
36 months
7 security deposits ($5,600)

= 740.27 before tax

8,190 due at signing (5,600 is refunded at lease turn in)

[VitaminTee]

I can tell you that the 435 will be a huge upgrade in terms of performance from your 320. That said, it's not anywhere near the league of an M car. I used to have a 335, I currently have an E92 and I just ordered my F80. Once you go M you never go back. If you don't have any wiggle room in the payment then get the 435 and save some money until you're ready to step up to an M. End of the day it's still a great car and you'll love it... but, it's no M

[afadeev]

Originally Posted by ASalgar

I'm looking to either:

1. Lease an F80 M3 with DCT and the 19" wheels
2. Buy a used (possibly CPO) E92 M3 (preferably 2012 or 2013)
3. Lease a nearly fully optioned 435i

I'm currently driving a 2013 320i xDrive, and I'd like to upgrade to something that's faster and more unique. I'm leaning towards leasing the F80 because I do like having a newer car and the updated technology that comes along with it.

I'm hoping to keep monthly payments under or at $800/month.

Thoughts?

Did you test drive any of the above?
All three are a HUGE leap from a 320iX !

If you have never done a DE or autoX-ed before, and coming from a 320iX, you may end up killing yourself in most of the above.

Stick with 335iX/435iX unless you really want the challenge of managing traction with high horsepower/torque RWD cars!
And if you are on a budget, then 335iX/435iX will also make things easier on your checking account.

a

[MRCUR]

No matter what options you decide to go with, I highly recommend you do a test drive in an M3/4 before committing to it. Very, very different car from a 320 that you could very easily get yourself into trouble with.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by ASalgar

I'm looking to either:

1. Lease an F80 M3 with DCT and the 19" wheels
2. Buy a used (possibly CPO) E92 M3 (preferably 2012 or 2013)
3. Lease a nearly fully optioned 435i

I'm currently driving a 2013 320i xDrive, and I'd like to upgrade to something that's faster and more unique. I'm leaning towards leasing the F80 because I do like having a newer car and the updated technology that comes along with it.

I'm hoping to keep monthly payments under or at $800/month.

Thoughts?

Here's my perspective, and keep this in mind:
I have a 2016 F80 on order that I pick up in <2 months
I had a 2012 E92 M3 ZCP, loaded
I had a 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 - not too dissimilar from a 435i in terms of power and handling.

You are considering 3 very different cars. The E92 is effectively a 10+ year old car, even a 2013 model. The V8 sounds so sweet, drinks gas like a mofo, but it is so fun if/when you can ever spool it up above 6000rpm. Still, it's loud, a bit rough, and noisy.

The 435i is going to be plenty fast, relatively composed and have plenty of tech and looks.

The F80 is pretty much the best of all worlds, but it is about 6 steps removed from a 320i. You better drive one first, it is going to be handful and then some.