E90 M3 or F10 550 Msport

[Yugo]

I have been a happy owner of two E46 M3's since 2007. Sold my beloved E46 last November as my family is expanding and we are getting a new house built. Have been since thinking of what to get next and of course E90 M comes to mind as a natual progression as well as a 4 door car which is a must with two kids (2nd one to be born in May). Also moving in May, so needless to say it will be a busy year for sure!

However, have never been a huge fan of the E90, but always wanted to experience it's high reving V8 engine. As I am not 100% set on any car at the moment, as was the case when I wanted to get into the E46, I am also keeping options open for other possibilities. Main concern is that if I do go the F10 route, I will never take that car to the track, on the other hand E90 would maybe see the track once a year.

I understand responses on here will be biased towards the E90, but wanted to get everyone's opinion on the two cars. I have driven E9x M's before, but never an F10 550. Also, if I do end up geting an F10 the M sport pkg will be a must.

Any input is appreciated.

[Amirsm3]

Two completely different cars, so you'll have to figure out what car will serve your intentions the best. The 550 M sport will have your day to day needs covered - and will be larger than an e90, to boot. With two kids, I feel like your life will be easier taking the car seats in and out of the F10. The drivability is smoother, the maintenance could be cheaper, it's newer so you've got that going for you.

[Gfunk720]

^^^ +1.

You are comparing two very different vehicles. One is a sporty sedan with a high revving V8. The other is a more luxury oriented sedan with a torquey TT-V8. The 550 is going to have more room and creature comforts.

Neither is a bad option, but as you mentioned both have their pro's and cons. The 550i would be great for the family, but likely not a good track vehicle. Go drive both and you'll probably have a better idea.

[MikeM5]

If I was in your situation, I would probably get an F10...it just seems like the smarter move between the two cars given your current situation. There's also probably less mod temptation with the F10 to quickly make impractical and non-child/wife friendly.

I think I'd still consider an E90 M3 not only for a better drive, but it'll likely depreciate less over the coming years versus a F10 550, especially after the new M3/M4 hit the streets.

Is there any particular reason why you're considering the 550 specifically over the 535? Personally, I think the 535 is enough to get around while the 550 would leave me saying "I should've just gotten an M5."

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by MikeM5

If I was in your situation, I would probably get an F10...it just seems like the smarter move between the two cars given your current situation. There's also probably less mod temptation with the F10 to quickly make impractical and non-child/wife friendly.

I think I'd still consider an E90 M3 not only for a better drive, but it'll likely depreciate less over the coming years versus a F10 550, especially after the new M3/M4 hit the streets.

Is there any particular reason why you're considering the 550 specifically over the 535? Personally, I think the 535 is enough to get around while the 550 would leave me saying "I should've just gotten an M5."

+1, the 550i is overkill for the "day to day" purpose and not even close for performance oriented goals. It's the useless in-between.

[Yugo]

Originally Posted by MikeM5

Is there any particular reason why you're considering the 550 specifically over the 535? Personally, I think the 535 is enough to get around while the 550 would leave me saying "I should've just gotten an M5."

Not discounting the 535, was just more interested in having the V8 engine.

Would love the idea of an M5, however def out of my price range.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by Yugo

Not discounting the 535, was just more interested in having the V8 engine.

Would love the idea of an M5, however def out of my price range.

Get a 535i and pocket the cash. Should keep the wifey happy

[Yaw]

Add in the availability of X driveon the 550 and you definitly have two very different cars. The 5 series really is a big car but accelerates and handles very impressively. Don't discount the size of the e90 or its creature comforts either, it is a very nice place to be.

[Amirsm3]

Originally Posted by Yaw

Add in the availability of X driveon the 550 and you definitly have two very different cars. The 5 series really is a big car but accelerates and handles very impressively. Don't discount the size of the e90 or its creature comforts either, it is a very nice place to be.

It's all relative. The e90 is objectively smaller than the F10.

[///M///]

Resale on the E90 will be much higher and easier. Much much harder to sell the 5 series especially over 50k miles.

[Yugo]

Originally Posted by dsm918

Resale on the E90 will be much higher and easier. Much much harder to sell the 5 series especially over 50k miles.

Agree, and that's what made me consider getting an E90, especially the earlier years '09 or '10 (not even looking at '08) which have already taken the larger hit on depreciation as opposed to F10 which is yet to get there and the value will drop a lot more in comparison to the M3.

Maybe getting the E90 and driving for a year or two and then getting F10 or similar sized sedan is the answer.

Thanks for input everyone. If anyone has driving experience in the F10 and feels like sharing and comparing to the E90, please do so.

[JLed79]

I have an E90 and you couldn't pry it from me to give me a 550 in its place. And I have two kids too and car seats are no problem! Don't settle man. The 550 is a nice car, but an M it is not.

[duk]

550 is very nice car!

[paddy335]

Cling to your virile manhood and reject the creeping insidious demands from your brain for something 'more practical'.

So, +1 for the M3

[mermar]

Two kids plus I do some carpooling where I pick up kids for soccer so I could have 4 small passengers in the car.

I drove a 535 and a 550 (had a e60 535 that I was selling). IMHO - the new 5 series is far and away too large and too heavy. Car and Driver said it best - "5 seeries - we dont know who you are anymore". Neither did I when I drove it. I reminded me a of an Buick - large, heavy, quiet. If those are requirements - run, dont walk to Lexus. Much better product if that is what you need. The one thing with the 550 is they are depreciating like crazy (including the M5).

I just bought an e90 M3 and am completely utterly blown away by its Dr Jekly Mr Hyde personality. Drive it with mellow settings and it is a nice 4 door family sedan. When alone and you want to have some fun - hit the M button and it is the best car for the money - period. To go to the next level of excitement you need another $100K. I am stunned by the dynamics that the engine, DCT, EDC, MDM mode, etc..

Be sure to accurately assess your requirements - the e90 is spacious for a family of 4 (as far as I am concerned). Also, truly consider how often you think you will have 4 people in your car. I think people often buy vehicles based on what they need 1-2% o fthe time. (Friend has a huge pickup - for the two times a year he needs to move something) Giant SUV's for a family of 4. whatever works for each family is fine -

But dont fear a lack of practicality with and e90. (If you start going nuts with mods - that goes out the window).

BTW - I can easily get 21mpg if I drive like a normal person.

Lastly, the emotional impact of walking into your garage and seeing an M and the sounds it makes (I keep turning off my radio) - not sure the 5'er will have the same draw after even just 6 months.

I told my wife - walking into the garage in the morning and seeing my shinning new M3 with its Comp package wheels, etc.. is like opening the door to my walk-in closet in the morning and seeing a naked super model (wife has a great sense of humor).

[Yugo]

Originally Posted by paddy335

Cling to your virile manhood and reject the creeping insidious demands from your brain for something 'more practical'.

So, +1 for the M3

LOL, will do

[///Mperative]

Originally Posted by Yugo

If anyone has driving experience in the F10 and feels like sharing and comparing to the E90, please do so.

I've owned an E90 335xi, an E92 M3 and have an F10 550xi on order. The E90 and E92 are very similar in terms of size. The backseat of the E90 is a joke; very little legroom. The F10 is much better in this regard. It can comfortably seat 4-5 adults.

Interior quality/features of the F10 blows away the E90/E92, no question. The F10 also has a much more comfortable ride (and plenty of body roll). If the roads are bad near you, your wife/kids will NOT appreciate the ride quality of the M3. The trunk on the F10 is enormous and can easily fit two bodies, should the need arise.

In terms of driving experience, they're very different. The E90 is going to be stiffer, more compliant, flatter cornering, etc. It's fast, agile and fun. The 550 is more powerful (but heavier) and very fast in a straight line (serious). The engine in the 550 is excellent, truly. The 550 is large, comfortable and fast. Ordered mine with Adaptive Drive to help combat the body roll.

I test drove a 550 and an M5 back to back last month. Off the line acceleration was very similar and the cars handled similarly. The M5 had a lot less body roll and cornered flatter (as well as more top-end speed). However, I didn't feel like it was a $30k+ better car than the 550, especially since I will never track it. It's also less practical because we get snow here and I'm sick of changing my tires twice a year.

I know I'll miss the engine in the M3 when it's gone, but I'm going to be very happy with the practicality and comfort of my new 550. I'm leasing for 3 years, so it's not forever. I'll probably get an M4 when my lease is up. In the mean time, it will be nice to not have to worry about crappy roads, snow tires and an aging M-car.

There are amazing deals to be had on the 550 and M5 right now. Amazing.

[Edward]

Considering my M3 and a 550i m sport both new priced out to 75k+, I was looking at both and also an RS5 at the time.

I had decided against the 550i because I'm still young and single and that car would have probably bored me to death. Id be forcing myself to keep telling myself "but look at all the rooooom for the passengers you NEVER have. So much torque...who needs a dual clutch? Big trunk for your one golf bag!"

I just don't need any of that stuff. Plus my 1 mile commute doesn't necessitate a large comfortable car with more creature comforts and technology.

If I had to drive on a highway and more regularly have passengers, I'd have a larger car...maybe not a 550i.

The E90 ZCP sedan will make you happy. The driving experience is worlds apart even if form factor is similar. An M3 will thrill the enshusiast while the 550i will please the sh*t out of your above avg discerning luxury sport sedan shopper.

[AshyLarryMP]

Get the sexier car.

[roastbeef]

Take a look at an Msport 535 diesel.

I had a regular 535d for a loaner and I absolutely loved it. Lots of power and great fuel economy.

[Da Hapa]

I'm going to assume that those are the only two cars that you're considering and will spare offering you a bunch of other suggestions.

I have one son and the E90M3 has been great for us. His car seat fits perfectly, I still have a proper, three pedal manual and good driving dynamics.

But I wonder how well a rear facing car seat is going to actually fit in the back of an E90. Today's safest car seats are HUGE and when they are rear facing (as you're going to have to deal with for some time with another kid on the way) the F10 might be a more realistic choice.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by mermar

I just bought an e90 M3 and am completely utterly blown away by its Dr Jekly Mr Hyde personality. Drive it with mellow settings and it is a nice 4 door family sedan. When alone and you want to have some fun - hit the M button and it is the best car for the money - period. To go to the next level of excitement you need another $100K. I am stunned by the dynamics that the engine, DCT, EDC, MDM mode, etc..

Be sure to accurately assess your requirements - the e90 is spacious for a family of 4 (as far as I am concerned). Also, truly consider how often you think you will have 4 people in your car. I think people often buy vehicles based on what they need 1-2% o fthe time. (Friend has a huge pickup - for the two times a year he needs to move something) Giant SUV's for a family of 4. whatever works for each family is fine -

But dont fear a lack of practicality with and e90. (If you start going nuts with mods - that goes out the window).

BTW - I can easily get 21mpg if I drive like a normal person.

Lastly, the emotional impact of walking into your garage and seeing an M and the sounds it makes (I keep turning off my radio) - not sure the 5'er will have the same draw after even just 6 months.

I told my wife - walking into the garage in the morning and seeing my shinning new M3 with its Comp package wheels, etc.. is like opening the door to my walk-in closet in the morning and seeing a naked super model (wife has a great sense of humor).