Garaging the M & getting a new daily

[mj2k]

Bit of a decision as to what to do here, so seeking the ever useful forum advice. This may be a good thing or a bad thing!

My M has almost done 19k, and toying with the idea of keeping it as a weekend toy & getting another daily. Spent the weekend starting to get the garage cleared, so that in any case I can tuck it away each night regardless. I know if the daily car doesn't have enough poke, I will continue to pull the M out of the garage & use it more often, so have ended up considering an M135i or M235i - most probably the 135i as it will be our only practical car (wife has an E89). I've also looked at the cost of a Fiesta ST-3, but seems to only be £40 more per month to get the 135i and seems a hell of a lot more car for the extra outlay.

At the end of the year, my new commute will be significantly shorter than my current 60 mile round trip, but unfortunately short enough that the M will not get up to running temperature & will only hit the first marker on the oil temp before getting switched off after less than 8 miles. If another move happens, I could find myself only commuting for a 2 mile journey which will certainly not do the engine any good in the long term. With the possibility of a short commute, I am considering leasing the 135i for 2 years as (bad as this sounds) I don't have any ownership issues of a 'short commuting car' in the future. Ideally I would walk to work, but need something for the blustery days.

I know the M is not a common car, and therefore wont lose a massive amount of value. However, looking at lease prices it certainly will not be appreciating at that level either! The lease will cost me roughly an average of £4,400 per year over the 2 years, plus insurance etc on a 10k pa lease. Mileage wise, it might not require a service in this time or just the cost of an oil service. I have a company car opt out which will cover this, and the insurance but cannot decide if it is the right way to go. Effectively leasing another car is a bit of a luxury that we can afford & I get pleasure like everyone on here from driving and owning cars. Just not really 'needed' as there are only the 2 of us and no children.

I would rather not tie up capital in the purchase of another car as my returns are stronger elsewhere, but have never leased a car before as always been brought up to buy things outright. The £4,400 could do other things for us, although it isn't cash we've ever 'seen' as the company car opt out payment is always replenishing the savings of the latest car purchase

It would probably be an easier car to keep as a weekend toy if my wife didn't also have a Z4, seems strange to keep 2, but she has only just got hers, and I wont want to sell mine

A nice decision to be making, but not one I want to go into lightly - so thought what better than to ask a bunch of strangers :lol: (well some of you I have met!)

Cheers

PS other cars I should consider? I am not a VAG or Merc fan, and also never fallen in love with French cars. Sort of limits my choices I know! Looked briefly at the Mustang lease, but it was madness on the monthly costs! Remember, I want to lease given the short nature of commute, and not tying capital up in a depreciating asset.

 

[Axelf]

I think you will love the M135i... They are a pocket rocket... If you have not tried one go for the auto version you will be impressed with the performance from it

 

[Beedub]

use your ///M and enjoy it, once you start molly cuddling them it just snow balls out of control... You'll then have 3 cars to run and within a year you'll sell the ///M for lack of use, you have to be REALLy dedicated to the z4 to warrant keeping it as a third car that will not see that much use in the end ( which it won't in the end) and considering I've already seen threads from yourself contemplating selling it already, i think you should use and enjoy, 19k is probably one of the lowest mile cars out their in reality, you could easily use till 35k and still retain most of its value if that bothers you.

Fwiw the fiesta ST is a total epic car and running costs for the performance are pretty much peanuts!! one of my fave cars I've owned for a long time!

 

[mj2k]

I'm still toying between the auto & manual.

Beedub, the M5 is a bucket list car for me, but it's too much invested in a daily driver for me & having had two 5 series already know it is a) too big, and b) won't fit in the garage as a weekend toy, so would need to be daily.

I've run 3 cars in the house before, strangely when I had my 1 series company diesel and the S2000, while my now wife had an MX5 & really liked the variety. Currently we'd have a sports car in the M, a softer touring roadster with the E89 and then an everyday fast practical one. If it doesn't work out and the M isn't getting used, I've not lost much. Or tuck it up for a decade on the punt it's worth more (joke!)

The ST reads so well in all the reviews & love the idea of going back to a hot hatch, although my R56 JCW ownership wasn't that long ago! My only issue is paying £40 less on a lease than a 135i, just doesn't make sense in my head.

I hear you on the running for more miles as a daily, but don't want to only run it to sub 75C oil temp on a daily basis. Plus I don't fancy doing an extra 5 mins drive on my commute just for the engine heating up. Can't believe that not getting the engine to temp is going to do these cars any good in the long run, some issue is bound to become of this.

 

[srhutch]

use your ///M and enjoy it, once you start molly cuddling them it just snow balls out of control... You'll then have 3 cars to run and within a year you'll sell the ///M for lack of use, you have to be REALLy dedicated to the z4 to warrant keeping it as a third car that will not see that much use in the end ( which it won't in the end) and considering I've already seen threads from yourself contemplating selling it already, i think you should use and enjoy, 19k is probably one of the lowest mile cars out their in reality, you could easily use till 35k and still retain most of its value if that bothers you.

Fwiw the fiesta ST is a total epic car and running costs for the performance are pretty much peanuts!! one of my fave cars I've owned for a long time!

Mines been a third 3 since I bought it over 4 years ago, the previous one also for over a year also. I only do 1.5-2k a year but have no intention of selling it and can't wait to get out in it. If I drove it every day I doubt I would enjoy it so much.

 

[Bottom]

Bit off the wall this one, how about a BMW i3, lease is about 200 per month for 8000 a year, a total hoot to drive seriously quick off the mark and wildly different from your M as a driving experience, also zero tax and in many cases, zero cost for fuel. 60 miles is just about doable as long as you can charge at work, with your shorter commute it will be perfect.

 

[mj2k]

Mines been a third 3 since I bought it over 4 years ago, the previous one also for over a year also. I only do 1.5-2k a year but have no intention of selling it and can't wait to get out in it. If I drove it every day I doubt I would enjoy it so much.

I love it every day, but it is the first car I've had with effortless grunt on a motorway.

Think I will love it even more as special occasion car though & that appeals to me. Getting into it every day is great & have loved doing it, but unlike when I ran my S2000 as a fun car, I find I'm more likely to clean it at a weekend vs getting out and enjoying it instead

The 135i will tick the grunt for a daily drive for me. Ashamed to say, but on the motorway when overtaking & picking up those drivers that absent mindedly accelerate when you are next to them, increasing their speed by c 10mph, a quick blast of the throttle to get ahead then sees them realising they are in a world of their own & slow back down to their previous speed allowing me to pull back in....how do these people speed up without realising ?? It's always a choice for me :lol:

Heart is with the 235i, but head says 135i as more practical if I need to lug things...the things required for the tip won't fit in either of our Zs, so currently bribing friends with pulled pork, ribs & brisket for their help

Not sure what to spec on the car, comes with nav, but only the small screen version; £900 option to upgrade. Needs heated seats as it comes with leather, along with sun protection glass and possibly an HK speaker upgrade (or bmws on version for £300 vs the £500 HK). Undecided on adaptive suspension as never really noticed a difference on my F10, or I'm just not able to notice such nuances

 

[mj2k]

Bit off the wall this one, how about a BMW i3, lease is about 200 per month for 8000 a year, a total hoot to drive seriously quick off the mark and wildly different from your M as a driving experience, also zero tax and in many cases, zero cost for fuel. 60 miles is just about doable as long as you can charge at work, with your shorter commute it will be perfect.

Hadn't thought about it, but also considered needing to do some business trips that won't quite cut the mileage issues with the i3. Not really read up enough on them, but dismissed them as smart car size. New offices have a charge point, but there are a couple of people out ranking me with teslas, so might not get the charge point :x

 

[AZ4MW]

+1 with you there Steve, mine is also my 3rd car and must admit I only do about 1k a year but enjoy every mile in it and it's only on dry sunny days as well "sad I know" but smiles galore when I go for a blast mines just ticked over 50k now

 

[nick_z4]

i'd say get out there and enjoy your M, life's too short to garage it and get another performance car in a hope you'll save a few £k in years to come. Or sell and look for something else - the 135 / 235's are pretty good and rock solid as they'll be new (leased or bought)

 

[mj2k]

Bit off the wall this one, how about a BMW i3, lease is about 200 per month for 8000 a year, a total hoot to drive seriously quick off the mark and wildly different from your M as a driving experience, also zero tax and in many cases, zero cost for fuel. 60 miles is just about doable as long as you can charge at work, with your shorter commute it will be perfect.

Hadn't thought about it, but also considered needing to do some business trips that won't quite cut the mileage issues with the i3. Not really read up enough on them, but dismissed them as smart car size. New offices have a charge point, but there are a couple of people out ranking me with teslas, so might not get the charge point :x

Hmmm not my view of quick off the mark, but a nice quirky option. Even the new shorter commute is motorway & lack the confidence with this vs a more traditional option.

Those with an M as your play car for weekends, are you running significantly less fun dailies? This is where I'm struggling, although some modestly priced dailies vs the 135i aren't much of a difference & I know if I'm lacking some daily grunt I won't use the daily as intended.

 

[tjlazer]

The 135i isn't that interesting to drive though... I prefer my golf R to be honest. I'd take a look at that before you pick the BMW it might surprise you. Likewise the i3 is a great little car and a massive amount of tech for the money.

 

[mj2k]

i'd say get out there and enjoy your M, life's too short to garage it and get another performance car in a hope you'll save a few £k in years to come. Or sell and look for something else - the 135 / 235's are pretty good and rock solid as they'll be new (leased or bought)

It's not so much saving £ but more having the choices when I want them, practical & speedy vs a little more brisk and no real practicality. A lot of my journeys are motorway, and it's hardly M 'fun' to take advantage of the performance and handling.

I could easily get a diesel / lower powered 1 / 2 series for it, but that doesn't suit what I want on a daily driver, and doesn't keep the M as special, and in my mind is a waste of smiles per mile. I've had the M since April last year, and I love driving it.

There weren't that many Z4Ms around, and they can only get lower in their numbers. I'm not looking to make money, but would be nice(!) but simply own a car that in a few years time has more rarity. I've looked back at the cars I wish I'd owned & kept, where finances didn't allow at the time, but could afford do it now (GT5, RS500, Escort Cosworth), and possibly see the M falling into the same bracket, as something I can enjoy in many years as a rare item to enjoy driving for many years if looked after.

 

[mj2k]

The 135i isn't that interesting to drive though... I prefer my golf R to be honest. I'd take a look at that before you pick the BMW it might surprise you. Likewise the i3 is a great little car and a massive amount of tech for the money.

Struggle with seat & feet position on all VAG cars to be honest, had a gti as a temp car awaiting for the f10 but never felt comfortable after a few thousand miles. It is certainly capable, and wanted to like it, but without driving the specific car, seating position just is not working for me, and not a fan of the flat bottom wheel.

Not sure where I get this from, but never felt natural in a VAG and that's A3/4/5 plus their equivalent versions as temp cars waiting for my company cars in the past.

 

[Beedub]

i'd say get out there and enjoy your M, life's too short to garage it and get another performance car in a hope you'll save a few £k in years to come. Or sell and look for something else - the 135 / 235's are pretty good and rock solid as they'll be new (leased or bought)

It's not so much saving £ but more having the choices when I want them, practical & speedy vs a little more brisk and no real practicality. A lot of my journeys are motorway, and it's hardly M 'fun' to take advantage of the performance and handling.

I could easily get a diesel / lower powered 1 / 2 series for it, but that doesn't suit what I want on a daily driver, and doesn't keep the M as special, and in my mind is a waste of smiles per mile. I've had the M since April last year, and I love driving it.

There weren't that many Z4Ms around, and they can only get lower in their numbers. I'm not looking to make money, but would be nice(!) but simply own a car that in a few years time has more rarity. I've looked back at the cars I wish I'd owned & kept, where finances didn't allow at the time, but could afford do it now (GT5, RS500, Escort Cosworth), and possibly see the M falling into the same bracket, as something I can enjoy in many years as a rare item to enjoy driving for many years if looked after.

i agree with this tbh....

 

[jan_tekin]

Not sure what to spec on the car, comes with nav, but only the small screen version; £900 option to upgrade. Needs heated seats as it comes with leather, along with sun protection glass and possibly an HK speaker upgrade (or bmws on version for £300 vs the £500 HK). Undecided on adaptive suspension as never really noticed a difference on my F10, or I'm just not able to notice such nuances

Some nice options I have all of them apart from the adaptive suspension, all it dose is makes it softer and I find the ride very comfortable as it is Had ours just over a month now and have to say I'm really happy with it, so much so that I'm not missing my Z4

Have you considered a PCP instead of a lease as there are some pretty large discounts available at the moment

 

[mj2k]

Not sure what to spec on the car, comes with nav, but only the small screen version; £900 option to upgrade. Needs heated seats as it comes with leather, along with sun protection glass and possibly an HK speaker upgrade (or bmws on version for £300 vs the £500 HK). Undecided on adaptive suspension as never really noticed a difference on my F10, or I'm just not able to notice such nuances

Some nice options I have all of them apart from the adaptive suspension, all it dose is makes it softer and I find the ride very comfortable as it is Had ours just over a month now and have to say I'm really happy with it, so much so that I'm not missing my Z4

Have you considered a PCP instead of a lease as there are some pretty large discounts available at the moment

Good to know on the suspension, I've yet to find a car too hard so might save myself some cash.

Good to know you are enjoying yours.

Havent looked at PCP, but will do.

 

[Beedub]

The fiesta ST in st3 spec has so many toys you'll be entertained for a long time, TOMTOM derived sat nav software which is excellent ( everything you list and more, privacy heated seats, heated front screen,comfort access, style pack, the list goes on) , so it may be close to the 135i in terms of a base lease cost but surely the 135 won't have anywhere near the spec levels, it will be ALOT cheaper to run and will run rings around one dynamically, they are sooooo good, you've probably done some research, have you seen the cars they put it up against and it still wins or at least doesnt shame itself.. The car weights in a scaredy believable 1088kg so with some tuning just are nuts.

before you make your mind up go and drive one for a good 30 mins .... drive it properly and you will get out blown away. Hell a tuned up one would eat a z4m alive on a twisty back road, infact it would probably eat mine alive too.... the fiesta will be FLAT out where id be cacking my pants taking my time.

you will not be disappointed.

 

[mj2k]

The fiesta ST in st3 spec has so many toys you'll be entertained for a long time, TOMTOM derived sat nav software which is excellent ( everything you list and more, privacy heated seats, heated front screen,comfort access, style pack, the list goes on) , so it may be close to the 135i in terms of a base lease cost but surely the 135 won't have anywhere near the spec levels, it will be ALOT cheaper to run and will run rings around one dynamically, they are sooooo good, you've probably done some research, have you seen the cars they put it up against and it still wins or at least doesnt shame itself.. The car weights in a scaredy believable 1088kg so with some tuning just are nuts.

before you make your mind up go and drive one for a good 30 mins .... drive it properly and you will get out blown away. Hell a tuned up one would eat a z4m alive on a twisty back road, infact it would probably eat mine alive too.... the fiesta will be FLAT out where id be cacking my pants taking my time.

you will not be disappointed.

Will certainly test drive it, as the reviews are astounding vs a 'better' competitive set, it is certainly a capable car! There is a slight challenge in that my role expects me to arrive with clients with a certain level of car & not sure the fiesta will work for non petrol heads...had to convince the management that the M held enough of that image despite being 9 years old...when a non car person saw it, they thought I was paid too much despite having the cheapest car on the fleet (again!)

Strangely it is cheaper to get a 135i vs a 118i on lease by about £50 per month, so perhaps I'm just lucky to be looking at a sweet spot in the market.

Wish BMW came with or had the heated screen option. Never get why mini can offer it, but not BMW, with the only other option being ford. All very strange on that front, and really enjoyed it with the JCW, perhaps enjoy is too strong a word, but appreciated it at least!

 

[Beedub]

The fiesta ST in st3 spec has so many toys you'll be entertained for a long time, TOMTOM derived sat nav software which is excellent ( everything you list and more, privacy heated seats, heated front screen,comfort access, style pack, the list goes on) , so it may be close to the 135i in terms of a base lease cost but surely the 135 won't have anywhere near the spec levels, it will be ALOT cheaper to run and will run rings around one dynamically, they are sooooo good, you've probably done some research, have you seen the cars they put it up against and it still wins or at least doesnt shame itself.. The car weights in a scaredy believable 1088kg so with some tuning just are nuts.

before you make your mind up go and drive one for a good 30 mins .... drive it properly and you will get out blown away. Hell a tuned up one would eat a z4m alive on a twisty back road, infact it would probably eat mine alive too.... the fiesta will be FLAT out where id be cacking my pants taking my time.

you will not be disappointed.

Will certainly test drive it, as the reviews are astounding vs a 'better' competitive set, it is certainly a capable car! There is a slight challenge in that my role expects me to arrive with clients with a certain level of car & not sure the fiesta will work for non petrol heads...had to convince the management that the M held enough of that image despite being 9 years old...when a non car person saw it, they thought I was paid too much despite having the cheapest car on the fleet (again!)

Strangely it is cheaper to get a 135i vs a 118i on lease by about £50 per month, so perhaps I'm just lucky to be looking at a sweet spot in the market.

Wish BMW came with or had the heated screen option. Never get why mini can offer it, but not BMW, with the only other option being ford. All very strange on that front, and really enjoyed it with the JCW, perhaps enjoy is too strong a word, but appreciated it at least!

what a sad world we live in ay?? a job that requires us to to look a certain way and part of that dictation is by what car we drive. But i hear you. Not going to lie your work colleges and environment sounds like my worst hell. My moms company turns over a very considerable amount per year, we are the largest in our field in the UK and we would NEVER visit those type of opinions and expectations on our staff. IMO success and reputation speaks for itself.


Give it a try even if you don't get one, honestly the drive back from my GFs house the car just dances around the road... so so so so good.