M2 vs M4 vs M5 vs something else

[john-e89]

Boxster 981 or 718, the constant ramble about a cars exterior looks or is the interior up to scratch blah blah blah is thrown out of the window, drive one and the gimmicks that are needed on modern BMW’s to attempt to make them desirable become oblivious. They are put on a pedastle for a reason imho.

The new Zed G29 for example is about as dull, bland and boring to drive as it’s possible to get for a modern car, so it has to rely on screens etc, what a massive disappointment.

 

[Chris1712]

Pretty sure you could run an Vantage for well under 690 a month! Get on it.

 

[R60BBA]

Buy the Aston. :wink:

Strange how these appeal to some petrolheads & not others , i just don't see any appeal in them whatsoever :? never have & can't see that changing .
As for dropping into Bmw bank £7k a year then handing back after £14k/£21k
Buying a used M4 / M2 around £30k i can understand :driving:

Fully agreed.

 

[tomscott]

Preowned M2s are looking very tempting... <30k for really good examples.

The only issue in the 3-4 year time frame if financing is that there is still at least 10k too loose.

That being said if you can ignore the interior its as good if not better than an M3/4 and a huge amount of car for the money. Plus I think it by far the best looking M car on sale atm really really like them and the drive is about as close to an E46 M3 as you will find in a modern car.

 

[R60BBA]

Preowned M2s are looking very tempting... <30k for really good examples.

The only issue in the 3-4 year time frame if financing is that there is still at least 10k too loose.

That being said if you can ignore the interior its as good if not better than an M3/4 and a huge amount of car for the money. Plus I think it by far the best looking M car on sale atm really really like them and the drive is about as close to an E46 M3 as you will find in a modern car.

I think a 3/4 year old M2 Competition with the S55 engine would be a better buy than an AUC M2.

Better off running an E92 M3 for 2/3 years in the meantime. Prices have plummeted and don’t see them dropping much further. Then when a good deal comes up on an M2C, simply move on the E92.

 

[nickw6666]

I don't know what your budget is, but a great used buy would be a used high spec M4, IMO better than a used M2 non competition, which although a good car will continue to take quite a hit as it doesn't have a full on S designation M engine. The interior on 2-Series is not as good as a 4-series either and some of the options were missing (head up display) as well as that superb carbon roof.

I have a low miles 65 plate F82 M4 which I bought privately after trying M2 and an F10 M5 (a barge in comparison). The M4 is an utterly awesome weapon to drive, with a truly great spec. I also have a Z4M coupe and a 987 Gen II Cayman S to compare it too. The M4 is an amazing car for circa £30K and a great used buy. It will already have done the big depreciation although like any reasonably new car still has some more to go. Just make sure you get a great spec one, e.g. Adaptive LEDs with high beam assist etc, rear camera etc.

Even after the Z4M and Cayman, the M4 drives superbly with stunning front end turn in and incredible noise. Yet it's still comfortable in cruise mode and the DCT box changes are just superb even in comfort mode.

If you're buying private, the banks offer PCP deals for used cars or HP depending on needs for better interest rate than the car dealers. So don't feel you have to buy through BMW with an AUC as you can buy private for less and then add the warranty through BMW Warranty etc for less money than the total through a BMW stealer.

For around £30K, they are very hard to beat...

 

[Woots]

Only reason with sticking with BMW really is the fact I’ve got one currently financed so it’s easier to tie into the deal...

Only issue now is budget creep...and which scratches to itch
Always wanted an Aston
Quite like the Porsche idea
Always wanted a Maserati Gransport
And then the ‘would I ever see myself getting bored of a lotus exige’ is another scratch that might need itching
Perhaps I need to literally test drive a few, see what deals they can do for part ex/PCP and how the cars actually feel etc and go from there
I want something pretty special...least a lotus doesn’t really haemorrhage cash in terms of depreciation, and I imagine running them isn’t like an exotic Maserati or Aston..?

 

[john-e89]

I looked seriously at Aston’s but the reliability and sheer cost of repairing them, for pretty much anything on them it seems, is horrendous. Any car can go wrong of course but they seem too fragile for me personally, I really don’t want to be paying out all the time and having it off the road, so I’ve gone Stuttgart, a shame in a way but it’s just fact that Boxsters after 986/7’s are fairly bombproof.

 

[Woots]

I looked seriously at Aston’s but the reliability and sheer cost of repairing them, for pretty much anything on them it seems, is horrendous. Any car can go wrong of course but they seem too fragile for me personally, I really don’t want to be paying out all the time and having it off the road, so I’ve gone Stuttgart, a shame in a way but it’s just fact that Boxsters after 986/7’s are fairly bombproof.

Haven’t driven or looked at a newer Cayman but I’m sure by all accounts they’re brilliant...and the new ones are going back to 6cyl?

 

[john-e89]

I looked seriously at Aston’s but the reliability and sheer cost of repairing them, for pretty much anything on them it seems, is horrendous. Any car can go wrong of course but they seem too fragile for me personally, I really don’t want to be paying out all the time and having it off the road, so I’ve gone Stuttgart, a shame in a way but it’s just fact that Boxsters after 986/7’s are fairly bombproof.

Haven’t driven or looked at a newer Cayman but I’m sure by all accounts they’re brilliant...and the new ones are going back to 6cyl?

Nope, 4 pot turbo’s are here to stay with the exception of the new GT4 Cayman and Boxster but I think they’ll be easily into 100k territory.

I agree the new 4 pots don’t sound as good as the previous 6 cylinder cars but they’re not nearly as bad as some make out, goes with the territory that so called ‘ purists’ are going to be appalled, but you have to look beyond that, this is how it’s going to be, get over it, the car drives so superbly and is so reliable you cannot overlook them if you want the best of both worlds. The new 718’s offer a far superior infotainment and sat nav, the chassis is improved over the 981, which is still a fantastic car, adaptive cruise etc, etc, but even if you don’t want the toys a base 718 makes so much sense, 300bhp standard in a class beating chassis, they kick the new Zed G29 into the weeds.

A low mile 981 S is superb too, with a better engine note, but the toys are old hat really. However, if that’s not important, they’re incredible driving cars.

 

[tomscott]

Main problem with the M2 comp and the m3/4 is they sound the same and I think they sound awful. N55 in the M2 with the performance exhaust really does sound fantastic! Even without it sounds great. Really enjoyed a test drive of one a couple months back. It was just too expensive to justify the depreciation.

That being said m4s are a better value proposition comfy and very quick. Pootling around tho the noise is awful cringe every time one drives by.

While I don’t mind the e92 it’s just the cost to run from my experience if it’s a dual purpose car they have low end torque meaning they aren’t that quick as a daily and even on a motorway run struggled to get more than 280 miles out of an £80 tank.

Probably get 450 with the M2/3/4. Even an S54 car will do far better. Add a spirited run and under 200 miles they are thirsty beasts.

Good later low mile e92s still expensive as auc BMW’s too.

 

[R60BBA]

The sound isn’t that bad with an aftermarket backbox. However the car has a proper M engine engine, improved dampening and an uprated subframe, not to mention the M seats.

I know which way I would go but accept that it all comes down to personal preference and budget at the end of the day.

 

[Woots]

So general consensus is while a new car might seem cheap for monthlies and deposit

Long run is buying an exotic car which is a few years old and has done half of its depreciating is the better bet?

 

[MrPT]

You’re spoilt for choice in the M4 class - I’d happily take a Giulia or C63s, maybe even the RS5 or Lexus RCF.

How about an Evora? Does it pass the Tesco test?

 

[Woots]

You’re spoilt for choice in the M4 class - I’d happily take a Giulia or C63s, maybe even the RS5 or Lexus R

How about an Evora? Does it pass the Tesco test?

Evora/Exige is on the list...just need to see if my wheely suitcase will fit on the seat/boot

 

[R60BBA]

So general consensus is while a new car might seem cheap for monthlies and deposit

Long run is buying an exotic car which is a few years old and has done half of its depreciating is the better bet?

It’s not as simple as that but from a financial sense - yes it makes more sense.

Financing a brand new car is lose lose (a it rapidly depreciates and b) you are paying interest, on something which is depreciating...

Just be careful when buying secondhand as things may not always appear as they seem.

This thread should be of use: https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threads/hpi-clear-cars-which-were-written-off.207839/

 

[Herminator]

Rather than start an almost identical thread... After 8 years of the M roadster, I'm looking for a change. Going for DCT and a bit more daily comfort.
I'm trying to make a similar choice, but with a total cost rather than monthly payment in mind. Somewhere from 30-45k.

M2 - Original. second hand. Test drove one priced at 36k, it was a short test drive, it felt ok. The interior disappoints me too much.
M2 Competition - Feels like the "right" M car, with a beefier engine and the seats are a big improvement. I still wish it had a better interior, like full leather as an option. Wish it had the carbon roof. For 45k ish even nearly new, is there enough value for money?
M2 CS - coming next year, worth the wait? what price will it be? - ultimately I think the M4 CS will be better value next year.

M4 2015 ish - can be had for low 30k with still low mileage. But I keep seeing the reviews of how the later years improve traction and ride.
M4 2017+ Competition. I think this is the version to buy second hand right now. But price is 40k ish
Either M4 choice is being restricted by my preference for full leather and only 2-3 colours. The regular plastic dash in BMWs, with its huge fake leather grain, is a legacy they need to kill.
I need to drive both an older M4 and a newer Competition, and see if I actually want the more compact M2, or if I see a difference in M4s.

The other main consideration has been a R35 GTR. 2011-2014 ish.
Somewhere in the 40-45k price range.
Bigger, badder, but older. It could be fun to try something outside of the BMW for a while and it should hold it's value better than any of the above options. It would all depend on how I like the driving experience, but getting the chance to drive one is not easy. Nothing close at dealerships and the reasonable travel distance ones are Stage 4.25. I feel I should drive a stock one first.

M4 CS-
I only really paid attention to these as I getting to the top of the M4 Competition specs and saw a CS at 55k, with a few others below 60k. Over what I want to spend right now, but not unatainable.
They're mostly in my favourite M4 colour, San Marino blue. Carbon bonnet, I love... Weight savings with nice alloys, a little more rawness in the drive. Interior trim looks nice. The whole package appeals really. But thats without driving one, or being able to compare the driving feel to a regular M4.
I'm contemplating holding off for another year and seeing if the prices drop into the high 40's and seeing where the M2 Competition or CS sits on value.

 

[paddy wright]

Rather than start an almost identical thread... After 8 years of the M roadster, I'm looking for a change. Going for DCT and a bit more daily comfort.
I'm trying to make a similar choice, but with a total cost rather than monthly payment in mind. Somewhere from 30-45k.

M2 - Original. second hand. Test drove one priced at 36k, it was a short test drive, it felt ok. The interior disappoints me too much.
M2 Competition - Feels like the "right" M car, with a beefier engine and the seats are a big improvement. I still wish it had a better interior, like full leather as an option. Wish it had the carbon roof. For 45k ish even nearly new, is there enough value for money?
M2 CS - coming next year, worth the wait? what price will it be? - ultimately I think the M4 CS will be better value next year.

M4 2015 ish - can be had for low 30k with still low mileage. But I keep seeing the reviews of how the later years improve traction and ride.
M4 2017+ Competition. I think this is the version to buy second hand right now. But price is 40k ish
Either M4 choice is being restricted by my preference for full leather and only 2-3 colours. The regular plastic dash in BMWs, with its huge fake leather grain, is a legacy they need to kill.
I need to drive both an older M4 and a newer Competition, and see if I actually want the more compact M2, or if I see a difference in M4s.

The other main consideration has been a R35 GTR. 2011-2014 ish.
Somewhere in the 40-45k price range.
Bigger, badder, but older. It could be fun to try something outside of the BMW for a while and it should hold it's value better than any of the above options. It would all depend on how I like the driving experience, but getting the chance to drive one is not easy. Nothing close at dealerships and the reasonable travel distance ones are Stage 4.25. I feel I should drive a stock one first.

M4 CS-
I only really paid attention to these as I getting to the top of the M4 Competition specs and saw a CS at 55k, with a few others below 60k. Over what I want to spend right now, but not unatainable.
They're mostly in my favourite M4 colour, San Marino blue. Carbon bonnet, I love... Weight savings with nice alloys, a little more rawness in the drive. Interior trim looks nice. The whole package appeals really. But thats without driving one, or being able to compare the driving feel to a regular M4.
I'm contemplating holding off for another year and seeing if the prices drop into the high 40's and seeing where the M2 Competition or CS sits on value.

Shame to see you selling up mate!

 

[Z4M-2006]

Rather than start an almost identical thread... After 8 years of the M roadster, I'm looking for a change. Going for DCT and a bit more daily comfort.
I'm trying to make a similar choice, but with a total cost rather than monthly payment in mind. Somewhere from 30-45k.

M2 - Original. second hand. Test drove one priced at 36k, it was a short test drive, it felt ok. The interior disappoints me too much.
M2 Competition - Feels like the "right" M car, with a beefier engine and the seats are a big improvement. I still wish it had a better interior, like full leather as an option. Wish it had the carbon roof. For 45k ish even nearly new, is there enough value for money?
M2 CS - coming next year, worth the wait? what price will it be? - ultimately I think the M4 CS will be better value next year.

M4 2015 ish - can be had for low 30k with still low mileage. But I keep seeing the reviews of how the later years improve traction and ride.
M4 2017+ Competition. I think this is the version to buy second hand right now. But price is 40k ish
Either M4 choice is being restricted by my preference for full leather and only 2-3 colours. The regular plastic dash in BMWs, with its huge fake leather grain, is a legacy they need to kill.
I need to drive both an older M4 and a newer Competition, and see if I actually want the more compact M2, or if I see a difference in M4s.

The other main consideration has been a R35 GTR. 2011-2014 ish.
Somewhere in the 40-45k price range.
Bigger, badder, but older. It could be fun to try something outside of the BMW for a while and it should hold it's value better than any of the above options. It would all depend on how I like the driving experience, but getting the chance to drive one is not easy. Nothing close at dealerships and the reasonable travel distance ones are Stage 4.25. I feel I should drive a stock one first.

M4 CS-
I only really paid attention to these as I getting to the top of the M4 Competition specs and saw a CS at 55k, with a few others below 60k. Over what I want to spend right now, but not unatainable.
They're mostly in my favourite M4 colour, San Marino blue. Carbon bonnet, I love... Weight savings with nice alloys, a little more rawness in the drive. Interior trim looks nice. The whole package appeals really. But thats without driving one, or being able to compare the driving feel to a regular M4.
I'm contemplating holding off for another year and seeing if the prices drop into the high 40's and seeing where the M2 Competition or CS sits on value.

I did all this over a couple of weeks..

M2 got totally discounted in the low £30's range.... Feels so low rent,even though its an ok car.

M4 is a great buy,but there are a lot for sale... Feel fast but dull and does have a chavability rating thats off the scale


Ended up buying an Jaguar F type S instead.. :rofl:

 

[Zoomer]

Trouble with the Aston is the extra costs. A work colleague has one and has blown 7K on it this year and hardly uses !