Running Costs - 3.0Si v M

Mr Tidy

Mr Tidy

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 North West Surrey
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Well after nearly 5 years of 3.0Si ownership I keep reading adverts for Ms and am getting very tempted (by one advertised on here in particular). :lol:

In part because I don't want to regret something I didn't do, but I also don't want to take the plunge and then find it was a step too far! If I did go for an M I'd hate to have to part with it. :(

The additional purchase price wouldn't be a problem, but seeing as I've stopped working I'm wondering about the other costs. I know road tax would be over £500 a year, and I suppose I'd be lucky to get 25 mpg instead of the 33ish I've been getting from my Si.

So has anyone run both, ideally for a few years? And could they offer any insights on the likely increased cost of servicing and consumables? Bearing in mind I'd only be using it for 4/5K miles a year as I've got a daily for the rest.

TIA. :thumbsup:
 
I would say having both.

M you wont loose any money short or long term if you buy at the right price, but thats a given as you know the market.

The money you loose in the 3.0 will counter the inceased run costs of the M.

Would say with that few miles, the difference in cost would be minimal if you dont get a dud.
 
Insurance for me is cheaper than my 2.5si by 20%
Mpg around 24, 28 on a run
Just about to renew front disks and pads, £310

VED is probably biggest hit being £565 a year now, but I only tax for 7-8 months so make it more bearable.

Service inspection costs slightly higher, but depreciation lower.

Do it I’d say, 4-5k per year shouldn’t be huge increase in costs.
 
As long as it doesn't break. Running cost for 4_5k per year can't be that much more. Break parts are way more mind. Get one that's had an inspection 2. That is also pricy on the ///M by the time the gear box and diff oil have been changed and the clearances checked. :wink:
 
If you are doing that mileage a year I would estimate 400 quid extra fuel. 400 quid extra service costs and 200 tax. So maybe a grand a year more. Remember though that you can always sell and move back to a 3.0 once you have it out of your system. Get one inspected and if it was not needing anything and as mentioned a recent insp 2. Then its a couple of years free. Have 2 years with one and see if you need to move back. Your not losing money on a decent coupe. The gap in price to move back will be bigger in your favour in two years than the price to move up now.
 
The M will cost more due to the following:

Fuel
Parts
Servicing
Tax
Insurance

However you may be able to offset some of these extra costs through appreciation.

Either way, as you’ve had the Si for 5 years it’s a good time to change. :thumbsup:
 
Aside from road tax and fuel, buy a good one and the differences are minimal.

It’s well worth every penny if you ask me.
 
Before I bought the 3.0si I considered the M Roadster.

Servicing costs were higher but it was the annual road tax cost that put me off.

I wouldn't think twice now.
 
How about an alternative - Z4 Alpina, lower road tax and servicing cost's of an M but the benefits of increased performance and scarcity!
 
I would rather the Alpina route personally. Less tax than your Si and although they burn a bit of oil, the engines seem pretty bullet proof.
 
Inspection services
Tax
Fuel
Brakes

These are the points that will hit you..

If you buy with recent Insp 1 or 2 done and brakes you will be in the clear for a while.

I would guess at £5k miles a year,the 3.0si would save between £1000/£2000 per annum depending on where you are in the service cycle
 
Thanks everyone - that's the sort of encouragement I was expecting! :lol:

Sadly an Alpina is out of the equation as they're all Roadsters. :roll:

Using my best man maths I think if I downgrade my daily an M would work - we'll see! :thumbsup:
 
Mr Tidy said:
Thanks everyone - that's the sort of encouragement I was expecting! :lol:

Sadly an Alpina is out of the equation as they're all Roadsters. :roll:

Using my best man maths I think if I downgrade my daily an M would work - we'll see! :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Welcome to shed by everyday ///M by funday. :driving: :D
 
buzyg said:
Welcome to shed by everyday ///M by funday.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the welcome! :thumbsup:

I think I've realised having a very different cars makes more sense than having 2 with N52 engines. :lol:
 
Ran an si for three years and have had my M for three. I have every cost logged for both and the M has been about 40% more expensive to own for an annual mileage of 4-5k.

Have you driven one? They are very different.
 
MrPT said:
Ran an si for three years and have had my M for three. I have every cost logged for both and the M has been about 40% more expensive to own for an annual mileage of 4-5k.

Have you driven one? They are very different.
Click to expand...

Just realised you’re running KW V3s, are you running spacers in addition?
 
MrPT said:
Ran an si for three years and have had my M for three. I have every cost logged for both and the M has been about 40% more expensive to own for an annual mileage of 4-5k.

Have you driven one? They are very different.
Click to expand...

Thanks - that's exactly the sort of insight I was hoping for. :thumbsup:

40% should be do-able if I downgrade the daily. Looks like it's time for a test drive. :D
 
R60BBA said:
MrPT said:
Ran an si for three years and have had my M for three. I have every cost logged for both and the M has been about 40% more expensive to own for an annual mileage of 4-5k.

Have you driven one? They are very different.
Click to expand...

Just realised you’re running KW V3s, are you running spacers in addition?
Click to expand...

Yep. Needs somewhere between 5 and 10mm to clear the front springs, but I have 10mm on to clear the brakes.
 
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