scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

Can't make my mind up, it's going to be 2002-2003 plate. It will be used every day, want to no from owner or pre owners runin cost from mpg to services, known faults and why 1 is better then the other apart from V8, would also need 3 seats in the back for the kids.

Semper

Quite interested in any responses

Either that or it's a Hawkeye STi at the weekend :P

LG John

If any of those kids are in child/booster seats then I'd get the 4-door M5. Getting in and out of the back of an M3 is a PITA at the best of times but laden with shopping and a screaming child you are trying to get strapped in.....no thanks!

scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

kids are 7-8-10 so Can strap them self in but are in booster seats, I see where your coming from though.

john banks

V8 sounds better, S54 sounds tinny. M5 has better ride and IMHO better (more subtle) image. M3 has better steering, but it is only average. M5 has recirculating ball steering. Brakes on both are crap with the stock pads. M5 has VANOS problems. Late 2003 onwards E46 M3 had the big end bearing problem fixed from new, earlier models had a recall. The trouble is finding a good condition E39 M5. SMG box or not on the M3 is preference, I liked it to get the most out of the revvy but torqueless engine.

scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

Thought these German car was bullet proof, sounds more trouble then it's worth, venos what are these, sounds expensive. What plate E39 on

finchyboy

I had big problems with the SMG pump failing on my 2003 M3 all in it cost me nearly £2000 to get it sorted.

Dave Thornton

With 3 kids (who will be 8-9-11 in a year's time and getting wider), the M3 won't be an option. Surely the debate should be M5, RS6 or E55? There aren't many true 5 seaters with a sub 6 second 0-60.

scooby1doo1

iTrader: (7)

In a yrs time it would be 9-10-11 depending on time of yr. Prob go for the M5 over the M3, dont like audis, mercs are nice mates got the clk500, but for a v8 i would have expected it to beat the scoob.
Just looked at the speeds of the E55 thats 1 fast lump this now may be an option over the M5