2002 Boxster S vs. 2002-2005 BMW M3 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Back2DTM · 02-14-2008, 09:12 AM

I was picking up a 04 E46 M3 convertible instead of my boxsterS. The dealer took the car for a smog check and all the paperworks were ready for me to sign, but then i changed my mind and got the boxsterS. Too many BMW in my life and way too many M3 everywhere I go.

racer_d · 02-14-2008, 12:08 PM

Whats the $$ for that vintage M3? I would have thought low 30s, no? For sure, you could find a pre 2002 911 or perhaps even a similar vintage 911 for mid 30s if you were willing to look a while.

Sell the GT3 as stand alone items. If in good shape, you could get 80% of what you paid for them. They wouldn't even know how to value them if you trade the car in with those seats.
How much more room do you genuinely need? Do you need to haul 4 people all the time? Is it luggage space? Personally I would rather keep a Porsche and a ****************box sedan/wagon/small suv for those few times a year I really needed the extra room (or just rent/borrow something if it is truly that infrequent).

drburton · 02-14-2008, 12:28 PM

I think it is a pretty good idea. I plan to sell my Boxster this Spring and hope to pick up the new M3 Sedan (4 door) at the end of this year or beginning of 2009. I really want a car that is more practical but remains sporty and can be taken to the track on occasion. M3 seems to be the best option.

cbenitah · 02-14-2008, 01:24 PM

A 3-4 year old car is now vintage

?

I'm looking at all kinds of M3's and they range from 22k-35k for similar milage, options, year etc etc

I wouldn't want a pre 2002 911 due to them being somewhat unreliable.. I know its from car to car, but I'd rather have a 2004-2008 911 but thats not happening right now, can't justify that right now.

I tired to have a beater car but it takes out the joy every time I looked at it.. Let alone drove it.

I would like to keep the seats in the car but if someone does not want them I will put the stock seats in (luckily I saved them)

I still need to browse around before I make my decision, but I'd rather have the E46 body style, think it looks more aggressive than the newer E90/92/93..

Ok, here is a tough one, WHY should I keep it and WHY should I not keep it, any takers on that broad question?

cbenitah · 02-14-2008, 01:48 PM

Marc,
I agree with you with almost everything you say.. I too have rented cars for the weekend or the day or whatever I needed. I just feel that a 4 seater would be more practical down the line. I am not saying that my boxster is the last car I will own, far from it. But more room would be nice. I like to drive and if we are going somewhere then its me and one more.. I am not raising a family here so that is not the issue, it is the everyday usefulness of a slightly larger car, in my mind a car with a backseat. I like the performance of the boxster, it is a bit on the low side but more than enough for a sporty every day car. I'm torn on what to do here..But any comment helps, and remember that I am still on the Boxsters Side. Although my brain tells me I should come to my sense and have a 4 seater..

Although I do not want 4 doors. 2 is just fine no matter what the size car I will get. Passengers go out an in on the right side anyway :dance:

larryshomework · 02-14-2008, 02:25 PM

Advantages of the M3 include an outstanding power plant with plenty of acceleration and good power distribution across the rev range.

Real (usable) back seats.

Not as good of handling but better than most things out there.

Nice and functional interior - well made.

Bigger trunk space plus fold down rear seats compared to 911's. You can get a lot of stuff in an M3.

Overall, they are great cars. It will not be as viscerally connected to the road but it handles very well and has considerable more power (numbers and feeling). Put that thing in sport mode and it's a beast.

racer_d · 02-14-2008, 03:24 PM

What about a WRX STi? Or even an Evo? I know.. ricer

Maybe they are all over where you live (then again, if you live in Cali, M3s are all over the place too). Audi S4/RS4? MB Class AMG (C32?) could also be comparables. How about the previous generation M5? Thats larger

Ok.. So, you'd like to be able to haul, on occasion, more than one person.

What other things in your life would you need more space for? Why not just be the one who "gets a ride" instead of giving the rides?

My dad has a previous gen (E36) M3 sedan. It is a fantastic car. I would argue it to be equal or better than the Boxster (even an S) from an ease to drive and performance value. I would say even better steering feel than my Boxster had. E36 cars, even "excellent" ones, can be had for under 20K, with most in the $12-14K range. They are a great value and also worth considering. Heck, you could save some coin by going a bit older, and have a little nest egg for that 996/997 down the line.

I don't think either car is a bad one (E46 or E36 or Box S). A friend of mine recently traded his 1995 993 Coupe for an E46 M3 because he wanted room for his little kids. Loves the M3, but misses the 993 everyday.

greg9ball · 02-15-2008, 06:01 AM

The discussion is really interesting to me because I narrowed my search to a Boxster S or an M3. The only advantage I found to the M3 was that it has rear seats. I drove the M3 first and was very impressed with the performance. The engine is awesome, but there was a real lack of driving excitement. I did not feel connected to the road. I didn't feel the speed at all, which I don't consider a good thing (perhaps some people do!). The whole driving experience left me numb. Then I test drove the 05 Boxster S! Oh good lord! I knew immediately that I found my car! The whole driving experience was in a work, magical!

I know that I am not as qualified as many to make a judgement, because I have very little experience with either car; however, the experience is very fresh in my mind.

Best of all, I pick up my 05 Boxster S today! Woo Hoo!!!

In my humble opinion, you will give up quite a lot to gain the extra room. That's life. My sister hates her mini van, but she does what she needs to do! If you need the room, than you have to give something up. I personally think you will regret the decision. Is it possible that you just have an itch for something different?

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbenitah

Marc,
I agree with you with almost everything you say.. I too have rented cars for the weekend or the day or whatever I needed. I just feel that a 4 seater would be more practical down the line. I am not saying that my boxster is the last car I will own, far from it. But more room would be nice. I like to drive and if we are going somewhere then its me and one more.. I am not raising a family here so that is not the issue, it is the everyday usefulness of a slightly larger car, in my mind a car with a backseat. I like the performance of the boxster, it is a bit on the low side but more than enough for a sporty every day car. I'm torn on what to do here..But any comment helps, and remember that I am still on the Boxsters Side. Although my brain tells me I should come to my sense and have a 4 seater..

Although I do not want 4 doors. 2 is just fine no matter what the size car I will get. Passengers go out an in on the right side anyway :dance:

c4s · 02-23-2008, 08:59 PM

I have the 08 335i bi turbo conv. in my garage sitting next to the 05 Boxster S... Lucky to have both... The BMW is a great all around sports sedan... and on a long two hour drive I would probably take the BMW... But for shear driving fun... It's the Box S hands down... I like the car more than my 04 C4S...

The Box is on rails... winds up through the gears perfectly and the balance is superb... I live by laguna seca raceway and get the little guy out on the track a few times a year... nothing like it...

If I had to pick one... it's the Box S...