2004 M3 vs. 2005 M3

[sixpak15]

I'm planning on buying a car in August. Is it worth the wait, for say two months (October or so) to buy the 2005 M3, though there aren't expected to be any material changes or should I just order the 2004 and have it by August? Not sure if the price will be significantly different; I hear the annual price hike goes into effect in January. The main issue here is the resale of the car in three years (keeping in mind that the E90 is expected within that time frame).

Also, if I'm definitely planning on getting a new car in three years, would you recommend a lease? The issue being: actual M3 depreciation/resale value vs. standard lease depreciation calculated by BMW.

Thanks, any responses will be greatly appreciated.

[Silver4evr]

If you're going to be replacing an M3 in 3 years, I would tend to lean towards leasing it. But if you drive a lot, your excess mileage may cost you quite a bit in the end.

Leasing will save you the down payment. As far as actual v. calculated, it's kinda hard to tell what will be the effect of the E90 on a 2004 M3 resale value. Some will want the new styling, some will want the old.

I've seen various software that compares lease vs. purchase and gives you a number (positive/negative) depending on the variables you input. You can only go buy your educated guess. I don't thing anyone can give you an exact answer based on a future variable.

Good luck. btw, what car will you be getting in 3 years?

[AlpineWhiteE46]

When I bought my M3 two weeks ago, I was told by many dealerships that M3 production is to stop any day now. A new 3-series is being introduced for model-year 2005, which means that the next M3 will not come out for several years afterwards. I'm sure there will be engine-blowing-up problems for the first couple years of the new M3, so if you want a brand-new M3, it's either now or in 3-4 years.

[///M Power]

proably a year to two MAX for the e90 M3 after the e90 3er comes

[sixpak15]

Planning on a 911.

And AlpineWhiteE46, are you sure because I spoke to my dealer and he said October would be the month for the 2005. So you're saying they won't even produce a 2005?

Thanks for all your responses.

[Silver4evr]

Originally posted by sixpak15@May 21 2004, 12:30 PM
So you're saying they won't even produce a 2005?

The M version of the 3 series comes out later (up to a year or more). The M5 will be released in Europe later this year (or so I read).

mmmm....we'll see!