My M3 Predicament

[SaMaster14]

So... my 2015 M3 lease ended right as M3 production halted (my dealer, supposedly, had no idea that production would end and that no new M3s would be made MY19). My lease was extended on the contingency that I would order another M3 with him now (when the 19s should have been coming out). We've been emailing back and forth and deciding how to proceed. I just want to list my options and see what the forum thinks! The list is in order of my preferences.

1.) See if my dealer will let me extend my current lease until the 2020 G20 M3s are released and get one of those as soon as available (Issue: Idk if my dealer will allow this)

2.) See if there are similar M3s (MY18) on lots that are similar spec to what I want (and that I will get a similar deal on - with my dealer, I'd be looking at ~$700/mo with a few $k down -> Tanzanite Blue/ZCP/Exec Pack/DCT)

3.) Lease a MY19 M4 coupe with my dealer. (I am going to try and test drive one this week/weekend to see if I fall in love with the coupe like I did the M3 sedan)

4.) Buy-out the lease, sell it in a year and then lease the G20 M3

5.) See if I can get a similar deal (doubtful) on a C63/RS5 and try something different.

Any thoughts would be appreciative!

[AM9X]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

So... my 2015 M3 lease ended right as M3 production halted (my dealer, supposedly, had no idea that production would end and that no new M3s would be made MY19). My lease was extended on the contingency that I would order another M3 with him now (when the 19s should have been coming out). We've been emailing back and forth and deciding how to proceed. I just want to list my options and see what the forum thinks! The list is in order of my preferences.

1.) See if my dealer will let me extend my current lease until the 2020 G20 M3s are released and get one of those as soon as available (Issue: Idk if my dealer will allow this)

2.) See if there are similar M3s (MY18) on lots that are similar spec to what I want (and that I will get a similar deal on - with my dealer, I'd be looking at ~$700/mo with a few $k down -> Tanzanite Blue/ZCP/Exec Pack/DCT)

3.) Lease a MY19 M4 coupe with my dealer. (I am going to try and test drive one this week/weekend to see if I fall in love with the coupe like I did the M3 sedan)

4.) Buy-out the lease, sell it in a year and then lease the G20 M3

5.) See if I can get a similar deal (doubtful) on a C63/RS5 and try something different.

Any thoughts would be appreciative!

I think your best bet is the second option.

Also, most dealerships are able to transfer cars to one another. So if you see a spec that you like at a certain dealer talk with your CA and see if they can get you that car.

However, this might be a little difficult for F80s considering its availability.

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by ahmedmhmd099

I think your best bet is the second option.

Also, most dealerships are able to transfer cars to one another. So if you see a spec that you like at a certain dealer talk with your CA and see if they can get you that car.

However, this might be a little difficult for F80s considering its availability.

That's what I was thinking, especially looking for Tanzanite. I think a MW M3 or M4 would be cool too, with carbon bits and the blacked out ZCP. I'm going to try and test drive an M4 ZCP this weekend though; I had a 335is coupe before, I just think the M3 sedan variant looks better than the M4 coupe on the F8x platform decisions, decisions

[AM9X]

M

[Ibiza]

Option #1 is only with BMWFS approval, as dealership is not a party to your lease agreement with FS. I don't see FS extending 2 years under your current lease terms.

MF has increased since your 2015 and residuals have decreased, so monthly lease payment will be significantly higher.

Best option will be a M4 due to excessive availability.

[instarand]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

So... my 2015 M3 lease ended right as M3 production halted (my dealer, supposedly, had no idea that production would end and that no new M3s would be made MY19). My lease was extended on the contingency that I would order another M3 with him now (when the 19s should have been coming out). We've been emailing back and forth and deciding how to proceed. I just want to list my options and see what the forum thinks! The list is in order of my preferences.

1.) See if my dealer will let me extend my current lease until the 2020 G20 M3s are released and get one of those as soon as available (Issue: Idk if my dealer will allow this)

2.) See if there are similar M3s (MY18) on lots that are similar spec to what I want (and that I will get a similar deal on - with my dealer, I'd be looking at ~$700/mo with a few $k down -> Tanzanite Blue/ZCP/Exec Pack/DCT)

3.) Lease a MY19 M4 coupe with my dealer. (I am going to try and test drive one this week/weekend to see if I fall in love with the coupe like I did the M3 sedan)

4.) Buy-out the lease, sell it in a year and then lease the G20 M3

5.) See if I can get a similar deal (doubtful) on a C63/RS5 and try something different.

Any thoughts would be appreciative!

Option 2 seems most fitting. Although if you're looking for an automatic anyway, may as well cross shop, right? That C63S and the RS5 (soon to be available in Sportback, four door) would be a fun weekend of test driving.

[IM2C]

Option 2 or 3.

With option 2 you will probably have to compromise on options and might end up paying more than $700/m.

Option 3 will also increase monthly because of lower f82 residuals.

I was in the similar boat 2 months ago and was able to trade my '16 and order '18 f80. Good luck.

[SD ///M4]

Originally Posted by ahmedmhmd099

I currently have a 17' M4 and I've driven my friend's 18' F80 multiple times and I like the M4 way more. But that's just my opinion. I guess the only way to find out is for you to get behind the wheel of one.

The only difference between the M3 and M4 is the number of doors and how easy/difficult it is to get in and out of the car. I've got an M4 but I've driven lots of M3s and once you're in the driver seat, there's no difference.

Oh, and the M3 has grab bars above each door but the M4 doesn't have any grab bars.

(You have a 17 foot M4 and your friend has an 18 foot F80? Wow! Those are really long!)

[IM2C]

Originally Posted by SD ///M4

The only difference between the M3 and M4 is the number of doors and how easy/difficult it is to get in and out of the car. I've got an M4 but I've driven lots of M3s and once you're in the driver seat, there's no difference.

Oh, and the M3 has grab bars above each door but the M4 doesn't have any grab bars.

(You have a 17 foot M4 and your friend has an 18 foot F80? Wow! Those are really long!)

Like I said, if leasing, op is looking at about $150/month more for the same optioned M4.

[doug_999]

As pointed out - $700 for the car you want is probably not going to happen (and seriously, don't put money down!)

Also.. BMW will not extend your lease into 2020 - you could of course buy your current car - but let's be real, when the new M3 comes out (late 2020?) it will be hot and your monthly will be mind blowing - and... do you really want the very first cars produced?

There are a few order slots left in Calif - I suspect most dealers are going to want MSRP for those final slots - so cha ching.

Best to find the car you want - or as close to it and get it now.

and shame on on your dealer - mine has been telling for the past two months (maybe longer) that May allocations (June production) are the end of the M3.

[dongerkim]

Just don’t do option 1 (i’m not even sure if you can). Paying payments on a lease that doesn’t go towards the residual seems like a waste. the first month is the most valuable/most enjoyable, the last month is the least. Have you considered taking over a lease as an option to buy you time (for as short/long as you want)

[ando]

I vote option 4 as it gives you the most flexibility. What happens if you order the 2019 M4 and then you start seeing the next generation Ms starting showing up

[RickFLM4]

Option 3 unless you hate the coupe for whatever reason, in which case option 2.

Option 1 doesn’t sound appealing (or realistic) because it has to be done through BMWFS and who wants to keep paying the same lease price for a 3-year old car?

Option 5 doesn’t sound realistic. Maybe a C63 off the lot as model years change over. Doubtful you can find a bargain RS5.

Option 4 could be a fall back if options 2 or 3 don’t work out. What are the retail and trade in values of the car vs. buyout cost?

[SaMaster14]

Well, I've found an M3 in CA that's pretty much a perfect spec, but it has frozen silver and a good amount of options I don't need (Msrp is $90k and my lease would be like $1100 with no money down).

My dealer did say that if I leased a 19 M4 with him my lease numbers would be almost identical to an M3.

The M3 spec really is "perfect," but I'd be putting money down on a lease and even if I think it would be a car I'd buy out, I just don't know what the G80 Ms will be like and even if the frozen color might hold value, it's still a highly depreciating asset.

I will most likely be going with a '19 Tanzanite M4 ZCP/Exec pack

[ElysianFields]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

Well, I've found an M3 in CA that's pretty much a perfect spec, but it has frozen silver and a good amount of options I don't need (Msrp is $90k and my lease would be like $1100 with no money down).

My dealer did say that if I leased a 19 M4 with him my lease numbers would be almost identical to an M3.

The M3 spec really is "perfect," but I'd be putting money down on a lease and even if I think it would be a car I'd buy out, I just don't know what the G80 Ms will be like and even if the frozen color might hold value, it's still a highly depreciating asset.

I will most likely be going with a '19 Tanzanite M4 ZCP/Exec pack

@SaMaster14

Check out this M3 in Colorado. Seems to match your desired spec

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/...8m9c52j5k98664

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by ElysianFields

@SaMaster14

Check out this M3 in Colorado. Seems to match your desired spec

https://www.schompbmw.com/inventory/...8m9c52j5k98664

That is pretty much exactly what I want, except I want Sakhir interior. I'm gonna be sitting in the car and I know I'll dirty up the white interior. I really don't want to budge on Sakhir interior

[ElysianFields]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

That is pretty much exactly what I want, except I want Sakhir interior. I'm gonna be sitting in the car and I know I'll dirty up the white interior. I really don't want to budge on Sakhir interior

Can't blame you there. This is nearly identical to my spec (tanzanite, Black 666M, exec, silverstone interior, plus some other goodies) and I'm very careful with my leather. It helps that it's not a daily driver for me.

[F80zcp]

Originally Posted by SaMaster14

That is pretty much exactly what I want, except I want Sakhir interior. I'm gonna be sitting in the car and I know I'll dirty up the white interior. I really don't want to budge on Sakhir interior

I have a great option for you. Pm’d.

['Cane]

Is it written somewhere that 2020 is the release of the next gen? I’ve heard later than that. Buy yours or find something new, but you won’t be able to extend to 2020.

[jmg]

I'm in a similar boat, SaMaster14. My lease ends early 2019 and all M3s will be gone by then. I've driven the M4 and M3 on the track pushing 10/10 in both and they are identical. I'm leaning towards just ordering or finding a nicely spec'ed M4 ZCP until the G80 is mature enough to work the kinks out and have a ZCP or LCI available. My dream would be an M3 CS, but I doubt I will have that opportunity.

If you are really set on an M3, I would look into lease swapping. I've done it before and it went smoothly. I've seen a couple M3s speced just the way I want with only a 2 year commitment on swapalease, that way you can still get on the early train for the G80.

[IM2C]

SaMaster14 Did you order the car?

[SaMaster14]

Originally Posted by f80

SaMaster14 Did you order the car?

Lease pricing was pretty ridiculous for my needs - asking over $900 a month with $7500 down. Car had a few options I really didn't need and don't want to spend that much down on a lease or pay well over $1k/mo.

Decided to buy my current M3, invest some money into upgrades (LCI tails, add the OEM backup camera, cosmetic stuff, etc.) and then lease a new G80 M3 when they drop with my usual dealer back east.