I want forum entertainment, I want fire and tears, I want told you so's and arguments, THIS IS MOTORS.
Buy the M3.
I would definatly avoid an M3 if you fancy going side ways for extended periods anyway.
Sure they are superb at it but would be rather pricey on petrol and tyres, and if you ended up busting engine or diff mounts then it would most definatly be sobbing time.
If you want something fast that sounds great and fun for the occasional empty damp roundabout drift (y0) then save a few grand more and buy the M3 as no doubt it will feel more special.
Something like a 330 Clubsport is still special, without the running costs of an M3. Picked at random, but something like http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3007060.htm
Vis-a-vis my car history - Well I've just had my licence a year, I have 1 years NCB and currently drive a 2001 focus 1.6
A 100bhp 1.6 Ford Focus to a 343bhp 3.2l BMW M3 with a year of driving experience.
What could go wrong?!
...the world's most boring (and easily dirtied) interior colour and no nav?
Something like a 330 Clubsport is still special, without the running costs of an M3. Picked at random, but something like http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3007060.htm
[TW]Fox;20167890 said:a 330Ci is 70% of the car for 50% of the costs..
This. You will bin it, as you have suggested.
The E46 M3 is a wonderful car, but it is not a car for the inexperienced driver. Insurance will be crippling, and running costs can be very high if you get a bad one, which you might at the bottom end of the market.
Someone suggested an ST220, which falls roughly half way between your current car and an M3 (power wise). I'd consider that before making a decision, having moved from a 200BHP Mondeo to a 200BHP BMW.
9.5k for the world's most boring (and easily dirtied) interior colour and no nav?
[TW]Fox;20168589 said:This bit seems a bit random, the costs of running and insuring two cars is more than you'd expect.
I love how the ad says 'excellent spec' and then goes on to list the standard features of a 330ci and no actual extra options.
Disagree about the interior though, nowhere near as boring as black which unfortunately all my e46s have been.
Don't you think light grey is so bland though? At least all black looks slick, grey just looks like someone specced with half an eye when picking colours and when the grey fades it goes yellowish ad looks horrible.