opinions asked: how good is an M3 (for an ex-Elise owner)

[edoardo]

My 111s is no more.
I need another car shortly and I got useful opinions here asking about the boxter 987 but I ruled it (S) out as 2nd hand ones are not affordable yet.

Before I burn my money on a Lotus again ... what do you think of a BMW M3?

Essentially a nice 03 M3 convertible is about the price of a new exige TP aircon.

I have't test drive an M3 yet, only a (slow) pax ride in a convertible, so
did not experience the power.
loved the roof. can be a practical 2nd car too.
I don't like the luxury looks (I prefer the special essentiality of a lotus) but it seemed a good car.

where would you throw 30k at ?

[Philrose]

You could consider an M Coupe (the breadvan). The S54 version, low mileage would be about £30k. Not many around though. Strictly 2 seater though.

[nick francis]

Recently I bought an 03 M3 convertible .
Its quick and I love it. Its way more powerful than the Lotus and its great fun to drive. When Ive mastrered the SMG gearbox I think it will cover distances cross country as quick as the elise.

[edoardo]

thanks for the replies.
Nick, I was expecting 'faster than the elise' not 'as quick as the elise' !!!

[nick francis]

In terms of speed perception its a bit difficult for me to judge because I also have a Noble so I do find the M3 feels a bit ponderous at times!

[sussex_scott]

Hi,

I've just sold my Noble and bought a 53 M3 convertible with SMG, I also previously had a VX220 so I'm reasonably well placed to comment here. It's been a really difficult process getting a vaguely practical, everyday car with enough power to enjoy and I have to say I'm delighted with what the M3 offers me. It's definitely not as quick or raw as the race-bred Elise/Noble option but you shouldn't expect it to be. It delivers a more refined, but fantastically enjoyable drive and the gearbox is starting to become immensely rewarding. Big thumbs up.

Scott

[couger]

Ive had 2 Esprits, S4 and a Turbo Esprit(Stevens) and also 2 M3's still got one , I know they are a lot older than what youre discussing here, but if you spent as much as I did on my 2 Esprits it put me off buying another Lotus for life, The M3, and BMW in general are in a different league from Lotus, which yes do look awesome but are sadly a very crude attempt at a supercar,and really are as bad as their reputation,

[siralp]

Nearest M3 to an Elise would be a CSL. Steering and handling are sharper than a standard M3. Seats are fixed buckets, similar to the Elise, and the CSL certainly has a 'raw' feel.

CSLs are now changing hands for £35k or less, so your £30k budget might get you close to one.

I have a CSL and also an S1 Elise. The CSL is more practical, but I enjoy the Elise more.

[Zod]

A CSL sounds like a good compromise for you.