Howdy!

I have an infant at home, so I need to sell my 2-seater sports car and get a replacement.

My budget limit is $40k, and I am currently looking at 02-03 E46 M3, 99-00 996, and 00-01 E39 M5. Plus, I live in a place where it snows a lot.

I am wondering if going after 996 makes any sense over M3 or M5 in my situation (I have only driven sports car all my life and my wife has a four door sedan).

 

E39 M5 without a question.

 

So, I suppose that back seats in 996 or M3 do not make much sense to use w/ child seats daily?

thx!

 

It is hard to compare an E46 M3 to an M5 (if you really need the back seats) The 996 is a blast, but I would still go with the comfort & performance package that the E39 delivers.

 

I chose my 996 over the e46 M3, E39 M5, and the Audi S4.

After driving them all the 996 was simply the most engaging car to drive (my opinion of course).

BTW, child seats will work in the rear of the 996.

Good luck with your choice!

 

Do you plan to track your car? If not, I'd definitely go for the M5's comfort.

 

I'm in the same boat as you. Of the three you mention, the M5 is the winner. Try fitting a car seat/infant carrier in the back seat without back doors.

Also on the list should be the Cadillac CTS-V.

 

Most of the M5's out there have alot of miles and are 50k I just looked for a friend...do the M3

 

James, The M5 would seem to be the most practical choice. The shorter sedan doors are much easier to open, get the baby in/out, etc. when in a parking lot. I'd think getting a child into and out of the back seat of the M3 or 996 on a daily basis would become a chore. Also, the M5 will be max'd out on options (Nav, leather, xenon, etc.) that might not always be incl. on the M3 or 996. However, its not a sports car. Its quick ~4.8/60mph, and handles quite well but you'll feel the 4000 lbs. All would do OK with snow shoes so that would seem to be a toss up. None are cheap to fix/maintain. All are fun cars so you can't really go wrong.

Good luck and congrats on the new baby.

Mike

 

Snow!

Go for an B5 or B6 Audi S4.

 

Thanks so much for the advice!

 

If you go w/ an M3 make sure its an '03 or newer. '01 and early '02's had problems w/ the engine. I had a '03 and never had any problems, but there were alot of cases of blow engines and spinning the 3rd and 4th main bearings on the earlier years. From what I recall the grease used to assemble the oil pump contaminated the oil and clogged the oil holes in the bearings. It never sat right in my head w/ the engine problems. They did offer extended warranties up to 6 years 100k miles. The car was an extremely great preformer, and the coupe had spacious rear seats, alot more than a 996. M5 would be earier to install / remove a baby seat. M3 compared to a 996 performance wise in my mind is pretty close, but 996 handles slightly better, M3 rides more plush than the 996. M5 is a very nice car, but sport and sedan in the same sentance doesn't appeal to me. I don't think they separated the M5 and other 5 series much apperance wise, making it easier for the poser's w/ a 530 to look like an M5. The M5 V8 is tried and true though. I was very loyal to BMW's for awhile, this is just my .02 cents. I would look at the 3 cars and get the one that suits you the best. Which ever one you chose, I'm sure you'll be happy with.

 

I was in the same situation as you. When we first learned that my wife was pregnant, I began to look for alternatives to my Boxster. I looked at several more practical cars, but I ended up buying a '99 996. (It was what I wanted anyway).

My son is now 2 weeks old. My car is not a daily driver, so we seldom use it for family outings. However, it can be done.

I do not regret the purchase at all, and I look forward to future spirited rides together with my son.

 

I had both M5 and 996 C2, my old M5 will fit infant seat in the back with out ANY problem.

My baby is 2 month old now and one time i try to put the infant seat in my 996.. it is almost impossible cause there is not enough space in the back seat of 996 to fit infant seat.. If you have a infant i say go with the M5...

 

Thanks, that is really good to know!