I am at the crossroads right now.I don't know if I should get rid of the 2000 GS400 for a 2002 BMW M3.Guys help me out.I am going through a mid life crisis I think, and I'm only 32.HELP!!!!

Keep the M, wait for the new IS350

An M3 has a great steering system and chassis dynamics but IMO is good for little else. They don't have anywhere near Lexus reliability, they have snooty and sometimes arrogant dealerships, service costs and arm and a leg, they ride very stiffly, with little or no pothole impact protection to the wheels and tires, tend to rattle and squeak from the suspension pounding as the miles build up, they attract cops like a magnet...especialy the bright blue, red, and yellow ones, and worst, a number of them ( I believe some 2002's as well ) were built with defective engines. And plenty of other cars have 300 or more HP like the M3.
If you are willing to put up with these things to get what is perhaps the world's best chassis dynamics in a sedan, then go for it. Otherwise, keep the GS or replace it with a newer one....or discuss another option.

wait, didn't you juist get the v300 front end for the turbo swap?!?!?!! :uh:

either way, if i were you, i keep the m

i would take M3 over GS4. no doubt

If you have the money I would say go and get the M3 as long as it was well taken care of and does not have too many miles. I have never heard of an E46 M3 owner who did not love that car unless maybe they were one of the owners that cooked their engine. The M3 is one of those cars that is almost perfect with beautiful interior and exterior, great performance and alot of respect among enthusiasts. Along with the last Supra Turbo the M3 is my favorite semi-affordable high performance sports coupe. The 911 was but it is now priced into status symbol and doctor's toy territory. I saw a beautiful E46 M3 at a used car event at a baseball stadium this weekend and I was lucky it was not for sale because I would of been tempted to buy it. It would be too much money for me to spend right now. I am not saying if you have the money in that you could write a check for it but do you have the money where it is not going to burden you financially in not being able to get a house, invest in retirement and have enough left over for emergency funds. I would definitely consult M3 experts before purchase to make sure you are getting a good one and know how to properly maintain it.

M3's are great but u gotta watch out for 01 and 02's that had engine problems. If u find one, make sure you have BMW inspect it. I read somewhere that BMW can run a download of the ecu to determine if the engine was over reved past redline. You might want to research that on the BMW forums. Good luck :)

i would take M3 over GS4. no doubt

me too......

Coming from a guy who traded an M Roadster for a GS430, I don't know why you would want to step down to BMW, especially a smaller, less luxurious model in the line. There is no doubt the M3 is more of a sports car than your GS, but then there are lots of sports cars out there. It will NOT be the match of your GS in the overall balance of sportiness, comfort, reliability, luxury, and dealership treatment.

Why are your panties in a bunch to trade anyway?

I would be in the M3 in a flash my friend. Love Lexi but the M3 is something special.

Forget gs get the m now thats a car.

Wow, sounds like you are really stuck. I too was stuck with a similar problem when I was deciding to get a s2000 or mustang saleen convertable. I chose the s2000 because of reliability. To me, reliability plays a very big factor.

The m3 is a beautiful machine as well as the GS, and both offers different things. You can listen to everyone elses decision, but at the end it's still gonna be you who will decide. Take your time and do your research before buying ANY cars or you might regret it in the future.

But for me, I prefer a car that's reliable and can still perform. I'm not a bmw expert, but hearing from a few owners I know who owns or USED to own a bmw, they can be costly in repairs and aren't the most reliable when compared to toyota, lexus, and honda.

Do some research and take your time. But for me, the GS got my vote!!

~Josh

i am trying to make a similar decision... i was considering a GS4... but something about BMW keeps me comin back.. but my preference is the larger 5 series sedan... or possibly the M5 if i want to spend more. i think its pretty simple though... the lexus has better fit and finish... more comfort...but the BMW is more sporting. just gotta ask yourself.. what kinda guy are you?

I have also been contemplating this move recently. I have been spending quite a bit of time over at E46fanatics and cant get over how sick some of these M3s look. i have decided to keep the GS as I love it so much but the future may well be an M3 for me. I know the M3 doesnt have the reliablity of the GS but they are just so beautiful and look absolutely stunning with very minor mods, and the heavily modded M3s are just sick. I would say go for it if you find one with low miles that has been well taken care of and checks out ok :thumbup:

I would definately get a M3.. always loved themmm :thumbup:

Depends what your purposes for the car is..

What are you planning to use the car for? Describe what you want out of your car? And its purposes.

Me being me id take the M in a heartbeat... but Im not in your shoes so I cant really recommend either of the 2..

I'd have to agree with everyone else here both cars are great but for different purposes. Ive been spoiled by the excellent Lexus realibility that it makes my M look horrible with already having a few problems. If your planning to use the M for a daily driver then I suggest you keep the Lex. Also there have been speculation about the 01-02's having engine failure. If you do end up getting the M make sure it had the rod bearing recall which was a big issue for the 01-03 models. Good luck!

Keep in mind that M3's MPG ratings are similar to that of a full size SUV or truck. Of course y'all rich folks don't really care about MPG, but just in case y'all decides to have second thoughts on saving the ozones and lessen americas dependent on foreign fuel. ;)

Personally I'd take the M3 cuz I like picking golddigger chicks in them. Then use the Lex soft interior as a bed to nail them in so I don't have to take them to a mo. When I'm all drained out physically and financially, I'd sell the M3(great resell value and before it breaks down) I'd get a superior performing vehicle like a brand new EVo MR when I want to enjoy uncompramised great driving without anyone bugging me. That would be equivalent to smoking after sex. :D

if u want to drive.... M3.. easily... its the car for the young at heart... .if u want the more sophisticated, safer choice.. GS... after careful consideration myself, i figured id rather go with the sporting BMW than the smooth quiet lex. the preference is up to you... smooth, spacious, reliable and practical... or fast and fun.. and more "wow" factor