M3 replacement?

[Ian200sx]

I've got an e46 m3 and I'll be honest it maybe the best all rounder I've owned. I'm getting more pressure from the family to get something that fits them all (wife 3 children) . My cars a 2002 so has 2 rear 3 point belts and 1 lap belt. I could have a 3point belt fitted but if there is a better car about? I get a real 29mpg from mine when needed. I can't see the newer m3 saloon doing that. Rs4 drink lots, s4 seem ok but are they really much bigger? I don't want anything with silly running costs and no less than 25mpg on a run. No m5, no diesels, has to be proven reliable so no 335i. Around 15k . Seems a big ask but I'm struggling to "want" to sell it. Hope you guys can think of cars I haven't. C63 on the list but bit over. Budget

Cheers

[BenTaylor]

I'd probably go look at a Focus ST3

Might not be as quick as some of the other options, but it ticks all the other boxes and they're a good drive...

[RX7]

Why don't you keep the M3 and buy a cheap diesel runaround for karting the family round in ?

[IWANT1]

EVO?
4 door, massive boot easily found for 15K and ticks most boxes.

[Stuart]

I'm not sure the car you want exists Ian. The E46 M3 package is so tough to beat and something that can be near to the running costs, dynamic enough to provide some thrills when you're not loaded up and practical enough for your whole tribe? No wonder you asked for help

A C63, according to owners I look after, won't get anywhere near 25mpg on a run so if you're wallets deep enough for one of them, it will also be deep enough to run a V10 S6 which is a much bigger car internally so it will still serve a purpose when your kids have grown, which is something that you won't get with something like a M3 4 door or a MB for that matter.

Audi' A4s are small in the back so they won't work. VXR8's are bigger but struggle on fuel as you know. You could start looking at bigger MBs, Porsche Cayenne's or more leftfield stuff but I'm not sure the car that you want is out there.

Oh by the way, I've assumed that refinement and interior build quality were important...............if not, buy an Evo

[Rob S]

How about a 330I Touring?
Maybe not this exact one but........

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-330i-M-Sp ... 2a39076e5d

[Ian200sx]

Looking at evo's they are as bad as most v8 motor on mpg. It is important to have have the nicer things in life so I would miss build quality. I like the s6 v10 but worry why they are so cheap now, but that seems the most likely replacement at the moment. I'll go drive a few cars on the short list soon but the m3 is looking good for being kept. Thanks for the help.

[Stuart]

Bit of a wildcard but I've just started working on a Hemi 300c (think it's a Hemi; sounds rude ) Massive inside compared to an E46 but as they are based on an E-class I guess they would be Probably does 10mpg so maybe forget this as a serious suggestion

[BenTaylor]

Bit of a wildcard but I've just started working on a Hemi 300c (think it's a Hemi; sounds rude ) Massive inside compared to an E46 but as they are based on an E-class I guess they would be Probably does 10mpg so maybe forget this as a serious suggestion

I'd love a go in the Hemi version, I've got the diesel - 300c SRT Design Touring.

[Stuart]

Nice car Ben
Forget to mention a Passat R36......300+bhp, loads of space, good traction and amazing soundtrack