E46 M3 w/ Sequential M Gearbox vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8 (archive)

I was seriously considering trading in my 2000 E46 323Ci when an E46 M3 w/ Sequential M Gearbox is available, but I recently fell in love w/ the 2003 Mazda RX-8 (March Road & Track).

I love my E46, but 1) The paint sucks! (Bird droppings burn in too quickly!) 2) Repairs are expensive: (3 door dings = $850 to repair.) 3) Dealership responsiveness is not consistent: (I live in South Bay, CA, and South Bay BMW is great. Long Beach BMW sucks d*ck. I told them I was going to complain from a service visit, and I have yet to receive the regular service call from BMW to get my opinion about the service I received.) 4) It seems like the further I park out, there's always someone who wants to park next to me and ding my doors. 5) The E46 is great, but it's but for a manual in mind. I feel like the Steptronic was an after-thought - not nearly as responsive.

Some of my reasoning is irrational, but that's enough for me. Of course, the Mazda would not have as much verve as the BMW, but I would like a car that is moderately powerful w/o having to have to mod it out and void warrentees in the process.

Just my thoughts...

Follow Ups:

The M3 all the way!!!! pwraudio1 with 330ci sport 00:11 2/19/2001 (0)
If you are in line for the M3, get it. Otherwise, John Stevenson 00:02 2/19/2001 (0)
Do you by any chance have any pics of the RX-8? David M. 00:02 2/19/2001 (0)
Remember the last RX-7? (m) Emission 23:40 2/18/2001 (1)
- bottle of water! good idea! HW 00:33 2/19/2001 (0)

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