How do you know this? (archive)

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: : : I got tired of all the speculation. The fact is that I love the suspension, looks, brakes, and integrity of my '99 M3. I just wish it had a bit more power...So, I did something about it...Last week, I bought a Dinan Stage II Supercharger kit...Now, I have 354 HP and 310 ft lbs...0-60 in 4.5 - 4.7. Its the same great M3, but with supercar performance...Now, no matter What the E46 has in it, it will be hard pressed to turn my head. And, despite the cost of the SC kit, it still cost me alot less than selling my '99 E36 and buying the E46 at MSRP. My hunch is that equipped how most people will want, it will cost about $55K. When it actually gets here, and people see how hard it is to get one, and how much it costs, I think alot of folks will start investigating what I did....Its an excellent alternative for folks who love the E36 and want to keep it for a long time.

: :
: : Like you, I have a 99M3 which I love and thought I would have a difficult time parting with. I was seriously considering the Dinan Stage2 SC as well but have decided on the E46. Unlike you, the styling of the new car turned my head. More aggressive looking than the E36. For me the numbers game worked toward the E46. Base price I am told will come in just under 45k. The base on the E36 was just under 39k. Difference of 6k. With the options I got on my 99, the E46 should come in under 50k. Assuming that options will be similarly priced (fair assumption) the price difference of 6K remains the same. My E36 was discounted about $2500 when I purchased so the purchase price difference will be around $8500 between the two (assuming MSRP on the E46 and excluding taxes). The cost of the Dinan is $7k + 20 hrs labor, excluding the cost of the required cold air intake, high flow meter, and software. Total investment probably comes in between 9 and 10k. Not a whole lot of difference IMHO.

: : From an investment perspective, it was a no brainer for me...the new car should hold value better than the old car with SC, and I never plan on keeping a car for more than 3-4 yrs anyway. And from what I have seen, I won't get hurt that bad selling my 99. From a performance perspective you can bet that this world car will have more than 321 (gotta be more for the Euro market) normally aspirated HP. I was told at least 340HP. It might not be as quick as the SC car (hoping it is though) but it should get close. That's why I got on the waiting list. Hey...if it's not all it's cracked up to be when firm info comes out next spring/summer, then I've lost nothing. Just get the deposit back and put it toward the SC 6 months from now! Win/Win situation.

: I think you'll find there are 2 flaws in your logic which, when figured correctly, will tip the figures in favor of my option..First, did your figure what your selling or trade value on your '99 would be? Lets say you get $36K for it. And lets say you pay $50K for the E46. That's a $14K difference. In addition, you've got to calculate that you will have already paid off a year of your loan. And will have to go onto a new 4 yr plan on the E46..Unless you pay cash, in which case throw out this last part...So, there is still a $14K between your sales price and your purchase price...The second fallacy, which I cant prove but which I'd be willing to bet on is that your new E46 eqipped how you want will be unavailable for a penny less than $55K. Now, using this figure, the deficit grows to $19K. The price of the Dinan stage II including unbelievable exhaust is arounc $10K. Half your upgrade price. I'm not saying its not a tough decision....I worked the numbers just like you did....But, used different purchase price in the figures. Either way, I think we both win...But lets follow the press releases...I'm dying to see whose right on price...Even so, still, even the engine choice is still a question. I've read rumblings recently where they are having trouble with our emissions standards again, and may have to go through some de-tuning for us! Maybe the Dinan choice will look better to you as time goes on...If you need any more info, I've left my email address...Good luck.

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