Between two M's

[cobra]

Looking for some input from some fellow enthusiasts.

I've got an 05 M3 JB 6mt with just over 100k miles on it. Owned it since 50k miles and daily driven it off and on. I've done a fair bit of work to it - all the bushings, rod bearings, cooling system, brakes, suspension, etc. With that mileage, it's a little not perfect (rock chips up front, faded rear deck, sagging pillar fabric, the usual...) but still in excellent shape overall and I know it inside and out.

About 10 years ago my dad drove my car and loved it so much he found one for himself. His is a very similar spec - 06 JB 6mt. The difference is he has barely driven it at all, and it has less than 40k miles. He hasn't done any work to it at all, except for the vanos parts as preventive maintenance and basic routine stuff (fluids/filters), so it's pretty much all original.

Since he's getting older and rarely drives it, we're talking about logical next steps. His car is definitely worth more than mine on the market. I could also buy it from him, transfer over a few parts, and experience a tight low mileage M3 again. Despite replacing damn near every wear item in my car, his just feels so much tighter and "newer".

What would you do?
Just trying to gather some perspectives that I might not be thinking of.

[maw1124]

Mileage is king. I know people here will disagree. Sell yours, buy his, enjoy doing what you need to, when you need to. Wash, rinse, repeat. Yes that’s my final answer. And no it’s not a tough decision.

maw

EDIT… my only other thought is sell your dad’s car for all the money, give it all to him, and your car is just your car. He’ll fight you on that, but …

[EthanolTurbo]

If you're really in love with the platform, I would buy his and keep it as a garage queen and turn yours more into a fun car. Also, this way the car will keep appreciating if you ever decide to sell it but you can also enjoy a "broken in" version guilt-free.

[tlow98]

Mileage is king! The first miles are the best miles, and that’s probably (along with other things) worth the most.

[cobra]

If you're really in love with the platform, I would buy his and keep it as a garage queen and turn yours more into a fun car. Also, this way the car will keep appreciating if you ever decide to sell it but you can also enjoy a "broken in" version guilt-free.

I would love to do this because I do love the E46, but financially it doesn't make a lot of sense. Plus, who knows what will happen with E46 values?

[bmwfnatic]

Well I certainly doubt the values will go down, especially with the end of the combustion engine coming into sight.

I would do it, sell yours, buy his. You only live once, I doubt you will regret it.

[Lee_Enfield]

I would buy his, sell yours.

Lower milage is a plus. And I would bet your dad would give you a better deal then to someone else. If so, Could be a good chance to get a good low mileage example for a good price.

Also, in my view anyways, fact it was owned by your dad is a sentimental plus as well. I'm sure he would rather see you have it then some random who might just thrash it.

[Norocehcap]

Buy his, swap parts over, sell yours...Everyone wishes they were in your situation.

[Nate047]

I thought this was going to be like Between Two Ferns

[maupineda]

Keep both.

[repoman89]

Too many cool cars out there to have two of the same one and in the same color no less, IMHO.

Your car at just over 100k miles will outlive you if you want it to. With 50k miles and a lot of maintenance done, personally I’d feel attached enough to the car to want to keep it. Maybe ask your dad if you can trade some interior parts with him before he sells it.

I’m curious what feels “tighter” about his — sounds like something that should be fixable on yours?

[cobra]

Good perspectives, thanks. I realize this is totally a silly first world problem haha.

I also agree, it does not make sense for me to ever have both since they're so similar.

I am not sure how to describe the tightness - it's just quieter, less squeaks and rattles, the steering feels more taut, there is way less driveline play. Subtle differences that add up.

[maw1124]

All the reasons why mileage is king.

Would he rather have (1) more money from selling his car; or (2) you to have his car even if it means less (or no) money for him? In my view, that’s the real question.

I know where I would be if this was with my son, which is why I said he’d fight you on selling his for all the money and just keeping yours. That’s generally not what fathers want for their sons, particularly if he got the same car to enjoy with you. He’d probably want you to have the best car, and everyone knows that’s the low miler.

”Sell yours, Son. We’ll keep mine and you’ll have the money from yours to do whatever you need or always wanted to. We’ll do it together. It’ll be fun.”

maw

[Norocehcap]

If there was an identical M3 with 50% less miles and in better condition that my dad owned I would love to swap it with my own by spending a little extra cash, sure your 100k car could outlive you but why wouldn't you want to slice your mileage in half with a car you don't have to do any legwork in finding. Like Maw & Tlow are saying mileage is king & I think my dad would say "lets keep the better one."

[Slideways]

Keep the car you want to put the most miles on IMO.