Dilemma: Keep M3 or 911 (sad story)

[Hammerfang]

First of all, really sorry to hear about the health changes - this can't be an easy thing at all to face.

Here's my (admittedly logical) take. The 997.2 doesn't have nearly the bore score risk of the 997.1 cars, and even if your E46 is in great shape, it will never be a low mileage example like your dad's car. I just mention this because, frankly (and IMHO), the earlier 997.1 non-turbo/non-GT cars are not worth the hassle. Like you say, the P-car is a better sports car in pretty much every way except maintenance cost, interior space/practicality, and much of this forum would probably argue that the engine doesn't quite match the S54 in terms of 'specialness'/pedigree (I love the S54 but I'm not delusional - Porsche flat six is still a thing to behold). Otherwise, it's so much more of a proper sports car vs E46. Not sure how the practicality thing impacts you but I would say from an enthusiast/car guy perspective, go for the 911. Though, I would suspect this isn't anything you don't know - and I imagine that the emotional side could make things tricky if you've long lusted after the E46.

Interestingly enough, I had a similar opportunity to take my dad's E92 M3 competition recently (thankfully, not due to health reasons, but he loved the car, just didn't have a place for it any longer). It was a very nice spec, 6mt, late model comp package with half the miles of my E46 (100k on E92 - so certainly not a cream puff, but in very good shape for the miles, and 'better' in 'every way' compared to the E46). Ultimately I decided to get rid of E92 and keep my old E46 - since E92 has been gone I've realized just how much I prefer driving the E46. One of those times when what is logical on paper (maximizing the 'garage spec') doesn't necessarily make you happier.

I might be digressing here, but it is an interesting predicament as an enthusiast. On the one hand, you want to honor your father, keep his car as a sign of his hard work and love for his family, etc but as an enthusiast you might be inclined not to drive it, not modify it, or not track it (if you're into that kind of thing), which takes away from the whole point of sports car ownership (IMO). I think of my dad who has a couple sports cars, approaching 70 years old, and luckily is able to drive them still. I guess my overall take is, if the car is just going to sit there and take up space, better to get rid of it. Sports cars are meant to be driven - if you or your family can't fit it into your lives, better to rip the bandaid off? This might sound a bit harsh, but at the end of the day a car is a hunk of metal, plastic and rubber - it might be a symbol of your father's dedication, etc. but that's all it is, and I'm sure he did a lot more in his life than purchase a nice sports car. Maybe my take will change as I get older 🤷♂️

appreciate the kind words. Oddly I think I’d drive the 911 more, the lower miles and age just makes it feel easier to drive. I love my e46, but it’s a 25 year old car with 134k miles and maybe it’s irrational, but in the back of my mind I’m always afraid something will break.

Trying to figure out a way to store both cars at
home. Just cleaned out some things from the garage and it might work if my kids are careful…

[02_lsb]

Put your LSB in storage for a year. You’ll regret selling it and will overpay for a lesser car when you decide to buy another one. If color is not a priority, sell the LSB, you will find another reasonably priced e46 m3 in the future.

[BTB]

First of all, really sorry to hear about the health changes - this can't be an easy thing at all to face.

Here's my (admittedly logical) take. The 997.2 doesn't have nearly the bore score risk of the 997.1 cars, and even if your E46 is in great shape, it will never be a low mileage example like your dad's car. I just mention this because, frankly (and IMHO), the earlier 997.1 non-turbo/non-GT cars are not worth the hassle. Like you say, the P-car is a better sports car in pretty much every way except maintenance cost, interior space/practicality, and much of this forum would probably argue that the engine doesn't quite match the S54 in terms of 'specialness'/pedigree (I love the S54 but I'm not delusional - Porsche flat six is still a thing to behold). Otherwise, it's so much more of a proper sports car vs E46. Not sure how the practicality thing impacts you but I would say from an enthusiast/car guy perspective, go for the 911. Though, I would suspect this isn't anything you don't know - and I imagine that the emotional side could make things tricky if you've long lusted after the E46.

Interestingly enough, I had a similar opportunity to take my dad's E92 M3 competition recently (thankfully, not due to health reasons, but he loved the car, just didn't have a place for it any longer). It was a very nice spec, 6mt, late model comp package with half the miles of my E46 (100k on E92 - so certainly not a cream puff, but in very good shape for the miles, and 'better' in 'every way' compared to the E46). Ultimately I decided to get rid of E92 and keep my old E46 - since E92 has been gone I've realized just how much I prefer driving the E46. One of those times when what is logical on paper (maximizing the 'garage spec') doesn't necessarily make you happier.

I might be digressing here, but it is an interesting predicament as an enthusiast. On the one hand, you want to honor your father, keep his car as a sign of his hard work and love for his family, etc but as an enthusiast you might be inclined not to drive it, not modify it, or not track it (if you're into that kind of thing), which takes away from the whole point of sports car ownership (IMO). I think of my dad who has a couple sports cars, approaching 70 years old, and luckily is able to drive them still. I guess my overall take is, if the car is just going to sit there and take up space, better to get rid of it. Sports cars are meant to be driven - if you or your family can't fit it into your lives, better to rip the bandaid off? This might sound a bit harsh, but at the end of the day a car is a hunk of metal, plastic and rubber - it might be a symbol of your father's dedication, etc. but that's all it is, and I'm sure he did a lot more in his life than purchase a nice sports car. Maybe my take will change as I get older 🤷♂️

[Hammerfang]

Agreed the M3 is more practical, but the 911 is a bit quicker, tighter and just more solid feeling then the m3.

[specializedbndt]

Eh..it's a C4, I wouldn't call it better--other than mileage. The e46 M3, it does everything well, especially from a practicality standpoint. I was in the same boat when 964s were cheap and my boys were in car seats. I drove a couple and hardly thought they were worth 35k(hindsights a mfr)..That being said, I don't regret my path. I've owned my m3 for a very long time. It's seen many track days, driven across the states 3 times, it's seen car seats, date nights and groceries. Man, these cars are just so damn good.

It sounds like you have some more thinking to do. Maybe get his blessing, sell both and find something you'll be smitten with. If the old man is capable, make some memories with whatever car that might be.

[Hammerfang]

After 20+ years of wanting an e46 M3, I finally pulled the trigger on an LSB coupe 2 years ago. It’s been a dream come true, but honestly I don’t use the car as much as I’d like (kids, work, life, etc.)

Now comes the sad part, my dad recently became wheelchair bound and while there is slim hope he’ll regain some mobility, he’s almost certainly never driving his 997.2 C4S 6-speed again.

He’s asked me if I’d like to have it (mint 09 coupe w/ 24k miles bought from the pcar marketplace guys). Which I definitely do but from a practical standpoint of storage and actual usage, I can’t really keep both the m3 and 911.

I’m torn about what to do. On the one hand I don’t want to get rid of the M3, I’ve always wanted one and feel like I haven’t had enough time to experience and enjoy it yet.

On the other hand, I don’t want to let my dad down (without getting into family history, this car is rightfully something he’s very proud of) and if I’m being honest the 911 is a “better” car IMO, both at a model level and individual level (8 years newer, 110k fewer miles).

I don’t need to make a decision immediately, but probably with in the next month or two.