M3 6-speed or RS6 Avant

[Slingblade]

Anyone own either of these? We're considering both and understand the practicality differences of a wagon and a sedan.

We've driven both and really enjoyed each.

I'm more curious about reliability and ownership experience. We are a Toyota/Lexus family so we are use to standard maintenance and not much else. I know the Germans vehicles are much more complex and have a reputation of having more things fail. Just trying to quantify that to help in our decision.

Thanks!

 

[Iamrael]

I have been driving M3 variants for the past 15 years, 4 total. Previously I drove Porsche, AMG, Lexus and have always test drove the competing models from each of these, as well as Audi before making any new car purchase.
First/foremost the M cars are not the same as other BMW models. They are built from the ground up in specialized German facility, not China, Mexico, etc., and many of the parts that are used in the M versions are better than the non M versions.
Several months ago I took delivery on new 2025 M3 Competition X drive and I am so so very impressed with this latest LCI version. Fast, comfy, intuitive, practical, easy on the eyes.
That being said, the Audi is a killer too and I had to think twice before making my decision to stay with the M on this round, but I have zero regrets.
The MSRP is about 90k for the Xdrive Competition which is what my decision was based.

 

[Slingblade]

Thank you for the reply! We have a Lexus LC500 which also is built in a specialized facility, I didn't realize the M cars were as well. We need 4 doors however and this may be one of the last 6-speed manual cars we can purchase.

The RS6 is just a badass however and I love it. It's growing on the wife but not sure it's worth the extra $$'s over the M3.

 

[Iamrael]

If you haven’t yet, I would recommend the Bimmerpost forum for more perspective.
The BMW didn’t fare too well in this particular shootout but it is nonetheless a reference.

evo Car of the Year 2024

evo Car of the Year 2024

g80.bimmerpost.com