[wtwo3]

The M3/M4 is one of those exceptions to the lease vs buy comparison in that typically, it's cheaper to buy an M3/M4 and sell it after 3 years than it would be to lease it.

If we compare the M3 for example:

A 3 year old M3 on the used market, with ~30-36k miles on it will typically go for between $50-$55k if it's in good condition, and depending on MSRP. (Keep in mind a 2017 M3 had a starting MSRP of ~$65k) If BMW is currently setting residuals on the M3 at 55% for 10k miles/yr, you're basically saying an $80k M3 is going to be worth $44k, so quite the discrepancy between BMW's residual and what they are going for on the used market.

All this being said, this is probably the most controversial design for an M3/M4 that BMW has unveiled, so I'm not sure how that will effect values on the used car market, especially if an LCI ditches the crazy grill. So with purchasing the car, you do assume that risk.

I'm generally in favor of leasing, but I will admit there are exceptions to where it just makes more sense to buy and sell after 3 years.

You could also lease, then buy out the lease if the value is significantly higher than what your residual is set at if you're trying to hedge against that risk of ownership.