Living with an M3 - better option than Porsche?
Discussion
I've owned all three and, to be honest, they're all great cars. Had a 997 C2S back in 2005 / 2006 that I parted with when my daughter was born. Since then have had two E92 M3s (manual and DCT - as others have said, you need the DCT). And currently a C63 coupe.
Of these, the C63 is the one that makes me smile more of the time - the noise, the grunt at any engine speed, the ease of accidentally (ahem) getting sideways. There's never a mundane drive in the C63.
The M3 only really felt special if driven hard; beyond what's possible on UK public roads. Pottering about in traffic it simply feels like a 3 series, but without the low down urgency of a 335i or 335d.
But the 911 felt more special and, on the right road it was epic (a week revisiting the North Yorkshire roads of my youth - Malton, Helmsley, Pickering, Whitby, etc - shortly after it was run in will never be forgotten). Unless you need 4 seats, a 997 would be my choice from your shortlist.
Of these, the C63 is the one that makes me smile more of the time - the noise, the grunt at any engine speed, the ease of accidentally (ahem) getting sideways. There's never a mundane drive in the C63.
The M3 only really felt special if driven hard; beyond what's possible on UK public roads. Pottering about in traffic it simply feels like a 3 series, but without the low down urgency of a 335i or 335d.
But the 911 felt more special and, on the right road it was epic (a week revisiting the North Yorkshire roads of my youth - Malton, Helmsley, Pickering, Whitby, etc - shortly after it was run in will never be forgotten). Unless you need 4 seats, a 997 would be my choice from your shortlist.
IMHO, go for a 996 Turbo if you don't need the space. Get a good one from a Porsche specialist, and you'll love it. 12k/2 year service intervals for 2004 chassis cars, 4wd for all year daily driver use, plus it will hardly lose anything in depreciation. The same cannot be said for M3's.
SidewaysSi said:
The 996 Turbo is just so dull though. Fast but boring.
If you want the best driving car in your budget (way better than any 911 or M3), that looks fabulous, is reliable, cheap to run and holds its money like no other, you need a.....
Lotus Elise
Don't think my back could take it as a daily driver TBH, plus need a clear handsfree option etc. Elise probabbly not the easiest to live with. I agree about everything you say about it though.If you want the best driving car in your budget (way better than any 911 or M3), that looks fabulous, is reliable, cheap to run and holds its money like no other, you need a.....
Lotus Elise
PompeyPaul said:
SidewaysSi said:
The 996 Turbo is just so dull though. Fast but boring.
If you want the best driving car in your budget (way better than any 911 or M3), that looks fabulous, is reliable, cheap to run and holds its money like no other, you need a.....
Lotus Elise
Don't think my back could take it as a daily driver TBH, plus need a clear handsfree option etc. Elise probabbly not the easiest to live with. I agree about everything you say about it though.If you want the best driving car in your budget (way better than any 911 or M3), that looks fabulous, is reliable, cheap to run and holds its money like no other, you need a.....
Lotus Elise
PompeyPaul said:
Thanks for that. I assume day to day C63 costs not hurrendously more than M3 / XKR or any equivialnt performance vehicle? What was your average MPG out of interest?
It has to be the C63 for me to even though I just sold ours(an Alpina D3) I can't fault it over the Four years we had it great car epic engine running costs were pretty good average fuel consumption over the Four years was 24.1 mpg my brother is averaging 26.3mpg but his running costs have been around £800.00 more for him surprisingly.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff