Picked up my new M3...and something else
Discussion
Seems like ages ago that I ordered one to replace my missus' M135i (February is like an eternity to someone who likes instant gratification like me!), but we were really lucky to be able to pick it up yesterday. In fact, I think I was the only one able to collect their M3/4 from my specific dealer yesterday so there can't be that many on the road!
It's a fairly modest spec with no big-ticket items like full leather and ceramics to see here. Just a brave colour combo, DCT gearbox, adaptive lights, HK audio, sun protection glass, steering wheel and rear seat heating, rear camera and sliding armrest.
I'm absolutely delighted with the colour combo - in this mornings sunshine, the colour just pops. The Silverstone interior is light and airy giving a nice contrast to the orangey/red exterior, although it must have a decent protector to stop dye transfer (my product of choice is Dr Leather Dye Barrier which is very effective).
The word I think whenever I look at it is....stance! Heres a few thoughts after driving it on a 2 hour journey home yesterday.....
Sound - this car (much like my M6) gets a bit of pasting for it's aural qualities but in all honesty, I think it sounds superb....and this is coming from someone who (now) has an AMG. It's not like anything else (except a Vespa on cold start, which is about the only time it's not great) so I've come to the conclusion that people can't get their heads round something 'different'. I personally like variety so the fact it's totally different has it's own appeal. On the move it's VERY loud outside, especially in Sport mode. Inside, the symposer is much more successful than it is in my M6 and to me, it sounds perfectly natural with a powerful, deep and slightly V8-like quality. It is categorically NOTHING like the M135i, 335i etc.
Gearbox - it's much smoother than my M6 at low speeds where it can be a bit jerky as you come on and off power....I guess thats progress having had another few years development. It's probably the second best 'box I've used (Porsche PDK being noticeably better that either IMO).
The driving position is superb and really low (much lower than the e92) - it's the best BMW I've sat in for wheel/pedal/seat relationship (my M6 probably being the worst oddly enough...it's one of the few things I don't like about it). The seats are standout items - they look incredible and are VERY comfortable (and yes, the logo does light up!). Whilst the lack of an adjustable thigh bolster initially makes them feel short (I normally have this pulled out a decent way), after a few minutes it was a non-issue.
Performance is strong - I only took it to 5k rpm and didn't really push it but even so, it feels (and sounds!) a very powerful car with genuine 'thrust'. There's lots of noises - the gearbox whines, the turbo's whistle and chatter, the exhaust farts, pops and bangs....but I like it all. It's actually an ideal chavs car!
The car feels very rigid and well engineered - I could immediately feel it in the steering and drivetrain tightness just manoeuvring out of the dealer. But once on the move, I can best describe it as feeling very Porsche-like; for anyone who's driven a Porsche, you'll know what I'm saying here....it's very firm riding (surprisingly so after the my previous M3's) and it follows the contours of the road tightly, yet it has this really comfortable ride despite you being able to feel the bumps in the background. The steering is very sharp, direct and nicely weighted (it's actually quite heavy even in comfort mode). It corners flat but it's definitely a car that needs to be used in MDM mode as the traction control is fairly controlling otherwise. I have no idea what it'll be like on a track (I'll find out soon) but as a road car, it feels fantastic.
On the not so good side, theres not a lot to report so far. The interior quality is probably one of the most disappointing aspects as its definitely more 1 series than 6 series. In fact, it's extremely similar to a 1 series but with better quality plastics low down (up top, they're almost identical). In all honesty, if I knew I'd be selling the M6 earlier (see below), I'd probably have spec'd this M3 with full leather as outside of there great seats, it's quite ordinary inside.
Which leads me to my other change of the week
....a somewhat less planned one 
I've bought this to replace my M6....sorry guys, and I know it's the wrong forum 
I had an SLS before my M6 and much as I really like the big boat, I've missed my SLS since I sold it. It feels like nothing else on the road, or indeed anything like you'd expect given how it looks (they're pretty focussed cars, nothing at all like a big cruising hot-rod that people tend to expect). Truth be told, the M6 is probably the better all-rounder, it's certainly more refined and has a much nicer ambiance but with the M3's arrival, they're quite similar cars in character. The SLS is just something totally different, a bonafide supercar in both performance and character....but one with German build quality!
Now I just need to sell the M6, the deprecation of which has been nothing short of scandalous. Still, I went in with my eyes open so can't complain - my car will likely be going up for sale at approximately the same price as the current cheapest M6, but of course those 'cheap' cars don't have any of the big-ticket items that mine does like full leather, B&O, ceramics and competition pack - it should be a (relative) bargain for someone.
It's a fairly modest spec with no big-ticket items like full leather and ceramics to see here. Just a brave colour combo, DCT gearbox, adaptive lights, HK audio, sun protection glass, steering wheel and rear seat heating, rear camera and sliding armrest.
I'm absolutely delighted with the colour combo - in this mornings sunshine, the colour just pops. The Silverstone interior is light and airy giving a nice contrast to the orangey/red exterior, although it must have a decent protector to stop dye transfer (my product of choice is Dr Leather Dye Barrier which is very effective).
The word I think whenever I look at it is....stance! Heres a few thoughts after driving it on a 2 hour journey home yesterday.....
Sound - this car (much like my M6) gets a bit of pasting for it's aural qualities but in all honesty, I think it sounds superb....and this is coming from someone who (now) has an AMG. It's not like anything else (except a Vespa on cold start, which is about the only time it's not great) so I've come to the conclusion that people can't get their heads round something 'different'. I personally like variety so the fact it's totally different has it's own appeal. On the move it's VERY loud outside, especially in Sport mode. Inside, the symposer is much more successful than it is in my M6 and to me, it sounds perfectly natural with a powerful, deep and slightly V8-like quality. It is categorically NOTHING like the M135i, 335i etc.
Gearbox - it's much smoother than my M6 at low speeds where it can be a bit jerky as you come on and off power....I guess thats progress having had another few years development. It's probably the second best 'box I've used (Porsche PDK being noticeably better that either IMO).
The driving position is superb and really low (much lower than the e92) - it's the best BMW I've sat in for wheel/pedal/seat relationship (my M6 probably being the worst oddly enough...it's one of the few things I don't like about it). The seats are standout items - they look incredible and are VERY comfortable (and yes, the logo does light up!). Whilst the lack of an adjustable thigh bolster initially makes them feel short (I normally have this pulled out a decent way), after a few minutes it was a non-issue.
Performance is strong - I only took it to 5k rpm and didn't really push it but even so, it feels (and sounds!) a very powerful car with genuine 'thrust'. There's lots of noises - the gearbox whines, the turbo's whistle and chatter, the exhaust farts, pops and bangs....but I like it all. It's actually an ideal chavs car!
The car feels very rigid and well engineered - I could immediately feel it in the steering and drivetrain tightness just manoeuvring out of the dealer. But once on the move, I can best describe it as feeling very Porsche-like; for anyone who's driven a Porsche, you'll know what I'm saying here....it's very firm riding (surprisingly so after the my previous M3's) and it follows the contours of the road tightly, yet it has this really comfortable ride despite you being able to feel the bumps in the background. The steering is very sharp, direct and nicely weighted (it's actually quite heavy even in comfort mode). It corners flat but it's definitely a car that needs to be used in MDM mode as the traction control is fairly controlling otherwise. I have no idea what it'll be like on a track (I'll find out soon) but as a road car, it feels fantastic.
On the not so good side, theres not a lot to report so far. The interior quality is probably one of the most disappointing aspects as its definitely more 1 series than 6 series. In fact, it's extremely similar to a 1 series but with better quality plastics low down (up top, they're almost identical). In all honesty, if I knew I'd be selling the M6 earlier (see below), I'd probably have spec'd this M3 with full leather as outside of there great seats, it's quite ordinary inside.
Which leads me to my other change of the week
....a somewhat less planned one I've bought this to replace my M6....sorry guys, and I know it's the wrong forum I had an SLS before my M6 and much as I really like the big boat, I've missed my SLS since I sold it. It feels like nothing else on the road, or indeed anything like you'd expect given how it looks (they're pretty focussed cars, nothing at all like a big cruising hot-rod that people tend to expect). Truth be told, the M6 is probably the better all-rounder, it's certainly more refined and has a much nicer ambiance but with the M3's arrival, they're quite similar cars in character. The SLS is just something totally different, a bonafide supercar in both performance and character....but one with German build quality!
Now I just need to sell the M6, the deprecation of which has been nothing short of scandalous. Still, I went in with my eyes open so can't complain - my car will likely be going up for sale at approximately the same price as the current cheapest M6, but of course those 'cheap' cars don't have any of the big-ticket items that mine does like full leather, B&O, ceramics and competition pack - it should be a (relative) bargain for someone.
Edited by Palmball on Sunday 22 June 11:21
and perfect colour choice 
Ha...I didn't think an old Merc would go down a storm on a BMW forum 
Apart from my missus being inept at keeping her eyes open, it was one of the funniest handovers we'd had.....the car was initially covered and the dealer made sure we were stood right in front of it when they pulled the cover off. It took me a few seconds to even see the Stig that they'd placed in the drivers seat!
Apart from my missus being inept at keeping her eyes open, it was one of the funniest handovers we'd had.....the car was initially covered and the dealer made sure we were stood right in front of it when they pulled the cover off. It took me a few seconds to even see the Stig that they'd placed in the drivers seat!
Palmball said:
Ha...I didn't think an old Merc would go down a storm on a BMW forum
Apart from my missus being inept at keeping her eyes open, it was one of the funniest handovers we'd had.....the car was initially covered and the dealer made sure we were stood right in front of it when they pulled the cover off. It took me a few seconds to even see the Stig that they'd placed in the drivers seat!
I do like the front end styling. Just aggressive enough, without going OTT. Apart from my missus being inept at keeping her eyes open, it was one of the funniest handovers we'd had.....the car was initially covered and the dealer made sure we were stood right in front of it when they pulled the cover off. It took me a few seconds to even see the Stig that they'd placed in the drivers seat!
I was offered a couple of days with one, in return for loaning my e30 for their showroom, but am currently here in Barbados so had to decline. I could never afford one to buy but will definitely try and get behind the wheel at some point. Great to see yours in a colour that was also available on the e21 all those years ago! It's lovely!
Edited by e21Mark on Sunday 22 June 11:58
Congrats on the M3, I think the new gen BMW's are beautiful, more aggressive than the last, but not too chavvy. As for selling the m6, that's fair, a lot of people are having their pants properly pulled down with this.. as for the replacement... Beautiful. Probably my favorite car in the last 10 years!! I've never been in one myself, but the last track day I did with my old man, I had the pleasure of ragging a vantage and a GT3, a SLS was all over me the whole time, and wow the sound!!!
M3 looks lovely, the SLS even more so, you always choose very nice cars!
I agree with your first impressions of the M3, apart from the noise I just couldn't get on with it but perhaps I need to revisit the car in that respect as the handling and stiffness of the car is very Porsche like as you say.
The Stig joke was a great touch from the dealer.
I agree with your first impressions of the M3, apart from the noise I just couldn't get on with it but perhaps I need to revisit the car in that respect as the handling and stiffness of the car is very Porsche like as you say.
The Stig joke was a great touch from the dealer.
Edited by Wills2 on Sunday 22 June 17:03
Like the M3 colour combination as well as the SLS combo - is the M3 on 19" or 20" wheels? It certainly looks like it has presence! Be interested to see what you think once it's done a couple of thousand miles and you're used to how it behaves.
What did you think of the M135i in the end? As good as the press say - general comments seem to suggest it was the darling when released but now not as positive in places like Evo/Car et al.
What did you think of the M135i in the end? As good as the press say - general comments seem to suggest it was the darling when released but now not as positive in places like Evo/Car et al.
Thanks for the great feedback guys - as you can imagine, I'm like a dog with two bones at the minute
Did you try it on track? My initial impressions is that it's very much a road car...far more GT than previous versions, which if you see the type of cars I tend to go for, explains why I like it so much.
I had a 'spirited' drive of it today on a fast, wide but fairly bumpy B-road - at a certain speed, the M6 would get all out of sorts and very uncomfortable as it struggled to contain the body movement, no doubt caused by the weight. On the same road, the M3 was going around 30% (!!!) faster and yet was so well controlled it really was in another league - as I said, the way it flows with the surface and deals with each undulation quickly and immediately makes it feel so stable, controlled and despite the stiffness, very comfortable. Even at low speeds on a bumpy road, where such a stiffly set-up car could be at it's most uncomfortable, it's the way it deals with the bumps and generates so little body movement during and after the bump that makes it feel really special.
A couple of weeks ago, my local Porsche dealer let me loose for a couple of hours in a C2S as I was deciding between a new one of those and my used SLS - whilst I'm very glad I chose the big Merc, the Porsche was probably one of the best drives I've had. I'll stick my head above the parapet here and say I actually think the M3 has the edge over the Porsche at a discipline where the Porsche is supposed to be at it's best - it's able to carry more speed and feel even more tightly controlled, yet is more refined at the same time. But like I said, I do like my GT-esque cars so found the Porsche that bit too raw anyway!
Joking aside, it looks fairly special in real life (more different to a standard 3-series than an M4 is to a 4-series) and from the amount of rubber necking, anyone who knows their cars certainly knows what they're seeing.
e21Mark said:
Great to see yours in a colour that was also available on the e21 all those years ago! It's lovely!
That IS remarkably similar in colour!Wills2 said:
M3 looks lovely, the SLS even more so, you always choose very nice cars!
I agree with your first impressions of the M3, apart from the noise I just couldn't get on with it but perhaps I need to revisit the car in that respect as the handling and stiffness of the car is very Porsche like as you say.
Thanks Will, I do try I agree with your first impressions of the M3, apart from the noise I just couldn't get on with it but perhaps I need to revisit the car in that respect as the handling and stiffness of the car is very Porsche like as you say.
Did you try it on track? My initial impressions is that it's very much a road car...far more GT than previous versions, which if you see the type of cars I tend to go for, explains why I like it so much.
I had a 'spirited' drive of it today on a fast, wide but fairly bumpy B-road - at a certain speed, the M6 would get all out of sorts and very uncomfortable as it struggled to contain the body movement, no doubt caused by the weight. On the same road, the M3 was going around 30% (!!!) faster and yet was so well controlled it really was in another league - as I said, the way it flows with the surface and deals with each undulation quickly and immediately makes it feel so stable, controlled and despite the stiffness, very comfortable. Even at low speeds on a bumpy road, where such a stiffly set-up car could be at it's most uncomfortable, it's the way it deals with the bumps and generates so little body movement during and after the bump that makes it feel really special.
A couple of weeks ago, my local Porsche dealer let me loose for a couple of hours in a C2S as I was deciding between a new one of those and my used SLS - whilst I'm very glad I chose the big Merc, the Porsche was probably one of the best drives I've had. I'll stick my head above the parapet here and say I actually think the M3 has the edge over the Porsche at a discipline where the Porsche is supposed to be at it's best - it's able to carry more speed and feel even more tightly controlled, yet is more refined at the same time. But like I said, I do like my GT-esque cars so found the Porsche that bit too raw anyway!
Mattt said:
Is that Cooper Tunbridge Wells?
Sure isVTECMatt said:
M3 looks ordinary and at 60k expect more, SLS gorgeous :up
I didn't pay £60k Joking aside, it looks fairly special in real life (more different to a standard 3-series than an M4 is to a 4-series) and from the amount of rubber necking, anyone who knows their cars certainly knows what they're seeing.
Edited by Palmball on Sunday 22 June 22:29
Chris Hinds said:
Like the M3 colour combination as well as the SLS combo - is the M3 on 19" or 20" wheels? It certainly looks like it has presence! Be interested to see what you think once it's done a couple of thousand miles and you're used to how it behaves.
What did you think of the M135i in the end? As good as the press say - general comments seem to suggest it was the darling when released but now not as positive in places like Evo/Car et al.
Thanks Chris, the M3 is on 19's (20's aren't an option).What did you think of the M135i in the end? As good as the press say - general comments seem to suggest it was the darling when released but now not as positive in places like Evo/Car et al.
M135i was well deserving of it's strong reviews. But I do try to take a pinch of salt with the press opinions anyway - they're just another opinion which can often be no more right or wrong than my own or anyone else's...I'm more than comfortable driving a car and being able to make my own choices (as I'm sure most petrolheads would). I do admit it's always good to read when others share similar opinions and experiences, and a strong press report will often draw attention to a model I may otherwise not consider....M135i being a good example. I also believe the recent dip in positivity for the M135i is as much to do with the press having to say something different (for differents' sake) as it is the natural progression of it's competitors.
The M135i's drivetrain in particular punches well above it's price point and it's silky smooth, sounds great (in a typical BMW straight-six way, despite the turbo), had a great driving position and even the interior quality and ambiance was good for it's price - what isn't so good is that the M3 at nearly double the price, has such a similar interior (exceptional seats aside). I'd liken it more to a mini-GT than a hot hatch - it rode too well and was probably a bit too soft (even with adaptive suspension) to be classed as a true hot hatch in the vein of a Megane RS for instance, but that's what made it a truly fantastic all-round road car, whatever your mood.
The not-so-good bits are there for all to see - it's a bit of a munter and at no point did I ever feel special driving it because of how it looked, the seats are standard BMW M-Sport items and therefore nothing special either (although the very special 1M shares this same ridiculous trait) and....erm, thats about it!
Lovely looking M3, they definitely look much better in the brighter colours, looks like you're a sucker for pale interiors!! Had look at a white M3 and M4 on Friday evening, they looked nice, but not very special. Some of the materials used on the inside were rather cheap looking, headliner and pillar trim in particular, similar to a 116d!
Sorry you've decided to get rid of the M6, it looked beautiful, but that SLS is something else! The SLS is the only Merc in the current line up that I like, but it's not practical enough for me.
Sorry you've decided to get rid of the M6, it looked beautiful, but that SLS is something else! The SLS is the only Merc in the current line up that I like, but it's not practical enough for me.
Palmball said:
(more different to a standard 3-series than an M4 is to a 4-series)
This is a lovely way of summing up why this time, I'd actually go for the 4 door. Everyone has been banging on about the M4, but it just doesn't look removed enough from the 4 Msport. The M3 looks much more aggressive.Lovely SLS.
Palmball said:
Ha...I didn't think an old Merc would go down a storm on a BMW forum
Apart from my missus being inept at keeping her eyes open, it was one of the funniest handovers we'd had.....the car was initially covered and the dealer made sure we were stood right in front of it when they pulled the cover off. It took me a few seconds to even see the Stig that they'd placed in the drivers seat!
I recognise that hand over area. Coop Tunbridge Wells right?Apart from my missus being inept at keeping her eyes open, it was one of the funniest handovers we'd had.....the car was initially covered and the dealer made sure we were stood right in front of it when they pulled the cover off. It took me a few seconds to even see the Stig that they'd placed in the drivers seat!
Great sales team there!
Edit - Ignore. Just seen post confirming where you got the car from.
Edited by The1Driver on Monday 23 June 16:40
I always enjoy reading the first impressions of your new cars which as you change your cars on a regular basis happen more frequently than most! Its always interesting reading your comparisons of one marque against another based on your actual ownership experience.I like the colour combination that you have chosen for your new M3. I went to the launch at the weekend which was a very low key affair and walked straight past the black M3 in the showroom without realising what it was, I personally do think the car requires a strong colour.
Has your company cut you a bit of slack with the SLS, from memory I did not think they were too keen last time?
Looking forward to reading some more real world driving impressions of the M3 once you have spent a bit more time in the car.
Has your company cut you a bit of slack with the SLS, from memory I did not think they were too keen last time?
Looking forward to reading some more real world driving impressions of the M3 once you have spent a bit more time in the car.
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