E92 M3 test drive - Left feeling cold?
Discussion
Greetings,
So I've been mulling over getting an E92 M3 for a while. I've now had a test drive and have been left feeling a little disappointed. The noise was good, but everything else seemed a little... well, boring.
The interior for instance just felt really dull and somewhat low-rent. The seats were too high and felt really weird, and the steering was really vague and disconnected. Now I've read the competition pack sortes the steering out but those cars are out of budget. I've always wanted the M3, I prefer the look of the E92 over the E46, and the engine too. But it just doesn't seem all that specail now that I've tried it. Of course this was all on road so maybe on a track it comes more alive.
If it matters, I currently have a GT86 so perhaps that made it a little harder because it is a great car to drive. Anyone else felt the same way? Or perhaps i'm missing the point here.
So I've been mulling over getting an E92 M3 for a while. I've now had a test drive and have been left feeling a little disappointed. The noise was good, but everything else seemed a little... well, boring.
The interior for instance just felt really dull and somewhat low-rent. The seats were too high and felt really weird, and the steering was really vague and disconnected. Now I've read the competition pack sortes the steering out but those cars are out of budget. I've always wanted the M3, I prefer the look of the E92 over the E46, and the engine too. But it just doesn't seem all that specail now that I've tried it. Of course this was all on road so maybe on a track it comes more alive.
If it matters, I currently have a GT86 so perhaps that made it a little harder because it is a great car to drive. Anyone else felt the same way? Or perhaps i'm missing the point here.
Did you drive it in m mode with settings turned up to max?
Was it a dct car, and fid it have the oem exhaust mod?
I found the m3 boring on the first drive....boyght one anyway......slowly fell in love with it.....bought abother obe the next year
they griw on you and once you learn them they are pretty special machibes
Was it a dct car, and fid it have the oem exhaust mod?
I found the m3 boring on the first drive....boyght one anyway......slowly fell in love with it.....bought abother obe the next year
they griw on you and once you learn them they are pretty special machibes
turboman786 said:
Did you drive it in m mode with settings turned up to max?
Yes, it was in M dynamic mode with the traction off.turboman786 said:
Was it a dct car, and fid it have the oem exhaust mod?
It was indeed a DCT car. I prefer manuals, but DCT seems a much easier bet to live with on a daily basis, and I reckon about 80% of my driving is around town/commuting. I've had a try in two cars, one stock and one with an aftermarket Milltek system (which didn't sound all too different to me except being louder).turboman786 said:
I found the m3 boring on the first drive....boyght one anyway......slowly fell in love with it.....bought abother obe the next year
they griw on you and once you learn them they are pretty special machibes
I suppose that's a fair point. Perhaps I just expected to like it straight away. I'll give a manual car a shot, things may be different. Is the BMW M Performance exhaust any good?they griw on you and once you learn them they are pretty special machibes
You cannot fully appreciate the depth of an E9x M3s talents from a test drive, unless you are able to fully exploit the car.
When I first drove a manual E92 M3 I wasn't too impressed by it, but I knew one thing, I didn't want a manual or a coupe.
I ended up with a DCT Saloon, and it was without a doubt the most complete car I've ever owned, it took a good couple of months to get to grips with it, but once I did, it was an immensely enjoyable experience.
When I first drove a manual E92 M3 I wasn't too impressed by it, but I knew one thing, I didn't want a manual or a coupe.
I ended up with a DCT Saloon, and it was without a doubt the most complete car I've ever owned, it took a good couple of months to get to grips with it, but once I did, it was an immensely enjoyable experience.
The E92 M3 takes a little while to get under your skin.
Coming from a GTR I did have my doubts but now I'm slowly starting to appreciate the car and how it fits into my lifestyle.
I would definitely recommend test driving a Comp Pack if you can. You need to try some bends to experience how well balance the car is.
Coming from a GTR I did have my doubts but now I'm slowly starting to appreciate the car and how it fits into my lifestyle.
I would definitely recommend test driving a Comp Pack if you can. You need to try some bends to experience how well balance the car is.
martin mrt said:
You cannot fully appreciate the depth of an E9x M3s talents from a test drive, unless you are able to fully exploit the car.
When I first drove a manual E92 M3 I wasn't too impressed by it, but I knew one thing, I didn't want a manual or a coupe.
I ended up with a DCT Saloon, and it was without a doubt the most complete car I've ever owned, it took a good couple of months to get to grips with it, but once I did, it was an immensely enjoyable experience.
Initial mindset was to go for the DCT because it is easier to live with. Don't want a convertible because of the weight, and I feel I would look a prat with the roof down. And I don't neccessarily need a saloon and fancy the coupés styling better although saloon style is much harder to come by.When I first drove a manual E92 M3 I wasn't too impressed by it, but I knew one thing, I didn't want a manual or a coupe.
I ended up with a DCT Saloon, and it was without a doubt the most complete car I've ever owned, it took a good couple of months to get to grips with it, but once I did, it was an immensely enjoyable experience.
bennyboysvuk said:
The E92 is hugely refined, so perhaps compared to the GT86 it just feels a lot more sensible/less exciting?
The difference in overtaking ability must be night and day though, was it?
I think that is a very good point. And yes, there was a substantial difference when overtaking, although I think the GT86 is still a relatively swift car. Not the same league though.The difference in overtaking ability must be night and day though, was it?
crazy about cars said:
The E92 M3 takes a little while to get under your skin.
Coming from a GTR I did have my doubts but now I'm slowly starting to appreciate the car and how it fits into my lifestyle.
I would definitely recommend test driving a Comp Pack if you can. You need to try some bends to experience how well balance the car is.
That's interesting, which GTR did you have. The other alternatives I have in mind are actually the GTR (R34 or R35) and a Lotus Evora S. Or a Honda NSX. Of course they are all a little dearer than an M3, so it would mean waiting longer. I've always wanted an R34 (Playstation generation and all that), the R35 just has presence about it (and is fast). I've not had any experience in an R35 however.Coming from a GTR I did have my doubts but now I'm slowly starting to appreciate the car and how it fits into my lifestyle.
I would definitely recommend test driving a Comp Pack if you can. You need to try some bends to experience how well balance the car is.
The Evora also looks like a junior supercar and the NSX is probably the oldest and least practical of the lot, is much harder to find one in decent spec/condition and would likely cost more by the time I can buy, and much more if the modding itch starts, but then it has appeal and likely only appreciate in value.
Kawasicki said:
I drove one on some deserted roads that snaked through a forest. It was a lot of fun. I simply do not have the self control to drive an E92 M3 at a pace that would please the average member of the public. Driven normally, I think a 320d is just as good, except for the noise.
Sadly I live in West London and there aren't really any good roads close enough so no place really to fully experience it. May have to borrow one (or rent) for a day to see if it changes my mind.Anyone know of a dealer around that would consider giving one on an extended test drive as I've been down to Berry Chiswick and they just weren't interested. Perhaps I wasn't the typical estate agent after a 320d or something, or maybe I looked quite young. Whatever the case, absolutely appalling. Even the receptionist hung up mid-conversation during the times I called.
Edited by 3ananaPie on Monday 21st July 09:32
crazy about cars said:
The E92 M3 takes a little while to get under your skin.
Coming from a GTR I did have my doubts but now I'm slowly starting to appreciate the car and how it fits into my lifestyle.
I would definitely recommend test driving a Comp Pack if you can. You need to try some bends to experience how well balance the car is.
100% ^Coming from a GTR I did have my doubts but now I'm slowly starting to appreciate the car and how it fits into my lifestyle.
I would definitely recommend test driving a Comp Pack if you can. You need to try some bends to experience how well balance the car is.
It took me three test drives to want one. The n I bought the wrong one a manual car without the comp pack.The manual is a terrible gearbox IMO. Comp pack with DCT is a much nicer thing.
I had a manual E92 M3 for 10 months and 10k miles and I understand exactly what you mean OP, I found the interior a massive disappointment and also agree you sit too high and even in a standard 3 series you sit lower which doesn't make sense for what is meant to be the most driver focussed model of the range.
I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
cerb4.5lee said:
I had a manual E92 M3 for 10 months and 10k miles and I understand exactly what you mean OP, I found the interior a massive disappointment and also agree you sit too high and even in a standard 3 series you sit lower which doesn't make sense for what is meant to be the most driver focussed model of the range.
I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
He's back!! The man who hates the M3 so much he cant stop writing about it!!I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
turboman786 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I had a manual E92 M3 for 10 months and 10k miles and I understand exactly what you mean OP, I found the interior a massive disappointment and also agree you sit too high and even in a standard 3 series you sit lower which doesn't make sense for what is meant to be the most driver focussed model of the range.
I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
He's back!! The man who hates the M3 so much he cant stop writing about it!!I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
I thought my post was mostly complementary though based on how I found my experience with it...anyway I prefer moaning about how much I hate autos/twin clutches now instead! 
martin mrt said:
You cannot fully appreciate the depth of an E9x M3s talents from a test drive, unless you are able to fully exploit the car.
When I first drove a manual E92 M3 I wasn't too impressed by it, but I knew one thing, I didn't want a manual or a coupe.
I ended up with a DCT Saloon, and it was without a doubt the most complete car I've ever owned, it took a good couple of months to get to grips with it, but once I did, it was an immensely enjoyable experience.
I'd echo all of this. When I first drove a manual E92 M3 I wasn't too impressed by it, but I knew one thing, I didn't want a manual or a coupe.
I ended up with a DCT Saloon, and it was without a doubt the most complete car I've ever owned, it took a good couple of months to get to grips with it, but once I did, it was an immensely enjoyable experience.
OP - it's worth finding a dealer out of town and taking a testdrive on more open roads.
As others have said it takes some time to get under your skin, I wasn't sure after coming from a rawer Z4m but soon realised it was a far greater machine after taking the time to drive it properly. The chassis and control are excellent and the engine is a masterpiece.
As you have experienced I hated the steering initially at low speeds I actually thought it was electric but the servotronic actually works quite well at speed and it is very direct and positions the car well.
DCT is of course the technically superior transmission and if you do any sort of city commuting it should be a requirement but it does add to the feeling of being distant, manual is more entertaining and involving imho when you drive for enjoyment (I'm told the F10 M5 knob and larger clutch stop is a good idea).
Funny you say you enjoyed the noise, many find it very quiet and will do the OEM exhaust mod introduce some specialness to the experience.
My M3 was meant to be a stop gap to something else but I'm not ready to part with it just yet.
As you have experienced I hated the steering initially at low speeds I actually thought it was electric but the servotronic actually works quite well at speed and it is very direct and positions the car well.
DCT is of course the technically superior transmission and if you do any sort of city commuting it should be a requirement but it does add to the feeling of being distant, manual is more entertaining and involving imho when you drive for enjoyment (I'm told the F10 M5 knob and larger clutch stop is a good idea).
Funny you say you enjoyed the noise, many find it very quiet and will do the OEM exhaust mod introduce some specialness to the experience.
My M3 was meant to be a stop gap to something else but I'm not ready to part with it just yet.
Edited by daz05 on Monday 21st July 13:47
3ananaPie said:
That's interesting, which GTR did you have. The other alternatives I have in mind are actually the GTR (R34 or R35) and a Lotus Evora S. Or a Honda NSX. Of course they are all a little dearer than an M3, so it would mean waiting longer. I've always wanted an R34 (Playstation generation and all that), the R35 just has presence about it (and is fast). I've not had any experience in an R35 however.
The Evora also looks like a junior supercar and the NSX is probably the oldest and least practical of the lot, is much harder to find one in decent spec/condition and would likely cost more by the time I can buy, and much more if the modding itch starts, but then it has appeal and likely only appreciate in value.
I had a 59 plate R35. Totally standard when I bought it but after 6 months I went and got myself a Litchfield's Stage 1 :PThe Evora also looks like a junior supercar and the NSX is probably the oldest and least practical of the lot, is much harder to find one in decent spec/condition and would likely cost more by the time I can buy, and much more if the modding itch starts, but then it has appeal and likely only appreciate in value.
Edited by 3ananaPie on Monday 21st July 09:32
For my performance wise there's nothing quite like the GTR but unfortunately due to long term running costs and personal reasons I had to sell.
M3 is not as fast but provides a really refined experience and still fun when I want to. As I do mostly urban commuting this suits my needs. Biggest reason I went for the M3 is because of the service pack (and 2 year warranty) which gives me around 2 years of reassurance in terms of running costs.
I think Frozen Grey with the Comp Pack wheels look very sexy too. If I really do have to nitpick it will be the suspension. Even on non-runflats and softest setting it's still pretty hard for most British roads. However find good stretch of road and put it in M mode and it's a wonderful experience!
My recommendation if you are buying used is to look for a Comp Pack with some years left in service pack (plus negotiate 2 year AUC warranty).
turboman786 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I had a manual E92 M3 for 10 months and 10k miles and I understand exactly what you mean OP, I found the interior a massive disappointment and also agree you sit too high and even in a standard 3 series you sit lower which doesn't make sense for what is meant to be the most driver focussed model of the range.
I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
He's back!! The man who hates the M3 so much he cant stop writing about it!!I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
TheHound said:
turboman786 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
I had a manual E92 M3 for 10 months and 10k miles and I understand exactly what you mean OP, I found the interior a massive disappointment and also agree you sit too high and even in a standard 3 series you sit lower which doesn't make sense for what is meant to be the most driver focussed model of the range.
I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
He's back!! The man who hates the M3 so much he cant stop writing about it!!I just found the car a little unrewarding when just pottering around in it so basically daily driving and it never felt special enough for me, don't get me wrong out on a twisty road bouncing off the limiter at 8400rpm smiles are to be had and I always drove it with the traction off and the chassis is excellent so it slides very progressively but these occasions seem few and far between.
Its certainly a car that suits a track though but for me its arguably not quite special enough to be used occasionally and its low torque high rev engine doesn't make for great daily driving but mine was a manual and most say the DCT eliminates that relative lack of low down urge.
If you don't mind a shlep out to the sticks you could pop down to Munich Legends and ask the resident nutter to take you out and show you how an E9x can perform when you have the confidence to throw it round some country bends and adjust the line on throttle! My wife and I did that when we were looking at a saloon and although the drive was a bit brief, having a ride from someone who knows how to exploit the car tells you quite a bit. The DCT box will happily potter into top on a light throttle, but show it a sniff more throttle and it'll drop into 2nd instantly and throw you forward.
For us the M3 would've been a daily drive and we decided it was just a bit too much for us in terms of its performance for the daily grind for the 2% of the time we might've driven it within even 50% of its limits! That and the warnings about doom without a warranty plus the fact it sounded all a bit mechanical for the first minute on cold start we figured it wouldn't take kindly to the sort of use we'd put it to.
We ended up buying a supercharged Audi instead so I guess the point of the above is if you can see yourself tracking it, or driving it like you stole it then get someone to demonstrate what it can do and you might be sold on it
For us the M3 would've been a daily drive and we decided it was just a bit too much for us in terms of its performance for the daily grind for the 2% of the time we might've driven it within even 50% of its limits! That and the warnings about doom without a warranty plus the fact it sounded all a bit mechanical for the first minute on cold start we figured it wouldn't take kindly to the sort of use we'd put it to.
We ended up buying a supercharged Audi instead so I guess the point of the above is if you can see yourself tracking it, or driving it like you stole it then get someone to demonstrate what it can do and you might be sold on it
I shall quote myself for a similar thread...
I am going back to an E92 M3...
Sold my last one in 2012, since then I've been through a E46 CSL, Cayman S, 996 C4S, various Jap Turbo nutter stuff, a Clio 200. In the new shopping trip I have been and driven a GTR, 997 Turbo, 997 C4S, C63, RS4(B7 and B8), New M3/M4, M235i and finally a E92 M3 DCT. Miss it like mad, going back and sticking with it. I want a car that can eat miles in comfort and also be as focussed as possible when I occasionally turn up at Donnington, Cadwell etc. None of the others do both anywhere near as well.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff