E9x M3 coupe/Saloon - living with the practicalities

[gixermark]

Hi Guys,

been mulling on the next motor for a bit.. looked at 335is (but now think i need to tick the M box if i go BMW)

I've drove an RS4 avant - and liked it.. does 95% of what i want (just cant tow) and seem to hold their $$ well (I'm aware of the DRC/coking issues etc etc)

the M3 would also do 95% of what i want (still cant tow) but probably more compromised, but could maybe be made better by a 4 door (have 2 young kids) and i'd read you can get proper bolt on roof system (I'm into biking) ?

question on boot for those that have coupe and 4 door - is the access between boot and rear seat the same ? i gather there is a hatch between ? is it totally open ? specifically my question is whether you coudl carry a dog in the boot (occasionally) in either - i.e. if they have an access/flap into the rear seat - at least it would have fresh air :-)

[-Z-]

I used to have a M3 Saloon, amazing fantastic do it all car, still would have one today in a flash, though with modified exhaust- it needs a bit more drama.

Boot space is good but as with all cars of this size - depends on kids ages and sizes of prams etc.

I think split fold rear seats are available on the saloon (not sure on coupe) but were an optional extra so you would need to make sure the example you are looking at has it specced.

My wife used to have a e92 325i Coupe and we have had a Golden Retriever in the back with the seats folded down from time to time so should be possible!

[MajorBeef]

I've just bought an E92 M3 as my daily but I only have one 5 year old so he's happy just to step in and out of the back of the car.
I think you're asking - correct me if I'm wrong - but could you shut a dog in the boot of the car and open the ski hatch?

I'm sure it would be fine for short journeys (!) but probably would feel a bit claustrophobic! I'm sure you've considered everything but what about an E61 M5?

[gixermark]

Thanks guys.

Yes major beef - that's exactly what I was thinking..

The one 4 door car in particular that is local I just found out does not have a hatch (was an option apparently)

In truth the RS4 is probably a 'better' package, although the M3 probably dynamically better... And more feel.

We have another estate car.. I'd just rather have one nice car to do it all.. Although - maybe it's a plus not having a dog in an M car !! :-)

E61 is out... I drove an M5 last year and just didn't like the box at all

[Smuler]

I thought all 3 series coupes (i.e. SE, M Sport and M3) had the split / folding rear seats as standard; an advantage over the saloon and on the E92 I drove, there was a button so that when the front seat is folded it still moves forward to allow easier access to the back.

[MajorBeef]

I admire your commitment then. Yes you would fit a dog in the back, it just might be a bit miserable when you do!

I understand that the LCI M3's had a ski hatch as standard so 2010 onwards if you can narrow your search down.

You're in the same predicament as I was a couple of months back. My 2 choices were finalised to an RS4 or M3. I counted the RS4 out as the newest I could get would be 7 years old now and as you say, the M3 is such a betters car to drive.

[cerb4.5lee]

I used to put my Labrador in the boot of my E92 M3 and he just used to stick his head through the ski hatch and he seemed happy enough, now I have a E90 330i saloon he has to go in the front footwell because the rear seats don't fold for some stupid reason as its an optional extra.

[gixermark]

Yea - it's a shame the hatch between boot and rear seat in the e90 isn't there (unless spec'd when new)

If the m5 touring was available in manual! I'd buy one in a heartbeat! I test drove an m5 (e60) last year.. And hated the box

[CSLchappie]

BMW make a special liner for most models including the e92, I ran an e60 m5 for four years with one fitted so I could put my two collies on the back seats. It attaches to the front and rear seat headrest posts and there are separate panels to cover the door cards to fully protect the rear cabin area. I think they retail for around £250 ish now, BMW have them listed on their eBay store.

[cerb4.5lee]

gixermark said:

If the m5 touring was available in manual! I'd buy one in a heartbeat! I test drove an m5 (e60) last year.. And hated the box

You are on my wave length and on the day I bought my E92 M3 there was a M5 for sale next to it and I said to the salesman that if the M5 had come with a manual I would have purchased that instead.

[gixermark]

Yep... With all the issues on that box, you'd think someone would have come up with bypassing the SMG system... Given its a normal box under the skin... You'd think you could get a stick rigged up!

M5 tourings are reasonable value when you look what you are getting... I just couldn't live with the box

[TheHound]

gixermark said:

Yea - it's a shame the hatch between boot and rear seat in the e90 isn't there (unless spec'd when new)

If the m5 touring was available in manual! I'd buy one in a heartbeat! I test drove an m5 (e60) last year.. And hated the box

just find one with split fold seats specced, I did.

[gixermark]

Split fold would be no use for me.. I just wanted a hatch in the middle (like coupe) so the dog could get fresh air! On the odd trip she might make in the car.

Hopefully going to see the 4dr car this Sunday.. See how I go

[Smuler]

Hopefully going to see the 4dr car this Sunday.. See how I go
[/quote]

.....very fast, with a big smile, all the way to the bank and then back to the dealership

[gangzoom]

The saloon has a small boot (M car is even smaller), and folding rear seats is a very very rare option.

But I can confirm the BMW roof rack and bike carrier is fab, once set up takes about 30 seconds to load/unload a bike....and it'll keep the bike secure up to three digit figures on the speedo

[TheHound]

gixermark said:

Split fold would be no use for me.. I just wanted a hatch in the middle (like coupe) so the dog could get fresh air! On the odd trip she might make in the car.

Hopefully going to see the 4dr car this Sunday.. See how I go

Sorry I thought you were talking about split fold seats, you need a car specced with the through loading system. If you are looking at AUC cars I think this is listed as extended luggage features.

Anyway enjoy your test drive, I'm sure you will.

Edited by TheHound on Saturday 25th October 19:08

[gixermark]

Thanks guys... Going tomorrow hopefully.

Gangzoom - yes, would be getting roof bars for sure.. I already have thule 591 cycle carriers on the octavia.. Might get a fresh pair on the BM (if I buy it) tho... Have options then :-)

Let's hope it's dry in the morning to get a good look at this machine

[turboman786]

I had an e90 m3 saloon, dct with exhaust mod

Quite simply an outstanding car....I so regret selling it
, as it was the highest spec car I have ever seen, and was mint

Get one!

[irish boy]

I've seen this e90 m3 in the flesh and if I was in the market for another it would be getting my money. It's absolutely stunning.

http://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/showthread.php?t=112...

[gixermark]

That's the one I am viewing!

I gather it's a fairly well known car, been to a lot of shows etc.