Finally in a position to buy a BMW M Car. Questions...

[martylaa]

Ok so finally I am in a position to get myself a BMW M3 as a treat, basically a car I should of bought years ago before kids but I bottled it and bought a 330ci sport. Anyway it will be a car which will only do about 4-5000 miles a year due to work and the fact I don't drive excessive miles so not bothered about economy.

I am looking at a 2008/9 BMW E90 M3 4 door, would prefer lowish miles and full history but I am not sure whether to go for the manual or auto gearbox? Hoping to pick a good loved one up next May for around 15-18K.

Anyone any thoughts on the gearbox and which one to go for???
Also any tips on what to look for?

Thanks...

[Gruber]

Personally, having owned manual and DCT versions, I'd go with the DCT. It really suits the engine.

I also prefer the later idrive system - introduced early 09.

[Pip1968]

Buts there is always going to be less involvement with DCT. I think it is personal choice. Try both at a dealers and see what you prefer. Looking through PH at e90/92 M3s there are far less manuals over DCT for sale though which points towards the trend towards 'lazy' driving.

Cars can park themselves and tell you which way to go as well as selecting the right gear and when something is broken or needs servicing so there is less and less involvement. Apparently is it called 'progress'.

Pip

[Gruber]

Lazy driving blah blah blah.

I don't doubt that a manual box theoretically gives a modicum of additional involvement. But the e90 manual box is nothing to write home about. I'd rather a good DCT than a mediocre manual any day.

And, with respect, a quick testdrive won't really help. The DCT box takes a little playing around with to find the optimum settings for your driving style and to learn how it works. Similarly a manual box takes a while to get to know.

[daz05]

It's not a brilliant box but then these have never been BMWs strong point anyway, but it's still more involving than pulling on the paddles. DCT is very good though, I'd just be weary of the added running costs as the car gets older. Clutch change and DCT repairs are not cheap.

[Wills2]

I've had both and would recommend DCT, as has been said it suits the engine and the manual isn't the greatest shift either.

Just seen what you think you'll buy one for I really think you need to review the budget.

Edited by Wills2 on Monday 27th October 13:29

[cerb4.5lee]

I went with the manual in my old 2009 M3 as I am a little old school and enjoy three pedals but as others have said the engine does suit the DCT gearbox better though I reckon, but in saying that if I had another I would still go with a manual as paddles/two pedals just don't do much for me.

[martin mrt]

Having owned 2 manual E46M3s and a DCT E90 the DCT gearbox is by far and away the best choice IMO for any E90/2

I tried a manual E92, and within a few miles knew that I wouldn't be buying both a manual or a coupe, the gear change wasn't particularly positive, rather notchy and felt completely alien to the rest of the car.

The fact I bought a DCT saloon without having tried one, and absolutely loving every minute of ownership speaks volumes, I found that I could concentrate more on the job in hand when pressing on, rather than stirring the porridge pot gearbox looking for the next gear.

I agree it's all personal choice, but the DCT is a no brainer IMO, if I have another M3 saloon, it will be DCT

[krisdelta]

To the OP, I think £15-18k is very optimistic for an E90 in the next 6 months, unless it's starship mileage. Early cars with <50k currently retailing from £21k upwards. I'm looking myself and £23k seems to get an decent spec 08/09 car at the moment.

[martylaa]

Yes granted I may be hoping for too much but I am hoping the new model will have a knock on effect in owners trading in there E-90's for the new M3, maybe resulting in a price drop.
Nice ones I have seen now yes are around 26K but maybe in 6 months they will be less and hopefully I can find a clean well maintained model for a little bit less than they are now.

p.s anyone thinking of selling their E-90 early next year then drop me a line wink wink...

[SBN]

I have dct and after a while you do feel the manual way it works. For example you can feel the clutch engage.... These are autos but way ahead of the slush boxes. The dct in manual mode is good fun in the open but when traffic builds up a quick flick and it's a breeze in a jam