E92 M3 test drive - Left feeling cold?
Discussion
Wills2 said:
Can't shoot you for stating the truth:
997 > M3 > RS4 handling wise.
Completely agree, owned a Cayman S, 996 C4S and driven a 997 Turbo for a while. Porsche is leagues ahead of BMW as a drivers car, however (for me) you compromise your "daily" needs to get it.997 > M3 > RS4 handling wise.
If I could afford it, I'd probably have a A7 3.0 bitdi as a daily and a 997.2 GT3RS for weekends and track.
I can dream.
Interesting discussion. I think the m3 can be used as a fun weekend car but it does need a bit of tweaking to get there which then affects it's dailyness.
On the 997, yep it is superior handling wise, so much lighter for starters but I don't think the non cooking models are leagues ahead especially the dull 4wd stuff and then you need the gen II otherwise you will be up all night reading internet scare stories hoping it doesn't happen to you. That's my excuse anyway.
On the 997, yep it is superior handling wise, so much lighter for starters but I don't think the non cooking models are leagues ahead especially the dull 4wd stuff and then you need the gen II otherwise you will be up all night reading internet scare stories hoping it doesn't happen to you. That's my excuse anyway.
Having given it more thought and what some of you guys have said, I'm inclined to agree with some comments about it not being 'special' enough because of how capable it is as an everyday car. I suppose it just ticked all the boxes being quite modern, usable rear seats, high power, RWD, NA etc. Perhaps subconsciously what I'm looking for is something that is just a bit more impractical, raw and harder for regular use.
Too bad the M6 economy is so s
t. And the rear.
Too bad the M6 economy is so s
t. And the rear.cerb4.5lee said:
You don't even need to venture onto a track to realise the brakes an a M3 are not up to the task I never tracked mine but they scared the life out of me on the road so that was enough for me but most upgrade them and its easy to see why.
During my test drive even the dealer told me to avoid using the brakes "too much" but rely on engine braking where possible. bennyboysvuk said:
I love some interactive handling. What is the 997 like to power-slide?
I'm no driving god, but I had two points on the way to my gym that afforded you the opportunity to do a low speed power slide, polished surface and camber went with you and it was very controllable. At the PSE they teach you on a low grip surface and the car is very biddable despite having an anvil slung out over the rear axle.
Wills2 said:
Can't shoot you for stating the truth:
997 > M3 > RS4 handling wise.
Been looking at a few cars recently and seen a couple comments on the RS4 handling, which don't really make sense to me. When you look at the ring time (seen 7.58 and 8.09 posted for the old B7), and Autocar DRY (imagine in the wet!) time for the new B8 it's a very fast car round bends - as fast as a 997 Gen 1 Turbo: http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/autocar_dry_handling...997 > M3 > RS4 handling wise.
Those who criticise the handling, is this more about how it feels than how it actually performs? Performance wise it looks like it's up there with the best.
OP - think you need to re-evaluate what you are after. You mention you after something raw and then mention the M6. The M6 makes the M3 feel raw, they are a lux barge coupe with loads of power. If you want raw look at the CSL or E30 M3. New M Power cars are not raw, they are everyday cars with plenty of poke. Perfect to use all year around. Maybe look at a proper sports car like an Evora, raw lightweight and fairly quick.
kbf1981 said:
Been looking at a few cars recently and seen a couple comments on the RS4 handling, which don't really make sense to me. When you look at the ring time (seen 7.58 and 8.09 posted for the old B7), and Autocar DRY (imagine in the wet!) time for the new B8 it's a very fast car round bends - as fast as a 997 Gen 1 Turbo: http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/autocar_dry_handling...
Those who criticise the handling, is this more about how it feels than how it actually performs? Performance wise it looks like it's up there with the best.
Yes I would say it's about feel/poise rather than grip no one can say the RS models aren't fast but for me the 911 and M3 feel better. Those who criticise the handling, is this more about how it feels than how it actually performs? Performance wise it looks like it's up there with the best.
NORTS said:
OP - think you need to re-evaluate what you are after. You mention you after something raw and then mention the M6. The M6 makes the M3 feel raw, they are a lux barge coupe with loads of power. If you want raw look at the CSL or E30 M3. New M Power cars are not raw, they are everyday cars with plenty of poke. Perfect to use all year around. Maybe look at a proper sports car like an Evora, raw lightweight and fairly quick.
The e30 m3 is not raw, it was offered as the top spec e30, sporty but comfortable and refined. It's not even the most stiffly sprung e30, the 318is has objectively stiffer suspension.Kawasicki said:
NORTS said:
OP - think you need to re-evaluate what you are after. You mention you after something raw and then mention the M6. The M6 makes the M3 feel raw, they are a lux barge coupe with loads of power. If you want raw look at the CSL or E30 M3. New M Power cars are not raw, they are everyday cars with plenty of poke. Perfect to use all year around. Maybe look at a proper sports car like an Evora, raw lightweight and fairly quick.
The e30 m3 is not raw, it was offered as the top spec e30, sporty but comfortable and refined. It's not even the most stiffly sprung e30, the 318is has objectively stiffer suspension.NORTS said:
OP - think you need to re-evaluate what you are after. You mention you after something raw and then mention the M6. The M6 makes the M3 feel raw, they are a lux barge coupe with loads of power. If you want raw look at the CSL or E30 M3. New M Power cars are not raw, they are everyday cars with plenty of poke. Perfect to use all year around. Maybe look at a proper sports car like an Evora, raw lightweight and fairly quick.
for me a "sportscar" feel is of being "pushed along", most of weight just behind my bum, and a light pointy "speed boat" front end. If I can skip it sideways around bends then I am winning. The Porsches do this wonderfully, the Audis solve cornering with a sledgehammer and are the opposite of what I have described. Weight ahead and mechanical grip at all corners to solve the problem. Effective, but not right for my taste.kbf1981 said:
Been looking at a few cars recently and seen a couple comments on the RS4 handling, which don't really make sense to me. When you look at the ring time (seen 7.58 and 8.09 posted for the old B7), and Autocar DRY (imagine in the wet!) time for the new B8 it's a very fast car round bends - as fast as a 997 Gen 1 Turbo: http://fastestlaps.com/tracks/autocar_dry_handling...
Those who criticise the handling, is this more about how it feels than how it actually performs? Performance wise it looks like it's up there with the best.
I went from B7 RS4 to M3 and now in C63 - regarding RS4 and M3 the M3 instantly felt a better car. More front end grip which was instantly noticeable and felt a lighter car. Also much better damped over rough roads in terms of didn't feel like it would fly off into the scenery, so I expect that was because my RS had the sports suspension + or the DRC maybe had issues. It is a better handling car in terms of feel as you ask. Only things lacking on the e92 for me were it was a bit too civilised for everyday commuting, so not loud enough whereas that is not an issue in the c63. Never had an issue with so called lack of torque on e92 either, felt quick enough to me and the DCT was sublime.Those who criticise the handling, is this more about how it feels than how it actually performs? Performance wise it looks like it's up there with the best.
In terms of refinement, friend at work has a GTR, we went out in each other's cars and after the GTR the m3 felt like a 320 coupe.
Still rate the e92 and if it ever decide to step out of the new car market, used e92 would be very high on my list.
Bradders901 said:
In terms of refinement, friend at work has a GTR, we went out in each other's cars and after the GTR the m3 felt like a 320 coupe.
Agree on the overall pace, but would you say the GTR was as complete a car as the M3? I found it to be "characterless" for want of a better term.dufflecoat said:
Bradders901 said:
In terms of refinement, friend at work has a GTR, we went out in each other's cars and after the GTR the m3 felt like a 320 coupe.
Agree on the overall pace, but would you say the GTR was as complete a car as the M3? I found it to be "characterless" for want of a better term.Not been in the latest face lifted GTRs but mine was 59 plate and the interior quality certainly cannot compare to the M3. Perhaps it's all for weight saving? :P
U haven't read every post of this thread so apologies if this has been covered, but it is widely acknowledged that to fully unlock the e9X M3 experience, you NEED the 'oem exhaust mod'.
This is widely covered on the web. The benefits of the mod are:
Makes the car sound like a muscle car when you put your foot down - but doesn't drone on long journeys. The standard exhaust is too quiet and doesn't give you enough noise until over 6k rpm.
The mod is cheap - I paid about £200 for mine, but generally costs closer to £300 (compare that to the 000's you pay for an Akrapovic or m performance exhaust) and also something that is quite widely offered by specialists across the country. I have had no mot issues:
A few egs:
The full on experience:
http://youtu.be/Q_EANSal4Gg
I think this guy must have the 'four pipe' mod given the volume (most common is the 2 pipe mod):
Another eg (there are lots):
http://youtu.be/7FMCn0p9IJw
Personally, I also think the Dct (paddle shift box) and Edc (electronic damper control) make the car.
Additionally, you need to ensure that the car is running the latest engine and (if Dct) gearbox software. I have an 08 and the software updates transformed the car.
Do those things and tell me the m3 doesn't excite. Had mine since March after a range of other sporting hardware and I think it's a fantastic car - v satisfying to own
This is widely covered on the web. The benefits of the mod are:
Makes the car sound like a muscle car when you put your foot down - but doesn't drone on long journeys. The standard exhaust is too quiet and doesn't give you enough noise until over 6k rpm.
The mod is cheap - I paid about £200 for mine, but generally costs closer to £300 (compare that to the 000's you pay for an Akrapovic or m performance exhaust) and also something that is quite widely offered by specialists across the country. I have had no mot issues:
A few egs:
The full on experience:
http://youtu.be/Q_EANSal4Gg
I think this guy must have the 'four pipe' mod given the volume (most common is the 2 pipe mod):
Another eg (there are lots):
http://youtu.be/7FMCn0p9IJw
Personally, I also think the Dct (paddle shift box) and Edc (electronic damper control) make the car.
Additionally, you need to ensure that the car is running the latest engine and (if Dct) gearbox software. I have an 08 and the software updates transformed the car.
Do those things and tell me the m3 doesn't excite. Had mine since March after a range of other sporting hardware and I think it's a fantastic car - v satisfying to own
Yes it should.
Saying that I took out my secondary cats on my c63 so it could probably trump the OEM backbox mod.
http://youtu.be/D0btBj3BYAI
I never did that backbox mod on my m3 but should have.
Dunc
Saying that I took out my secondary cats on my c63 so it could probably trump the OEM backbox mod.
http://youtu.be/D0btBj3BYAI
I never did that backbox mod on my m3 but should have.
Dunc
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