Anyone come from a Lotus/VX220?

[CrouchingWayne]

Hi guys,

I've currently got a VX220 but fortunately/unfortunately I could use something more practical now the wife needs her car for work over weekends. I need more boot space and some rear seats in case we have kids in the nearish future.

Annual mileage is around 3-4k max. I want to avoid depreciation as far as possible.

I think the logical step is into an E46 M3, but I've had my head turned by E39 M5's lately as well. Has anyone gone to either of these after a Lotus? I am concerned both will feel too heavy?

I've been to see 3 M3's previously but yet to drive one - they were all obviously bad cars so walked.

Thanks

[M7RT V]

Having owned an S1 Elise, an E36 M3 Evo, an E46 M3 CS, a Z4M and an E39 M5 amongst other things I'd say you'll be disappointed with the lack of steering feel and handling of the 'M'. You really need to drive around in something sh*t for a while to numb your senses before you'll fully appreciate the 'M' car.

[CrouchingWayne]

Haha that doesn't sound too good then! What I'd feared to be honest.

Have you experienced any cars that can live up to a Lotus derivative?

[Billy_Whizzzz]

Yes, I came from an Elise to a e36 M3 and eventually now to a Z4M. I didn't get on with the Wlise - particularly after a Caterham - and particularly didn't like the brittle tinniness of it - or the lack of power. The sheer grunt of the M3 and the Z4M won me over - I'm a sucker for a car that is defined by it's engine and however nimble the Elise was, that wasn't the case. Drive one and make your own mind up!

[Stunters]

In 2003-2005 I owned both an E46 M3 and a VX220 Turbo at the same time. I used the VX for trackdays and occasional weekend road drives, and the M3 for everything else.

Of course, the steering feel and sensory bombardment were on a completely different scale in the VX to the M3, but I didn't miss the VX at all when I sold it after 2 and a bit years. The E46 M3 is a superb all-rounder. It has a truly special engine in terms of noise, power delivery and appetite for revs. It has decent enough steering (better than the E9X cars in my experience) and inspires confidence in the wet, too.

Given that you're inevitably moving to something more practical than a VX I don't think you'll be disappointed with an E46 M3. I found that my VX understeered more than my M3 did when really pushing it, and the brakes were rubbish under extreme use.

I've stayed with the 2 car combo, currently with a 9 year old Cayman S and a 6 year old E90 M3 Saloon. The E90 is a real grower if a little aloof on first acquaintance, the E46 was immediately appealing but you notice its slight limitations over time. I don't think you will go far wrong with an E46 M3.

Find a good unmolested one if you can! Mine was a manual on 18"s, deliberately specced by me on both counts!

[CrouchingWayne]

I will need to get out in one, I'm in a position to buy now so have been monitoring the market. Locally there isn't much that doesn't look ropey just now, although a great M5 sold before I had a chance to view. For the time being I'm happy to keep the VX and can live with it for a while yet if nothing comes up - I just was considering a summer sale for ease/price.

Great 2 car combo, part of me is tempted to stretch to an E90 saloon for the best of both worlds. I have always loved the Cayman as well, at least it would be more practical than the VX....