E92 M3 - any good?!
Discussion
Guys,
I'm hoping this is third time lucky, everytime I ask about a car I get a lot of negative feedback, but I'd like honest opinions on running costs and likely depreciation over one year of ownership.
Saw a silver E92 last night and I have to say it looked bl**dy good, price wise for an early one they look like circa £25k;
- any ideas on likely one year depreciation?
- any must have extras?
- likely 5k miles (will keep daily driver for most of the daily grind)
- anything to look out for, esp on an early one 57/08 plate?
- my preference is for the 18"s, though looks are important THE most important thing is the driving experience - but I'm assuming few were ordered with standard wheels?
- warranty - are BM as tight as Porsche on what you need to have i.e. 'sorry sir that's not a main stealer branded battery, we can't cover you under warranty'?! - WTF
Cheers
I'm hoping this is third time lucky, everytime I ask about a car I get a lot of negative feedback, but I'd like honest opinions on running costs and likely depreciation over one year of ownership.
Saw a silver E92 last night and I have to say it looked bl**dy good, price wise for an early one they look like circa £25k;
- any ideas on likely one year depreciation?
- any must have extras?
- likely 5k miles (will keep daily driver for most of the daily grind)
- anything to look out for, esp on an early one 57/08 plate?
- my preference is for the 18"s, though looks are important THE most important thing is the driving experience - but I'm assuming few were ordered with standard wheels?
- warranty - are BM as tight as Porsche on what you need to have i.e. 'sorry sir that's not a main stealer branded battery, we can't cover you under warranty'?! - WTF
Cheers
I've not driven an e92 myself yet but do have an M5, I'd strongly recommend trying a car with EDC (variable damper control) as its a feature of the M5 that I love and use on a regular basis (and its a big plus for e92 resale value too) At the risk of sounding like a broken record I'd alway go for one with a BMW warranty in place and I guess depreciation will be somewhere in the region of 4/5k per annum until the car hits the £10k mark.
acme said:
Guys,
I'm hoping this is third time lucky, everytime I ask about a car I get a lot of negative feedback, but I'd like honest opinions on running costs and likely depreciation over one year of ownership.
Saw a silver E92 last night and I have to say it looked bl**dy good, price wise for an early one they look like circa £25k;
- any ideas on likely one year depreciation?
- any must have extras?
- likely 5k miles (will keep daily driver for most of the daily grind)
- anything to look out for, esp on an early one 57/08 plate?
- my preference is for the 18"s, though looks are important THE most important thing is the driving experience - but I'm assuming few were ordered with standard wheels?
- warranty - are BM as tight as Porsche on what you need to have i.e. 'sorry sir that's not a main stealer branded battery, we can't cover you under warranty'?! - WTF
Cheers
I'm hoping this is third time lucky, everytime I ask about a car I get a lot of negative feedback, but I'd like honest opinions on running costs and likely depreciation over one year of ownership.
Saw a silver E92 last night and I have to say it looked bl**dy good, price wise for an early one they look like circa £25k;
- any ideas on likely one year depreciation?
- any must have extras?
- likely 5k miles (will keep daily driver for most of the daily grind)
- anything to look out for, esp on an early one 57/08 plate?
- my preference is for the 18"s, though looks are important THE most important thing is the driving experience - but I'm assuming few were ordered with standard wheels?
- warranty - are BM as tight as Porsche on what you need to have i.e. 'sorry sir that's not a main stealer branded battery, we can't cover you under warranty'?! - WTF
Cheers
I've had mine (an 08 plate in Silverstone) for about 6 months now and still love it.
No doubt they still have a lot of depreciating to do, but there's little point worrying about it. If memory serves, I paid £29k in June and a similar car today would probably be £26k ish. That's fine as far as I'm concerned.
OBC is currently showing 23.4mpg over approx 1,000 miles - admittedly mostly motorway.
Must have options: well for me it had to be manual and it had to have EDC.
Warranty - no idea I'm sorry. I haven't needed to find out. But mine came with 2 years, thanks to a BMW AUC promotion that I fell upon.
Rockingly quick, very comfortable, sounds nice (and would sound even better with an aftermarket exhaust), seems very reliable and well screwed together. So all in all, I'm very happy with my choice!
No doubt they still have a lot of depreciating to do, but there's little point worrying about it. If memory serves, I paid £29k in June and a similar car today would probably be £26k ish. That's fine as far as I'm concerned.
OBC is currently showing 23.4mpg over approx 1,000 miles - admittedly mostly motorway.
Must have options: well for me it had to be manual and it had to have EDC.
Warranty - no idea I'm sorry. I haven't needed to find out. But mine came with 2 years, thanks to a BMW AUC promotion that I fell upon.
Rockingly quick, very comfortable, sounds nice (and would sound even better with an aftermarket exhaust), seems very reliable and well screwed together. So all in all, I'm very happy with my choice!
Edited by Gruber on Wednesday 21st December 17:44
Had mine about 6wks now and very impressed, owned the last two generations in the past and this is a huge leap forward relative to its competition. EDC is very good also.
Only faults I can find is steering feel is not quite on a par with my 911's (if you haven't owned one then this won't be an issue as the M3's isn't exactly bad) and it sounds like a 318 on tick over, lovely from 3-8.5k rpm though (although you'll run out of road before revs most of the time!)
I get 26/27 on a motorway cruise and 15ish round town so not too bad considering
Build seems pretty good.
Only faults I can find is steering feel is not quite on a par with my 911's (if you haven't owned one then this won't be an issue as the M3's isn't exactly bad) and it sounds like a 318 on tick over, lovely from 3-8.5k rpm though (although you'll run out of road before revs most of the time!)
I get 26/27 on a motorway cruise and 15ish round town so not too bad considering
Build seems pretty good.
Have driven E92's a fair bit (but currently own E46 CS) and it's a fantastic car, very acomplished as a daily driver or weekend hooner. A lot less "raw" than an E46 M3.
EDC cars will attract a premium over non EDC, that premium will carry over until you sell. If your budget stretches to it look at cars with Performance Pack, 10mm lower and slightly different damping, certainly an improvement and the CSL style wheels are much nicer looking.
I've had 3 cars under BMW warranty and they haven't questioned a thing I've asked to be done. I've even had a new battery off them 9 months after buying the car. Look out for events that BMW have that offer 2 year warranty, well worth waiting for.
Also try a DCT car, a very good system.
EDC cars will attract a premium over non EDC, that premium will carry over until you sell. If your budget stretches to it look at cars with Performance Pack, 10mm lower and slightly different damping, certainly an improvement and the CSL style wheels are much nicer looking.
I've had 3 cars under BMW warranty and they haven't questioned a thing I've asked to be done. I've even had a new battery off them 9 months after buying the car. Look out for events that BMW have that offer 2 year warranty, well worth waiting for.
Also try a DCT car, a very good system.
Having come from 2 prior Porsches you're spot on about the steering but the S65 engine sounds amazing when it gets going.
Build quality not up to the same standards as a Porsche but by no means is it horrible just not as good, so you get a few creaks here and there but my rear view mirror hasn't fallen off or anything. I opted for the 18s as I prefer the look of the actual rim itself (but also like fatty tyres don't know why!), they are more road compliant than the 19s though.
I don't believe the warranty is anywhere near as restrictive as the Porsche one, from enquiries I've made if you went and put an after market exhaust on it would only void exhaust related claims.
Overall though I've had nearly 1 year of ownership from new and its been great and no regrets whatsoever, engine and chassis are great, interior a little dated but to be expected given the age of the 3 series. Its a easy to live with DD but a highly competent on a b-road / track, for me its a great all in one car which has practicality as well as a bit of fun when the occasion calls.
Build quality not up to the same standards as a Porsche but by no means is it horrible just not as good, so you get a few creaks here and there but my rear view mirror hasn't fallen off or anything. I opted for the 18s as I prefer the look of the actual rim itself (but also like fatty tyres don't know why!), they are more road compliant than the 19s though.
I don't believe the warranty is anywhere near as restrictive as the Porsche one, from enquiries I've made if you went and put an after market exhaust on it would only void exhaust related claims.
Overall though I've had nearly 1 year of ownership from new and its been great and no regrets whatsoever, engine and chassis are great, interior a little dated but to be expected given the age of the 3 series. Its a easy to live with DD but a highly competent on a b-road / track, for me its a great all in one car which has practicality as well as a bit of fun when the occasion calls.
Edited by jonasaurus on Friday 23 December 11:13
acme said:
Guys,
I'm hoping this is third time lucky, everytime I ask about a car I get a lot of negative feedback, but I'd like honest opinions on running costs and likely depreciation over one year of ownership.
Saw a silver E92 last night and I have to say it looked bl**dy good, price wise for an early one they look like circa £25k;
- any ideas on likely one year depreciation?
- any must have extras?
- likely 5k miles (will keep daily driver for most of the daily grind)
- anything to look out for, esp on an early one 57/08 plate?
- my preference is for the 18"s, though looks are important THE most important thing is the driving experience - but I'm assuming few were ordered with standard wheels?
- warranty - are BM as tight as Porsche on what you need to have i.e. 'sorry sir that's not a main stealer branded battery, we can't cover you under warranty'?! - WTF
Cheers
I bought a new e92 m3 cash in April 2008 with the intention (still) of keeping it for good. I paid £56000 for it so you can work out the depreciation on that (not that I care, it's only lost money if I sell it and I bought the car for what it is). However, I would say if you bought a £25000 one now most of the depreciation has already happened. For me the £35000 I've lost on mine was worth every penny (about a £ a mile).I'm hoping this is third time lucky, everytime I ask about a car I get a lot of negative feedback, but I'd like honest opinions on running costs and likely depreciation over one year of ownership.
Saw a silver E92 last night and I have to say it looked bl**dy good, price wise for an early one they look like circa £25k;
- any ideas on likely one year depreciation?
- any must have extras?
- likely 5k miles (will keep daily driver for most of the daily grind)
- anything to look out for, esp on an early one 57/08 plate?
- my preference is for the 18"s, though looks are important THE most important thing is the driving experience - but I'm assuming few were ordered with standard wheels?
- warranty - are BM as tight as Porsche on what you need to have i.e. 'sorry sir that's not a main stealer branded battery, we can't cover you under warranty'?! - WTF
Cheers
I concur with the post above about EDC. Otherwise it's trimmings as uk cars are well specked off the shelf.
18s versus 19s you seriously won't be able to tell the difference. Mines been on track on OEM 18s and on the road and driven reasonably hard on Breyton GTS Race 19s. I've used Michelin, Pirelli and currently Vredestein Sessanta tyres (excellent in the wet) and I can't tell any difference between any of those set ups in terms of ride and handling.
As for things to look out for, I would say who has owned it and how they have looked after it. I've seen sme tatty ones for sale from 08 and earlier but by contrast bar a couple of stone chips people constantly comment mine is tidier than ones in the showroom. However, mines a keeper and I am anal about my cars, it's the other end of the spectrum you'll have to watch out for. Mine so much as hiccup and they get the best attention money can buy, not everyone is like that and I think that's a key factor when buying one used.
Dealers were never an issue with mine although I only changed wheels and dumped silver bits for lack bits (mine is white and black). Dont use them now though and use B&M in Pudsey (a very good independent).
Car generally.....
Mpg - I get 18mpg on average including motorway combined
Tyres - eats rears (£900-£1200 a set of 4)
Handling - superb, you need confidence and nerve in anything but dry conditions but know the car and trust it and it's usually ok
I've had 4 adults to the goodwood festival of speed and back in complete comfort. The car is a great cruiser, comfy and quiet. Flick a button and it's loads of fun (not with your 65 year old Dad in the back - note to self). Huge boot. Very comfy. Plenty of toys. Robust interior, mines like spanking new still (I use gliptones liquid leather on the leather and it hasn't dried out at all).
I'm looking forward to owning a manual v8 rwd coupe for the rest of my life. Can't wait till everyone goes electric and it's £50 a litre and taking it out on a sunny Sunday still looking new. Should piss the greenies off :-)
Err think that's it. Hope some of that helps. I love it. Some say "ooh the Nissan gtr is quicker" blah blah but really, how fast do you want to go on the road? I find the M3 is more than quick enough. To be honest, my John Cooper Works is plenty quick enough for road use.
Here she is a couple of months back....Ive had the wheels refinished in satin, rather than gloss, black at Jorvik Engineering since these pics just to freshen them up.
Edited by _Leg_ on Thursday 22 December 21:40
Edited by _Leg_ on Thursday 22 December 21:42
^^^^ My sentiments exactly. Only had mine for 6 weeks or so and do really like it. I came from a 500bhp RS4 which was a complete misile.
I have the M3 saloon, which is far more refined, comfortable, assured and very well put together. For a daily driver it ticks all the boxes for me. Had it on track already and it will be epic, when I get used to rear wheel drive, as opposed to all four!
I average 29mpg on a run and 17mpg around town. It's what you expect from a 4.0L V8.
I have the M3 saloon, which is far more refined, comfortable, assured and very well put together. For a daily driver it ticks all the boxes for me. Had it on track already and it will be epic, when I get used to rear wheel drive, as opposed to all four!
I average 29mpg on a run and 17mpg around town. It's what you expect from a 4.0L V8.
Good post, agree with everything you said! They are great cars - I have just swapped my manual - 2008 car for a new one with dct gearbox.
_Leg_ said:
I bought a new e92 m3 cash in April 2008 with the intention (still) of keeping it for good. I paid £56000 for it so you can work out the depreciation on that (not that I care, it's only lost money if I sell it and I bought the car for what it is). However, I would say if you bought a £25000 one now most of the depreciation has already happened. For me the £35000 I've lost on mine was worth every penny (about a £ a mile).
I concur with the post above about EDC. Otherwise it's trimmings as uk cars are well specked off the shelf.
18s versus 19s you seriously won't be able to tell the difference. Mines been on track on OEM 18s and on the road and driven reasonably hard on Breyton GTS Race 19s. I've used Michelin, Pirelli and currently Vredestein Sessanta tyres (excellent in the wet) and I can't tell any difference between any of those set ups in terms of ride and handling.
As for things to look out for, I would say who has owned it and how they have looked after it. I've seen sme tatty ones for sale from 08 and earlier but by contrast bar a couple of stone chips people constantly comment mine is tidier than ones in the showroom. However, mines a keeper and I am anal about my cars, it's the other end of the spectrum you'll have to watch out for. Mine so much as hiccup and they get the best attention money can buy, not everyone is like that and I think that's a key factor when buying one used.
Dealers were never an issue with mine although I only changed wheels and dumped silver bits for lack bits (mine is white and black). Dont use them now though and use B&M in Pudsey (a very good independent).
Car generally.....
Mpg - I get 18mpg on average including motorway combined
Tyres - eats rears (£900-£1200 a set of 4)
Handling - superb, you need confidence and nerve in anything but dry conditions but know the car and trust it and it's usually ok
I've had 4 adults to the goodwood festival of speed and back in complete comfort. The car is a great cruiser, comfy and quiet. Flick a button and it's loads of fun (not with your 65 year old Dad in the back - note to self). Huge boot. Very comfy. Plenty of toys. Robust interior, mines like spanking new still (I use gliptones liquid leather on the leather and it hasn't dried out at all).
I'm looking forward to owning a manual v8 rwd coupe for the rest of my life. Can't wait till everyone goes electric and it's £50 a litre and taking it out on a sunny Sunday still looking new. Should piss the greenies off :-)
Err think that's it. Hope some of that helps. I love it. Some say "ooh the Nissan gtr is quicker" blah blah but really, how fast do you want to go on the road? I find the M3 is more than quick enough. To be honest, my John Cooper Works is plenty quick enough for road use.
Here she is a couple of months back....Ive had the wheels refinished in satin, rather than gloss, black at Jorvik Engineering since these pics just to freshen them up.
I concur with the post above about EDC. Otherwise it's trimmings as uk cars are well specked off the shelf.
18s versus 19s you seriously won't be able to tell the difference. Mines been on track on OEM 18s and on the road and driven reasonably hard on Breyton GTS Race 19s. I've used Michelin, Pirelli and currently Vredestein Sessanta tyres (excellent in the wet) and I can't tell any difference between any of those set ups in terms of ride and handling.
As for things to look out for, I would say who has owned it and how they have looked after it. I've seen sme tatty ones for sale from 08 and earlier but by contrast bar a couple of stone chips people constantly comment mine is tidier than ones in the showroom. However, mines a keeper and I am anal about my cars, it's the other end of the spectrum you'll have to watch out for. Mine so much as hiccup and they get the best attention money can buy, not everyone is like that and I think that's a key factor when buying one used.
Dealers were never an issue with mine although I only changed wheels and dumped silver bits for lack bits (mine is white and black). Dont use them now though and use B&M in Pudsey (a very good independent).
Car generally.....
Mpg - I get 18mpg on average including motorway combined
Tyres - eats rears (£900-£1200 a set of 4)
Handling - superb, you need confidence and nerve in anything but dry conditions but know the car and trust it and it's usually ok
I've had 4 adults to the goodwood festival of speed and back in complete comfort. The car is a great cruiser, comfy and quiet. Flick a button and it's loads of fun (not with your 65 year old Dad in the back - note to self). Huge boot. Very comfy. Plenty of toys. Robust interior, mines like spanking new still (I use gliptones liquid leather on the leather and it hasn't dried out at all).
I'm looking forward to owning a manual v8 rwd coupe for the rest of my life. Can't wait till everyone goes electric and it's £50 a litre and taking it out on a sunny Sunday still looking new. Should piss the greenies off :-)
Err think that's it. Hope some of that helps. I love it. Some say "ooh the Nissan gtr is quicker" blah blah but really, how fast do you want to go on the road? I find the M3 is more than quick enough. To be honest, my John Cooper Works is plenty quick enough for road use.
Here she is a couple of months back....Ive had the wheels refinished in satin, rather than gloss, black at Jorvik Engineering since these pics just to freshen them up.
Edited by _Leg_ on Thursday 22 December 21:40
Edited by _Leg_ on Thursday 22 December 21:42
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