End of M ownership (E92 M3)
Discussion
And so my M3 ownership comes to an end after 2 years and nearly 20k miles. It was always a dream car and rarely disappointed, however, it reached the point where the costs of ownership irritated me more than the joy it gave me.
My final summary, I loved the speed, the noise, the styling...but it never quite felt special enough to justify it's costs. Maybe I just got too used to it or maybe it needed some track time who knows. I never bought others criticism that it was too heavy or that it lacked low down grunt nor did it bother me it needs keeping at high revs but I now do understand others points of view that it's not a perfect machine. By the end of the ownership I found it irksome I felt I was just driving a very very fast 3 series but the service bills were coming in at thousands a year. I felt I should be getting more back for my part of the deal. More excitement, fun, exclusivity... Something else.
In short, the driving experience is sublime, the ownership experience felt like it was lacking something.
So what replaces it?.... A new (here comes the abuse!) Audi S3 arriving soon. I found it superb, 95% of the M3 feel without the associated running costs, which I'm hoping won't leave me feeling like I'm owed something more from the ownership experience. (I didn't like the 135/235 bm offering). Maybe I'll get something totally ridiculous for the weekend too.
I love the M cars, I love the E92 M3.... I'm glad I owned one for the time I did, however I feel I'll love my S3 equally as much and have a few quid left for lunch too!
My final summary, I loved the speed, the noise, the styling...but it never quite felt special enough to justify it's costs. Maybe I just got too used to it or maybe it needed some track time who knows. I never bought others criticism that it was too heavy or that it lacked low down grunt nor did it bother me it needs keeping at high revs but I now do understand others points of view that it's not a perfect machine. By the end of the ownership I found it irksome I felt I was just driving a very very fast 3 series but the service bills were coming in at thousands a year. I felt I should be getting more back for my part of the deal. More excitement, fun, exclusivity... Something else.
In short, the driving experience is sublime, the ownership experience felt like it was lacking something.
So what replaces it?.... A new (here comes the abuse!) Audi S3 arriving soon. I found it superb, 95% of the M3 feel without the associated running costs, which I'm hoping won't leave me feeling like I'm owed something more from the ownership experience. (I didn't like the 135/235 bm offering). Maybe I'll get something totally ridiculous for the weekend too.
I love the M cars, I love the E92 M3.... I'm glad I owned one for the time I did, however I feel I'll love my S3 equally as much and have a few quid left for lunch too!
Yes, the costs are high but that's to be expected of a premium performance car 
Low down torque certainly takes some getting used to but I'll have to say (and this is coming from a R35 GTR...) the E92 M3 is something else. At sensible speeds the handling is sublime and I feel more involved. When I feel like taking it easy on long journeys the M3 certainly doesn't disappoint.
The new S3 is certainly a very hot hatch but that's what it'll be... like the new M135i and VW GTI. Nice specs on paper but in the end of the day if you are a true petrolhead it's the smile you get when driving the car as it's intended to that matters.
Low down torque certainly takes some getting used to but I'll have to say (and this is coming from a R35 GTR...) the E92 M3 is something else. At sensible speeds the handling is sublime and I feel more involved. When I feel like taking it easy on long journeys the M3 certainly doesn't disappoint.
The new S3 is certainly a very hot hatch but that's what it'll be... like the new M135i and VW GTI. Nice specs on paper but in the end of the day if you are a true petrolhead it's the smile you get when driving the car as it's intended to that matters.
crazy about cars said:
Yes, the costs are high but that's to be expected of a premium performance car
Low down torque certainly takes some getting used to but I'll have to say (and this is coming from a R35 GTR...) the E92 M3 is something else. At sensible speeds the handling is sublime and I feel more involved. When I feel like taking it easy on long journeys the M3 certainly doesn't disappoint.
The new S3 is certainly a very hot hatch but that's what it'll be... like the new M135i and VW GTI. Nice specs on paper but in the end of the day if you are a true petrolhead it's the smile you get when driving the car as it's intended to that matters.
True true, it's not so much the costs are high it's that I didn't think the experience justified the costs. If that makes sense?! I'm intrigued by switch from GTR to M3.... Now I've always thought the GTR is the ultimate and certainly provide the experience for the cash? Low down torque certainly takes some getting used to but I'll have to say (and this is coming from a R35 GTR...) the E92 M3 is something else. At sensible speeds the handling is sublime and I feel more involved. When I feel like taking it easy on long journeys the M3 certainly doesn't disappoint.
The new S3 is certainly a very hot hatch but that's what it'll be... like the new M135i and VW GTI. Nice specs on paper but in the end of the day if you are a true petrolhead it's the smile you get when driving the car as it's intended to that matters.
whp1983 said:
True true, it's not so much the costs are high it's that I didn't think the experience justified the costs. If that makes sense?! I'm intrigued by switch from GTR to M3.... Now I've always thought the GTR is the ultimate and certainly provide the experience for the cash?
Well the running costs in the GTR is also high (if you intend to keep it tip top) but I'll have to say the performance is out of this world. It's just that I don't do track days often enough to justify it.The M3 suits my needs currently as it pampers me on long journeys yet keeps me smiling when the "M" button is pushed.
I cannot speak for others but for me I cannot really swear allegiance to one car/brand; for now the E92 M3 is my baby but who knows what the future holds?
I like my cars and if finances allow I would like to sample them all, like what they say about fine wine...and women :P
whp1983 said:
it's not so much the costs are high it's that I didn't think the experience justified the costs. If that makes sense?!
This sums up my ownership experience of my E92 M3 also and it's a rare car in that you don't get what you pay for in terms of the reward that you get back from it as a daily driver. I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
cerb4.5lee said:
This sums up my ownership experience of my E92 M3 also and it's a rare car in that you don't get what you pay for in terms of the reward that you get back from it as a daily driver.
I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
What a coincidence! I used to have a manual TTS too! Got a manual V6 before that. Recapped the TTS to Stage 1 and its a cracking little car I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
The M3 is very nimble around corners for it's size plus comes with very practical boot (fits a bike). So far I'm loving it but hard to say after the service pack and warranty expires :P
crazy about cars said:
cerb4.5lee said:
This sums up my ownership experience of my E92 M3 also and it's a rare car in that you don't get what you pay for in terms of the reward that you get back from it as a daily driver.
I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
What a coincidence! I used to have a manual TTS too! Got a manual V6 before that. Recapped the TTS to Stage 1 and its a cracking little car I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
The M3 is very nimble around corners for it's size plus comes with very practical boot (fits a bike). So far I'm loving it but hard to say after the service pack and warranty expires :P
Always fancied getting the TTS remapped as I have read its a big benefit, a friend of mine used to have a V6 TT and I always enjoyed having a little blast out in that, we are looking at replacing the TTS shortly as the miles are getting high for it's age and we have put 55k miles on it now from new and it's two years old next month but can't make our mind up what to replace it with.
cerb4.5lee said:
That is a coincidence! It was nice when we ran them at the same time as I was always comparing the two and the TTS always felt really light and nimble compared to the M3 but in isolation the M3 does hide its weight pretty well when pushing on and the M3 does have lots of depth to its character and is very rewarding when you get the chance to wring its neck and drive it the way it's good at.
Always fancied getting the TTS remapped as I have read its a big benefit, a friend of mine used to have a V6 TT and I always enjoyed having a little blast out in that, we are looking at replacing the TTS shortly as the miles are getting high for it's age and we have put 55k miles on it now from new and it's two years old next month but can't make our mind up what to replace it with.
Well I was looking at the Stronic TTRS but then ended up getting the GTR... :PAlways fancied getting the TTS remapped as I have read its a big benefit, a friend of mine used to have a V6 TT and I always enjoyed having a little blast out in that, we are looking at replacing the TTS shortly as the miles are getting high for it's age and we have put 55k miles on it now from new and it's two years old next month but can't make our mind up what to replace it with.
Job situation not really improving recently so the E92 could be the last fun car I'll be owning for a while - best enjoy it while I can
crazy about cars said:
cerb4.5lee said:
That is a coincidence! It was nice when we ran them at the same time as I was always comparing the two and the TTS always felt really light and nimble compared to the M3 but in isolation the M3 does hide its weight pretty well when pushing on and the M3 does have lots of depth to its character and is very rewarding when you get the chance to wring its neck and drive it the way it's good at.
Always fancied getting the TTS remapped as I have read its a big benefit, a friend of mine used to have a V6 TT and I always enjoyed having a little blast out in that, we are looking at replacing the TTS shortly as the miles are getting high for it's age and we have put 55k miles on it now from new and it's two years old next month but can't make our mind up what to replace it with.
Well I was looking at the Stronic TTRS but then ended up getting the GTR... :PAlways fancied getting the TTS remapped as I have read its a big benefit, a friend of mine used to have a V6 TT and I always enjoyed having a little blast out in that, we are looking at replacing the TTS shortly as the miles are getting high for it's age and we have put 55k miles on it now from new and it's two years old next month but can't make our mind up what to replace it with.
Job situation not really improving recently so the E92 could be the last fun car I'll be owning for a while - best enjoy it while I can
I've just sold a GT3 RS ( had an offer I simply could not refuse!) and bought a E92 M3 LE, I always fancied an M3 and always wanted a V8, the M3 appeared to fit the bill.
It certainly does fit my particular bill, although it's never, ever gonna be an RS, in particular on a track, but it does everything else the RS was always compromised at tackling. I've had it on a track day already and held off my mate in his GT3 for a few laps before I finally let him come thru. The M3, in standard form, is a bit too heavy for serious track work and the brakes aren't up to the job either, but it gives a good account if itself for a few days a year, which is all Im doing these days. But where the M3 beats the RS hands down it's all round usability on the road, lovely serene cruiser on one hand, crazy bruiser on the other, I love it
Yes, it's an expensive car to run, but what do you expect the prices to be for a high end high performance car and compared to the RS, the figures are almost palatable
All in my opinion of course....
g
It certainly does fit my particular bill, although it's never, ever gonna be an RS, in particular on a track, but it does everything else the RS was always compromised at tackling. I've had it on a track day already and held off my mate in his GT3 for a few laps before I finally let him come thru. The M3, in standard form, is a bit too heavy for serious track work and the brakes aren't up to the job either, but it gives a good account if itself for a few days a year, which is all Im doing these days. But where the M3 beats the RS hands down it's all round usability on the road, lovely serene cruiser on one hand, crazy bruiser on the other, I love it
Yes, it's an expensive car to run, but what do you expect the prices to be for a high end high performance car and compared to the RS, the figures are almost palatable
All in my opinion of course....g
cerb4.5lee said:
A GTR is a dream motor for me personally and we considered the TTRS too but thought fuel might be an issue but I suppose in reality it wouldn't be that much worse than the TTS, hope things look up going forward re the job front so you can keep enjoying these great cars you have experienced.
Cheers bud TTS, TTRS and GTR have small fuel tanks - it takes around £75 to fill with V Power. Although with hard use that'll last a week or less :P
cerb4.5lee said:
This sums up my ownership experience of my E92 M3 also and it's a rare car in that you don't get what you pay for in terms of the reward that you get back from it as a daily driver.
I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
Glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
crazy about cars said:
Well the running costs in the GTR is also high (if you intend to keep it tip top) but I'll have to say the performance is out of this world. It's just that I don't do track days often enough to justify it.
The M3 suits my needs currently as it pampers me on long journeys yet keeps me smiling when the "M" button is pushed.
I cannot speak for others but for me I cannot really swear allegiance to one car/brand; for now the E92 M3 is my baby but who knows what the future holds?
I like my cars and if finances allow I would like to sample them all, like what they say about fine wine...and women :P
Haha women will always have far too high running costs!The M3 suits my needs currently as it pampers me on long journeys yet keeps me smiling when the "M" button is pushed.
I cannot speak for others but for me I cannot really swear allegiance to one car/brand; for now the E92 M3 is my baby but who knows what the future holds?
I like my cars and if finances allow I would like to sample them all, like what they say about fine wine...and women :P
whp1983 said:
Glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!
My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
£ 1000 oil change?....please elaborate...My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
whp1983 said:
Glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!
My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
£ 1000 oil change?....please elaborate...My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
turboman786 said:
whp1983 said:
Glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!
My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
£ 1000 oil change?....please elaborate...My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
whp1983 said:
cerb4.5lee said:
This sums up my ownership experience of my E92 M3 also and it's a rare car in that you don't get what you pay for in terms of the reward that you get back from it as a daily driver.
I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
Glad I'm not the only one who feels like this!I always thought our Audi TTS gave me more of a rush for more of the time as a daily driver than the M3 but the M3 does have more depth in comparision but it's very hard to fully enjoy its qualities on our roads though.
My mates think I'm nuts! To clarify to others I really don't mind high running costs if the enjoyment is matched.... I don't feel on the M3 it is. A crude comparison is I don't mind a meal out costing £200 if the food is unbelievable, I do mind if it's not! Ie I don't begrudge a £1,000 bill for an oil change if the car is unbelievable, I don't feel the M3 quite matches up to that.
The fan boys will always have something different to say though but it would be a very boring world if we all liked the same thing.
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