E92 M3 - my first M car
Discussion
Having lurked on the smoker barge forum for some time, I'd been browsing lots of cars online, especially big saloons, but kept finding M3s saved in my Autotrader account. I'd looked at a couple but slightly scruffy interiors put me off and I didn't actually need to change my car. Then a truck hit my dull but very worthy Merc E350cdi on Tuesday morning (low speed, no one hurt at all). It may get repaired, but sod it, that seemed an excuse to go shopping.
So this afternoon I test drove a 2012 Melbourne Red M3 coupe, with black leather. Just over 30k miles and just over £23k seemed pretty reasonable. They also had a 2012 Audi S8 at just over £3k more, which looked lovely. Way, way nicer interior... but I can go back to a big barge later. I tried the M3 and it made me smile. Job done: I pick it up in the morning after it's had a new MOT done.
Piccies to follow once collected. I'm looking forward to more smiles!
So this afternoon I test drove a 2012 Melbourne Red M3 coupe, with black leather. Just over 30k miles and just over £23k seemed pretty reasonable. They also had a 2012 Audi S8 at just over £3k more, which looked lovely. Way, way nicer interior... but I can go back to a big barge later. I tried the M3 and it made me smile. Job done: I pick it up in the morning after it's had a new MOT done.
Piccies to follow once collected. I'm looking forward to more smiles!
2 months in with my E92 now and it still makes me smile every time i drive it. Really special car..the engine is a masterpiece that begs to be used hard! Only downside.. MPG.. my word.. even driving sensibly i can never get over 18. Still, it's worth it!
Enjoy! Look forward to seeing pics.
Enjoy! Look forward to seeing pics.
I went through the runway tunnels at Manchester Airport on the way home from picking it up: not sure when I’ll get bored of putting the windows down and revving it there. But I’ve not had a chance to blast it or feel how it handles a corner yet: I’m expecting good things.
The paintwork is far from perfect, with stone chips on the bonnet and plenty of swirl marks. It’s a daily driver, so I’ll try a proper clean, sealant then wax routine before deciding if it’s worth some professional treatment.
Two possibly dull things I like: the seat fits like a glove and the car doesn’t creep forward after braking to a halt like a normal auto would, which is good as I drive a lot in heavy traffic.
Just need the new V5 so I can get my own plate on it.
Edited by Fatlad1973 on Friday 1st June 17:04
Edited by Fatlad1973 on Friday 1st June 17:05
Get some proper kidney grills on it not from a pre lci 320d.
Really like it. When I said I wanted red I also wanted 18s so I'm drooling right now lol.
Hope you enjoy it. If you daily it you'll pick up on it's flaws soon enough.
Does it have edc? If it's non comp pack then it's worth getting the comp pack edc coded in
I wouldn't bother with edc in hindsight.
Don't worry about the chips these cars are a magnet for road rash on the front bumper.
Really like it. When I said I wanted red I also wanted 18s so I'm drooling right now lol.
Hope you enjoy it. If you daily it you'll pick up on it's flaws soon enough.
Does it have edc? If it's non comp pack then it's worth getting the comp pack edc coded in
I wouldn't bother with edc in hindsight.
Don't worry about the chips these cars are a magnet for road rash on the front bumper.
I bought it from Dace Group in Reddish (Stockport), where I had bought my Merc. Their cars are always well priced but the last couple of M3s I looked at there weren't tidy enough: in fairness they were older and cheaper.
Impressions after a couple of days: the suspension on this is fantastic, making the car feel really fluid. I can see why people suggest the EDC tweak as it could easily take a bit more firmness. I did go round an empty roundabout just to see how it gripped and I was a little surprised at some initial understeer, not sure if it was a bit more throttle that seemed to balance it or something else (I'm an OK everyday driver but no rally hero), but it came out of the roundabout neatly enough.
I had bought this intending it to be a daily driver doing mileage of about 12k p.a., a fair bit being the congested trundle into Manchester where its talents will be wasted. I'm not even sure it would be as good for that as the Merc and I'm wondering whether I'd be better having it as a second car (more than just a weekend car, maybe 4k p.a.) or getting more exercise by catching the train.
So, how do others do it: daily driver or second car?
Impressions after a couple of days: the suspension on this is fantastic, making the car feel really fluid. I can see why people suggest the EDC tweak as it could easily take a bit more firmness. I did go round an empty roundabout just to see how it gripped and I was a little surprised at some initial understeer, not sure if it was a bit more throttle that seemed to balance it or something else (I'm an OK everyday driver but no rally hero), but it came out of the roundabout neatly enough.
I had bought this intending it to be a daily driver doing mileage of about 12k p.a., a fair bit being the congested trundle into Manchester where its talents will be wasted. I'm not even sure it would be as good for that as the Merc and I'm wondering whether I'd be better having it as a second car (more than just a weekend car, maybe 4k p.a.) or getting more exercise by catching the train.
So, how do others do it: daily driver or second car?
Fatlad1973 said:
I bought it from Dace Group in Reddish (Stockport), where I had bought my Merc. Their cars are always well priced but the last couple of M3s I looked at there weren't tidy enough: in fairness they were older and cheaper.
Impressions after a couple of days: the suspension on this is fantastic, making the car feel really fluid. I can see why people suggest the EDC tweak as it could easily take a bit more firmness. I did go round an empty roundabout just to see how it gripped and I was a little surprised at some initial understeer, not sure if it was a bit more throttle that seemed to balance it or something else (I'm an OK everyday driver but no rally hero), but it came out of the roundabout neatly enough.
I had bought this intending it to be a daily driver doing mileage of about 12k p.a., a fair bit being the congested trundle into Manchester where its talents will be wasted. I'm not even sure it would be as good for that as the Merc and I'm wondering whether I'd be better having it as a second car (more than just a weekend car, maybe 4k p.a.) or getting more exercise by catching the train.
So, how do others do it: daily driver or second car?
My E46 M3 is as you describe a "second (more than just a weekend) car" and I've done exactly 8k miles in 2 years. BUT my total mileage p/a is more than twice yours, so, if it were me, for another 8k I wouldn't bother with a second car.Impressions after a couple of days: the suspension on this is fantastic, making the car feel really fluid. I can see why people suggest the EDC tweak as it could easily take a bit more firmness. I did go round an empty roundabout just to see how it gripped and I was a little surprised at some initial understeer, not sure if it was a bit more throttle that seemed to balance it or something else (I'm an OK everyday driver but no rally hero), but it came out of the roundabout neatly enough.
I had bought this intending it to be a daily driver doing mileage of about 12k p.a., a fair bit being the congested trundle into Manchester where its talents will be wasted. I'm not even sure it would be as good for that as the Merc and I'm wondering whether I'd be better having it as a second car (more than just a weekend car, maybe 4k p.a.) or getting more exercise by catching the train.
So, how do others do it: daily driver or second car?
I presume fuel costs are worse on the V8 but if anyone is interested, e.g. a prospective E46 M3 owner my total fuel for those 8k miles was £2,135.56p
Fatlad1973 said:
I bought it from Dace Group in Reddish (Stockport), where I had bought my Merc. Their cars are always well priced but the last couple of M3s I looked at there weren't tidy enough: in fairness they were older and cheaper.
Impressions after a couple of days: the suspension on this is fantastic, making the car feel really fluid. I can see why people suggest the EDC tweak as it could easily take a bit more firmness. I did go round an empty roundabout just to see how it gripped and I was a little surprised at some initial understeer, not sure if it was a bit more throttle that seemed to balance it or something else (I'm an OK everyday driver but no rally hero), but it came out of the roundabout neatly enough.
I had bought this intending it to be a daily driver doing mileage of about 12k p.a., a fair bit being the congested trundle into Manchester where its talents will be wasted. I'm not even sure it would be as good for that as the Merc and I'm wondering whether I'd be better having it as a second car (more than just a weekend car, maybe 4k p.a.) or getting more exercise by catching the train.
So, how do others do it: daily driver or second car?
I tend to stick the EDC on to the first mode every time I use the car as I quite like a firm ride! The hardest setting really is a bit too hard for normal driving, but when you are pressing on it is fantastic! Mine is on 19’s and wearing Michelin Supersport, can’t say I’ve noticed any understeer and I’ve really pushed it hard on occasion, the back always lets go before the front with mine.. however, my tires are very near to needing changing so may change a little on new rubber. Impressions after a couple of days: the suspension on this is fantastic, making the car feel really fluid. I can see why people suggest the EDC tweak as it could easily take a bit more firmness. I did go round an empty roundabout just to see how it gripped and I was a little surprised at some initial understeer, not sure if it was a bit more throttle that seemed to balance it or something else (I'm an OK everyday driver but no rally hero), but it came out of the roundabout neatly enough.
I had bought this intending it to be a daily driver doing mileage of about 12k p.a., a fair bit being the congested trundle into Manchester where its talents will be wasted. I'm not even sure it would be as good for that as the Merc and I'm wondering whether I'd be better having it as a second car (more than just a weekend car, maybe 4k p.a.) or getting more exercise by catching the train.
So, how do others do it: daily driver or second car?
I have a track day booked at Abingdon next month, so that will be when I really find out how well it handles.
I am daily driving mine at the moment, my commute is about 10 miles each way in a mix of A and B roads.. south London so usually heavily congested in the mornings. I sometimes feel bad using it for the morning grind but then by the time I finish work and have gone to the gym the road’s are clear so it’s a fun blast home!
I definitely underestimated the petrol costs however… my old 3.0L Z4 used to get through £30 a week in super. This has doubled to £60.. and that only barely get’s me 5 days, if I am driving Miss daisy 2-3 days out of the 5! Worth every penny though. Would be so bored driving a commuter shed back and forth every day. Every trip in the M3 is an event that makes you look forward to driving it even if it is just at low to moderate commute speeds! Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff