General M3 Advice ...

[paulmoonraker]

Hi,

I currently own an 05 mapped Impreza STi developing about 350bhp, however, I have developed an itch for something with a bigger NA engine. The Impreza is great, but it’s a bit on/off with the turbo, and with all the power it can be a bit of hand full at times (you are either driving like miss daisy, or your driving like your pants are on fire – there is no in between)… I have twins, so a 4 seater is a must and hence I am considering an M3.

So, I am after some general advice, including:

Service intervals
Cost of ownership (5K miles per-year)
What should I go for given a budget of 20k (could be a bit more)
Exhaust options? I do like the engine/exhaust sound thing
Remapping – possible and what are the benefits / gains
Common problems / things to look out for

Thanks a lot…

Paul

[The Ferret]

paulmoonraker said:

Hi,

I currently own an 05 mapped Impreza STi developing about 350bhp, however, I have developed an itch for something with a bigger NA engine. The Impreza is great, but it’s a bit on/off with the turbo, and with all the power it can be a bit of hand full at times (you are either driving like miss daisy, or your driving like your pants are on fire – there is no in between)… I have twins, so a 4 seater is a must and hence I am considering an M3.

So, I am after some general advice, including:

Service intervals
Cost of ownership (5K miles per-year)
What should I go for given a budget of 20k (could be a bit more)
Exhaust options? I do like the engine/exhaust sound thing
Remapping – possible and what are the benefits / gains
Common problems / things to look out for

Thanks a lot…

Paul

OK some rough answers for you.

Service intervals are determined by time or mileage (well in fact its fuel consumed but mileage is good enough) and its a case of whichever comes first. Either 2 years or something like 13k miles, so in your case it would be every 2 years at 5k per year. Well worth doing an oil change yourself in between services, its easy and will cost about £100 but you do notice a difference.

In terms of cost of ownership, for me that really all depends on the condition of the car when you buy it, and why so many people insist on buying on condition rather than age or mileage. They can cost a fair bit if they go wrong, but get a solid one to begin with an your chances of any big bills are minimised. I've been running mine for a year now and its set me back a few hundred quid for an oil service and a diff oil change, thats it. The rest is general stuff like tyres/brakes etc which all cars need.

Given your budget, if you could stretch a few grand more I would recommend the CSL. Practically depreciation proof and a sound investment, but you need to drive one first to decide whether you can like with it if using it daily. Many can but some find it a little too raw, and the SMG gearbox is a great bit of kit but a bit like marmite, everyone has an opinion so take no noitce - drive one yourself and find out. If the CSL isn't your cup of tea I would say the CS is the next best bet, and £17k-£18k will get you a belter with a couple of grand left for any unforseen bills.

In terms of exhaust, again its really down to personal preference. If you like the standard exhaust with the rasp then leave it. You can enhance it slightly with a supersprint centre section, or change it completely - really up to you.

Remapping will maybe see a 15-20 hp gain depending on the state of the engine beforehand. Lots of places offer it, try Evolve Automotive, they seem to be tried and tested.

Common problems are few and far between. The biggest is probably the subframe which can split. If the car is under 10 years old then the dealer will fix it FOC providing its not modified (e.g. lowered, different wheels). Worth considering, but given your budget the car will be maybe 5-7 years old so less of a worry than if you were buying say an 01 plate.

All this assumes you're looking at E46 and can't stretch another £5k-£7k for the E9X. If you can then that is certainly worth looking at, but I can't really give you any help there as my knowledge is all E46.

[paulmoonraker]

Thanks a lot... I know nothing about these, so do need a bit of help!

A CSL sounds good, as this really will be just a weekend toy and used now and again for work when I have an interesting run somewhere.

I dont think mapping will be worth it then (this is often the case with NA cars anyway).

I do like the E9x, but they are a touch dear right now. Having said that, I have seen a few for 25k+ up for private sale. It would be interesting to see the difference between the 3.2 and 4.0ltr (I think thats correct).

[The Ferret]

CSL definitely sounds like the one if its more of a weekend toy or occasional enjoyable commute that your after.

Certainly the most depreciation proof option as well.

Just make sure you drive one first as they are a touch raw and the SMG isn't everyones cup of tea. It takes a bit of getting used to and a 20 minute drive in one wont really help you much. Ideally you want one for a day to really get used to it, but I appreciate that's difficult unless you have a friend that owns one.

Awesome cars, for the money I can't really think of much else I'd rather own.

[paulmoonraker]

I doubt the rawness would bother me, in fact, it would enhance it (I love the STi for that - the sound is something I will miss, and the bone shaking ride...)

[Nedz]

paulmoonraker said:

I doubt the rawness would bother me, in fact, it would enhance it (I love the STi for that - the sound is something I will miss, and the bone shaking ride...)

If you buy a CSL you wont miss the sound of your impreza.........believe me!!

[The Ferret]

Trust me, you won't miss the sound regardless of which M3 you buy.

The CSL is one of the best sounds going.

[mcelliott]

I've got an E46 and a WRX (PPP), and believe me, the noise from the Scooby is the ONLY thing that betters the M3.

[joesnow]

4 door M3s are E36 and E92 only btw!

[paulmoonraker]

mcelliott said:

I've got an E46 and a WRX (PPP), and believe me, the noise from the Scooby is the ONLY thing that betters the M3.

A WRX PPP is a good car (I had one), but a mapped STi is something else.

I am not getting an M3 with the expectation that it will outgun my current car (CSL and E9x aside).

I am also not knocking an M3 or trying to directly compare the two. I am after something that can get driven quick without having to have drunk 6 tins of redbull first. A slightly classier interior would also be good

Edited by paulmoonraker on Wednesday 27th April 07:14

[E21_Ross]

joesnow said:

4 door M3s are E36 and E92 only btw!

[pedant mode] E36 and E90 [/pedant mode]



for what it's worth, there is a big difference between the 3.2 6pot and the 4.0 8pot. especially once you go north over NSL limits not that the E46 M3 is slow, but the E92 really does have more punch. sounds epic too.

[mcelliott]

paulmoonraker said:

mcelliott said:

I've got an E46 and a WRX (PPP), and believe me, the noise from the Scooby is the ONLY thing that betters the M3.

A WRX PPP is a good car (I had one), but a mapped STi is something else.

I am not getting an M3 with the expectation that it will outgun my current car (CSL and E9x aside).

I am also not knocking an M3 or trying to directly compare the two. I am after something that can get driven quick without having to have drunk 6 tins of redbull first. A slightly classier interior would also be good

Edited by paulmoonraker on Wednesday 27th April 07:14

Yeah I totally agree with what you're saying, I've only ever driven an STI once and they really are phenonimal cars, and maybe I was being a little harsh on my Scooby. The truth of the matter is, that they are completely different to an M3, having said that I've just driven my Subaru all the way to the Alpes and back, and have to say it performed faultlessly and still raises a grin every time I drive it. But, the M3 just feels a bit more 'special', and the interior is a very nice place to be also. In fact, I like to think these cars complement each other as they offer something completely different, but both hugely capable.

[paulmoonraker]

Yes. I wish I could keep the Impreza and own another quick car, but I also have to run a diesel for work

Anyway, thanks for the tips everybody. I will be test driving all 3 (E46, CSL and E90) over the comming weeks and I will let you know how I get on. If the E90 wins then I will wait a year for the prices to drop a bit (the STi will hold well in that time). The CSL does sound good, but a part of me is also looking for a newer car with the in car goodies

-P

[Yanto]

CSL mate...

a car every petrol head should own at some point....

not straight line quick, but on the twisties, with cups its sublime. Add in the exotic finishing CF touches and noise, its very desireable as a weekend toy.