Changes throughout E92 M3 life?
Discussion
Hi guys,
So essentially I'm trying to work out what are the key things to look for in an E92 - I know DCT came in, in 2008, and 2011 the comp packs came out... but aside from that, what are the key differences between say an 09 and a 12 car?
Also, the BMW AUC warranties, can they be put on when the car is bought out of network? Other than the AUC's, where else is worth looking for an E92 M3?
Any other tips when looking to pick up a great condition, perfect E92?
Cheers!
So essentially I'm trying to work out what are the key things to look for in an E92 - I know DCT came in, in 2008, and 2011 the comp packs came out... but aside from that, what are the key differences between say an 09 and a 12 car?
Also, the BMW AUC warranties, can they be put on when the car is bought out of network? Other than the AUC's, where else is worth looking for an E92 M3?
Any other tips when looking to pick up a great condition, perfect E92?
Cheers!
IIRC, 2010 saw the LCI model which features fully LED rear lights and widescreen updated navigation/idrive/screen.
You can't put AUC warranty on non AUC car, but you can add BMW Insured (Mondial) warranty which is the same as AUC, if you opt for fully comp, except it does cover the battery or the exhaust, but does cover Cat's.
You can't put AUC warranty on non AUC car, but you can add BMW Insured (Mondial) warranty which is the same as AUC, if you opt for fully comp, except it does cover the battery or the exhaust, but does cover Cat's.
Ok - so I asked exactly this question back in February when I was buying a '92 M3. I didn't get many responses either. From what I have gleaned scanning through forums and ownership is that hardware wise, there weren't massive changes. The LCI (facelift) cars have LED rear lights. The sat nav received a number of upgrades through 09-11.
There is some detail stuff like earlier cars had double skinned exhausts, later single.
The biggest change I have confirmed is the software for the engine and Dct gearbox.
On the basis of my understanding that the hardware didn't change much during the cars life, I decided I might as well get an 08 with the miles and spec I wanted.
I had the gearbox and software upgraded and the difference was night and day. - transformed the car. I actually had the m3 GTS Dct map uploaded (apparently greater differentiation between shift modes and overall a bit more aggressive in the higher level modes). I absolutely Love this car now.
If you get an early car, I think the engine and DCT software upgrade is the first thing you should do, partic with DCT.
BMW dealers will upgrade the software for you (some aren't that keen) with quoted costs ranging from 100's-300's depending who you ask. You can also get it done aftermarket. You are only going to get the GTS DCT map aftermarket.
Sat nav can be retro fitted to the latest spec in any E9x m3 - tho aftermarket only. Have a read around more specialised M3 forums.
Otherwise, I understand that comp pack cars had 10mm lower suspension and the firmest EDC suspension mode is active (on the non comp pack the softest two modes are active, the firmest passive).
There may be other changes but that is about as much as I have come across in a fair amount of reading. Happy to hear from others.
There is some detail stuff like earlier cars had double skinned exhausts, later single.
The biggest change I have confirmed is the software for the engine and Dct gearbox.
On the basis of my understanding that the hardware didn't change much during the cars life, I decided I might as well get an 08 with the miles and spec I wanted.
I had the gearbox and software upgraded and the difference was night and day. - transformed the car. I actually had the m3 GTS Dct map uploaded (apparently greater differentiation between shift modes and overall a bit more aggressive in the higher level modes). I absolutely Love this car now.
If you get an early car, I think the engine and DCT software upgrade is the first thing you should do, partic with DCT.
BMW dealers will upgrade the software for you (some aren't that keen) with quoted costs ranging from 100's-300's depending who you ask. You can also get it done aftermarket. You are only going to get the GTS DCT map aftermarket.
Sat nav can be retro fitted to the latest spec in any E9x m3 - tho aftermarket only. Have a read around more specialised M3 forums.
Otherwise, I understand that comp pack cars had 10mm lower suspension and the firmest EDC suspension mode is active (on the non comp pack the softest two modes are active, the firmest passive).
There may be other changes but that is about as much as I have come across in a fair amount of reading. Happy to hear from others.
Edited by five50 on Sunday 13th July 17:50
Edited by five50 on Sunday 13th July 17:52
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff