How are the new M3/M4 owners getting along
Discussion
Deals already out? I thought BMW said no dealerships were allowed to put any offers out for atleast 3 months, interesting!
The sound is very muted compared to the previous models I found on start up, though in Sport mode it is certainly something. Even with the sound through the speakers I don't mind, I had the window down on my second drive and when in Sport mode the car just sounds amazing with the crackles and pops!
Before my first test drive, I heard an M3 start up and I was disapointed. That is until I drove it
The sound is very muted compared to the previous models I found on start up, though in Sport mode it is certainly something. Even with the sound through the speakers I don't mind, I had the window down on my second drive and when in Sport mode the car just sounds amazing with the crackles and pops!
Before my first test drive, I heard an M3 start up and I was disapointed. That is until I drove it
Jazzer said:
I too struggled to like it. M5 just seems deeper, better, more substantial.
I actually still like the look of E46s, would adore a CSL.
I thought the same, chopped in my E92 M3 for a CSL as my only car. Dreadfully hopeless car as anything other than a weekend/track toy. However, if I had the cash for a second weekend/track car, I'd be buying something more extreme than it, Radical, Caterham, Atom et al. I actually still like the look of E46s, would adore a CSL.
I couldn't wait to get rid of it and don't miss it a bit. Don't get me wrong its a superb car, but its epically over rated at current values.
Current shortlist is F M5 or M3 but favourite at moment is E92 M3 with Comp Pack.
Edited by dufflecoat on Wednesday 27th August 09:44
dufflecoat said:
I thought the same, chopped in my E92 M3 for a CSL as my only car. Dreadfully hopeless car as anything other than a weekend/track toy. However, if I had the cash for a second weekend/track car, I'd be buying something more extreme than it, Radical, Caterham, Atom et al.
I couldn't wait to get rid of it and don't miss it a bit. Don't get me wrong its a superb car, but its epically over rated at current values.
Current shortlist is F M5 or M3 but favourite at moment is E92 M3 with Comp Pack.
It's epically over-rated if you try to use it as a daily, but I'm not sure what comes close to it at current values for a weekend car. A CLK Black or 996 GT3 is going to cost a lot more, and a Radomwesticat isn't really a valid comparisonI couldn't wait to get rid of it and don't miss it a bit. Don't get me wrong its a superb car, but its epically over rated at current values.
Current shortlist is F M5 or M3 but favourite at moment is E92 M3 with Comp Pack.
Edited by dufflecoat on Wednesday 27th August 09:44
Slightly off topic but not worth its own thread; what happens when the 3 series gets its LCI facelift next summer? Will the M3/M4 be updated right away?
If that is the case it seems a bit strange that the pre-facelift cars will only be produced for one year but the facelift cars for presumably for five to six.
On another note I think I saw a new M3 Cabriolet in silver today. I don’t like M3 convertibles but say it looked special would be a big understatement.
If that is the case it seems a bit strange that the pre-facelift cars will only be produced for one year but the facelift cars for presumably for five to six.
On another note I think I saw a new M3 Cabriolet in silver today. I don’t like M3 convertibles but say it looked special would be a big understatement.
Edited by EricE on Thursday 28th August 20:29
dufflecoat said:
I thought the same, chopped in my E92 M3 for a CSL as my only car. Dreadfully hopeless car as anything other than a weekend/track toy. However, if I had the cash for a second weekend/track car, I'd be buying something more extreme than it, Radical, Caterham, Atom et al.
I couldn't wait to get rid of it and don't miss it a bit. Don't get me wrong its a superb car, but its epically over rated at current values.
Current shortlist is F M5 or M3 but favourite at moment is E92 M3 with Comp Pack.
Depends what you want from a car. I know someone who put on over 100k in seven years. Was looking to buy a second csl that he could keep for the future.I couldn't wait to get rid of it and don't miss it a bit. Don't get me wrong its a superb car, but its epically over rated at current values.
Current shortlist is F M5 or M3 but favourite at moment is E92 M3 with Comp Pack.
Edited by dufflecoat on Wednesday 27th August 09:44
To quote a M engineer over in Munich
Unfortunately the mass buyers want the status of a M car with heated electric seats, TV, etc, etc.
As engineers we are not happy that we cannot develop a proper M3
Yes, that is madness.....
Talking to my local BMW dealer, they're adamant that the days of cheap BMW's has come to an end as BMW is allocating everything in more limited numbers. Supply is not what it was so, if dealers want to make money on the stock they get, they'll need to stop discounting them. Not sure how true this is, but I guess theres some truth given demand in other parts of the world will be taking an increased percentage of the factories output.
Anyway, back on topic, my M3 is going on Monday - I've sold it back to BMW. For not a lot less than I paid for it so I'm getting out now whilst the loss is almost non-existent and before demos start flooding forecourts. Theres nothing actually wrong with the car - objectively, it's far superior to the previous M3 and every other car in it's class (at least those I've driven). But I'm just not gelling with it, and it's probably because I bought an SLS the same week I collected the M3....a bit unfair on the BMW, but when I want a 'fun' drive, it doesn't get a look in. Also, another slightly unfair comparison but compared to my recently departed M6, the M3 might be more agile but in most other respects, there's just no comparison to the V8 - I truly recommend people try a used M5/6 before stumping up for a new M3/4.
However, the M3's chassis is truly brilliant, as is the gearbox, the performance, seats, driving position, HK stereo, adaptive lights and latest iDrive....all truly stunning and the very best you could hope for.
But....and there is a but....the engine. I would describe it as effective (it really is very fast) but compared to the e92 V8 or the C63's M156 I just find it a little boring. Theres little pleasure in revving it out because it delivers huge thrust all the time and (in sport mode) it sounds LOUD all the time. But it's not really a 'nice' loud - I initially thought it sounded pretty decent as I'd conditioned myself for the worst given all the early pre-launch reports but as time's gone on, I think it sounds so bad it's sometimes embarrassing . And I'm not talking about the sound coming out of the stereo (which is either very minimal or so well executed that you really don't notice it) but the sound outside - on a cold start it reminds me of Vespa with a hole in the exhaust. I really regret saying this as I'm sure theres going to be lot's of people with M3/4's or looking forward to getting them....IMO, you'll all be getting a truly fantastic car that is the best of it's kind in most areas, expect engine sound, and theres no getting away from that.
Theres absolutely no point me having another 'sports' type of car as I like driving the Merc so much and if I'm honest, the missus needs something more practical for carting stuff around in for our business. We had a Range Rover Sport a couple of years ago and that kind of car (an SUV) is so different in concept to the SLS that it can be 'enjoyed' in a totally different way rather than compared directly. Only I didn't really like the lack of go from the RRS diesel so this time round, I've narrowed it down to either another RRS....but a Supercharged one this time or a new shape ML63 AMG. One of these is being bought on Saturday!
Talking to my local BMW dealer, they're adamant that the days of cheap BMW's has come to an end as BMW is allocating everything in more limited numbers. Supply is not what it was so, if dealers want to make money on the stock they get, they'll need to stop discounting them. Not sure how true this is, but I guess theres some truth given demand in other parts of the world will be taking an increased percentage of the factories output.
Anyway, back on topic, my M3 is going on Monday - I've sold it back to BMW. For not a lot less than I paid for it so I'm getting out now whilst the loss is almost non-existent and before demos start flooding forecourts. Theres nothing actually wrong with the car - objectively, it's far superior to the previous M3 and every other car in it's class (at least those I've driven). But I'm just not gelling with it, and it's probably because I bought an SLS the same week I collected the M3....a bit unfair on the BMW, but when I want a 'fun' drive, it doesn't get a look in. Also, another slightly unfair comparison but compared to my recently departed M6, the M3 might be more agile but in most other respects, there's just no comparison to the V8 - I truly recommend people try a used M5/6 before stumping up for a new M3/4.
However, the M3's chassis is truly brilliant, as is the gearbox, the performance, seats, driving position, HK stereo, adaptive lights and latest iDrive....all truly stunning and the very best you could hope for.
But....and there is a but....the engine. I would describe it as effective (it really is very fast) but compared to the e92 V8 or the C63's M156 I just find it a little boring. Theres little pleasure in revving it out because it delivers huge thrust all the time and (in sport mode) it sounds LOUD all the time. But it's not really a 'nice' loud - I initially thought it sounded pretty decent as I'd conditioned myself for the worst given all the early pre-launch reports but as time's gone on, I think it sounds so bad it's sometimes embarrassing . And I'm not talking about the sound coming out of the stereo (which is either very minimal or so well executed that you really don't notice it) but the sound outside - on a cold start it reminds me of Vespa with a hole in the exhaust. I really regret saying this as I'm sure theres going to be lot's of people with M3/4's or looking forward to getting them....IMO, you'll all be getting a truly fantastic car that is the best of it's kind in most areas, expect engine sound, and theres no getting away from that.
Theres absolutely no point me having another 'sports' type of car as I like driving the Merc so much and if I'm honest, the missus needs something more practical for carting stuff around in for our business. We had a Range Rover Sport a couple of years ago and that kind of car (an SUV) is so different in concept to the SLS that it can be 'enjoyed' in a totally different way rather than compared directly. Only I didn't really like the lack of go from the RRS diesel so this time round, I've narrowed it down to either another RRS....but a Supercharged one this time or a new shape ML63 AMG. One of these is being bought on Saturday!
Palmball said:
Yes, that is madness.....
Theres absolutely no point me having another 'sports' type of car as I like driving the Merc so much and if I'm honest, the missus needs something more practical for carting stuff around in for our business. We had a Range Rover Sport a couple of years ago and that kind of car (an SUV) is so different in concept to the SLS that it can be 'enjoyed' in a totally different way rather than compared directly. Only I didn't really like the lack of go from the RRS diesel so this time round, I've narrowed it down to either another RRS....but a Supercharged one this time or a new shape ML63 AMG. One of these is being bought on Saturday!
Thanks, very insightful. I'm trying to find a dealer who will accommodate me driving an M3 and M5 but my current one doesn't seem forthcoming. Time to swap!Theres absolutely no point me having another 'sports' type of car as I like driving the Merc so much and if I'm honest, the missus needs something more practical for carting stuff around in for our business. We had a Range Rover Sport a couple of years ago and that kind of car (an SUV) is so different in concept to the SLS that it can be 'enjoyed' in a totally different way rather than compared directly. Only I didn't really like the lack of go from the RRS diesel so this time round, I've narrowed it down to either another RRS....but a Supercharged one this time or a new shape ML63 AMG. One of these is being bought on Saturday!
Also, freedom contracts have a single ML63 pre reg available for lease if that's your bag. Decent figures by the looks. Give them a google.
Andrew,
That must be a record, even by your standards
It sounds like the F80 M3 is exactly what I'm looking for. The sound a car makes is pretty far down my list of requirements. I'd rather have something that is beautifully balanced and set up than something that sounds interesting. And I'd take a compact agile car over a bruising cruiser like an M5/6. Plus I already have the E63 that fills that kind of role.
I'm looking for a fast, fun, dynamically accomplished, everyday car for chucking done the country lanes on the commute. So size is important. As in small is better.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your views.
Jack
That must be a record, even by your standards
It sounds like the F80 M3 is exactly what I'm looking for. The sound a car makes is pretty far down my list of requirements. I'd rather have something that is beautifully balanced and set up than something that sounds interesting. And I'd take a compact agile car over a bruising cruiser like an M5/6. Plus I already have the E63 that fills that kind of role.
I'm looking for a fast, fun, dynamically accomplished, everyday car for chucking done the country lanes on the commute. So size is important. As in small is better.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your views.
Jack
jackwood said:
Andrew,
That must be a record, even by your standards
It sounds like the F80 M3 is exactly what I'm looking for. The sound a car makes is pretty far down my list of requirements. I'd rather have something that is beautifully balanced and set up than something that sounds interesting. And I'd take a compact agile car over a bruising cruiser like an M5/6. Plus I already have the E63 that fills that kind of role.
I'm looking for a fast, fun, dynamically accomplished, everyday car for chucking done the country lanes on the commute. So size is important. As in small is better.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your views.
Jack
The M3 would suit your purpose.That must be a record, even by your standards
It sounds like the F80 M3 is exactly what I'm looking for. The sound a car makes is pretty far down my list of requirements. I'd rather have something that is beautifully balanced and set up than something that sounds interesting. And I'd take a compact agile car over a bruising cruiser like an M5/6. Plus I already have the E63 that fills that kind of role.
I'm looking for a fast, fun, dynamically accomplished, everyday car for chucking done the country lanes on the commute. So size is important. As in small is better.
Thanks for taking the time to give us your views.
Jack
I've done just over 4.5k miles in mine. Overall I'm very impressed. It's very fast, it's very comfortable, the tech works beautifully (bluetooth, nav, connected drive, HK, adaptive lights etc), and it handles phenomenally - a really responsive front end for this type of car (in my experience), and hugely controllable tail even for the untrained and ham-fisted like me. It also seems to get a lot of attention, and not just from teenage boys.
The only real issue for me derives from it being a proper modern car. The character of the car is entirely dependent on the various engine/gearbox/suspension... settings and that annoys me. It's just too easy to drive as an over-endowed cruiser and you have to really turn things up to have proper fun, at which point it's just a bit too much for most roads, so you turn it down again and then have to turn it up again. Most of my mileage was completed on a continental cruise and my wife kept falling asleep!
Minor grumbles: a bit too much cabin noise at a fast motorway cruise, though I understand that this is the trade off for the rear end predictability - the rear subframe is bolted directly to the body; I can't tell that the exhaust note is augmented, and it is certainly loud enough, but it is not particularly exciting unless one is going up and down the gears.
My last car was a V8 R8 and I wouldn't begin to suggest that this car feels as special as that was, but it is far more practical, comfortable, and easy to live with. It's faster too, and whilst it doesn't feel like a proper sports car it can be a lot of fun to drive.
The only real issue for me derives from it being a proper modern car. The character of the car is entirely dependent on the various engine/gearbox/suspension... settings and that annoys me. It's just too easy to drive as an over-endowed cruiser and you have to really turn things up to have proper fun, at which point it's just a bit too much for most roads, so you turn it down again and then have to turn it up again. Most of my mileage was completed on a continental cruise and my wife kept falling asleep!
Minor grumbles: a bit too much cabin noise at a fast motorway cruise, though I understand that this is the trade off for the rear end predictability - the rear subframe is bolted directly to the body; I can't tell that the exhaust note is augmented, and it is certainly loud enough, but it is not particularly exciting unless one is going up and down the gears.
My last car was a V8 R8 and I wouldn't begin to suggest that this car feels as special as that was, but it is far more practical, comfortable, and easy to live with. It's faster too, and whilst it doesn't feel like a proper sports car it can be a lot of fun to drive.
Edited by ab80 on Friday 29th August 13:46
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