Will I hate an e92 m3

[Welshbeef]

laingy said:

I have gone over 2500, I live life on the edge...

Lol - what revs do you rev to on a cold engine which isn’t up to operating temp ?(takes note of user name for any classifieds listed as engine will have very high wear)

[laingy]

cerb4.5lee said:

Wills2 said:

cerb4.5lee said:

I think most people would be gutted going from a petrol engine that revs to 8400rpm...then into a dirty diesel!

Do you prefer your E92 M3 to your F80 M3 for day to day commuting stuff?

Lee I was thinking about this tonight whilst driving around in the rush hour, yes I would prefer the e92 because the torque of the f80 has no benefit in heavy traffic conditions in fact it makes it worse as you really can't go near the throttle as there is too much surge too soon.

With the e92 you could revel the engine for what it is and how it sounds in the F80 you marvel at what it does (when it can) and it can't do it during a commute.

Really appreciate the reply bud and I did think that you would give the E92 the nod overall. I really wanted to ask you because I know that you live with your cars so much with the miles you do.

As you know I prefer a Turbo engine to a N/A engine as a daily, but I was really interested in your opinion because of the experience you have of both cars.

I drove an 'oldish' F80 and here they have improved with time, but I found it strangely 'inert' not sure if it is the electronic steering and throttle. But it didn't excite me - it is super quick but not exciting.

[MikeGoodwin]

ive noticed in the cold the dct box is almost reluctant to change gear until 3000rpm when setting off, soon starts behaving itself

[MikeGoodwin]

dvshannow said:

Ill chip in as owned an e92 dtc comp pack for 3 years

Great car 3rd best car ive ever owned and the best that could be described as semi practical

Stearing feel was better than i expected the chassis felt taut and controlled not overly heavy

The engine was the highlight for sure i put on an m performance exhaust and glad i did only shame ita not a bit louder for the driver as the sound insulation is a bit too good imo for an m car

In terms of torque its a weakness but it does not lack torque ....its just a bit wimpy compared to the forved induction cars of similar ultimate performance so i would not rule it out for that HOWEVER for uk road driving that is a limitation as you really do need to be a bit silly in terms of speed to be in its zone while am m4 is a bit for fun as a point and squirt b road weapon

Ultimately i loved the car and had no despired to swap for an m4 when i toook a test drove in that

I ended up changing for a 991.2 gts which is my no1 car its been just astonishing and a 997 gt3 is no2 in the list so you see i rate the e92 m3 highly

This is good to hear. Agree with the speed limitation, i do quite like flooring it and changing at mid revs just to listen to the V8 before it starts to buzz. But its difficult to resist an opportunity to drag out the engine to 8k. TBH I think most modern hot hatches get you into ban territory with little effort now anyways so whatever im screwed either way. The wife's mx5 is fun at low speeds with the roof down, ive been in an westfield which was also brilliant at low speeds. But the Golf R, Focus ST and especially the Megane RS were all capable of silly speeds when pressing on.

[Welshbeef]

Another great thing about the E92 M3 is you get a 9.5 second car to 100mph starting from what £11k ish.

I’d wager you’d be hard pushed to find cheaper - unless it’s he E60 M5.

[laingy]

It really is a great all rounder and you can see why people love it and but also why others find it irritating. It has a small fuel tank, but I don't think 19mpg for the performance is bad. I used to get 22 out of a 330 e46 cab. So for the increase in performance and only dropping 3 mpg is in my mind impressive. also some like a lazy high torque engine, but I still don't get this as the DCT box is so good, and I actually like a car that doesn't spin its wheel low down. I spent a long time deliberating this - 997, panamera, m5, m4. the 997 was close but not practical enough (im also a golfer), but the e92 (I also have comp pack) made my smile, it made me turn off the radio and enjoy it (that's how I define a good car - I like good tunes in the car and I see how quickly I turn up the music - its often surprising how quickly I do this).

But it is so much more than a torque and power car, and that is what makes a good M car - its the whole package. And I really think I will struggle to replace this car. The M5 and panamera was too big, 997 not practical (kids and golf bats) and the m4 - I'm afraid a bit dull (imo), super fast but dull. Im hoping that improvements in electronic steering and throttle will improve with the next generation - but until then the e92 ticks nearly all the boxes.

[Welshbeef]

laingy said:

It really is a great all rounder and you can see why people love it and but also why others find it irritating. It has a small fuel tank, but I don't think 19mpg for the performance is bad. I used to get 22 out of a 330 e46 cab. So for the increase in performance and only dropping 3 mpg is in my mind impressive. also some like a lazy high torque engine, but I still don't get this as the DCT box is so good, and I actually like a car that doesn't spin its wheel low down. I spent a long time deliberating this - 997, panamera, m5, m4. the 997 was close but not practical enough (im also a golfer), but the e92 (I also have comp pack) made my smile, it made me turn off the radio and enjoy it (that's how I define a good car - I like good tunes in the car and I see how quickly I turn up the music - its often surprising how quickly I do this).

But it is so much more than a torque and power car, and that is what makes a good M car - its the whole package. And I really think I will struggle to replace this car. The M5 and panamera was too big, 997 not practical (kids and golf bats) and the m4 - I'm afraid a bit dull (imo), super fast but dull. Im hoping that improvements in electronic steering and throttle will improve with the next generation - but until then the e92 ticks nearly all the boxes.

E92 is a strict 4 seater so no taking your kids friends ever in the car.

Also you need to compare the E92 330i Mog to the E92 M3 not a car a generation previous as efficiency has drastically increased.

[Shotgun Jon]

Hmm, this thread has me thinking. I’ve recently swapped jobs and now have a 5 mile commute to the station and then into work on the train.

I have a M140i auto which is a year old but if I’m honest I hate leaving it at the station on the days I don’t get a lift so I’m considering buying a cheap cheap station car and leaving the M140i as a weekend car. Thing is I’m not sure it’s “special” enough for a weekend car so now I’m thinking E90 M3 and some cash in the bank.

Has anyone gone from an M140i to an E90 M3 or atleast had both?

Thanks

[Welshbeef]

Shotgun Jon said:

Hmm, this thread has me thinking. I’ve recently swapped jobs and now have a 5 mile commute to the station and then into work on the train.

I have a M140i auto which is a year old but if I’m honest I hate leaving it at the station on the days I don’t get a lift so I’m considering buying a cheap cheap station car and leaving the M140i as a weekend car. Thing is I’m not sure it’s “special” enough for a weekend car so now I’m thinking E90 M3 and some cash in the bank.

Has anyone gone from an M140i to an E90 M3 or atleast had both?

Thanks

Station car should be a 1.2 Fabia estate TDi. Cheap and reliable.

[bennyboysvuk]

Shotgun Jon said:

Hmm, this thread has me thinking. I’ve recently swapped jobs and now have a 5 mile commute to the station and then into work on the train.

I have a M140i auto which is a year old but if I’m honest I hate leaving it at the station on the days I don’t get a lift so I’m considering buying a cheap cheap station car and leaving the M140i as a weekend car. Thing is I’m not sure it’s “special” enough for a weekend car so now I’m thinking E90 M3 and some cash in the bank.

Has anyone gone from an M140i to an E90 M3 or atleast had both?

Thanks

I've had an M135i and now own an E92 M3. I sold the M135i because it just wasn't as sharp and as fun as I'd hoped it would be. It's engine felt laggy and devoid of character, the chassis felt like it rolled a lot and the lack of an LSD was frustrating. It was also very loud on first startup, yet got much quieter as soon as I started driving it (thanks to the turbo/wastegate). The M3 is the complete antidote to all of that. It's chassis setup is much more aggressive and involving. The engine is one of the most charismatic ever made (the induction noise is so refreshing after driving the M135i) and the whole car gels to make a wonderfully satisfying driving experience all round. I've not had one pang of regret in saying goodbye to the M135i. The M3 is just more fun in every single situation.

[Dblue]

tenmantaylor said:

Dblue said:

Having owned and used 2 RS Megane Trophys and 25,000 miles in an E90 M3 I would agree with most of this. The engine is the star of the M3 and it's jekyll and hide nature not a drawback IMO. It really is not unlike any other E90 series BMW for daily driving, commuting, shopping, family trips etc but letting that engine run out to its redline is something a bit special. its a much more luxurious car than the Renault and more grown up.
But I wouldn't agree that the BMW ever matches the Meg handling wise. The Megane is a lot lighter and feels it, has much better steering and fantastic balance, it really dances around at or near its limits, stops massively better and in real terms it's substantial low down torque means it is effectively faster in most circumstances.
The BMW always feels more ponderous, even though its pretty good compared to comparable cars. Fuel consumption is pitiful though, only thing that stops it being just about the perfect all rounder.

Want to drive one now! That said, I don't think I could ever have as much fun in a FWD as a RWD due to varying degrees of torque steer. On a B road, maybe, on track, never. Balancing the trajectory of the car on the throttle is a key part of driving fun for me. A lot of what you say regarding the brakes and handling is probably more down to the weight than the chassis; the M3 being 300kg heavier. You could probably say an Exige has much better handling than a Megane but it's not a straight comparison. For what is effectively a med-large saloon the M3 handling and balance is probably as good as it's going to get.

See your point about the Exige/Megane in terms of ultimate handling but a 4/5 seat family hatch is not too different to a 4/5 seat coupe. Probably more practical. And yes, weight is what counts but you cant ignore that, lighter is better and the M3 is a bit hefty.
Meganes are fantastic fun on a track day as well, like I said they are remarkably adjustable at the limit and torque steer is not an issue.

[Ursicles]

I need a car for a road trip thats going to be quick, comfy and enjoyable to drive, and then when back in the UK be semi practical - in a way neither my 911 or boxster was.

For my budget, it kept coming down to things like the Golf R, M140 or suchlike, as i wanted something new.

Then i happened across an M3 at a main dealer in budget with a yrs warranty, and think its time to tick the M box. Its prob not as 'rose tinted' a purchase as the E46 may have been, but its a new car, more comfort and though i like the 'vibe of old cars' - newer cars are more practical place to sit when your on the M25 doing 2mph.

[MikeGoodwin]

Ctek by Michael Goodwin, on Flickr

Stuck it on a recon charge as it's mostly parked up for the next month or so.

[RS Grant]

I understand that people will say the E92 lacks torque and compared to an equivalent aged C63, it does.. but it doesn't make the BMW slow or weedy in the midrange and in my opinion, it's actually all the better for the power and torque being up a bit higher. With huge amounts of low down and mid range torque the rear wheels will either ignite if traction control is off or trigger the traction control if it's on.. neither of which is good when you want to make progress.

I've got an E92 Comp Pack which I've only owned for 3-4 months but have really grown to love. However at the moment, my mum is thinking about replacing her F80 LCI M3 and so if/when the time comes that she finds a suitable replacement then I'd have the opportunity to buy it at trade value.

On paper it's a bit of a no-brainer as the F80 is newer, the tech is better, it's faster, it's higher spec, lower miles, I've known it since new, it's cheap (compared to buying another one) and it's got a service pack for another 2-3 years... yet I'm still not sure I want to let go of the V8 engine and the relative rarity of my car.

The F80 is comfortably faster because it has a much more accessible powerband, it's got thumping torque from what seems like ~1500rpm and feels like it is gathering speed like nothing else I've driven. But because of that, either with traction control off or on, it requires much more respect and gentle modulation of the throttle to make progress in anything other than bone dry weather.. which takes a bit of fun out of the experience for me. Also while the noise it makes inside when you drop the hammer is good, it's not nearly as good as the screaming V8 in my car and from the outside; it sounds a bit 'meh' and when starting from cold you could be forgiven for thinking that someone has stolen your exhaust overnight because the noise it makes is absolutely unacceptable.

So I'm not sure what I'll do, but it's not an easy decision to make.

[MikeGoodwin]

Sounds like you've made your mind up RSGrant.

Ive got welcome lights again and no battery warning since 48 hrs reconditioning. Stuck it on charge now to keep it maintained. We will see if it lasts.

[Max Maxasson]

RS Grant said:

So I'm not sure what I'll do, but it's not an easy decision to make.

I traded in my second E92 M3, a 2013 with 10k miles for a new M4 CP.
So after 8 years in a E92 M3 and one year in a 2017 M4....I'd say the E92 M3 is the more fun car to drive.
Sure the M4 is faster, but these days using all that performance is not easy.

[laingy]

Welshbeef said:

laingy said:

I have gone over 2500, I live life on the edge...

Lol - what revs do you rev to on a cold engine which isn’t up to operating temp ?(takes note of user name for any classifieds listed as engine will have very high wear)

If you keep it in auto it doesn’t go above 2500 til warm , there is plenty of torque to keep you moving

[Welshbeef]

laingy said:

Welshbeef said:

laingy said:

I have gone over 2500, I live life on the edge...

Lol - what revs do you rev to on a cold engine which isn’t up to operating temp ?(takes note of user name for any classifieds listed as engine will have very high wear)

If you keep it in auto it doesn’t go above 2500 til warm , there is plenty of torque to keep you moving

Ok you mentioned you live on the edge on he 4mile commute going over 2,500 rpm ..high wear etc.

[laingy]

Occasionally I take it out of auto , but not at the moment - roads too wet. Have it some beans last night and lots of sliding around

[Welshbeef]

Does anyone think the B7 RS4 sounds better then the e9x M3?