RE: BMW M3 (E92) Competition manual: Spotted
Discussion
SidewaysSi said:
Does the CP really add much at this age and with those miles?
Surely a standard car with some KWs, OZs and maybe a brake upgrade would be the far better drive? And for less outlay.
It depends what you want and/or if you'll be happy in a modified car I suppose.Surely a standard car with some KWs, OZs and maybe a brake upgrade would be the far better drive? And for less outlay.
Add to the fact that, rightly or wrongly, t'internet has got a lot of people worried that they'll suffer rod bearing failure each time they start the car; so a lot of people will want the security of a warranty on an E9* car. That rules out (certainly a BMW Warranty) modifications being carried out.. although I am sure that a sensible conversation with a level headed warranty assessor would see some leeway given in certain circumstances (eg: a dodgy throttle actuator isn't going to be caused by a brake upgrade) where work would be authorised on a modified car... but that's a faff that a lot of people won't want the hassle of.
RS Grant said:
SidewaysSi said:
Does the CP really add much at this age and with those miles?
Surely a standard car with some KWs, OZs and maybe a brake upgrade would be the far better drive? And for less outlay.
It depends what you want and/or if you'll be happy in a modified car I suppose.Surely a standard car with some KWs, OZs and maybe a brake upgrade would be the far better drive? And for less outlay.
Add to the fact that, rightly or wrongly, t'internet has got a lot of people worried that they'll suffer rod bearing failure each time they start the car; so a lot of people will want the security of a warranty on an E9* car. That rules out (certainly a BMW Warranty) modifications being carried out.. although I am sure that a sensible conversation with a level headed warranty assessor would see some leeway given in certain circumstances (eg: a dodgy throttle actuator isn't going to be caused by a brake upgrade) where work would be authorised on a modified car... but that's a faff that a lot of people won't want the hassle of.
I do think a tweaked one of these would make as good a 1 car household as any.
SidewaysSi said:
Think my next car is a 997.2 but not sure it will be particularly exciting which is a big concern. Unless I chuck 10k+ at it of course.
Both are very tweakable though
997.2S is a cracking car. Not sure why you’d buy one if you’re not excited about it, plenty of choice at that price point like an M4 that can remap to supercar power, v10 r8, 4.7 VantageetcBoth are very tweakable though
jakesmith said:
SidewaysSi said:
Think my next car is a 997.2 but not sure it will be particularly exciting which is a big concern. Unless I chuck 10k+ at it of course.
Both are very tweakable though
997.2S is a cracking car. Not sure why you’d buy one if you’re not excited about it, plenty of choice at that price point like an M4 that can remap to supercar power, v10 r8, 4.7 VantageetcBoth are very tweakable though
But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
SidewaysSi said:
None of them really do it for me as they are quite synthetic as standard, particularly the M4.
But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
Only problem is the fact engines are make of chocolate. 10k+ to fix.But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
bosshog said:
SidewaysSi said:
None of them really do it for me as they are quite synthetic as standard, particularly the M4.
But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
Only problem is the fact engines are make of chocolate. 10k+ to fix.But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
Looks like a great car but seems like strong money. Personally, I think the red is lovely.
These are getting pretty tempting now. I always thought they sounded a bit anemic, but compared to the F series, they sounds fabulous.
How strong are the engines coping with miles etc? The plan was to buy an M135 this summer l, but I’m really drawn to an E9x M3 but slightly concerned that it’s be ruinous to run.
These are getting pretty tempting now. I always thought they sounded a bit anemic, but compared to the F series, they sounds fabulous.
How strong are the engines coping with miles etc? The plan was to buy an M135 this summer l, but I’m really drawn to an E9x M3 but slightly concerned that it’s be ruinous to run.
cerb4.5lee said:
8400rpm in third at 110mph and then slamming it into fourth gear with the manual gearbox is one of the best memories I have of mine. The manual gearbox is a bit of a turkey overall though for me.
CAE shifter + shorter final drive is a must!*Hard core weight reduction, half cage, racing buckets, heater core delete, Apex super light square R18, racing pads/fluid
- I would daily it
Edited by kars on Friday 25th January 13:57
Makes this much lower mile DCT comp pack look like a bargain, £28995 for 13k miles and BMW warranty
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Shame they never did the comp pack on the 4 door in the UK, or did they and I've just never seen one?
ETA DOH, just read the advert again and its not a comp pack just has the wheels that appear to extra anyway
https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/...
Shame they never did the comp pack on the 4 door in the UK, or did they and I've just never seen one?
ETA DOH, just read the advert again and its not a comp pack just has the wheels that appear to extra anyway
Edited by R0B. on Friday 25th January 13:57
Court_S said:
Looks like a great car but seems like strong money. Personally, I think the red is lovely.
These are getting pretty tempting now. I always thought they sounded a bit anemic, but compared to the F series, they sounds fabulous.
How strong are the engines coping with miles etc? The plan was to buy an M135 this summer l, but I’m really drawn to an E9x M3 but slightly concerned that it’s be ruinous to run.
Well, around 2 years ago I was hunting a 4 door E90 M3.These are getting pretty tempting now. I always thought they sounded a bit anemic, but compared to the F series, they sounds fabulous.
How strong are the engines coping with miles etc? The plan was to buy an M135 this summer l, but I’m really drawn to an E9x M3 but slightly concerned that it’s be ruinous to run.
In the end I got a low miles m135i and haven’t regretted it.
Let’s get one thing straight a V8 M3 beats an m135i hands down on steering feel,
Balance and engine noise.
But I couldn’t get past £555 a year tax and sub 20mpg average.
The deeper I dug about rod bearing issues the less enthusiastic I became.
They also eat throttle actuator assemblies.
I would like to hope that the revisions made to crank and bearings on these later
Run out cars improves their lifespan somewhat.
Only time will tell.
BrotherMouzone said:
bosshog said:
SidewaysSi said:
None of them really do it for me as they are quite synthetic as standard, particularly the M4.
But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
Only problem is the fact engines are make of chocolate. 10k+ to fix.But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
I think a full rebuild is more than £10k these days. Probably around £13k ish. Of course the temptation would be to get a 3.9 AF conversion or similar for a few more grand.
Edited by SidewaysSi on Friday 25th January 15:43
3795mpower said:
Well, around 2 years ago I was hunting a 4 door E90 M3.
In the end I got a low miles m135i and haven’t regretted it.
Let’s get one thing straight a V8 M3 beats an m135i hands down on steering feel,
Balance and engine noise.
But I couldn’t get past £555 a year tax and sub 20mpg average.
The deeper I dug about rod bearing issues the less enthusiastic I became.
They also eat throttle actuator assemblies.
I would like to hope that the revisions made to crank and bearings on these later
Run out cars improves their lifespan somewhat.
Only time will tell.
My uncle had an E90 M3 which I drove a bit and really liked (especially the DCT box). In the end I got a low miles m135i and haven’t regretted it.
Let’s get one thing straight a V8 M3 beats an m135i hands down on steering feel,
Balance and engine noise.
But I couldn’t get past £555 a year tax and sub 20mpg average.
The deeper I dug about rod bearing issues the less enthusiastic I became.
They also eat throttle actuator assemblies.
I would like to hope that the revisions made to crank and bearings on these later
Run out cars improves their lifespan somewhat.
Only time will tell.
I’ve also had an extended test drive in an M140 which I liked but was surprised how softly set up it was given the performance.
There are some pretty tempting deals on a new M140 at the mo which obviously get you into a nice new car. Looking at second hand M135’s if I decide to spend less overall, I’ll be looking at an AUC car whereas the M3 for the same money is older and outside of this and the bork factor is a concern. I’m still drawn to one though.
SidewaysSi said:
None of them really do it for me as they are quite synthetic as standard, particularly the M4.
But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
Fair play, for me the 997 is such a sweet drive I just can’t see it needing any of those mods as long as it has PSE and sport seats But a 997 on passives with some solid mounts, a LWFW, LSD, engine chip, different arms, chip, proper exhaust, Recaro PPs etc sounds like a good fun occassional family car.
A CSR/clubsport style machine
Court_S said:
Looks like a great car but seems like strong money. Personally, I think the red is lovely.
These are getting pretty tempting now. I always thought they sounded a bit anemic, but compared to the F series, they sounds fabulous.
How strong are the engines coping with miles etc? The plan was to buy an M135 this summer l, but I’m really drawn to an E9x M3 but slightly concerned that it’s be ruinous to run.
Mine is on 85k now, had it about 4.5 years. Only issues in that time have been a dodgy O2 sensor and a coil pack failure. The sensor was fixed under warranty, the coil pack took 2 minutes on my fault code reader to diagnose, 80 quid for a genuine part and about 20 minutes to fit. Main dealer servicing isn't cheap, 2nd oil change is about £600, 3rd oil change was about £800. I usually have an interim oil change too as the service intervals are quite long. Fuel is the biggest cost really, a short commute in rush hour traffic combined with cold weather has me averaging mid to high teens. It's a bit better in summer and when used on longer journeys. Most I've ever eeked out of it is about 320 miles to a full tank. Tyres are reasonable if you shop around, brake parts can be had from EuroCarParts much cheaper than BMW for the same stuff. I had a front spring go last year in that cold weather, decided it was a good excuse for an upgrade so purchased a Bilstein B12 kit for £640 and a mate fitted it for £80. It does ride and handle better now, but I never had a problem with it as standard. It rides about 20mm lower than standard, or about 10mm lower than this comp pack car. It's not too bad, you just have to be a little bit careful with speed bumps, especially as I have the carbon corner splitters on. I've also got a BMC filter and a remus cat back exhaust for a bit more noise. It's nice now, not boomy or OTT, but more purposeful. The filter really adds to the induction noise and was only about 60 quid. I've tried a pipercross one too but that didn't sound as good. I did have a wobble and think about changing it for an F8x model, but to be honest I just don't like them as much and most are DCT which I didn't get on with when I tried one. Much prefer my manual, even if it isn't the smoothest box around. It's only really the 1st to 2nd shift that's a bit of a pig at times, all the others are fine. Now I've decided I'm keeping it, I'm probably going to get the rod bearings done this year just for peace of mind. It won't be cheap, but at least I'll know that it's done and shouldn't be a worry again. These are getting pretty tempting now. I always thought they sounded a bit anemic, but compared to the F series, they sounds fabulous.
How strong are the engines coping with miles etc? The plan was to buy an M135 this summer l, but I’m really drawn to an E9x M3 but slightly concerned that it’s be ruinous to run.
3795mpower said:
Well, around 2 years ago I was hunting a 4 door E90 M3.
In the end I got a low miles m135i and haven’t regretted it.
Let’s get one thing straight a V8 M3 beats an m135i hands down on steering feel,
Balance and engine noise.
But I couldn’t get past £555 a year tax and sub 20mpg average.
The deeper I dug about rod bearing issues the less enthusiastic I became.
They also eat throttle actuator assemblies.
I would like to hope that the revisions made to crank and bearings on these later
Run out cars improves their lifespan somewhat.
Only time will tell.
It’s not just random parts, it’s all parts subject to M tax. Tyres, sub 20 mpg, brakes etc.In the end I got a low miles m135i and haven’t regretted it.
Let’s get one thing straight a V8 M3 beats an m135i hands down on steering feel,
Balance and engine noise.
But I couldn’t get past £555 a year tax and sub 20mpg average.
The deeper I dug about rod bearing issues the less enthusiastic I became.
They also eat throttle actuator assemblies.
I would like to hope that the revisions made to crank and bearings on these later
Run out cars improves their lifespan somewhat.
Only time will tell.
However, it’s a 400 HP V8, an exotic V8, not an old US lump so to be expected. If I ever bought another I’d take it to my local place (DM Worx) and have them change the bearings. Actuators aren’t a huge cost really, unless you want to give the work to a BMWMD. Once fixed, they’ll last the lifetime of the car pretty much.
The 135i is a great car but the lack of LSD and compromised damping holds it back. When fitted with some Bilsteins, ARB’s and a Quaife diff it’s night and day, you can actually use the power rather than bouncing and spinning it away
The E90 M3 chassis is far more planted and stable, the front end is absolutely heroic for such a heavy car. The balance is great because of the lack of torque, especially in the wet, it’s just so linear and revs forever.
[quote te=aaron_2000]
Do you need more power, and a more modern ice? These have more than enough grunt, and one Radio 2 is set you never need touch the dial again! mitchaw said:
I'm 16, but I mean that sounds like a good price to me, though still a large sum for a 6 year old car.
Put it this way, if a new car came out with rear-wheel-drive, a 4.0L V8 and 400+ hp, it would be double that. Easily. This car has always been one of my favourites.
And besides, most people would say that a manual would decrease value, which is in some ways correct, but to some, having a manual transmission pushes it's value UP, so it's very much down to your opinion.
A new car would also be covered under warranty, have a modern ICE system and be a good amount more powerful. I agree though, the price isn't stupid. A little overpriced, but good haggling will probably see a few quid off. Put it this way, if a new car came out with rear-wheel-drive, a 4.0L V8 and 400+ hp, it would be double that. Easily. This car has always been one of my favourites.
And besides, most people would say that a manual would decrease value, which is in some ways correct, but to some, having a manual transmission pushes it's value UP, so it's very much down to your opinion.
To my mind, a driver's car has to be manual. There is simply no interaction with paddles, and no challenge to drive it well. Autos are cruisers and old people cars, not sports cars. The obsession with feeling like an F1 driver, and getting that fraction off a second is meaningless.
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