considering e90 m3 - any tips

[mbm5]

Hi all
I have had an e46 m3, e39 and e60 m5 and numerous normal bmws in the past.but after a few months in a 335d I realise I'm missing the revs power lsd and handling of m cars, so I am about to buy my first e90 M3. Driven a couple on track days and love them...sadly I Can't stretch to dct ..but any advice welcome..things to look for, things to avoid..

Thanks a lot!

[ant man]

Ensure that the servicing had been carried out on time to at least BMW standards inc the most important running in service at 1,200 miles. Follow up with each dealer exactly what was done. Idrive, service book, receipts and dealer confirmation should all tie back.

There's all the usual things of buying 2nd hand but if you buy from an enthusiast that has looked after the car properly you'll less likely to buy an abused one.

Reliability wise - very strong, minimal issues. Engines and gearboxes are bullet proof. DCT problematic with the delay issues, latest software updates make a big improvment. Manual box is smooth and slick.

[paulmon]

I owned one for 9 months and sold it for a Z4MC. The biggest problem with any of the E9x M3's is that they only feel special when they are doing warp factor 9. At any other time they just feel like another 3 series. Its just too darn civilised. Took it on track once and it devoured the tyres and a considerable amount of SUL.

P

[HammyHamster]

Had mine for 2 years with no issues at all, you won't be disappointed. As previous posts says, the 1200 mile service is imperative. Options wise, EDC and upgraded Hifi are nice to have, anything else is a bonus.

Edited by HammyHamster on Saturday 28th January 00:51

[jonasaurus]

paulmon said:

I owned one for 9 months and sold it for a Z4MC. The biggest problem with any of the E9x M3's is that they only feel special when they are doing warp factor 9. At any other time they just feel like another 3 series. Its just too darn civilised. Took it on track once and it devoured the tyres and a considerable amount of SUL.

P

In some ways I think this was part of the appeal of the E90 M3 for me, in that its a capable DD which could provide creature comforts but at the same time when the time is right could provide big fun factor. What track did you take it on btw?

OP I've had my E90 M3 from new for a year now (its a 6MT) and I concur it lacks that feeling of something special the minute you jump in but it doesn't take much to extract enjoyment from it. It essentially is a great all rounder that as an only car is what you want but if I had space for another car then I suspect I would have gone down a different route i.e. a practical DD and a 2 seater mountain pass/track car