E90 M3

[Stubbsy]

Looking for some owners input on the above model.
I currently drive a 911 and have been looking at something a bit more practical but I don't want to lose performance etc hence considering an m3!
So what are they like, haven't had chance to test drive one yet however the stats would suggest they are pretty good to drive (quicker 0-60 than my 911!!).
Also I will be buying second hand so any known common issues with the E90 version? What do I need to look out for?

[Alex]

Just arrived home from Le Mans having been transported in my mate's E92 M3.

You won't be disappointed with the performance. The S65 engine is epic.

[martin mrt]

I have one, and i can't fault it, it does everything that i need it to perfectly, namely being an everyday family car that i can have fun in when i want.

Many die hard E46 fans clam the E90s are over weight, dont feel special enough, having owned both i cannot agree with them, i much prefer my E90 to my E46

Ironically i drove a 997 C4S a few weeks ago, back to back with my E90, as good as the 911 was i preferred my own car.

[turboman786]

I have one too...excellent car......I know its been said before, but I do find the lack of low down torque frustrating, but the car does move when you redline it.....handling is excellent....sound is crap without an exhaust or OEM exhaust mod(a must do!), brakes are OK.....interior is bland but good quality...and they are heavy on fuel if driven hard, but this applies to any performance car...

Mines for sale if you are after a coupe!

[cerb4.5lee]

The engine is very special & if & when the roads open up for you the engine does pile on the speed nicely & keep the revs up & they do shift, as an allrounder I don't think much else does it better.

[JRBM5]

Just got back from Le Mans in mine and can't think of any other car (that i can afford) that i'd rather do it in. Get one.

[Wills2]

Went from m3 to 911 to m3, the s65 is better than the 3.8 in the carrera in my opinion it really is that good.

So many revs such long legs, 80 to 120 3rd to 4th is epic it just pulls and pulls.

Won't feel as planted as the 911 but has other characteristics to balance that out.

[gaz1234]

csl?

[cerb4.5lee]

gaz1234 said:

csl?

We all wished they had made a E9x CSL but they didn't unfortunately! We had to settle for the heavy version...

[gaz1234]

i meant, buy a csl. it can be used daily, no?
better sound, handling etc...?

[cerb4.5lee]

gaz1234 said:

i meant, buy a csl. it can be used daily, no?
better sound, handling etc...?

I know you did buddy, I am sure the CSL would be fine as a daily aswell, I personally prefer a V8 for sound though to a straight six but that's just my personal preference.

[gaz1234]

i might go for a test drive and see what they are like..

[cerb4.5lee]

gaz1234 said:

i might go for a test drive and see what they are like..

You have a lovely E46 & some people come away from driving a E9x slightly disappointed but the V8 is a truely awesome engine & is the star of the show, but refinement is the order of the day too & that can sometimes take the edge off the driving experience.

But the E9x series is still a very special car, a complete allrounder I think.

[martin mrt]

.

cerb4.5lee said:

gaz1234 said:

i might go for a test drive and see what they are like..

You have a lovely E46 & some people come away from driving a E9x slightly disappointed but the V8 is a truely awesome engine & is the star of the show, but refinement is the order of the day too & that can sometimes take the edge off the driving experience.

But the E9x series is still a very special car, a complete allrounder I think.

As much as I liked my E46, had I driven an E9x M3 when I had it, I know for sure I wouldn't have been disappointed with one. Perhaps my E46 was a pup, it was good but I just don't think they are as good as many people make them out to be

[Stubbsy]

Thanks for the responses seems like I won't be disappointed if I go from 911 to M3 which is what i wanted as I still want something that drives good, gets me excited, has the power but then is more practical. Not that the 911 isn't practical as it Is fine for what I need just me and mrs are thinking couple of years down the line once we have a kid etc.
couple of things - from research looks like there was some form of running in service around 1k, as I will be buying pre owned I guess I need to make sure it has had this?
What are the service intervals after this?
Is it frowned upon if it is not a main dealer service history as with my 911 I use a reputable independent?
Also what is the semi auto like, quite like the look of the semi auto/paddle shift how does it compare to manual?

[Wills2]

Rf running in service this should be done 1200miles some are done slightly before some slightly after.

DCT is a good double clutch box with lots of settings the manual is OK but no where near as good as the 911's especially if you have the short shift fitted, but still not bad.

[DazNich]

I have owned an E90 M3 for just over a year and it's possibly the best all round car I've ever had. I came from an Audi RS4 and my main concern was Winter driving with all this power and RWD, I can honestly say that Winter tyres made the M3 a better car in the snow than 4WD.

It's a sensible 4 door car which easily fits 4, I have 2 kids and a wife and we all fit in very well, even with luggage in the large boot.

Driving on my own with all settings on maximum the car is transformed into something which feels light and has endless power, you can quite easily lose your licence within minutes.

If you're looking for something a bit special like a CSL then why not go for the limited edition E90 CRT? 4.4 litre out of the GTS but at a price tag!!!!

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evocarreviews/2871...

[ndj]

I tested a 997C2 for a couple of hundred miles then went out and bought an E90. Such a complete car with a cracking motor.

Servicing is condition based after the running-in service so "the computer says yes" typically with a 2 year max cycle.

The big decision is DCT or manual. I went DCT and it think it's outstanding. Everything else is personal preference IMO - debated to point of coma on M3Cutters.

Personally I would not buy an M3 without a FBMWSH. If you're buying pre-owned an AUC car is a preferred route. E90's are much rarer than E92's, and I'm guessing less than 1 in 5.

Buy one!

[161BMW]

E90 M3 is a proper Q car:-)

[gaz1234]

test drive booked...