Upgrade from a GTI to an E92 M3 car advice
Discussion
Hi all first post and looking for some wisdom and experience.
I'm 25 and own an early 2013 mk7 GTI that I picked up at a good price 2 years ago using a bank loan when car prices seemed a lot more sensible. I love the car, it's the perfect daily yet fun at the same time, it wants for nothing and I don't need to worry about the cost of running it. I own my own house and drive roughly 6/7000 miles a year.
I've been contemplating changing just because I like cars however for me to feel like I'm 'upgrading' I feel like I need to go into the super saloon/estate range mainly an E92 M3 or C63 etc. If I'm honest the only thing I can maybe say the GTI lacks is that hardcore edge some talk about that I hope these cars would give.
I'm a bit cautious of leases and PCP deals and never seem to find amazing offers, therefore I mainly keep an eye out for used cars I feel are good bargains. However when researching high powered luxury cars I really get the feeling they are ruinous to own outside of warranty having super high costs for repairs as well as never ending niggles and problems.
Really to do super saloons I would be looking for something nice ~£17K and hoping prices would drop again to levels pre-covid as I don't see many good bargains.
There is a lot of wisdom and advice out there on this forum and I was hoping I could receive some. Would you recommend avoiding used high performance German cars and just lease or PCP new models? Would you say stick to the hot hatches as their isn't enough in it to justify a hefty jump financially? Did you go from a M3/4 to a hot hatch and thought it was the right thing and vice versa? Do you run a cheap daily alongside the M3 or its your only car? What is your advice for running these sort of cars?
I'm just trying to build a picture of how it would all work and if it is worth doing?
I'm 25 and own an early 2013 mk7 GTI that I picked up at a good price 2 years ago using a bank loan when car prices seemed a lot more sensible. I love the car, it's the perfect daily yet fun at the same time, it wants for nothing and I don't need to worry about the cost of running it. I own my own house and drive roughly 6/7000 miles a year.
I've been contemplating changing just because I like cars however for me to feel like I'm 'upgrading' I feel like I need to go into the super saloon/estate range mainly an E92 M3 or C63 etc. If I'm honest the only thing I can maybe say the GTI lacks is that hardcore edge some talk about that I hope these cars would give.
I'm a bit cautious of leases and PCP deals and never seem to find amazing offers, therefore I mainly keep an eye out for used cars I feel are good bargains. However when researching high powered luxury cars I really get the feeling they are ruinous to own outside of warranty having super high costs for repairs as well as never ending niggles and problems.
Really to do super saloons I would be looking for something nice ~£17K and hoping prices would drop again to levels pre-covid as I don't see many good bargains.
There is a lot of wisdom and advice out there on this forum and I was hoping I could receive some. Would you recommend avoiding used high performance German cars and just lease or PCP new models? Would you say stick to the hot hatches as their isn't enough in it to justify a hefty jump financially? Did you go from a M3/4 to a hot hatch and thought it was the right thing and vice versa? Do you run a cheap daily alongside the M3 or its your only car? What is your advice for running these sort of cars?
I'm just trying to build a picture of how it would all work and if it is worth doing?
No direct experience, but...
I moved from a MINi clubman S to an E92 330i. Not had too many reliability issues with the BMW but my god it is boring. It is a very capable machine but is not any fun on the road. You soon get bored of the noise and acceleration that can only be sensibly used on the on-ramp of a motorway. On Twisties they are supremely capable meaning any acceleration out of a corner means you are going stupidly quick down the straights. Probably a far better car than I am a driver, but I am not prepared to push it on public roads
So, I miss the hot hatch, wringing it's neck, losing grip, scrabbling wheels out of corners, imperfect but fun.
A good mate bought an E90 M3 last year and had similar grumbles. No reliability issues but no fun unless on the track. He has since changed for an E36 M3, which is obviously slower but far more fun.
I moved from a MINi clubman S to an E92 330i. Not had too many reliability issues with the BMW but my god it is boring. It is a very capable machine but is not any fun on the road. You soon get bored of the noise and acceleration that can only be sensibly used on the on-ramp of a motorway. On Twisties they are supremely capable meaning any acceleration out of a corner means you are going stupidly quick down the straights. Probably a far better car than I am a driver, but I am not prepared to push it on public roads
So, I miss the hot hatch, wringing it's neck, losing grip, scrabbling wheels out of corners, imperfect but fun.
A good mate bought an E90 M3 last year and had similar grumbles. No reliability issues but no fun unless on the track. He has since changed for an E36 M3, which is obviously slower but far more fun.
Have a MK7 GTi, M4 & 911.
GTi is the best car hands down. Is it the quickest or most exciting - absolutely not, frankly it’s the most boring hot hatch I’ve driven. But in terms of driving from A to B and striking a balance between performance and usability it’s really very good.
Before the GTi I had an M135i and again the GTi was the “better” car, although I’d have taken the BMW given the choice again.
The problem you’ve got here is that you’re comparing a relatively modern GTi to an ageing M3. If you remove the awesome screaming V8 from the e92 in most cases it feels nothing other than a dated 3 series.
I took one out two years ago and even then found the interior dated and most examples were starting to show their age - unless pristine.
M3 vs. MK7 GTi.
There is absolutely no doubt that on a summers evening, at 8000rpm top of 3rd in the M3 you’ll be made up. But for the large majority of the year you’ll be nearly as quick in the GTi, more comfy, have better tech, have considerably lower running costs and finally less angst ref a whopping BMW bill popping up!
E92 M3 vs. Fx M3/4
This is a much more justified jump. The performance increase is very clear in every area and the car is from the same gen, thus the interior and tech are on par and more nicely presented in the BMW.
I don’t know if I’ve helped at all. But I’d not want to go from daily’ing a MK7 GTi to the e92 - step back in most areas.
You could then say, get a cheap runabout and get the e92 as a weekend car. However if you were willing to go down this route I’d say the e92 is then not exciting enough as a weekend car.
Id be looking at a Fx M3/4 as a daily (great value atm) OR a run around with something properly special for the weekend (lotus/kit car or at least s2000 etc).
As for finance - can’t comment. Cheers
GTi is the best car hands down. Is it the quickest or most exciting - absolutely not, frankly it’s the most boring hot hatch I’ve driven. But in terms of driving from A to B and striking a balance between performance and usability it’s really very good.
Before the GTi I had an M135i and again the GTi was the “better” car, although I’d have taken the BMW given the choice again.
The problem you’ve got here is that you’re comparing a relatively modern GTi to an ageing M3. If you remove the awesome screaming V8 from the e92 in most cases it feels nothing other than a dated 3 series.
I took one out two years ago and even then found the interior dated and most examples were starting to show their age - unless pristine.
M3 vs. MK7 GTi.
There is absolutely no doubt that on a summers evening, at 8000rpm top of 3rd in the M3 you’ll be made up. But for the large majority of the year you’ll be nearly as quick in the GTi, more comfy, have better tech, have considerably lower running costs and finally less angst ref a whopping BMW bill popping up!
E92 M3 vs. Fx M3/4
This is a much more justified jump. The performance increase is very clear in every area and the car is from the same gen, thus the interior and tech are on par and more nicely presented in the BMW.
I don’t know if I’ve helped at all. But I’d not want to go from daily’ing a MK7 GTi to the e92 - step back in most areas.
You could then say, get a cheap runabout and get the e92 as a weekend car. However if you were willing to go down this route I’d say the e92 is then not exciting enough as a weekend car.
Id be looking at a Fx M3/4 as a daily (great value atm) OR a run around with something properly special for the weekend (lotus/kit car or at least s2000 etc).
As for finance - can’t comment. Cheers
russy01 said:
Have a MK7 GTi, M4 & 911.
GTi is the best car hands down. Is it the quickest or most exciting - absolutely not, frankly it’s the most boring hot hatch I’ve driven. But in terms of driving from A to B and striking a balance between performance and usability it’s really very good.
Before the GTi I had an M135i and again the GTi was the “better” car, although I’d have taken the BMW given the choice again.
The problem you’ve got here is that you’re comparing a relatively modern GTi to an ageing M3. If you remove the awesome screaming V8 from the e92 in most cases it feels nothing other than a dated 3 series.
I took one out two years ago and even then found the interior dated and most examples were starting to show their age - unless pristine.
M3 vs. MK7 GTi.
There is absolutely no doubt that on a summers evening, at 8000rpm top of 3rd in the M3 you’ll be made up. But for the large majority of the year you’ll be nearly as quick in the GTi, more comfy, have better tech, have considerably lower running costs and finally less angst ref a whopping BMW bill popping up!
E92 M3 vs. Fx M3/4
This is a much more justified jump. The performance increase is very clear in every area and the car is from the same gen, thus the interior and tech are on par and more nicely presented in the BMW.
I don’t know if I’ve helped at all. But I’d not want to go from daily’ing a MK7 GTi to the e92 - step back in most areas.
You could then say, get a cheap runabout and get the e92 as a weekend car. However if you were willing to go down this route I’d say the e92 is then not exciting enough as a weekend car.
Id be looking at a Fx M3/4 as a daily (great value atm) OR a run around with something properly special for the weekend (lotus/kit car or at least s2000 etc).
As for finance - can’t comment. Cheers
Yes that definitely helps a lot thanks! GTi is the best car hands down. Is it the quickest or most exciting - absolutely not, frankly it’s the most boring hot hatch I’ve driven. But in terms of driving from A to B and striking a balance between performance and usability it’s really very good.
Before the GTi I had an M135i and again the GTi was the “better” car, although I’d have taken the BMW given the choice again.
The problem you’ve got here is that you’re comparing a relatively modern GTi to an ageing M3. If you remove the awesome screaming V8 from the e92 in most cases it feels nothing other than a dated 3 series.
I took one out two years ago and even then found the interior dated and most examples were starting to show their age - unless pristine.
M3 vs. MK7 GTi.
There is absolutely no doubt that on a summers evening, at 8000rpm top of 3rd in the M3 you’ll be made up. But for the large majority of the year you’ll be nearly as quick in the GTi, more comfy, have better tech, have considerably lower running costs and finally less angst ref a whopping BMW bill popping up!
E92 M3 vs. Fx M3/4
This is a much more justified jump. The performance increase is very clear in every area and the car is from the same gen, thus the interior and tech are on par and more nicely presented in the BMW.
I don’t know if I’ve helped at all. But I’d not want to go from daily’ing a MK7 GTi to the e92 - step back in most areas.
You could then say, get a cheap runabout and get the e92 as a weekend car. However if you were willing to go down this route I’d say the e92 is then not exciting enough as a weekend car.
Id be looking at a Fx M3/4 as a daily (great value atm) OR a run around with something properly special for the weekend (lotus/kit car or at least s2000 etc).
As for finance - can’t comment. Cheers
I’ve never considered seriously the idea of two cars but I think I need to explore the option a bit more. If I think about it I’d rather keep the GTI and get something fun for the weekend then.
Firstly there's no such thing as a bargain super saloon but you can get some nice super saloon metal for your budget the pick of these is the C63 (I'm bias) it has that bombastic toque laden V8 which will put a smile on your face on start up alone, then even when you're pottering about it still feels special which is something that I can't say about the E90 M3.
Try to get one with the LSD as it makes a difference to how they drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
My brother has one (you'll want to upgrade the exhaust if it hasn't already been done) so we've been able to compare our cars over a long period of time & I'll admit that when you're on it his M3 rules the roost but for the other 350 days of the year the C63 has it licked.
Also the M3 is more maintenance heavy I'm a good chunk behind him in terms of running costs his had every issue inflicted upon it & is now on it's third set of throttle actuators. I'm not saying don't get one but do your checks.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010144...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
The RS5 is somewhere between the two, it's special in it's own way the engine is a peach, the interior is the best out of the five cars listed & it's a looker.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010265...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...
Review on a used RS5:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kf-2D1vge8
Now there are some very worthy alternatives this Lexus is bang on budget & has had some well judged upgrades & then there's the added bonus of main dealer running costs that'll be closer to a 335i in terms of cost, the infotainment in all of these cars will be a bit dated but the Lexus feels the most dated but there's an easy (but not cheap) fix:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...
IS-F infotainment upgrade:
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...
The other option is the VXR8 but they're a rare option at your price point but they can be found.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
Now compared to your GTI all of these will feel more special but all will cost more to run but all will depreciate less (especially the VXR8 & Lexus) so they will cost you a smidge more over a year but these cars have layers to them that you'll find the longer you own them & all will get under your skin in a way your GTI just can't.
It would be out of the C63 with the Perfomance Pack (the first one I listed) the Lexus & finally the RS5.
As an overall package with your budget in mind that fettled IS-F would just edge it over the C63 in this case.
C63 review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwLxzxsLf1g
Going for newer sports saloons that are still in their heavier depreciation phase & you already have a healthy budget so I'd stick with it.
Try to get one with the LSD as it makes a difference to how they drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
My brother has one (you'll want to upgrade the exhaust if it hasn't already been done) so we've been able to compare our cars over a long period of time & I'll admit that when you're on it his M3 rules the roost but for the other 350 days of the year the C63 has it licked.
Also the M3 is more maintenance heavy I'm a good chunk behind him in terms of running costs his had every issue inflicted upon it & is now on it's third set of throttle actuators. I'm not saying don't get one but do your checks.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010144...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
The RS5 is somewhere between the two, it's special in it's own way the engine is a peach, the interior is the best out of the five cars listed & it's a looker.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010265...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...
Review on a used RS5:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kf-2D1vge8
Now there are some very worthy alternatives this Lexus is bang on budget & has had some well judged upgrades & then there's the added bonus of main dealer running costs that'll be closer to a 335i in terms of cost, the infotainment in all of these cars will be a bit dated but the Lexus feels the most dated but there's an easy (but not cheap) fix:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...
IS-F infotainment upgrade:
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...
The other option is the VXR8 but they're a rare option at your price point but they can be found.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
Now compared to your GTI all of these will feel more special but all will cost more to run but all will depreciate less (especially the VXR8 & Lexus) so they will cost you a smidge more over a year but these cars have layers to them that you'll find the longer you own them & all will get under your skin in a way your GTI just can't.
It would be out of the C63 with the Perfomance Pack (the first one I listed) the Lexus & finally the RS5.
As an overall package with your budget in mind that fettled IS-F would just edge it over the C63 in this case.
C63 review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwLxzxsLf1g
Going for newer sports saloons that are still in their heavier depreciation phase & you already have a healthy budget so I'd stick with it.
ZX10R NIN said:
Firstly there's no such thing as a bargain super saloon but you can get some nice super saloon metal for your budget the pick of these is the C63 (I'm bias) it has that bombastic toque laden V8 which will put a smile on your face on start up alone, then even when you're pottering about it still feels special which is something that I can't say about the E90 M3.
Try to get one with the LSD as it makes a difference to how they drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
My brother has one (you'll want to upgrade the exhaust if it hasn't already been done) so we've been able to compare our cars over a long period of time & I'll admit that when you're on it his M3 rules the roost but for the other 350 days of the year the C63 has it licked.
Also the M3 is more maintenance heavy I'm a good chunk behind him in terms of running costs his had every issue inflicted upon it & is now on it's third set of throttle actuators. I'm not saying don't get one but do your checks.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010144...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
The RS5 is somewhere between the two, it's special in it's own way the engine is a peach, the interior is the best out of the five cars listed & it's a looker.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010265...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...
Review on a used RS5:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kf-2D1vge8
Now there are some very worthy alternatives this Lexus is bang on budget & has had some well judged upgrades & then there's the added bonus of main dealer running costs that'll be closer to a 335i in terms of cost, the infotainment in all of these cars will be a bit dated but the Lexus feels the most dated but there's an easy (but not cheap) fix:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...
IS-F infotainment upgrade:
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...
The other option is the VXR8 but they're a rare option at your price point but they can be found.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
Now compared to your GTI all of these will feel more special but all will cost more to run but all will depreciate less (especially the VXR8 & Lexus) so they will cost you a smidge more over a year but these cars have layers to them that you'll find the longer you own them & all will get under your skin in a way your GTI just can't.
It would be out of the C63 with the Perfomance Pack (the first one I listed) the Lexus & finally the RS5.
As an overall package with your budget in mind that fettled IS-F would just edge it over the C63 in this case.
C63 review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwLxzxsLf1g
Going for newer sports saloons that are still in their heavier depreciation phase & you already have a healthy budget so I'd stick with it.
Thanks very much for the help! Try to get one with the LSD as it makes a difference to how they drive.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202011216...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
My brother has one (you'll want to upgrade the exhaust if it hasn't already been done) so we've been able to compare our cars over a long period of time & I'll admit that when you're on it his M3 rules the roost but for the other 350 days of the year the C63 has it licked.
Also the M3 is more maintenance heavy I'm a good chunk behind him in terms of running costs his had every issue inflicted upon it & is now on it's third set of throttle actuators. I'm not saying don't get one but do your checks.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010144...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012056...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012207...
The RS5 is somewhere between the two, it's special in it's own way the engine is a peach, the interior is the best out of the five cars listed & it's a looker.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010265...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009274...
Review on a used RS5:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Kf-2D1vge8
Now there are some very worthy alternatives this Lexus is bang on budget & has had some well judged upgrades & then there's the added bonus of main dealer running costs that'll be closer to a 335i in terms of cost, the infotainment in all of these cars will be a bit dated but the Lexus feels the most dated but there's an easy (but not cheap) fix:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012237...
IS-F infotainment upgrade:
https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&...
The other option is the VXR8 but they're a rare option at your price point but they can be found.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009113...
Now compared to your GTI all of these will feel more special but all will cost more to run but all will depreciate less (especially the VXR8 & Lexus) so they will cost you a smidge more over a year but these cars have layers to them that you'll find the longer you own them & all will get under your skin in a way your GTI just can't.
It would be out of the C63 with the Perfomance Pack (the first one I listed) the Lexus & finally the RS5.
As an overall package with your budget in mind that fettled IS-F would just edge it over the C63 in this case.
C63 review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwLxzxsLf1g
Going for newer sports saloons that are still in their heavier depreciation phase & you already have a healthy budget so I'd stick with it.
Those videos are brilliant had to subscribe to the channel.
Examples you have provided are brilliant as well.
C63 is really appealing and I’ve heard that engine in person, it fantastic.
Lexus interior just isn’t my cup of tea at all.
RS5 has really surprised me.
Think I might take a close look at the RS5 and C63.
I lusted after an M3 for years but when push came to shove, I ended up with a C63.
For 99% of the time, its just suited my needs better.
All the reviews at the time stated the M3 was better at 10/10ths, but you can't drive on public roads like that.
For everything else I found the C63 had the M3 licked
The C63 is a buzz just to start up,
https://youtu.be/GC_XBkcfD0U
And in a straight line, it walks away from the M3 and just about every other super saloon, even the newer ones.
https://youtu.be/TUs48KitW6M
For 99% of the time, its just suited my needs better.
All the reviews at the time stated the M3 was better at 10/10ths, but you can't drive on public roads like that.
For everything else I found the C63 had the M3 licked
The C63 is a buzz just to start up,
https://youtu.be/GC_XBkcfD0U
And in a straight line, it walks away from the M3 and just about every other super saloon, even the newer ones.
https://youtu.be/TUs48KitW6M
Terzo123 said:
I lusted after an M3 for years but when push came to shove, I ended up with a C63.
For 99% of the time, its just suited my needs better.
All the reviews at the time stated the M3 was better at 10/10ths, but you can't drive on public roads like that.
For everything else I found the C63 had the M3 licked
The C63 is a buzz just to start up,
https://youtu.be/GC_XBkcfD0U
And in a straight line, it walks away from the M3 and just about every other super saloon, even the newer ones.
https://youtu.be/TUs48KitW6M
Seems very much that the C63 is car to focus my attention on first. For 99% of the time, its just suited my needs better.
All the reviews at the time stated the M3 was better at 10/10ths, but you can't drive on public roads like that.
For everything else I found the C63 had the M3 licked
The C63 is a buzz just to start up,
https://youtu.be/GC_XBkcfD0U
And in a straight line, it walks away from the M3 and just about every other super saloon, even the newer ones.
https://youtu.be/TUs48KitW6M
Once lockdown ends I'll try and sort a test drive out with a few different models and see what I think.
mike9009 said:
No direct experience, but...
I moved from a MINi clubman S to an E92 330i. Not had too many reliability issues with the BMW but my god it is boring.
I can relate to this having gone the other way. I went from a E90 330i to a F56 Mini Cooper S. I've had the Mini almost 3.5 years now and I don't miss the 330i at all. The 330i was great at cruising though and the engine was wonderfully smooth, but the Mini for me is just so much more fun. I moved from a MINi clubman S to an E92 330i. Not had too many reliability issues with the BMW but my god it is boring.
russy01 said:
E92 M3 vs. Fx M3/4
This is a much more justified jump. The performance increase is very clear in every area and the car is from the same gen, thus the interior and tech are on par and more nicely presented in the BMW.
I don’t know if I’ve helped at all. But I’d not want to go from daily’ing a MK7 GTi to the e92 - step back in most areas.
You could then say, get a cheap runabout and get the e92 as a weekend car. However if you were willing to go down this route I’d say the e92 is then not exciting enough as a weekend car.
I ran a E92 M3 as a daily for 10k miles and I didn't really gel with it in that situation. Unless you were absolutely wringing it's neck it just felt like any other 3 series for me(that is good or bad depending on your point of view). This is a much more justified jump. The performance increase is very clear in every area and the car is from the same gen, thus the interior and tech are on par and more nicely presented in the BMW.
I don’t know if I’ve helped at all. But I’d not want to go from daily’ing a MK7 GTi to the e92 - step back in most areas.
You could then say, get a cheap runabout and get the e92 as a weekend car. However if you were willing to go down this route I’d say the e92 is then not exciting enough as a weekend car.
I'd prefer one as a weekend car though, however as you say it could be argued that it isn't really special/different enough for that. I do often muse over the idea of a E93 M3 Convertible though, that way with the roof down it adds something different to the car and you get to enjoy the exhaust noise much more too.
ZX10R NIN said:
3K bill for what? They're an N/A engine they're truly bulletproof brakes cost a bit but as long as you can live with the fuel consumption then get yourself one, or go for the IS-F.
I was thinking clutches, suspension parts, tyres, brakes? Ignoring fuel what's a reasonable budget to run one of these machines? I've driven one once at merc world and it was amazing as you'd expect.
PeteinSQ said:
I was thinking clutches, suspension parts, tyres, brakes? Ignoring fuel what's a reasonable budget to run one of these machines?
I've driven one once at merc world and it was amazing as you'd expect.
Early 63's have torque converter gearboxes & are as bulletproof as they come but make sure the oil changes have been done every 40kI've driven one once at merc world and it was amazing as you'd expect.
In terms of maintenance it'll obviously be mileage dependent but realistically 1k a year will see you right.
PeteinSQ said:
I was thinking clutches, suspension parts, tyres, brakes? Ignoring fuel what's a reasonable budget to run one of these machines?
I've driven one once at merc world and it was amazing as you'd expect.
No clutches to worry about.I've driven one once at merc world and it was amazing as you'd expect.
Brakes and various other parts can be had for reasonable money from Autodoc, even the PPP disks. I think the standard Brembo's disks and pads can be had for around 200 quid from them.
There is talk of head bolt issues pre 2011, however this seems to be more of a problem in the USA than over here.
Servicing costs can be halved if you avoid the main dealers.
I've had mine three years now. In that time have had the front springs replaced under the approved used warranty after one snapped, a broken head light levelling sensor replaced which Merc flagged up during the cars MOT. Sadly that failed out with the warranty period.
After that its just been the annual servicing costs. Last years was 650 quid which was an A Service including the MOT, the sensor being replaced and a gearbox service.
The year before if i remember correctly was 350 quid, and that was for a B service.
cerb4.5lee said:
mike9009 said:
No direct experience, but...
I moved from a MINi clubman S to an E92 330i. Not had too many reliability issues with the BMW but my god it is boring.
I can relate to this having gone the other way. I went from a E90 330i to a F56 Mini Cooper S. I've had the Mini almost 3.5 years now and I don't miss the 330i at all. The 330i was great at cruising though and the engine was wonderfully smooth, but the Mini for me is just so much more fun. I moved from a MINi clubman S to an E92 330i. Not had too many reliability issues with the BMW but my god it is boring.
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I ran a E92 M3 as a daily for 10k miles and I didn't really gel with it in that situation. Unless you were absolutely wringing it's neck it just felt like any other 3 series for me(that is good or bad depending on your point of view).
I'd prefer one as a weekend car though, however as you say it could be argued that it isn't really special/different enough for that. I do often muse over the idea of a E93 M3 Convertible though, that way with the roof down it adds something different to the car and you get to enjoy the exhaust noise much more too.
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I really like a 3 series but at this stage in my life I probably want something more fun.
Did it feel special to drive or would you say there is more fun cars?
Terzo123 said:
No clutches to worry about.
Brakes and various other parts can be had for reasonable money from Autodoc, even the PPP disks. I think the standard Brembo's disks and pads can be had for around 200 quid from them.
There is talk of head bolt issues pre 2011, however this seems to be more of a problem in the USA than over here.
Servicing costs can be halved if you avoid the main dealers.
I've had mine three years now. In that time have had the front springs replaced under the approved used warranty after one snapped, a broken head light levelling sensor replaced which Merc flagged up during the cars MOT. Sadly that failed out with the warranty period.
After that its just been the annual servicing costs. Last years was 650 quid which was an A Service including the MOT, the sensor being replaced and a gearbox service.
The year before if i remember correctly was 350 quid, and that was for a B service.
How many miles would you do in your c63 a year? Do you daily it or use it mainly as a weekend car? Brakes and various other parts can be had for reasonable money from Autodoc, even the PPP disks. I think the standard Brembo's disks and pads can be had for around 200 quid from them.
There is talk of head bolt issues pre 2011, however this seems to be more of a problem in the USA than over here.
Servicing costs can be halved if you avoid the main dealers.
I've had mine three years now. In that time have had the front springs replaced under the approved used warranty after one snapped, a broken head light levelling sensor replaced which Merc flagged up during the cars MOT. Sadly that failed out with the warranty period.
After that its just been the annual servicing costs. Last years was 650 quid which was an A Service including the MOT, the sensor being replaced and a gearbox service.
The year before if i remember correctly was 350 quid, and that was for a B service.
That actually seems a lot cheaper than I was expecting.
CG2020UK said:
I really like a 3 series but at this stage in my life I probably want something more fun.
Did it feel special to drive or would you say there is more fun cars?
For example my Cooper S is miles more fun for more of the time for me.
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