A little help with an E92 M3 decision
Discussion
Hello fellow Pistonheaders, I am looking for owners' and people with real BMW knowledge's thoughts and feedback on owning/buying an E92 M3 Coupe.
I know about the usual reliability issues, rod bearings (boo hiss) and throttle actuators. I know this is a real sticking point for some people, but if the car is warmed up before spirited driving and preventative maintenance on the rod bearings is done at 50-70k miles (depending on who you talk to), I have heard reliability is pretty good?
I currently drive a GR Yaris CP that I do genuinely love, but before the government forces me to buy a car with the same appeal my Braun toothbrush has, I want to experience something different. My wife would appreciate having more space for longer trips and driving holidays. Fuel economy is the obvious thing, but I need more smiles per gallon in my life. I do not care about having the fastest thing on the road or racing my mates between McDonald's roundabouts; I just want to experience different types of cars with different personalities.
I am a design engineer living in Wiltshire, working near Bristol, and my daily commute is 40-ish minutes on some brilliant A and B roads.
Previous cars: Evo 9, WRX x2, 335i, 330d, Golf R, 106 Rallye and various fast Fords.
Thanks in advance.
I know about the usual reliability issues, rod bearings (boo hiss) and throttle actuators. I know this is a real sticking point for some people, but if the car is warmed up before spirited driving and preventative maintenance on the rod bearings is done at 50-70k miles (depending on who you talk to), I have heard reliability is pretty good?
I currently drive a GR Yaris CP that I do genuinely love, but before the government forces me to buy a car with the same appeal my Braun toothbrush has, I want to experience something different. My wife would appreciate having more space for longer trips and driving holidays. Fuel economy is the obvious thing, but I need more smiles per gallon in my life. I do not care about having the fastest thing on the road or racing my mates between McDonald's roundabouts; I just want to experience different types of cars with different personalities.
I am a design engineer living in Wiltshire, working near Bristol, and my daily commute is 40-ish minutes on some brilliant A and B roads.
Previous cars: Evo 9, WRX x2, 335i, 330d, Golf R, 106 Rallye and various fast Fords.
Thanks in advance.
FartingMonkey said:
I know about the usual reliability issues, rod bearings (boo hiss) and throttle actuators. I know this is a real sticking point for some people, but if the car is warmed up before spirited driving and preventative maintenance on the rod bearings is done at 50-70k miles (depending on who you talk to), I have heard reliability is pretty good?
Rod bearings (unfortunately) a service item, and while throttle actuators are annoying it seems to be a fix-it-when-it-breaks without much hassle (albeit £££).As they are getting older injector failure seems more common - writing off the engine which is a bit of a pain - especially as there's no agreement on cause / prevention.
But you have to balance that with any other >15 year old performance car, most of which have some disastrous engine gremlin lurking in the background.
Anecdotally my E93 M3 has been my most reliable car so far (touch wood!) which is a pretty low bar.
FartingMonkey said:
Fuel economy is the obvious thing, but I need more smiles per gallon in my life {...} my daily commute is 40-ish minutes on some brilliant A and B roads.
It's one thing to ignore the financial side of the terrible fuel economy, but don't forget range is an issue, too - think 200 miles to a tank.I think it has a similar tank size (maybe even the same tank?) as a similar vintage 320d while obviously using loads more fuel - I'm filling up twice as often (in miles) as my E91 335d and if I was using it for a previous commute then filling up more than once a week would've been a real headache.
I've not driven one, but I would give serious consideration to an M4 as well - different cars, but there's surprising overlap in prices and they are certainly better value.
I've not owned an E9x M3, although I enjoyed driving one, but I have owned a V10 M6 which is a similar prospect.
Firstly, buy on condition and good history. Do not buy modified ones or cheap ones, unless you are sure. Have a fund to fix the little things, and brace yourself when the brakes need doing. If you find one under 60k miles with a good service history, look into the BMW warranty and pay monthly. Don't bother with anything other than comprehensive cover and you can really save a packet on maintenance.
Do change the oil every 5-7k miles, don't skimp on that. Do use the correct oil.
Range is a problem, as it can empty a tank in 150 miles if enjoying it, which you will be.
If you can afford to run one, then go for it and enjoy it.
Firstly, buy on condition and good history. Do not buy modified ones or cheap ones, unless you are sure. Have a fund to fix the little things, and brace yourself when the brakes need doing. If you find one under 60k miles with a good service history, look into the BMW warranty and pay monthly. Don't bother with anything other than comprehensive cover and you can really save a packet on maintenance.
Do change the oil every 5-7k miles, don't skimp on that. Do use the correct oil.
Range is a problem, as it can empty a tank in 150 miles if enjoying it, which you will be.
If you can afford to run one, then go for it and enjoy it.
A timely question! I type from Bilbao, 1,050 miles into my 2025 European roadtrip by e92 M3. It'll be 3k+ by the time I'm done!
I bought this car on a bit of a whim 2 years ago, and have fallen in love with it. For me, it's the perfect size. I love the high revving v8/manual combination. That engine is truly special and really exciting to use. What an M engine should be rather than a tuned turbo from the rest of the range.
I did almost 20k in my first 12 months of ownership - I have 5-6 cars, a first for me!
After taking it down to Italy last year, I was smitten. Stelvio 12 months ago:
Mine had the rod bearings and throttle actuators done shortly before I bought it.
Parts are not cheap. I just went through most things on the car with a specialist as I wanted it sorted and I love the car. Add on a few final bits at Sytner in the last few weeks and I have spent £10k on it in the last couple of months. A serious amount of money - but I wanted to go through it and make it drive well.
The specialist though the injector thing is overrated compared to other issues. Always hard to tell. I might get them done next for peace of mind. I had to stop somewhere though!
Link to my thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I absolutely love mine, and decided not too long after getting it that I'd just drive it - sod the impact on (already low) value, and the fuel economy (21.8mpg average this trip since you ask!).
I bought this car on a bit of a whim 2 years ago, and have fallen in love with it. For me, it's the perfect size. I love the high revving v8/manual combination. That engine is truly special and really exciting to use. What an M engine should be rather than a tuned turbo from the rest of the range.
I did almost 20k in my first 12 months of ownership - I have 5-6 cars, a first for me!
After taking it down to Italy last year, I was smitten. Stelvio 12 months ago:
Mine had the rod bearings and throttle actuators done shortly before I bought it.
Parts are not cheap. I just went through most things on the car with a specialist as I wanted it sorted and I love the car. Add on a few final bits at Sytner in the last few weeks and I have spent £10k on it in the last couple of months. A serious amount of money - but I wanted to go through it and make it drive well.
The specialist though the injector thing is overrated compared to other issues. Always hard to tell. I might get them done next for peace of mind. I had to stop somewhere though!
Link to my thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I absolutely love mine, and decided not too long after getting it that I'd just drive it - sod the impact on (already low) value, and the fuel economy (21.8mpg average this trip since you ask!).
Indeed a timely discussion, as I just purchased a LCI M3 last week and have put 500 miles on already it, which is very unusual for me.
I was going to use it as a daily since I'm in London and it's Ulez compliant but it's far too nice for that, so I will have to get something else as a daily.
Initial thoughts are:
- User friendly compared to my former TVR Chimaera that I PX'd for the M3
- Back end is more stable on the M3. You can tell it's got expensive suspension components. Ride quality is fine in town. I don't have EDC
- DCT Gearbox is silky smooth most of the time. A little clumsy now and again when not warm or first gear in traffic. A million times better than a Ferrari F360 single clutch I owned previously.
- Fuel economy is 20 mpg so far... Similar to the TVR and I was only getting 25 mpg from a BMW 318i M Sport in the last few years.
Overall it's a phenomenal car.
Unfortunately everyone seems to tailgate M cars even when slow. Standard brakes are fine for my liking.
Try and find one with rod bearings and throttle actuators already done.
They are value for money and won't get any cheaper.
Since you have had performance cars, it's time to get into BMW V8 power whilst they still allow it.
I was going to use it as a daily since I'm in London and it's Ulez compliant but it's far too nice for that, so I will have to get something else as a daily.
Initial thoughts are:
- User friendly compared to my former TVR Chimaera that I PX'd for the M3
- Back end is more stable on the M3. You can tell it's got expensive suspension components. Ride quality is fine in town. I don't have EDC
- DCT Gearbox is silky smooth most of the time. A little clumsy now and again when not warm or first gear in traffic. A million times better than a Ferrari F360 single clutch I owned previously.
- Fuel economy is 20 mpg so far... Similar to the TVR and I was only getting 25 mpg from a BMW 318i M Sport in the last few years.
Overall it's a phenomenal car.
Unfortunately everyone seems to tailgate M cars even when slow. Standard brakes are fine for my liking.
Try and find one with rod bearings and throttle actuators already done.
They are value for money and won't get any cheaper.
Since you have had performance cars, it's time to get into BMW V8 power whilst they still allow it.
Edited by M_A on Thursday 14th August 08:04
Jakg said:
FartingMonkey said:
I know about the usual reliability issues, rod bearings (boo hiss) and throttle actuators. I know this is a real sticking point for some people, but if the car is warmed up before spirited driving and preventative maintenance on the rod bearings is done at 50-70k miles (depending on who you talk to), I have heard reliability is pretty good?
Rod bearings (unfortunately) a service item, and while throttle actuators are annoying it seems to be a fix-it-when-it-breaks without much hassle (albeit £££).As they are getting older injector failure seems more common - writing off the engine which is a bit of a pain - especially as there's no agreement on cause / prevention.
But you have to balance that with any other >15 year old performance car, most of which have some disastrous engine gremlin lurking in the background.
Anecdotally my E93 M3 has been my most reliable car so far (touch wood!) which is a pretty low bar.
FartingMonkey said:
Fuel economy is the obvious thing, but I need more smiles per gallon in my life {...} my daily commute is 40-ish minutes on some brilliant A and B roads.
It's one thing to ignore the financial side of the terrible fuel economy, but don't forget range is an issue, too - think 200 miles to a tank.I think it has a similar tank size (maybe even the same tank?) as a similar vintage 320d while obviously using loads more fuel - I'm filling up twice as often (in miles) as my E91 335d and if I was using it for a previous commute then filling up more than once a week would've been a real headache.
I've not driven one, but I would give serious consideration to an M4 as well - different cars, but there's surprising overlap in prices and they are certainly better value.
The pros and cons of the E92 M3 have been discussed on here ad nauseum so i'll refrain from repeating too much of it all.
The mistake I made was really, really, REALLY wanting one before I tried one - and not actually being objective enough about what I felt on the test drives. Subconsciously, I think I registered that they didn't feel that quick, that the engine lacked urge and top end rush, that I was seated too high etc. But I loved the way it looked, the sense of quality motorsport engineering in the powertrain, and the kudos of the badge.
I also ignored the fact that the car(s) I already owned were more fun at lower speeds and probably easier to chuck down a B-road.
Sadly, I paid for it later down the line with running costs and repair bills that weren't warranted by the experience I was having. This spanned 2 x E92s as I rejected the first due to paint and mechanical issues, and offloaded the second which became a reliability nightmare despite low miles and FSH.
Perhaps it's a box you need to tick, and you're unlikely to lose much in depreciation if you sell it on, but my main advice - far more so than stuff about the rod bearings and actuators - is to try a few and be honest with yourself about the experience on test drives, especially in comparison to the Yaris.
I genuinely hope that your experience is a really positive one and that you find the car ticks all of your boxes. Good luck!
The mistake I made was really, really, REALLY wanting one before I tried one - and not actually being objective enough about what I felt on the test drives. Subconsciously, I think I registered that they didn't feel that quick, that the engine lacked urge and top end rush, that I was seated too high etc. But I loved the way it looked, the sense of quality motorsport engineering in the powertrain, and the kudos of the badge.
I also ignored the fact that the car(s) I already owned were more fun at lower speeds and probably easier to chuck down a B-road.
Sadly, I paid for it later down the line with running costs and repair bills that weren't warranted by the experience I was having. This spanned 2 x E92s as I rejected the first due to paint and mechanical issues, and offloaded the second which became a reliability nightmare despite low miles and FSH.
Perhaps it's a box you need to tick, and you're unlikely to lose much in depreciation if you sell it on, but my main advice - far more so than stuff about the rod bearings and actuators - is to try a few and be honest with yourself about the experience on test drives, especially in comparison to the Yaris.
I genuinely hope that your experience is a really positive one and that you find the car ticks all of your boxes. Good luck!
I’ve owned my manual E92 for 14 years now (a mere 34k miles) and it has been pretty reliable. In fact, the only real gripes I have are that the rear callipers stick so both have been replaced (I have the full BMW warranty) and it also isn’t great with batteries.
However, I love it. It is plenty quick enough and once you are into the upper rev range it really comes alive. I’ve recently had a Mr12V fitted to it which modernises things nicely. Sure it isn’t the touch screen 75” TV you get in the Audi Q4 Etron, but it is enough and Waze is essential.
You can return 28 mpg if you like. Or 12.
I’ve been paying the RFL at whatever the price is now (north of £70 a month?) for so long I don’t notice anymore and the warranty is about the same. Although doing the sums, if I’d self warranted I’d be well up by now but it makes for peace of mind.
It is a lovely car and if ever the thought of changing it comes up I feel two things. One is the look of disapproval from the Mrs. The other is a pang of sadness about not having this icon in my life so it stays.
However, I love it. It is plenty quick enough and once you are into the upper rev range it really comes alive. I’ve recently had a Mr12V fitted to it which modernises things nicely. Sure it isn’t the touch screen 75” TV you get in the Audi Q4 Etron, but it is enough and Waze is essential.
You can return 28 mpg if you like. Or 12.
I’ve been paying the RFL at whatever the price is now (north of £70 a month?) for so long I don’t notice anymore and the warranty is about the same. Although doing the sums, if I’d self warranted I’d be well up by now but it makes for peace of mind.
It is a lovely car and if ever the thought of changing it comes up I feel two things. One is the look of disapproval from the Mrs. The other is a pang of sadness about not having this icon in my life so it stays.
I've had a lot of what people would say assume are 'better' cars but the E92 M3 is in my Top 3. I sold mine too early to get another Porsche which I regret as I should have kept it given the spec, history, etc.
Cons - they're an expensive 'daily' given 20-25mpg and silly road tax, gearbox is a little sloppy but GTS map sorts that
Pros - sound fantastic (mine had the MP exhaust), go like the clappers when in the right zone, perfect size
Get an LCI one with the main jobs done (or factor it into the cost and get it done immediately), look for the right options to suit your needs as there were a lot of options available, and crack on. Oh, and get the Comp Pack version.
I'm planning on getting another one next year.
Cons - they're an expensive 'daily' given 20-25mpg and silly road tax, gearbox is a little sloppy but GTS map sorts that
Pros - sound fantastic (mine had the MP exhaust), go like the clappers when in the right zone, perfect size
Get an LCI one with the main jobs done (or factor it into the cost and get it done immediately), look for the right options to suit your needs as there were a lot of options available, and crack on. Oh, and get the Comp Pack version.
I'm planning on getting another one next year.
It sounds like an itch you need to scratch!
I had the same urge before I bought my Z4M Coupe. Got the rod bearing shells replaced at 78K for peace of mind and I get it properly up to temperature every time before I use the performance.
Unless you know the seller I'd be inclined to try and get a deal to allow for shell replacement then get them done so you know how the car has been driven on them, rather than one that has had new shells fitted.
I had the same urge before I bought my Z4M Coupe. Got the rod bearing shells replaced at 78K for peace of mind and I get it properly up to temperature every time before I use the performance.
Unless you know the seller I'd be inclined to try and get a deal to allow for shell replacement then get them done so you know how the car has been driven on them, rather than one that has had new shells fitted.
I’ve had one, great car, no issues in 50k miles swapped it for the non ugly M4 which is even better, imo, had it 4.5 years which is a long time for me.
Anyway I would suggest talking to the guy at Tierone cars he knows his E92 stuff and could prob source to spec/cost
https://www.tieroneautomotive.co.uk/
Anyway I would suggest talking to the guy at Tierone cars he knows his E92 stuff and could prob source to spec/cost
https://www.tieroneautomotive.co.uk/
70% of the E92 M3 track cars still being alive is an anecdote I like in terms of overall reliability.
I don’t blame anyone doing rod bearings , especially on a private purchase.
Actuators are and “ as and when “ , but rebuild.org offer a lifetime / transferable warranty so might be worth considering as prevention.
Costlier than actuators there’s the propshaft (google cowbell noise ) and I had a DCT leak.
However, the critical success factor is buying the right car. I’ve identified everything from false rod bearing invoices to cloned cars.
Use this tool, below , to analyse autotrader adverts , take note of the warnings ! And do thorough “ due diligence “ on any possible.
I agree with the above post on Tier one Auto as a brilliant supplier
https://e9xm3.com/
I don’t blame anyone doing rod bearings , especially on a private purchase.
Actuators are and “ as and when “ , but rebuild.org offer a lifetime / transferable warranty so might be worth considering as prevention.
Costlier than actuators there’s the propshaft (google cowbell noise ) and I had a DCT leak.
However, the critical success factor is buying the right car. I’ve identified everything from false rod bearing invoices to cloned cars.
Use this tool, below , to analyse autotrader adverts , take note of the warnings ! And do thorough “ due diligence “ on any possible.
I agree with the above post on Tier one Auto as a brilliant supplier
https://e9xm3.com/
Completely echo what Smuler says - that reminds me, M3Cutters is an excellent forum with a 'cars for sale' thread that Smuler contributes to; it's a brilliant resource. Plus that database he mentioned.
I have a 2012 E92 M3 Comp Pack and I love it. It's a really good compromise car, because it can cruise comfortably, will seat four normal sized people, yet sounds epic and has more than enough performance for UK roads (although you have to rev it to really make it fly).
A word of warning: cars at the cheap end (£15k ish) of the spectrum can be very poor and are often misrepresented or hiding something. As already noted, do your due diligence very carefully, especially if the price looks too good to be true. That said, these are well known cars now, being up to 18 years old, and their weaknesses and solutions are understood. A specialist such as RD Automotive in Kent will offer advice if you need it (RD is Ryan Day who's a top bloke).
Buy carefully and, in my opinion, you're getting a wonderful machine that's great value for money: happy hunting!
I have a 2012 E92 M3 Comp Pack and I love it. It's a really good compromise car, because it can cruise comfortably, will seat four normal sized people, yet sounds epic and has more than enough performance for UK roads (although you have to rev it to really make it fly).
A word of warning: cars at the cheap end (£15k ish) of the spectrum can be very poor and are often misrepresented or hiding something. As already noted, do your due diligence very carefully, especially if the price looks too good to be true. That said, these are well known cars now, being up to 18 years old, and their weaknesses and solutions are understood. A specialist such as RD Automotive in Kent will offer advice if you need it (RD is Ryan Day who's a top bloke).
Buy carefully and, in my opinion, you're getting a wonderful machine that's great value for money: happy hunting!
OP, have you driven one?
For a bit of balance, I have an unpopular opinion to share.
I had one, bought at 3 years old and didn’t keep it long, less than 6 monnts, I just never bonded with it because it never felt “special”. As an only car I can see why people like them because it does most things well and it looks good (especially with the comp wheels) but it always just felt like a fairly ordinary 3 series with a nice sounding engine. I found it too refined, too heavy, too “normal” to feel special.
I fully appreciate this is not a common opinion. I much prefer the older M3’s and would far prefer a well sorted E36 or even E46.
This was mine. Not a bad car by any means but I think it depends entirely on what you’re looking for. It wasn’t agile or feelsome enough to be a good b road blaster for me. Prior to the M3 I had an Elise, Impreza P1 with about 450bhp and a C6 RS6 with about 720bhp and I was hoping the m3 could replace all of those - it couldn’t. I sold the Subaru and the Audi (and the BMW), kept the Elise. Like I say, as an only car it might be fine. I prefer to have big comfy fast stuff and little scalpel sharp raucous stuff. The M3 was too much of a compromise in trying to do everything and as a result didn’t excel at anything. Just in my opinion and for what I was looking for of course.
For a bit of balance, I have an unpopular opinion to share.
I had one, bought at 3 years old and didn’t keep it long, less than 6 monnts, I just never bonded with it because it never felt “special”. As an only car I can see why people like them because it does most things well and it looks good (especially with the comp wheels) but it always just felt like a fairly ordinary 3 series with a nice sounding engine. I found it too refined, too heavy, too “normal” to feel special.
I fully appreciate this is not a common opinion. I much prefer the older M3’s and would far prefer a well sorted E36 or even E46.
This was mine. Not a bad car by any means but I think it depends entirely on what you’re looking for. It wasn’t agile or feelsome enough to be a good b road blaster for me. Prior to the M3 I had an Elise, Impreza P1 with about 450bhp and a C6 RS6 with about 720bhp and I was hoping the m3 could replace all of those - it couldn’t. I sold the Subaru and the Audi (and the BMW), kept the Elise. Like I say, as an only car it might be fine. I prefer to have big comfy fast stuff and little scalpel sharp raucous stuff. The M3 was too much of a compromise in trying to do everything and as a result didn’t excel at anything. Just in my opinion and for what I was looking for of course.
Edited by Lefty on Saturday 16th August 11:45
I owned one for 4 years. Loved the way it looked and sounded. In most other respects I preferred the 335i and 340i I owned at the same time. Mainly because, on the road, the extra torque made it easier to make the car feel alive. The lack of torque and chassis made the M3 feel very inert at even vaguely sensible speeds.
For me, the DCT gearbox ruined the involvement and unless at 5k plus if felt gutless (not just compared to the turbo cars I’ve owned). For me the seats were too plush and mounted too high.
Overall I’m glad that I owned it, but always felt a bit disappointing unless I was wringing its neck. Should probably have got a manual, but the gearing in those is very long. Average economy over 4 years was 16mpg, which was expected.
I’d suggest getting one from an enthusiast who’s had all the work done and as others have said, buy on history and not mileage.
For me, the DCT gearbox ruined the involvement and unless at 5k plus if felt gutless (not just compared to the turbo cars I’ve owned). For me the seats were too plush and mounted too high.
Overall I’m glad that I owned it, but always felt a bit disappointing unless I was wringing its neck. Should probably have got a manual, but the gearing in those is very long. Average economy over 4 years was 16mpg, which was expected.
I’d suggest getting one from an enthusiast who’s had all the work done and as others have said, buy on history and not mileage.
Edited by survivalist on Saturday 16th August 18:29
I had one for 4 years, absolutely loved it. Proved very reliable ... I had all the usual maintenance jobs completed (rod bearings) plus some small upgrades such as 1.5 exhaust mod, decent pads/fluid, springs plus a fast road geo set up. Fantastically well balanced car, sounded superb and didn't need to be driven at silly speeds to get the enjoyment from. This was my favourite BMW M having owned a fe win th epast in E36 GT and E46 CSL.
DCT is a must in this car, the S65 was made to have this gearbox ... yes it can be hesitent in auto but once you get used to it, its part of the cars character. You need to test drive one ... and as above, go with a car owned by an enthusiast who's taken care of the main jobs.
DCT is a must in this car, the S65 was made to have this gearbox ... yes it can be hesitent in auto but once you get used to it, its part of the cars character. You need to test drive one ... and as above, go with a car owned by an enthusiast who's taken care of the main jobs.
Here's a cold start on a warm day two days ago to help you make a decision to buy buy buy.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/n69ZpG6pwYs
Stock exchaust, zero mods and original airbox. So it should sound epic if you buy it with the performance upgrades.
I prefer this M3 as original as intended by the factory. It's not the same for other cars. I do like my mods.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/n69ZpG6pwYs
Stock exchaust, zero mods and original airbox. So it should sound epic if you buy it with the performance upgrades.
I prefer this M3 as original as intended by the factory. It's not the same for other cars. I do like my mods.
Edited by M_A on Monday 18th August 16:42
JEA1K said:
I had one for 4 years, absolutely loved it. Proved very reliable ... I had all the usual maintenance jobs completed (rod bearings) plus some small upgrades such as 1.5 exhaust mod, decent pads/fluid, springs plus a fast road geo set up. Fantastically well balanced car, sounded superb and didn't need to be driven at silly speeds to get the enjoyment from. This was my favourite BMW M having owned a fe win th epast in E36 GT and E46 CSL.
DCT is a must in this car, the S65 was made to have this gearbox ... yes it can be hesitent in auto but once you get used to it, its part of the cars character. You need to test drive one ... and as above, go with a car owned by an enthusiast who's taken care of the main jobs.
Another vote for the DCT here. It's so well matched to that engine and quite characterful as autos go, because it has some idiosyncrasies that you have to learn over time.DCT is a must in this car, the S65 was made to have this gearbox ... yes it can be hesitent in auto but once you get used to it, its part of the cars character. You need to test drive one ... and as above, go with a car owned by an enthusiast who's taken care of the main jobs.
M_A said:
Here's a cold start on a warm day two days ago to help you make a decision to buy buy buy.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/n69ZpG6pwYs
Stock exchaust, zero mods and original airbox. So it should sound epic if you buy it with the performance upgrades.
I prefer this M3 as original as intended by the factory. It's not the same for other cars. I do like my mods.
I agree that the car for me is better mod free, I put a miltek on my first e92 m3 (that droned badly) and then a Tubi on my second e92 comp but what you gained in volume you lost in delicacy and tonal range, the Tubi drowned out the induction it was so loud and I was also convinced it robbed the car of torque lower down the rev range, I returned the comp to stock and it was much better. https://m.youtube.com/shorts/n69ZpG6pwYs
Stock exchaust, zero mods and original airbox. So it should sound epic if you buy it with the performance upgrades.
I prefer this M3 as original as intended by the factory. It's not the same for other cars. I do like my mods.
Edited by M_A on Monday 18th August 16:42
And I do think they are entering a stage whereby an unmolested car is worth more (although hard to find) which might be the reason.
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