Some help regarding E90 (?) M3

[Zip106]

Chaps,
The wife has decided she'd like an M3 (V8, possibly the cab version)
I test drove one some time ago in readiness to replace my 996 turbo (but decided to keep the Pork).

Anyway, I'm just after some general running costs info.

She does 15-20k miles a year so, what are the general costs of servicing/tyres/RFL etc?
What's the general mpg people get for mainly motorway driving?
Is the service interval condition based like the 5 series we have now?

I've tried to talk her into a 335d as I assume they are a bit cheaper to run (and buy) but to no avail, as she much prefers the look of the M.
It'd have to be a year-2 year old car, btw. (if this makes a difference?)

At the moment she's got a 520d M-sport, which she now thinks is too big for her. Bless.
I like it, it's comfy and frugal, but it's her money.....

Thanks in advance.

ETA - what would be a good spec on one of these, or indeed what options are deemed necessary?

Edited by Zip106 on Monday 22 February 20:09

[macca]

If you stick with the cups then you'll go through 2 sets in 15-20k miles - £2-£2.5k

I've done 14,500 miles and service indicator says oil change in 2,400 miles - I'll hit 2 years first. Quoted £280. Break fluid at 2 years £91. Not sure what a full inspection costs (exoect £450 I guess) - this is likely to be the next service on a 2 year old.

Within 6 months mine went to the dealer twice; fuel pump issue and something else that I just can't remember. I've had the diff oil changed recently as it made a noise on full lock turning right (seems better but still a few groans that I'll have them look at during the impending service).

No other issues to report, not bad I reckon for a brand new model

MPG 19.8 but very little motorway driving. When I have driven on the motorway (and reset the clock) it gives about 23mpg.

Must have: USB stick. Most people will say EDC - I've not got it so can't really say (I'm not sure how much you would use it but it might help resale). I have basic stereo and sometimes wish I went for logic - basic is good but I bet logic is better.

Everyday driveability is fantastic, seats 4 comfortably. Sounds great, quite rare on the roads and looks awesome. I love it!

[paulmon]

First of all the E90 doesnt have cups you get PS2 which are a better all round proposition. The fuel costs are going to be the killer when doing 15-20K PA. On the motorway I would avg 24MPG with 27-28 if I drove like miss daisy. Around town mid teens. As for spec EDC, Bluetooth, 19" wheels. Everything else is gravy.

In all honesty unless you have money to burn then I would get a 335d with a DMS chip it a has all the power you will ever need on the road and decent motorway economy to boot.

[Zip106]

Thanks.

I've tried to tell her about the 335d but I think she just thinks the M3 looks far, far better. (which I tend to agree with)
She said something about the normal coupes as looking just that - normal and a bit bland.

Fuel wise, she gets a fuel card from work but only has to pay for private fuel.

[jontysafe]

Don`t want to trade her in do you? My wifelet wants a new car and all I can get her to look at things like the Hyundai i30 or Focus diesel.

[Zip106]

jontysafe said:

Don`t want to trade her in do you? My wifelet wants a new car and all I can get her to look at things like the Hyundai i30 or Focus diesel.

To be honest, it came as a bit of a shock to me - she normally sees cars as just to get from A to B and has never really shown an interest in any of mine.
Must be something to do with being 40+.... hormones and stuff.

[jontysafe]

Excellent! Fair play to her and I bet she`ll love it. I`ve had a E92 cab as a courtesy car and to be honest wasn`t sold on the roof mechanism or sealing round the c pillars but hearing that V8 with the roof down........ Get her to try the E89 Z4 35is, if she doesn`t need rear seats it`s a lovely car. Good luck in your search!

[GameOverMan!]

I currently have an E92 M3 Coupe which has just covered 19K miles. There hasn't been any problems with it since new, the first service was at 17K in December 09 when it was 2 years old, cost £350 to service. The next one isn't due for another 15K+ miles depending on how it's driven as the servicing is condition based (I've been driving like an old woman!).

The tyres are PS2s and they lasted for about 12-13K miles and they aren't cheap but they are pretty good. I think I used to pay less for the tyres on my 911 turbo.

The car is very capable, comfy and comes well spec'd as standard. I prefer the 19" wheels but that's personal taste. I do have variable suspension (EDC) on mine and do use it, soft setting good for crappy roads. Other things to consider are front and rear parking sensors and ipod connectivity. I find adaptive xenon headlights quite good also.

The MPG as stated by Macca is exactly what I'm getting which is why mine is going. The tank range isn't great which are the reasons why mine is going as as I need something that I can put big miles on and is a tad more economical.

Great car and very reliable.

[hodgre]

Agree with views on mpg-can't even get 30mpg out of it at 50mph (SPEC enforced)
However, depreciation is always going to be the major cost
Mines been totally reliable
I believe there is a significant difference with EDC especially with post snow deterioration of our roads
changed cups after 6000 miles

[MC99]

Agree with above, mixed city of London and odd m-way brings 21 mpg odd. Ugly 18s ( I like ) EDC, logic7, USB, parking sensors, steery lights.. I like it all and the engine is a gem, likes a bit of oil. Overall, one the most versatile of cars, great V8 soundtrack, depth of handling and quick enough to keep you alert on even the dullest journeys.

[macca]

gameoverman and paulmon... surprised yours had ps2's, were these oem? Mine came with cups (although I think not the full blown version found on the 911). I replaced the cups with PS2's, like gameoverman says - a better all round tyre. Maybe the e90 has different tyres to e92?