E92 M3, commuting etc
Discussion
Evening,
Wanting something half exciting to play about it in and keep coming back to the M3. I have a budget of 15-20k, must have an exciting engine, rear seats and half practical.
Test drove an old dog at the weekend and was sold on the drive despite it being ropey....
My questions:
- 6 mile commute. Is this going to piss the car off and absolutely chew fuel?
- nearly all cars in my budget are pre LCI. Is this an issue? Apart from lights and iDrive is there much else?
- what is labour cost to change throttle actuators
- how consumables reasonably priced? Discs etc
- assume £500 road tax?
- how are they in the winter, will be stored outside so thinking of defrosting etc?
Cheers...
Wanting something half exciting to play about it in and keep coming back to the M3. I have a budget of 15-20k, must have an exciting engine, rear seats and half practical.
Test drove an old dog at the weekend and was sold on the drive despite it being ropey....
My questions:
- 6 mile commute. Is this going to piss the car off and absolutely chew fuel?
- nearly all cars in my budget are pre LCI. Is this an issue? Apart from lights and iDrive is there much else?
- what is labour cost to change throttle actuators
- how consumables reasonably priced? Discs etc
- assume £500 road tax?
- how are they in the winter, will be stored outside so thinking of defrosting etc?
Cheers...
Smuler said:
This is the place for the T/A's as highly recommended on m3 forums. says £450 at destination.
http://www.rebuild.org.uk/buy-rebuild-service/
I have an older E46 M3, but no M is that cheap on fuel and consumables compared to non M's. But surely, if you want a performance car ,it's never going to be cheap.
The newer CIC iDrive came into production Sept 2008 so can appear on pre LCI cars as LCI was about March 2010. Both these can be upgraded, really don't see the issue myself. Competition Pack in 2010 would be the bigger change inmho.
Pretty sure you can use the same de-icer on M's as any other car
Last time I looked tax was £555 and that was also on the later LCI's
My E46 takes about 3-4 miles to warm up so I doubt these cars would like a short commute or be fuel friendly (are they ever) but it wouldn't put me off. Just go out and have a blast on lunch break or buy a 'beater' to take the grind.
Cheers...http://www.rebuild.org.uk/buy-rebuild-service/
I have an older E46 M3, but no M is that cheap on fuel and consumables compared to non M's. But surely, if you want a performance car ,it's never going to be cheap.
The newer CIC iDrive came into production Sept 2008 so can appear on pre LCI cars as LCI was about March 2010. Both these can be upgraded, really don't see the issue myself. Competition Pack in 2010 would be the bigger change inmho.
Pretty sure you can use the same de-icer on M's as any other car
Last time I looked tax was £555 and that was also on the later LCI's
My E46 takes about 3-4 miles to warm up so I doubt these cars would like a short commute or be fuel friendly (are they ever) but it wouldn't put me off. Just go out and have a blast on lunch break or buy a 'beater' to take the grind.
Only thing I really want from the LCI is the CIC iDrive - I ship the kids around in a 2018 X5, and the 2008 CIC isnt all that much different - so it would be nice to stay similar to keep the Mrs happy. I like the newer lights, but could do this at anytime...
Defrosting etc - the car will not be garaged and during the winter I leave for work at 5am. Ive had cars with heated front screens and are warm within a few minutes and cars that have taken 10mins to generate any warmth at all. So whilst it sounds like a silly one, a good screen and heating system can make quite a big difference when its -5 morning sat on my drive!
Tax - Once a year, so No issues.
Fuel - Again, no issues. Just want to have realistic expectations.
Consumables - I'd never compare to non M's, but just wondering if any specific part was a complete rip off. e.g. If front discs were £1000 - Id then take more notice when buying...
Thanks for your reply...
I want to get myself into the same position, i.e that I get a cheap years motoring. Ultimately I told my wife I was looking to buy a 10k run around and now its turning into a 20k proper car.... I can most likely get this past her, however I will get it in the neck if she sees £500 after £500 bills shortly after buying it!
I want to get myself into the same position, i.e that I get a cheap years motoring. Ultimately I told my wife I was looking to buy a 10k run around and now its turning into a 20k proper car.... I can most likely get this past her, however I will get it in the neck if she sees £500 after £500 bills shortly after buying it!
cerb4.5lee said:
I had the later sat nav in mine(registered Sept 2009), yet my brother in law has the older system in his(registered June 2009). I'm guessing his was sat for a long period before it was actually registered.
Yea Ive read a bit about that, all to do with financial crisis and a lot of cars sitting around before being sold etc... have you looked at the build dates between your cars? Some I have seen are well over a years difference despite being registered at nearly the same time. D4SH said:
I bought an 08 pre LCI and at the time would've preferred the upgraded CIC. However, IMO my iphone does everything I want ie live traffic sat nav and music (via aux but sound fine for me). Just still trying to work out the best/non-obtrusive/smartest phone cradle so it looks like it's meant to be there.
I also have a 6 mile commute to work each day and there is enough time for the engine to warm fully and have a couple of blasts to 8500rpm (it's addictive!)
The only thing to bear in mind for winter is that the cold start can be quite loud. So for the first 90 seconds on start up, you could pee off your neighbours whilst de-icing etc.
Otherwise for me, after nearly a year of ownership it is the best all round car from commuting/driving the family to track days.
Addictive - I bet. I think the reason I liked the car so much is because I used to own an S2000 and LOVED the engine! I have been used to turbo cars for the last couple years and it felt really naughty the first few times I took it round to 8k - that was me sold! I also have a 6 mile commute to work each day and there is enough time for the engine to warm fully and have a couple of blasts to 8500rpm (it's addictive!)
The only thing to bear in mind for winter is that the cold start can be quite loud. So for the first 90 seconds on start up, you could pee off your neighbours whilst de-icing etc.
Otherwise for me, after nearly a year of ownership it is the best all round car from commuting/driving the family to track days.
Edited by D4SH on Tuesday 18th September 12:08
Cold start - not an issue. I dont like my direct neighbours, so its actually a pro and then beyond them its cows and apple trees!
I'll keep an eye out for CIC, but wont let it ruin an otherwise good deal. Personally I agree with what you say about phones etc, but I bloody hate stick on cradles etc...
Smuler said:
I wondered (or am I too cynical) if they still stuck in some old CCC units, even though they had CIC available
I've not seen many 2008 reg'd cars with it, and one I did was a former press car.
09 plates tend to be the first, though not all.
You should be able to secure one for £20k
Biggest decisions are gearbox and most debated option is EDC.
Gearbox. My current daily is a Mk7 Golf GTi in manual and I love it... my other daily (when taking the kids) is an X5 40d, which is Auto - which I also love. I've not seen many 2008 reg'd cars with it, and one I did was a former press car.
09 plates tend to be the first, though not all.
You should be able to secure one for £20k
Biggest decisions are gearbox and most debated option is EDC.
So, push comes to shove I am happy to have both. However having had an S2000 before I am big advocate of revvy engines and manual, I was matching shifts straight away in the M3 test drive and think as the car is a bit older is deserves a proper gearbox. Finally, I imagine there is more risk of a 10yr old DCT throwing a big bill?
EDC. Personally again I think its more to go wrong and living in the sticks I generally opt for soft/Medium modes in my other cars anyway. I am told the Middle setting of EDC is similar to passive springs? If thats the case then I am happy with either as I doubt Ill be in the stiffest setting very often around home.
Rchamps said:
Really don’t think that the V8s are great for such a short commute. The engine takes an age to warm properly and the lack of low end shove gets frustrating. I’ve just sold an e92 after using it for the same as you propose and gone back into an M4.
You’ll get frustrated if this is the most you use the car for as the rod bearings issue means you’ll not want to take it over 3/4K rpm until properly warmed, which you won’t get anywhere near on that commute.
The M3/4 doesnt do much for me, granted its rapid and lovely, but its not what I am after for my weekend fix. You’ll get frustrated if this is the most you use the car for as the rod bearings issue means you’ll not want to take it over 3/4K rpm until properly warmed, which you won’t get anywhere near on that commute.
Admittedly the E92 will be used for 4/5 short commutes each week, but will get a run out at most weekends and take me to football on an evening each week.
Rod bearings issue - this is clearly an issue, but how bad is it? I assume 95% of owners (who probably use the car similar to how I would) dont even know this exists? I cannot help but think that these issues (similar to Porsche IMS etc), whilst serious, are exaggerated because we sit on forums like this?
Smuler]ussy01 said:
The M3/4 doesnt do much for me, granted its rapid and lovely, but its not what I am after for my weekend fix.
Admittedly the E92 will be used for 4/5 short commutes each week, but will get a run out at most weekends and take me to football on an evening each week.
Rod bearings issue - this is clearly an issue, but how bad is it? I assume 95% of owners (who probably use the car similar to how I would) dont even know this exists? I cannot help but think that these issues (similar to Porsche IMS etc), whilst serious, are exaggerated because we sit on forums like this?
[/
In my reading of forums it seems more examples of concern about rod bearings than examples of engines being destroyed by them failing.
Oil analysis to risk assess is a common discussion.
I believe they are 1500£ to replace. Evolve Automotive I’ve seen mentioned.
Not really a reason to avoid the E92 , to the tune of buying a more expensive F80, surely ?
No interest in buying an F80. Could buy one tomorrow if I wanted, plus have seen some fantastic 0% deals. But I am interested in a less expensive coupe with a V8...Admittedly the E92 will be used for 4/5 short commutes each week, but will get a run out at most weekends and take me to football on an evening each week.
Rod bearings issue - this is clearly an issue, but how bad is it? I assume 95% of owners (who probably use the car similar to how I would) dont even know this exists? I cannot help but think that these issues (similar to Porsche IMS etc), whilst serious, are exaggerated because we sit on forums like this?
[/
In my reading of forums it seems more examples of concern about rod bearings than examples of engines being destroyed by them failing.
Oil analysis to risk assess is a common discussion.
I believe they are 1500£ to replace. Evolve Automotive I’ve seen mentioned.
Not really a reason to avoid the E92 , to the tune of buying a more expensive F80, surely ?
Cheers.
Spot on Mr Goodwin - exactly the sort of response I was after.
Taking all that onboard I will start to look for an LCI or at least pre-LCI with the CIC. BUT, will favour mileage and condition as a few of the changes can be retro'd..
Spanners - understood. This is why I like getting an older car, its so satisfying when you bodge it back up!!
Taking all that onboard I will start to look for an LCI or at least pre-LCI with the CIC. BUT, will favour mileage and condition as a few of the changes can be retro'd..
Spanners - understood. This is why I like getting an older car, its so satisfying when you bodge it back up!!
MikeGoodwin said:
Np, I wouldn't worry about the LCI thing too much. I do think you should think carefully about 6 miles not being enough to warm it up. Also don't bodge anything lol, they are extremely intolerable so any imperfection.
Important stuff especially for resale:
People love EDC, and at comp pack spec it is very good. But if you plan to modify suspension dont bother with it
CIC satnav a must
Audio level is important, Logic/HK and Individual are the ones to have but the hifi level (2nd option up) is fine and has more speakers
Mine doesnt have DAB and it drives me nuts, retrofitting is very difficult and expensive for the sake of some radio channels.
Interior condition is important especially if you have novo leather. The leather gets tired and scratches easy. Royal Steering wheels can re-trim for about £120
Gearbox - DCT is the one to have for most people, even die hard manual fans like myself. Shorter gear ratios and the ability to leave it in drive just suits the E92 M3s jack of all trades and high revving nature. GTS or the updated DCT software can be coded in easily, I have GTS on mine and its a huge improvement although can still be dim-witted at times. Rapid up and down the gears though.
Whatever you do dont buy replica wheels they are a lottery, many people have issues with the 359 reps including myself.
BMW Insured warranty is available for non-AUC M3's, but the price becomes extremely expensive after they tick over 60k miles. They are generally reliable cars though so you could be better saving the money.
Thanks again. Important stuff especially for resale:
People love EDC, and at comp pack spec it is very good. But if you plan to modify suspension dont bother with it
CIC satnav a must
Audio level is important, Logic/HK and Individual are the ones to have but the hifi level (2nd option up) is fine and has more speakers
Mine doesnt have DAB and it drives me nuts, retrofitting is very difficult and expensive for the sake of some radio channels.
Interior condition is important especially if you have novo leather. The leather gets tired and scratches easy. Royal Steering wheels can re-trim for about £120
Gearbox - DCT is the one to have for most people, even die hard manual fans like myself. Shorter gear ratios and the ability to leave it in drive just suits the E92 M3s jack of all trades and high revving nature. GTS or the updated DCT software can be coded in easily, I have GTS on mine and its a huge improvement although can still be dim-witted at times. Rapid up and down the gears though.
Whatever you do dont buy replica wheels they are a lottery, many people have issues with the 359 reps including myself.
BMW Insured warranty is available for non-AUC M3's, but the price becomes extremely expensive after they tick over 60k miles. They are generally reliable cars though so you could be better saving the money.
Stereo - will aim for HK. But in this car ill either be half asleep driving to work and just have the Radio on. OR ill be on a hoon, where I wont need any music!
Gearbox - I want manual, but now you've mentioned shorter gears in the DCT its reminded me of the test drive (Tested a manual). 3rd was brilliant, it felt like it went on forever, but I swear it was approaching 110mph when I backed off! So whats 4th? 140?
If thats the case then its too long for the road, I want to be hitting 65-70 in 2nd and 95-100 in 3rd? Otherwise the only gear you are ever going to use any revs with is 2nd?
I'll have to try the DCT. In my head I imagine it to be old an clunky, but it sounds like its actually a good one?
Wheels - I'll only have stock.
Warranty - I'll buy well and within my means and cross my fingers!
Rapido1 said:
I have a lovely 2011 (61 Reg LCI) E92 Individual DCT with pretty much every option. I use it for commuting occasionally as its awesome after a long stressful day at the office.
I do need to move it on now (3 Kiddys) after 3 years. By all means drop me a message if youre serious. Full BMW history (serviced 3 weeks ago and just had OEM disks and pads so no bills looming. Top end of your budget but its a beauty one of only 2 UK cars in Petrol Mica Metallic.
I wont waste your time right now, as Im not going to hand over cash this or next week. But am interested and could be in touch in the short term! Also that colour sounds perfect - would match the Carbon Black X5 nicely...I do need to move it on now (3 Kiddys) after 3 years. By all means drop me a message if youre serious. Full BMW history (serviced 3 weeks ago and just had OEM disks and pads so no bills looming. Top end of your budget but its a beauty one of only 2 UK cars in Petrol Mica Metallic.
cerb4.5lee said:
My criticism of the M3 is well known, but I did love 110mph in third at 8400rpm and then slamming it into fourth gear with the manual gearbox. High speed driving was great fun(risky for the license) because its all about the top end of the revs with that engine. 
Empty roads were its absolute forte to enjoy all the engines strengths. Commuting in it drove me mad and I felt like a caged animal, when I found an open road for pleasure to use all its performance...I never failed to enjoy it.
Yes, it was awesome. However I imagine you enjoy the higher revs more of the time with a DCT? Arghhh... but I want a manual. Will have to try a DCT...Empty roads were its absolute forte to enjoy all the engines strengths. Commuting in it drove me mad and I felt like a caged animal, when I found an open road for pleasure to use all its performance...I never failed to enjoy it.
cerb4.5lee said:
Yes and I do think that the DCT suits the revvy nature better in many ways. I was like you though and I wanted the manual because that's my preference, also you can't buy many V8's with a manual gearbox so that appealed too(two pedals are the favoured choice nowadays).
Im all for an auto in the right car. i.e a 570s is perfect with paddles. But, a older V8 coupe should have be manual! ....and without being all doomy, I do want to get a manual V8 in the bag before its all auto hybrids!
cerb4.5lee said:
I still find it hard to come to terms with the fact that in 2040 the internal combustion engine won't be available anymore...it makes me sad with me being a bit of a dinosaur!
It will be like driving a faster milk float for everyone!!
Engine/Exhaust noise is one of my favourite things about cars. 
Rapido1 said:
No problem no rush at all my hand is being forced anyway. I just cant bring myself to write a for sale advert. Whatever happens you will not be disappointed with a nice E92 M3. DCT is the one to get though
More than welcome to use me as an excuse to hang on for your car longer... just tell her that this bloke on PH is promising to buy it next month then repeat! Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff