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01-30-2013, 12:21 PM | #1 |
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Sometimes Plans Change
With 12 years and 200k on the clock of my beloved e46 325i, I was excited at the announcement of the new F30 3er and began stashing away as much cash as I could to "pre-fund" the car's purchase. I planned to wait for the F30 M-Sport package and take European Delivery on an Estoril Blue/Black Dakota 335 with 6MT, ZMM, ZPP, ZTP, and ZCW.
Fast forward a few months and I had the opportunity spend some serious seat time in a friend's 335 ZSL and another friend's AH3. One thing kept bugging me... In every measurable dimension, it's faster and more capable than my e46, but I just didn't LOVE the car the way I felt when I bought the e46. I had turned to BMW's options sheet to spec an F30 with a litany of whiz-bang technology, only to find that I really wanted was something more visceral. So I went in search of something else, and found the solution with one of BMW's German neighbors. Enter the new addition... an '07 Porsche Cayman S. Let me be clear... the F30 is a great car and is FAR more practical than the Cayman. For those on this forum who (like me), have expressed concerns about being removed from the driving experience, all I can say is that I have been physically unable to remove the ear-to-ear grin from my face after copious hours of the Cayman's snarly exhaust, mid-engine balance, knee-high to a June bug driving position, and rifle-bolt 6-speed. I'm not leaving the BMW family as I'm keeping the e46 and am eagerly awaiting the specs and details on the upcoming M2. In the mean time, a big thanks to the forum mods for proving excellent information on the F30's specs and to all the members who satiated my lust for pics of EBII. Happy motoring, all! |
01-30-2013, 12:32 PM | #2 | |
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01-30-2013, 12:35 PM | #3 |
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Congrats!!! Great car. I personally had a 997S and loved it. Sold it back in 2010 to get the new 2012 991S until I realized the price differential from old to new. I have to have 4 seats and the 911 fits that bill pretty well. I'll eventually work my way back to Porsche. It's a completely different feel. Enjoy the car!
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01-30-2013, 01:55 PM | #6 |
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01-30-2013, 02:01 PM | #8 | ||
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Thanks! The original warranty has long since expired, so I'm surfing the Cayman forums and learning a lot about what can/cannot be done as a DIY project. |
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01-30-2013, 02:04 PM | #9 |
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Lol... correct.
Uh... no. Perhaps you missed the part where I said that the F30 is a great car. It just wasn't the best solution for my needs. |
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01-30-2013, 02:35 PM | #10 | |
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01-30-2013, 03:11 PM | #11 | |
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I don't believe so. I think the point was for a potential f30 owner to show some fellow BMW enthusiasts his very nice, new wheels. And also to remind the rest of us that we are suckers for paying $50k for a sedan. J/K! |
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01-30-2013, 03:14 PM | #12 |
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No sir, that was reserved for the last generation Porsche Boxter. I personally don't see anything girly about a Cayman, and wish my personal circumstances permitted for me to buy one. It's pretty much a 'de-tuned' 911 on a lighter body. Pure Enthusiasts car right there. |
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01-30-2013, 03:37 PM | #13 |
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You have great taste in automobiles IMO. I have an 08 e92 that I plan on keeping much longer but plan on either adding an upcoming 235i or a lightly used Porsche Cayman in the next couple of years. We just bought the wife a new 335i m sport which we do like but I understand your feeling of being not quite as connected to the car as your current BMW. I have discovered that after driving her new car for extended drives one does start to bond with it quite nicely though. It is just a little different driving experience but it is a great driving and handling automobile nonetheless. This being said though I am really craving a Cayman right now. By the way, are you a cyclists also, I have been riding for over 25 years now. I dont race but ride 150 to 250 miles a week all year. I think biking makes us better drivers also as it seems to keep the reflexes sharp.
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01-30-2013, 03:43 PM | #14 | |
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01-30-2013, 03:49 PM | #15 |
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You wanted a more 'visceral' feel, and this Porsche will definitely more than provide. F30 compromises more, and it sacrifices 'visceral' feel for everyday comfort. Have fun and enjoy your ride! I remember you wanted that AH3 badly, unless I've mistaken your avatar for someone else.
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01-30-2013, 03:50 PM | #16 | |
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Find somebody who has one, then take it to a track or a good technical road and see if you feel the same.
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Moral of the story is that life is short... live the life you want to live! |
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01-30-2013, 03:54 PM | #17 | |
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Cheers! |
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01-30-2013, 05:00 PM | #18 | |
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01-30-2013, 06:22 PM | #19 | ||
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Yup, a cyclist as well. I hung up the racing career after a few seasons as I just didn't have the time to do credit to the training and spent what felt like every spare moment to be a lowly Cat 4. I have an enormous amount of respect for folks who have the dedication required for racing. Now I do weekend rides and commute to work a few days a week and have to say I'm happier for it. I wholeheartedly agree that cycling makes a better/more engaged driver. Quote:
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01-30-2013, 06:56 PM | #20 | ||
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Congrats, great pick-up!
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Later on, I got to test a 335i M Sport with the M adaptive suspension and I liked that one better. Nevertheless, you wanted visceral, and you went straight to the best in that price range IMHO. Doesn't take anything away from the F30. They just have different objectives. The upcoming M2 may be a better replacement for your E46.
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01-30-2013, 07:25 PM | #21 |
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Congrats on your "new" Cayman ! Very sharp looking car ! I would never have guessed the MY from the photo; it looks like new !
Very nice photo too; that orange building in the background really transmits some energy into the composition. Happy riding !
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01-30-2013, 10:29 PM | #22 | ||
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LOVE your e92 M3! A buddy of mine has an Interlagos Blue e90 M3 and that car is NUTZ! Quote:
Question for you... does the M-sport package come standard with the turbine wheels in Canada? Looks great! |
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