M3 must have options ?

[CardinalZeus77]

Hi Guys,

I am looking to replace my current E90 with a M3 coupe.
What options would you say are must haves and does that include EDC ?

[Genro757]

I've got premium, tech, and cold weather packs

[xrayos]

yes, tech package (which includes EDC) is the most important. I would also recommend DCT.

[Big Windy]

tech package. it is unfortunately the only way to get MDM.

[Neil McRae]

We don't have packages in the UK.

In my view the must have options are as follows:

19 Inch Wheels
EDC
Bluetooth
Some sort of upgraded Hifi
USB

TBH the car is well speced in the UK as it comes with Sat Nav as standard.
I'd also urge you to do a good test drive of a car with MDCT and ignore the wibbling about this on other parts of the forum - its superb.

[biscuits]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

We don't have packages in the UK.

In my view the must have options are as follows:

19 Inch Wheels
EDC
Bluetooth
Some sort of upgraded Hifi
USB

TBH the car is well speced in the UK as it comes with Sat Nav as standard.
I'd also urge you to do a good test drive of a car with MDCT and ignore the wibbling about this on other parts of the forum - its superb.

I'd agree with the list here, anything else on the car would be a bonus, but the list above are essential.

MDCT vs Manual can be debated all day long. Whichever you prefer is the correct choice.

[CardinalZeus77]

Thanks guys.

So its a definate yes to EDC.
I am test driving one with EDC next week.

[biscuits]

Originally Posted by Hitman999

Thanks guys.

So its a definate yes to EDC.
I am test driving one with EDC next week.

EDC changes how the car feels a lot.

As default, I have EDC on COMFORT. Then on the [M] button I have Power on Sport Plus, EDC on Normal and Traction on MDM. It just means when you want to push on or play, press the [M] button and the car transforms to a complete lout.

Let us know how you get on

[Hoops]

Out of interest Paul, why dont you have everything set to FULL LOON mode on the M button?? I understand default being set to ease and comfort - but cant understand setting EDC to normal when you press the M button?? Do you have super shitty roads around your way???
Also - DCT is fine if you want an auto but i certainly wouldnt class it as a must have - the manual is superb and gives you that extra bit of driver intervention rather than relying on a computer. But lets not start a DCT v Manual debate - nobody cares!!!

[biscuits]

Originally Posted by bmwbailey

Out of interest Paul, why dont you have everything set to FULL LOON mode on the M button?? I understand default being set to ease and comfort - but cant understand setting EDC to normal when you press the M button?? Do you have super shitty roads around your way???

I just find the full on setting on EDC is too stiff and the wheels loose traction on-road. At Brands it was set to full hard-on.

My driving style is more softly-softly-catchy-monkey, then wham-bam-thank-you-mam

[Hoops]

Originally Posted by biscuits

too stiff, hard-on, wham-bam-thank-you-mam

Sounds like a normal day in the office (orifice) to me Paul!!!

[Neil McRae]

EDC on sport on UK roads is extreme, esp with all the freaking speed bumps.

Note I wasn't specifically stating MDCT is a must have, just think that you should ensure you test drive it before making your mind up. There is no right or wrong answer, its what works for you best.

Not driven a manual since I traded the manual E46 in 2002 for an SMG one. Tryed the wifes manual recently and thought I might need L plates

[Neil McRae]

I would also add that not having EDC isnt the end of the world even without it the car is superb.

[Hoops]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

I would also add that not having EDC isnt the end of the world even without it the car is superb.

Agreed, but it will effect residuals and desirability when it comes to move it on.

[Neil McRae]

yup main reason why I have it on the must have.

[Hoops]

Good!

[M3-FAST]

Originally Posted by bmwbailey

Agreed, but it will effect residuals and desirability when it comes to move it on.

Yet on all the latest lease deals BMW are chucking about, the only two compulsory options are the 19" wheels and the DCT gearbox, to protect future residuals. My mate is business manager at a dealership and he says these are the two essentials in BMW's eyes.

[Neil McRae]

Not sure I agree that DCT is a must have from residual PoV. its just the usual dealership "no auto - no deal" BS. I think M3 buyers are not the typical BMW buyer in that plenty of them want manuals, as with everything its about who wants to buy what you've got.

I sold my old E46 M3 a significant premium to what the glass guide gave purely because it was Estoril Blue and had a Sunroof of which there were very few examples available. I had two chaps who wanted the car badly enough they coughed up alot more.

Neil.

[themetz]

Originally Posted by Neil McRae

We don't have packages in the UK.

In my view the must have options are as follows:

19 Inch Wheels
EDC
Bluetooth
Some sort of upgraded Hifi
USB

TBH the car is well speced in the UK as it comes with Sat Nav as standard.
I'd also urge you to do a good test drive of a car with MDCT and ignore the wibbling about this on other parts of the forum - its superb.

I'd pretty much go with this list - DSP HIFI well worth it over standard stereo. I haven't got EDC and quite happy without it (what you ain't got you don't miss...) If ur planning on track days probably should consider it - but if not, I shouldn't bother.

IMO, USB interface only necessary if your going to hook up your IPOD. I've got it but NEVER used it. With the hard disk included with the Professional Mulitmedia (standard) I just download albums to the car directly, or I think you can import via glove box USB interface (incldued with Pro Multimedia)

I've also got DAB (which I use ALL the time) and elec folding mirrors so I can get in my garage!

[Neil McRae]

how is the dab reception? I've heard that its flakey esp in cities and motorways?

[dar2008]

DAB is great, so glad I got it. It works fine in cities and motorways for me. Very occasionally the signal will drop out, but there's an iDrive setting to automatically switch to the same channel on FM (if one exists) should the DAB signal be lost.

[Hoops]

Personally i think EDC is pretty much essential and without doubt will be a factor when it comes to resale value. Yet again i think its a case of BMW talking out of their arseholes as per usual to make sales.
I have a fully loaded M3, but i cant seem to get on with the DAB radio - i admit ive not read the manual - but i just cant seem to get it to find stations and on the odd occasion i listen to a station thats pre progammed in it often loses signal quite quickly??? Can anyone give me a quick idiot guide to using/programming/getting best out of DAB - please?? Ta!!