It took 11 years, but I finally placed my order...

Merlosso · 05-29-2011, 08:37 AM

The M3 has been at the top of my wish list since Road and Track introduced me to the E46 around 11 years ago. The styling was great, but what really got me what was under the hood. 333 HP from a 3.2 liter? I was in love with it's six individual electronically controlled throttle bodies, it's DOHC with variable valve timing, and it's 8,000 rpm redline. I had to have one. Unfortunately, my annual salary at the time was less than half the sticker price.

I remedied the salary issue over the next several years but other things got in the way. I moved out of state for a job, bought a house, relocated again, bought another house, got married, etc. By the time I was ready to revisit the E46 M3, production was at the end and I was going to have to wait for the next generation. At first I was let down by the idea of a V8. I feared BMW was taking the lazy American route by just using displacement to get the power they wanted rather than using technology to get everything they could out of the smaller engine. Boy was I wrong. The S65 was everything I loved about the S54, but taken to a whole new level.

I accidentally stumbled across the European Delivery program while researching M3 option packages earlier this year and I knew that was the only way for me to go. When I told my wife about it, she started packing immediately (for the trip, not to leave me

).

Here's what we have on order through David at Northwest (whom I highly recommend):

E90 M3, Alpine White
6MT (I love the concept of the DCT but just can't give up the third pedal)
Black Leather (not extended)
Carbon Leather Trim
Competition Package
Convenience Package
Premium Package
Sunroof
Fold-Down Rear Seats (how is this not standard?)
BMW Apps

Delivery is on 9/20 and was confirmed by BMW last week with a production number.

Now, the wait begins...

This site has been extremely helpful during the process. I haven't posted much because I have spent most of my time searching, reading, and searching some more, and reading some more. Thanks to all of you guys I know exactly what options I want, I have a list of planned mods already (subtle, mostly cosmetic), and I know what to do if/when my car begins emitting cowbell noises.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to to the Xbox for more "training." In Forza 3 I built an E92 (game doesn't have the E90) to try and match a stock M3 with the Competition Package and I've been running it around the Nurburgring for the past few months. By the time September comes around, I should have around a thousand laps under my belt. Yes, I know it's just a video game and a toy steering wheel, but it's the closest thing I've got. And it helps pass the time.

sameh · 05-29-2011, 08:44 AM

Congrats.

DiavelM3 · 05-29-2011, 08:51 AM

11 years. Now that is pesistance and passion!

Congrats!!!!

PKL · 05-29-2011, 08:52 AM

Congratulations and mucho respect for the 6MT!

MRSSIIM3 · 05-29-2011, 12:47 PM

congrats bro!!

i did the same thing with forza hahaha the wait was the worst but itll be worth it. have fun on ED

Malek@MRF · 05-29-2011, 01:33 PM

Right on man! You won't regret your MT choice and you will love the car in general!

Welcome to m3post.

-Malek

persian54 · 05-29-2011, 01:36 PM

congrats

I plan on doing ED when we get my mom a new Z4. Can't wait :P

-=Hot|Ice=- · 05-29-2011, 01:38 PM

Looks like a gorgeous car you've built! Congrats and pics when she comes home! Even better Stop by and we can chill! You're only ~10-15 minutes from me anyway!

itf joegun · 05-29-2011, 01:38 PM

Congratulations! It is really nice when a dream comes true...

spdy330 · 05-29-2011, 01:45 PM

That is awesome OP. Congrats. I ordered mine similar but with DCT. My story was very similar to yours. I wanted an M3 since 1990 but my girlfriend now wife would not allow that to happen. So in Dec 2009 I purchased a CPO'd E90 330i and played with it for about 15 months and then she finally gave in and let me get my dream car. But from 1990 to 2011 the HP increase is insane! I am sure you and I am going to love these cars.

You are going to get very impatient waiting. I know this as I have been waiting since March 24th when I plaved my order.

Once again congrats!!!!!

BLUE-BEAST///M2 · 05-29-2011, 02:02 PM

Congrats you're going to love that car!

blittle887 · 05-29-2011, 02:03 PM

Congrats! You will have an absolute BLAST doing ED! Looks like our cars are quite similar, except for the sunroof and black leather. Have you visited the bimmerfest.com ED page yet? They have lots of great info on ED over there.

ManAndMachine · 05-29-2011, 03:16 PM

11 years is a long time to wait dude LoL..Congrats,you'll love the car

k5ng · 05-29-2011, 04:06 PM

Congrats! 6MT is the way to go!

Welcome to the club!

MUFCbmwbear · 05-29-2011, 08:16 PM

"6MT (I love the concept of the DCT but just can't give up the third pedal)"

Well said. DCT is awesome but it might be the football (soccer) in my constitution that makes me want to drive a 3 pedal car.

Quattro98 · 05-29-2011, 08:22 PM

Congratulations!

Elaz · 05-29-2011, 08:59 PM

congrats.when i tell you i know how you feel it's no lie. i had to wait 20 years to be able to buy this my dream car.was well worth the wait.

CBS · 05-29-2011, 09:44 PM

Congrats OP! Your ED will be a blast!

Let me know if you want a PM on my ED experience. There were certain specifics I wanted and learned the hard way.

positiveions · 05-29-2011, 10:11 PM

congrats

snowboarder · 05-29-2011, 10:30 PM

I admire stories like yours.
Mine is completely different. I wasn't sure what car I should pick
after my 550i and looked around the dealer's... My CA told me:
"I'm positive you would love an M3". And I'm like: "really?".
Never considered it before. So your 11 years vs my 2 days.
That's how long it took me to order one.
But after I did, I realized how good that decision was

Now, I can't wait.

TailHappyM3 · 05-29-2011, 10:44 PM

Nice! Good things come to those who wait. I hope you get 11 wonderful years and more out of her.

chmura · 05-30-2011, 03:06 AM

Congrats! My story is similar to yours also. I will post it up as soon as I get ED confirmation for my e90. I want to go at the end of September.

My CA told me that he is waiting for ED confirmation of my order. He said the ordering system of the option list is blacked out or something and he thinks BMW is combining some packages together and cannot submit the order yet. Not sure what is happening. He said not to worry though I will get my e90 M3 at the end of September. Your ED date of 9/20 reassured that

. Did you experience anything like this when you ordered? I should get ED confirmation soon.

05-29-2011, 08:37 AM	#1
Merlosso Banned 24 Rep 495 Posts Drives: Results Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Germantown, MD iTrader: (2)	It took 11 years, but I finally placed my order... The M3 has been at the top of my wish list since Road and Track introduced me to the E46 around 11 years ago. The styling was great, but what really got me what was under the hood. 333 HP from a 3.2 liter? I was in love with it's six individual electronically controlled throttle bodies, it's DOHC with variable valve timing, and it's 8,000 rpm redline. I had to have one. Unfortunately, my annual salary at the time was less than half the sticker price. I remedied the salary issue over the next several years but other things got in the way. I moved out of state for a job, bought a house, relocated again, bought another house, got married, etc. By the time I was ready to revisit the E46 M3, production was at the end and I was going to have to wait for the next generation. At first I was let down by the idea of a V8. I feared BMW was taking the lazy American route by just using displacement to get the power they wanted rather than using technology to get everything they could out of the smaller engine. Boy was I wrong. The S65 was everything I loved about the S54, but taken to a whole new level. I accidentally stumbled across the European Delivery program while researching M3 option packages earlier this year and I knew that was the only way for me to go. When I told my wife about it, she started packing immediately (for the trip, not to leave me ). Here's what we have on order through David at Northwest (whom I highly recommend): E90 M3, Alpine White 6MT (I love the concept of the DCT but just can't give up the third pedal) Black Leather (not extended) Carbon Leather Trim Competition Package Convenience Package Premium Package Sunroof Fold-Down Rear Seats (how is this not standard?) BMW Apps Delivery is on 9/20 and was confirmed by BMW last week with a production number. Now, the wait begins... This site has been extremely helpful during the process. I haven't posted much because I have spent most of my time searching, reading, and searching some more, and reading some more. Thanks to all of you guys I know exactly what options I want, I have a list of planned mods already (subtle, mostly cosmetic), and I know what to do if/when my car begins emitting cowbell noises. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to to the Xbox for more "training." In Forza 3 I built an E92 (game doesn't have the E90) to try and match a stock M3 with the Competition Package and I've been running it around the Nurburgring for the past few months. By the time September comes around, I should have around a thousand laps under my belt. Yes, I know it's just a video game and a toy steering wheel, but it's the closest thing I've got. And it helps pass the time.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-29-2011, 08:44 AM	#2
sameh Lieutenant Colonel 171 Rep 1,530 Posts Drives: 2015 Porsche 911S Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Congrats. __________________ 2011 E92 JB/BL/DCT--->80K Miles 2015 F80 SS/SO/DCT?->28K Miles 2015 Porsche 911S
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 08:51 AM	#3
DiavelM3 4 Star General -Twilight Zone 36 Rep 1,032 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 5280 iTrader: (1)	11 years. Now that is pesistance and passion! Congrats!!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 08:52 AM	#4
PKL Brigadier General 848 Rep 3,274 Posts Drives: 2020 M4, 2022 X6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Fernando Valley iTrader: (1)	Congratulations and mucho respect for the 6MT! __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 12:47 PM	#5
MRSSIIM3 General 149 Rep 1,348 Posts Drives: M4 SO Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (5)	congrats bro!! i did the same thing with forza hahaha the wait was the worst but itll be worth it. have fun on ED
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 01:33 PM	#6
Malek@MRF BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 731 Rep 3,735 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E46 M3, G82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Irvine, California iTrader: (5)	Right on man! You won't regret your MT choice and you will love the car in general! Welcome to m3post. -Malek __________________ BMW PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS. Race Engines. Suspension. F/I. Brakes. Race Preparation. Factory Service. Alignments. OFFICIAL PARTNERS: KW. MOTON. Brembo. AP Racing. BBS Motorsport. iND. HRE. Turner Motorsport. VAC. BMW Motorsport. Facebook \| Instagram \| Yelp! \| Flikr Phone: 949-233-0448 \| E-Mail: info@mrfengineering.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 01:36 PM	#7
persian54 Lieutenant General 923 Rep 15,818 Posts Drives: M760/G83M4 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal iTrader: (298)	congrats I plan on doing ED when we get my mom a new Z4. Can't wait :P __________________ From E93 335i to E89 Z4 to E93 M3/E89 Z4 to E350/SL550
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 01:38 PM	#9
itf joegun Lieutenant 169 Rep 428 Posts Drives: G29 Z4 M40i; G05 X5 M50i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Rhineland Palatinate - Germany iTrader: (0)	Congratulations! It is really nice when a dream comes true... __________________ Best regards, Jochen Click signature for current and previous cars.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 01:45 PM	#10
spdy330 Major General 530 Rep 6,149 Posts Drives: 05 Tundra, 15 FIT, 17 CRV Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chino Hills, CA iTrader: (163)	That is awesome OP. Congrats. I ordered mine similar but with DCT. My story was very similar to yours. I wanted an M3 since 1990 but my girlfriend now wife would not allow that to happen. So in Dec 2009 I purchased a CPO'd E90 330i and played with it for about 15 months and then she finally gave in and let me get my dream car. But from 1990 to 2011 the HP increase is insane! I am sure you and I am going to love these cars. You are going to get very impatient waiting. I know this as I have been waiting since March 24th when I plaved my order. Once again congrats!!!!! __________________ If you will be purchasing ANY AT&T services online or in store could you mention that you were referred by me? My Employee Referral ID is eo4489. This would be a great help and it costs you nothing, thank you!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 02:02 PM	#11
BLUE-BEAST///M2 Private First Class 47 Rep 124 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Alameda County, CA iTrader: (0)	Congrats you're going to love that car!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 02:03 PM	#12
blittle887 Private First Class 110 Rep 178 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: VA iTrader: (1)	Congrats! You will have an absolute BLAST doing ED! Looks like our cars are quite similar, except for the sunroof and black leather. Have you visited the bimmerfest.com ED page yet? They have lots of great info on ED over there. __________________ 2011.5 E90 M3 \| Bamboo Beige Novillo Leather \| Carbon leather Trim \| ZCP \| ZP2 \| 6MT \| Heated Seats
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 03:16 PM	#13
ManAndMachine Lieutenant 25 Rep 596 Posts Drives: G80M3 BG KO, '17 Taco Pro Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Valencia,Ca iTrader: (0)	11 years is a long time to wait dude LoL..Congrats,you'll love the car
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 04:06 PM	#14
k5ng Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2016 F83 M4 Mineral Grey/DCT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0)	Congrats! 6MT is the way to go! Welcome to the club! __________________ 2008 E92 335xi Sparkling Graphite/Coral Red (gone) 2011 E93 M3 6MT JZB/Ext Bamboo (gone) 2013 E93 M3 DCT SSII/Palladium,Blk,Blk (gone) 2016 F83 M4 DCT MG/Black
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 08:16 PM	#15
MUFCbmwbear Major 706 Rep 1,202 Posts Drives: 24 M2 & 20 M340xi Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Chicago/Milwaukee iTrader: (0)	"6MT (I love the concept of the DCT but just can't give up the third pedal)" Well said. DCT is awesome but it might be the football (soccer) in my constitution that makes me want to drive a 3 pedal car. __________________ 20 M340xi White Mocha 17 340i/M235i/E92 M3/135i All 6spd Chicago-Lake County-Milwaukee-Shorewood
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 08:22 PM	#16
Quattro98 Private First Class 8 Rep 106 Posts Drives: '11 E92 M3, '15 F31 328i(x) Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1)	Congratulations!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 08:59 PM	#17
Elaz Lieutenant 51 Rep 591 Posts Drives: e92m Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: bx ny iTrader: (1)	congrats.when i tell you i know how you feel it's no lie. i had to wait 20 years to be able to buy this my dream car.was well worth the wait.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 09:44 PM	#18
CBS Major 87 Rep 1,253 Posts Drives: F10535, E90M3, E30M3, E28M5 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Alpina B6 GC [0.00] 2014 535xi M Sport [0.00] 2014 X3 3.5 M Sport [0.00] 2011 M3 E90 [9.74] 2007 Z4 M Coupe [7.00] 1990 M3 [9.50] 1988 M5 [10.00]	Congrats OP! Your ED will be a blast! Let me know if you want a PM on my ED experience. There were certain specifics I wanted and learned the hard way. __________________ ESS VT-1 550 \| M24 Oil Cooler \| Fall Line Half Cage \| RaceTech 4009W \| 6 pt Harness \| Lifeline Zero 360 Fire Suppression \| Rear Seat Delete \| Motion Control DA Dampers w/remote reservoirs \| 900/650 Hyperco Springs \| RD Sport Sway Bars \| Brembo 380 BBK \| GC Camber Plates \| Hoosier R7 \| Eisenmann Sport \| Stack Gauges \| Painted Challenge Front Lip \| Painted ZCP Rear Spoiler \| Xpel Ultimate Film \| LuxAngelEyes
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 10:11 PM	#19
positiveions Lieutenant General 961 Rep 11,722 Posts Drives: 19 Tacoma, 16 Golf wagon Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Upland, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 Toyota Tacoma [0.00] 2016 VW Golf Sports ... [0.00] 1998 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW 325is [0.00]	congrats
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 10:30 PM	#20
snowboarder Private First Class 18 Rep 129 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	I admire stories like yours. Mine is completely different. I wasn't sure what car I should pick after my 550i and looked around the dealer's... My CA told me: "I'm positive you would love an M3". And I'm like: "really?". Never considered it before. So your 11 years vs my 2 days. That's how long it took me to order one. But after I did, I realized how good that decision was Now, I can't wait.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2011, 10:44 PM	#21
TailHappyM3 Lieutenant 43 Rep 534 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Nice! Good things come to those who wait. I hope you get 11 wonderful years and more out of her.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-30-2011, 03:06 AM	#22
chmura Colonel 1558 Rep 2,505 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orange County, California iTrader: (1)	Congrats! My story is similar to yours also. I will post it up as soon as I get ED confirmation for my e90. I want to go at the end of September. My CA told me that he is waiting for ED confirmation of my order. He said the ordering system of the option list is blacked out or something and he thinks BMW is combining some packages together and cannot submit the order yet. Not sure what is happening. He said not to worry though I will get my e90 M3 at the end of September. Your ED date of 9/20 reassured that . Did you experience anything like this when you ordered? I should get ED confirmation soon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote