Just drove the E90 M3...

[Epacy]

Wasn't impressed.

Dealer had a JB/FR fully loaded sedan that he said had been pdi'd but still had all the wrappings and crap in the interior. NAV screen worked and all that. M-drive worked too.

The car just seemed to be throttled back. The pickup on the car wasn't all that staggering. It did seem to pull strongly down low but it just didn't seem to have all that much oomph when you got going. Clutch also seemed very notchy, probably from newness. Obviously was limited in the rev range as well.
Part of the impression was no doubt affected by the busy-ass streets around the dealer. The city streets were jammed and the highways didn't have many openings.
I did jab the throttle while coasting and the sound with the windows up was a nice grunt. Engine also sounded boss at a cold startup, as I have previously mentioned elsewhere.

Wanted to give props to the sales manager for letting me take the car out alone with my friend.

I hope this test drive wasn't fully indicative of the behavior of the car.

[southlight]

Wow, that doesn't sound good. You sure the car wasn't in any kind of limp or transportation mode?


Best regards, south

[MelsM3]

Keep the Maxima?

[southlight]

Shouldn't the light bulb suggest anything like "I have a clue"?


Best regards, south

[monsta]

huh oh....busy streets make the difference...you spent your time frustrated that you couldn't open her up (especially since you were alone w/ your friend), when you get your car you'll have plenty of times to open her up and she'll make you scream and smile a whole bunch!!

[MelsM3]

Originally Posted by southlight

Shouldn't the light bulb suggest anything like "I have a clue"?


Best regards, south

= Here's an idea or Here's a suggestion.


Regards, West

[southlight]

Originally Posted by MelsM3

= Here's an idea or Here's a suggestion.


Regards, West

Glad you know the original sense, that's a good start.


Best regards, south

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by southlight

Wow, that doesn't sound good. You sure the car wasn't in any kind of limp or transportation mode?


Best regards, south

I don't believe so. It was odd. Was expecting alot more.
Perhaps my next test drive will be different. Although, my order is about to start production, so my next drive will probably be after the order is in production. Somewhat late by then to make a change.

[southlight]

Originally Posted by Epacy

I don't believe so. It was odd. Was expecting alot more.
Perhaps my next test drive will be different. Although, my order is about to start production, so my next drive will probably be after the order is in production. Somewhat late by then to make a change.

Still doesn't sound good.
So I get you right that it pulled strong down in the revs and not so good at higher revs? I guess you kept it below 5.5k?

Don't know what to say, M5 maybe?


Best regards, south

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by southlight

Still doesn't sound good.
So I get you right that it pulled strong down in the revs and not so good at higher revs? I guess you kept it below 5.5k?

Don't know what to say, M5 maybe?


Best regards, south

Yeah, I kept it below 5.5k.

[swamp2]

sorry to hear you were not throroughly impressed. Could it be built up so much in your mind that reality is less powerful than expectation and anxiety? We have talked about this before. Try a test drive in any car at 5/8th of redline and see how you feel. Then switch to 100% of redline.

[NavM]

It may all be related to the new engine and limitations on reving the engine as you pointed out. I've driven several used M5's recently so I know how hard they accelerate and am eager to to compare it to the M3. A dealer in my area has a demo and told me I can drive it. I am eager to test drive it soon and get a feel for it. I'd say test drive an M5 to help you make a decision.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Yeah, I kept it below 5.5k.

Shit I was all pumped up to go for my M3 test drive on the 25th (still going to). Perhaps it was an anomaly.

You want to come test drive the C63 AMG with me?

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Shit I was all pumped up to go for my M3 test drive on the 25th (still going to). Perhaps it was an anomaly.

You want to come test drive the C63 AMG with me?

Sure!

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by Epacy

Sure!

As soon as my dealer gets it in June, I'll let you know.

I think you will have your brand new M3 by then though. Hopefully you won't want to drive the C63 by then, because you'll be too busy driving your new beast.

[Epacy]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

As soon as my dealer gets it in June, I'll let you know.

I think you will have your brand new M3 by then though. Hopefully you won't want to drive the C63 by then, because you'll be too busy driving your new beast.

And where are you located?

[Artz 330]

I agree with the OP. Here is what I just posted on the e90 section. The M3 really lacks TQ. But I did love the sound of the V8 at 8,200 RPMs. I am thinking of writing up a review of what I think compared to the e46 M3 and Z4m.

I had the chance to take out an E92 M3 today. Very nice car, but all those buttons it has and I turned everything up and the car barely felt different. I did not like the sloppy gear shifter and clutch that both seemed rather weak. Felt like drive my old e90 330i stick with more power. This car is missing a soul compared to that of the E46 M3 and my current Z4M. The raw feeling no longer exists.

Well to the fun part.

My 335i has the Helix Attache.

1st Run 2nd gear from 40-100 (I was driving the M) The 335 pulled about 1 1/2 cars

2nd run same thing and 3rd run was also the same.

If we had a chance to get up to 140ish the 335 would def have the M3 by at least 4 car lengths.

The 335i pulls almost identical on my Z4M to that of the new M3 and I ran a best of 12.6@113MPH so the M3 times I have seen seem to be pretty much right on the Nose.

[VictorH]

I guess this might be all relative to what your comparison is. I have driven the M3 all the way to its 8400 rpm redline. I thought the power, even down low, was pretty darn good. The power is quite linear.

Maybe you're used to driving 11 second cars. This is a solid 12 second vehicle and it's runs like one.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by VictorH

I guess this might be all relative to what your comparison is. I have driven the M3 all the way to its 8400 rpm redline. I thought the power, even down low, was pretty darn good. The power is quite linear.

Maybe you're used to driving 11 second cars. This is a solid 12 second vehicle and it's runs like one.

my z4m ran a 12.6 and it feels faster than the new m3 even tho its not. The m3 is so linear it doesnt put you back in the seat. Its boring power to be honest.

[SCBMW02]

from 3 days of driving the hell out of it on the Nurburgring F1 track last October! I am sorry if loafing around in traffic gave you a bad impression of the car. I recently drove a friends Aston Martin Vantage in traffic and it sucked!! Not sure what everyone is expecting, but this car is WAY better than the E46. This is all totally subjective and some may not like the car, but you can't judge it by taking a spin around the block. If 4.1 0-60, .98g of grip (R&T) and 60-0 100ft (Edmunds) don't do it for you your next best option might be a GT2 for about 190K! This car beat the Merc and Audi in all the comparisons when it comes to overall driving so in this class it is still #1.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

It is because the e46 M3 and Z4M has more connection to the driver. Faster doesn't always mean better. People are "hooked" to speed... and HP... 0 to 60 but forget about the important parts... like feel and soul. My e46 M3 had soul. Best car I'll ever own. My e92 335i Dinan, although crazy faster... is the most bloody boring car I've ever owned. Has absolutely no soul, but is insane fast. You don't feel 0 to 80. Just happens. Really boring.

Yes, it is missing soul and thats what I said after I drove it. And I def would not spend 70K on it. The suspension is better than the 335i, but no way in hell will this thing keep up with my Z4M in the corners.

[Artz 330]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

Same thing happened to the e60 M5. Amazing car... no doubt. Superb everything on paper... the numbers say it all. Is it as exciting as the e39 M5? Not at all. And that's why you can find dozens of e60 M5 on the used car market for 30% less than their original MSRP. The e39 M5 still grabs my attention no matter what. The e60 M5... I think so... after I see the rims and my mind connects that it is an M car.

The M6... nothing to compare it against... maybe that's why it's a bit more successful. No previous M6 to compare it to. Anyway... I do love the new M3... and I'm praying after break-in that some numbers and reviews will help lift the spirits. But aren't all cars losing their souls?

they are, i noticed the change from also owning a 2004 and 2005 MINI Cooper S both stick and auto. The new Mini Cooper S is missing its soul also. I feel like BMW is D diluting the brand and going more for comfort. I can imagine the next Gen cars. I guess "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is headed towards "The Ultimate Comfort Machine" Even the E46 3 series (330) compared to the E90 330 was a change for me and It took some time to get used to.