One Year with an E90 M3

Das M · 08-22-2011, 08:24 AM

This will be my write up of my first year with my 2009 E90 M3. First, I will start off with a bit of back story of how I ended up in the vehicle that I currently have so you can see what my basis for comparison is.

I was stationed in Germany from 2004 -2007 and in the fall of 2006 I purchased what I thought was the car I had always been wanting and seemingly waiting for. A 2007 Subaru STI Limited, it had everything that STIs were known for and in an attempt to make it appeal to wider range of folks they put the leather interior in it, they ditched the clothes-line spoiler, and added a few other bits here and there. I was in love at first sight and my wife, who was stateside at the time, did everything in her power and secured us one. She spent a majority of the time driving it while I was still overseas, and when I did come home and drive it, I loved it.

Fast forward about 7-8 months, I am driving by Pentagon Car sales in Germany, a dealership that offers substantial discounts and amazing customer service to military stationed in the Kaiserslautern area, and what do I see, an E92 335i. I had to stop, and once I did, it was all over. I ended up test driving and man was I impressed. Of course the test drive in Germany is a bit different than a test drive stateside. The dealer gave me the keys, told me to come back in about thirty minutes and told me to enjoy. I sure did. I drove it hard, hit the twists, hit the long straights, whatever I picked the car seemed to ask for more.

Moving forward again, this time about May of 2010, we are stateside, stationed in Utah. My wife and I have been enjoying our E92 for quite some time but now we are expecting our first child. We begin the search, although not too serious at this point, for a four door vehicle for me. I start with the usual suspects, an E90 335i, Audis, I even debated a few American made sedans. As I said we weren’t too serious at this point. One night I get a text from my friend who happens to be a dealer at BMW of Pleasant Grove, he directs me to a dealer website where what should I see, a 2009 E90 M3, LeMans Blue, Silver Novillo Extended leather, M-DCT, the works. It was pretty much everything that I had dreamed of in a car. My wife could drive it (she was not a fan of the 6MT), it had 4 doors, it had one of the most amazing engines available, and the legend that was the ///M stamped on its trunk. I had to have it.

I showed the wife, she was impressed. She knew what it was capable of and seemed excited. She gave me the nod to proceed and proceed I did. I called said friend at the dealership and told him I wanted it. I began the process of getting my E92 back to as close to stock as I could. I had some bits and pieces that had been upgraded over my time with it and well, they had to go. I swapped the rims and tires and sped off to trade her in.

Things at the dealership didn’t go quite as smooth as I had planned but in the end the compromise was met and the paperwork was signed. I hopped into my new; well new to me (it had about 4k on the clock when I took possession) M3 and sped up the road to my friend’s house to show him the purchase. We took it first thing up the one of the best areas we could, Little Cottonwood Canyon for a night run up the hill. The windows down, the car howled as I put my foot into it. It was well past broken in and man did this thing make me smile. To this day there is one thing that has not changed, right foot down equates to big friggin’ grin on the face. But I digress.

As fall was drawing to a close and the time came for me to put on my winter wheels and tires. I run some Rota Torques and some Dunlop 3D snow tires. It’s an amazing setup and it allows me to drive my car year round. The car has no trouble going where I need it to and it has even made a few trips up to the ski hill. Moving forward to the spring time and the time everyone in Utah (well those who own BMWs) look forward too, the swap back to summer tires and wheels.

As soon as the swap is made I find myself looking for excuses to drive. Run to the store, sure. Pick up a movie, sure. For some reason or another, those short errands turn out to be a bit longer, I take the long way home, I make a few detours. The car begs you to drive it. It begs you to hit that tiny button on the wheel with the M on it. Once you do, things change, you change. That smile comes back with a vengeance.

Now don’t get me wrong, I loved my 335i coupe. We had it delivered the way wanted, Montego on Coral. There was a day that went by that we didn’t get some sort of thumbs up or nice car comment. Sure, there might have been a few haters out there but they kept to themselves. We loved that car. It was smooth, we loved to take it on trips, and we drove that thing everywhere. It was truly the first great car that I had owned. There were a few things that I was surprised with. The handling wasn’t as crisp as I had hoped, the ass end seemed to bounce out a bit if you hit a concrete seam or the like while in a turn, the sound was just ho-hum, it was so quiet, often times it was just kind of dull.

Back to the smile, back to the growl. Once you push that M button the car springs to life. The engine roars, the shocks stiffen, the tach goes on and on. Once you have pushed that button, you never want to drive the car without it. That button is what brings the smile back to my face. The car drives through turns and says, “is that all?” The car accelerates and the sound when it does, oh that sound. I find myself driving with the windows down more and more so that I can hear the sound of the engine. I enjoy the throttle blips (don’t hate on the M-DCT), I enjoy the paddle shifters, the hug of the seats, the car seat snuggly in the back seat, that’s right, my little girls loves riding in daddy’s car. She laughs, she get’s the grin on her face too. She knows what’s going to happen when she gets in my car. She is going have a good time.

This car does everything that I ask and more. It’s much more capable than I am but then again, that is what I expected. I expected a car that was going to fit the car seat, not with copious amounts of room, but just enough. I expected a car that was going to gulp down gas, and be a bit stiffer on the ride (I have to say on the comfort setting this car is much smoother than my coupe was with H&R springs). I love every minute of it. My wife still wishes it had Coral leather. I think that is the only change she would make.

So, one year from my purchase date. I couldn’t be happier. My car is up to 16,000 miles (not bad considering we did drive from Utah to Ohio) and I haven’t seen a single issue. I have what it turns out was my real dream car, I just never thought I would have it at this point in my life. I can’t imagine getting rid of it, what would I do to get the smile back on my face? In closing, this car is and probably will be the best car that I have ever owned. I can’t wait for the next year and the year after and of course inevitably the mods that are sure to follow. I hope you enjoyed my write up, I know it’s long and I know it bounces all over, blame it on my ADD, that I’m sure we all experience from time to time. Squirrel!

Bart@AUTOcouture · 08-22-2011, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335viaSTi

The car drives through turns and says, “is that all?”

Awesome write up, I actually read it twice. I also e-mailed it to myself so that I can forward it to whoever says.. "why buy an E9x M3?"

You said it perfectly sir, loved it.

abehwang · 08-22-2011, 09:17 AM

*SMILE*
great read

chmura · 08-22-2011, 09:32 AM

Congrats, nice story!

Can't wait to get mine!

jqsmooth · 08-22-2011, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 335viaSTi

So, one year from my purchase date. I couldn’t be happier. My car is up to 16,000 miles (not bad considering we did drive from Utah to Ohio) and I haven’t seen a single issue. I have what it turns out was my real dream car, I just never thought I would have it at this point in my life. I can’t imagine getting rid of it, what would I do to get the smile back on my face? In closing, this car is and probably will be the best car that I have ever owned. I can’t wait for the next year and the year after and of course inevitably the mods that are sure to follow. I hope you enjoyed my write up, I know it’s long and I know it bounces all over, blame it on my ADD, that I’m sure we all experience from time to time. Squirrel!

Great write up. In the end, this is all that matters. I hope I feel the same way in the years to come!

Technic · 08-22-2011, 09:50 AM

I would like to meet your wife's single sister... any spouse that buys a STI to her husband -and while deployed, to boot- must come from a great family.

checkmate · 08-22-2011, 09:54 AM

Its not about the miles rather the smiles :-)

FSHNGRY · 08-22-2011, 09:59 AM

Great read

IND-Distribution · 08-22-2011, 10:20 AM

Great story!

Scoobe · 08-22-2011, 10:50 AM

Great write up. Always like to read these stories because it let's me know I'm not crazy. I've owned a lot of cars, driven many more (my father collects them). I also needed a 4 door (18 month old) but wanted something fun. Every time I look at the car, drive it, think about it, I believe it's the best car I've ever driven. It's one of those cars that, regardless of what happens in the future, will have a special place in your memory and years from now when we are old and gray, will talk about this car like my father talks about his 59 Chevy.

ss134 · 08-22-2011, 11:33 AM

Great post - i feel exactly the same!

e1000 · 08-22-2011, 11:50 AM

Nice post!

Merlosso · 08-22-2011, 02:15 PM

Awesome write-up. Thank you for sharing. I didn't think I could be any more excited about my upcoming E90 ED but you just turned up the heat by a factor of 10. It's going to be a long, long month...

Out of curiosity, what color was the STI and what happened to it? I had a 2003 WRX that I had pretty heavily modded and I had considered trading it in for an STI but it was just a little to Fast and the Furious for me. The STI Limited was exactly what I wanted but I had moved on before it came along.

1MOREMOD · 08-22-2011, 02:30 PM

good stuff keep it forever.

Das M · 08-22-2011, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlosso

Awesome write-up. Thank you for sharing. I didn't think I could be any more excited about my upcoming E90 ED but you just turned up the heat by a factor of 10. It's going to be a long, long month...

Out of curiosity, what color was the STI and what happened to it? I had a 2003 WRX that I had pretty heavily modded and I had considered trading it in for an STI but it was just a little to Fast and the Furious for me. The STI Limited was exactly what I wanted but I had moved on before it came along.

Silver STI limited, sold to a buyer on the east coast, found via one of big Subaru forums that I used to frequent. Pretty sure it went to a good home.

Pointerman · 08-22-2011, 03:31 PM

Thanks for serving.

Enjoy your ride and your little girl. They start talking back really fast so enjoy her now.

checkmate · 08-22-2011, 04:01 PM

My car is in the middle of the Atlantic right now. Can't wait

Seattle S65B40 · 08-22-2011, 04:08 PM

Great post. It's nice to see that the E9X M3 makes people so happy. It is an amazing machine!

Will911t · 08-22-2011, 05:05 PM

Awesome story- Thank you for sharing it.

PhillyNate · 08-22-2011, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by checkmate

My car is in the middle of the Atlantic right now.

Well, hopefully not literally.
Congrats and good luck.

akarisilver · 08-22-2011, 05:46 PM

Great write up!

k5ng · 08-22-2011, 05:48 PM

Very well written and better story!

08-22-2011, 08:24 AM	#1
Das M Colonel 69 Rep 2,382 Posts Drives: YMB F80 ///M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NoVA iTrader: (3)	One Year with an E90 M3 This will be my write up of my first year with my 2009 E90 M3. First, I will start off with a bit of back story of how I ended up in the vehicle that I currently have so you can see what my basis for comparison is. I was stationed in Germany from 2004 -2007 and in the fall of 2006 I purchased what I thought was the car I had always been wanting and seemingly waiting for. A 2007 Subaru STI Limited, it had everything that STIs were known for and in an attempt to make it appeal to wider range of folks they put the leather interior in it, they ditched the clothes-line spoiler, and added a few other bits here and there. I was in love at first sight and my wife, who was stateside at the time, did everything in her power and secured us one. She spent a majority of the time driving it while I was still overseas, and when I did come home and drive it, I loved it. Fast forward about 7-8 months, I am driving by Pentagon Car sales in Germany, a dealership that offers substantial discounts and amazing customer service to military stationed in the Kaiserslautern area, and what do I see, an E92 335i. I had to stop, and once I did, it was all over. I ended up test driving and man was I impressed. Of course the test drive in Germany is a bit different than a test drive stateside. The dealer gave me the keys, told me to come back in about thirty minutes and told me to enjoy. I sure did. I drove it hard, hit the twists, hit the long straights, whatever I picked the car seemed to ask for more. Moving forward again, this time about May of 2010, we are stateside, stationed in Utah. My wife and I have been enjoying our E92 for quite some time but now we are expecting our first child. We begin the search, although not too serious at this point, for a four door vehicle for me. I start with the usual suspects, an E90 335i, Audis, I even debated a few American made sedans. As I said we weren’t too serious at this point. One night I get a text from my friend who happens to be a dealer at BMW of Pleasant Grove, he directs me to a dealer website where what should I see, a 2009 E90 M3, LeMans Blue, Silver Novillo Extended leather, M-DCT, the works. It was pretty much everything that I had dreamed of in a car. My wife could drive it (she was not a fan of the 6MT), it had 4 doors, it had one of the most amazing engines available, and the legend that was the ///M stamped on its trunk. I had to have it. I showed the wife, she was impressed. She knew what it was capable of and seemed excited. She gave me the nod to proceed and proceed I did. I called said friend at the dealership and told him I wanted it. I began the process of getting my E92 back to as close to stock as I could. I had some bits and pieces that had been upgraded over my time with it and well, they had to go. I swapped the rims and tires and sped off to trade her in. Things at the dealership didn’t go quite as smooth as I had planned but in the end the compromise was met and the paperwork was signed. I hopped into my new; well new to me (it had about 4k on the clock when I took possession) M3 and sped up the road to my friend’s house to show him the purchase. We took it first thing up the one of the best areas we could, Little Cottonwood Canyon for a night run up the hill. The windows down, the car howled as I put my foot into it. It was well past broken in and man did this thing make me smile. To this day there is one thing that has not changed, right foot down equates to big friggin’ grin on the face. But I digress. As fall was drawing to a close and the time came for me to put on my winter wheels and tires. I run some Rota Torques and some Dunlop 3D snow tires. It’s an amazing setup and it allows me to drive my car year round. The car has no trouble going where I need it to and it has even made a few trips up to the ski hill. Moving forward to the spring time and the time everyone in Utah (well those who own BMWs) look forward too, the swap back to summer tires and wheels. As soon as the swap is made I find myself looking for excuses to drive. Run to the store, sure. Pick up a movie, sure. For some reason or another, those short errands turn out to be a bit longer, I take the long way home, I make a few detours. The car begs you to drive it. It begs you to hit that tiny button on the wheel with the M on it. Once you do, things change, you change. That smile comes back with a vengeance. Now don’t get me wrong, I loved my 335i coupe. We had it delivered the way wanted, Montego on Coral. There was a day that went by that we didn’t get some sort of thumbs up or nice car comment. Sure, there might have been a few haters out there but they kept to themselves. We loved that car. It was smooth, we loved to take it on trips, and we drove that thing everywhere. It was truly the first great car that I had owned. There were a few things that I was surprised with. The handling wasn’t as crisp as I had hoped, the ass end seemed to bounce out a bit if you hit a concrete seam or the like while in a turn, the sound was just ho-hum, it was so quiet, often times it was just kind of dull. Back to the smile, back to the growl. Once you push that M button the car springs to life. The engine roars, the shocks stiffen, the tach goes on and on. Once you have pushed that button, you never want to drive the car without it. That button is what brings the smile back to my face. The car drives through turns and says, “is that all?” The car accelerates and the sound when it does, oh that sound. I find myself driving with the windows down more and more so that I can hear the sound of the engine. I enjoy the throttle blips (don’t hate on the M-DCT), I enjoy the paddle shifters, the hug of the seats, the car seat snuggly in the back seat, that’s right, my little girls loves riding in daddy’s car. She laughs, she get’s the grin on her face too. She knows what’s going to happen when she gets in my car. She is going have a good time. This car does everything that I ask and more. It’s much more capable than I am but then again, that is what I expected. I expected a car that was going to fit the car seat, not with copious amounts of room, but just enough. I expected a car that was going to gulp down gas, and be a bit stiffer on the ride (I have to say on the comfort setting this car is much smoother than my coupe was with H&R springs). I love every minute of it. My wife still wishes it had Coral leather. I think that is the only change she would make. So, one year from my purchase date. I couldn’t be happier. My car is up to 16,000 miles (not bad considering we did drive from Utah to Ohio) and I haven’t seen a single issue. I have what it turns out was my real dream car, I just never thought I would have it at this point in my life. I can’t imagine getting rid of it, what would I do to get the smile back on my face? In closing, this car is and probably will be the best car that I have ever owned. I can’t wait for the next year and the year after and of course inevitably the mods that are sure to follow. I hope you enjoyed my write up, I know it’s long and I know it bounces all over, blame it on my ADD, that I’m sure we all experience from time to time. Squirrel! __________________ 2016 F80 ///M3 [YMB / Black Full Merino / Carbon Fiber Trim / DCT / Everything] I picked DCT because I want to be more involved in my un-involvement.
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08-22-2011, 09:17 AM	#3
abehwang Captain 36 Rep 547 Posts Drives: e90 m3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: US iTrader: (0)	SMILE great read
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08-22-2011, 09:32 AM	#4
chmura Colonel 1558 Rep 2,505 Posts Drives: 2019 M2 Competition Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orange County, California iTrader: (1)	Congrats, nice story! Can't wait to get mine! __________________ 2019 M2 Competition- October 2, 2018 ED 2011 BMW M3 Sedan Alpine White Picked up via ED 9/27/2011 & Redelivered 11/23/2011 SOLD
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08-22-2011, 09:50 AM	#6
Technic Lieutenant General 2281 Rep 12,997 Posts Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Florida iTrader: (18)	I would like to meet your wife's single sister... any spouse that buys a STI to her husband -and while deployed, to boot- must come from a great family.
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08-22-2011, 09:54 AM	#7
checkmate Major 119 Rep 1,497 Posts Drives: AW M3 E90 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bel Air, MD iTrader: (2)	Its not about the miles rather the smiles :-)
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08-22-2011, 09:59 AM	#8
FSHNGRY Colonel 2337 Rep 2,028 Posts Drives: INDIVIDUAL F90 M5C LCI Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fort Lauderdale iTrader: (1) Garage List 2021 BMW F90 M5 LCI [0.00]	Great read __________________ CURRENT: '21 M5\| FSHNGRY \| TARTUFO \| CCB \| MPE \| KW \| IND \| EVENTURI \| EISENMANN \| DINAN \| LOADED \| GONE: '15 F82 M4 \| YMB \| IND \| MPERF \| KW \| BM3 \| LOADED GONE: '11 E92 335IS \| BLKSPHR \| OYSTER \| LOADED GONE: '05 E46 ZHP \| LOADED \| DINAN STG3 PKG \| IG: @FSHNGRY
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08-22-2011, 10:20 AM	#9
IND-Distribution BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 9581 Rep 10,875 Posts Drives: G82 M4 / G87 M2 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Chicago iTrader: (3)	Great story! __________________ IND DISTRIBUTION \| 866-963-4520 • INSTAGRAM • YOUTUBE • FACEBOOK • FLICKR
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08-22-2011, 10:50 AM	#10
Scoobe Lieutenant 19 Rep 562 Posts Drives: 2011 M3 Sedan SSII/SN/DCT Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [10.00]	Great write up. Always like to read these stories because it let's me know I'm not crazy. I've owned a lot of cars, driven many more (my father collects them). I also needed a 4 door (18 month old) but wanted something fun. Every time I look at the car, drive it, think about it, I believe it's the best car I've ever driven. It's one of those cars that, regardless of what happens in the future, will have a special place in your memory and years from now when we are old and gray, will talk about this car like my father talks about his 59 Chevy. __________________ 08 GT500 convertible red package (Black w/ Red stripes) /Ford Racing Exhaust /Cold Air Induction 560hp 10 Porsche Cayenne GTS Black w/ Black Wheels 408hp 11 M3 Silverstone w/ Silver Novillo Leather /Tech /Premium /19" /DCT /Ipod 414hp
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08-22-2011, 11:33 AM	#11
ss134 Brigadier General 230 Rep 3,899 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Germany/UK iTrader: (1)	Great post - i feel exactly the same! __________________ 2014 AW F80 M3 DCT 2011 AW E90 M3 DCT - Sold 2010 JZB E90 M3 DCT - Sold 2009 6MT E90 LCI 335i M -Sport - Sold
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08-22-2011, 11:50 AM	#12
e1000 that's what SHE said! 75 Rep 1,163 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: OC iTrader: (1)	Nice post! __________________
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08-22-2011, 02:15 PM	#13
Merlosso Banned 24 Rep 495 Posts Drives: Results Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Germantown, MD iTrader: (2)	Awesome write-up. Thank you for sharing. I didn't think I could be any more excited about my upcoming E90 ED but you just turned up the heat by a factor of 10. It's going to be a long, long month... Out of curiosity, what color was the STI and what happened to it? I had a 2003 WRX that I had pretty heavily modded and I had considered trading it in for an STI but it was just a little to Fast and the Furious for me. The STI Limited was exactly what I wanted but I had moved on before it came along.
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08-22-2011, 02:30 PM	#14
1MOREMOD - 11817 Rep 23,187 Posts Drives: Race car-> Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: check your mirrors iTrader: (5)	good stuff keep it forever. __________________ 02 Tiag e46 M3\|6MT\|GC plates\|MCS c.o.\|GC bars\|GC race control arms\|GC bushings\|BW eng. & tran. mounts\|subframe kit\|BW race shifter\|BW Jaffster\|Euro header\|BW exhaust\|K&N c.a.i.\|Epic race tune\|Rouge pulleys\|Seibon CF hood\|CSL bumper\|apr gt 250 & splitter\|ST-40\|XR-2\|SS lines\|half cage\|Recaro profi\|Profi 2 harness\|BMWpedals\|BW studs\|
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08-22-2011, 03:31 PM	#16
Pointerman Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 211 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW M3 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Manteca, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks for serving. Enjoy your ride and your little girl. They start talking back really fast so enjoy her now.
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08-22-2011, 04:01 PM	#17
checkmate Major 119 Rep 1,497 Posts Drives: AW M3 E90 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Bel Air, MD iTrader: (2)	My car is in the middle of the Atlantic right now. Can't wait
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08-22-2011, 04:08 PM	#18
Seattle S65B40 Major 213 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Great post. It's nice to see that the E9X M3 makes people so happy. It is an amazing machine! __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)
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08-22-2011, 05:05 PM	#19
Will911t Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 294 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 E90 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Ontario iTrader: (4)	Awesome story- Thank you for sharing it.
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08-22-2011, 05:46 PM	#21
akarisilver New Member 2 Rep 26 Posts Drives: SU-31 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL iTrader: (0)	Great write up!
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08-22-2011, 05:48 PM	#22
k5ng Second Lieutenant 4 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2016 F83 M4 Mineral Grey/DCT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (0)	Very well written and better story! __________________ 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
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