10 week ownership thoughts

GregW / Oregon · 05-26-2008, 12:04 AM

This car ('08 M3 Coupe (Alpine/Fox/Carbon, PP, TP, heated, iPod, EPS, etc.) continues to impress. It's my daily driver, and every commute is fun. Mileage sucks, but that's the only negative, and I can afford this indulgence on a fiscal and sustainable level.

Compared to the '01 E46 M3 I had for 6 2/3 years, I'd say it is very similar in overall philosophy, but much more comfortable and easy to drive. It is very solid and "of one piece", but doesn't really feel it's weight. Driving the twisty rural roads which are so great and accesssible around here is supreme fun. You need to take care not to be doing 100 in no time.

The EDC suspension is brilliant. I leave it in Comfort most the time. Only when indulging in the twisties do I put it in Normal, but Sport is too harsh for all but the track. The grip is phenomenal on the street, as are the brakes. Haven't tracked it yet, which I'm sure would find their limits.

I took my 82-year old mom, my wife and niece on a Sunday drive today, and it does that just fine as well. Hard to restrain the right foot, though!

All-in-all, I couldn't be more pleased with the car, unless it had the economy of my old one. I'd guess it's about 15% less. Still, a price I'm willing ot pay for the return.

monsta · 05-26-2008, 12:11 AM

great thread Greg, glad to know after 10 "WEEKS" and being a DD it still amazes...

GregW / Oregon · 05-26-2008, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by monsta

great thread Greg, glad to know after 10 months and being a DD it still amazes...

Uhhh, 10 weeks, but, I get your point!

monsta · 05-26-2008, 12:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Uhhh, 10 weeks, but, I get your point!

opps...sorry its been a long but great day and 1 too many beers after to make the day even greater...

Davinhci · 05-26-2008, 02:07 AM

great i feel the same way

dawgdog · 05-26-2008, 06:19 AM

Nice review. I too had an e46 M3 and while I loved the car my wife found the suspension harsh. The EDC is a feature I think I will really enjoy.

lucid · 05-26-2008, 06:51 AM

After 8 weeks of ownership, I totally concur!

Flyingfart · 05-26-2008, 07:21 AM

darkalley · 05-26-2008, 07:47 AM

what have you averaged for mpg?

SHADY1 · 05-26-2008, 09:38 AM

AwesomeM3 · 05-26-2008, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucid

After 8 weeks of ownership, I totally concur!

I agree after 11 weeks of ownership; I'm having my 1200 mile service done this week! Can't wait to open her up!

GregW / Oregon · 05-26-2008, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkalley

what have you averaged for mpg?

My commuting mileage (9 miles EW, suburban/urban) is in the 14 range; was closer to 17 in my E46 M3. Best I've seen is 21 taking it easy at 65-70 on a 250 mile trip. The E46 would have been over 25 for the same.

12:03 · 05-26-2008, 04:45 PM

Thanks for the thoughts Greg. Do you miss not having the moonroof?

GregW / Oregon · 05-26-2008, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12:03

Thanks for the thoughts Greg. Do you miss not having the moonroof?

When the weather is nice, yes, I do. If I had it to do over again, not sure which way I'd go. I do like the uniqueness of the CFRP roof.

mtsound · 05-26-2008, 04:55 PM

I've only had my e90 for one week, and I totally agree.
Its more comfortable than my previous e39 M5 and 335xi.
Its dual nature is perfect. Fast and stiff when you need it, comfortable and quiet when you dont. EDC rocks. I am falling in love with the sound of the car evey time I drive it.

bmwprince4life · 05-26-2008, 05:31 PM

great to hear

Jack28 · 05-26-2008, 06:19 PM

Great post Greg!

BCMPOWER · 05-26-2008, 06:41 PM

Greg great review, I know how you feel I took a road trip about 400 miles to upstate ny with the parents and girl friend, and every chance I had to pass I took it, I was grinning from cheek to cheek. I think the EDC is great also, but sport mode is livable I drove around with it on in the city and found as comfortable as the previous gen (e46) M3.

lvwirelessguy · 05-26-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

This car ('08 M3 Coupe (Alpine/Fox/Carbon, PP, TP, heated, iPod, EPS, etc.) continues to impress. It's my daily driver, and every commute is fun. Mileage sucks, but that's the only negative, and I can afford this indulgence on a fiscal and sustainable level.

Compared to the '01 E46 M3 I had for 6 2/3 years, I'd say it is very similar in overall philosophy, but much more comfortable and easy to drive. It is very solid and "of one piece", but doesn't really feel it's weight. Driving the twisty rural roads which are so great and accesssible around here is supreme fun. You need to take care not to be doing 100 in no time.

The EDC suspension is brilliant. I leave it in Comfort most the time. Only when indulging in the twisties do I put it in Normal, but Sport is too harsh for all but the track. The grip is phenomenal on the street, as are the brakes. Haven't tracked it yet, which I'm sure would find their limits.

I took my 82-year old mom, my wife and niece on a Sunday drive today, and it does that just fine as well. Hard to restrain the right foot, though!

All-in-all, I couldn't be more pleased with the car, unless it had the economy of my old one. I'd guess it's about 15% less. Still, a price I'm willing ot pay for the return.

Maybe I just drive on some damn good roads, but I could never understand why anyone would say that the sport setting is harsh for anything but the track.

I keep my M3 & M5 on sport 99% of the time

Technic · 05-26-2008, 07:54 PM

So it looks like the supposedly increase in mpg (some 8%, if I remember correctly) over the E46 M3 is limited to the M-DCT, uh?

My old E46 M3 was also in the 17-19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway (driving it like a Prius); going to 14mpg will make me feel like I'm driving an SUV.

danielbreese · 05-26-2008, 09:43 PM

Greg, I too was a long term owner of an 2002 E46 M3. I love my new M3 but I miss my old one as well ( fortunately my Dad bought it so I can see it sometimes).

I like 2 things about the old one:

The old one was more simple- not all that gadgetry (and I dont even have the ZTP)

Unless you really wring the new M3s neck it doesnt feel a whole lot faster. In fact the old one felt more punchy on the trottle. The new M3s power is more smooth and I am not yet sure that is a good thing.

Yes the new M3 is better but I still like the old one!

Thoughts?

Dan

GregW / Oregon · 05-26-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielbreese

Greg, I too was a long term owner of an 2002 E46 M3. I love my new M3 but I miss my old one as well ( fortunately my Dad bought it so I can see it sometimes).

I like 2 things about the old one:

The old one was more simple- not all that gadgetry (and I dont even have the ZTP)

Unless you really wring the new M3s neck it doesnt feel a whole lot faster. In fact the old one felt more punchy on the trottle. The new M3s power is more smooth and I am not yet sure that is a good thing.

Yes the new M3 is better but I still like the old one!

Thoughts?

Dan

You are right that the E46 was more raw. Of course I had coilovers and aftermarket exhaust, so I forget what it was like originally. The E92 is much faster, but you are right that it doesn't FEEL that much faster to the casual observer. Sort of like how a Miata can feel damn fast because it is so simple and direct, even though it is not.

Maybe I'm just at a point in my life where I want a little more refinement with myu speed.

05-26-2008, 12:04 AM	#1
GregW / Oregon Commander-In-Chief 2122 Rep 8,924 Posts Drives: 2023 M2 Coupe, 2020 GLE 450 Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lake Oswego, OR iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 M2 Coupe [9.83] 2020 Mercedes GLE 450 [7.25]	10 week ownership thoughts This car ('08 M3 Coupe (Alpine/Fox/Carbon, PP, TP, heated, iPod, EPS, etc.) continues to impress. It's my daily driver, and every commute is fun. Mileage sucks, but that's the only negative, and I can afford this indulgence on a fiscal and sustainable level. Compared to the '01 E46 M3 I had for 6 2/3 years, I'd say it is very similar in overall philosophy, but much more comfortable and easy to drive. It is very solid and "of one piece", but doesn't really feel it's weight. Driving the twisty rural roads which are so great and accesssible around here is supreme fun. You need to take care not to be doing 100 in no time. The EDC suspension is brilliant. I leave it in Comfort most the time. Only when indulging in the twisties do I put it in Normal, but Sport is too harsh for all but the track. The grip is phenomenal on the street, as are the brakes. Haven't tracked it yet, which I'm sure would find their limits. I took my 82-year old mom, my wife and niece on a Sunday drive today, and it does that just fine as well. Hard to restrain the right foot, though! All-in-all, I couldn't be more pleased with the car, unless it had the economy of my old one. I'd guess it's about 15% less. Still, a price I'm willing ot pay for the return. __________________ Greg Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA 2023 M2 Coupe - Brooklyn Grey/Cognac/CF, 6MT; 2020 MB GLE 450
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05-26-2008, 12:11 AM	#2
monsta Brigadier General 218 Rep 3,592 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bergen County, NJ/Y.O, NY iTrader: (2)	great thread Greg, glad to know after 10 "WEEKS" and being a DD it still amazes... __________________ '08 E92 M3 6MT \| IB \| FR \| RAC RG63's \| VRS Ti Exhaust \| Fabspeed HFC & Xpipe '09 X5 35d SG/SB '11 X3 28i AW/CN/FW (wife's car Last edited by monsta; 05-26-2008 at 12:32 AM..
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05-26-2008, 02:07 AM	#5
Davinhci Colonel 55 Rep 2,484 Posts Drives: 08 M3 E92 & 08 E70 X5 4.8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	great i feel the same way __________________ 08 E92 AW M3 \| HRE P40 19" \| APE Air Filter \| BMW Performance Grills \| White Side Gills \| CF Mirror Covers \| BMW Performance Pedals \| F1 Pinnacle Tint \| V1 Hardwire \| Dinan Performance Software \| Gintani Exhaust \| H&R Sports Springs \| RPI Scoops \| BMW CF Spoiler \| Challenge Diffuser \| Lux H8 V3 \| LCI Tail Lights \|
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05-26-2008, 06:19 AM	#6
dawgdog Colonel 148 Rep 2,278 Posts Drives: 2015 M3, 2016 GT3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	Nice review. I too had an e46 M3 and while I loved the car my wife found the suspension harsh. The EDC is a feature I think I will really enjoy. __________________ 2015 f80 M3, 2016 GT3
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05-26-2008, 06:51 AM	#7
lucid Major General 374 Rep 8,033 Posts Drives: E30 M3; Expedition Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	After 8 weeks of ownership, I totally concur! __________________
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05-26-2008, 07:21 AM	#8
Flyingfart Just as when I found my car, they changed it. 18 Rep 408 Posts Drives: e90-330i Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Where the Sun dont shine iTrader: (0)	__________________ 2006 e90 Sparkling Graphite 330i Steptronic Heated Seats Xenons Logic 7 250 HP Machines - Pure Joy!
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05-26-2008, 07:47 AM	#9
darkalley Captain 85 Rep 655 Posts Drives: Gone- 08 DCT SSII, 2006 SMG Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Current: 2014 BMW 4-Series Convert for the fiance w M Package, F150, 06 S2000, 08 911 c4s iTrader: (0)	what have you averaged for mpg?
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05-26-2008, 09:38 AM	#10
SHADY1 Hamann M3 Fan 298 Rep 2,885 Posts Drives: E92 M3 & F10 M5 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Killeen, Texas iTrader: (6) Garage List 2013 BMW M5 [0.00] 2008 E92 M3 Coupe [8.14]	Great 10 week review and thoughts Greg __________________ JZB,6MT, My mods 360 Forged 20inch wheels,VF650 Supercharger custom tuned,ARH Long Tube Headers,Hamann CF roof spoiler,H&R springs,CF grills,Hamann rear trunk spoiler,Hamann Side Skirts, ARKYM full CF bumper, Gintani Race exhaust, ARH X-pipe catless,RPI scoops,AA SSK, Arkym CF Double Sided Vented Hood,
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05-26-2008, 04:45 PM	#13
12:03 full collapse on impact 17 Rep 325 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: May 2008 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the thoughts Greg. Do you miss not having the moonroof?
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05-26-2008, 04:55 PM	#15
mtsound Enlisted Member 0 Rep 32 Posts Drives: E90 M3 SSII Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Johnstown iTrader: (0)	I've only had my e90 for one week, and I totally agree. Its more comfortable than my previous e39 M5 and 335xi. Its dual nature is perfect. Fast and stiff when you need it, comfortable and quiet when you dont. EDC rocks. I am falling in love with the sound of the car evey time I drive it.
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05-26-2008, 05:31 PM	#16
bmwprince4life Captain 92 Rep 774 Posts Drives: none Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: none iTrader: (0)	great to hear __________________ none
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05-26-2008, 06:19 PM	#17
Jack28 HUSTLER 14 Rep 1,317 Posts Drives: E46 M3-E92 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: So/Ca Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Great post Greg! __________________ E92 M3 ZCP- AW/FR w/Extended Leather) Packages: ZCP, 6MT, Fully Loaded E46 M3 - AW/IR 6 Spd, Fully Loaded. 19'' BBS LM DBK, V-CSL C/F Bmpr, Botld, Diff, V-CSL Custum IR-CF Center Counsel, V-GTR Hood, Dixis Ti 76mm, Meisterschaft Ti Sec. 1&2, EvoSport Headers, CAI, D/A Chip, tck d/a, Alcantera Headliner with Imola Red Sttitching....
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05-26-2008, 06:41 PM	#18
BCMPOWER Captain 29 Rep 626 Posts Drives: 08 Silverstone II M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Silver Spring MD iTrader: (0)	Greg great review, I know how you feel I took a road trip about 400 miles to upstate ny with the parents and girl friend, and every chance I had to pass I took it, I was grinning from cheek to cheek. I think the EDC is great also, but sport mode is livable I drove around with it on in the city and found as comfortable as the previous gen (e46) M3. __________________
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05-26-2008, 07:54 PM	#20
Technic Lieutenant General 2288 Rep 13,001 Posts Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Florida iTrader: (18)	So it looks like the supposedly increase in mpg (some 8%, if I remember correctly) over the E46 M3 is limited to the M-DCT, uh? My old E46 M3 was also in the 17-19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway (driving it like a Prius); going to 14mpg will make me feel like I'm driving an SUV.
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05-26-2008, 09:43 PM	#21
danielbreese Private First Class 36 Rep 167 Posts Drives: 11 1M, 02 M3, 67 Ferrari Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Greg, I too was a long term owner of an 2002 E46 M3. I love my new M3 but I miss my old one as well ( fortunately my Dad bought it so I can see it sometimes). I like 2 things about the old one: The old one was more simple- not all that gadgetry (and I dont even have the ZTP) Unless you really wring the new M3s neck it doesnt feel a whole lot faster. In fact the old one felt more punchy on the trottle. The new M3s power is more smooth and I am not yet sure that is a good thing. Yes the new M3 is better but I still like the old one! Thoughts? Dan
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