New E90 Owner (w/ pics)

[signes]

After looking for several months (and lurking here for that long) and trying to make up my mind between an E90, E60 M5 and RS4, last week I finally pulled the trigger on a new M3. Coming to this car from an E46 M3 convertible, which was honestly the best all around car I have ever owned. Very sad to see it go after almost 5 years but got a deal I couldn't resist. Details: Jet Black over Black leather, 6MT, premium, cold, tech, ... everything but full leather, DCT and shades. Needed a sedan to handle the growing family since this is my one car that gets driven year round. Seems like a solid car but obviously still in the break in phase so haven’t pushed it. A lot to like and plenty of annoyances as well. More on that later.

Some pics below. Only a few days after delivery, headed for the mountains for a weekend that included a couple of drives over Independence Pass. Fantastic driving road to showcase the car's abilities and performance at high altitude (12k+ feet...)

Finally got a chance to give the car its first serious wash over the weekend (full detail to come.) Another JB car, I can't resist the punishment of keeping a black car looking good... Pics below. Look forward to contributing to this board.

[Radiation Joe]

Very nice. Jet Black is a good color, especially with the gray wheels. Black interior with carbon trim sets it off nicely. You've got a winner.

[amgthis]

Did you drive the E60 M5? My dad is looking at one. How does it drive compared to your gorgeous M3? I hear that the steering is light in the M3.

[rzm3]

wow that's a nice road! and welcome to the forum!

[Kadarin]

I remember being on that road when I was a kid, camping with my parents. Pretty spectacular!

Nice car, too!

[signes]

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

Very nice. Jet Black is a good color, especially with the gray wheels. Black interior with carbon trim sets it off nicely. You've got a winner.

Thanks! BTW, former roadflyer (orooj). Been reading your posts for a while, hope you get your 09 soon.

[signes]

Originally Posted by amgthis

Did you drive the E60 M5? My dad is looking at one. How does it drive compared to your gorgeous M3? I hear that the steering is light in the M3.

Loved the M5 honestly, just maybe not ready for a car of that size. Plus total cost of ownership with insurance included was significantly higher for me. In all though, best "large" sedan on the planet. Drove both 6MT and SMG versions and liked them both, but would prolly get SMG in that car. The sound of the motor is unreal at WOT and its speed is deceptive. Hard to turn down getting a 200+mph sedan.

As for the steering weight, I found it to be actually lighter than the E90. I didn't play with the settings much but overall felt like a more "mature" car during normal driving, with relatively light controls all around. That being said, you wouldn't be disappointed by the car if you like the look and can handle SMG.

[richardg]

I would really appreciate it if you had this photo in larger resolutions. I think this would make a nice pc background

[signes]

Originally Posted by richardg

I would really appreciate it if you had this photo in larger resolutions. I think this would make a nice pc background

PM me your email, happy to send the 16MB version...

[dawgdog]

Can't go wrong with black on black. I really like the 18" wheels with Jet Black. Congratulations!

[Jdebitjr]

Awesome car. Awesome pics....I think my altitude (GPS) reads 400 feet or so in DFW. HA!

[masmole]

Congrats! Nice car, nice drive.... damn, I'm envious of anyone with regular access to roads like that. I used to live SoCal and missed those canyon and mountain drives that were only minutes away. The rockies are even better. Enjoy!

[signes]

Originally Posted by masmole

Congrats! Nice car, nice drive.... damn, I'm envious of anyone with regular access to roads like that. I used to live SoCal and missed those canyon and mountain drives that were only minutes away. The rockies are even better. Enjoy!

Thanks! Pretty cool to have the access, though I miss access to a city like yours (used to live there and loved it.) From your sig, looks like you own my two alternate choices - how do you rate the RS4 and M5?

[MTROIS]

Awesome car and great pics in front of beautiful landscape!!

[BK]

The car is just gorgeous. Congrats!

[Rick]

Wow, nice color combo! Beautiful pictures. Congratulations!

[masmole]

Originally Posted by signes

Thanks! Pretty cool to have the access, though I miss access to a city like yours (used to live there and loved it.) From your sig, looks like you own my two alternate choices - how do you rate the RS4 and M5?

M3 > RS4 > M5

Don't get me wrong, M5 was a great car... just a bit too large and heavy feeling at the track which is why I ranked it last. Otherwise, it's the most luxurious and best highway cruiser of the three. I'd say the M3 takes many of the best parts of the M5 (luxury, comfort, technology) and the RS4 (tossability, driver involvement) and combines them in one unbeatable package. I think you made the right choice.

[signes]

Thanks all, appreciate all the compliments! Looking forward to getting to know the car better. As noted, have some things that would love expert owner opinions on. Will post those in another thread. Thanks again.

[cclboss]

Originally Posted by amgthis

Did you drive the E60 M5? My dad is looking at one. How does it drive compared to your gorgeous M3? I hear that the steering is light in the M3.

I changed from a 2006 M5 SMG to a 2008 E90 M3 (DCT) and I did not regret the decision at all. Overall, the M3 is faster than the M5 and much easier to handle (the M5 is a big car with a lot of weight). The DCT is leaps and bounds better than the old SMG, much quicker gear change in S mode and incredibly smooth in D mode (for the wife and when feeling lazy).

[ersin]

[jamesisel]

Sweet Ride!