To M3 and Back - pics included

[taylorcoleman]

Jabs, flames, told-you-so's, even calls of being a poser are anticipated. It's be a long while since my last post (circa 2009).

But I assure you - to the best of my ability - the M3's past, present, and future incarnations is truly the best all around sport sedan IMO.

There's no such thing as a brief history on my car buying, so I won't even try. I'll just start with 2009 (some of these cars overlapped)...

(= time owned)
2008 E90 M3, Jerez Black, 6spd (3 months)
2009 Merc C63 AMG, KLEEMANN stage II - apx. 550 hp (1 year)
2006 Porsche C2S Cab, 6spd (3 months)
2009 Porsche 997 Turbo, 6spd, 650 Hp A.W.E Tuning (6 months)
2010 Porsche 997 GT3 (3 months)
2009 Porsche C2S Coupe, 6spd
2002 Ferrari 360 Modena, 6spd (5 months)
2009 VW CC VR6 (5 months)

As of today's purchase, I only have 1 car...that being:

2011 BMW M3 (Oct. 2010 build).
* Silverstone Metallic
* Convenience Package
* Premium Package 2
* Cold Weather Package
* MDcT
* 19" double spokes
* Moonroof
* Sat radio
* Enhanced Premium Sound

And there's always the potential for a supercharger

Great to be back home!!!!!!

Pics

[e1000]

welcome back

[dibxna]

nice man. not sure why anyone would slam you or otherwise talk negatively about any of the cars you have had the opportunity to own and drive - im certain every single person on this forum would love to have owned all of them, maybe not in the order you did, maybe not the particular options you had, but all gear heads can respect that lineup of cars.

welcome back!

[Brosef]

I know what it's like. I pulled the plug on my ordered M3 1 week before delivery and got a 911. 9 months later, I traded that in for an M. wish I had been more honest with myself, but hey, all's well that ends well. welcome home.

[Seattle S65B40]

Welcome back, cuz. Sweet car ownership history. Nice to see you found out which one is the best though

[termigni]

you must've like that C63 huh? longest ownership. haha

[e46e92love]

That car history is an advertisement for ///M that no advertisement firm could accurately sum up in any more of a concise manner.

It took you enough money to come to the right conclusion, but as they say, better late then never

Cheers,
e46e92

[taylorcoleman]

JK about the potential jabs, I'm sure most people will appreciate the various cars.

My car experience is a journey not a destination. I may eat my own words, but I do hope this M3 is a journey that lasts at least a few years.

In a late 30's-something career shift, I'm now in school full time working toward my PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Car explorations are on the back burner for a while given my time constraints.

Like I said, the E90 M3 seems the best choice for driving pleasure + practicality. Having to deal with multiple cars is a real PIA. This one's hopefully a keeper for a while.

Perhaps, just perhaps I would have waited a couple of years for the new M3 to arrive, but I understand it won't be in a 4 door. With kids, the 4 door is not mandatory, but really helps.

[mdosu]

so you actually buy these cars outright with cash on hand? Or you finance them or what?

[jonasaurus]

Congrats! 4 variations of 997s, nice one. Totally agree with your logic though, all in one versatility the E90 M3 is the way to go.

[DaveHutchinson]

Hey Taylor, looks like you went the same route as me in the end . I remember you posting in my thread about me changing my 997 to the M3 a few months back. Although I am without my car for a few weeks, I do feel as an every day the M3 offers probably the best all round experience and it certainly suits me during my career change too!

[sameh]

Wait wait wait. Your post isn't complete till you tell us what made you come to that conclusion (that M3 is better). You had "some" of the cars I aspire to own/drive in the future, what didn't do it or what's in the M3 that seals the deal. You know what I mean. Ok go

[mact3333]

I remember you from 6speed...there are prob 3-4 of us here that have switched from 997 to M3 for various reasons....back to school huh?...not sure if I could do that now.

Welcome.

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

From what I hear, once you go M3, you won't go back. Why didn't you look into a C63 AMG coupe? Bad experience with the 09?

[mact3333]

Originally Posted by DaveHutchinson

Hey Taylor, looks like you went the same route as me in the end . I remember you posting in my thread about me changing my 997 to the M3 a few months back. Although I am without my car for a few weeks, I do feel as an every day the M3 offers probably the best all round experience and it certainly suits me during my career change too!

Dave,

You still want to go into radiology????

[AngelinIsRich08]

That's a lot of cars in such a short time period.... I'd love to change them as fast as you though! Lol. How was the 360 Modena?

[taylorcoleman]

Originally Posted by mdosu

so you actually buy these cars outright with cash on hand? Or you finance them or what?

Mostly cash, such as for the Turbo, GT3, Ferrari, etc. Sometimes I'll finance with 2.5% as full cash outlay at that rate doesn't make sense.

I still do have a very cool 1987 Porsche Targa in superb condition for sale. That's at a dealer in Indy, so I don't consider that in my stable. Hopefully that will sell soon. That paid cash as well.

Again, rates below 3% financing is a good way to go I think. But I don't want to get into a lease vs. finance vs. cash discussion here

[taylorcoleman]

Originally Posted by DaveHutchinson

Hey Taylor, looks like you went the same route as me in the end . I remember you posting in my thread about me changing my 997 to the M3 a few months back. Although I am without my car for a few weeks, I do feel as an every day the M3 offers probably the best all round experience and it certainly suits me during my career change too!

Hey there - I remember! LOL, yeah...tough to part with the 997. Frankly, with the 991 arriving this winter who know what will happen with my new M3. My guess in the new 991 will look like a Panamera shaved in the form of a 911. Still will be an amazing car...

[taylorcoleman]

Originally Posted by -=Hot|Ice=-

From what I hear, once you go M3, you won't go back. Why didn't you look into a C63 AMG coupe? Bad experience with the 09?

I need 4 doors. Merc isn't doing it for me lately. No doubt their new line of bi-turbos are great performers. I drove the 2012 CLS 550 and thought that was very well done.

The C63 (especially tuned) was a monster. Loved it. But with anything, it wears off.

I can feel the most comfortable with the M3. As the newness erodes, I still have a beautiful, capable, inspiring car.

[taylorcoleman]

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

That's a lot of cars in such a short time period.... I'd love to change them as fast as you though! Lol. How was the 360 Modena?

The 360 was the best in terms of:
* sound
* V8 grunt
* interior sports car cockpit feel
* attention (come on...most of us do like the attention)
* smiles that it gave everyone when they saw it

Could have been a DD. Only would have been concerned with typical DD issues such as door dings, weather (e.g. snow, ice, rain), and the novelty wearing off. As a weekend car it was a special time to drive her.

[heart_doctor]

Welcome back!

I have you beat from a car ownership perspective:

1987 Nissan Sentra - 8 years
1992 Honda Civic - 8 years
2004 Toyota Corolla - 7 years
2011 BMW M3 E92 Alpine White, 6MT - current ride!!

I plan on buying every future M3 produced. Great car, of course I miss the nissan sentra, vinyl seats, no AC ... ahh those were the days!!

[IND-Distribution]

Welcome back, stay for awhile this time.