Opinions on a new M3

Cyclenirvana · 01-22-2009, 06:26 PM

Ok guys, need a new daily driver. After having test driven practically everything, I have finally settled on the M3 sedan. Need 4 doors, decent trunk, fold down rear seats (cold weather package), and I will use the base rack (yes, even on a M3) for transporting my bicycles.

Color: I think I favor the interlagos blue with silver (not extended) leather interior. I buy gray and silver cars all the time...need something different??

Carbon fiber leather vs. brushed aluminum trim? My current cars have aluminum, which I really like but the carbon leather seems more unique to the M3 which I like...thoughts?

DCT vs 6MT? I recently drove a M3 coupe with the DCT and was very impressed! I like the dual clutch transmission that Audis and VWs use. And these dual clutch transmissions are much more friendly around town than the F1 transmission that Ferrari uses. Have 2 other cars with 6MT...if this was not the case I would not even consider the DCT....but it is really cool. It allows you to really ring out the high rpms in this car!

My only reservation with the M3 has been the fact that for the last 15 years I have had AWD cars for my daily driver--Subaru Outback, 2001 X5, and, currently Cayenne Turbo....not sure this is really needed with the all the traction and stability controls/aids on current vehicles. Thoughts on using your M3 as a daily driver in the winter?

Would appreciate any of your thoughts. I have been reading this forum and found it extremely helpful, especially the pictures section of the various exterior colors.

Thanks in advance,
Scott

MrHarris · 01-22-2009, 06:35 PM

Le mans blue
silver or fox red
carbon leather
6mt unless you plan to do serious racing or commute in a lot of traffic then dct

Kev · 01-22-2009, 06:39 PM

Interlagos with Silver interior is one of the best looking combos, pair that with leather CF trim and you got a winner. Of course, I'm biased.

DCT is good when you are in serious traffic or you work 24 hour shifts. I don't want to burn my clutch driving home after overnight call.

09E92M34ME · 01-22-2009, 09:07 PM

best to make your own decision

montreal red · 01-22-2009, 09:15 PM

i drive my m3 all the time right now and with good winter tires it does very well in the snow... the only thing that is stopping the m3 from being a true daily driver for winter is the fact that the car rides a little low so when u have a huge amount of snow that just came down, you'll likely have a hard time getting around town until all the snow has been cleared.

in13 · 01-22-2009, 09:36 PM

What part of NC are you in? Unless you are in the Boone area, do you really need AWD?

I like the Interlagos/Silver/CF combo....Lemans/silver/CF would be good too. I test drove an e92 Lemans/black extended/CF...and that combo looked great too.

Cyclenirvana · 01-23-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by in13

What part of NC are you in? Unless you are in the Boone area, do you really need AWD?

I like the Interlagos/Silver/CF combo....Lemans/silver/CF would be good too. I test drove an e92 Lemans/black extended/CF...and that combo looked great too.

I live in Winston-Salem...sooo, I am sure that I don't need it. Just one of those paranoid things some of us think about. To answer your question, I am sure that I don't need it. When you are thinking about a rear wheel drive sports car as your daily driver and you have driven AWD for at least 15 years in this capacity, you tend to get a little hesitant...I have a feeling that I will have no regrets. I had something similar in the Lemans blue with a X5 a few years ago...really like it but would like to try something different. Thanks for your comments.

Cyclenirvana · 01-23-2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 09E92M34ME

best to make your own decision

I agree and will. Just interested in the opinion of those who have already purchased the vehicle. I have not seen the carbon fiber leather in person so curious how it looks. Also, just wanted some opinions on the DCT vs. 6MT in those drivers who have had the DCT for a while. Thanks.

Cyclenirvana · 01-23-2009, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montreal red

i drive my m3 all the time right now and with good winter tires it does very well in the snow... the only thing that is stopping the m3 from being a true daily driver for winter is the fact that the car rides a little low so when u have a huge amount of snow that just came down, you'll likely have a hard time getting around town until all the snow has been cleared.

Great. Gives me some confidence to know that a Montreal driver is using a
M3 as a daily driver. Will be in Montreal to give a lecture at a conference so looking forward to visiting this great city.
Thanks again!

NPTM3 · 01-23-2009, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyclenirvana

Ok guys, need a new daily driver. After having test driven practically everything, I have finally settled on the M3 sedan. Need 4 doors, decent trunk, fold down rear seats (cold weather package), and I will use the base rack (yes, even on a M3) for transporting my bicycles.

Color: I think I favor the interlagos blue with silver (not extended) leather interior. I buy gray and silver cars all the time...need something different??

Carbon fiber leather vs. brushed aluminum trim? My current cars have aluminum, which I really like but the carbon leather seems more unique to the M3 which I like...thoughts?

DCT vs 6MT? I recently drove a M3 coupe with the DCT and was very impressed! I like the dual clutch transmission that Audis and VWs use. And these dual clutch transmissions are much more friendly around town than the F1 transmission that Ferrari uses. Have 2 other cars with 6MT...if this was not the case I would not even consider the DCT....but it is really cool. It allows you to really ring out the high rpms in this car!

My only reservation with the M3 has been the fact that for the last 15 years I have had AWD cars for my daily driver--Subaru Outback, 2001 X5, and, currently Cayenne Turbo....not sure this is really needed with the all the traction and stability controls/aids on current vehicles. Thoughts on using your M3 as a daily driver in the winter?

Would appreciate any of your thoughts. I have been reading this forum and found it extremely helpful, especially the pictures section of the various exterior colors.

Thanks in advance,
Scott

Color: Same color combo as my Porsche - absolutely beautiful choice and I get a ton of compliments...

CF leather: ordered my E92 with CF leather, it looks totally hot and really unique (saw it in a showroom car = haven't gotten mine yet) and I like the fact that it ties the interior to the CF roof...

808MGuy · 01-23-2009, 05:05 PM

I'll throw another option in there. Interlagos/Black/Sycamore Anthracite

PortoM3 · 01-23-2009, 05:14 PM

love your combo. I am not a big fan of silver leather, but blue on black looks awesome. the wood is a nice touch. I had to see pics to believe, other wise I would never order it blind.. I got the leather trim. It's different.

HotLap · 01-23-2009, 06:06 PM

HIS4 - sweet color combo - I wouldn't have thought the sycamore wood would have went well with the IL Blue - but that is actually a very nice looking combo

I have the Bamboo with sycamore and really like the trim...would like to find someone in the aftermarket that made a matching sycamore trim for the console top surface and perhaps the center stack...would want to see them in place 1st though as I'm not a fan of "overdone" looking interiors....

Cyclenirvana · 01-23-2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HIS4

I'll throw another option in there. Interlagos/Black/Sycamore Anthracite

Absolutely gorgeous....like the interlagos blue, I have cars (and had cars) virtually all with silver/grey exteriors and black interior...so just looking for something different this time around. Thanks for the pics! Great combination.

808MGuy · 01-23-2009, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyclenirvana

Absolutely gorgeous....like the interlagos blue, I have cars (and had cars) virtually all with silver/grey exteriors and black interior...so just looking for something different this time around. Thanks for the pics! Great combination.

I don't think the wood would go well with the grey leather though so in that case I would go with the aluminum. I was never really a fan of the carbon leather especially after seeing it in person.

Stunnerable · 01-23-2009, 11:21 PM

It's an M3 right? Your good!

signes · 01-23-2009, 11:32 PM

IB sounds great, but IMO anything but silver/gray interior. A couple other board members have Fox Red with IB and I think it looks fantastic.

CF trim is great, nice and subtle without the bling

As for tranny, if it is your daily and you deal with a lot of traffic (and have other stick cars for fun with rowing the gears), you might want to give DCT a try. You will be very happy with either, with an edge going to the 6 for the kind of added involvement it gives you (and possibly more reliability.)

Down worry about AWD where you are, I like and drive in Denver and the mountains of Colorado year-round with my E90 and it is very good (with snow tires...)

Good luck with your decision and get that order in!

chris s · 01-24-2009, 12:19 AM

I have to scratch my head when i see people ordering Silver interiors. Have you seen it in person? IB looks outrageous on Bamboo and Fox Red...both extended. Or more conservatively on Black. If you do decide on Silver....definitely liven it up with Extended. My .02 just.

Stunnerable · 01-24-2009, 12:37 AM

my thing is JB w. ext Fox and double hump. LOVE IT

graider · 01-24-2009, 01:13 AM

Go for the classy look. jet black/black, carbon trim. oem 18, dct, edc, nav. oh and don't forget to add lumbar support if it is an option.

Cyclenirvana · 01-24-2009, 09:29 PM

Thanks for all the input.
Ordered the M3 today. Have some time to change my preferences. The car I test drove here at Flow BMW is a coupe, Grey metallic/silver interior, and I really like the silver interior. Had not thought about red??? is it too much? I worry about it overwhelming the interior? If some of you have some pics of the red interior with the interlagos blue please post! Would love to see it.
Decided to go with DCT. Already have a Ford GT with a 6MT as my weekend warrior and occasional track weapon! Ha. M3 should compliment it nicely.
Looking forward to joining you all!!!

FYI. I have been researching a sports sedan for a long time...test drove everything from a Pontiac G8 (biggest bang for the buck and quite nice), Audi S5 (drop dead gorgeous IMHO but more of a GT, less of sports car), 335i (always reliable, great fun, but everywhere), Subaru WRX Sti (cool design, but not as engaging to drive as I would have thought), and EVO MR/GSR (more fun than most would imagine, MR has a spanking good DCT) but...the M3 proved to be the best of all worlds and seems to meet my needs as a daily driver, occasional track car (especially when VIR is NOT full course), and just plain fun!

Kev · 01-24-2009, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cyclenirvana

Thanks for all the input.
Ordered the M3 today. Have some time to change my preferences. The car I test drove here at Flow BMW is a coupe, Grey metallic/silver interior, and I really like the silver interior. Had not thought about red??? is it too much? I worry about it overwhelming the interior? If some of you have some pics of the red interior with the interlagos blue please post! Would love to see it.
Decided to go with DCT. Already have a Ford GT with a 6MT as my weekend warrior and occasional track weapon! Ha. M3 should compliment it nicely.
Looking forward to joining you all!!!

FYI. I have been researching a sports sedan for a long time...test drove everything from a Pontiac G8 (biggest bang for the buck and quite nice), Audi S5 (drop dead gorgeous IMHO but more of a GT, less of sports car), 335i (always reliable, great fun, but everywhere), Subaru WRX Sti (cool design, but not as engaging to drive as I would have thought), and EVO MR/GSR (more fun than most would imagine, MR has a spanking good DCT) but...the M3 proved to be the best of all worlds and seems to meet my needs as a daily driver, occasional track car (especially when VIR is NOT full course), and just plain fun!

Congrats~

Here's a link to the IB with FR combo

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199698

01-22-2009, 06:26 PM	#1
Cyclenirvana Enlisted Member 1 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 sedan Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Opinions on a new M3 Ok guys, need a new daily driver. After having test driven practically everything, I have finally settled on the M3 sedan. Need 4 doors, decent trunk, fold down rear seats (cold weather package), and I will use the base rack (yes, even on a M3) for transporting my bicycles. Color: I think I favor the interlagos blue with silver (not extended) leather interior. I buy gray and silver cars all the time...need something different?? Carbon fiber leather vs. brushed aluminum trim? My current cars have aluminum, which I really like but the carbon leather seems more unique to the M3 which I like...thoughts? DCT vs 6MT? I recently drove a M3 coupe with the DCT and was very impressed! I like the dual clutch transmission that Audis and VWs use. And these dual clutch transmissions are much more friendly around town than the F1 transmission that Ferrari uses. Have 2 other cars with 6MT...if this was not the case I would not even consider the DCT....but it is really cool. It allows you to really ring out the high rpms in this car! My only reservation with the M3 has been the fact that for the last 15 years I have had AWD cars for my daily driver--Subaru Outback, 2001 X5, and, currently Cayenne Turbo....not sure this is really needed with the all the traction and stability controls/aids on current vehicles. Thoughts on using your M3 as a daily driver in the winter? Would appreciate any of your thoughts. I have been reading this forum and found it extremely helpful, especially the pictures section of the various exterior colors. Thanks in advance, Scott
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01-22-2009, 06:35 PM	#2
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Le mans blue silver or fox red carbon leather 6mt unless you plan to do serious racing or commute in a lot of traffic then dct __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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01-22-2009, 06:39 PM	#3
Kev Critical Care Anesthesiologist 481 Rep 8,828 Posts Drives: SMB F83 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (24) Garage List 2009 Porsche 911 Ca ... [9.50]	Interlagos with Silver interior is one of the best looking combos, pair that with leather CF trim and you got a winner. Of course, I'm biased. DCT is good when you are in serious traffic or you work 24 hour shifts. I don't want to burn my clutch driving home after overnight call. __________________ kev { divinum est sedate dolorem } "your friendly neighborhood critical care anesthesiologist"
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01-22-2009, 09:07 PM	#4
09E92M34ME Captain 70 Rep 920 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: VIRGINIA iTrader: (0)	best to make your own decision __________________ 09 E92 M3,AW/FR. MODS:Performane Kidney Grills,Side Gills,Exhaust Tips,BMW Performance Pedals,359 Satin Black GTS Wheels,275/35/19R & 255/35/19F PSS's,Dinan Stage I Suspension,Macht Schnell Spacers 12mmF,5mmR,Rear Fogs,Euphoria 6k,LCI Tails,LUX v3,OEM IND Painted Alpine White CF Performance Spoiler, Front Splitters, and Front Reflectors,Gloss Black Hood Vents,M Performance Steering Wheel.
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01-22-2009, 09:15 PM	#5
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	i drive my m3 all the time right now and with good winter tires it does very well in the snow... the only thing that is stopping the m3 from being a true daily driver for winter is the fact that the car rides a little low so when u have a huge amount of snow that just came down, you'll likely have a hard time getting around town until all the snow has been cleared. __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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01-22-2009, 09:36 PM	#6
in13 Private 2 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Southeast iTrader: (0)	What part of NC are you in? Unless you are in the Boone area, do you really need AWD? I like the Interlagos/Silver/CF combo....Lemans/silver/CF would be good too. I test drove an e92 Lemans/black extended/CF...and that combo looked great too.
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01-23-2009, 05:05 PM	#11
808MGuy Colonel 221 Rep 2,339 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Oahu, Hawaii iTrader: (3)	I'll throw another option in there. Interlagos/Black/Sycamore Anthracite __________________ 2016 Porsche Cayman GTS - Sapphire Blue / Black Full Leather Interior / Carrera S Wheels
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01-23-2009, 05:14 PM	#12
PortoM3 M3lover 27 Rep 485 Posts Drives: SSII M3 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Wiesbaden, Germany iTrader: (1)	love your combo. I am not a big fan of silver leather, but blue on black looks awesome. the wood is a nice touch. I had to see pics to believe, other wise I would never order it blind.. I got the leather trim. It's different.
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01-23-2009, 06:06 PM	#13
HotLap First Lieutenant 13 Rep 376 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Vert / 535i Twin turbo Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	HIS4 - sweet color combo - I wouldn't have thought the sycamore wood would have went well with the IL Blue - but that is actually a very nice looking combo I have the Bamboo with sycamore and really like the trim...would like to find someone in the aftermarket that made a matching sycamore trim for the console top surface and perhaps the center stack...would want to see them in place 1st though as I'm not a fan of "overdone" looking interiors.... __________________ M3 ...the ultimate driving machine 2008 M3 6MT Cabrio, Jerez Black w/ Bamboo Beige interior, Tech/Preimum Packages, I-Pod, SAT/HD Radio, 19" MWheels 2008 535i tt, 6MT, Monaco Blue w/ Cream Beige interior, Preimim/Cold Weather/Sport Packages, HUD, HD Radio, etc.
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01-23-2009, 11:21 PM	#16
Stunnerable Captain 74 Rep 757 Posts Drives: Nissan Rogue, 09 Jet Black M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Horsham, PA iTrader: (0)	It's an M3 right? Your good! __________________ Straight roads are for fast cars. Curvy roads are for fast drivers.
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01-23-2009, 11:32 PM	#17
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	IB sounds great, but IMO anything but silver/gray interior. A couple other board members have Fox Red with IB and I think it looks fantastic. CF trim is great, nice and subtle without the bling As for tranny, if it is your daily and you deal with a lot of traffic (and have other stick cars for fun with rowing the gears), you might want to give DCT a try. You will be very happy with either, with an edge going to the 6 for the kind of added involvement it gives you (and possibly more reliability.) Down worry about AWD where you are, I like and drive in Denver and the mountains of Colorado year-round with my E90 and it is very good (with snow tires...) Good luck with your decision and get that order in!
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01-24-2009, 12:19 AM	#18
chris s Major General 1250 Rep 6,912 Posts Drives: 2022 Dravit G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (12)	I have to scratch my head when i see people ordering Silver interiors. Have you seen it in person? IB looks outrageous on Bamboo and Fox Red...both extended. Or more conservatively on Black. If you do decide on Silver....definitely liven it up with Extended. My .02 just. __________________ 2022 Dravit/Fiona M3cx - Dinan midpipe w/VC, NW Carbonhaus CF, AST Springs, FC Spacers...more to come! 2016 Indi F80 M3 - SMB\|Amaro \| Mode Carbon \| ESS \| Akra EVO \| KW HAS...SOLD 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, ESS SC, Brembo BBK, BBS FI... GONE but not forgotten! 2008 AW e92 M3 6MT, ESS SC, BBS LM's...SOLD!
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01-24-2009, 12:37 AM	#19
Stunnerable Captain 74 Rep 757 Posts Drives: Nissan Rogue, 09 Jet Black M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Horsham, PA iTrader: (0)	my thing is JB w. ext Fox and double hump. LOVE IT __________________ Straight roads are for fast cars. Curvy roads are for fast drivers.
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01-24-2009, 01:13 AM	#20
graider Colonel 35 Rep 2,406 Posts Drives: py/kiwi e46 m3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	Go for the classy look. jet black/black, carbon trim. oem 18, dct, edc, nav. oh and don't forget to add lumbar support if it is an option.
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01-24-2009, 09:29 PM	#21
Cyclenirvana Enlisted Member 1 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 sedan Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: North Carolina iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the input. Ordered the M3 today. Have some time to change my preferences. The car I test drove here at Flow BMW is a coupe, Grey metallic/silver interior, and I really like the silver interior. Had not thought about red??? is it too much? I worry about it overwhelming the interior? If some of you have some pics of the red interior with the interlagos blue please post! Would love to see it. Decided to go with DCT. Already have a Ford GT with a 6MT as my weekend warrior and occasional track weapon! Ha. M3 should compliment it nicely. Looking forward to joining you all!!! FYI. I have been researching a sports sedan for a long time...test drove everything from a Pontiac G8 (biggest bang for the buck and quite nice), Audi S5 (drop dead gorgeous IMHO but more of a GT, less of sports car), 335i (always reliable, great fun, but everywhere), Subaru WRX Sti (cool design, but not as engaging to drive as I would have thought), and EVO MR/GSR (more fun than most would imagine, MR has a spanking good DCT) but...the M3 proved to be the best of all worlds and seems to meet my needs as a daily driver, occasional track car (especially when VIR is NOT full course), and just plain fun!
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