Buying Advice

neilv · 08-30-2013, 12:20 PM

Hi,

Sorry if this had been asked before, I did a quick search but couldn't find anything...
I currently drive a e90 330D Msport from 06 and its time for a change, to an M3... My first question is the ride. The M sport has pretty awful ride over the bumps both for comfort and handling, is the M3 better or worse?
Also there was an LCI update for the E90/E92 was there an update for the M3? What were the changes?
What should I look for in a used one? Is the DCT anygood or is the manual better? Anything to be avoided?
Are there any common issues/problems with the M3?

Thanks,

Neilv

hugehead · 08-30-2013, 04:09 PM

09 model is LCI, satnav with hard drive, you want EDC for a comfort ride and firms up in normal and sports mode, DCT is a "must"........ way better than smg, comfort access is good, and heated seat is a must ..well at least the fronts anyway , oh and individual Hi fi stereo system is very good (highest upgrade option for sound ).

these are the option you want really......all the rest you can do without .

sylonien · 08-31-2013, 09:20 AM

DCT must? Ah the endless debate. Manual is a must for me.

Both has its pros and cons. Really down to you unfortunately.
That question will never ever be settled.

The ride is fine with EDC. Not sure about the none DCT one.
Its similar or a tad firmer compared to my 335i M-sport suspension.

I wouldn't call it uncomfortable at all.
Handling of course is better than anything, but don't expect it to be more comfortable though if you think a normal m-sport is bumpy? Can't expect a soft ride in a M?

For me, I like gadgets and toys. So I would go for everything and I do use all the options that's available to me. So really depends if you need the options or not.

The only thing I haven't used is the connected drive, but everything else I use all the time on the car, even voice control on the old CCC iDrive

nullrouted · 08-31-2013, 09:36 AM

You definitely want an LCI model, as stated above. As far as options go, you want as many as you can find, except the cold-weather ZCW package, because it includes the useless eyesore headlight washer warts. The washers don't work well and they add unsightly bumps to your bumper. Go for a car that has the heated seats alone. Other than that you want a ZCP competition package car for the EDC suspension and the upgraded wheels. I would also strongly suggest the ZPP or Tech package which gives you the iDrive and HD nav, etc. BMW Apps are a good addition if you want Pandora/MOG integration via USB with your iPhone. Sound is a debatable point because neither system is good enough on its own, both need upgrades but with the EPS system option, you'll have less upgrading to do.

hugehead · 08-31-2013, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylonien

DCT must? Ah the endless debate. Manual is a must for me.

your living in the dark ages

sylonien · 09-01-2013, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hugehead

your living in the dark ages

Technological advancement doesn't necessarily means its better.

I feel too disconnected just pulling paddles. Leaves me feeling cold.

hugehead · 09-01-2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylonien

Technological advancement doesn't necessarily means its better.

I feel too disconnected just pulling paddles. Leaves me feeling cold.

try using a "manual" in a F1 car

.....don't get me wrong, I grew up with a manual box and I'm a die hard fan of it , that is until I drove the DCT in the M3 !!
My P1 has a six speeder and I get fed up shifting all the time in it !

sylonien · 09-02-2013, 08:51 PM

Well who's getting old then?

I don't feel like the M is too quick for the M. That's why I feel like I will get bored with DCT in the M3.
its not blindingly quick like a F1 car, so there is no need in my mind for it and I'm not attacking any lap records.

That's the thing, one I will get tired and old and can't help to feel that no one will give a shit about manual anymore in the future. So by the time comes, I won't have a choice anymore, physically myself or the market.

So until then I will enjoy the manual, which I do.

08-30-2013, 12:20 PM	#1
neilv Enlisted Member 2 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 335d xDrive MSport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: W. Sussex iTrader: (0)	Buying Advice Hi, Sorry if this had been asked before, I did a quick search but couldn't find anything... I currently drive a e90 330D Msport from 06 and its time for a change, to an M3... My first question is the ride. The M sport has pretty awful ride over the bumps both for comfort and handling, is the M3 better or worse? Also there was an LCI update for the E90/E92 was there an update for the M3? What were the changes? What should I look for in a used one? Is the DCT anygood or is the manual better? Anything to be avoided? Are there any common issues/problems with the M3? Thanks, Neilv
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08-30-2013, 04:09 PM	#2
hugehead Lieutenant 9 Rep 475 Posts Drives: E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: manchester iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 E90 M3 [8.00] 1987 Porsche 944S 16v [0.00] 2006 BMW E60 M5 [7.00] 2001 Subaru Impreza P1 [9.00]	09 model is LCI, satnav with hard drive, you want EDC for a comfort ride and firms up in normal and sports mode, DCT is a "must"........ way better than smg, comfort access is good, and heated seat is a must ..well at least the fronts anyway , oh and individual Hi fi stereo system is very good (highest upgrade option for sound ). these are the option you want really......all the rest you can do without .
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08-31-2013, 09:20 AM	#3
sylonien Major 114 Rep 1,326 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	DCT must? Ah the endless debate. Manual is a must for me. Both has its pros and cons. Really down to you unfortunately. That question will never ever be settled. The ride is fine with EDC. Not sure about the none DCT one. Its similar or a tad firmer compared to my 335i M-sport suspension. I wouldn't call it uncomfortable at all. Handling of course is better than anything, but don't expect it to be more comfortable though if you think a normal m-sport is bumpy? Can't expect a soft ride in a M? For me, I like gadgets and toys. So I would go for everything and I do use all the options that's available to me. So really depends if you need the options or not. The only thing I haven't used is the connected drive, but everything else I use all the time on the car, even voice control on the old CCC iDrive __________________ Please consider checking out my YouTube Channel for car and tech videos.
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08-31-2013, 09:36 AM	#4
nullrouted Studying... 36 Rep 860 Posts Drives: AW '13 E92 ZCP 6MT M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: North Central Florida iTrader: (0)	You definitely want an LCI model, as stated above. As far as options go, you want as many as you can find, except the cold-weather ZCW package, because it includes the useless eyesore headlight washer warts. The washers don't work well and they add unsightly bumps to your bumper. Go for a car that has the heated seats alone. Other than that you want a ZCP competition package car for the EDC suspension and the upgraded wheels. I would also strongly suggest the ZPP or Tech package which gives you the iDrive and HD nav, etc. BMW Apps are a good addition if you want Pandora/MOG integration via USB with your iPhone. Sound is a debatable point because neither system is good enough on its own, both need upgrades but with the EPS system option, you'll have less upgrading to do.
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09-02-2013, 08:51 PM	#8
sylonien Major 114 Rep 1,326 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Well who's getting old then? I don't feel like the M is too quick for the M. That's why I feel like I will get bored with DCT in the M3. its not blindingly quick like a F1 car, so there is no need in my mind for it and I'm not attacking any lap records. That's the thing, one I will get tired and old and can't help to feel that no one will give a shit about manual anymore in the future. So by the time comes, I won't have a choice anymore, physically myself or the market. So until then I will enjoy the manual, which I do. __________________ Please consider checking out my YouTube Channel for car and tech videos.
	Appreciate 0 Quote