Traded the M3 today with ...

Erhan · 07-10-2011, 08:55 PM

a Mini Cooper S.

I was trying to have 1 car for daily, weekend, and track duty... Not working though. M3 is doing all these, but there is a lot left to be desired. I truly enjoyed my short M3 ownership. I will definitely miss the S65 engine.

As a daily, I personally can't use the glorious S65 engine. Can't redline at any gear, can't go full throttle more than 2 seconds... So what's the point of 15mpg?

It is fine for weekends, very comfortable and fast on back roads. Although you still feel the overall softness of the car, and of course the weight..

At the track... Not that I'm any kinda expert, but it is way too big, heavy, and soft. It is amazingly fast, very easy to drive, very balanced, but equally boring too.

So I decided to get 2 cars. Cooper S (hardtop) as a daily (and for autox), and some other car in the future as a more dedicated track car. Most likely a Porsche, but I don't know yet.

It is amazing fun to drive the Mini Cooper S. Such a good feeling to have a light, nimble, and responsive car. I had a manual Z4MC before, and the gearbox just sucked. I haven't driven a manual M3, but what I heard from the forums is that it is not the best in class... The gearbox in the Mini though, such a smooth shifter. Clutch is perfectly weighted, and has pretty short travel. In Z4MC, the clutch travel was about half a mile.

Oh, the mileage... I drove 70miles today, and used only 2 gallons of gas

It'd be about 4 gallons if it was the M3

Just to not get flamed: M3 is a great car, it just didn't work for me.

Sorry about the "dirty" picture, it is taken behind a dirty window while having lunch.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

PhillyNate · 07-10-2011, 09:02 PM

You'll be back.

Erhan · 07-10-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

You'll be back.

Maybe. If I buy a BMW for my track/weekend car, it'd be either E36M3, or Z4MC.

Seattle S65B40 · 07-10-2011, 09:05 PM

Wow. Speechless.

AngelinIsRich08 · 07-10-2011, 09:08 PM

Sucks for you. I don't know what I'd do without my M. Just get a used Lotus. It'd run you around $40k....

HBspeed · 07-10-2011, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

You'll be back.

I wouldn't be too sure, it sounds like he is on his way to P town! BMW has nothing that will satisfy his criteria now or for the foreseeable next few years. I have the exact same criteria for my next car as him, so I very well understand his situation. I also had a Z4M coupe and while it was a great car, it did have some shortcoming as the OP stated.

I think there are more of us than BMW thinks that are loosing interest in its "sporty" offerings and are looking elsewhere.

To the OP:

I already bought my first P car, albeit mine is more of the inexpensive track car variety. Sounds like we are both headed towards a modern Porsche in the near future rather than any M product. I'll see you there.

Erhan · 07-10-2011, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBspeed

I wouldn't be too sure, it sounds like he is on his way to P town! BMW has nothing that will satisfy his criteria now or for the foreseeable future. I have the exact same criteria for my next car as him, so I very well understand his situation. I also had a Z4M coupe and while it was a great car, it did have some shortcoming as the OP stated.

I think there are more of us than BMW thinks that are loosing interest in its "sporty" offerings and are looking elsewhere.

To the OP:

I already bought my first P car, albeit mine is the of the inexpensive track car variety. Sounds like we are both headed towards a modern Porsche in the near future rather than any M product. I'll see you there.

Exactly...

What Porsche did you get? I haven't driven any yet, but from what I know about Porsches, it will be either a 997.1 2S, or a 996 GT3. Depends how hard core I want to go. Small chance for a Cayman S, since I heard they're easy to drive cars (not a bad thing), whereas I'm looking for something challenging to drive. Very slow chance for a Lotus, since it'd suck as a weekend car.

Edit: Just saw under your avatar, 1975 911 S. Is that the one you got?

PhillyNate · 07-10-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBspeed

I wouldn't be too sure, it sounds like he is on his way to P town! BMW has nothing that will satisfy his criteria now or for the foreseeable next few years. I have the exact same criteria for my next car as him, so I very well understand his situation. I also had a Z4M coupe and while it was a great car, it did have some shortcoming as the OP stated.

I think there are more of us than BMW thinks that are loosing interest in its "sporty" offerings and are looking elsewhere.

To the OP:

I already bought my first P car, albeit mine is more of the inexpensive track car variety. Sounds like we are both headed towards a modern Porsche in the near future rather than any M product. I'll see you there.

I agree with you. I just wrote this in another thread. It depends on what P car he gets. This current M3 is simply not inferior to every Porsche ever made. It just isn't.

FVM3 · 07-10-2011, 09:27 PM

wow what a swap

HBspeed · 07-10-2011, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erhanh

Exactly...

What Porsche did you get? I haven't driven any yet, but from what I know about Porsches, it will be either a 997.1 2S, or a 996 GT3. Depends how hard core I want to go. Small chance for a Cayman S, since I heard they're easy to drive cars (not a bad thing), whereas I'm looking for something challenging to drive. Very slow chance for a Lotus, since it'd suck as a weekend car.

Edit: Just saw under your avatar, 1975 911 S. Is that the one you got?

Yeah thats the one. I've been lazy in uploading photos of it so here are a couple. They are just iphone pics tho.

Its a totally different experience obviously from any modern sports car, but I felt like it was one I had to have and have enjoyed immensely since I bought it about a year and a half ago. Its incredibly fun and challenging to drive and it makes me all the more excited to also own a modern 911 to enjoy along side it!

Regarding your considerations of a Cayman S, 997.1 S or a 996 GT3... I can only say I've driven the 996 GT3 for a short bit. Looking back, that drive was one of the experiences that pushed me towards a classic 911. The 996 GT3 is such a pure track car that it is very hard to appreciate on the street in many ways. The interior is very lacking, and the clutch is "stiff" to put it mildly. It is the type of car that really needs to be on a race track to make sense. Thus I figured instead of the 50k + or so for one, I would spend a 1/4th of that on something I would be less worried about damaging at the track.

The others you mentioned have much nicer interiors and have more street going characteristics by comparison. You don't have to be going all out to get enjoyment out of them so I would suggest looking at those unless you are looking for more of a "race car" for the street. However it is hard to look past how much more special it is than the other more "pedestrian" Porsche's you mentioned. Personally I would wait until you are able to get into something equally special and more streetable.... like any 997 GT3 or 997 Turbo. Personally I am waiting to see whats going on with the upcoming 991 model before deciding whether to go that route or go for a GT1 engined 997.

M3tallicar · 07-10-2011, 09:57 PM

Have fun with the Mini, it can be a fun car (just being in a tiny car has it's merits). For me front wheel drive got old but if it works for you then obviously that is all that counts. Re: 911s, enjoyed having a 997 c2s very much and someday will have another, be it a modern or old model, but the lack of utility/ useful space was not ideal right now, but obviously that's won't be an issue for you if using for track

Happy 'motoring' as they say

Seattle S65B40 · 07-10-2011, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

Wow. Speechless.

Btw, no disrespect, Erhan. Especially since you're a fellow Seattleite!

I hope you enjoy the Mini and get the P car you're looking for soon.

I also hope you continue to take interest in the M3 community (locally and in cyber space ). I, for one, have enjoyed your contributions and would be bummed to see you leave M3 post!

8_is_enough · 07-10-2011, 10:57 PM

i sometimes consider trading for a MCS also. living in san francisco means i have nowhere to exploit the engine and rarely shift past 3rd gear, but am stuck with ~14mpg. that said, i'm attached to the M3 and cherish any moment it gets to stretch its lungs. decisions, decisions

Grail05 · 07-10-2011, 11:00 PM

I put 40 k in 2 years and have not regret it... As u can see its my daily and loving every minute of it good luck with the mini but i wouldnt have done it....

Erhan · 07-10-2011, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seattle S65B40

Btw, no disrespect, Erhan. Especially since you're a fellow Seattleite!

I hope you enjoy the Mini and get the P car you're looking for soon.

I also hope you continue to take interest in the M3 community (locally and in cyber space ). I, for one, have enjoyed your contributions and would be bummed to see you leave M3 post!

Thanks mate.

I'll be active here time to time, mostly to bitch about the direction BMW going

AngelinIsRich08 · 07-10-2011, 11:14 PM

I'm definitely not a fan of Mini styling. I'd take an Audi over it any day for a DD. But at least you'll be getting a Porsche soon, a GT3 is pretty hardcore.

AngelinIsRich08 · 07-10-2011, 11:28 PM

And you can redline in 2nd gear... Last night I went 60 mph in 2nd gear and was at around 6.5k rpm. But it was in my X5M which definitely doesn't sound as good as the M3 in that rev range.

donovan · 07-10-2011, 11:34 PM

...they all come back..

Erhan · 07-10-2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

And you can redline in 2nd gear... Last night I went 60 mph in 2nd gear and was at around 6.5k rpm. But it was in my X5M which definitely doesn't sound as good as the M3 in that rev range.

M3 does about 70mph in 2nd gear redline, and the speed limit in WA freeways is 60mph. We also have very strict law enforcement in speeding.

I considered the A3. At the end, it won't be as sporty as mini. I really don't like fwd cars, except Mini.

w00tw00t · 07-10-2011, 11:37 PM

* E P I C F A I L *

signes · 07-10-2011, 11:53 PM

Honest assessment. Will be curious to hear what you choose for a track car.

FASTTOYS · 07-11-2011, 12:17 AM

I guess i dont understand, good luck with your choice. You cant compare a Mini S to an M3. Thats like comparing the P car to a VW Bug. I had a 2004 Mini S with about 216 HP to the wheels. My car was smaller than the current generation and a better car IMO. I only kept the car for 7 months. The issue I had it was front wheel drive and I put to much HP in the car.
I just sold my 2011 S4 after 3 months for my new zcp M3. So far I am happy with the M3 it was a good choice for me. This car will not see the track. I have owned many P cars, 996 TT, 997S, Box S & reg 00 Box. The Box S or Cayman S would be a good track car and a DD. You can find them used for under 40k. If I wanted a dedicated track car the only P car for me would be the GT2 or GT3. I had a Z06 for a track car and it was hard to beat and not to costly to up-keep. For what an M3 cost you could keepy your MINI & pick up a Z06 for your track toy. I can promise you for the money not many cars can keep up with the Z06 on the track. My only complaint with the Z06 is the plastic fisher-price interior. Good Luck

07-10-2011, 08:55 PM	#1
Erhan Colonel 87 Rep 2,464 Posts Drives: Cooper S Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle iTrader: (0)	Traded the M3 today with ... a Mini Cooper S. I was trying to have 1 car for daily, weekend, and track duty... Not working though. M3 is doing all these, but there is a lot left to be desired. I truly enjoyed my short M3 ownership. I will definitely miss the S65 engine. As a daily, I personally can't use the glorious S65 engine. Can't redline at any gear, can't go full throttle more than 2 seconds... So what's the point of 15mpg? It is fine for weekends, very comfortable and fast on back roads. Although you still feel the overall softness of the car, and of course the weight.. At the track... Not that I'm any kinda expert, but it is way too big, heavy, and soft. It is amazingly fast, very easy to drive, very balanced, but equally boring too. So I decided to get 2 cars. Cooper S (hardtop) as a daily (and for autox), and some other car in the future as a more dedicated track car. Most likely a Porsche, but I don't know yet. It is amazing fun to drive the Mini Cooper S. Such a good feeling to have a light, nimble, and responsive car. I had a manual Z4MC before, and the gearbox just sucked. I haven't driven a manual M3, but what I heard from the forums is that it is not the best in class... The gearbox in the Mini though, such a smooth shifter. Clutch is perfectly weighted, and has pretty short travel. In Z4MC, the clutch travel was about half a mile. Oh, the mileage... I drove 70miles today, and used only 2 gallons of gas It'd be about 4 gallons if it was the M3 Just to not get flamed: M3 is a great car, it just didn't work for me. Sorry about the "dirty" picture, it is taken behind a dirty window while having lunch. Uploaded with ImageShack.us __________________ 2011 MINI Cooper S previous cars: E92 M3, Z4MC, Z4 Roadster, E36 328 Sedan Last edited by Erhan; 07-10-2011 at 09:07 PM..
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07-10-2011, 09:02 PM	#2
PhillyNate ENTHUSIAST 135 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 Porsche Cayman [0.00]	You'll be back. __________________ "what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson 2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt 2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15) 2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14) 2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11)
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07-10-2011, 09:05 PM	#4
Seattle S65B40 Major 213 Rep 1,395 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Wow. Speechless. __________________ Club 6MT 2008 E92 M3 6MT, AW/Blk Ext., brushed aluminum 2006 E46 M3 ZCP 6MT Carbon blk/blk(sold) 2001 E46 325Xi 5MT Jet Blk/Blk (sold)
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07-10-2011, 09:08 PM	#5
AngelinIsRich08 Banned 61 Rep 708 Posts Drives: '11 X5M, '09 CTS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	Sucks for you. I don't know what I'd do without my M. Just get a used Lotus. It'd run you around $40k....
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07-10-2011, 09:27 PM	#9
FVM3 Major General 273 Rep 5,751 Posts Drives: e92 m3, f30 328i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2)	wow what a swap
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07-10-2011, 09:57 PM	#11
M3tallicar Lieutenant 273 Rep 515 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sunnystate iTrader: (0)	Have fun with the Mini, it can be a fun car (just being in a tiny car has it's merits). For me front wheel drive got old but if it works for you then obviously that is all that counts. Re: 911s, enjoyed having a 997 c2s very much and someday will have another, be it a modern or old model, but the lack of utility/ useful space was not ideal right now, but obviously that's won't be an issue for you if using for track Happy 'motoring' as they say Last edited by M3tallicar; 07-10-2011 at 10:02 PM..
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07-10-2011, 10:57 PM	#13
8_is_enough Captain 197 Rep 985 Posts Drives: 07 GT3, 18 Macan GTS, 22 X540i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Danville, CA iTrader: (10)	i sometimes consider trading for a MCS also. living in san francisco means i have nowhere to exploit the engine and rarely shift past 3rd gear, but am stuck with ~14mpg. that said, i'm attached to the M3 and cherish any moment it gets to stretch its lungs. decisions, decisions
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07-10-2011, 11:00 PM	#14
Grail05 Putcha ang ganda... 281 Rep 5,441 Posts Drives: 17 F82 M4 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Los Angeles, Brea CA. iTrader: (10)	I put 40 k in 2 years and have not regret it... As u can see its my daily and loving every minute of it good luck with the mini but i wouldnt have done it.... __________________
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07-10-2011, 11:14 PM	#16
AngelinIsRich08 Banned 61 Rep 708 Posts Drives: '11 X5M, '09 CTS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	I'm definitely not a fan of Mini styling. I'd take an Audi over it any day for a DD. But at least you'll be getting a Porsche soon, a GT3 is pretty hardcore.
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07-10-2011, 11:28 PM	#17
AngelinIsRich08 Banned 61 Rep 708 Posts Drives: '11 X5M, '09 CTS Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	And you can redline in 2nd gear... Last night I went 60 mph in 2nd gear and was at around 6.5k rpm. But it was in my X5M which definitely doesn't sound as good as the M3 in that rev range.
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07-10-2011, 11:34 PM	#18
donovan Brigadier General 371 Rep 4,167 Posts Drives: R8 - Ford Raptor Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: National iTrader: (17)	...they all come back.. __________________ Audi R8 v10 Ford Raptor m3e46freak@yahoo.comfor all euro parts!! ebay/craigslist verified/ m3post/e46fanantics/m3forum/zpost/bimmerforum
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07-10-2011, 11:37 PM	#20
w00tw00t Colonel 408 Rep 2,171 Posts Drives: 2016 MW M4 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (13)	* E P I C F A I L * Attached Images
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07-10-2011, 11:53 PM	#21
signes Brigadier General 199 Rep 4,318 Posts Drives: 991 GT3 RS Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Living at (almost...) 9k iTrader: (5)	Honest assessment. Will be curious to hear what you choose for a track car. __________________ GT3 RS \| Desperately seeking the next great M car...
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07-11-2011, 12:17 AM	#22
FASTTOYS Second Lieutenant 52 Rep 291 Posts Drives: Audi R8, X3M, XC60 R-Line Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: USA TEXAS iTrader: (1)	I guess i dont understand, good luck with your choice. You cant compare a Mini S to an M3. Thats like comparing the P car to a VW Bug. I had a 2004 Mini S with about 216 HP to the wheels. My car was smaller than the current generation and a better car IMO. I only kept the car for 7 months. The issue I had it was front wheel drive and I put to much HP in the car. I just sold my 2011 S4 after 3 months for my new zcp M3. So far I am happy with the M3 it was a good choice for me. This car will not see the track. I have owned many P cars, 996 TT, 997S, Box S & reg 00 Box. The Box S or Cayman S would be a good track car and a DD. You can find them used for under 40k. If I wanted a dedicated track car the only P car for me would be the GT2 or GT3. I had a Z06 for a track car and it was hard to beat and not to costly to up-keep. For what an M3 cost you could keepy your MINI & pick up a Z06 for your track toy. I can promise you for the money not many cars can keep up with the Z06 on the track. My only complaint with the Z06 is the plastic fisher-price interior. Good Luck Last edited by FASTTOYS; 07-11-2011 at 12:29 AM..
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