2.000km on her and not one problem!

[Queenskid24]

hopefully my next car, thanks for the review.

[Saturn]

Great post. Grazzi Mille.

[JerezBlue!]

Excellent post. I was also an S4 driver Nov 2003 to Oct 2007 when I got my M3. I must say I agree with a LOT of your experience. I am now up to 600 miles.

The only issue I have had is a little Oil Consumption, which dropped to exactly the halfway point in the acceptable range. BMW put 1/4 litre in yesterday and it read the same for about half an hour then it read half way between max and the halfway point; i.e. 1/4 down. The way to think about it is 1/2 litre above the halfway point and 1/2 litre below. Also, the oli is very thin (relatively) so it can operate at higher temperature, so while its running in it will burn some, which is no bad thing really.

As for IDrive - it is excellent. The upgraded sound system to Pro Logic and the controls for it are excellent. The IPOD connectivity is excellent. The SatNav is excellent. The Bluetooth is excellent especially now since I picked up my snap in cradle for the Blackberry Pearl 8100. In terms of tech, so far (touch wood) I think it's far far superior to any P car, and actually, a little more intuitive than most Audi models. Please note I used to favour Audi massively over BMW mostly cause of Quattro and build quality - no more.

My thinking for set up was similar. I put EDC, Power, Servotronic and Traction on max for the M button specifically. Press it and the car changes in nature immediately. All the lights come on. Your mood changes. A bit like Kitt in Pursuit Mode in Knight Rider; sorry couldn't resist! Otherwise, for town driving everything on min, which I love. Taken it one stage further and changed the seat position very slightly; mainly backrest incline and distance from steering wheel. Memory 1 for comfort and Memory 2 for M button.

As for the exhaust note, I love the sound. It is not intrusive and actually a little quiet but I suspect, as you do, it should be loud enough once it gets to 8400RPM. For daily driving, if it was too loud, like an RS4 I think it would get tiresome eventually - cause you have no compromise position.

Other points:

Finally sorted my seating position - too much dam choice. Fuel consumption getting better. Gearbox is now wonderful, not clunky at all (it was at the start - a little), those tyres are amazing; especially when the road is cold and very very very slightly damp. Tail wag is controllable and can be done by just lifting throttle but it's more fun the other way now that confidence has built up a little.

Still waiting for my camera order to turn up so I can share some photos like you have. At least they have sent me the case!!!

Cheers.

[suburbanjim66]

those goats look hostile

[Mx3]

Thank you for taking the time to share about your experience with your car. For those of us who have a long wait here in NA, your experiences are GREATLY appreciated. Wow! What an excellent adventure right from the start. Congratulations!

I look forward to your posts.

[the_stranger]

That trip sounded like fun, especially in a car like the M3.

[bartman32]

so cool! Very jealous!

[Dazzler]

I concurr. My only issue is the 1st to 2nd gear changes feels a little notchy.

I hope that goes when the car is more loosend up. Atm I am at 700kms..

This is the best drivers car I have ever had and that is comparing it to E60 m5, E46 m3 and E87 130i M Sport.

[savage.ulm1]

Originally Posted by kdjohn72

Great write up, thanks for taking the time !! Looks like a wonderful route- any chance you could post up a highlighted map? Could be helpful on my next euro-delivery.

Hi...
I link here 2 addresses with the more interesting steps of the trip. If you zoom the first step of the trip (from Lavis to Moena) and the second step from Moena to Chiusa (S.Pietro) you will see how many turns I enjoyed in that trip...

1st step :http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&utm_c...term=itinerari

2th step :http://maps.google.it/maps?f=d&utm_c...term=itinerari

I want to make a little film one day and put in on the web. The more exciting part (I mean for driving pleasure) is from Valda to Stramentizzo (at the end of the little lake I made one of the pics) in the step number one.

I came from Verona (150 km in direction South).

Bye
S.

[savage.ulm1]

So no consumption of oil in my car. They also told me that during the first 2.000km (about 1.200 mph) of life the car uses a special oil that prevents the consumption of this fluid. They changed all the fluids of the car.They need a special system to "suck" all the oil from the engine. The cost was 350 euro plus tax. Not bad.. During my service I was told that they had a car in service few days ago for half day. It was a special version of an M5 prepared by a company that cooperates with BMW that push the car from 0 to 200 km-h in 9 seconds. Incredible is the sound of the car (they say) but also the power : 800 hp. No comments. The speed indicator has a limit to 400km-h!!!!

bye

[Smoltz]

Originally Posted by Dazzler

I concurr. My only issue is the 1st to 2nd gear changes feels a little notchy.

I hope that goes when the car is more loosend up. Atm I am at 700kms..

This is the best drivers car I have ever had and that is comparing it to E60 m5, E46 m3 and E87 130i M Sport.

I hope you haven't answered this question elsewhere but with all of the comments regarding the steering, how do you think it compares to the E46 M3? Do you have MDrive or no?

-Adam

[Dazzler]

Originally Posted by Smoltz

I hope you haven't answered this question elsewhere but with all of the comments regarding the steering, how do you think it compares to the E46 M3? Do you have MDrive or no?

-Adam

The steering feels like it does give you the best of both worlds. In the sport mode it is direct and fast with good feel, not too power assisted and in standard mode it is comfortable and helps in parking situations.

I have no problem with the steering at all. It's great!

[ALPINE6SPD]

nice review and you have the best color.

[LEDZEP]

Thanks for sharing the great story, opinions, observations, and especially the great photos!! Makes me wish I could afford an M3!! And in my color too....

[SpencerM3]

WOW, those pics are stunning

[nusevad]

those pictures kickass!

Great review too!

[tony093]

I'm starting to like this car, i think i'll be getting one when they come out...

[Pancho]

Those are very nice photographs. I need to visit Italy soon.

[eddiekayak335]

Very nice car....congratz. We want some pictures from the interior of the car

[bimmerteam]

great write up and pictures thanks

The M5 what you saw in the garage was the G-POWER HURRICANE M5 with twin ASA T1-12 superchargers about 720 HP and 700 Nm of torque

[Steak & KIDNEY]

Those pics are fantastic especially on the bend with mountain background!!! More Please!!! M3 Storm Trooper in white!

[Steak & KIDNEY]

More Photos please!!! Awsome scenery with the M3 Storm Trooper.