e92 M3 + ESS 6XX vs ??

[Longboarder]

Hey guys. Strongly considering an e92M3 as my lease comes due soon on my 335. But due to my sickness, keeping the motor stock just won't happen Anyway I've done my research and even spoken with some of you...and would likely need to feed by addiction with one of the ESS intercooled 6XX superchargers.

So assuming around $75K for a loaded e92 DCT plus realistically $20K for the supercharger/install (plus some smaller misc supporting mods like cat delete and some upgraded tuning capabilities as I like to tweak things), all in that's like $95K. For everything you get in a stock M3, plus the added HP of the supercharger...what would you guys consider as an alternative?

And it's not just the HP number that would be comparison...I'm talking the all-around car. This will be my DD and need to balance my needs including transport things like my 2 year old, my surfboards, groceries, etc. (So I've ruled out the 911, R8 and Zr1). And I'm getting older (over 40 now) and so I like a comfortable ride. I'm not someone that goes to the track all the time, but occassionally with friends I'll hit the track (Willow Springs), drag strip or whatever seems fun at the time.

I'm sure there are other cars stock or modified which you guys would consider. And I'm open to everything. Even the X5M. Drove it last weekend and was very impressed. GT-R is what most of you will immediately think of first but I'm not sure I can live with a car that I don't like the way it looks on the inside or out. Anyway, thanks in advance.

[JonnyM3]

Why not wait for the new M5? Seems like power and having a larger car is your concern, have you considered the CTS V? Not keen on its looks but the car is a monster.

[Longboarder]

Thanks SehrSchnell.

Hopefully the M5 will be ready for me to test drive before I have to decide. I drove the 550 and didn't like it at all. Much slower that I expected and very floaty. No fun factor whatsoever. The X5M in comparison felt much more nimble and way faster. We already have one SUV and not so sure I would want to track the X5M.

As far as the CTS-V goes, hmmm. Never liked the way it looks but with 556 HP and terrific handling, 4 doors, comfortable, etc....probably is the best bang for a stock car with my requirements.

[IFX]

buy a pre-owned M3 then boost it.

no sense buying new and slapping the S/C on there and voiding warranty anyway

[jeff@autocouture]

Originally Posted by IFX

buy a pre-owned M3 then boost it.

no sense buying new and slapping the S/C on there and voiding warranty anyway

yes there is.... break in the kit with the car!

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by IFX

buy a pre-owned M3 then boost it.

no sense buying new and slapping the S/C on there and voiding warranty anyway

There's just something about ordering the exact way I want...that way I'm not compromising anything...not even that new car smell Plus with 600+ HP on a stock chassis that can handle the power well, I don't think $95K is that bad considering what else might be out there. The warranty thing...well yeah good point that's something to consider as well. From what I've heard from others, an otherwise stock M3 with a VSS 6XX supercharger can be very reliable even if I beat the snot out of it...with the exception of launching the car with slicks (I understand the DCT isn't a big fan of that).

[MVEED3]

Considering that you'll eventually realize the need for a BBK on a FI e9X M3, it's safe to assume you'll be knocking on $100k+. At that price, I wouldn't rule out the new 991. It's supposed to be more DD friendly with all the performance improvements.


Allen

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

There's just something about ordering the exact way I want...that way I'm not compromising anything...not even that new car smell Plus with 600+ HP on a stock chassis that can handle the power well, I don't think $95K is that bad considering what else might be out there. The warranty thing...well yeah good point that's something to consider as well. From what I've heard from others, an otherwise stock M3 with a VSS 6XX supercharger can be very reliable even if I beat the snot out of it...with the exception of launching the car with slicks (I understand the DCT isn't a big fan of that).

If you're willing to blow 95k on a BMW, well than that's you.

I'd personally be looking for Gallardo

[HotIce]

I'd just buy a 991 S with 95k...

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by IFX

buy a pre-owned M3 then boost it.

no sense buying new and slapping the S/C on there and voiding warranty anyway

+1. Before you make any decision consider what 95-100K can buy you. Don't get me wrong I love my M3 and wouldn't trade it for the world. With that said, if I was planning to spend 95-100K on a car I would be in some type of used 911 variant.

A brief search on AutoTrader with 95K-100K model years 2008-2011 produced a few of the following results:

Porsche 911 Turbo
Porsche GT3
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Nissan GTR
Various Maserati
And tons of AMG Mercedes

Choose wisely and good luck. Whatever the decision please post pics.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

He wants a DD.... Gallardo - not so much.

I'd DD a Gallardo, I see nothing wrong?


You see those seats??? I'd sleep in that thing.

[quads]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Ah, first class problems.

I'm driving an ESS M3 and I love it! It is my daily driver as well, and it is mostly used to drive my daughter to school and pick her up... or drive her and her friends to swim meets, ballet, etc... in the summer, and if the wife gives the green light, you'll find me on the track.

A lot of times my friends and I talk about how much money I put into this car, and we compare it to other cars within that price-range - it is scary.

But, driving a modded M3 (any SC) is rather unique, talk about truly customize it for your needs. At this point I could've bought a GT-3, and sometimes I wish I did... but it would be a terrible DD. And that goes for most cars when you compare them to a modded M3. I can drive the beast in the winter, to the grocery store, and kill most cars on the track.

So basically you have the best hybrid ever. And chances are, you'll drive the only SC M3 in your area... which is kinda cool as well.

Hope that helps!

I dd a ess m3 and fully agree with the above

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

+1. Before you make any decision consider what 95-100K can buy you. Don't get me wrong I love my M3 and wouldn't trade it for the world. With that said, if I was planning to spend 95-100K on a car I would be in some type of used 911 variant.

A brief search on AutoTrader with 95K-100K model years 2008-2011 produced a few of the following results:

Porsche 911 Turbo
Porsche GT3
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Nissan GTR
Various Maserati
And tons of AMG Mercedes

Choose wisely and good luck. Whatever the decision please post pics.

Good post thanks. Wasn't even thinking of a used car...but have been obsessing about Aston Martin's for a few years now> I think it's one of the best looking cars on the road. Understated but sophisticated and so classy. But like the 911 and ZR1, lacks the utility I have come to enjoy from the 3-series.

All these cars are awesome and I'd be lucky to have any of them.

Still leaning toward the M3+ESS.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Yeah, you're right... f@ck it, I'd DD that thing too.

Hmmm. Looks like it the Garrardo can be practical as well...could probably fit some surfboards, etc

[IFX]

Originally Posted by SehrSchnell

Yeah, you're right... f@ck it, I'd DD that thing too.

I actually see a guy EVERYDAY driving his G, and be beats the piss out of it.

I'd say it's one of the more reliable exotics. And one of the more affordable ones too, obviously.


And that pic! haha

[Optherion]

Why not the new GT-R or M5? Fit two golf bags in my GT-R and the power is infinitely more potent than my supercharged M3 was. 95K on an M3 is silly talk. If youre going to slap a supercharger on it and void most the BMW warranty just get a used car. My dealer took a trade in 2011 with 13k miles for 52k.

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Optherion

Why not the new GT-R or M5? Fit two golf bags in my GT-R and the power is infinitely more potent than my supercharged M3 was. 95K on an M3 is silly talk. If youre going to slap a supercharger on it and void most the BMW warranty just get a used car. My dealer took a trade in 2011 with 13k miles for 52k.

Lol exactly..

[alms211]

Why would you buy a brand new M3 when you are going to flush the warranty down the drain the moment you go FI? Save the cost of the ESS with a slightly used M. Pick up a 2009 or 2010 for $50-55K and then go ESS and you are in for less than $70K.

If you are willing to spend $95K, I'd go 997 Turbo

[Longboarder]

Let's just say I check out a 997T, which I really like a lot (GT-R not so much), in order to get the same HP as an ESS 6XX M3 it would also need aftermarket modifications (ECU, exhast, ??), and the people I speak with who have modded Porsche says both the modifications, as well as maint/repairs are much more expensive. Are 997T tune/exhaust mods really over $10K?

The M3 seems to be pretty reliable, even with the blower strapped on...and I know the costs going in to it, insofar as I don't need "warranty work".

And looking at lease rates for the M3, with a money factor of 195 and a 59% residual for 15K miles and a $1,000 incentive on 2012 coupe's, this will lease for only $1,000/month for virtually every option including ZCP. Only $60/month more for individual paint. And with the blower...yeah it will cost $15K including install but at the end of the 3-year lease, can be sold for maybe $5K. All that said, the low depreciation and money factor plus the theoretical residual on the supercharger kit make the proposition effectively $1,300/month for 3 years. That's not bad at all.

I'll run the numbers on 997T's once I can reasonably estimate a residual for a 5+ year old car (assuming I buy a 2-year old car and keep it 3 years).

[IFX]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Let's just say I check out a 997T, which I really like a lot (GT-R not so much), in order to get the same HP as an ESS 6XX M3 it would also need aftermarket modifications (ECU, exhast, ??), and the people I speak with who have modded Porsche says both the modifications, as well as maint/repairs are much more expensive. Are 997T tune/exhaust mods really over $10K?

The M3 seems to be pretty reliable, even with the blower strapped on...and I know the costs going in to it, insofar as I don't need "warranty work".

And looking at lease rates for the M3, with a money factor of 195 and a 59% residual for 15K miles and a $1,000 incentive on 2012 coupe's, this will lease for only $1,000/month for virtually every option including ZCP. Only $60/month more for individual paint. And with the blower...yeah it will cost $15K including install but at the end of the 3-year lease, can be sold for maybe $5K. All that said, the low depreciation and money factor plus the theoretical residual on the supercharger kit make the proposition effectively $1,300/month for 3 years. That's not bad at all.

I'll run the numbers on 997T's once I can reasonably estimate a residual for a 5+ year old car (assuming I buy a 2-year old car and keep it 3 years).

I just drove a 997Turbo the other day, that thing is amazing. It seems you already made your decision, so just do it already lol.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by IFX

I just drove a 997Turbo the other day, that thing is amazing. It seems you already made your decision, so just do it already lol.

I have a few months before my current lease ends so I will be test driving a couple more cars. I really want the M3 because it seems like it will be the better daily driver...but quite a few people have recommended a 997T so I should give it a spin and see what this fuss is all about!

Hmmmm:

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ist=70&ref=srl