What's the ED Drive-ability of the E9X M3?

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

So I'm 51 and previous owner of E46 M3 Cabriolet with SMG. It's been about 5 years since I've owned that car and there isn't a day that goes by when I don't wish I still had it.

Since then, my vehicles have been 5 Series and X's...Gotta say I love the multicountour seats..I'm getting to the day where I won't need and SUV for an ED driver. M3 is back on my radar. I'm not a big guy, needing a wide-asz seat - but do have a lower back that's been a pain for a while.

I do recall my E46 being a pretty stiff ride..I haven't driven the E9x M3 yet. I know if I do, I'll have to get out of my X5 lease early (and that's bad).

What's everyone's thoughts about it's every day driveability? How does it compare to the E46?? I posted this on another forum, but didn't get much response. Not nearly as interesting as mods, I know. Hoping you guys can chime in for me..

[MB Hawaii]

Perfect ED driver....a little too perfect. I just sold my E46 M3 vert and got a 2010 E92 M3. The E92 is so refined! Never driven a car so smooth! My wifey has an MB E500 and I think the E92 is smoother. As far a seats go, it's still a little stiff, but mine has the adjustable lumbar support which helps alot. I actually miss the rawness of the E46. From the sounds of things, I think the E9X M3 will be a perfect ED driver for you. My advice is to be prepared, once you test drive it.....the E9X M3 will own you

[karussell]

its about the same firm ride as the E46 was so if you are okay with that, it should be fine. 18" wheels with little more tire helps especially since they aren't the crappy runflats. if you option EDC it will have a softer setting to use as well. DCT is light years beyond SMG so you will also enjoy that. Good luck!

[SenorFunkyPants]

Std (non EDC) E92 M3 ride is a little more compliant than the E46 M3 while still giving more outright grip, especially in the front. I have considerable back problems and manage to live with a non EDC M3.
The DCT is in a different league to SMG and makes the car a pleasure to use as a DD or for outright speed.

[RayC]

I think it'll be all right with EDC in Comfort. However, my friend who prefers luxury cars thinks my car is pretty rough, even in comfort mode.

My mom doesn't seem to complain, but I think she just likes being in a BMW.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Thx ---

Appreciate the input..Anyone drive theirs in snow? When I had my E46, that bad-boy was stored every winter...I am perfectly comfortable with RWD and snow tires. However, I don't think I want to go back to owning two cars again - least not right now with a kid in college.

[AngelinIsRich08]

Kind of off topic but, does the E46 SMG transmission only work by manually having to paddle shift/change gears or is there an automatic mode as well? I think it'd be stupid to have SMG if you still always have to manually shift gears, I'd rather have a 6 sp...

[AngelinIsRich08]

Also, to answer your question, the E9x M3's are way more comfortable than the E46's. I love the E46 I drove but the E9x M3 is a perfectly comfortable car. The seats are soft and supportive and there's almost no body roll.

[FStop7]

Originally Posted by Midwest X6

I do recall my E46 being a pretty stiff ride..I haven't driven the E9x M3 yet. I know if I do, I'll have to get out of my X5 lease early (and that's bad).

What's everyone's thoughts about it's every day driveability? How does it compare to the E46?? I posted this on another forum, but didn't get much response. Not nearly as interesting as mods, I know. Hoping you guys can chime in for me..

The E9x is FAR more compliant than the E46. It's a much better DD, in terms of comfort and ride quality. And yet it handles significantly better than the E46, too. It's a pretty big improvement.

[ThunderMoose]

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

Kind of off topic but, does the E46 SMG transmission only work by manually having to paddle shift/change gears or is there an automatic mode as well? I think it'd be stupid to have SMG if you still always have to manually shift gears, I'd rather have a 6 sp...

SMG has auto mode

[FStop7]

Originally Posted by ThunderMoose

SMG has auto mode

And it's terribad. I mean it is truly awful.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by FStop7

The E9x is FAR more compliant than the E46. It's a much better DD, in terms of comfort and ride quality. And yet it handles significantly better than the E46, too. It's a pretty big improvement.

Thanks man....This is exactly why I will have to continue to ward-off my sales guys requests to test drive one...Least till I'm closer to my X5 Diesel lease end.

[midwest 340xi 6sp]

Originally Posted by FStop7

And it's terribad. I mean it is truly awful.

SMG Auto mode was terrible..agreed

[karussell]

m3 does fine in snow. did 2 winters on mine. no problems. lots of fun actually. i ran pilot sport alpins.

[PKL]

As others have said, its a perfect DD

[GOLFFRR]

^^couldn't agree anymore

[8_is_enough]

on my first test drive, i was pleasantly surprised at how tractable the car is as a daily driver. i came from a Z4M and drove E46Ms, and expected the E9X M3 to be in the same realm. it really hits a striking balance between an everyday ride and hooligan toy.

for what it's worth, i drive mine everyday on the rough roads of san francisco, and i recently took it on a 900 mile road trip -- which made me fall in love with the car even more

[SenorFunkyPants]

We are 4 adults with luggage on a trip to visit relatives in France (try that in a 911) and the M3 handles this kind of driving equally as well as going bonkers down country roads by yourself.
No wonder most car journalists rate this car so highly.