just ordered an M3

[skroars]

I'm new here... but have been reading for a while.
I just ordered an M3 last week.

I have question about the EDC and competition package.
I liked the stock wheels so I ordered the EDC not the competition pkg...but I didn't order iDrive or any of the packages (the tech pkg)
just:
carbon leather trim
heated seats
EDC
alarm

BUT.... my question is...is it a waste to order the EDC without the technology package? Am I missing some of the EDC's adjustments without it?
Thank you,
from a new guy

[kmarei]

Why would you order now?
Wait about 2-3 weeks and order a 2012

[jaserion]

Originally Posted by kmarei

Why would you order now?
Wait about 2-3 weeks and order a 2012

massive discount. i got my incoming E93 with everything on it for below dealer's invoice.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by jaserion

massive discount. i got my incoming E93 with everything on it for below dealer's invoice.

+1 I purchase all my cars like that (cars year end and the dealer likes to make room so the purchaser is in the driver seat to make a deal).

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by skroars

I'm new here... but have been reading for a while.
I just ordered an M3 last week.

I have question about the EDC and competition package.
I liked the stock wheels so I ordered the EDC not the competition pkg...but I didn't order iDrive or any of the packages (the tech pkg)
just:
carbon leather trim
heated seats
EDC
alarm

BUT.... my question is...is it a waste to order the EDC without the technology package? Am I missing some of the EDC's adjustments without it?
Thank you,
from a new guy

I also don't have the iDrive and I don't miss it you will get all the feedback from the on board computer.

[skroars]

Thank you Rolf-Dieter for the reply!

[jphughan]

I ordered EDC without Comp because I preferred the 220M 19" rims over the Comp wheels. Competition would have cost me an extra $250 at that point, but I didn't care about the remapping Sport EDC setting (don't use it anyway) or the different MDM. I got the rims I like plus EDC and saved $250.

I did get iDrive because I'm a tech geek and I like some features that are only available with iDrive.

[Scoobe]

I actually love the iDrive screen and from what I've read it makes setting up your M button much easier, plus your key settings etc. But others don't miss it so you are probably fine either way. I personally like all of the gadgetry that comes with the iDrive for song selection, bluetooth, vehicle info, etc. Go back to the dealer and play with a full on Mdrive iDrive equipped M3 before you beat yourself up.

[goto35]

Get The Navigation. You Will Regret It Later!!!!

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by jateshk

Get The Navigation. You Will Regret It Later!!!!

This -- but not even necessarily for navigation. I don't use it for nav very often, but it makes it way easier to work with your infotainment capabilities, and you get some iDrive-only features like parked car ventilation and some others I can't think of at the moment. And configuring every option on the car via the OBC is a pain; granted you shouldn't have to change it much, but still.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by skroars

I'm new here... but have been reading for a while.
I just ordered an M3 last week.

I have question about the EDC and competition package.
I liked the stock wheels so I ordered the EDC not the competition pkg...but I didn't order iDrive or any of the packages (the tech pkg)
just:
carbon leather trim
heated seats
EDC
alarm

BUT.... my question is...is it a waste to order the EDC without the technology package? Am I missing some of the EDC's adjustments without it?
Thank you,
from a new guy

There's no longer a Technology Package, only the Convenience Package.

The iDrive is much more than Navigation, it is the full integration platform for all user-adjustable systems in the car. The Professional Radio simply cannot offer that much of an integration, just the bare basics for audio -not even Bluetooth Audio.

So before you skip on the iDrive I would strongly suggest that you play extensively with it at the dealer. And with the Convenience Package costing $2900 instead of the $3780 total cost of the individual items together this is a no-brainer.

I have not met anybody in person that is happy with the Professional Radio and do not wish having iDrive.

[stefan]

I'd pick idrive over EDC. I feel EDC is useless especially when it comes time for suspension replacement. The nav seems to be a great way to set up your car.

[AngelinIsRich08]

Wait. So I fully optioned a 2011 E90 M3 for $72k. What should the dealer sell it to me for? I'm on the verge of buying a 2010 E90 for $59k. If how I want it can be bargained for $65 I'd get that instead.

[jaserion]

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

Wait. So I fully optioned a 2011 E90 M3 for $72k. What should the dealer sell it to me for? I'm on the verge of buying a 2010 E90 for $59k. If how I want it can be bargained for $65 I'd get that instead.

yep, i got mine, E93, ~10% of msrp. i dont see why you would not get it for 65K (72K x 0.9 = 65k). good luck. and, i'd definitely pay additional 6k for a brand new 2011 instead 2010 (used, i'm assumed).

[checkmate]

Originally Posted by stefan

I'd pick idrive over EDC. I feel EDC is useless especially when it comes time for suspension replacement. The nav seems to be a great way to set up your car.

You hit the nail on the head. I've been going back and forth on this and also created the following link http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555136 with regard to the same.

Conclusion is that in the long term-especially if you decide to track or go to more aggressive setup-the EDC will be a pain to deal with.
In the event that your shocks with EDC go bust-the shocks are way more expensive to replace and and removing the EDC stuts/shocks will require coding for EDC Delete which adds more to the already high cost of the parts itself.


M3 with no EDC comes standard with the normal setting-which by the way is the best setting for getting the best lap times as it allows for more spring travel and is the optimum balance of sport/comfort.

I saved $1k considering my long term approach.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by checkmate

M3 with no EDC comes standard with the normal setting-which by the way is the best setting for getting the best lap times as it allows for more spring travel and is the optimum balance of sport/comfort.

That's not entirely accurate. EDC Normal and Comfort settings aren't static settings. They actually constantly vary the damper stiffness based on road conditions, with the particular setting just determining the range of stiffness that is allowed. Only the Sport EDC setting is static, though with the Comp package even Sport is dynamic. This means that the non-EDC M3's suspension would NOT feel the same as an EDC M3 in Normal mode.

[robotrenegade]

Originally Posted by skroars

I'm new here... but have been reading for a while.
I just ordered an M3 last week.

I have question about the EDC and competition package.
I liked the stock wheels so I ordered the EDC not the competition pkg...but I didn't order iDrive or any of the packages (the tech pkg)
just:
carbon leather trim
heated seats
EDC
alarm

BUT.... my question is...is it a waste to order the EDC without the technology package? Am I missing some of the EDC's adjustments without it?
Thank you,
from a new guy

This is what I would add
BMW M3 Performance Exhaust
iDrive
Competition Package (stock wheels are ugly)
Blue-gray Brushed Aluminium Trim (if you get prem sound)

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by robotrenegade

This is what I would add
BMW M3 Performance Exhaust
iDrive
Competition Package (stock wheels are ugly)
Blue-gray Brushed Aluminium Trim (if you get prem sound)

I don't think the Performance Exhaust is worth the cash, and frankly I like the stock exhaust that sounds kind of like an F1 car from behind as opposed to Perf which sounds like a muscle car. Nothing against muscle car sounds, just seems out of place on an M3 in my view.

I prefer 19" non-Comp wheels to Comp -- they look more distinctive and are the only ones that are forged. Comp 19s and stock 18s are cast. Stock 18s look ok on Jet Black if you want a Batmobile look, but otherwise yeah they don't look so hot.

I like the Aluminum trim and especially Premium Sound, but why should trim choice depend on whether the OP gets Premium Sound?

[robotrenegade]

Originally Posted by jphughan

I like the Aluminum trim and especially Premium Sound, but why should trim choice depend on whether the OP gets Premium Sound?

If you get both it looks custom because it matches. The pref exhaust sounds 100 better IMO.

[stefan]

Originally Posted by robotrenegade

If you get both it looks custom because it matches. The pref exhaust sounds 100 better IMO.

Careful with this, OP. I find it takes away from the exotic nature of the sound, resulting more in an American-like V8 exhaust tone. Nothing wrong with that, just make sure it's what you'd want. That said, I think you'd be happier with an Akrapovic for sound purposes.

Originally Posted by jphughan

That's not entirely accurate. EDC Normal and Comfort settings aren't static settings. They actually constantly vary the damper stiffness based on road conditions, with the particular setting just determining the range of stiffness that is allowed. Only the Sport EDC setting is static, though with the Comp package even Sport is dynamic. This means that the non-EDC M3's suspension would NOT feel the same as an EDC M3 in Normal mode.

Correct but this is IS an M3. Why mess with settings that make things MORE comfortable? In sport mode (EDC), the delta in lap times will be negligible to null. Now, on the other hand, swapping to KW v3's for example, for a fraction of the EDC package price, is a much smarter choice to improve handling. All of this, of course, is ignoring the fact that suspension can get damaged before it gets worn out. EDC = $$$ have fun with that--why do you think so many EDC emulators are popping up with our vendors

Personally I'd pass on the comp package as it seems to be overrated (and a big deal on these boards for some reason). Keep your 18s; they rock, or save money for some wider wheels later on.

[skroars]

Thanks for all of the insights, opinions and thoughts. I appreciate it! We have iDrive in our '11 X5 and the iPod adapter etc...
I'm not really a tech junkie. I usually find myself getting irritated, especially with computers.

Thanks for the thoughts on the exhaust too. I've used Akra's on my KTM motorcycles and the fit/finish and performance was always impressive. The pictures of the Akra exhaust look spectacular.

I ordered Space Grey and I saw one with the stock wheels and I liked them with space grey...though the comp pkg wheels look great as well.
Thanks everyone again.

[ZGM3]

Originally Posted by kmarei

Why would you order now?
Wait about 2-3 weeks and order a 2012

Please excuse that I am new to the site...
I know that the E90 production is ending in October.. Is BMW making a 2012 E90 sedan or were you referring to the E92 or E93? Is it too late for an E90 order before they stop producing them?