Thinking hard about an M3 for my first BMW

[dww]

Hello, I'm slowly making up my mind to order an M3, which would be my first BMW.

I just found these forums, and I'm already learning a ton. Just thought I'd say hello.

My favorite car that I've owned so far was a 1993 Mazda RX-7 (the twin-turbo rotary). I gave it up when I became a father 5 years ago and got a completely practical car (2006 Acura RL -- safe, comfortable, reliable, passionless...) instead. I desperately miss a full manual transmission, rear-wheel drive corner carver with a high-revving engine, and it seems the M3 sedan would suit both me and my family.

I'm sure I'll be posting again with plenty of questions after I digest more of what you've all already covered.


- dww

[Hershey]

just do it.

i dove head first into the whole ///M thing with an E60 M5. after that I was hooked.

[Kobaiyashi]

I absolutely love my sedan. It's amazing to drive, luxurious, and pretty practical. You should know though, that it's still a 4 seater for all intents and purposes and gas mileage in the city is around 15. You'll certainly be compromising on the space and comfort of the Acura, but the driving experience will more than make it up for you (though not necessarily for the family!).

Last thing to note: the stick is a ton of fun because, well, it's a stick. But for better or worse, it's got serious personality. There are moments where it's clumsy as the syncros grind and shifts become really notchy; and others -- normally after some spirited driving to really warm her up -- where it can be like butter.

Keep us posted!

[ns2000x]

Originally Posted by Kobaiyashi

I absolutely love my sedan. It's amazing to drive, luxurious, and pretty practical. You should know though, that it's still a 4 seater for all intents and purposes and gas mileage in the city is around 15. You'll certainly be compromising on the space and comfort of the Acura, but the driving experience will more than make it up for you (though not necessarily for the family!).

Last thing to note: the stick is a ton of fun because, well, it's a stick. But for better or worse, it's got serious personality. There are moments where it's clumsy as the syncros grind and shifts become really notchy; and others -- normally after some spirited driving to really warm her up -- where it can be like butter.

Keep us posted!

^ Least biased 6MT post I've ever read.


dww - I spent the bet part of a year convincing myself I was actually considering buying something else (S4, C63, XFR) in the end I was able to place the order for the one I really wanted.

[elm3]

You won't regreted. My first BMW is the M3. I always wanted an M3, just couldn't afford one. When the '08 came out, I knew I had to get one. So waited a year and went to the dealership and ordered the car. One of the best thing I've ever done.

[mr_yogi]

Get 'er done brosef! I'm waiting on my first M (and BMW) as we speak! If you order, just know that the wait will TEST you...

[James T. Kirk]

Go for it. The sedan is fantastic with plenty of room for the family.
If you enjoy a manual, get the manual.

[dww]

Originally Posted by Kobaiyashi

Last thing to note: the stick is a ton of fun because, well, it's a stick. But for better or worse, it's got serious personality. There are moments where it's clumsy as the syncros grind and shifts become really notchy; and others -- normally after some spirited driving to really warm her up -- where it can be like butter.

Kobaiyashi, thanks for sharing this! How much of an impact is the shifting clumsiness? Can it cause you to miss shifts? Is it predictable (perhaps related to shifting at certain engine speeds between certain gears)? Does it happen only when downshifting? Is it specific to the M3 or is it something in common with other 3-series or all BMWs? What does BMW have to say about it?

The only manual cars I've owned (two RX-7s) had buttery shifting. After I severely sprained my left ankle, I discovered the clutch was pretty much optional except to start the car.

I may very well decide to be happy that a manual transmission is still offered at all, but this is surprising to me -- thanks again for disclosing it.


- dww

[dww]

Originally Posted by ns2000x

dww - I spent the bet part of a year convincing myself I was actually considering buying something else (S4, C63, XFR) in the end I was able to place the order for the one I really wanted.

Congratulations on ordering! My decision isn't so much between the M3 or another car, but on simply parting with the money for a car in this price range. There's no way I can rationally justify it, but my resistance is fading fast.


- dww

[dww]

Originally Posted by mr_yogi

Get 'er done brosef! I'm waiting on my first M (and BMW) as we speak! If you order, just know that the wait will TEST you...

Congrats on ordering! Looks like you're most of the way there...

The dealer near me keeps M3s in stock, but I can't imagine not ordering it exactly the way I want (which is, not test driven by other people) instead.


- dww

[GOLFFRR]

^^its def a tough choice to make it is a large sum of money however for the amount of car you get and the fun you will have for the money it def worth it IMO, but its easy for me to say bc im biased haha. Whatever you decide im sure you will do whats right for you. GL.

p.s. if you hangout long enough on this forum I can promise you that you will pull the trigger so beware haha

[ns2000x]

Originally Posted by dww

Kobaiyashi, thanks for sharing this! How much of an impact is the shifting clumsiness? Can it cause you to miss shifts? Is it predictable (perhaps related to shifting at certain engine speeds between certain gears)? Does it happen only when downshifting? Is it specific to the M3 or is it something in common with other 3-series or all BMWs? What does BMW have to say about it?

The only manual cars I've owned (two RX-7s) had buttery shifting. After I severely sprained my left ankle, I discovered the clutch was pretty much optional except to start the car.

I may very well decide to be happy that a manual transmission is still offered at all, but this is surprising to me -- thanks again for disclosing it.


- dww

I don't think the manual is anything to be concerned about, and as Kobaiyashi pointed out, once warmed up can be a buttery smooth proposition. I drove a friends '93 RX7 but it was so long ago now (~'97) I can't remember the feel of the transmission. Many people on here will wax poetic about the capabilities of the 6MT, and you won't dig up too many complaints from any of the automotive journalists either. Consensus seems to be that it is very functional rewarding transmission, that doesn't quite manage the rifle bolt feel of the S2000, or the Porsche boxes.

[///My5UV]

Originally Posted by dww

My decision isn't so much between the M3 or another car, but on simply parting with the money for a car in this price range.
- dww

I know how you feel but the kicker for me was that this might be your last chance to buy a truly great naturally aspirated motor. Everything seems to be going to small displacement turbos and the high-revving V8 is just wonderful. By contrast the 335 is plenty fast eventually but the lag is annoying.

[saeedg48]

simple answer get one..
get the best; do it once do it right.

[prichards516]

Once you go M, forget the rest of them [other brands]

[dww]

Originally Posted by ns2000x

Consensus seems to be that it is very functional rewarding transmission, that doesn't quite manage the rifle bolt feel of the S2000, or the Porsche boxes.

Thanks -- that's reassuring!


- dww

[dww]

Originally Posted by ///My5UV

I know how you feel but the kicker for me was that this might be your last chance to buy a truly great naturally aspirated motor. Everything seems to be going to small displacement turbos and the high-revving V8 is just wonderful. By contrast the 335 is plenty fast eventually but the lag is annoying.

Exactly -- the disappearing engine, manual transmission, and 2wd choices (industry-wide, not particularly with BMW) are pressuring me to act soon!


- dww

[mr_yogi]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

p.s. if you hangout long enough on this forum I can promise you that you will pull the trigger so beware haha

amen to that...

[mr_yogi]

Originally Posted by dww

Congrats on ordering! Looks like you're most of the way there...

The dealer near me keeps M3s in stock, but I can't imagine not ordering it exactly the way I want (which is, not test driven by other people) instead.


- dww

yeah...the dealers around here have them in stock too. but i've been on test drives where they go WOT as soon as they turn out of the dealership lot. no way i'd buy one of those.

[Rydawg1]

Don't do what I did, I went from 330, to 335i to finally an M3. Save yourself the hassle, just get the M and enjoy, you'll be glad you did!

[ns2000x]

Originally Posted by GOLFFRR

p.s. if you hangout long enough on this forum I can promise you that you will pull the trigger so beware haha

GOLFFRR is right! Save yourself $15k, delete your M3POst.com user account, slowly step away from the computer, and test drive an S4. It is a fabulous car, just keep the M3 out of your mind, or your defences will be compromised and you will join the masses counting down to M-day.

[///My5UV]

Originally Posted by ns2000x

GOLFFRR is right! Save yourself $15k, delete your M3POst.com user account, slowly step away from the computer, and test drive an S4. It is a fabulous car, just keep the M3 out of your mind, or your defences will be compromised and you will join the masses counting down to M-day.

Except that if you want, say, seat memory, you're into the Prestige model, and you'll want the dynamic damper control because otherwise it's just too soft, and then you're almost up to the cost of a ED M3 from GOLFRR anyway, and that stupid electronic parking brake nonsense makes changing the rear brake pads on an S4 a PITA, and.... you end up ordering an M3 anyway :-)