M3 or M6

ModLikeMad · 08-30-2009, 06:29 PM

Allow me to apologize ahead of time as it is possible this subject has been beaten to death. However, i find the input of MOST people on this forum to be invaluable and i am coming upon the time to purchase/ order a new Bimmer

and I wanted to get some opinions. If you were in my position would you buy a brand spankin' new M3 or consider a near mint, low miles M6 for about the same price maybe less than the aforementioned M3? The extra horsepower on the m6 is nice but I believe it weighs more and happens not to come in manual!! (whoever decided that should be dragged over broken glass) Anyhow, I like both and wanted to know what you guys (and girls) think. I thank you for your time and comments in advance...

FStop7 · 08-30-2009, 06:31 PM

You can get an M6 with a manual. It just doesn't drive very well with one.

markymarc1979 · 08-30-2009, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModLikeMad

Allow me to apologize ahead of time as it is possible this subject has been beaten to death. However, i find the input of MOST people on this forum to be invaluable and i am coming upon the time to purchase/ order a new Bimmer

and I wanted to get some opinions. If you were in my position would you buy a brand spankin' new M3 or consider a near mint, low miles M6 for about the same price maybe less than the aforementioned M3? The extra horsepower on the m6 is nice but I believe it weighs more and happens not to come in manual!! (whoever decided that should be dragged over broken glass) Anyhow, I like both and wanted to know what you guys (and girls) think. I thank you for your time and comments in advance...

Get the M3. The current generation M6 is on it's way out. It's boring and you can look forward to going from gas station to gas station. The M3 is no angel when it comes to fuel consumption, but there is nothing worse then the thirsty V10 that comes with the M6. Just my opinion.

drey · 08-30-2009, 07:14 PM

Drive 'em both, then decide. If 6MT is important to you and the M6 doesn't have it go with the M3. Good point above re: fuel consumption.

m5sparky · 08-30-2009, 07:29 PM

imho i think the m6 is ugly, and bloated. but im all about performace over luxury. so thats just me, i rather own an m3 any day over the m6. if you like both cars, drive them both, and make your decision.

smokinjoe64 · 08-30-2009, 07:46 PM

Soooo, after attending BMW M-School and having a chance to drive the M3, M5 & M6 all in one day; here's my crude characterizations:

1st M3=well-balenced
2nd M5=no compromise
3rd M6=boulevard cruiser

It's just the M6 isn't transformational like the other two M models, but really closer to a 6er pumped with steroids, but it's still a 'fat-boy'...drive all three in close order, then decide.

py0413 · 08-30-2009, 08:36 PM

my vote goes to a m3^^

much more balanced vehicle

if i was to spend that money on a m6 i'd get a 911 instead even if it's just a regular carrera.

!Xoible · 08-30-2009, 08:38 PM

there's a lot of threads about this. M3 for me, actually im starting to hate the M3 for feeling so bulky, heavy, and that annoying body roll.... i want something even smaller. if it's about rolling like a baller then M6 is ur choice

Silverstone · 08-30-2009, 09:22 PM

I agree with everyone about getting an M3.

M6 is a beauty...but i dont see any contour on it that makes it extra special when its parked or stopping at a red light. it feels imcomplete for an M car. yes the V10 might make up for it. but looks matter to me a lot. and the M3 has beauty and Power.

MJC///M3 · 08-30-2009, 09:36 PM

get the M3...

you will not look back.

ching · 08-30-2009, 09:37 PM

I like both cars, but my general philosophy is to get the smallest car that meets your needs as it will be the better car to drive.

Johndoe · 08-30-2009, 09:43 PM

i have the M3 and have driven my friend's M6 (SMG).....the DCT is light years ahead as is the M3's ride quality...my friend also drove my M3 and agrees with ride quality and smoother transmission in M3....but the M6 power is amazing and it will take ramps as well as anything out there...I of course would still go for the M3 as my daily driver hands down / 4 door practicality/ looks- -and the new iDrive is also a huge plus....the difference in speed between M3 and M6 is academic...practically speaking both will get you to 60 or to 150 in a hurry.

Nawaaz · 08-30-2009, 10:16 PM

The M3 will be more nimble and fun to drive of course. You'll feel more one with the drive. If you want more of a driver's car, choose the M3.

The M3 is the shining point in BMW.

MrHarris · 08-30-2009, 10:20 PM

Get an M3, and if you want the power of the M6 just do every bolt-on and then you're good to go while still having a better handling car and more than enough room for you and your friends

JCtx · 08-30-2009, 10:28 PM

Only reason to get the M6 would be for ego reasons, like feeling more 'successful', or crap like that

. If you're a true driving enthusiast, get the M3.

ModLikeMad · 08-30-2009, 10:33 PM

I appreciate you guys voicing all your opinions and I got the answer I was expecting, M3 or bust! I love a car with more than just great speed and looks, it has to have unparalleled balance and be fun to drive... The decision has been made: M3 all day!

6 MT, Proof God wants us to be happy!

j0k3r · 08-30-2009, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModLikeMad

I appreciate you guys voicing all your opinions and I got the answer I was expecting, M3 or bust! I love a car with more than just great speed and looks, it has to have unparalleled balance and be fun to drive... The decision has been made: M3 all day!

6 MT, Proof God wants us to be happy!

Congrats, you won't regret it. The M6 is a great touring car but for the price vs. performance the M3 can't be beat.

Nawaaz · 08-30-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModLikeMad

I appreciate you guys voicing all your opinions and I got the answer I was expecting, M3 or bust! I love a car with more than just great speed and looks, it has to have unparalleled balance and be fun to drive... The decision has been made: M3 all day!

6 MT, Proof God wants us to be happy!

tailgate1234 · 08-30-2009, 11:19 PM

I drove the M3, M5 and M6 at the BMW M School. I thought the M6 drove the best out of the 3, despite its size/weight.

KMIII · 08-30-2009, 11:22 PM

I was faced with the same decision before I purchased my M3. I had been looking around and found a couple of M6's with low miles and cost just a bit more than a new M3. I went with the M3 mainly because the current body style is new for 2008. The M6 is soon going to be redesigned...don't know when, but I do know that it will be way before the new M3 comes out. The current E92 M3 will stay until 2014 or 2015 before being redesigned. I think the M6 has been out since 2005 or 2006 so they should be redesigning sooner than the M3 for sure. So basically if you buy an M6 at this point in time, you will soon be seeing the new M6 around town and you won't be happy. Whereas with the M3, you will most likely get rid of it before the new one even comes out. That my situation at least. So I went with the M3...

M3 vert · 08-31-2009, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KMIII

I was faced with the same decision before I purchased my M3. I had been looking around and found a couple of M6's with low miles and cost just a bit more than a new M3. I went with the M3 mainly because the current body style is new for 2008. The M6 is soon going to be redesigned...don't know when, but I do know that it will be way before the new M3 comes out. The current E92 M3 will stay until 2014 or 2015 before being redesigned. I think the M6 has been out since 2005 or 2006 so they should be redesigning sooner than the M3 for sure. So basically if you buy an M6 at this point in time, you will soon be seeing the new M6 around town and you won't be happy. Whereas with the M3, you will most likely get rid of it before the new one even comes out. That my situation at least. So I went with the M3...

Very well said

mixja · 08-31-2009, 04:59 AM

I'd have to say the M3 after driving all three in one day...

I found the M5 to be the easiest to drive of them all considering its power - lots of understeer meant it was actually quite safe and predictable on the track. The M6 on the other hand was really tail happy and did not inspire any confidence - felt like I was driving a caged beast that would break loose at the slightest lapse in concentration. The M3 was very well balanced, very neutral in its handling - ideal for driving fast on the track or twisty roads.

In a modified M3 DCT (chip + exhaust), I can easily outpace a stock M6 on the track - on the straights I can keep pace - admittedly you can modify the M6 to pull away easily on the straights, but it carries too much weight into corners (the M6 carries an extra 500lbs or so) and can't hold the lines at speed that an M3 can.

I think there are just too many factors up against the M6 - it's on its way out, it doesn't motor away from the M3 until you are well past the speed limit and the interior is a little dated (e.g. it has that old horrible iDrive)...

08-30-2009, 06:29 PM	#1
ModLikeMad Enlisted Member 9 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Soon to be 09' M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	M3 or M6 Allow me to apologize ahead of time as it is possible this subject has been beaten to death. However, i find the input of MOST people on this forum to be invaluable and i am coming upon the time to purchase/ order a new Bimmer and I wanted to get some opinions. If you were in my position would you buy a brand spankin' new M3 or consider a near mint, low miles M6 for about the same price maybe less than the aforementioned M3? The extra horsepower on the m6 is nice but I believe it weighs more and happens not to come in manual!! (whoever decided that should be dragged over broken glass) Anyhow, I like both and wanted to know what you guys (and girls) think. I thank you for your time and comments in advance...
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08-30-2009, 06:31 PM	#2
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	You can get an M6 with a manual. It just doesn't drive very well with one. __________________ My photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/racelap/
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08-30-2009, 07:14 PM	#4
drey Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2009 M3 Sedan, JZB/BB Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	Drive 'em both, then decide. If 6MT is important to you and the M6 doesn't have it go with the M3. Good point above re: fuel consumption.
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08-30-2009, 07:29 PM	#5
m5sparky First Lieutenant 17 Rep 365 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW M5 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: roseville ca iTrader: (2)	imho i think the m6 is ugly, and bloated. but im all about performace over luxury. so thats just me, i rather own an m3 any day over the m6. if you like both cars, drive them both, and make your decision.
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08-30-2009, 07:46 PM	#6
smokinjoe64 Naval Aviator 589 Rep 674 Posts Drives: 12 e92 M3 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: OC CA iTrader: (1)	Soooo, after attending BMW M-School and having a chance to drive the M3, M5 & M6 all in one day; here's my crude characterizations: 1st M3=well-balenced 2nd M5=no compromise 3rd M6=boulevard cruiser It's just the M6 isn't transformational like the other two M models, but really closer to a 6er pumped with steroids, but it's still a 'fat-boy'...drive all three in close order, then decide. __________________ e92 M3 - Interlagos Blue \| *Fox Red Extended* \|Carbon Leather Performance Mods: Alpine Stage II E85; SuperSprint F1s; Cat-less Bomiz X-Pipe; aFe CAI; Bilstein B16s w/EDC; Brembo BBK; AutoSolutions SSK
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08-30-2009, 08:36 PM	#7
py0413 Major 110 Rep 1,291 Posts Drives: Slow Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: BC iTrader: (2)	my vote goes to a m3^^ much more balanced vehicle if i was to spend that money on a m6 i'd get a 911 instead even if it's just a regular carrera. __________________ Must stop eating..............
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08-30-2009, 08:38 PM	#8
!Xoible Banned 832 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	there's a lot of threads about this. M3 for me, actually im starting to hate the M3 for feeling so bulky, heavy, and that annoying body roll.... i want something even smaller. if it's about rolling like a baller then M6 is ur choice
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08-30-2009, 09:22 PM	#9
Silverstone Lieutenant 31 Rep 534 Posts Drives: BMW M3 E93 M DCT SILVERSTONE Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Saudi Arabia iTrader: (0)	I agree with everyone about getting an M3. M6 is a beauty...but i dont see any contour on it that makes it extra special when its parked or stopping at a red light. it feels imcomplete for an M car. yes the V10 might make up for it. but looks matter to me a lot. and the M3 has beauty and Power.
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08-30-2009, 09:36 PM	#10
MJC///M3 Colonel 87 Rep 2,324 Posts Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bronx, NYC iTrader: (0)	get the M3... you will not look back. __________________ "You will get there, but it is up to you and you alone. It is what you are willing to do, and how you are willing to get there. You must be relentless, you must be tireless, you must pursue at all costs, so that you are ready, when the time is right." -Dad
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08-30-2009, 09:37 PM	#11
ching First Lieutenant 11 Rep 315 Posts Drives: e90 m3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	I like both cars, but my general philosophy is to get the smallest car that meets your needs as it will be the better car to drive. __________________ E90 BMW M3 interlagos blue / silver novillo - vrs type ii diffuser, ape performance air filter, ind ib reflectors, RAC RG63 gunmetal, 2 car seats and a baby on board sign
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08-30-2009, 09:43 PM	#12
Johndoe Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 257 Posts Drives: 09 M3 sedan Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	i have the M3 and have driven my friend's M6 (SMG).....the DCT is light years ahead as is the M3's ride quality...my friend also drove my M3 and agrees with ride quality and smoother transmission in M3....but the M6 power is amazing and it will take ramps as well as anything out there...I of course would still go for the M3 as my daily driver hands down / 4 door practicality/ looks- -and the new iDrive is also a huge plus....the difference in speed between M3 and M6 is academic...practically speaking both will get you to 60 or to 150 in a hurry.
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08-30-2009, 10:16 PM	#13
Nawaaz Brigadier General 221 Rep 4,643 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . iTrader: (0)	The M3 will be more nimble and fun to drive of course. You'll feel more one with the drive. If you want more of a driver's car, choose the M3. The M3 is the shining point in BMW.
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08-30-2009, 10:20 PM	#14
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,026 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	Get an M3, and if you want the power of the M6 just do every bolt-on and then you're good to go while still having a better handling car and more than enough room for you and your friends __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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08-30-2009, 10:28 PM	#15
JCtx Major General 258 Rep 5,012 Posts Drives: No BMW yet Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Paso TX iTrader: (0)	Only reason to get the M6 would be for ego reasons, like feeling more 'successful', or crap like that . If you're a true driving enthusiast, get the M3.
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08-30-2009, 10:33 PM	#16
ModLikeMad Enlisted Member 9 Rep 48 Posts Drives: Soon to be 09' M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Miami iTrader: (0)	I appreciate you guys voicing all your opinions and I got the answer I was expecting, M3 or bust! I love a car with more than just great speed and looks, it has to have unparalleled balance and be fun to drive... The decision has been made: M3 all day! 6 MT, Proof God wants us to be happy! __________________ Must go faster...
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08-30-2009, 11:19 PM	#19
tailgate1234 Private First Class 15 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan Silverstone II Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I drove the M3, M5 and M6 at the BMW M School. I thought the M6 drove the best out of the 3, despite its size/weight.
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08-30-2009, 11:22 PM	#20
KMIII ///M 61 Rep 403 Posts Drives: 08 M-DCT E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (1)	I was faced with the same decision before I purchased my M3. I had been looking around and found a couple of M6's with low miles and cost just a bit more than a new M3. I went with the M3 mainly because the current body style is new for 2008. The M6 is soon going to be redesigned...don't know when, but I do know that it will be way before the new M3 comes out. The current E92 M3 will stay until 2014 or 2015 before being redesigned. I think the M6 has been out since 2005 or 2006 so they should be redesigning sooner than the M3 for sure. So basically if you buy an M6 at this point in time, you will soon be seeing the new M6 around town and you won't be happy. Whereas with the M3, you will most likely get rid of it before the new one even comes out. That my situation at least. So I went with the M3...
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08-31-2009, 04:59 AM	#22
mixja Captain 50 Rep 783 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 DCT Silverstone Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Beverly Hils, CA iTrader: (1)	I'd have to say the M3 after driving all three in one day... I found the M5 to be the easiest to drive of them all considering its power - lots of understeer meant it was actually quite safe and predictable on the track. The M6 on the other hand was really tail happy and did not inspire any confidence - felt like I was driving a caged beast that would break loose at the slightest lapse in concentration. The M3 was very well balanced, very neutral in its handling - ideal for driving fast on the track or twisty roads. In a modified M3 DCT (chip + exhaust), I can easily outpace a stock M6 on the track - on the straights I can keep pace - admittedly you can modify the M6 to pull away easily on the straights, but it carries too much weight into corners (the M6 carries an extra 500lbs or so) and can't hold the lines at speed that an M3 can. I think there are just too many factors up against the M6 - it's on its way out, it doesn't motor away from the M3 until you are well past the speed limit and the interior is a little dated (e.g. it has that old horrible iDrive)...
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