My munich delivery of E90 M3 (LCI Facelift version)

E90M3CDFR · 10-14-2008, 02:48 PM

Picked up our 2009 M3 sedan last Saturday in Munich. I very happy to see that the space gray and red fox novillo leather combination worked well together, as we had not been able to see a good example of it in person (a couple of shots attached). Delivery at BMW Welt went well, the building is really impressive and since ours were the first delivery that morning, I had the place almost to myself for about an hour. As some others have noted, the technical briefings and the like are not very sophisticated, but the technology employed to make the show is pretty neat. Ours was one of two M3’s being delivered that morning, along with an M5. It was really nice to have the keys handed over and drive it down the ramp inside the building and out to the parking garage to complete the tour of the BMW Welt and have breakfast.

From there I drove toward our new home in Paris, using at first mostly the B (secondary roads from Munich to south of Stuttgart and then on to Ramstein for a short stop at the PX/base). This was a couple of hundred miles done gently and off the autobahn. From Ramstein though I was mainly on the autobahn until crossing into France, to the autoroutes. Although the autobahns may be less speed restricted than the autoroutes in France (which are 130km/h, observed more in the breach), the road quality in the (expensive) French toll roads is about the best in the world that I have driven and lane discipline is excellent. For about the last two hours of the trip I was accompanied to two new 911 Turbos with Luxembourg plates, who, had they been more willing to brave the occasional photo-radar, would doubtlessly have flown away from my self-restrained break in speed limit, but they seemed very taken with the M3 as were many of the French and Germans at the frequent fuel stops along the way.

Impressions of the car now being able to drive it in Europe (versus my test drives in the U.S. before ordering): an ideal long-range cruiser for the European roads. And once in Paris, it was fantastic in the dogfight traffic of the peripherique. The DCT is really quite impressive and I really liked the EDC soft-setting for the cobblestones (and was also appreciated by the wife when we drove to Belgium the day after). The wipers worked well at high speeds (a pet peeve of mine with our previous E46 M3). And having the four-door is a boon with our son and the child seat. The front seats are really fantastic, and the only thing I would improve is to add memory to the lumbar and the side bolsters.

The new iDrive is very good (my first experience with iDrive), and the Navigation displays are excellent. Most of the other gadgets (Bluetooth, PDC) worked well too. I did find that if we switch drivers in the middle of a trip, and we tried to continue the same route, it would sometime reset the preferences for avoiding highways, and would try to send us through some other strange route. If we put in the final destination anew, it was fine then. Odd. Another nit: the display brightness control is not very good; it doesn't seem to vary the brightness as well as the ones in the E46 dash.

Some other things that I noticed: there is an option for a night display in the navigation, but it did not seem to modify the display at all. Anyone got it to work yet? Hopefully it does work and does so like our Garmin GPS did.

As others with US-spec M3s in Europe have noticed, I found the GPS traffic info system did not work. I have emailed BMW International Sales to ask about getting that fixed ASAP. I’m also hoping to find a way to have BMW assist sorted out for here as well (the car is a U.S.-spec model, the European spec ones, are absolutely crazy expensive even without factoring in the euro-dollar rate).

I was surprised that the rear seats don’t have storage nets like those in our E46 coupe M3, and the tool kit was missing several tools as well as no flashlight in the glovebox. I’m hoping these are oversights that BMW will correct.

Between the trip back from Munich and a trip to Chievres, we’ve logged close to 1200km already so, with a couple of more short trips we have planned we’ll soon soak up the remaining km to the break-in service. For the time being the only work planned on the car is installation of the alarm, wheels locks, and a GPS tracker, and when December rolls around, mounting the winter tires we shipped from TireRack for ski trips.

If there any other M3 owners in Paris or nearby interested in meeting up at some point (Le Mans in June or Spa later on?), let me know. Also will be making several trips to the ‘Ring over the next couple of years that we are in Europe and would enjoy connecting with anyone planning to head there as well.

addy85 · 10-14-2008, 02:59 PM

sweet!!!

ase2dais · 10-14-2008, 03:05 PM

Very Nice Color Combo... I take it that its the new Space Grey e90

Congrats!

Speedtrap · 10-14-2008, 03:08 PM

One of my favourite colour combo! Congrats!

FrenchBoy · 10-14-2008, 03:22 PM

Félicitations!!

This is the same combo (SG/FR) that I am getting on my Sedan. Except with 18's. Should be here in a couple of weeks. It is great to see it here first though. I also decided on the 4-door because of my 7-month old son. Great minds think alike...

Thanks for the write-up. I am actually flying to France with the family on Friday and will be in Paris until Monday. I will look out for a brand new M3 in the streets of Paris

Enjoy your new car and your stay in France.

haen · 10-14-2008, 05:21 PM

If you are living in Paris, why do you have ambers on the front bumper?

MTROIS · 10-14-2008, 05:52 PM

Great write-up, awesome car!! Enjoy your stay in Europe.

signes · 10-14-2008, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haen

If you are living in Paris, why do you have ambers on the front bumper?

He said he bought a US-spec car.

rmmcdaniel · 10-14-2008, 07:05 PM

Awesome write-up, I really enjoyed it.

ikos · 10-14-2008, 08:14 PM

best looking M3 that ive seen!!

had my mind made up for a SSII E90, but after seeing your space grey Im not so sure.

I would love to see more photos of your car when you get around to it.

thanks!

M2381 · 10-14-2008, 08:21 PM

Congrats!

montreal red · 10-14-2008, 08:46 PM

nice car! congrats!

man02195 · 10-14-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ikos

best looking M3 that ive seen!!

had my mind made up for a SSII E90, but after seeing your space grey Im not so sure.

thanks!

Go for space grey, it doesn't have the blue tint of the SSII.

M3 Chris · 10-15-2008, 02:28 AM

the new LED tail lights "make" the rear end. the old tailight were so blah...
can't wait till they update the E92 with front and rear leds too

mkoesel · 10-15-2008, 06:02 AM

Wow, I am jealous of your delivery at the Welt. I am trying to convince the wife to get a new car now, just so we can do another ED.

I would have done it with the M3, but I jumped on an '08 deal instead.

The new e90 does indeed look great in Space Gray. First pics of an '09 E90 Space Gray E90 I've seen on the forum.

Enjoy the car - especially on the Autobahns!

Jason · 10-15-2008, 09:56 AM

WOW that is a beautiful shot in the first picture. The color looks amazing on the sedan and under that lighting.

Congrats!

TLud · 10-15-2008, 10:02 AM

Wow! Space gray looks incredible on the sedan. Congrats!

To be honest, looking at your pictures is the first time I've ever second guessed ordering a coupe. That's a beautiful ride.

Kiemyster · 10-15-2008, 10:14 AM

wow. you pull that color combo off perfectly. the red and grey work fantastic together. excellent ride man! congrats! now, just dont total the damn thing.

MJC///M3 · 10-15-2008, 10:32 AM

same combo i am getting my coupe in!! the best!!!

i like those tailights!!!

bullmrkt · 10-15-2008, 10:50 AM

I never liked the rear end of the E90. But the updates make a HUGE difference and I like it now, much more aggressive. wow.

booforty · 10-15-2008, 11:34 AM

Looks fantastic! Congratulations!

MDCTFTW · 10-15-2008, 11:43 AM

Whoa ... I didn't think I'd like the new tails, but that looks damn good.

10-14-2008, 02:48 PM	#1
E90M3CDFR First Lieutenant 86 Rep 303 Posts Drives: E91 Sportwagon Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NoVA iTrader: (1)	My munich delivery of E90 M3 (LCI Facelift version) Picked up our 2009 M3 sedan last Saturday in Munich. I very happy to see that the space gray and red fox novillo leather combination worked well together, as we had not been able to see a good example of it in person (a couple of shots attached). Delivery at BMW Welt went well, the building is really impressive and since ours were the first delivery that morning, I had the place almost to myself for about an hour. As some others have noted, the technical briefings and the like are not very sophisticated, but the technology employed to make the show is pretty neat. Ours was one of two M3’s being delivered that morning, along with an M5. It was really nice to have the keys handed over and drive it down the ramp inside the building and out to the parking garage to complete the tour of the BMW Welt and have breakfast. From there I drove toward our new home in Paris, using at first mostly the B (secondary roads from Munich to south of Stuttgart and then on to Ramstein for a short stop at the PX/base). This was a couple of hundred miles done gently and off the autobahn. From Ramstein though I was mainly on the autobahn until crossing into France, to the autoroutes. Although the autobahns may be less speed restricted than the autoroutes in France (which are 130km/h, observed more in the breach), the road quality in the (expensive) French toll roads is about the best in the world that I have driven and lane discipline is excellent. For about the last two hours of the trip I was accompanied to two new 911 Turbos with Luxembourg plates, who, had they been more willing to brave the occasional photo-radar, would doubtlessly have flown away from my self-restrained break in speed limit, but they seemed very taken with the M3 as were many of the French and Germans at the frequent fuel stops along the way. Impressions of the car now being able to drive it in Europe (versus my test drives in the U.S. before ordering): an ideal long-range cruiser for the European roads. And once in Paris, it was fantastic in the dogfight traffic of the peripherique. The DCT is really quite impressive and I really liked the EDC soft-setting for the cobblestones (and was also appreciated by the wife when we drove to Belgium the day after). The wipers worked well at high speeds (a pet peeve of mine with our previous E46 M3). And having the four-door is a boon with our son and the child seat. The front seats are really fantastic, and the only thing I would improve is to add memory to the lumbar and the side bolsters. The new iDrive is very good (my first experience with iDrive), and the Navigation displays are excellent. Most of the other gadgets (Bluetooth, PDC) worked well too. I did find that if we switch drivers in the middle of a trip, and we tried to continue the same route, it would sometime reset the preferences for avoiding highways, and would try to send us through some other strange route. If we put in the final destination anew, it was fine then. Odd. Another nit: the display brightness control is not very good; it doesn't seem to vary the brightness as well as the ones in the E46 dash. Some other things that I noticed: there is an option for a night display in the navigation, but it did not seem to modify the display at all. Anyone got it to work yet? Hopefully it does work and does so like our Garmin GPS did. As others with US-spec M3s in Europe have noticed, I found the GPS traffic info system did not work. I have emailed BMW International Sales to ask about getting that fixed ASAP. I’m also hoping to find a way to have BMW assist sorted out for here as well (the car is a U.S.-spec model, the European spec ones, are absolutely crazy expensive even without factoring in the euro-dollar rate). I was surprised that the rear seats don’t have storage nets like those in our E46 coupe M3, and the tool kit was missing several tools as well as no flashlight in the glovebox. I’m hoping these are oversights that BMW will correct. Between the trip back from Munich and a trip to Chievres, we’ve logged close to 1200km already so, with a couple of more short trips we have planned we’ll soon soak up the remaining km to the break-in service. For the time being the only work planned on the car is installation of the alarm, wheels locks, and a GPS tracker, and when December rolls around, mounting the winter tires we shipped from TireRack for ski trips. If there any other M3 owners in Paris or nearby interested in meeting up at some point (Le Mans in June or Spa later on?), let me know. Also will be making several trips to the ‘Ring over the next couple of years that we are in Europe and would enjoy connecting with anyone planning to head there as well. Attached Images
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10-14-2008, 02:59 PM	#2
addy85 Got beef? 138 Rep 3,646 Posts Drives: E90 335i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Arlington Texas iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	sweet!!! __________________ Special Thanks to AU335
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10-14-2008, 03:05 PM	#3
ase2dais //Mdicted 347 Rep 9,988 Posts Drives: a Cop Magnet Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: 495 Ring iTrader: (18) Garage List 2009 e92 M3 DCT CF ... [10.00] 2015 S-Works Roubaix [0.00] 2013 Trek Madone 5.9 [9.50] 2012 Scott - CR1-Pro [10.00] 2008 e92 M3 6MT (Up ... [10.00] 2002 e46 M3 Cabriol ... [7.00] 2006 e90-325i (DD) [7.00] 2002 e39 M5 (retired) [9.50]	Very Nice Color Combo... I take it that its the new Space Grey e90 Congrats! __________________ Oo\(lll)'(lll)/oO : 2009-e92 ///M3 SpaceGry DCT CF Rf/Trim ZTP ZPP ZCW Sat/PrmSd : \_lOOl___lOOl_/<< Clickies
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10-14-2008, 03:08 PM	#4
Speedtrap Lieutenant Colonel 57 Rep 1,798 Posts Drives: A very fast car :) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: London iTrader: (0)	One of my favourite colour combo! Congrats!
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10-14-2008, 03:22 PM	#5
FrenchBoy Lieutenant Colonel 234 Rep 1,508 Posts Drives: '16 F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	Félicitations!! This is the same combo (SG/FR) that I am getting on my Sedan. Except with 18's. Should be here in a couple of weeks. It is great to see it here first though. I also decided on the 4-door because of my 7-month old son. Great minds think alike... Thanks for the write-up. I am actually flying to France with the family on Friday and will be in Paris until Monday. I will look out for a brand new M3 in the streets of Paris Enjoy your new car and your stay in France. __________________ Current: 2016 F80 M3 6-Speed \| SO \| AB XT1 \| ZCP \| M Performance Suspension \| GC Camber Plates Previous: 2009 E90 M3 Last edited by FrenchBoy; 10-14-2008 at 05:56 PM..
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10-14-2008, 05:21 PM	#6
haen Enlisted Member 1 Rep 38 Posts Drives: e60 M5 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	If you are living in Paris, why do you have ambers on the front bumper? __________________ "If you feel in control, you're not going fast enough." -Mario Andretti
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10-14-2008, 05:52 PM	#7
MTROIS Major 188 Rep 1,153 Posts Drives: on the wrong side of the Ocean Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey, USA iTrader: (0)	Great write-up, awesome car!! Enjoy your stay in Europe. __________________ 2019 M2C MT (ED + PCD) \| 2008 M3 Coupé MT \| 1995 M3 LTW MT \| BMW CCA HPDE Instructor
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10-14-2008, 07:05 PM	#9
rmmcdaniel Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 247 Posts Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago & SF iTrader: (0)	Awesome write-up, I really enjoyed it. __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - Silverstone/Fox Red - M-DCT, CW, PP, TP, 19", Moonroof, Sunshades, PDC, Enhanced Prem Sound, HD Radio, Sat, iPod, Smartphone Integration
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10-14-2008, 08:14 PM	#10
ikos Enlisted Member 10 Rep 32 Posts Drives: subaru wrx sti Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: toronto, ontario iTrader: (0)	best looking M3 that ive seen!! had my mind made up for a SSII E90, but after seeing your space grey Im not so sure. I would love to see more photos of your car when you get around to it. thanks!
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10-14-2008, 08:21 PM	#11
M2381 Major 32 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: E92 M3, GTI Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Congrats! __________________
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10-14-2008, 08:46 PM	#12
montreal red chris 278 Rep 12,144 Posts Drives: White Boat Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (31)	nice car! congrats! __________________ Current: 2013 F10 M5 & 2016 Mini JCW 2013 GLK350 (gone), 997.1 GT3RS (gone), 2009 WRX STI (gone), e92 M3 (gone)
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10-15-2008, 02:28 AM	#14
M3 Chris Private 38 Rep 95 Posts Drives: 991.2 GT3 RS, X7 4.0 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (0)	the new LED tail lights "make" the rear end. the old tailight were so blah... can't wait till they update the E92 with front and rear leds too
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10-15-2008, 06:02 AM	#15
mkoesel Moderator 7512 Rep 19,368 Posts Drives: No BMW for now Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI iTrader: (1)	Wow, I am jealous of your delivery at the Welt. I am trying to convince the wife to get a new car now, just so we can do another ED. I would have done it with the M3, but I jumped on an '08 deal instead. The new e90 does indeed look great in Space Gray. First pics of an '09 E90 Space Gray E90 I've seen on the forum. Enjoy the car - especially on the Autobahns!
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10-15-2008, 09:56 AM	#16
Jason Administrator 40836 Rep 21,240 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	WOW that is a beautiful shot in the first picture. The color looks amazing on the sedan and under that lighting. Congrats!
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10-15-2008, 10:02 AM	#17
TLud Colonel 108 Rep 2,279 Posts Drives: '12 Golf R Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Texas iTrader: (3)	Wow! Space gray looks incredible on the sedan. Congrats! To be honest, looking at your pictures is the first time I've ever second guessed ordering a coupe. That's a beautiful ride. __________________ '09 Interlagos Blue E92 M3 (sold to a good home)
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10-15-2008, 10:14 AM	#18
Kiemyster Bimmerpost Resident Marijuana Consultant 455 Rep 3,197 Posts Drives: 320i, 325xi, 335Xi, 335i, M3 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Queens/NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i [0.00] 2011 BMW X335i [0.00] 2006 BMW E90 325xi [0.00] 2011 BMW E90 335xi [4.00] 2011 BMW M3 E90 [7.00] 2006 E90 320i [0.00]	wow. you pull that color combo off perfectly. the red and grey work fantastic together. excellent ride man! congrats! now, just dont total the damn thing. __________________ "AMG What! S-Line Who? If you ain't got that M I got no respect for you!" '06 Alpine Weiss E90 320i \| '06 The Green Machine E90 325xi \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 M3 ZCP \| '10 Silverstone X5M \| '11 Alpine Weiss E90 335xi
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10-15-2008, 10:32 AM	#19
MJC///M3 Colonel 87 Rep 2,324 Posts Drives: 09 SSII E92 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bronx, NYC iTrader: (0)	same combo i am getting my coupe in!! the best!!! i like those tailights!!! __________________ "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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10-15-2008, 10:50 AM	#20
bullmrkt Lieutenant 23 Rep 464 Posts Drives: 4 wheels Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: usually my desk iTrader: (0)	I never liked the rear end of the E90. But the updates make a HUGE difference and I like it now, much more aggressive. wow. __________________ 2021 AMG E63S Hammer Wagon 2002 BMW Z8 (with a Dinan DP Engine) 1996 Porsche 911 (993) Turbo 1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 6mt 1964 Porsche 356 C Coupe
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10-15-2008, 11:34 AM	#21
booforty Major General 337 Rep 8,811 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	Looks fantastic! Congratulations!
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10-15-2008, 11:43 AM	#22
MDCTFTW Lieutenant Colonel 123 Rep 1,973 Posts Drives: E92 DCT Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Norcal iTrader: (0)	Whoa ... I didn't think I'd like the new tails, but that looks damn good. __________________ MDCT ... so you can drive and eat a hamburger at the same time.
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