Buy 2011 M3 w/o Test Driving?

[boarderman23]

I'm in a very small town and the closest BMW dealer is 90 minutes away and they don't have any M3's to test drive. I've driven one a couple years ago, but I honestly can't remember.

I currently drive a 2009 z4 35i and an Infiniti g37 coupe and am thinking about getting rid of those for a 2011 M3 Convertible. I really don't feel like traveling hours away just to test drive something I'm sure will be a blast to drive.

I assume the M3 Convertible would be a step up from the z4?

Any thoughts or input would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[PKL]

Order the car, but don't get a vert. For me, that takes all the "performance" aspect out of it.

[Dice13]

Originally Posted by PKL

Order the car, but don't get a vert. For me, that takes all the "performance" aspect out of it.

My vert seems to drive real hard and handled great at 135 mph. It may not be a track car but most of us drive them on the streets. There is nothing like a M Drop Top IMHO. BTW the vert has pleanty of performance but from the above post he must be a race track car driver,lol

[sameh]

If you are aware how different driving M3 is compared to your current cars and you're ok with that, then go for it blindfolded. As you may know, E93 will feel less tourqy at lower RPMs even compared to your G37. It takes at least 4000rpm to unleash the beast inside. Notice the use of the word "feel" cause by numbers it isn't but a new M3 will feel so steady that an 85mph in it would feel like a 45 in another car. Other than that, it will blow your mind.

[boarderman23]

Thanks for all the input so far. Forgot to mention that I won't be tracking this. Also, I'm set on the convertible.

I have a lot of back roads here that you can ride pretty hard (not nearly as hard as tracks). But from I've read, the convertible won't make that much of a difference until you hit a track...and like others have said, an open top is worth a performance loss (at least to an extent) if you are into convertibles.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by PKL

Order the car, but don't get a vert. For me, that takes all the "performance" aspect out of it.

With all due respect, that's ridiculous.

[Ryboy98]

I traded my wifes g37s in for her q7 (needed more room) diff in the 37 is that the transmission is crap compared to dct. That thing was slow to change up or down even with the paddles. I was really disappointed with that car. Sure youd be very happy with the m. Haven't driven the z so couldn't comment on that.

[Timothy J]

Buy a house without visiting?

[PKL]

Originally Posted by OC3

With all due respect, that's ridiculous.

Is it? It's just my opinion. The car still has 414hp, agreed.

[boarderman23]

Originally Posted by Ryboy98

Haven't driven the z so couldn't comment on that.

The new z4 really is a sweet car, and I'd assume the M3 would be even better. My z4 has the DCT, and from what I've read the M3's has more adjustments and I'd assume equal or better than the z4's.

[M3maniac20]

Go for it! This car does not disappoint!

[boarderman23]

Originally Posted by M3ANDME

Buy a house without visiting?

Lol...well I am very familiar with cars and have test driven a coupe in the past, it's just been a while. And everyone seems to rave about the M3, so I could only imagine an improvement to the z4.

But, I do get what your saying. Is it worth a 6+ hour round trip just to test drive one? I don't really want to spend a full day just for the test drive.

[Timothy J]

Originally Posted by boarderman23

Lol...well I am very familiar with cars and have test driven a coupe in the past, it's just been a while. And everyone seems to rave about the M3, so I could only imagine an improvement to the z4.

But, I do get what your saying. Is it worth a 6+ hour round trip just to test drive one? I don't really want to spend a full day just for the test drive.

I know I was a bit extreme but in the reality of it, the comparison is similar! In your case however, a six hour round trip isn't the worst thing, but it's a stretch. You could always play what if though. What if you take delivery and aren't thrilled about something. Major disappointment. Just trying to help ya bud! Maybe make a day of it.

BTW, where are you located for the nearest BMW dealer to have an M3?

[atolius]

i bought my car without test driving exact chassis/ DCT etc. do it . you wont be disappointed.

[OC3]

Originally Posted by PKL

Is it? It's just my opinion. The car still has 414hp, agreed.

That's all I'm saying. Cheers.

[mucusmembranesmoist]

Bought the car on site....no test drive...but I have roamed on this forum for a while...so I guess my "test drive" was here...

[ring007]

I've bought numerous cars without test driving them including my last M5, M3, X5M and 3.5d. Never had a problem. You'll love the M3 and the Converts have crazy good lease terms if you are going to lease one.

[Raustin]

Suggestion: Make it an overnight trip. Arrive early enough to test drive the car. If married take the wife to a new restaurant. If single, take GF (or significant other..it is 2010) out on the town. Return the next morning and test drive again before hitting the road back home. Take a week or so to place your order.
Could never purchase any car without driving it. I test drove the MB C-63 AMG 450HP sedan and hated the way it handled when several others thought it was the bomb. Ordered my M3 the very next day.
Good Luck!

[GOLFFRR]

i would highly recommend you just take a day and drive to the closest dealer and test drive the vehicle. Its a big investment and you want to make sure that the car is right for you. I personally feel as though the M3 is a awesome vehicle and you wont be disappointed however its still a big chunk of money.

Is there any forum members that live a little closer to you that would be willing to let you take theirs for a spin or maybe take you for a spin? Just a thought. GL with your choice.

[cmk227]

The car will not disappoint you... It an awesome machine...

[48Laws]

Originally Posted by M3ANDME

Buy a house without visiting?

A better analogy would be, " buy a house without living in it first", and yeah, that happens all the time.

[boarderman23]

Originally Posted by ring007

You'll love the M3 and the Converts have crazy good lease terms if you are going to lease one.

The lease deals are actually what got me interested and ultimately the reason I'm planning on getting this. I'm not familiar with how much lease deals could change from month to month, but since tomorrow is the 30th I'd hate to see December rates get worse if waiting (and from what I've read, you get the best rates between the order date and delivery date).

What do you think about December lease rates (I know the bonus cash is good until early January)?

Also, thanks for all the input everyone, I really appreciate it!

PS - if anyone would like to see the thread I ran lease numbers on, it's here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459950