Living in Philly

PetitPimousse · 03-19-2012, 08:21 PM

Hey guys,

I'm moving to Philly this summer, and I was wondering if you guys thought it was feasible to keep the M3. I will likely be living in Center City. I don't know the area well, and I don't have an apartment set up yet.
Any advice or input?

SLICKTITTLES · 03-19-2012, 08:25 PM

Your place gonna have a garage?

As a matter of fact was just in philly today-wouldn't leave mine outta line o' sight. btw cheesesteak was mehhh haha

PhillyNate · 03-19-2012, 08:31 PM

GARAGE, GARAGE and GARAGE. I wouldn't have this car if #1, I didn't live in a decent section. #2 and most important, I have a garage and a daily driver. If your gonna be living in Center City let me be the first to say congratulations and assume you gotta couple bucks and should be able to pay monthly for a garage. You should be just fine but watch for douchebags as your out and about enjoying the city and its surrounding areas. Good luck and enjoy your car. Shoot me a PM anytime.

kthxbye · 03-19-2012, 09:27 PM

I recently spent 4 years of school in Philly and still visit the city quite often. If you are like me (and most people on this forum) you will not want to street park. Not necessarily because your car will get stolen, but there are many careless drivers in the city who love to tap bumpers when parking.

With that said - a parking garage, private garage, or private lot will go a long way. Also consider where will you be driving to? Where will you park when there?

As far as drivability, I think you will be fine in the city 90% of the time. I just had my M there this weekend and had no issues - the roads are a bit rough (in some places more than others) and even comfort mode doesn't help you much. If you have DCT the traffic can be annoying at times, but nothing that would stop me from driving the M. The only time you may have an issue is during heavy snow (which has been rare), the city does a terrible job of cleaning and some streets would be impossible in the M.

With some more details we can hopefully help you out some more. On another note, whenever you're up here shoot me a PM. I hang out with a lot of the Philly guys. I am sure we can get a meet together and you can meet some people in the area.

hova00 · 03-19-2012, 09:52 PM

M3 and Philly is a no no. I would never ever consider it. If i lived in philly i would have a 1996 crown vic and call it.

PetitPimousse · 03-19-2012, 11:35 PM

I will hopefully have a parking garage adjacent to where I live. I will be working in the University city area...
I wonder if I should sell the car now or give it a try...

GreeKon · 03-20-2012, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PetitPimousse

I will hopefully have a parking garage adjacent to where I live. I will be working in the University city area...
I wonder if I should sell the car now or give it a try...

If your M could talk...she would slap the silly out of you.

You're not gonna hit any IED's in Philly. Just treat it as any other city. Have a garage, watch for potholes, park on street ONLY when you have to. And get a bicycle.

gallian93 · 03-20-2012, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PetitPimousse

I will hopefully have a parking garage adjacent to where I live. I will be working in the University city area...
I wonder if I should sell the car now or give it a try...

i've lived in philly for ever...
this is my second M3 (e93), had an e46 before.... no problems...
i have a garage... when i go downtown i take the normal precautions that you should when you go to any city... park in a "self-parking" garage for a late night out...
that said... i have parked on the street too... no issues...
the reality is (i have to keep reminding myself) is that when parked, most non-gearheads can't tell an M3 from a 328... you'll be fine...

in university city you'll find a garage easy too....

keep the car and take a blast down kelly drive or west river (MLK) drive... you'll thank you're self

disclaimer... i don't live downtown, i live in manayunk... when i did live and work downtown (2006) i didn't see the point in own a car and didn't have one.

ole85 · 03-20-2012, 07:47 AM

hi guys off the topic but I'm hoping you can help me. I'm from Australia and wondering if its safe to catch a train from New York to Philly

gallian93 · 03-20-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ole85

hi guys off the topic but I'm hoping you can help me. I'm from Australia and wondering if its safe to catch a train from New York to Philly

Yes... are you taking AMTRAK... cheaper on the NJ transit
as long as you a normal person with common sense you'll fine... ie don't "ice" yourself out or wear your wallet around your neck

ole85 · 03-20-2012, 08:37 AM

LOL Well i think I'm normal, I'm using AMTRAK, doing a rocky tour can't wait

akh23456 · 03-20-2012, 09:23 AM

The one time i parked my car on the street in philly i had a egg in my non-functional hood event

. Deff park in a garage and you'll be fine.

gallian93 · 03-20-2012, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hova00

M3 and Philly is a no no. I would never ever consider it. If i lived in philly i would have a 1996 crown vic and call it.

don't from get the "donks" on that crown vic ... you gotta get it with 22" s

Ali.K_BMW · 03-20-2012, 12:42 PM

Park in a garage. There is a garage near Drexel that is about 200$ a month. Perfectly safe. You will be alright.

turugara · 03-20-2012, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trackfiend

Park in a garage. There is a garage near Drexel that is about 200$ a month. Perfectly safe. You will be alright.

I park in the garage across the street from said Drexel garage and it's about 150$. Pretty reasonable rates for the safety

Dave2 · 03-20-2012, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hova00

M3 and Philly is a no no. I would never ever consider it. If i lived in philly i would have a 1996 crown vic and call it.

Really!! Even if the M3 were to get a little damaged I would rather drive a dinged M3 than a dinged Crown Vic (even with 22s (ugh!)).

I drive mine in Philly often. Granted I do not park it there overnight,; but I have never had a problem with any car in Philly. My son lives in Philly and has a 135i he street parks without any problems.

It would be nice to get off-street parking; but don't sweat it too much. It's only a car. There are also some great detailers in the area.

Ali.K_BMW · 03-21-2012, 06:03 PM

I street park too. It all depends where.

amzbimmer · 04-15-2012, 06:47 PM

I lived in Philly for a year with my e92, M3 is not an issue there. Ideally, try to live in an apartment that has a garage or nice parking lot, that was one of my main criteria.

You will turn a lot of heads. When I occasionally street parked, I heard one passer by say "why is that M3 on the street" and her companion replied, because the guy probably spent all of his money on the car.

Agree with above post, street park with caution, because fixing the damage can cost you 20x what putting it in the garage would.

E90 87ss · 04-15-2012, 07:58 PM

Old thread, but... I street parked the 325i for 6 months in the city, minor scratches no dings until recently. I also have 2011 AMG, gated parking with 24hr surveillance and never street parked for more than a few minutes. I rarely street park during the day...

I also either walk or shop a little outside of center city... Both advantages and disadvantages to living in the city.

Gesler · 05-16-2012, 11:37 PM

I am in a similar situation and am looking to stay in university city or center city to be close to work. Any thoughts on good apartments in these areas? I am considering leftbank or sterling but the reviews are all great.

Nine · 05-17-2012, 10:13 AM

As long as you have a yankees sticker on your car or patriots bumper sticker, nobody will mess with you.

akh23456 · 05-17-2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gesler

I am in a similar situation and am looking to stay in university city or center city to be close to work. Any thoughts on good apartments in these areas? I am considering leftbank or sterling but the reviews are all great.

Check out Domus on 34th and Chestnut sick place pool and you have a parking garage on your floor level.

03-19-2012, 08:21 PM	#1
PetitPimousse Private 25 Rep 91 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: U.S. iTrader: (0)	Living in Philly Hey guys, I'm moving to Philly this summer, and I was wondering if you guys thought it was feasible to keep the M3. I will likely be living in Center City. I don't know the area well, and I don't have an apartment set up yet. Any advice or input?
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03-19-2012, 08:25 PM	#2
SLICKTITTLES Private First Class 11 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 08 E92 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Your place gonna have a garage? As a matter of fact was just in philly today-wouldn't leave mine outta line o' sight. btw cheesesteak was mehhh haha __________________ Drive Fast, Take Risks Last edited by SLICKTITTLES; 03-19-2012 at 08:36 PM.. Reason: because i can
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03-19-2012, 08:31 PM	#3
PhillyNate ENTHUSIAST 135 Rep 2,097 Posts Drives: 2010 Porsche Cayman Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 Porsche Cayman [0.00]	GARAGE, GARAGE and GARAGE. I wouldn't have this car if #1, I didn't live in a decent section. #2 and most important, I have a garage and a daily driver. If your gonna be living in Center City let me be the first to say congratulations and assume you gotta couple bucks and should be able to pay monthly for a garage. You should be just fine but watch for douchebags as your out and about enjoying the city and its surrounding areas. Good luck and enjoy your car. Shoot me a PM anytime. __________________ "what I'm driving here...is an ending." Jeremy Clarkson 2010 Carrara White Porsche Cayman 6mt 2014 Whiteout Toyota GT-86 6mt(Sold 05/23/15) 2011 Alpine White BMW M3 6mt ZCP Coupe(forced retirement 06/06/14) 2008 Alpine White BMW 328i 6mt Coupe(retired 06/21/11) Last edited by PhillyNate; 03-24-2012 at 12:53 PM..
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03-19-2012, 09:27 PM	#4
kthxbye Banned 48 Rep 454 Posts Drives: '11 M3 Coupe Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Central & North NJ iTrader: (0)	I recently spent 4 years of school in Philly and still visit the city quite often. If you are like me (and most people on this forum) you will not want to street park. Not necessarily because your car will get stolen, but there are many careless drivers in the city who love to tap bumpers when parking. With that said - a parking garage, private garage, or private lot will go a long way. Also consider where will you be driving to? Where will you park when there? As far as drivability, I think you will be fine in the city 90% of the time. I just had my M there this weekend and had no issues - the roads are a bit rough (in some places more than others) and even comfort mode doesn't help you much. If you have DCT the traffic can be annoying at times, but nothing that would stop me from driving the M. The only time you may have an issue is during heavy snow (which has been rare), the city does a terrible job of cleaning and some streets would be impossible in the M. With some more details we can hopefully help you out some more. On another note, whenever you're up here shoot me a PM. I hang out with a lot of the Philly guys. I am sure we can get a meet together and you can meet some people in the area.
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03-19-2012, 09:52 PM	#5
hova00 Major 1191 Rep 1,360 Posts Drives: G80 M3C Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: EAST COAST iTrader: (7)	M3 and Philly is a no no. I would never ever consider it. If i lived in philly i would have a 1996 crown vic and call it.
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03-19-2012, 11:35 PM	#6
PetitPimousse Private 25 Rep 91 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: U.S. iTrader: (0)	I will hopefully have a parking garage adjacent to where I live. I will be working in the University city area... I wonder if I should sell the car now or give it a try...
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03-20-2012, 07:47 AM	#9
ole85 Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 263 Posts Drives: e92 m3/ Ferrari360 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: melbourne iTrader: (0)	hi guys off the topic but I'm hoping you can help me. I'm from Australia and wondering if its safe to catch a train from New York to Philly
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03-20-2012, 08:37 AM	#11
ole85 Second Lieutenant 39 Rep 263 Posts Drives: e92 m3/ Ferrari360 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: melbourne iTrader: (0)	LOL Well i think I'm normal, I'm using AMTRAK, doing a rocky tour can't wait
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03-20-2012, 09:23 AM	#12
akh23456 All I do is Win... Eat Race Sleep 152 Rep 2,184 Posts Drives: 2018 Range 2011 M3 2019 600lt Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (2) Garage List 2019 McLaren 600 LT [0.00] 2011 e90 M3 [0.00] 2018 Range Rover Au ... [0.00]	The one time i parked my car on the street in philly i had a egg in my non-functional hood event . Deff park in a garage and you'll be fine. __________________ Rs7 : 10.4 133.50 with a 1.7 60ft Toyo R888 F10 M5: 11.308 131.96 with a 1.9 60ft Street Tires E90 M3: 11.2 126.7 with a 1.8 60ft Street Tires
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03-20-2012, 12:42 PM	#14
Ali.K_BMW Colonel 111 Rep 2,164 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW 330i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: United States iTrader: (7) Garage List 2013 BMW 335i [0.00]	Park in a garage. There is a garage near Drexel that is about 200$ a month. Perfectly safe. You will be alright. __________________ Former BMW Client Advisor
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03-21-2012, 06:03 PM	#17
Ali.K_BMW Colonel 111 Rep 2,164 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW 330i xDrive Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: United States iTrader: (7) Garage List 2013 BMW 335i [0.00]	I street park too. It all depends where. __________________ Former BMW Client Advisor
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04-15-2012, 06:47 PM	#18
amzbimmer First Lieutenant 300 Rep 312 Posts Drives: G80 comp San Marino Status 112 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bethlehem, PA iTrader: (1)	I lived in Philly for a year with my e92, M3 is not an issue there. Ideally, try to live in an apartment that has a garage or nice parking lot, that was one of my main criteria. You will turn a lot of heads. When I occasionally street parked, I heard one passer by say "why is that M3 on the street" and her companion replied, because the guy probably spent all of his money on the car. Agree with above post, street park with caution, because fixing the damage can cost you 20x what putting it in the garage would.
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04-15-2012, 07:58 PM	#19
E90 87ss Captain 37 Rep 608 Posts Drives: ! Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NJ/Philly iTrader: (1)	Old thread, but... I street parked the 325i for 6 months in the city, minor scratches no dings until recently. I also have 2011 AMG, gated parking with 24hr surveillance and never street parked for more than a few minutes. I rarely street park during the day... I also either walk or shop a little outside of center city... Both advantages and disadvantages to living in the city.
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05-16-2012, 11:37 PM	#20
Gesler First Lieutenant 136 Rep 356 Posts Drives: e90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I am in a similar situation and am looking to stay in university city or center city to be close to work. Any thoughts on good apartments in these areas? I am considering leftbank or sterling but the reviews are all great. __________________
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05-17-2012, 10:13 AM	#21
Nine Banned 49 Rep 1,922 Posts Drives: Not ZCP, FML. Join Date: May 2010 Location: DC, Miami, NYC iTrader: (2)	As long as you have a yankees sticker on your car or patriots bumper sticker, nobody will mess with you.
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