Should I sell?

[Nishan]

I have a 2010 135 MDCT convertible with 40 000km. I need to replace all four tyres.

I have always had my eye on an M3 and now I have found a 2008 E92 M3, alpine white, manual, m dynamic with 30 000km.

The repayment on the M3 will be slightly more than my current car.

I love the 135, but always wanted an M3. My concern is that the M3 is an older car, but the mileage is low and the dealer is extending the motor plan.

Should I sell?

[THE TECH]

As long as it fits the budget, I don't see why not. The M will always keep its value better than a 135.

[W///]

I would. An E9x M3 is such a special car IMHO. If you can afford it (plus extras like more expensive tires, oil changes, ect...) and the big decrease in mileage, then go for it!

While the parts aren't exactly cheap, I personally think the M3 is even more reliable than a 135i to be honest.

[ussoldierforhire]

Sell!!! Join the club!

[Ghetto2315]

Sell Sell Sell!

[LucWerkz]

Remember that this is an M so repairs will probably be 2-3 times more expensive than your 135i. Also take into account other things such as tax, gas, and routine maintenance.

Originally Posted by Nish 135i M DCT

I have a 2010 135 MDCT convertible with 40 000km. I need to replace all four tyres.

I have always had my eye on an M3 and now I have found a 2008 E92 M3, alpine white, manual, m dynamic with 30 000km.

The repayment on the M3 will be slightly more than my current car.

I love the 135, but always wanted an M3. My concern is that the M3 is an older car, but the mileage is low and the dealer is extending the motor plan.

Should I sell?

[jphughan]

Of course you're going to get biased answers here, but I agree that the M3 is more reliable than a 135i, though running costs will undoubtedly be higher. I'd check with your insurance and such and then try to test drive an M3; just make sure to do a proper test drive, i.e. stay ABOVE 4K and in lower gears for extended periods, because if you just cruise around it won't feel as special. Then make your decision from there -- though I'll give you fair warning. If you test drive an M3, you WILL want to buy it.

Having driven an M3 and a 1M (never a 135i, sorry), I came to appreciate the 1M as a car that's far easier to accelerate quickly at civilized RPMs in casual driving scenarios and thus can make sense for someone who just needs a fun DD. But when you want to really go out and DRIVE, there's no comparison to the M3. Just make sure you'll be visiting a track or at least some twisty back roads frequently just for the pure joy of driving, because if you do nothing but DD your M3 along city streets and freeways, you'll probably see it as a waste because your current car is better for that. But honestly, even twisty back roads don't compare to the track in terms of helping you appreciate the M3's existence in this world.

Also, if you buy the M3, since it's an 08, try to get your software updated at the dealer. A friend of mine still had the original factory software and got the latest stuff, said it definitely improved the engine feel, which seems to be others' impressions with the very latest round of updates.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by jphughan

But honestly, even twisty back roads don't compare to the track in terms of helping you appreciate the M3's existence in this world.

Heading to Arkansas for a my first weekend full of driving on back roads since I got my M. Can't wait, but your statement is really making me itch it get some track time in it!

If you can afford to, do it. I highly doubt if you'll regret the decision.

[Nishan]

Thanks for all the responses and advice. I will definitely enquire about the software upgrade.

I was also advised to install the performance exhaust on the M3. Is this worth it? I must admit, I will miss the 135, especially the sound of the turbos.

[jphughan]

Originally Posted by Nish 135i M DCT

Thanks for all the responses and advice. I will definitely enquire about the software upgrade.

I was also advised to install the performance exhaust on the M3. Is this worth it? I must admit, I will miss the 135, especially the sound of the turbos.

I briefly considered that, but the general answer is that most exhausts are purely audio candy; a few of them will give some power gains, but not enough that that should be your motivating factor. Personally I think you'll be so happy with the stock sound compared to your 135i that you won't feel any immediate urge to make it "better".

But at the end of the day, I decided that I love the stock sound because it sounds like a muscle car below 4K RPM and starts channeling F1-style banshee wails above 4K all the way to redline. And the M Performance Exhaust is FAR more expensive than other solutions, so the advice about hearing an exhaust you're considering in person before pulling the trigger applies even more with that exhaust. But IMHO, there are better ways to spend that amount of cash. For me, since I'm rapidly developing a track addiction, I would sooner buy a set of dedicated track wheels and tires as well as adjustable camber plates to get a square setup with more negative camber in the front so I can reduce the built-in understeer this car has. But that's only something I feel the need for on the track; if you regularly encounter this car's understeer on public roads, you're driving way too hard for that environment. After that I would probably get a BBK. Add the fact that I'd also like to set up a projector-based home theater system and an exhaust fell very rapidly down my list of priorities.

Bottom line: Get a feel for (and enjoy!) what you have before you start thinking about ways to change it. You might be surprised how little you end up thinking needs "improvement".

[kwike92]

Sell and never look back

[lorinzo]

Get it now!

[Rshane]

I currently have both, and the M3 is a completely different animal, you won't be disappointed.

[NoM3ForMe]

Sell, sell, sell!

[flxfxp]

How is this even a question :P

[Nishan]

Originally Posted by Rshane

I currently have both, and the M3 is a completely different animal, you won't be disappointed.

Wow, I wish I had the option to keep both

Ok, I have slept on it and decided to take the M3!!!!

[MRV99]

I will toss my hat into the ring on this one. I just bought a 2011(NOV/10 build) e90 DCT on Wednesday so I just made the move. For me every BMW should have a Sport package and i have had a few. Actually, i have owed/own 8 bimmers and all have had V8's.... anyway..... M cars are so much more than your STD BMW. I am absolutely amazed at just how "raw" the M3 is compared to your non "M" version is. Until you own one it is hard to understand. You can buy and MOD a (#) series and have HP/torque numbers which are close to an M car but that does not tell the whole story. The sounds, feedback, suspension, chassis are tuned to work together compared to the std BMW. Don't get me wrong, the std BMW is a great car but the M is just so much better. When realize you are at 4k on the tach and you are only 1/2 way to redline and then you actually shift at 8x00 rpm you will realize... and don't forget the car is screaming

Before I bought the M3 I talked to my SA (which is a good friend) about the e9x and what his opinion was. He told me that he rarely sees a e9x in the shop for anything than std/accelerated maintenance and minor warranty stuff(cup holder, interior parts "excessive wear" ect. Absolutely bullet proof if you change the fluids on the old school schedule. I have had a 2004 545(e60 first year) which had 30k worth of warranty work done aka everything replaced, 2007 X5(e70 first year) which had many issues, a 2011 E70 which spent 60 days straight in the shop after owning it for 4 months before it was lemon-ed and BMW gave me a new 2012 to replace it with more options for the trouble. If my SA tells me e9x M3 is bullet proof, I believe him.

[glockperfect]

If you were looking for someone to encourage you to keep the 135, you came to the wrong place. M3 ftw!

[Nishan]

Thanks guys. I am taking delivery in two days. Can't wait to own my first M3!!!!!!

[m3an]

who can answer this Q??


makes no sense; make up your own mind.

Shit, I am hungry... M3post. what should I eat for lunch? Please decide for me before I starve!!!