2011 Cayenne V6 or 2009+ M3 Sedan? I know, just share an opinion

[NYBulldog]

I know they are DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT. I know they aren't comparable. Just bear with me here and leave an opinion.

I really want to get back into an M3, this time a sedan. Recently I've been obsessing over one.

I'm just going to justify why I'm thinking to go with the Cayenne. I live 20 miles outside of NYC... snow comes in HARD sometimes. Can occasionally tow with this truck. Can haul a few people from time to time and comfortably. Great for my two english bulldogs with large room to transport. V6 only cause I don't need the V8. The bad is that its kind of a boring car, especially in V6 trim... will likely need to paint all the black plastic skirting and add some wheels. Attract a lot less attention than an M3. I expect to be speeding less... I mean I hope so which means likely better MPG.

I know all the pros for the M3 especially the sh!t-eating grin I'll have every time I drive it. But the cons are that its not the best option for snow traction or clearance. I only want one car. The rear seats are okay but traveling with the dogs is not as "easy". Will likely get more speeding tickets. Easily get more police visibility. Will likely get bit hard by the mod bug again... exhaust, wheels, suspension, etc. I feel like its just a hole that gets deeper.

[AI32]

I think you already know the answer to this one . I just got my M3 a few months back, and I live in Queens. I didn't put snow tires on, so I wasn't going anywhere as soon as flakes started falling. I actually wish I had an SUV at times, with as bad as the roads are around here. An M3 wouldn't be my only car if I needed it for transportation, and had to use NYC roads on the regular. As much as I love my M3, I only really have fun when I'm headed away from the city, and it's nice out...

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by AI32

I think you already know the answer to this one . I just got my M3 a few months back, and I live in Queens. I didn't put snow tires on, so I wasn't going anywhere as soon as flakes started falling. I actually wish I had an SUV at times, with as bad as the roads are around here. An M3 wouldn't be my only car if I needed it for transportation, and had to use NYC roads on the regular. As much as I love my M3, I only really have fun when I'm headed away from the city, and it's nice out...

Really appreciate the reply. YOU FEEL MY PAIN lmao. I remember in my E46 M3 not being prepared and got stuck with a surprise snow attack and I was on my summer wheels. I had to park it in a gas station (with luck I got stuck next to one and they let me keep it overnight). I've had a bunch of ///M cars over the years and I've usually had an extra car. Seems like it comes with the territory. I remember going the whole nine with snow tires and and all on the M3 but I just honestly didn't drive it much anyway. I occasionally used my 996TT but it was too low. And when the snow hit hard I'd ask my dad for his Sierra (freaking tank). Thanks again.

[Sandye90m3]

I've owned and still own the 2004 Cayenne V6 as well as an 09 M3 Sedan.

The cayenne v6, especially the older one is very, very, very slow. If you didn't get that, it is very slow, and in my opinion, kind of embarrassing to Porsche. Having said that, the newer ones have +60hp so it shouldn't be a problem and other than the slow aspect of the V6 cayenne, everything else is great. The handling of an SUV is phenomenal, the sound of the VR6 engine is unbelievable and I would argue one of the best sounding V6's out there. Especially the new ones, the interior is incredible. Reliability wise, my family has owned it for 11 years now, and it has been bullet proof. The only two problems we had were driveshaft replacement, and fuel pump, both of these happened after 9 years and 100K miles. The other thing I want to mention is quality. I'm not sure if this a biased opinion, but the fit, finish and quality of Porsche are second to none. That elfin Cayenne that we own, drives 10x better than my M3 does as it has aged. The are zero rattles in the cayenne and it is twice the age of the M3 and has been abused a lot more.

My family doesn't need a fast SUV, we have an M3 and 911 for that. But to haul stuff around, and take long trips, the cayenne is a wonderful SUV.

I'll let other people comment on the M3, don't have the time right now. But I thought I'd chime you in on the cayenne, as many people haven't owned one!

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by Sandye90m3

I've owned and still own the 2004 Cayenne V6 as well as an 09 M3 Sedan.

The cayenne v6, especially the older one is very, very, very slow. If you didn't get that, it is very slow, and in my opinion, kind of embarrassing to Porsche. Having said that, other than the slow aspect of the V6 cayenne, everything else is great. The handling of an SUV is phenomenal, the sound of the VR6 engine is unbelievable and I would argue one of the best sounding V6's out there. Especially the new ones, the interior is incredible. Reliability wise, my family has owned it for 11 years now, and it has been bullet proof. The only two problems we had were driveshaft replacement, and fuel pump, both of these happened after 9 years and 100K miles. The other thing I want to mention is quality. I'm not sure if this a biased opinion, but the fit, finish and quality of Porsche are second to none. That elfin Cayenne that we own, drives 10x better than my M3 does as it has aged. The are zero rattles in the cayenne and it is twice the age of the M3 and has been abused a lot more.

I'll let other people comment on the M3, don't have the time right now. But I though I chime you in on the cayenne, as many people haven't owned one!

I own a 2011 E90 M3 and a 2014 Cayenne V6 Platinum Edition.

Sandye90m3 pretty much nailed it, however the newer P!Gs are pretty quick. I am surprised how quickly my V6 Cayenne gets up to speed. Also, as Sandy mentioned, the reliability has been wonderful and the overall quality/fit and finish is superior to that of the M3.

But, when the sun is shining and I've scored under par, it is hard to rival the pure joy the E9x M3 provides on an open stretch of tarmac.

[whats77inaname]

Seems like you have a dilemma here. You want:
-speed
-attention grabbing looks
-performance
-space
-4x4 or AWD capability to get through snow

Same dilemma I had. But unlike you, I figured I could probably do okay with 2 vehicles if I got a relatively inexpensive truck. I ended up w/a truck I have wanted for quite a bit and one that would deliver on all the truck qualities I wanted, then modded it a little bit and inadvertently turned it into an attention grabber (more so than my car *lol*)

Before:


After:


and then I got the M3. Problem solved Truck will run you about $4k-$6k, the lift another $186, $140 for spacers, and wheels/tires ~$1400. Given you'd start modding your M3, you'd easily spend that on mods. And the truck isn't boring to look at, I can assure you of that. With the rear seats out, I can haul a full sized washer with ease, so your dogs wouldn't be an issue. With the rear seats folded up, it can carry quite a bit, as well.

My $.02

P.S. If you do decide on the Porsche, don't worry about the plastic cladding. This stuff works wonders, and I have a LOT more plastic cladding than a Cayenne *lol*.

[Hujan]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Seems like you have a dilemma here. You want:
-speed
-attention grabbing looks
-performance
-space
-4x4 or AWD capability to get through snow

Same dilemma I had. But unlike you, I figured I could probably do okay with 2 vehicles if I got a relatively inexpensive truck. I ended up w/a truck I have wanted for quite a bit and one that would deliver on all the truck qualities I wanted, then modded it a little bit and inadvertently turned it into an attention grabber (more so than my car *lol*)

Before:


After:


and then I got the M3. Problem solved Truck will run you about $4k-$6k, the lift another $186, $140 for spacers, and wheels/tires ~$1400. Given you'd start modding your M3, you'd easily spend that on mods. And the truck isn't boring to look at, I can assure you of that. With the rear seats out, I can haul a full sized washer with ease, so your dogs wouldn't be an issue. With the rear seats folded up, it can carry quite a bit, as well.

My $.02

P.S. If you do decide on the Porsche, don't worry about the plastic cladding. This stuff works wonders, and I have a LOT more plastic cladding than a Cayenne *lol*.

That is freaking awesome! If only it was a four-door!

[blue flowers]

Why are you looking into the Cayenne at all?

As far as SUVs go, there are much MUCH better options.

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by blue flowers

Why are you looking into the Cayenne at all?

As far as SUVs go, there are much MUCH better options.

At what price point? The Cayenne, IMO, drives/handles/feels/looks better than most SUVs (in a similar size/segment) on the market. I'd think this is a paramount concern, especially for a performance enthusiast crowd like us.

I drove the Range Rover Sport when I was considering the P!G and although it was more refined, the Cayenne felt much more nimble and fun to drive.

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by Sandye90m3

I've owned and still own the 2004 Cayenne V6 as well as an 09 M3 Sedan.

The cayenne v6, especially the older one is very, very, very slow. If you didn't get that, it is very slow, and in my opinion, kind of embarrassing to Porsche. Having said that, the newer ones have +60hp so it shouldn't be a problem and other than the slow aspect of the V6 cayenne, everything else is great. The handling of an SUV is phenomenal, the sound of the VR6 engine is unbelievable and I would argue one of the best sounding V6's out there. Especially the new ones, the interior is incredible. Reliability wise, my family has owned it for 11 years now, and it has been bullet proof. The only two problems we had were driveshaft replacement, and fuel pump, both of these happened after 9 years and 100K miles. The other thing I want to mention is quality. I'm not sure if this a biased opinion, but the fit, finish and quality of Porsche are second to none. That elfin Cayenne that we own, drives 10x better than my M3 does as it has aged. The are zero rattles in the cayenne and it is twice the age of the M3 and has been abused a lot more.

My family doesn't need a fast SUV, we have an M3 and 911 for that. But to haul stuff around, and take long trips, the cayenne is a wonderful SUV.

I'll let other people comment on the M3, don't have the time right now. But I thought I'd chime you in on the cayenne, as many people haven't owned one!

Thank you for the comment. The fit and finish is definitely superior. My mother has a Panamera Turbo, freaking bad a5$. I had a 2008 M3 Coupe and it was nice but I'd really like an LCI Sedan. I guess I'm getting tired of having 2 or 3 cars at once.

[NYBulldog]

Originally Posted by buddalun

I own a 2011 E90 M3 and a 2014 Cayenne V6 Platinum Edition.

Sandye90m3 pretty much nailed it, however the newer P!Gs are pretty quick. I am surprised how quickly my V6 Cayenne gets up to speed. Also, as Sandy mentioned, the reliability has been wonderful and the overall quality/fit and finish is superior to that of the M3.

But, when the sun is shining and I've scored under par, it is hard to rival the pure joy the E9x M3 provides on an open stretch of tarmac.

Thank you for that, gives me even more assurance. Great to hear from someone who has them both ... I want to get rid of all my cars right now and stick with only one. Then hopefully get a weekend car in a couple years.

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Seems like you have a dilemma here. You want:
-speed
-attention grabbing looks
-performance
-space
-4x4 or AWD capability to get through snow

Same dilemma I had. But unlike you, I figured I could probably do okay with 2 vehicles if I got a relatively inexpensive truck. I ended up w/a truck I have wanted for quite a bit and one that would deliver on all the truck qualities I wanted, then modded it a little bit and inadvertently turned it into an attention grabber (more so than my car *lol*)

and then I got the M3. Problem solved Truck will run you about $4k-$6k, the lift another $186, $140 for spacers, and wheels/tires ~$1400. Given you'd start modding your M3, you'd easily spend that on mods. And the truck isn't boring to look at, I can assure you of that. With the rear seats out, I can haul a full sized washer with ease, so your dogs wouldn't be an issue. With the rear seats folded up, it can carry quite a bit, as well.

My $.02

P.S. If you do decide on the Porsche, don't worry about the plastic cladding. This stuff works wonders, and I have a LOT more plastic cladding than a Cayenne *lol*.

Now that's bad ass!

Originally Posted by blue flowers

Why are you looking into the Cayenne at all?

As far as SUVs go, there are much MUCH better options.

I love the Cayenne, just all around awesome. Had an X5 Diesel, really great truck but ready for something different. Don't like anything Mercedes or Lexus offers (although I drove the new NX and its pretty nice). I feel Rovers aren't really my style. A buddy of mine has a few different models of new Rovers and they are really nice but I don't know. He has had a few hiccups that I've heard previously about Rovers... maybe that has something to do with it.

[Sandye90m3]

Originally Posted by blue flowers

Why are you looking into the Cayenne at all?

As far as SUVs go, there are much MUCH better options.

I really hope you are "MUCH" joking. The Cayenne is the benchmark of SUVs just like the 911 is benchmark for manufactures to compare their sports cars to.

The cayenne is superior in every single way to other SUVs. Performance, economy, drivability, comfort, luxury, even off-roading, and reliability.

Originally Posted by buddalun

At what price point? The Cayenne, IMO, drives/handles/feels/looks better than most SUVs (in a similar size/segment) on the market. I'd think this is a paramount concern, especially for a performance enthusiast crowd like us.

I drove the Range Rover Sport when I was considering the P!G and although it was more refined, the Cayenne felt much more nimble and fun to drive.

[buddalun]

Originally Posted by Sandye90m3

I really hope you are "MUCH" joking. The Cayenne is the benchmark of SUVs just like the 911 is benchmark for manufactures to compare their sports cars to.

The cayenne is superior in every single way to other SUVs. Performance, economy, drivability, comfort, luxury, even off-roading, and reliability.

I feel the Range Rover is stronger at the off road game. But honestly, hardly any of us are going to use these type of SUVs in those extreme settings, so for all intents and purposes, it is likely a moot point. I also found the Range to be slightly more comfortable ride than the Cayenne, but at the same time that comfort came at a cost, reduced feel.

This video really proves nothing, but it is FUN to see these beautiful SUVs have a drag race in the mud:

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

Seems like you have a dilemma here. You want:
-speed
-attention grabbing looks
-performance
-space
-4x4 or AWD capability to get through snow

Same dilemma I had. But unlike you, I figured I could probably do okay with 2 vehicles if I got a relatively inexpensive truck. I ended up w/a truck I have wanted for quite a bit and one that would deliver on all the truck qualities I wanted, then modded it a little bit and inadvertently turned it into an attention grabber (more so than my car *lol*)

Before:


After:


and then I got the M3. Problem solved Truck will run you about $4k-$6k, the lift another $186, $140 for spacers, and wheels/tires ~$1400. Given you'd start modding your M3, you'd easily spend that on mods. And the truck isn't boring to look at, I can assure you of that. With the rear seats out, I can haul a full sized washer with ease, so your dogs wouldn't be an issue. With the rear seats folded up, it can carry quite a bit, as well.

My $.02

P.S. If you do decide on the Porsche, don't worry about the plastic cladding. This stuff works wonders, and I have a LOT more plastic cladding than a Cayenne *lol*.

did you put an atv winch on a full size vehicle?

[beyondM]

Why not go with a x5M? You can get some decent used ones for reasonable price. Get your M fix while still have the space you need.

[whats77inaname]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

did you put an atv winch on a full size vehicle?

If you call a 9000lb winch an "atv winch", yeah

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by whats77inaname

If you call a 9000lb winch an "atv winch", yeah

Looks small... Perhaps an optical illusion.

[Petros]

M3. What purpose does a Cayenne serve? For winter, put a good set of snow tires on the M3 and it will be fine. The M3 can transport 5 people. The cayenne can do no better. As for towing, if it will be occasional, just rent a truck when needed.

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by Petros

M3. What purpose does a Cayenne serve? For winter, put a good set of snow tires on the M3 and it will be fine. The M3 can transport 5 people. The cayenne can do no better. As for towing, if it will be occasional, just rent a truck when needed.

couldn't said it better !

[PopsnBurbles]

Drive the v6 first. I've driven the first 2 generations of Cayenne V6 and they're crap when it comes to power/pull and feel. The only remotely nice thing about them is the suspension but for an SUV it's not a suspension setup I'd ask for. My ex-E90 328i (N51, 230hp) pulls harder than the 3.6 V6 Cayenne (295hp). It just feels like the Cayenne is very poorly designed. I'll admit, maintaining highway cruising speeds is effortless for the SUV but don't ask for passing power or power in the upper rev range.

I don't know how it is for the current gen Cayenne but I hope they changed it for the better.

[Harry Da Hamster]

Originally Posted by tpowerdinny

I know they are DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT. I know they aren't comparable. Just bear with me here and leave an opinion.

I really want to get back into an M3, this time a sedan. Recently I've been obsessing over one.

I'm just going to justify why I'm thinking to go with the Cayenne. I live 20 miles outside of NYC... snow comes in HARD sometimes. Can occasionally tow with this truck. Can haul a few people from time to time and comfortably. Great for my two english bulldogs with large room to transport. V6 only cause I don't need the V8. The bad is that its kind of a boring car, especially in V6 trim... will likely need to paint all the black plastic skirting and add some wheels. Attract a lot less attention than an M3. I expect to be speeding less... I mean I hope so which means likely better MPG.

I know all the pros for the M3 especially the sh!t-eating grin I'll have every time I drive it. But the cons are that its not the best option for snow traction or clearance. I only want one car. The rear seats are okay but traveling with the dogs is not as "easy". Will likely get more speeding tickets. Easily get more police visibility. Will likely get bit hard by the mod bug again... exhaust, wheels, suspension, etc. I feel like its just a hole that gets deeper.

The new Cayenne in V6 trim is reasonably quick. It has 60 more horsepower, is 400 pounds lighter, and is equipped with two more gears than it's predecessor.

The M3 will make the men look. The Cayenne will make the panties drop.

Originally Posted by blue flowers

Why are you looking into the Cayenne at all?

As far as SUVs go, there are much MUCH better options.

Such as? I owned a 2013 Cayenne and it was miles better than anything else available then. I did my due diligence and test drove the Q5/Q7, ML, X5, RR Sport/Evoque before ordering my Cayenne.