Considering an M3...

[jacquesdesoup]

Hey guys, I've decided to treat myself a nice car, and I'm seriously considering an M3, but there are some issues I can't clear up even though I've done some research and looked through these forums. I was wondering if anyone could help me with these;

Firstly, the transmission. M-DKT looks like a real cool thing, and I haven't driven a manual for ages so I'm leaning towards it, but how livable is it with daily stop-and-go traffic compared to a regular automatic? Is it comfortable?

The second question I have is more of a personal issue, but I'd appreciate your input. Up until now, the cars I drove were either heavy AWD cars or slow FWD cars, do you reckon the transition to a powerful RWD car would be easy? I could go for an Audi S5 or a BMW 335xi, but I much prefer the M3 at the moment.

Of course, I could learn about these by simply going off for a test drive, but no dealer here actually has one at the moment, hence the stupid questions

[GT3 Tim]

I can only comment on your second question as I have yet to receive my M3 yet!

You will transition fine to a car with more power! Seriously, it is only as fast as your right foot is heavy. So don't worry about that! I drive a GT3 right now and it is a faster car than the M3. I can drive 65 mph or 190 (haha). It's all how you choose to drive the car, it has nothing to do with power per se.

[ersin]

If you do a search you'll see that DCT seems to be even smoother than an auto.

Don't worry about getting a higher performing car. You have the potential to go faster, it doesn't mean you have to. Join BMWCCA and after getting it broken in go to some of driving events where they have instructors. You can learn a lot that way. And have fun.

[kbk_75]

Originally Posted by jacquesdesoup

...
The second question I have is more of a personal issue, but I'd appreciate your input. Up until now, the cars I drove were either heavy AWD cars or slow FWD cars, do you reckon the transition to a powerful RWD car would be easy? I could go for an Audi S5 or a BMW 335xi, but I much prefer the M3 at the moment.

I went from a 140bhp Ford Mondeo (FWD 2.0 4 cylinder) to the E92 M3. I can't say I've had any trouble adjusting to it. Just remember one thing though...do NOT gear check a powerful RWD car or you will end up spinning (or at very least being given a demo of DSC at work).

[KonigsTiger]

Hahaha, so ture!!

[Seth_Horwitz]

Originally Posted by ersin

BMWCCA and after getting it broken in go to some of driving events where they have instructors.

Shipping the car across the ocean for BMWCCA events might get pricey after a few times. (He's in Ankara) Maybe there's a BMWCCT. (for Turkey)

Given all of the above, and I hope you've seen this movie in Turkey, to quote Ferris Bueller, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."

The only thing that should stop someone from owning this car is a hesitation to pay its hefty price. It's worth every penny in my opinion, though.

[gadget]

Once you get used to RWD, you'll never want to go back to FWD.
AWD has more grip and control but RWD is the most fun... IT may take a bit getting used to a 400+ Hp car with RWD but that's why you can adjust the traction control, keep it on at first and as you get more comfortable move on to MDM (M dynamic mode) and once you get the feel for the car then you can let her rip with traction control of.

Also it also important to note that the new M has a hell or a differential.

[jacquesdesoup]

Thanks a lot for the information guys, especially about adjustment and RWD. I was really a bit worried about getting a faster car

I would go out and order an M3 now if I hadn't seen the updated 911 Carrera. The M3 is a bit cheaper, but 911 uses less fuel, I like M3's look more the 911 is a classic, the M3 is more comfortable, 911 will get keyed in car parks...

Decisions, decisions...

[KonigsTiger]

Yep, new 911 may be the way to go.

[inmotion]

the best thing to do is test drive them all for yourself.

[atom]

You'll be able to handle it, no problem. The car is very manageable in traffic, but will open up when needed.

The 6MT in this car might drive some people nuts in stop and go traffic given the rev-happy engine, so the M-DCT is a great option.

[KonigsTiger]

Originally Posted by inmotion

the best thing to do is test drive them all for yourself.

Wow, you should put up some pics of all those cars?