Hi all, new to M3 :)

[M3ntality]

Hi guys,

I am fairly new to M3 and I am looking for a new or pre-owned M3. There are a couple questions I wonder if you could help this noobie out . I am not sure if this post is in wrong category so mods, please feel free to move my post.

1. I will most likely opt for 6MT. Any good/bad thing I need to know about M3 6speed MT?
2. Should I go for an M3 E92/93 now or wait for F80 M3 (1+ year )
3. M3 should be pretty cheap now that its about to go out of production line?
4. Any "must-have" package I should have for my M3? I am thinking about Tech package.
5. Any good/bad things in general about M3 I need to know?

Thanks a lot!

[hieu1004]

1. No, 6mt is great if you like manual. The 1-2 shift is not as smooth as I'd like it to be, but it's fine.

2. Your choice. Do you like the current model/body style? Do you like having an NA V8 vs forced induction? Are you someone who always likes to have the latest and greatest?

3. If you look at the trends, the M's hold their value pretty well. Depending on the success of the F80, it may drop in price a bit or hold steady. Time will tell.

4. This is all personal preference. For ME, personally, I must have the tech package, EDC, M-drive. I like the extra features, so I got mine fully loaded and do not regret. Others are fine with a bare bones M3 w/a carbon roof. Think about what you'd like in your future car, since we all value different things. A popular choice around here is carboon roof as a "must-have."

5. Nope, mostly all good things. The e9x M3 has been very reliable and fun. Buy it and enjoy!

There is a lot of good valuable information on this forum, searching is the key. Good luck with your purchase!

Edit: I see you're local. Once you get your car, hopefully we'll see you around the meets.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

I've embedded my views below Welcome to the Forum and good luck finding your dream car

Originally Posted by M3ntality

Hi guys,

I am fairly new to M3 and I am looking for a new or pre-owned M3. There are a couple questions I wonder if you could help this noobie out . I am not sure if this post is in wrong category so mods, please feel free to move my post.

1. I will most likely opt for 6MT. Any good/bad thing I need to know about M3 6speed MT?

Both the MT and M-DCT are great, it is a matter of preference, you should test drive (if not done so) both then decide. There are no bad things to report as far as I know.

2. Should I go for an M3 E92/93 now or wait for F80 M3 (1+ year )

You should get a nice slightly used e9x now and enjoy it, not a good idea to get into the first year of the new production.

3. M3 should be pretty cheap now that its about to go out of production line?

BMW is never cheap as you properly know, you might find a dealer that has several in inventory and likes to move them.

4. Any "must-have" package I should have for my M3? I am thinking about Tech package.

You should have the mDrive and Navi ... not to do so might lead to regrets later. However, it is a personal preference.

5. Any good/bad things in general about M3 I need to know?

It's all good, the ///M3 is a wonderful car you will love it

Thanks a lot!

[THE TECH]

Please do us all a favor and do a

[CBS]

OP: You have received some good advice so I won't repeat. This Forum is filled with excellent questions and answers so Welcome and I hope you find your M3!

[M3ntality]

Thanks a lot for the advices guys . Indeed after I posted, I have found some answers for my questions from other threads. Lesson learned,

I went to local dealer and talked to a sale guy today, the order is like this so far:

M3 6MT - Space Gray
- Competition package (19" rolling )
- Premium package (Comfort key, power rear sunshade)
- Whatever package with heated seat etc.
- CF roof of course
X No interest in whatever sound system crap, what is the exhaust for ?!
X No BMW Apps

Probably 1 - 1.5 month wait.
I had a test drive on M3 convertible DCT (2nd time). Awesome feeling of adrenaline rush!!

Given that M3 is not some cheap car, you guys really have my respect . Hopefully someday I will meet you all at some G2G.

[rastam3]

welcome and good luck with search

[CarinNunnery]

This Forum is filled with excellent questions and answers so Welcome and I hope you find

[Scotch M3]

Welcome!!

Good luck with your purchase. cheers!!

[M3SQRD]

Welcome to the forum! Good luck with your search and/or spec'ing of a M3.

[crabman]

Might consider just getting the heated seats if you aren't wanting the other portions of the cold package. Congrats.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by M3ntality

Hi guys,

I am fairly new to M3 and I am looking for a new or pre-owned M3. There are a couple questions I wonder if you could help this noobie out . I am not sure if this post is in wrong category so mods, please feel free to move my post. Thanks a lot!

1. I will most likely opt for 6MT. Any good/bad thing I need to know about M3 6speed MT? GOOD

2. Should I go for an M3 E92/93 now or wait for F80 M3 Only you can decide

3. M3 should be pretty cheap now that its about to go out of production line? Not cheaper, but harder to order now that allocations are drying up

4. Any "must-have" package I should have for my M3? I am thinking about Tech package. Only you can decide

5. Any good/bad things in general about M3 I need to know? Burns alot of gas

[HotIce]

Originally Posted by M3ntality

Hi guys,

I am fairly new to M3 and I am looking for a new or pre-owned M3. There are a couple questions I wonder if you could help this noobie out . I am not sure if this post is in wrong category so mods, please feel free to move my post.

1. I will most likely opt for 6MT. Any good/bad thing I need to know about M3 6speed MT?
2. Should I go for an M3 E92/93 now or wait for F80 M3 (1+ year )
3. M3 should be pretty cheap now that its about to go out of production line?
4. Any "must-have" package I should have for my M3? I am thinking about Tech package.
5. Any good/bad things in general about M3 I need to know?

Thanks a lot!

The sound the S65 makes is very intoxicating. Be very careful you don't get addicted.

[03BeastCharmer]

You may want to wait a few more weeks, and the '13's should begin production next month. I'm ordering the heated seats independent of the cold weather package so as to not have the headlight washers which spray over the front of the hood, and take away from the look of the bumper.

[M3ntality]

thanks for the advices, guys
feeling great to be in good care of ///M3 community!

[Nition]

Originally Posted by M3ntality

Hi guys,

I am fairly new to M3 and I am looking for a new or pre-owned M3. There are a couple questions I wonder if you could help this noobie out . I am not sure if this post is in wrong category so mods, please feel free to move my post.

1. I will most likely opt for 6MT. Any good/bad thing I need to know about M3 6speed MT?
2. Should I go for an M3 E92/93 now or wait for F80 M3 (1+ year )
3. M3 should be pretty cheap now that its about to go out of production line?
4. Any "must-have" package I should have for my M3? I am thinking about Tech package.
5. Any good/bad things in general about M3 I need to know?

Thanks a lot!

1. Some people have told me that the shifter doesn't feel that great. Search the forum, there have been a few threads regarding this but there is generally no major issue. The DCT, however, is a technological marvel. Smooth in traffic, lightning quick in the mountains.

2. You are making quite a few comparisons. Firstly, the current M3 vs the new M3. New M3 will be faster, will look better, and will probably have better technology, but you lose the glorious V8 in place of an inline 6. Getting a used E9X M3 will be significantly cheaper as well.

Now on to E93 vs E92. E93 M3 will be noticeably slower and more expensive than the E92. However, driving the M3 with the top down is a much more satisfying experience because you get to hear the V8 in a way that you will never get to in a E92. It's all personal preference but I think the E92 looks better than the E93.

3. According to the current prices, the M3 is depreciating at a steady pace. The cheapest M3 I've found was about $40,000 so far.

4. Tech pack is a must. Everything else is preference.

5. If you're looking for a car with loads of power and torque available instantly, the M3 is probably not the car for you. You have to wind it out to about 4500 rpm to get it going. It's also not the fastest car in a straight line for the money. If you have to carry 2 people in the back often and for long periods of time, they will not be comfortable (for E92 and E93). The M3, especially the E93, is a bit on the porky side. It is a sports saloon, not a lightweight sports car. It won't feel as nimble as a Cayman or the new Boxster so don't expect that. It is quite predictable on the limit, not too much body roll in the turns, and has tons of grip.

If you are looking for a fast, well-balanced car that is very fun to drive with everyday practicality, there aren't a lot of cars that can compete with it.

[atown88]

Originally Posted by hieu1004

Edit: I see you're local. Once you get your car, hopefully we'll see you around the meets.

Originally Posted by M3ntality

Thanks a lot for the advices guys . Indeed after I posted, I have found some answers for my questions from other threads. Lesson learned,

I went to local dealer and talked to a sale guy today, the order is like this so far:

M3 6MT - Space Gray
- Competition package (19" rolling )
- Premium package (Comfort key, power rear sunshade)
- Whatever package with heated seat etc.
- CF roof of course
X No interest in whatever sound system crap, what is the exhaust for ?!
X No BMW Apps

Probably 1 - 1.5 month wait.
I had a test drive on M3 convertible DCT (2nd time). Awesome feeling of adrenaline rush!!

Given that M3 is not some cheap car, you guys really have my respect . Hopefully someday I will meet you all at some G2G.

Not sure if you guys are interested, but we've got our Northwest Bimmerpost chapter going on right now, and we've had multiple meets already. We've got a handful of M3's, an M5, and a ton of e90/e92s. Big meet/drive coming up next month.

Heres the link to our FB page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/275884832485445/

Btw, which dealership did you go to? I stopped by Seattle BMW last week, and they didn't have any M3's left.

[hieu1004]

^Awesome, I'll check it out!

[M3ntality]

Awesome advices thanks a lot guys, and nice meeting you all. wooohooo!!!!

Originally Posted by atown88

Not sure if you guys are interested, but we've got our Northwest Bimmerpost chapter going on right now, and we've had multiple meets already. We've got a handful of M3's, an M5, and a ton of e90/e92s. Big meet/drive coming up next month.

Heres the link to our FB page.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/275884832485445/

Btw, which dealership did you go to? I stopped by Seattle BMW last week, and they didn't have any M3's left.

Will definitely check this out, thanks atown88!

I went to Bellevue BMW they have 1 DCT left but I wanted to order a 6MT. However, they dont really like my trade a lot (Audi TT just over 4k miles) and tons of random financial stuff here and there so I will see how it goes in the next few months.

I also went to check out a pre-owned M3 2008 E93 and didnt really like it that much. I meant, 200kg more for convertible and no CF roof . I would go for CF roof all the way

5. If you're looking for a car with loads of power and torque available instantly, the M3 is probably not the car for you. You have to wind it out to about 4500 rpm to get it going. It's also not the fastest car in a straight line for the money. If you have to carry 2 people in the back often and for long periods of time, they will not be comfortable (for E92 and E93). The M3, especially the E93, is a bit on the porky side. It is a sports saloon, not a lightweight sports car. It won't feel as nimble as a Cayman or the new Boxster so don't expect that. It is quite predictable on the limit, not too much body roll in the turns, and has tons of grip.

I am looking for a car as a good platform for mod. The car should start with good base numbers and have potential to push further in term of mods and stuff. And I am looking for some nice exhaust notes that puts a smile on my face in the morning . I found that M3 sticks all boxes

[typewx]

any big changes between the 08-12? besides taillight and update software

[2012m3dave]

Good luck, its not an easy decision.