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04-06-2013, 09:20 AM | #1 |
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Two-Day M School -- some thoughts
There has been a lot of coverage of the 2-Day M School recently (see some of the excellent threads below), so the purpose of this post is merely to throw some additional thoughts/info out to the community in case it's helpful. Some of these nuggets have been mentioned elsewhere but it might be helpful to summarize here. Overall, I would highly recommend this program to anyone who has the money burning a hole in their wallet.
1) As it's been pointed out, no more manual cars now that the 1M's have been replaced with M6's. That of course means no more instruction on heel/toe shifting (which used to be on the agenda). While I was bummed about that, I will admit that the experience made me a full-fledged fan of the DCT. In fact, it was probably easier to focus on the various learning exercises thanks to not having to worry about downshifts gone wrong. 2) M3 build quality: the M3's we used have been in use for 3 years. They are driven to the absolute max and still operate fantastically. For reference, those 3 years translate into about 8-9k miles of full-throttle track time (my particular car had just shy of 9k miles). I felt very reassured walking away from the training knowing that these cars hold it together very well. 3) M5: I would buy this car in a second given its functionality as a large sedan. It's a total beast. The power from the twin-turbo V8 is staggering, mainly because the power seems to be available at all times (the instructor mentioned max torque is available at around 1500 RPM). The exhaust note is awesome compared to the quieter M3 (and I mean not just from the driver's position, which is exposed to the notorious artificial loudspeaker engine nonsense). 4) M6: I totally hate this car. I would never buy it. Like the M5, it's heavy, but unlike the M5, it offers to additional practicality in terms of space over a E92 coupe (which is what I drive). In fact, visibility in it is much worse than the M3, and interior space seems the same (i.e. no adult is sitting in those backseats). Again, the power is mesmerizing but the car is not a lot of fun on a twisty track given its weight and the fact that it might kill you if you step on the throttle a little early. Nail in the coffin: one can buy almost two M3's for the price of one M6. 5) M3 driving characteristics: Driving the M3 around the track is the exact opposite of the M6. The car feels light, nimble, and responsive -- in short, I felt one with the car, and totally in control. Of course, many of you who have owned this car for a while know this well, but for a new owner it was incredible to find out the car's limits and full capabilities. 6) Bang for your buck: this class is not cheap (retail about $3,500 but 15% cheaper if you are a BMWCCA member). However, if you consider what the program entails I think it's a good value. The wear and tear alone must add up to quite a chunk of cash, given that the instructors told me the tires last two classes (i.e. 4 days). With hotel, meals, helmet, and a solid 6 hours in the seat on each day, I was very pleased with what I received for my hard-earned money. 7) Location: for those of you doing the class, consider flying back the morning after the class ends instead of that evening. Greenville is actually a very cool little town with a vibrant downtown (90 restaurants). Definitely a nice spot to spend an evening with fellow driving enthusiasts. http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=654085 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194106
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04-06-2013, 10:04 AM | #2 |
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Thanks for the review.
Driving the M3 at one of these schools sealed my decision to get one. Congrats on the new M3 / welcome to the Class of 2013.
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04-06-2013, 11:42 AM | #3 |
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yes---I was quite happy with my E36 M3 until I made the mistake of attending this school. Shortly afterwards I was driving an E90 M3.
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04-06-2013, 12:53 PM | #4 |
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LOL. Good stuff.
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04-06-2013, 02:21 PM | #6 |
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Just bought an e92 M3...going to 2d M school in July...I appreciate the review.
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04-06-2013, 04:25 PM | #7 | |
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And thanks to Shoney41 for the write-up! Just getting me more excited for July.
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04-06-2013, 04:43 PM | #8 |
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Awesome review and reminded me of my 2d M School years ago but that was in the E92 and E60. Would love to drive the New M5.
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04-06-2013, 04:55 PM | #9 | |
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04-06-2013, 07:07 PM | #10 | |
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04-06-2013, 08:29 PM | #11 |
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04-06-2013, 08:30 PM | #12 |
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04-06-2013, 08:31 PM | #13 |
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04-06-2013, 08:32 PM | #14 |
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04-06-2013, 09:14 PM | #15 |
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I had a 2008 C6 coupe, and the Spring Mountain school proved to me that I made the right choice. And ///M school is doing the same for many others!
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04-06-2013, 09:19 PM | #16 |
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Good to know! I'm afraid to go because I miss the car to begin with. Noticed you're in CT -- I'm in the Stamford area myself.
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04-07-2013, 08:38 AM | #17 |
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I'm in Farmington. And I'm afraid to go to M school, because then I might want the new M5...
I guess we're privileged to be able to own these great cars!
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04-07-2013, 08:43 AM | #18 |
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^ fully agreed! I would come home with plans to sell the Kids for a new M5.
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04-07-2013, 10:05 AM | #19 |
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Shoney I totally agree with your thoughts on the M6 coupe. It is just way too heavy for the really twisty stuff. I'm sure they did a great job on suspension tuning to overcome the 4200+ lbs but there is only so much you can do to combat physics. I
can kind of accept these shortcomings in the M5 because it is a spacious sedan. However in a performance coupe not so much. |
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04-07-2013, 12:57 PM | #20 |
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I agree completely with your assessment. I went to M Certification school for Client Advisors and it was what pushed me over the edge to get the M3.
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04-07-2013, 05:25 PM | #21 | |
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Anyhow, waiting for this class to come to California like they used to.
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04-07-2013, 08:51 PM | #22 |
Two more till my intervention
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