HELP! Purchase E92 M3 w/V8 or wait for next gen F82 M4 w/V6

[pmccut]

Originally Posted by parham2652

Both good points guys. I think I'm just going to wait until spring and see what's up then. I keep on getting mixed thoughts.

I would definitely go with a 3 year lease on the E92 M3 I'm doing just that... If I don't like the next m3/4 as much then I'll buy the car at the end of the 3 years. Experience the last ///M V8 blah blah it's all true. DO IT!

[ES_TRADER]

when the F8X M3/M4 comes out, u might want to wait for the generation after that...or the one after that, so on and so forth

[parham2652]

Originally Posted by pmccut

I would definitely go with a 3 year lease on the E92 M3 I'm doing just that... If I don't like the next m3/4 as much then I'll buy the car at the end of the 3 years. Experience the last ///M V8 blah blah it's all true. DO IT!

haha. I'll probably decide right before production stops. I rather invest my money elsewhere at this point, so I'll see in the spring.

[parham2652]

Originally Posted by richpuer

when the F8X M3/M4 comes out, u might want to wait for the generation after that...or the one after that, so on and so forth

It's not that I want to wait or anything, I just want to get people's opinions on V8 on the current gen vs future gen's v6. I honestly was not planning on getting an M3 for about another 3-5 years, but as soon as I heard rumors of the V6, I suddenly got worried. I love the E92 M3 and would take it now, but I just want to see how everything goes in terms of my life (worth putting that money into an M3 for me at this stage of my life or spend on something else?).

[ploo]

Just my opinion -

If you're extremely happy with your e92 328, stick with it. The 3 series is a great car, and if you're happy with the 328, you may not really need the v8 in the e92 M3, it all depends on what you get out of the car. For sure, the F8x M will be better performance, and better in some ways, but worse in others. You may prefer the new technology and presumably increased torque in the turbo V6 - I loved the updated iDrive coming from an E46, when the F8x comes out it will inevitably make the E92 tech feel dated. The V8 is a special engine and that is why I bought my e92 and why I'm keeping it for several years, but it's not for everyone. I've never been satisfied driving any regular 3 series (although they are great cars) and the M3 is it for me. The M has a harsher ride, is obviously much more expensive, and most importantly, requires being driven hard to really be appreciated.

Just some food for thought...certainly the E92 M3 is a great car and the engine is a gem, but if you're not going to be near 8000rpm very often, you'll kind of be missing the whole point of paying so much money to switch from your 328.

[parham2652]

Originally Posted by ploo

Just my opinion -

If you're extremely happy with your e92 328, stick with it. The 3 series is a great car, and if you're happy with the 328, you may not really need the v8 in the e92 M3, it all depends on what you get out of the car. For sure, the F8x M will be better performance, and better in some ways, but worse in others. You may prefer the new technology and presumably increased torque in the turbo V6 - I loved the updated iDrive coming from an E46, when the F8x comes out it will inevitably make the E92 tech feel dated. The V8 is a special engine and that is why I bought my e92 and why I'm keeping it for several years, but it's not for everyone. I've never been satisfied driving any regular 3 series (although they are great cars) and the M3 is it for me. The M has a harsher ride, is obviously much more expensive, and most importantly, requires being driven hard to really be appreciated.

Just some food for thought...certainly the E92 M3 is a great car and the engine is a gem, but if you're not going to be near 8000rpm very often, you'll kind of be missing the whole point of paying so much money to switch from your 328.

Very nice write up. Thanks.

In terms of tech, I agree with you 100%. I will want to have the updated iDrive, speakers, little luxury additions, etc. That is all very important to me.

I drive my 328 as my only car for everything. I don't really race or go to race tracks (I will occasionally have some fun in closed areas), although I do enjoy driving at high speeds and feeling the precision of BMW's handling when I drive; naturally, I drive in sport mode over 90% of the time in my 328 because I think it's a major difference and makes the driving more fun. In terms of the V8, what makes it so unique? Is it just because the V8 adds a certain feel to the drive (the harsh drive you were describing)? Or is there something more to it?

The 328 I have now is my first BMW and fastest and strongest car I have ever had. I think I'd be rushing too fast if I were to get the M3 now, as I have mentioned before. I have never driven an M3, so I don't really know how to compare it, but from what I have heard and read the difference is immense, obviously. Again, my only concern/worry is that in terms of driving I will miss out (not luxury).

But then again if I really want a V8 in a coupé form within the same range as the M3 I can always get... ?

EDIT: Also, are you suggesting I buy the 328 if I am happy with it at the end of the lease? Is it possible to just extend the lease?

[benn.]

im selling mine atm 7000~8000 miles
had every option minus enhanced premium sound. and has moonroof instead of cf roof.
dinan powerchip, limited slip differential, stage 3 suspension, meisterschaft gts
i forget ive been in europe for a while now. cars back in the states.
space grey though

planning on 2013 gtr or new 911 when i get back next year

[m balla]

I have a feeling the F82 M4 is going to be similar to the 650i m-sport coupe looks wise... just imagine more M tweaks to it and shadowline trim, but in smaller package... I would definitely wait it out and save your money.. If the M4 fails to meet your expectations, you will definitely be able to get your hands on a low-mileage E92 M3 spec'd out to your desire from those that jumped to the M4... Now if your itching for the V8 just freaking go for it!

[parham2652]

Originally Posted by benn.

im selling mine atm 7000~8000 miles
had every option minus enhanced premium sound. and has moonroof instead of cf roof.
dinan powerchip, limited slip differential, stage 3 suspension, meisterschaft gts
i forget ive been in europe for a while now. cars back in the states.
space grey though

planning on 2013 gtr or new 911 when i get back next year

Not interested. Thanks for offer though.

[parham2652]

Originally Posted by m balla

I have a feeling the F82 M4 is going to be similar to the 650i m-sport coupe looks wise... just imagine more M tweaks to it and shadowline trim, but in smaller package... I would definitely wait it out and save your money.. If the M4 fails to meet your expectations, you will definitely be able to get your hands on a low-mileage E92 M3 spec'd out to your desire from those that jumped to the M4... Now if your itching for the V8 just freaking go for it!

I'm not really dying for the V8, I just want to know if there is a huge diff between V8 and V6.

EDIT:
A lot of it has to do with design for me too, not so much power now that I think of it.
I would rather put my money into what is more attractive looking. I don't like the squared off angel eyes in the new 6 series and hope the next gen M3 won't have it, although it probably will.
I want the beautiful stock circle ones that I have now

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by parham2652

I know it will be amazing if I do it. I have seen many pictures from other members. But would it be worth it financially on a lease? I would definitely do ED if I knew for sure that I would be buying the car.

It would be worth it from the experience point of view, what I mean here to drive in Germany and to experience the magic of the BMW facility "Die Welt, the Factory and the Museum" On the other hand if you lease a BMW you be best off to a) find one at a dealership so you do not have to wait for re-delivery after a ED. and b) do the German tour, however, rent a car or get a German RailPass combined with a car rental at major rail stations.

UPDATE; Since the date i've posted here in this thread I've changed my mind about a ED delivery for the following reasons; a) hate to wait 2 to 3 months, b) have done the Germany factory / museum tour in 2009 and c) found the 2012 M3 at a dealership just what I was looking for and purchased the car took delivery 1 week after purchase.

My next trip to Germany will be by RailPass due to the extremely high fuel prices in Europe. My M3 will be parked safely in my garage while I take that trip, this way I've got no worries about small streets in Italy and worries about where I park my car

[JZBDCT]

This debate will go on forever. Unless you're super addicted to the newest, shiniest toy then get it now. Life is about having the least amount of "shoulda, coulda, woulda" regrets. screw that.

[Ateam]

There is nothing really special about this v8 necessarily but rather it is a pretty special engine in general. The cool qualities of a v8 are pretty much matched by turbo technology in providing huge flat torque curves so nothing is really special about a v8 anymore.

I think this engine is as special as the last s54 engine, which is a NA, high revving 8000k plus rpm engine that makes no torque or power down low and has to be revved to get power.

I personally had wanted to experience a "race car" like engine/power delivery once in my life and really wanted to try out the m3 largely for that as well as really liking the looks etc. However you can pretty much enjoy the same experience with your 328 which is similar in power deliver to the s65 or s54, meaning NA, power at the peak rpms. So if you are not really aching to experience that and you are ok waiting than I would wait. Otherwise it is the last chance to get a 8400 rpms engine brand new anyway from almost any car maker aside from lambo and ferrari

[KennyPowers]

Originally Posted by Ateam

I personally had wanted to experience a "race car" like engine/power delivery once in my life and really wanted to try out the m3 largely for that as well as really liking the looks etc. However you can pretty much enjoy the same experience with your 328 which is similar in power deliver to the s65 or s54, meaning NA, power at the peak rpms. So if you are not really aching to experience that and you are ok waiting than I would wait. Otherwise it is the last chance to get a 8400 rpms engine brand new anyway from almost any car maker aside from lambo and ferrari

The 328i engine has nothing in common with the s65 at all. No more in common than a camry engine, accord engine, or any other N/A engine.

Crazy comparison.

The biggest thing I noticed when reading through this thread is that the OP has never driven an M3. How can you know if you like it if you dont drive it?

Drive the car, see how you feel, and go from there.

Personally, I liked the styling, feel, interior and handling of the car a lot, and those are the main reasons I bought it. It really isnt a super fast car, but its a fun car to drive fast and matched with a 6mt, its a fun challenge to keep it on the boil

I will probably buy the new generation m3 with the turbo motor in 4 years or so. I personally think that the power deliver of a turbo is awesome and will be great in the m3

[Ateam]

Originally Posted by KennyPowers

The 328i engine has nothing in common with the s65 at all. No more in common than a camry engine, accord engine, or any other N/A engine.

Crazy comparison.

The biggest thing I noticed when reading through this thread is that the OP has never driven an M3. How can you know if you like it if you dont drive it?

Drive the car, see how you feel, and go from there.

Personally, I liked the styling, feel, interior and handling of the car a lot, and those are the main reasons I bought it. It really isnt a super fast car, but its a fun car to drive fast and matched with a 6mt, its a fun challenge to keep it on the boil

I will probably buy the new generation m3 with the turbo motor in 4 years or so. I personally think that the power deliver of a turbo is awesome and will be great in the m3

Clearly you have never driven or know nothing about the n52. It makes its peak power at 6800 rpms with a redline of 7k. It has no low end torque at all and has to be driven at its near peak rpms to stay in the powerband and get anything out of the engine. Replace the numbers on the tach with and 8 instead of a 7 and that is the character of the m3 s65, only with more power.

Go drive one before you say something stupid next time brah

[KennyPowers]

Originally Posted by Ateam

Clearly you have never driven or know nothing about the n52. It makes its peak power at 6800 rpms with a redline of 7k. It has no low end torque at all and has to be driven at its near peak rpms to stay in the powerband and get anything out of the engine. Replace the numbers on the tach with and 8 instead of a 7 and that is the character of the m3 s65, only with more power.

Go drive one before you say something stupid next time brah

Ok Internet badass, calm down.

I have driven a 328i extensively, had one as a loaner many times. Also owned an e46 m3, so I am willing to bet I have as much if not more experience than you in those engines. I also have much time in a zhp 330.

Regardless of power curve, you cannot compare a 420hp v8 with a 328i. The m3 has much more useable low end tq around town.

Again, I dot see any comparison of a 328i to an m3 in any way other than they are both bmws. As an owner of a 09 sport 335i 6mt, I can tell you that the m and regular 3 series are very different an the only way you can tell if an m3 is for uou is to drive one.

The engines feel nothing alike at all.

[Ateam]

ok brah

[Prophizee]

How are people comparing the 328 engine to an m3 engine. That's like comparing 335i engine to a gtr engine. What's the point there isn't one. By the way op I had a 335xi that I leased for 3 years and put 88k miles on it. I have an m3 now and there is no comparison. The only thing similar to the two cars is some cosmetic features and the BMW logo. M3 all the way... But if you wanna hold out and get the new m5 now that's a totally different story lol

[Jblack4083]

BMW is not going to take a step backward. The F82 is doing to be better in many ways especially performance and technology.

If you miss the sound of the V8 I'm sure you wont miss it when you are watching E92s in your rearview...

[dhoggm3]

Duh. Our V8 is only one of the sweetest motors on the planet.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Jblack4083

BMW is not going to take a step backward. The F82 is doing to be better in many ways especially performance and technology.

If you miss the sound of the V8 I'm sure you wont miss it when you are watching E92s in your rearview...

Really? why would this bother anybody? Do tell!

[AddictedToBavarian]

It seems like you've never really been happy with your car from the beginning. What made you buy it in the first place? It looks amazing, but you had to know it wouldn't be faster than a M3 or the 335i.

However, you once posted on the NA section how to make your car equally fast or faster than a 335i and now I see your post here about buying a M3. No offense, but it's like you're always after something better, I don't know if you'll ever really be happy to tell you the truth.

I think if you go out and buy a fully equipped M3 you'll be on the M5 boards within 4 months asking about leasing and financing a M5. Lol. Just my observation.