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      11-30-2012, 10:03 AM   #1
Yugo
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Decisions...

I have several questions and I apologize if they have been covered before, but have had this crazy idea lately. Here it goes:

Currently have an E46 M3 zcp w 33k miles (garage queen) and have a four banger as a daily driver. Thinking of selling my daily and buying an E90 M3 in the spring. At that point I would either split the weekly driving between the E46 and E90 or make the E90 be my primarily/daily car. Most of my driving is on the highway.

I would be looking for E90's with approx 30-50k miles...probably some of them will be out of warranty if I decide to go for an '08 or '09 car. I probably will be driving the car for a year and half (max) and moving onto something else. Plan on keeping the E46 for good.

My main concerns are how is the E90 as a daily? Any major maintenance that I need to worry about given the above mileages? I hear S65 loves the gas pump, but how bad is it really? Also DCT vs Manual...have never driven DCT, would this be a hard thing to adjust to coming from a 6spd?

Never really had much love for the E9x M3's, but lately have been toying with the idea of just wanting to experience that high revving V8 (which I love) and been also lurking a lot on here lately due to the fact that I relate better to most people on here than E46 sec of the m3forum.

Appreciate any valid input!
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      11-30-2012, 11:08 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yugo View Post
My main concerns are how is the E90 as a daily? Any major maintenance that I need to worry about given the above mileages?
The E9x M3 is generally pretty reliable. No major issues like HPFP with the regular E9x cars. It's a great daily driver, except for the issue you mention below (gas).

Quote:
I hear S65 loves the gas pump, but how bad is it really?
It's bad. Really bad. Like 10 MPG bad.

Of course this depends on your driving pattern and some people get around 20 MPG if they drive mostly highway.

Quote:
Also DCT vs Manual...have never driven DCT, would this be a hard thing to adjust to coming from a 6spd?
It wouldn't be hard to adjust to, but this mainly comes down to what you want. I'd suggest driving a DCT car before deciding.
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      11-30-2012, 11:11 AM   #3
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I average around 15 mpg. I do a good mix of city/highway and the occasional wide open throttle getting onto the freeways. 10 mpg is if you are at WOT at every stop light (or maybe all you do is city driving in traffic).
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      11-30-2012, 12:46 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Yugo View Post
I have several questions and I apologize if they have been covered before, but have had this crazy idea lately. Here it goes:

Currently have an E46 M3 zcp w 33k miles (garage queen) and have a four banger as a daily driver. Thinking of selling my daily and buying an E90 M3 in the spring. At that point I would either split the weekly driving between the E46 and E90 or make the E90 be my primarily/daily car. Most of my driving is on the highway.

I would be looking for E90's with approx 30-50k miles...probably some of them will be out of warranty if I decide to go for an '08 or '09 car. I probably will be driving the car for a year and half (max) and moving onto something else. Plan on keeping the E46 for good.

My main concerns are how is the E90 as a daily? Any major maintenance that I need to worry about given the above mileages? I hear S65 loves the gas pump, but how bad is it really? Also DCT vs Manual...have never driven DCT, would this be a hard thing to adjust to coming from a 6spd?

Never really had much love for the E9x M3's, but lately have been toying with the idea of just wanting to experience that high revving V8 (which I love) and been also lurking a lot on here lately due to the fact that I relate better to most people on here than E46 sec of the m3forum.

Appreciate any valid input!
My E92 has been fantastic as a DD. The other cars I've DD'd were an Exige, and a 545i. The M3 is a better DD than either; has actual ground clearance (as opposed to the lotus), and is smaller and easier to maneuver than the 5 series.

As for the gas question, it is really really bad. Over my ~22k miles, I've averaged 15mpg, with a 50/50 split of city/highway. On long trips (Portland -> Seattle, 200 miles,) I can pretty easily get ~22-24. In a strictly city setting, realistic is ~12-13.

As for the transmission, allow me to qualify. I've always been a manual snob. When I went to test drive an M3, all they had was a DCT; I figured, fine, it'll allow me to at least see what the engine is like, and then I'll find myself a 6 speed. Well, after actually driving it (for like ten minutes) I really really /really/ liked the DCT. I never use any of the auto modes; and if you select your gears full time, the only thing you're missing is the clutch control. It's not any more or less difficult in traffic than a 6speed (of course, I'm not a pussy; I never complained about 5/6MT in traffic.)

I drove an E46 M3 for about 3 months, as well, and I think the E92 is definitly more comfortable. With EDC set to comfort, it's not quite as comfortable as my 5, but it's like 80% of the way there. With EDC in sport, it's the same as the E46, maybe a little less soft.

TLDR; E9X m3 is a great DD, but definitely test drive first. And be prepared to spend a lot of time at the pump.
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      11-30-2012, 01:19 PM   #5
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M3 is a great DD. I DD mine.

Gas is bad, I average around 15mpg mixed city and hywy.

As for 6mt or DCT that's really something only you can decide. Stick or auto? Depends what you prefer.
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      11-30-2012, 01:29 PM   #6
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Thanks for the great input and advice guys
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      11-30-2012, 01:49 PM   #7
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Getting an E9X M3 to replace your daily beater and keeping the E46 as a garage queen? After you picked up the E9x M3 and realize how much better it is to the E46 in every way, you'll switch roles.

The M3 is thirsty but it's a high performance car so fuel economy is respectable. If you prefer rolling your own gears, the M3's manual is good. The DCT one of the best examples of these automated manuals on the market, so you might want to test drive it before making your purchase. The DCT is easy to operate so no need for any adjustments.
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      11-30-2012, 03:09 PM   #8
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E90 with EDC and DCT is the ultimate DD in my opinion. It's sooooo good. Gas sucks but it's worth it. I drive about 90% city with a short commute and I get 12-14mpg but you can get 20-23 highway with DCT. Unless you're a manual whore, don't even think twice about DCT because it's very very good. Of course drive one to confirm you can handle it but it's great. Having the E90 as a daily with an E46 garage queen/track toy sounds incredible.
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      11-30-2012, 03:17 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by av2 View Post
Getting an E9X M3 to replace your daily beater and keeping the E46 as a garage queen? After you picked up the E9x M3 and realize how much better it is to the E46 in every way, you'll switch roles.
Trust me, I am afraid that this might eventually be the outcome.

As most have suggested I will have to go out and test drive a DCT car, if the BMW dealer near me ever gets one...
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