Picked up my M3 today!!! (long)

[TRZ06]

I got her today!!

She is an 08' with all options except MDCT, 19" wheels and sunroof. Interlagos Blue w/ Silver Navillo leather and Blue/Gray brushed aluminum trim. $52,500

As I posted in another thread the stock 18"s are for sale and I am 90% sure that HRE P40s with stock 19" tire sizes will be going on in the next couple of weeks.

Ok, on to some observations and comments. FYI my reference is just coming out of a 335I with Steptronic, H&R sway bars, KWV2 coil-overs, and SSTT.

First, I am very impressed with the suspension and poise on this car in every setting, no rear-end unsettleness like in the stock ZSP suspension on the 335I. No need for coil-overs on this car.

I really love the whiteish back-lighting on the instrument panel, looks more mature than the orangish ones on the 335I.

I am disappointed however with the on-center feel of the M3 steering wheel, when coming around a corner and letting the steering wheel go, it does not center itself with the authority like my 335I did, whether I am in normal or sport mode.

The power band definitely is different than the 335I, while less torquey in the lower RPM range, it does rev up quickly and feels perfectly at home at 3500 - 4000 in cruise. I have not pushed the car hard, as I want to do the proper break-in, but I can tell that after the break-in is done, this is going to be an amazing machine to push hard.

The exhaust note is awesome, and I can only imagine how it will sound when I can run her up to 8K. I love the multiple modes of throttle response and in sport mode it feels very responsive, I can't wait to try out sport+ mode. I forgot how much I missed that instant response that you get from a N/A V8 engine. I know BMW did a great job with minimizing the lag on the 335I, but it will never be as instant as a N/A motor.

Not to start a flame war, but I am a believer now that no matter the mods on a 335I, the M is in a different league and feels so much more satisfying to drive. Oh and the M gets ALOT more attention, especially in Interlagos Blue at night.

I am still undecided on whether I made the right choice in the 6-speed over the MDCT. However unless I wanted to pay an extra $15K for a 09" that was not an option. I got this car as a steal deal. I paid base price, for an almost fully loaded one. The shifter feels great most of the time, but is a little notchy in the 1st to 2nd shift, and the arm rest of the center console is set a little too far back to rest your arm on comfortably between shifts.

Oh comfort access is AWESOME, if I knew it was this good, I would have ordered it on the 335I.

Well that is all for now, I am going to go out for a drive now

I am glad to be among the M crowd now.

[Bimmer Nerd]

[Cab5er]

Congrats! Interlago is sweet.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by godora

I am waiting until I get the P40's 19"s on

[dizman7]

Congrats and welcome to the Interlagos Blue M3 family

Yeah just wait till you try out Sport+! I really didn't think there would be that much of differents between the settings but there is, I've never once had to think "oh wait what power setting am I on?".

But I do agree

[NoM3ForMe]

Change your signature. Congrats.

[itz16v]

Originally Posted by godora

+1

[URBAN LEGEND]

Pics please!

[Romo]

I am disappointed however with the on-center feel of the M3 steering wheel, when coming around a corner and letting the steering wheel go, it does not center itself with the authority like my 335I did, whether I am in normal or sport mode.

+1

I have never noticed this in the beginning, but now after several months off driving this fabulous machine I must confess the above statement is true.
The steering all in all is good, but it`s self center quality is bad, you always have to interfere, or correct the last bit.
This realy had to be better IMHO

[mdernst]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

....the arm rest of the center console is set a little too far back to rest your arm on comfortably between shifts.

The center arm rest (driver's side) will slide forward.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by mdernst

The center arm rest (driver's side) will slide forward.

Oh sweet!! I actually just read that on the window sticker, lol. I can't wait to try it out. I am still learning, lol

[Johndoe]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

I got her today!!

and the arm rest of the center console is set a little too far back to rest your arm on comfortably between shifts.

...you can adjust the arm rest forward (at least on 09s)....may still not be enough but better than nothing....

[VanM3Lover]

Originally Posted by Romo

+1

I have never noticed this in the beginning, but now after several months off driving this fabulous machine I must confess the above statement is true.
The steering all in all is good, but it`s self center quality is bad, you always have to interfere, or correct the last bit.
This realy had to be better IMHO

+1

I wanna hear an explanation to this too.

[skim]

hmm.. which dealer did you go to?