Anyone else who just can't get rid of their M3?

[buzzybee]

Originally Posted by br2wdc

It is amazing the number of guys on this forum that sell their E9x, try and replace it with "something better", and eventually end up returning to the E9x platform.

Based on that information/trend, I will learn from my fellow forum members and for the foreseeable future completely avoid the "selling the E90 for something better" cycle

Guilty
Sold my e92 m3 and got a m4. Slapped on Pure turbos and downpipes making 600+hp & torque. Yet here I am looking to get back into another e92 m3

[br2wdc]

Good job stepping up and speaking the truth; I have made similar decisions because I wanted the elusive "something better" and realized I must do what works for me and stop worrying about HP/Torque and 0-60 times.

It's interesting to note that it was an M4 down at he BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC that brought me back to BMW/E90 M3. During a half day "BMW Track Meet" we had an opportunity to drive an M4 on a timed course, and what a blast! My 2017 VW GLI 6MT was on the market the following week and you see the results of my search for E90

Originally Posted by buzzybee

Guilty
Sold my e92 m3 and got a m4. Slapped on Pure turbos and downpipes making 600+hp & torque. Yet here I am looking to get back into another e92 m3

[Ajolives]

Originally Posted by br2wdc

Good job stepping up and speaking the truth; I have made similar decisions because I wanted the elusive "something better" and realized I must do what works for me and stop worrying about HP/Torque and 0-60 times.

It's interesting to note that it was an M4 down at he BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC that brought me back to BMW/E90 M3. During a half day "BMW Track Meet" we had an opportunity to drive an M4 on a timed course, and what a blast! My 2017 VW GLI 6MT was on the market the following week and you see the results of my search for E90

I came from a 2015 GLI lease into the E90. It was a fun car, I drove the crap out of it everyday and still got 30 mpg. Didn't have a single issue with anything except the rear suspension would routinely go out of alignment.

[br2wdc]

Exactly right; fun car with the 6MT and at least 30 mpg, but it's main problem was it wasn't an E90 M3!

For me, the Wash DC traffic started to wear on me with having the 6MT, and that was another reason but the main reason was that M4. The instructors had already configured the M button for race settings, and the transformation of the car was completely insane to me

Posted my ceramic coated, perfect condition, low miles GLI within days and I can't stop smiling since acquiring my E90, especially when I hit my own M button

Originally Posted by Ajolives

I came from a 2015 GLI lease into the E90. It was a fun car, I drove the crap out of it everyday and still got 30 mpg. Didn't have a single issue with anything except the rear suspension would routinely go out of alignment.

[SYT_Shadow]

Fortunately I haven't been in that position because I would never try to sell my E92 M3.

It has an E90 stroker and an F80 CS as stable mates but neither would replace the E92

[Longboarder]

Traded my first e92 M3 for an i8 for daily driving. Then a year-and-a half later bought my second e92 M3 and my i8 basically sat outside for over a year until the lease was over.

For the people that say they would only trade for a 991 GT3....maybe as a second car as the GT3 is not a practical daily car and for the street I don't find it any more exciting or fun to drive than the e92 to be honest. Adrenaline gets going quicker in the GT3 but if you push the e92 to the limits, it will get your heart rate way up. Same at the track. I bring both sometimes and sure the GT3 is faster but both have similar fun factor with the high revving motor and precision dual clutch transmissions.

Right now if I was forced to get rid of the M3 for sometime else as a daily, it would be the M8 competition and it's a $160k car. I've considered lots of other stuff but that's the only car that I would be ok with.

[New2Roundel]

I'm in this boat as well. The car isn't perfect, but damn it's not far away either. I never expected to own my car for over 5 yrs. I do want to get something else just for the experience. The problem is that in the past it's always been easy to upgrade to something else. It made sense and it wasn't a problem. With the e92, that's a different story. I drove a couple of 997 carreras before the m3 and wasn't blown away. The tire roar on the 997 was terrible. The M3 felt just right.

So my issue is that while I'd like to own something new, I'm not motivated to take action. People on another forum I frequent are buying new/different cars left and right it seems. When I think about other cars it inevitably starts with something positive and ends with something negative: "A C7 GS would be a great car to move into. More power, more torque. I love the styling. But damn, I also hate how long and curved the hood is when I've sat in them before. I can see myself curbing the hell out of the wheels. Eh, guess I'll just hold onto the M3." Or, "Man, the new 718 GT4 is sexy as hell. Love the looks. Love the size. I can fit in it with a helmet. It's a GT series car that I can roughly afford new." Then I think: "Despite being a likely performance upgrade over the M3, the M3 is still an enjoyable car. And boy, spending >$100k on a car is a lot of money. The M3 is paid off. I think I'll wait a while before deciding anything."

I think I need to Turo some cars I'm interested in. Unfortunately, the Philly area as a poor selection of interesting cars to choose from. I could get into a C7 though, so that's probably where I'll start.

[br2wdc]

Very interesting on i8: I have noticed i8 prices dropping pretty significantly in the used market and always thought it would be the ultimate commute car since it's essentially a fast hybrid ... not exactly true for you?

Originally Posted by Longboarder

Traded my first e92 M3 for an i8 for daily driving. Then a year-and-a half later bought my second e92 M3 and my i8 basically sat outside for over a year until the lease was over.

[br2wdc]

Well said, and I concur my E90 M3 is not perfect but feels "just right" and my plan is to try to get to 5 years and see where I'm at.

For me it's usually at the 2-3 year mark I'm looking to get something different, but I like my chances to extend/delay that decision this time around.

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

I'm in this boat as well. The car isn't perfect, but damn it's not far away either. I never expected to own my car for over 5 yrs. I do want to get something else just for the experience. The problem is that in the past it's always been easy to upgrade to something else. It made sense and it wasn't a problem. With the e92, that's a different story. I drove a couple of 997 carreras before the m3 and wasn't blown away. The tire roar on the 997 was terrible. The M3 felt just right.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by br2wdc

Very interesting on i8: I have noticed i8 prices dropping pretty significantly in the used market and always thought it would be the ultimate commute car since it's essentially a fast hybrid ... not exactly true for you?

I treated the i8 like you would a Prius so yeah I guess a quick hybrid. But the accel numbers on the Dragy were exactly the same as a stock e9X M3 except in the wet - the i8 has more grip off the line. The handling of the i8 was terrible for anything except tight corners.

It's an awkward car to live with daily. Sure looks cool but difficult to get in/out, visibility is poor and doesnt have any room to carry stuff/people.

[br2wdc]

Thanks for confirming my understanding about the i8; NSX looks but handling closer to a Prius with coil-overs

When doing my research on the i8, the handling being terrible surprised me given it's looks, but essentially BMW was attempting to create the ultimate GT type car or my term "fast hybrid"/commute car.

They had an i8 at the BMW Museum down in South Carolina, and I was very impressed but no question it was difficult to get in/out of, the price you pay for NSX looks. My understanding is they discontinued production recently so it will be interesting to see if they have anything in the pipeline to replace it.

Originally Posted by Longboarder

I treated the i8 like you would a Prius so yeah I guess a quick hybrid. But the accel numbers on the Dragy were exactly the same as a stock e9X M3 except in the wet - the i8 has more grip off the line. The handling of the i8 was terrible for anything except tight corners.

It's an awkward car to live with daily. Sure looks cool but difficult to get in/out, visibility is poor and doesnt have any room to carry stuff/people.

[dmk08]

Keep selling my e9x’s for something “new” then end up coming back. Everytime its harder to find one worth buying and e90s are pretty impossible right now.

[W///]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

I'm in this boat as well. The car isn't perfect, but damn it's not far away either. I never expected to own my car for over 5 yrs. I do want to get something else just for the experience. The problem is that in the past it's always been easy to upgrade to something else. It made sense and it wasn't a problem. With the e92, that's a different story. I drove a couple of 997 carreras before the m3 and wasn't blown away. The tire roar on the 997 was terrible. The M3 felt just right.

So my issue is that while I'd like to own something new, I'm not motivated to take action. People on another forum I frequent are buying new/different cars left and right it seems. When I think about other cars it inevitably starts with something positive and ends with something negative: "A C7 GS would be a great car to move into. More power, more torque. I love the styling. But damn, I also hate how long and curved the hood is when I've sat in them before. I can see myself curbing the hell out of the wheels. Eh, guess I'll just hold onto the M3." Or, "Man, the new 718 GT4 is sexy as hell. Love the looks. Love the size. I can fit in it with a helmet. It's a GT series car that I can roughly afford new." Then I think: "Despite being a likely performance upgrade over the M3, the M3 is still an enjoyable car. And boy, spending >$100k on a car is a lot of money. The M3 is paid off. I think I'll wait a while before deciding anything."

I think I need to Turo some cars I'm interested in. Unfortunately, the Philly area as a poor selection of interesting cars to choose from. I could get into a C7 though, so that's probably where I'll start.

That's the same game I end up playing, and yet the E92 is still tucked away in my garage. When I way up the pros and cons of new cars, I have yet to see more pros than cons on any of them.

Either I find them too complicated to own out of warranty (all these self driving systems, electronics, turbocharged and direct injected cars which will be hilarious when it's time to replace cooling system), significantly more expensive or just won't have the character of these V8s.

You know what I find really comforting and kind of stopped me looking at these new cars? While there will be advances that gives you more performance, my sweet spot for cars are from around 2000 to 2014. That to me will always be the golden era for fun cars. Crazy V10s being thrown into sedans, 997 GT3, Ferrari 458, manuals readily available, hydraulic steering ect ect

Also, I would say that while the E9x M3 is not the best at anything (minus maybe engine character), it does everything so damn well. I'd say the only weak point of the car are the brakes, they don't feel as beefy as my other M's or Porsches.

Originally Posted by br2wdc

Very interesting on i8: I have noticed i8 prices dropping pretty significantly in the used market and always thought it would be the ultimate commute car since it's essentially a fast hybrid ... not exactly true for you?

Took a look at those too because they intrigued me. In the summer, I would have just enough electric range to get to work 1 way. The repairs seem hilarious expensive when things go wrong.

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by W///

You know what I find really comforting and kind of stopped me looking at these new cars? While there will be advances that gives you more performance, my sweet spot for cars are from around 2000 to 2014. That to me will always be the golden era for fun cars. Crazy V10s being thrown into sedans, 997 GT3, Ferrari 458, manuals readily available, hydraulic steering ect ect

That's a good point---I haven't really considered this stretch of time, but it does make sense. And some really great options. To your point, these cars are pretty darn good. You can't really blindly move to something different and assume it will give you a vastly better. When I had my mkV GTI---which was a great car in its own right---pretty much any rwd performance car would be a step up. It was basically a coin flip and I couldn't really go wrong. I feel like I actually have to do a lot more research from behind the wheel to ensure whatever's next really offers something different or more interesting.

[DanMpower]

Keep your E9x M3s fellas, ESPECIALLY those with 6MTs.

The E9x M3 combined with the 6MT is a magical combination. Unfortunately, I recently sold my E90 M3 due to life changes and my heart is breaking. It's probably one of the best driving experiences I've had to date.

Getting rid of my F80 next week as well and I always thought that's the car I would be most sad to see go but here I am, shedding a tear for my E90 instead.

[kyrix1st]

E92 M3 has become such an integral part of my life that I compare it to every other car in the market when I am trying to make car purchases. In the end, I acquired another E92 M3.

[M3R1]

In the past I've had cars that i liked but did not love. There were always other cars that in my mind were likely successors. After a year and a half with this car, this is the first time I've not thought about my "next" car.

There was another similar thread that I commented in greater length. See below

Originally Posted by M3R1

Loving a particular automobile is a very subjective personal thing. When it is time to buy, everyone has many things to consider. Unless of course you are a wealthy collector, then you just buy whatever you are in the mood for, that unfortunately is not me. At this stage of my life I do have a little to play with though...

I have owned several BMW's, Audi's, Camaro's, etc. Prior to the F8x cars the ///M cars were just not fast enough for me. I know many here will say the ///M brand is not about straight line speed. I get that, however personally I wanted more power. I strongly considered a F80 or F82 ///M, but again there were things I did not love. Full disclosure I probably would have purchased a M2C if not for the limited color choice. Off topic, I had the opportunity when I had my modded 135i to get a 1M at just over MSRP but couldn't get past the color choices back then as well. I probably made a mistake there...

I did the big power N54's (FBO 135i & Pure turbo 335i), but aesthetically and dynamically it just didn't do it for me. Sure I could have made it handle great with more mods, however it still would not have checked all the boxes.

I will skip to the my last 6th gen 1LE Camaro with a LT4 blower. This car looked awesome, handled frankly better than just about anything on the road and was fast a hell. In the end the car was lacking the quality I ultimately wanted. This car was ferocious though!

I actually found my current car on BAT and it was local enough for me to see it prior to the end of the auction. My car was flawless, only had 19K on the clock, supercharged, BBK, etc. I was sold, and fortunately won the auction. I still had my 6th gen, but did not care.

The cars I mentioned in the post above are simply mind blowing in terms of their performance envelope and make a very compelling case to go American.

IMHO a modded E92 is quite possibly the most aesthetically beautiful cars ever made. The quality of the car is fantastic while still feeling analog and raw. The performance of these cars modded to the level mine is will compete with some of the best out there. I no longer dream of other cars. I love all types of cars and bikes (I also have an Aprilia Tuono 1100rr), it is my passion. However I have finally found automotive bliss.

I read a post here not too long ago that really struck a chord with me, im not sure if this is verbatim.

A cars performance makes you buy it, a cars soul makes you keep it...

Sorry for the long post...

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...9#post26228819

[pbonsalb]

I am coming up on 10 years with my E90M3. The cars I want are $100-200k new, and those that are available use are about $100k. New M5, 911 Turbo, E63 AMG, RS6, Panamerica Turbo. I want AWD and auto/DCT/etc to put the power down under more conditions, so the only cars on that list available used are the Panamerica Turbo and A 991.1 or .2 911 Turbo (am not inclined to go as far back as a 997.2 911 Turbo).

I might supercharge my E90M3 to make it more fun and drive it a couple more years. By then some of the cars I want may be available used and hopefully I will be in a position to spend in the $100k range.

[Headhunter.M3]

They are definitely going to go up in value and there is really nothing you can buy for the same amount of money that compares. The 08 Audi RS4 is in a similar category and you cannot even find those anymore.

[Epoustouflant]

Originally Posted by Headhunter.M3

They are definitely going to go up in value and there is really nothing you can buy for the same amount of money that compares. The 08 Audi RS4 is in a similar category and you cannot even find those anymore.

So true, B7 RS4s are rare. Those listed usually are beat up examples.

[Golddots]

Can't get rid of mine.(e90) With a recent addition to the family I really need the 3 seats in the back.
It's paid off. There is really not much out there for a do it all car. 3 pedals, V8, big enough to be useful, and small enough to be nimble. Hard to beat.
I plan on keeping indefinitely.

[Montaver]

I sold mine and replaced it with an M2 Competition. It was a different car in a lot of ways, ultimately less engaging at lower speeds because of the lack of induction noise and general numbness from the front end. I sold it after 9 months. For a street car the e9x is better than anything BMW has put out since, it fun to drive slow or fast and has a great balance of refinement, engagement and value. With EPS it has a fantastic sound system, high quality cabin and is plenty quiet on the freeway.

If you try and find anything remotely as interesting to daily as an e9x M3 its very difficult. I'm looking at the moment for a practical car and then will acquire separate car for the weekend/track. There is nothing remotely driver focused in the standard car segment anymore. For example the f30 340i on paper looks like a good car, but then it has the steering from a Camry, comes on run flats, and a so-so interior. BMW basically sold their driving soul to cater for the mass market, may as well buy an Audi at this point and have quality with a properly sorted interior in the sedan segment. Alternatively cough up for a Macan and accept your driving a school bus. I'll probably end up in a cooking G20 330i because the lease deals are good, but its a seriously sad state of affairs if you want something remotely interesting new for sub $60k. Rant over