Am I the only one that thinks their E9X M3 is too luxurious and refined?

[KPop]

This is a long one...

(tl;dr I love my E90 M3, but really wish it didn't have any luxury features. I want it to be less nice and more naughty and raw like my previous 2004 STi, or an Evo 9 / Skyline GTR.)

Like many of us, I've got the car disease. I'm going on #15 and the E90 M3 6MT is just about all I could ever want in a 4-door sedan and checks off just about every enthusiast box I've got. We've all read the recent threads about the lack of cars that offer a similar recipe. Yet, when I was driving it the other day, I had a moment when I realized, damn, this car is just *too* luxurious. Fancy GPS, extended leather seats, that smell of rich leather when you open the door, hardly any road noise through the well insulated cabin, zero rattles, and push button start!...you get the idea. Contrast that with my 16k mile 2004 STi econo-box hot-rod I just sold and it's like I'm driving a Rolls Royce. I'll also add that I don't use this as a daily, so creature comforts don't matter very much. For me it's all about having an experience when I drive it.

I'll 100% admit here that I was browsing tuned Evo 9 and R32 Skyline GTR classifieds the other week. I'll also admit that I'm torn between appreciating what a modern classic the E9X M3 will be, especially in 6MT sedan form, with that great V8, and wanting something more bare-bones and pure. Part of me wishes I would have held out for a true "stripper" model but then I would have passed on my dime of a 22k mile example that's about as nice as they come. That said, I'm reasonably certain I'll have one of those two aforementioned cars in my garage within 2 years, hopefully while keeping the M3, but kids are expensive so we'll see...

Point is, I still love my M3. And now I understand why all the dozens of reviews have raved about the car. It really is just about the most "perfect" 4-door sports sedan you can get used for under $40k. I just wish it offered a bit more "raw" and less luxury. I know it tries hard, but it's just missing that last 10-15%.

Does anyone else feel this way? If so, what other cars are on your radar for the "some day" scenario? Thanks for listening. Sometimes I feel like this forum is a car enthusiast therapy group.

[BOOF-M3]

Um yes. Since when did luxury become a bad word? It's a spaceship with 400HP, enjoy it. I look forward to your "WTS" thread soon. I'm curious to see how your E90 holds it value. I for one am hoping that it does.

Edit: Or "WTT" lol.

[Montaver]

Its an interesting thought. The M3 is a 'do everything' car. A luxury RWD sedan with motorsport engine, liveable and great steer where you want it to be. It can be made more raw through mods, and the beauty of the M3 is the platform is so sorted to begin with. Its the perfect canvas to make more aggressive if you wish.

It's also based (very loosely) on the 3 series, and as the halo model it has all the premium features many buyers expect. The stripped back more raw version is available, the GTS.

Que all the posters with manual, no nav and poverty options claiming their cars are somehow more 'analog'

[Shiza]

I agree that too much luxury in a sports car is a bad thing but what about the E90 M3 screams luxury? I actually feel that it's the perfect balance. It's Mercedes and Audi counterparts are way more luxurious.

[nick3753]

No rattles??

[KPop]

Originally Posted by Montaver

Its an interesting thought. The M3 is a 'do everything' car. A luxury RWD sedan with motorsport engine, liveable and great steer where you want it to be. It can be made more raw through mods, and the beauty of the M3 is the platform is so sorted to begin with. Its the perfect canvas to make more aggressive if you wish.

It's also based (very loosely) on the 3 series, and as the halo model it has all the premium features many buyers expect. The stripped back more raw version is available, the GTS.

Que all the posters with manual, no nav and poverty options claiming their cars are somehow more 'analog'

I suppose I could mod it, but with the money I'd spend, I could have bought something else. Also, time is the main limiting factor.

I'd totally get the GTS if I had an extra $200k burning a hole in my pocket, or whatever they're going for now
http://www.bmwblog.com/2015/12/13/th...ill-sells-for/

Come to think of it, the ultra-rare M3 CRT might be better given it's 4-door config. But again, there's the price...

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/20...ght-sedan-news

[CHE///MIST3]

Don't think of it as luxury, rather, a very well-built car with quality materials and tight-fitting components that won't fall apart after 5 years. My '08 was built in Oct 2007 and today it still looks and feels almost like a new car.

GM

[KPop]

Originally Posted by nick3753

No rattles??

Ok, my son's car seat rattles and squeaks a bit, but the rest of the car is rock solid when driving. Perhaps because its only got only 22k miles?

[nrubenstein]

Why did you buy one with navigation and extended leather, then?

[KPop]

Originally Posted by nrubenstein

Why did you buy one with navigation and extended leather, then?

The timing was right and I got a good deal on an immaculate, low-mileage clean example. It's very hard finding 6MT sedans in that condition and mileage.

[Dr. Dre]

I used to have an Evo 8. I also worked for Mitusbishi Motors NA. I've driven a lot of Evos. It's an amazing car. However, I would never buy another one. Too noisy and boy racer.

The M3 has a great balance. I don't want to be beat to hell every time i drive the car. It's as fast as anything out there. It's also accessible as far as cost. At least used.

[KPop]

Originally Posted by donadio91

I agree that too much luxury in a sports car is a bad thing but what about the E90 M3 screams luxury? I actually feel that it's the perfect balance. It's Mercedes and Audi counterparts are way more luxurious.

I think if I lost the leather seats, nav, and all the tech, it would be much closer to what I'm looking for (basically the stripper model). Also, I should have probably used the word "refined" rather than luxury.

That said, I'm not about to sell it anytime soon. I just think I need an additional "fun" car that offers more raw and less refinement.

[Mvy]

You should have bought a stripper. I dont agree at all. Luxury equates to comfort. Comfort equates to longer drives and more use of the car. I cant imagine taking a GTR on a long road trip. My back would be aching. Add a harrop supercharger to the car and you can have a more rowdy experience in comfort. Exhaust mods will also help.

[DSilk]

People say that they want "rawness" in their sporting cars, but that isn't what they buy. The only truly raw sportscars on the market today (with the demise of the Lotus Elise and Exige) are the Alfa Romeo 4C, the Caterham Seven, the Morgan Plus 8, and the Noble M600. The sales of all of them combined don't equal the sales of either the Porsche 911 or the Jaguar F-Type. People who buy 4 door sedans (and true 4 or 5 seat coupes) generally need them to do double-duty as commuters and family haulers, so a loud and uncomfortably harsh car without creature comforts isn't going to get too many takers. Mitsubishi couldn't sell enough Evos here to make them financially viable, and as great a car as the Evo X was, this is likely the reason.

[BOOF-M3]

Originally Posted by Mvy

You should have bought a stripper. I dont agree at all. Luxury equates to comfort. Comfort equates to longer drives and more use of the car. I cant imagine taking a GTR on a long road trip. My back would be aching.

We just took the E92 on a 2,400 mile trip. I can't imagine doing it in a less worthy sports car. Man I love this car just how she sits.

[hungryhippo]

No, it's a luxury car, what do you expect?

[jaehshim]

"raw" or "less defined" doesn't mean it's more "connected" and "better" in terms of driving dynamics. Like others said, well defined luxury is never a negative part in these M3s.

People keep comparing M3 sedans to 911s and other coupe/2 seaters...For a 4 door sedan it is relatively light when compared to other sport sedans (Audi, Merc, CTS-V, etc)

With that said, I am always in a market for a cheap EVO X as a DD/beater. I hear good things about the Evo X and how it is just so capable on the track (in a stock form). Evo 8/9 are jus harder to find and expensive, the only Subie I'd consider is a 2011+ wrx hatch of 08+ sti hatch, and they are $$ in the used market. Cheap, Relatively reliable in a STOCK form, awd, cheap interior, easy to maintain - perfect DD in my book.

[Ab28]

Originally Posted by KPop

I think if I lost the leather seats, nav, and all the tech, it would be much closer to what I'm looking for (basically the stripper model). Also, I should have probably used the word "refined" rather than luxury.

I was going to say that a stripper would probably provide the direction you're looking for.

But at the same time I truly don't believe it would be more "raw". Removing the Nav will only result in you getting lost

Rawness in a car comes down to: (my opinion)

-feedback from the steering wheel
-exhaust noises
-lack of sound deadening material
-fewer driver aids
-less creature comforts (A/C, heated seats, tech)
-a simpler platform (993 Porsche)

The E9x is a Luxury GT car that can handle itself on a track. Not too many cars in that category. I think it's why a lot of guys own them.

....and on a side note, raw and visceral cars become old news quick. If you read through that list again you'll realize the M3 fits the bill fairly well while being a nice ride for a date night.

[Foggins]

I came from an F80 so my E92 felt way more raw and analog vs that car...so i guess it’s all relative. For me, it is just enough comfort and luxury to not be a problem, while enjoying all the other more driver oriented aspects we all love.

PS I have that same car disease...I’ve been driving for almost 30 years and have had about 25 cars...it’s ridiculous

[jlo0109]

I, too, share a bit of the same sentiment towards our beloved e9x M3s. I come from a deep background of Japanese import tuner scene. Started in the Nissan segment and later into the Toyota realm. The M3 is my very first Europe sports car and I have to say I couldn't be any happier with the decision. It truly is one of THE BEST daily sports car that the money can buy.

Like the OP said, I find the car to be "too perfect" from time to time. I love the smooth lining and curve of the car that I feel anything additional to the exterior would just ruin the car. I feel like the interior is so refined and so proper that any modification would simply ruin the clean and modern presentation. I feel that the exhaust note as it is with the engine tone is as intoxicating as it already is that I wouldn't want to do much to ruin the perfect combination. The car, overall, feels just too nice for me to modify it.

[Obioban]

No.

In fact, that's the primary reason I never purchased one.

[pbonsalb]

Strip your car somewhat if you want to make it more raw and less comfortable. By lightening it you will also make it faster. I bought mine because of the combination of comfort and performance. It is my comfy cruiser and with the basic mods I have done it handles better, brakes better, and goes faster without losing too much comfort.

I have a 700 rwhp turbocharged E36 M3 that I drive just as much because it is a lot of fun and I still have AC and a full interior in it.Having 2 cars — or maybe more— is great.