Used M3 vs M2...

[W///]

Anyway, back on topic

I cannot wait for this car. This one, and maybe an E39 M5 in Imola Red and my BMW collection would be complete!




Those flares

[xaappx]

It's easy for Porsche to dominate in initial quality tests. The owners buy them and hardly drive them. Not much can go wrong when they're parked in the garage.

"Initial quality" ratings should be taken with a grain of salt.

[Ezio]

its funny how the M4 looks kind of like a mini M6 from certain angles, and the M2 looks like a mini M4.

[DSilk]

Originally Posted by xaappx

It's easy for Porsche to dominate in initial quality tests. The owners buy them and hardly drive them. Not much can go wrong when they're parked in the garage.

"Initial quality" ratings should be taken with a grain of salt.

While I agree with you that initial quality ratings may not mean much with respect to overall reliability I think you are unfairly painting Porsche owners. Most of the Porsche owners that I know (including my brother, who has had 2) do drive their cars extensively, and you will see as much enthusiasm at Porsche owners' club meetings as you will at any BMWCCA gathering. Sad to say that the snob appeal of the badge has infected Porsche just as much as it has affected BMW and Mercedes Benz, and the end result is a large swath of people buying cars that never really drive them with any gusto, but you see the same thing with every badge that peope think represents money.

As far as reliability is concerned, I am not surprised that the 911 proves somewhat more robust mechanically than our M3's. With the exception of the GT3 and Turbo models, the 911 flat 6 is somewhat less stressed than is the M3 V8, with a specific power output of 102.9 bhp per liter compared to 106 bhp per liter. Moreover its peak power is reached at a lower rev count.

Ultimately reliability is dependent upon scrupulous maintenance and upkeep, and upon not driving like an idiot. Simple things like waiting until the oil is at full operating temperature before running the engine hard, making certain that oil levels are always at "OK" readings, changing oil and filters more frequently than BMW's ridiculously long recommended intervals all make a difference. This is my second M3 and my 6th BMW. I have used all of them as daily drivers and haven't had engine troubles with any of them. For what it's worth, my first M3 was an early model e46 that had the bearing recall (performed per BMW specifications) and I put over 90,000 miles on it without any problems at all.

[New2Roundel]

e9x M3 vs M2? I was tracking the development of the M2 prior to getting the M3, so I suppose I already made my choice. The rationale is the following: My particular M3 has very few options, but does have the competition package, so that was a HUGE plus. I didn't want leather and certainly not iDrive. I also liked the high revving NA V8 in the e9x m3 as I think it's a neat and unique feature to the car. And of course, the styling which I think is fantastic.

Then there's the M2. At this point, there are just too many unknowns. I have not seen an official press release on this car from BMW, so everything being spoken about on the forums is just speculation. Most importantly, I have no clue what the car will cost with any potential options that I would consider crucial. I could see myself being ok with a completely base model car, but if there is some type of competition-type package or even just an optional LSD (for example), I would want those. Just too many unknowns. The one thing that would be an undoubted benefit would be the option of ED, which I would do without a second thought were I to purchase an M2. If it wasn't available, I'm not sure I'd want the car.

[W///]

Originally Posted by New2Roundel

e9x M3 vs M2? I was tracking the development of the M2 prior to getting the M3, so I suppose I already made my choice. The rationale is the following: My particular M3 has very few options, but does have the competition package, so that was a HUGE plus. I didn't want leather and certainly not iDrive. I also liked the high revving NA V8 in the e9x m3 as I think it's a neat and unique feature to the car. And of course, the styling which I think is fantastic.

Then there's the M2. At this point, there are just too many unknowns. I have not seen an official press release on this car from BMW, so everything being spoken about on the forums is just speculation. Most importantly, I have no clue what the car will cost with any potential options that I would consider crucial. I could see myself being ok with a completely base model car, but if there is some type of competition-type package or even just an optional LSD (for example), I would want those. Just too many unknowns. The one thing that would be an undoubted benefit would be the option of ED, which I would do without a second thought were I to purchase an M2. If it wasn't available, I'm not sure I'd want the car.

You're entitled to your opinion of course, but I don't see why you value ZCP so much. At least not in this model. I'd understand if you were talking about the M5/6, where it makes a huge difference.

And FYI, the same LSD that is in the M3/4 will be in the M2. That's not speculation as there's already pictures of the undercarriage.

Like I've said many times, I'm super excited about the M2. Still don't think I'd go out and sell my E92 for one, but will be very happy when it sits next to my M3's.

P.S. You've got a very desirable E92 with those particular options (aka stripper). Take good care of it, the car is a keeper.

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by W///

You're entitled to your opinion of course, but I don't see why you value ZCP so much. At least not in this model. I'd understand if you were talking about the M5/6, where it makes a huge difference.

I wanted a car that I didn't feel the need to mod very extensively. The ZCP package adequately addresses any chassis mods I'd want to do with a standard M3:I love the wheels, I love the ride height, and I like the adjustable dampers. I'm sure I could go even further in the aftermarket, but for my purposes, it's perfect.

And FYI, the same LSD that is in the M3/4 will be in the M2. That's not speculation as there's already pictures of the undercarriage.

Everything is speculation until BMW announces it. Just because you saw something on a mule, doesn't mean it's identical to the unit on the M3/M4 or that it will be standard equipment. I would hope that it would be standard, but who knows.

Like I've said many times, I'm super excited about the M2. Still don't think I'd go out and sell my E92 for one, but will be very happy when it sits next to my M3's.

Every person I've spoken to IRL about the e9x M3 who moved on to the F3x M model says the same thing--the turbo really makes for a very different experience. Good luck!

P.S. You've got a very desirable E92 with those particular options (aka stripper). Take good care of it, the car is a keeper.

Thank you! I really wasn't seriously considering an M3 at all, a 997 carrera and c63 were big interests of mine at the time. But the M3 checked a lot of boxes that neither of the other cars could quite match. I really like that BMW continues to offer the M3/M4 in more stripped down spec, unlike MB with the C63 or Porsche with the Carrera. The cloth seats in the M3 are such a great feature.

[Powaup]

I'd go M2, will be faster, lighter, have better tech, better fuel economy (if that matters to you), warranty, free maintenance. And smaller so it'll be more enjoyable on back roads. + it's new so you can order it to your exact specs via euro delivery

On the other hand the e9x M3 with aftermarket exhaust is one of my favorite sounding cars (Including exotics) and I'd love to have one just to hear that sound as often as possible

[mxa121]

The comparison becomes simple once you compare pricing and what you get for the money.
Let's say you have 55k to spend on a car.
-Mint condition E92 M3
or
-New M2 with minimal options

M3
-More special engine, will go down in history as one of the best.
-More room, interior and storage.
-More luxury, based on M2 predictions, the leather in the M3 will be superior.

M2
-More torque and more efficient.
-Smaller chassis, less weight

I contemplated the same deal of 1M vs M3, and in the end, the M3 is more car for the money.

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by 3SPKY5U

M2 looks to be a letdown sofar... I'd go M3. It's the last of it's kind, and I think it being the first (don't say E46 GTR...) and last production V8 M3 is gonna be something special.

I agree with this statement and it is why I purchased mine. They are a dead breed and the last of a Motorsport era for this brand I feel. I'm not anti turbo at all, I loved my 335. This E92 is something special and I plan on passing mine to my children if gas is still available in 18 years?

[Db750]

As a car enthusiast I made sure that I got to enjoy not only my current S65, but also 25k miles in an S85 M6 while the cars were still relatively new, fresh, and not at the stage of needing expensive out of warranty repairs that would hamper my ability to enjoy the car to its fullest. These high revving motors are something very special, and if you have the chance to own one do not let it pass by.

My answer: get the V8 M3. The M2, or another similar turbo car, will be there when you are ready to move on.

[shu5892001]

If you can deal with the bearing problem, I would get a E9x. I drove the F80, while it has loads of torque, but definitely lost a lot of the soul and characteristic of a M car. Think S54, S65, S85 motor.

I don't think M2 will be much different.

[W///]

Originally Posted by Db750

As a car enthusiast I made sure that I got to enjoy not only my current S65, but also 25k miles in an S85 M6 while the cars were still relatively new, fresh, and not at the stage of needing expensive out of warranty repairs that would hamper my ability to enjoy the car to its fullest. These high revving motors are something very special, and if you have the chance to own one do not let it pass by.

My answer: get the V8 M3. The M2, or another similar turbo car, will be there when you are ready to move on.

Agreed. There's not many other BMWs (actually, I can't think of any right now) I'd rather have than my E92 M3. The only car I'd see replacing it would be a Porsche GT4. And even then I'd still rather add, then replace.

My answer: Get the V8 M3. Add an M2 later

[1MOREMOD]

Seeing the underside of the car you can't tell it had lsd unless it got a broken case.

[newoldbeemer]

So.. a good time to revive this thread? The M2 was unveiled yesterday.

I can't make up my mind on that vs the E92 M3. The M2 goes around the 'ring faster, but does that mean anything on the street?

On one hand the engine seems attractive for the usable torque but on the other hand if I'm going to get N55 anyway, why not an E92 335i instead? I know it still won't have the suspension and the DCT and the LSD and all the invisible parts of an M car, but still..

[Sephiroth]

Forget ring times.

The weight of the M2 (manual) at 3500# is quite a bit, almost par with the F80.

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by newoldbeemer

So.. a good time to revive this thread? The M2 was unveiled yesterday.

I can't make up my mind on that vs the E92 M3. The M2 goes around the 'ring faster, but does that mean anything on the street?

On one hand the engine seems attractive for the usable torque but on the other hand if I'm going to get N55 anyway, why not an E92 335i instead? I know it still won't have the suspension and the DCT and the LSD and all the invisible parts of an M car, but still..

A 335 will always be a series car and is not a M car. There's a million threads on this and why people don't go back to a series car after owning a M. Hopefully, you've driven a M car and then you'll understand.

I wouldn't make any decisions until the car has been reviewed and you can drive them back to back. There are many, like myself, that will have a tough time giving up the S65 engine for any FI engine. I will have to make some tough decisions as well come May. But, my gut right now is to keep my E92 M3 and go SC'd.

[buddalun]

Quite a familiar engine note in the following promo video which came out yesterday. Hmmmm.

[BrewRifle]

Would gladly take that over a 335i, 135i, 235i, maybe even the F8X M3/M4 etc, but not over my S65 powered M3.

[car_fan]

Originally Posted by BrewRifle

Would gladly take that over a 335i, 135i, 235i, maybe even the F8X M3/M4 etc, but not over my S65 powered M3.

not even a little bit. Nice addition though..

[Longboarder]

This has me more excited than the F80 M3/4.

Gonna beat the living snot out of one as soon as I can and report back.

[fusionchicken]

Originally Posted by Longboarder

This has me more excited than the F80 M3/4.

Gonna beat the living snot out of one as soon as I can and report back.

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