1 year and 13k miles later...(review)

[Scoobe]

Nearly a year ago I bought my first BMW, SSII M3 Sedan. I had a new baby daughter and wanted a 4d car but was drooling over the 5.0 Mustang that was due to come out. Since the Mustang was out of the question, I started shopping performance sedans and quickly chose the M3 after one test drive (the last test drive after many on my list - C63, S4, IS-F, 550i, A6).

When the M3 I ordered came in, I drove it every chance I could get. It was like I turned 16 all over again, looking for reasons to take it to the road. It wasn't just the performance, the DCT, the high rev V8, or the comfort... it was a feel I couldnt describe. It was tight, precise, responsive, and connected and the bulge on the hood that reminds you of the 8400rpm V8 waiting to be tapped. I gained a new found respect for the dreaded traction control I hated in just about every other car I've driven... MDM mode. MDM is far and away the best damn traction control I've ever experienced and it's saved me a couple of times in some 70mph downshifts in a curve. I can honestly say that every morning going to work I look at the car, smile, and have child like anticipation to drive it.

A few weeks ago my in-laws came in from Germany. My father-in-law builds A4's in Stuttgart and was rather disapointed when I passed on an S4 which I would have bought if the M3 wasn't an option due to finances. Anyway, since I didn't need to pick up my daughter from daycare I decided to drive my Shelby for a few weeks. Stepping into it for the first time was like getting into and old 69 muscle car. It felt more raw and basic, its power and torque is overwhelming but required more skill application to control. Handling, while still great, keeps you more alert. After the 3 week stretch I was able to fully appreciate the Shelby's power and performance, but I missed driving the M3. When I parked the Shelby and hopped back in, I came to the realization that it truely is the most impressive car experience I've had thus far.

I can say with no doubt in my mind the M3 is the best damn all around car that is truely the ultimate driving machine. That motto of the Ultimate Driving Machine may be most appreciated and understood by M3 owners. If I was going through puberty I'd have to keep a towl on the seat.

[klammer]

Could not agree more. This car rocks

[///kory]

Nice review, nicer cars.

[freshwhite335]

sounds likes its time to sell the shelby

[Xcelrrate]

well said

I love my car as well.

[shamoo]

What was your father in law's impression of the M3? I'm curious to hear what he thought once he got a ride in it/drove it, especially since he wanted you to get the S4.

[AngelinIsRich08]

The S4 is comparable to a 335i X-drive really. Not an M3.

[e46e92love]

Originally Posted by Scoobe

I can honestly say that every morning going to work I look at the car, smile, and have child like anticipation to drive it.

You described it perfectly.......only my best friend and family truly understand what my car means to me, and the joy I get from it and how it gets me through the REALLY, REALLY bad days in a way that my wife understands so well, that she says pushing me to finally pull the trigger on it was the best decision she has ever made, because I'm never in a bad mood anymore

Cheers,
e46e92

[jahdhami]

I totally understand that feeling of waking up in the morning and just looking forward to driving the M3! it actually makes my day

Well written

[OC3]

Originally Posted by Scoobe

Nearly a year ago I bought my first BMW, SSII M3 Sedan. I had a new baby daughter and wanted a 4d car but was drooling over the 5.0 Mustang that was due to come out. Since the Mustang was out of the question, I started shopping performance sedans and quickly chose the M3 after one test drive (the last test drive after many on my list - C63, S4, IS-F, 550i, A6).

When the M3 I ordered came in, I drove it every chance I could get. It was like I turned 16 all over again, looking for reasons to take it to the road. It wasn't just the performance, the DCT, the high rev V8, or the comfort... it was a feel I couldnt describe. It was tight, precise, responsive, and connected and the bulge on the hood that reminds you of the 8400rpm V8 waiting to be tapped. I gained a new found respect for the dreaded traction control I hated in just about every other car I've driven... MDM mode. MDM is far and away the best damn traction control I've ever experienced and it's saved me a couple of times in some 70mph downshifts in a curve. I can honestly say that every morning going to work I look at the car, smile, and have child like anticipation to drive it.

A few weeks ago my in-laws came in from Germany. My father-in-law builds A4's in Stuttgart and was rather disapointed when I passed on an S4 which I would have bought if the M3 wasn't an option due to finances. Anyway, since I didn't need to pick up my daughter from daycare I decided to drive my Shelby for a few weeks. Stepping into it for the first time was like getting into and old 69 muscle car. It felt more raw and basic, its power and torque is overwhelming but required more skill application to control. Handling, while still great, keeps you more alert. After the 3 week stretch I was able to fully appreciate the Shelby's power and performance, but I missed driving the M3. When I parked the Shelby and hopped back in, I came to the realization that it truely is the most impressive car experience I've had thus far.

I can say with no doubt in my mind the M3 is the best damn all around car that is truely the ultimate driving machine. That motto of the Ultimate Driving Machine may be most appreciated and understood by M3 owners. If I was going through puberty I'd have to keep a towl on the seat.

Indeed

[CrazyIvan]

Couldnt be a better timing for this post: I've just placed an order for M3!

OP: we should meet up at some point

Nicely written feedback

[Scoobe]

Originally Posted by shamoo

What was your father in law's impression of the M3? I'm curious to hear what he thought once he got a ride in it/drove it, especially since he wanted you to get the S4.

He loved it actually. My wife has family members who work at Porsche, Merc, and Audi but none at BMW so I think there is some animosity towards the only manufacturer not represented at family gatherings. When BMW would come up, he would commonly bring up the HPFP issues. But he did like the car a lot. I knew because he wouldn't talk much and he had a slight smile on his face as performed the car a little.

[Scoobe]

Originally Posted by CrazyIvan

Couldnt be a better timing for this post: I've just placed an order for M3!

OP: we should meet up at some point

Nicely written feedback

We can definately meet up! I live up near La Cantera, work at Lackland.

[CPB]

Originally Posted by Scoobe

I live up near La Cantera, work at Lackland.

How's the traffic around Loops 410/1604 these days?

[Scoobe]

Originally Posted by CPB

How's the traffic around Loops 410/1604 these days?

1604 SUX big time, but 410 isnt bad.

[CrazyIvan]

Originally Posted by Scoobe

We can definately meet up! I live up near La Cantera, work at Lackland.

Cool! I live near La Cantera as well. My car is going in production pretty soon

[twin turbo]

I had the same color combo on my Shelby (hard top), good looking car. I had a Steeda pulley, tune, cold air intake, magnaflow exhaust with high flow catted x pipe, and upper and lower control arms to control the ridiculous wheel hop. Fun in a straight line but corned like a dump truck. She's gone now. Enjoy your Shelby and your M3.

[Un_limited]

I just ordered my E92 on Thursday, i can't wait for it to get here!

[JonnyM3]

Originally Posted by AngelinIsRich08

The S4 is comparable to a 335i X-drive really. Not an M3.

Hardly, owners are getting into the 12's with stock cars. Personally I believe the S4 is a great bargain for the price, and even stock they give M3's a good run up till about 80...I know from experience.. They are very understated from the factory and IMO handle much better than stock 335's despite the weight.

To OP I'm at 10k today and owned the car since November...I agree with just driving it just to drive it. The things a great piece of German engineering.

[ahmed_fawzy]

If you don't love your M3 your heartless