STI --> M3

[///Mullenski_E90]

Originally Posted by srmast1

The m3 does not pull like the STI, but the driving experience given by the m3 is so lovely in comparison to the cacaphonous, rumbling, thunderous, jarring, teeth rattling driving experience of the STI.

Yeah, M3 is much better to drive. Even if it's not my daily. I love the level of refinement in it and the understated, not in-your-face level of luxury you get with the car. But one thing I will miss: good, practical, cupholders!!

[///Mullenski_E90]

Let's see some pics of everyone else's rides! Anyone else had other M-cars? How does your E9x compare?

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

A stock E90M3 does about 12.5 at 112 in the quarter and and 115 mph is possoble with some mods. These are averages -- the record for a stock car is 12.5 at 114.8 and the record for a modded car is high 11s at 119. The torque is so flat and the power curve so long that the car does not feel as fast as it is.

It also takes a different driving style to keep the S65 on boil. Keep it on the 6000-8300 range and it is very entertaining. The Subaru has turbo torque. A better comparison to it would be a 135i or a 335i. In daily driving, the turbo car does feel faster for many drivers.

Yes, definitely all that turbo torque is intoxicating, but not as intoxicating as the feel and sound of the m3 from about 6000 RPM to about 8300 rpm. I just love it. Nothing in my short automotive experience really compares. I would like to own a corvette one day and see how that stacks up. I almost got one, but I need room for children. But yeah keeping it "on boil" is rather entertaining

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by ///Mullenski_E90

Oh they still sounded great with ELH, and it's hard to find a better product than Tomei!!!

Yes indeed, those headers were beautiful, masterfully crafted and yielded moderately more torque than than stock. I would love to mod my e90 m3 but I have a aftermarket service warranty which does not expire until 2020 and I don't want to negate that. Oh well, no aftermarket performance parts for the m3

[///Mullenski_E90]

Originally Posted by srmast1

Yes indeed, those headers were beautiful, masterfully crafted and yielded moderately more torque than than stock. I would love to mod my e90 m3 but I have a aftermarket service warranty which does not expire until 2020 and I don't want to negate that. Oh well, no aftermarket performance parts for the m3

Yeah that's smart! Can always customize the looks a bit to set it apart! I'll likely get a warranty, still deciding which company to go with. I wonder if I put an exhaust on it before purchasing warranty if I'll still be able to purchase. *thinking face*

[srmast1]

Originally Posted by ///Mullenski_E90

Yeah that's smart! Can always customize the looks a bit to set it apart! I'll likely get a warranty, still deciding which company to go with. I wonder if I put an exhaust on it before purchasing warranty if I'll still be able to purchase. *thinking face*

Yeah gotta have that warranty. It brings peace of mind. I hear the "National" brand warranty offered at BMW is pretty decent. They would probably inspect your car first though. I would ask the BMW dealership closest to you about it. There is a rediculously expensive OEM BMW motorsports exhaust available from BMW. That probably would not negate the National warranty BMW sells, but double check with the dealer.

[srmast1]

And yes, we have some strange cup holder positioning up front. I also miss the amazing AWD in the STI, and therefore, I miss the crazy good traction.

[TVMA Doc]

Originally Posted by vividracing

Congrats on the M3! Great looking car.

I agree, although I may be biased.

[burnrbr]

+1 on missing AWD traction. I've had a 2005 STI with a GT30R and all of the supporting mods and then a 2008 STI with a tune and down pipe. I love my E90 M, but wouldn't mind having a STI or Evo as a second car.