For those of you who chose E9x M3 over a newer F30 3-series.... why?

[drew4392]

After a 6 year hiatus, I'm looking to come back to BMW and can't for the life of me decide what to do. I am hoping some input will help supplement my few quick test drives this past week.

My last BMW was a slightly modded E90 335i. Tune, sways, dampers, springs. That was a fun car.

The F30 seems a bit more numb compared to what I remember-- chassis, wise.

Anyway... what I would really appreciate hearing is why those of you chose an older E9x M3 over a newer 3/4-series.

These are the two cars I am trying to decide between.

The M3 seems to be a bit more visceral. Chassis seems to be more in-line with a sports car vs. a sporty sedan or coupe.

Naysayers might say the F30 with a tune will clean up shop, etc. My complaint about the E90 335i was cooling. Even with a tune, the IATs were awful and after one pull, power was limited.

Thanks in advance! Really appreciate it.

[Mr. BMW]

There are many posts about this but I think the most compelling reason is the High revving V8 of the E90x and the shitting sounding exhaust of any new non V8 BMW.

[JDM_CL9]

See this post: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1493692

I'm assuming you mean a series car for the F30 and not a F8X M3 or M4.

There's nothing special about a F30 but there definitely is with a M car. Go with what fits your lifestyle and which feels better to you.

[drew4392]

Thanks for pointing that out. I'll try searching again. I understand the annoyance of repetitive topics getting posted. Short search terms always mess with the results.

[drew4392]

Found a few relevant threads... sorry for re-hashing this topic!


https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=f30

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=f30

https://www.m3post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=f30

[marcustdu]

Literally picking up an E92 today, and the reason i chose this over the newers ones, is people's experience telling me its a fun car and i would like to experience that, and also the v8 . But if anything i can always end up upgrading the car to the newer ones if i don't end up liking the E9x, so i tell myself why not get the E9x?

[dizzyF30]

I would say if you haven't driven both, do so. It all depends on what you're looking for from your car.

I think the F30 makes a good daily driver. It's fairly comfortable and reliable. They're dirt cheap now. But in my opinion, if you've owned pre-F series BMWs, you will be disappointed with the driving dynamics.

[KwlAznKid]

truth is the Ms are a different machine/beast compared to the non-ms, i've had 6 bmws 2 Ms (e46/e93) and 4 non-ms, when I decided to get my e93 the f3x wasn't even something I considered because i knew an older M would drive better and be more fun than any newer non-m

[Law]

Reason number one:

[dmk08]

I had an F80 M3 for 2 years and an F82 M4 Comp for 2 years. They were both fast but sounded horrible, had a bad feeling powerband, and numb steering. I moved back to a low mile E92 ZCP and couldn't be happier. The 30k cheaper thing is just a nice bonus.

[Banana Hammock]

I'm not ashamed to admit that price was one big factor for me but there's also the V8 and the overall feel of the car. I had the opportunity to drive both an F80 and E92 back to back and I just love how much more raw the E92 felt compared to the F80. Maybe when I'm a little older and more mature, the F80 will suit my taste better but for now I am in love with the E92. Though I think the F80 looks way better.

[dparm]

Because an F30 3-series is not an M3. I hate to sound elitist about it, but even if you mod a 335 to be faster than an M3, it still isn't an M3.

[EricSMG]

Question makes no sense.

One is an M3. The other is not. You either want the M or you don't.

The question that makes sense is: why would you choose an E9XM over an F8XM.

[Not Sure]

Originally Posted by drew4392

The M3 seems to be a bit more visceral.

"a bit". lol.

[Bomiz]

i Went from E90 M3 to F80 M3 back to E92 M3... Enough Said

[tdott]

why not?

[Richbot]

lol

We have an F34 335. It’s been an excellent appliance. We test drove the f30. It’s a slightly lighter and sharper appliance.

Just...no. The f3x are fine appliances but they really are just commodity cars. Especially judged against the competition. I like the new Cclass better than the 3er. The only point of differentiation is the availability of a manual trans.

Now, mod them and they can be great driver’s cars I’m sure. But again, that’s true for almost any car.

Nothing wrong with an appliance. And id still rather have an awd 300hp hatchback long wheelbase comfy appliance than an Avalon.

The e90 chassis was much better to drive imo. We also had a 335xi. Great, but floppy and often broken, do it all car

[GORDON.M3]

F3x sucks.
For people who are new to BMW's sure its a great car, but if you've owned the previous generations and DRIVEN them, then you'll know that the E9x chassis is so much better.

[m3jala]

I feel like the f crowd is enthusiasts like us mixed in with corporate crowd that has no clue what this car is about just got it because it's the highest model. Over here it's just the enthusiasts. Not the reason I bought this car but it's a nice benefit this group.

[BayE30]

Last NA ITB V8...you need another reason?

[elvism]

I had a 2015 435 grand coupe with the sport package. My 2011 E90 M3 feels and sounds night and day compared to the 435. If you're looking for an updated interior and all the gimmicks inside plus that torque rush then the 435/340 is for you.

[6ixSpd]

Here we go again... I swear these threads pop up every few months.

The two cars are not even remotely comparable other than the fact they are both 4 wheeled automobiles. Do you also cross shop Crocs and Ferragamos?